Kano State Research Articles

Delineating leachate-groundwater interaction at Gyadi-Gyadi dumpsite, Kano, using natural electromagnetic (EM) field detector and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)

Geophysical investigations are mostly used for hydrogeological studies, mining, geotechnical investigation and environmental surveys. Geophysical investigation of groundwater within the dumpsite is highly critical because the extent of interaction between leachate plume/contaminated zone and aquifer zones could significantly reduce groundwater quality. The textural complexity and clay content of soils could change their electrical properties, thus reflecting inconsistent resistivity values using the resistivity method. This research investigates the extent of leachate infiltration from waste dumpsite into groundwater at Gyadi-Gyadi Kano State, using natural Electromagnetic (EM) field and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) methods. Six natural EM profiles were obtained in various locations within the study area using PQWT-TC 150 model. Six VES data points were occupied along the EM profile lines using SAS 1000 ABEM resistivity meter. The two techniques employed revealed some intercalations of low resistivity (conductive) as well as very low electrical potential differences in the study area. The low resistivity media are mixtures of leachates into groundwater units, thereby creating formations from the surface to a depth of about 40 m. The first and second layers have experience leachate-aquifer interaction in the northern, southern and eastern parts of the study area to about 40 m depth, and the leachate-aquifer interaction has extended to the deep aquifer of about 70 m depth at the western part. Shallow aquifer has not been infiltrated by leachate at about >100 m away from the waste dumpsite. Therefore, for potable groundwater exploitation in this area, it is advised that boreholes should be sited >100 m away from the dumpsite, where leachate-aquifer interaction has attenuated. The natural EM field detector is evidently constrained by issues of over-generalization and summation of potential values, probably due to its relatively low resolution. Hence it might not be capable of precisely delineating varying geological units. In contrast, the resistivity method is able to delineate and discretize the subsurface into sub-units of different resistive zones. This implies that VES is better suited for accurately defining the true subsurface geology, while the NEF detector is effective for determining the extent of a leachate plume.

Assessment of Indoor and Outdoor Resting Adult Female Mosquitoes Density Exhibiting Vectorial Portent, Insight from Kano State, Nigeria

Mosquito proliferation has been on the increase in most communities of Kano State, leading to a high rate of mosquito-borne diseases, pregnant women, and infant mortality. Mosquitoes spend the daytime resting in human dwellings, frequent survey of these mosquitoes is needed in vector control for breaking disease transmission. Despite this, data on mosquitos’ density are frequently missing. In this study, we have collected and identified all samples of indoor and outdoor resting mosquito species to assess female density. A longitudinal survey was carried out in three different sentinel sites (Darmanawa, Wudil, and Baba Ruga) for the period of 6 months (August 2023 to March 2024). Indoor mosquitoes were collected using the pyrethrum spray Method, while the outdoor mosquitoes were collected using a cardboard box. The knockdown mosquitoes were transported to the laboratory for identification, using a digital LCD microscope to gender and species level with the aid of different taxonomic guides. A total of one thousand and five (1005) female mosquitoes belonging to 5 genera and 21 species were caught. The result showed a significant influence (p < 0.05) of species, months, resting behavior, and season on the density of adult female mosquitoes while collection sites do not influence adult female mosquitoes (p > 0.05). We concluded that adult female mosquitos’ density is affected by species, months of the year, resting behavior, and season, as well as the high density of An. gambiae and Cx. quinnquefasciatus recorded is a bio-portent of malaria and filariasis spotlight in these communities.

The Influence of ICT for Sustaining Teachers Effectiveness in Secondary Schools in Kano State, Nigeria

The Influence of ICT for Sustaining Teachers Effectiveness in Secondary Schools in Kano State, Nigeria

Awareness of Librarians on the Adoption of Library 2.0 Applications for Service Delivery in University Libraries in Kano State

Awareness of Librarians on the Adoption of Library 2.0 Applications for Service Delivery in University Libraries in Kano State

Religion and Coronavirus Response in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract In April 2020 there was an inordinate spike in COVID-19 related deaths in Kano State, northern Nigeria, due to a lack of adherence to the national public health emergency recommendations. This article aims to explain why this public health fiasco occurred. Utilizing secondary academic literature and news reports from local media, the article interrogates the manifestation of Islam in northern Nigeria and the resulting undermining of the country’s coronavirus mitigation response. The evidence from Kano State indicates that religious authorities failed to heed the suspension of congregational prayers as the relevant health agencies advised, due to a belief in the exceptionality of northern Nigeria as a theocratic substate in a secular federation. The article therefore highlights the challenges of communicating public health risk in a context where the authority of religious leaders, real or imagined, undercuts the power of state institutions.

