Nigeria, a key agricultural nation in West Africa, faces persistent food insecurity due to limited access to improved farming practices, with cassava production playing a pivotal role in addressing hunger and supporting rural economies. In Ekiti State, mobile phone technologies offer a potentially impactful solution to enhance cassava production and food security, yet their utilization remains underexplored. This study investigates the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria, and identifies factors influencing their use of mobile phone technologies to improve agricultural productivity and food security. Conducted across three agricultural zones (Aramoko, Ikere, and Isan), the study employed a multistage sampling technique to select 376 cassava farmers from nine local government areas. Data were collected using structured questionnaires via the Open Data Kit (ODK) and focus group discussions (FGD) with a Multifunctional Rechargeable Device (MRD), a software app for data collection. Factor analysis, chi-square tests, and linear regression were applied to analyze quantitative data, while qualitative data were processed using Atlas. Ti. Four key factors emerged from factor analysis influencing mobile phone technology utilization: economic factors (27.267%), perceived benefits (20.517%), technology enablers (15.033%), and constraints (10.921%). Significant relationships were found between utilization and technology enablers, alongside socio-economic variables like education, farming experience, and farmland size. Qualitative data from FGDs revealed inadequate electricity and poor network coverage as major barriers to mobile phone technology utilization. The study underscores that the mobile technology adoption by cassava farmers is driven by economic factors and perceived benefits but hindered by infrastructural constraints. To improve utilization and boost productivity, it is recommended to invest in rural electricity and internet, design inclusive applications with local languages, and enhance farmers' access to affordable credit.

Implementation factors influencing utilisation of Seniors Exercise Parks: A community stakeholder qualitative study

Ilegal petroleum refining and health security in the global community

ABSTRACT Australia is one of the most heat-vulnerable and multicultural countries in the world. It is vital that diverse communities receive information about heat in accessible language. Local councils play an important role in facilitating this. It is unknown how local councils cater for their diverse communities to provide multilingual communication, considering scattergun heat policies. This research aims to understand how local governments plan and manage heatwave communication for multilingual communities in Australia. We share insights from interviews with sixteen local council representatives from twelve local government areas (LGAs) identified as highly multilingual and heat-vulnerable. We draw on language planning and management theory and undertake reflexive thematic analysis to explore advocacy, autonomy, and accountability. Our analysis suggests that local councils play a liminal role in the language management of multilingual heat communication by operating within and beyond existing policies, their communities, and other government departments. Local councils enact this liminality by antagonising (un)official requirements for standardised language practices and depoliticised messaging, and by complementing existing approaches with creative bilingual solutions, triangulation of data, and leveraging climate discourse to develop culturally responsive communication. Further consideration is needed regarding training in communication for translatability, developing critical heat literacy, and funding for multilingual staff.

Youth Unemployment and Economy of Insecurity in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State (2020-2025)

This mixed-methods study examined the impact of digital technology on enhancing social studies learning for high-ability students in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria, with a specific focus on the role of teacher digital competence. The research addressed three primary objectives: identifying technological resources available for social studies teaching, determining how high-ability learners benefit from these resources, and proposing strategies for empowering teachers through digital technology. The study employed a convergent parallel design, collecting data from 580 purposively selected participants (110 social studies teachers, 20 administrators, and 450 high-ability students) across 54 secondary schools. Quantitative data from surveys were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS, while qualitative data from interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations underwent thematic analysis. Findings revealed varying levels of digital competence among teachers, with significant gaps in infrastructure, internet connectivity, and institutional support. High-ability students demonstrated greater adaptability and engagement with digital tools, yet their potential remained underutilized due to inconsistent access and teacher preparedness. The study proposed a multi-level empowerment framework emphasizing professional development, resource provision, and pedagogical support. These findings contribute to discussions on digital equity and educational reform in Nigeria, offering practical recommendations for policymakers, school administrators, and teacher training institutions.

Spatial distribution of noma incidence in Nigeria, 1999-2024: a modelling study.

The study examined how childhood experience determined antisocial behaviour among basic school pupils in Oyo state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study aimed to identify the level of antisocial behaviour, assessed prevalent childhood experiences among basic school children in Oyo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed. The research employed multi-stage sampling procedures incorporating simple random sampling and a baseline method. From a total population of 2503 basic school, a sample of 96 schools were selected across 24 local government areas, comprising a total sample size of 812 pupils across all selected schools. The "Childhood Experiences, Questionnaire (CESQ) (r = 0.893) was used to gather information. One research question and one hypothesis were raised and tested. Data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson Correlation, and Multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed bullying victimisation experiences being most prevalent. Females exhibited higher antisocial behaviour (t= 92.170, X̅ = 2.62017, p< 0.05) than males (t = 77.959, X̅ = 2.39682, p< 0.05). The study provides a comprehensive understanding of antisocial behaviour among basic school pupils in Oyo State, Nigeria. revealing the complex interplay between gender differences. Implementing school-based behaviour management, peer mediation, and empathy-building activities is recommended to reduce subtle antisocial behaviours.

Purpose There is a growing need for private sector participation (PSP) in the provision of water infrastructure to boost availability and efficiency, especially in developing economies. This study investigates users' preference for PSP in water infrastructure provision in Lagos, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Using a multistage sampling, the study selected 57, 172 and 296 buildings in Shomolu, Surulere and Ikeja local government areas, respectively, in Lagos. Closed-ended questionnaires were administered to one adult resident in each building. From a total of 525 questionnaires, only 450 (85.71%) were returned and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Findings The analysis revealed that users had a higher level of awareness of PSP in water infrastructure provision, though preference for PSP was slightly lower. Three key determinants of PSP acceptance were identified: effective management/policy framework, service competitiveness/effectiveness and price increase. While users recognize the advantages of improved service delivery, the positive attitudes are offset by concerns of increased costs. Anticipated price increases and reduced affordability diminish perceived behavioural control and present compatibility challenges. Regression analysis confirms that while governance and efficiency drive acceptance, affordability is a factor limiting support. Thus, users' preferences rely not solely on efficiency, but on equitable pricing, regulatory transparency and socioeconomic factors. Practical implications Evaluating end-users’ perspectives could encourage PSP in water infrastructure provision, thereby limiting environmental hazards, guaranteeing quality control and reducing individual expenses through economies of scale. Originality/value Quality water supply infrastructure significantly influences housing quality and property values. However, empirical research on the determinants of user preferences for PSP in developing countries remains scarce.

ABSTRACT We extracted citizen science records from iNaturalist and Atlas of Living Australia databases to examine the current extent of reported observations of the Australian water dragon (Agamidae, Intellagama lesueurii) in South Australia. This species is not native to South Australia, but there were 17 unique records spanning 1958–2025; though we are dubious about the 1958 record. All records with specific location information focus within a 50-km radius of Adelaide. Six local government areas were represented, with 56% of records pertaining to I. lesueurii reported in the Adelaide Hills local government area. Records from Marble Hill and Basket Range are indicative of a possible established population, especially with one record pertaining to multiple individuals. Available photographic evidence showed individuals of the subspecies, I. lesueurii howittii. Records from Millbook and Highbury are also suggestive of possible populations established at either of those locations, with available photographic evidence showing individuals of the subspecies, I. lesueurii lesueurii. A plausible explanation for these extralimital occurrences is that they result from escaped or abandoned pets. This would account for individuals of both subspecies being observed, especially with the natural distribution of the nominated subspecies being more than 1000 km away.

Abstract Background and aims Stroke burden is shaped by factors leading to poor outcomes. Evidence remains limited on how social determinants interact with stroke vulnerability and preventive bahavior. This study assessed stroke risk factor prevalence: association between social determinants, risk perception and preventive practices among community participants in Southwest Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 504 adult participants aged >35 years residing in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Nigeria. Participants were recruited through community-based (purposive) sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to elicit information on sociodemographics, stroke-related beliefs, risk perception, and preventive practices. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistics regression model at p<0.05 analysis were carried out to test associations. Results The prevalence of hypertension, obesity and diabetes were 49.2%, 20.6% and 6.2% respectively. While 43.1% of the participants perceived themselves to be at risk of stroke, preventive behaviors including healthy lifestyle, regular health checks and medication use were positively associated with stroke risk perception. Age was associated with hypertension (p<0.001) and diabetes (p=0.011), while education was linked to both hypertension (p<0.001) and diabetes (p=0.018). Marital status was associated with hypertension, and obesity was disproportionately higher among females (27.1% vs 3.2% in males, p<0.001). In the multivariable analysis, perceived vulnerability was the strongest predictor of stroke occurence (OR = 10.20, 95% CI: 4.48-23.22, p<0.001). Conclusions Stroke risk perception remains low despite high vulnerability, with varying preventive levels. Stroke prevention strategies in Nigeria should be community-based, culturally sensitive and tailored to socioeconomic realities via individual and community engagement to strengthen screening uptake and behavioral change. Conflict of interest All authors do not have anything to disclose