Cultural implications on driver behaviour and road safety: insights from Kano State, Nigeria

This study investigates the cultural implications of driver behaviour and its impact on road safety through the lens of Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ). The survey includes 741 drivers aged 18 and above from Kano State, Nigeria. Our analysis identifies a three-factor model: Violations, Errors, and Aggressive Violations. The study compares these findings with two others from different regions and state in Nigeria, revealing significant differences in driver behaviour, thereby highlighting the influence of cultural factors. Our analysis finds significant correlations between driver demographics and risky behaviours, with older drivers showing a higher risk of crashes. This indicates the importance of tailored road safety measures for different demographics. Efforts to curb risky behaviours encompass a multi-faceted approach. Improvements in road infrastructure, including lane expansion and pedestrian-friendly designs, foster safety while discouraging violations. Addressing factors like hawking and trading on roads is paramount to maintain driver focus. Furthermore, investment in comprehensive driver education, awareness campaigns, and advanced training programs is vital to reduce errors and aggressive driving behaviours. Recognising the cultural differences that influence driver behaviour in Nigeria is vital for creating a safer and more respectful traffic environment. Interventions tailored to specific cultural contexts are likely to be more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches. In conclusion, this study advocates for a holistic approach, integrating law enforcement, infrastructure enhancements, and driver education campaigns, to mitigate risky behaviours among drivers and enhance road safety.

Assessment of the Impact of Land Use and Land Cover Change on the Surface Runoff of Hadejia River System, Kano, Nigeria

Land use and land cover changes, mostly driven by anthropogenic activities, affect the processes of the water cycle. The impacts of land use (LU) and land cover (LC) changes between 1995 and 2015 on the surface runoff of the Hadejia River System (HRS) were investigated. The LULC changes obtained through re-classifications of selected Landsat satellite images and their effects on runoff peak discharges and volumes were assessed using selected hydrologic models for runoff generation and routing available within the HEC-HMS. Physically-based parameters of the models were estimated from the LULC change maps together with a digital elevation model and soil datasets of the basin. The simulated flows from the 90 sub-catchments were routed to the basin outlet afterwards to obtain the accrued effects in the entire river basin. Model results obtained generally revealed significant and varying increases in the runoff peak discharges and volumes within some sub-basins in the whole catchment, though the change was not significant at the basin outlet. In the sub-catchments within Kano and Jigawa states, increase between 15-20% and 10-15% were observed in the peak discharge respectively. These are the areas with the highest increase in agricultural activities and urbanization within the whole catchment. In the entire basin, however, the flood peak discharges and volumes increased by at least 3.57% and 8.18% respectively. From these results, the study concludes that changes were more pronounced in Kano and Jigawa states due to the increase of urbanization and farming activities in those areas, leading to reduction of infiltration and hence, increase in surface runoff. The study successfully outlined the hydrological consequences of land cover changes, emphasizing the importance of sustainable land use and catchment management strategies. Hence, integration of remote sensing, GIS, and the hydrological model (HEC-HMS) can be used to solve hydrological problems in a river basin.

Traffic crash prediction in Kano, Nigeria: multivariate long short-term memory method

Accurate traffic crash prediction is crucial for implementing effective road safety measures. In this study, the performance of long short-term memory (LSTM) and multivariate LSTM (MLSTM) models in forecasting total crash count data in Kano state, Nigeria were compared. Human and vehicle factors, including speed violations, tyre bursts, brake failures, sign/light violations and phone use while driving, were incorporated as covariates in the MLSTM model. An autoregressive integrated moving average with exogenous variables (Arimax) model was used to investigate the effects of the covariates. The MLSTM model outperformed both the basic LSTM model and individual covariate models, emphasising the synergistic effect of considering a broad range of factors. The Arimax model results revealed that speed violation is significantly positively correlated with total crashes; the other covariates showed positive correlations but did not reach the statistical significance. The findings underscore the importance of a multivariate approach in enhancing traffic crash prediction. The MLSTM model's superior performance highlights the value of considering a comprehensive range of factors that influence crash occurrence to achieve more accurate predictions. Practical applications of these models could involve leveraging them for proactive traffic safety measures, including increased enforcement of traffic rules, improvements to road infrastructure and targeted driver education and campaigns.

Optimization of Growth Response Parameters, Screening and Molecular Detection of Pesticide Degradation Genes in Bacterial Isolates from Agricultural Soils

Study’s Novelty/ Excerpt This study demonstrated the capability of bacteria isolated from farmland soils in Kano Metropolis to biodegrade dichlorvos and carbofuran pesticides, identifying Bacillus sp., Serratia sp., and Pseudomonas sp. as key degraders. Optimization experiments revealed that Serratia sp. thrived at 100 mg/L dichlorvos concentration and 35°C, while Pseudomonas sp. showed maximum growth at 300 mg/L carbofuran concentration and 30°C, both with a pH of 7.0, 100 rpm agitation, and 5-day incubation period. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of opd and mcd genes in Serratia sp. and Pseudomonas sp., respectively, highlighting their potential for effective bioremediation of pesticide-contaminated soils. Full Abstract Pesticides are organic compounds synthesized and used for pest control. The excessive and continuous dispersion of pesticides in the environment results in environmental pollution, necessitating remediation. This study investigated the potential of bacteria isolated from farmland soils in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria, with a history of dichlorvos (2,2-dichlorovinyldimethylphosphate) and carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate) application, to biodegrade these pesticides. Three sampling sites were involved in sample collection, and the soil physicochemical parameters from each sample were determined. Isolation, identification, and screening of the bacterial isolates capable of utilizing the pesticides as sole sources of carbon were carried out. The following parameters (concentration of the pesticides, pH, temperature, agitation, and incubation time) were optimized to maximize degradation. The potent bacterial isolates were further subjected to molecular analysis for the detection of opd and mcd genes. The pesticide-degrading bacteria were identified as Bacillus sp., Serratia sp., and Pseudomonas sp. Serratia sp. recorded the highest growth in the presence of 1% v/v dichlorvos, while Pseudomonas sp. exhibited maximum growth at a 1% w/v carbofuran concentration. The optimized conditions that yielded the maximum microbial growth are: 100 mg/L pesticide concentration for Serratia sp and 300 mg/L for Pseudomonas sp, a pH of 7.0 and an agitation level of 100 rpm for both organisms, a temperature of 35°C for Serratia sp and 30°C for Pseudomonas sp, and an incubation time of 5 days for both organisms. The opd and mcd genes were identified from Serratia sp. and Pseudomonas sp. respectively. These results suggest that the isolated bacteria have the potential to degrade dichlorvos and carbofuran pesticides from the contaminated soil

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Irrigated Farmland and Associated Health Risks in Kano State, Nigeria: A Review

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty Soil pollution in Kano State is primarily caused by the use of contaminated irrigation water and household/industrial sludge as fertilizers, leading to heavy metal contamination in crops. The buildup of heavy metals in soil and crops poses significant health risks and potential food insecurity, necessitating multiple research projects to assess and address the situation. Implement regular monitoring of heavy metal levels in soils and crops, and establish guidelines for safe cultivation and consumption of vegetables grown on contaminated soils to mitigate health risks. Full Abstract The primary causes of soil pollution in Kano state, which leads to heavy metal contamination in crops grown from such soils, are using contaminated water for irrigation and household and industrial sludge as fertilizers. Along waterways where untreated wastewater flows, vegetables are planted. To determine the existing situation and potential preventative and remediation measures, it has become necessary to conduct multiple research projects on the levels of heavy metals in the soil and plants grown in Kano state, Nigeria. In light of this, this study has focused on the present and potential state of heavy metal buildup in soils and farmed crops and the potential health risks that may arise from this, including food insecurity. The main findings of the conducted research were that regular monitoring of the level of heavy metals in soils and crops should be established, and guidelines for the cultivation and consumption of leafy vegetables grown on contaminated soils should be set equally to avoid health risks.

The Influence of Different Land Use Practices on Specific Physical Characteristics of Soil in Gaya, a Region within the Savanna Ecosystem in Nigeria

This study examines the impact of various land use types on specific physical properties of soil at the Kano University of Science and Technology Research Farm in Gaya, Gaya L.G.A., Kano State, Nigeria. The four agricultural land uses investigated are cropland, forest, grazing, and plantation land. Soil samples were randomly collected from two depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm), with five samples from each depth per land use type, resulting in 40 samples. Bulk densities were measured using the core method. The results indicated no significant effect (Fpr > 0.05) of land use on bulk density and porosity. However, bulk density values exhibited an increasing trend: cropland (1.602 g/cm3) < forest land (1.667 g/cm3) < plantation land (1.669 g/cm3) < grazing land (1.69 g/cm3). Grazing land had the highest mean bulk density, while cropland had the lowest. At 0-15 cm depth, plantation land had the highest mean bulk density (1.698 g/cm3), and cropland had the lowest (1.547 g/cm3). At a depth of 15-30 cm, forest land had the highest mean bulk density (1.767 g/cm3), while plantation land had the lowest (1.641 g/cm3). Total porosity showed an increasing trend from grazing land (30.8%) to plantation land (33.6%), cropland (34.3%), and forest land (37.7%). Factors such as organic matter content, aggregate size, and soil depth influenced the bulk density and porosity characteristics. Overall, bulk density was higher than standard values, indicating compaction: sandy soils were too compact, loamy soils were very compact, and clay soils were highly compact. Total porosity generally fell within the moderate range, and particle density was within the normal acceptable range of 2.65 g/cm3.

Gender Roles in Improved Cowpea Varieties Production and Selection Among Farmers in Kano State, Nigeria

Gender Roles in Improved Cowpea Varieties Production and Selection Among Farmers in Kano State, Nigeria

Socio-economic burden of sickle cell disease on families attending sickle cell clinic in Kano state, northwestern Nigeria

This study aimed to assess the socio-economic impact of sickle cell disease (SCD) on families of patients receiving care at the SCD clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano, Northwest Nigeria. The research adopted a descriptive cross-sectional approach, involving the participation of 273 individuals selected through a multi-stage sampling method. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews and subjected to analysis using SPSS software. The study achieved a 100 % response rate, with 84 % of the participants being females. The average age of the participants was 35.1 ± 8.6 years, and a significant proportion (79.9 %) reported a monthly income of thirty thousand naira or less. The findings of the study revealed that SCD had a notable social impact, affecting 93.5 % of participants occasionally and 5.8 % most of the time. Furthermore, a substantial financial burden was experienced by 54.2 % of respondents most of the time and 45.1 % occasionally. The research also highlighted the significant influence of SCD on guardians' employment status, income levels, time spent in hospitals, medical expenditures, and overall quality of life. These findings underscore the considerable social and financial challenges faced by guardians of SCD patients. Study results supports prioritizing affordable healthcare access for families affected by SCD to alleviate the burdens they face.

Assessment of Land Use Changes Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) in Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano State

Assessment of Land Use Changes Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) in Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano State

Assessment of Radon Concentration in Groundwater with Associated Human-Health Implications around Bagwai and Shanono Artisan Gold Mining Site Kano State, Northwestern Nigeria

Assessment of Radon Concentration in Groundwater with Associated Human-Health Implications around Bagwai and Shanono Artisan Gold Mining Site Kano State, Northwestern Nigeria

Strategic Approaches for Effective Teaching of Entrepreneurship in Tertiary Institutions of Kano State, Nigeria

Strategic Approaches for Effective Teaching of Entrepreneurship in Tertiary Institutions of Kano State, Nigeria

Digit Ratio (2D:4D): A Contributor to Trustworthiness Among Africans

Studies conducted on Caucasian subjects have shown a link between increased testosterone levels and an increase in interpersonal betrayal behaviors as well as a reduction in the 2D:4D ratio. It's unclear, however, whether this holds for tribes in Africa. Although 2D:4D may be used as a measure of exposure to prenatal testosterone, it is important to recognize that this association is limited to those who identify as Caucasian. The present study aims to determine the association of the 2D:4D ratio with trustworthiness in the African population. Four hundred and two (402) people were selected at random from two organizations in the Kano state. Both TOAKAN and the Tsaya da Kafarka Taxi Drivers Association are involved in this matter. Participating individuals' ages varied from eighteen to fifty (18-50). A direct method of measuring was used to approximate the lengths of the second and fourth digits. To further assess how trustworthy people perceive one another, a 45-question trustworthiness questionnaire (TQ) was also created. The mean value of 2D: 4DR was 0.98±0.04 which was higher than 2D: 4DL with a mean value of 0.96±0.05. Two components of the dependability scale, 2D: 4DRight(R), Total trustworthiness, and Consistency, were shown to have a positive and statistically significant relationship. On the other hand, no association was found between the 2D:4DLeft (L) and any of the dependability metrics.

Assessing the Impact of Aldose Reductase (ALR2) Regulatory Gene Polymorphism on Diabetic Retinopathy in Patient Attending Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication of diabetes, may be influenced by genetic factors, including the Aldose Reductase (ALR2) gene polymorphism. Clearly, there is a crucial need to understand how the polymorphism in the ALR2 gene contributes to diabetic retinopathy.. This study aimed to explore and evaluate the impact of ALR2 gene polymorphism on diabetic retinopathy, alongside the assessment of inflammatory markers and antioxidant status among diabetic patients residing in Kano State, Nigeria. . In this study, 40 participants were enrolled; the participants were divided into 4 groups, with three test groups (diabetes mellitus, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy groups) and the control group. The investigation encompassed and incorporated the prevalence of the SNP C(-106)T polymorphism within the ALR2 promoter region, in combination with the assessment of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, vitamin A and aldose reductase concentrations. . The findings revealed a 6.7% prevalence of the SNP C(-106)T polymorphism. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the control group compared to the diabetic, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy groups. The result also revealed elevated levels of CRP, hsCRP, and MDA in the study groups compared to the control group. However, weak negative correlation values were found between vitamin A levels and ALR2 concentrations, indicating a complex relationship that warrants further investigation. Molecular analysis unveiled single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at nucleotide position -106 within two samples (DR6 and D3). This followed the successful amplification of the specified AR2 gene DNA segment through a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methodology. Subsequently, DNA sequencing was performed using the ABI Prism BigDyeTM Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ready Reaction Kit on the ABI PrismTM 3730/3730XL DNA Sequencer. In addition, there was no significant (p > 0.05) observed correlation between ALR2 and MDA (r= 0.026) or CRP (r= -0.077). The study identified a 6.7% prevalence of ALR2 gene polymorphism in diabetic retinopathy patients, alongside elevated inflammatory markers and MDA levels. Moreover, in the present finding all control group had C (CC genotype) allele, while the study group had 90% C allele and 10% T allele. The T allele showed no significant association with DR 1.00 (OR 95% CI: 0.127-7.893; p:1.00). However, Additional research with larger sample sizes is warranted to comprehensively investigate the implications of the SNP C(-106)T polymorphism at the ALR2 promoter region.

A Historical-Analytic Perspective on Islam and Cinematic Culture in Northern Nigeria

This article reviewed the intricate relationship between film/cinematic culture and Islam in northern Nigeria and more importantly, the reception of film as a culture in Hausa Muslim societies. Various media ethnographical studies have revealed that since the introduction of cinema, the acceptance and consumption of film and other cinematic products are to a large extent influenced by the Sharia (Holy/ Islamic Law), which serves as a guide for northern filmmakers and a corrective measure for the media representations of the happenings in their societies. The belief of northern Muslims is that films and cinema are harbingers of immorality and should be eschewed. Indeed, and arguably so, this is the general disposition of the northern Muslims to western ways. The overwhelming exertions of the Kano State Film and Video Censors Board (KSCB) make this claim evident. This study considered the mobility and survival of cinematic culture in the heart of Nigeria’s most Islamic centre, Kano, otherwise known as Kannywood. It adopted a historical-analytic approach to the study of the development of cinema in northern Nigeria and examined the cinematic culture vis-à-vis Islam in northern Nigeria. The paper contended that globalisation and the advent of advanced technology are yet to influence film contents from the region or mass acceptance and consumption of modern films by its populace. It concluded that the Sharia and the involvement of Islamic scholars/clerics have inhibited the growth of Kannywood.

Occurrence of antimicrobial residues in broiler chickens from selected farms and markets in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animal meant for human and animal’s consumption lead to occurrence of antibiotic residues which threaten the health of both animals and humans. The aim of the study was to detect the presence of antimicrobial residues in broiler chicken in Kano state, Nigeria. Samples of fresh breast muscle, thigh muscle, liver and kidney were collected from 100 birds and examined using microbial inhibition test and ELISA test to determine the occurrence of antimicrobial residues and Enrofloxacin residues. A questionnaire was also administered to 33 workers and managers of the selected bird’s farms to assess their knowledge on the use of antibiotics and presence of antimicrobial residues. The result of the study revealed that 43% of the studied birds tested positive to antibiotic residue. Kidney samples recorded the highest (43%) residue present while thigh muscles (35%) recorded the least. The result indicated that among the birds detected with positive antibiotic residues, 36.4% were also positive for Enrofloxacin residue. All the respondents were using one or more antibiotic for treatment, prophylaxis or both and to a lesser extent as growth promoters. Majority (55.5%) of the respondents were not aware of the presence of residues in poultry. Most of the respondents (63.7%) have knowledge of withdrawal period but all of them were not observing withdrawal practice before disposing their birds. Doxycycline antibiotic was found to be the most indiscriminately use antibiotic, while erythromycin and chloramphenicol are the least. The study advocates the need for awareness campaigns for the farmers on the correct way of administering the antibiotics with special emphasis on withdrawal periods as well as continuous monitoring of the residues for public health reasons.