Background: Malnutrition among under-five children remains persistently high in Northern Nigeria, yet the integrated socio-demographic, environmental, and health system drivers are poorly quantified at the local level. Objective: To identify the socio-demographic, Water/Sanitation/Hygiene (WASH), Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), immunization, and health access factors associated with malnutrition among under-five children in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 mother-child pairs attending Primary Health Centres across twelve Local Government Areas in Sokoto State between September 2024 and September 2025. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire capturing geographic, demographic, socioeconomic, WASH, IYCF, immunization, and health access characteristics. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height/length, MUAC) were collected. Malnutrition was defined as underweight (Weight-for-Age Z-score < -2SD). Multivariable binary logistic regression identified independent predictors of malnutrition. Model fit was assessed using Hosmer-Lemeshow test (p=0.342) and Nagelkerke R². Results: Underweight prevalence was 83.3% (95% CI: 76.5-88.6). The majority of respondents resided in rural areas (82%). Key findings included: 73.3% of households consumed low/moderate dietary diversity (≤4 food groups); 35.3% practiced open defecation; only 45.3% of children were fully immunized; 76.7% received mixed feeding (not exclusive breastfeeding); 65.3% lived >5km from a health facility; and 84.7% rated external support as inadequate or absent. Only 22.7% of caregivers perceived their child as malnourished despite 83.3% objective prevalence (perception gap). Multivariable analysis identified three independent predictors of underweight: low household dietary diversity (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.8-9.8, p = 0.001); low maternal education (none/Qur'anic only) (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.3-7.4, p = 0.011); and extreme household poverty (<₦20,000/month) (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.2-6.5, p = 0.018). The model explained 41% of the variance in malnutrition status (Nagelkerke R² = 0.41). Conclusion: Malnutrition in Sokoto State is driven by a synergistic interplay of dietary inadequacy, maternal educational deprivation, extreme poverty, poor WASH conditions, low immunization coverage, suboptimal IYCF practices, and geographic inaccessibility to health services. The wide perception gap indicates that malnutrition has become normalized. Addressing this crisis requires integrated, multi-sectoral interventions targeting dietary diversity, girls' education, poverty alleviation, WASH improvements, immunization coverage, and health system strengthening simultaneously.

Termite mounds significantly modify soil properties and ecosystem processes, making them important contributors to soil fertility, vegetation patterns, and land productivity in tropical landscapes. This study was conducted to assess the mound dispersion of Macrotermes bellicosus, as well as the mineral composition and physical characteristics of termite mounds and their surrounding soils in selected locations within Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Six locations—Dabai, Rikoto, Rafin Zuru, Manga, Senchi, and Ushe—were selected for the study. Termite mounds were surveyed across different land types, specifically upland and fadama areas. In each land type, two plots measuring 100 × 20 m² were established, and the number of termite mounds was determined by direct counting. Results showed that mound dispersion of M. bellicosus varied significantly (P < 0.05) with land type. Mound density was significantly higher in shaded areas, with a mean value of 37.00, compared to sun-exposed areas with a mean value of 28.00. However, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed across the study locations. Land type had a significant influence (P < 0.05) on mound distribution in all locations. Various mound shapes were identified, including conical, irregular, spherical, and dome-shaped structures. Furthermore, the mineral element composition was significantly higher in termite mound soils than in the surrounding soils across the study area. These findings suggest that termite mounds are nutrient-rich and can enhance soil fertility, thereby promoting plant growth and improving crop yield.

In Australia, asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease, with prevalence and care varying across communities. In three local government areas (LGAs) in Melbourne's inner west, we compared childhood asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits to Victoria overall, and explored parents' perceived enablers and barriers to community-based asthma care. We used an administrative dataset (2007-19) and a cross-sectional survey of parents across six primary schools in the three LGAs (2022-23). Descriptive analysis was conducted to present childhood asthma-related ED rates, and asthma control, management practices, parental perceived asthma care enablers and barriers. Differences in these measures across LGAs were also examined. Childhood asthma-related ED visit rates were 26-53% higher in the three LGAs compared with Victoria overall. Parents (n = 545) identified general practitioners (GPs), pharmacists and EDs as the most helpful resources, but faced barriers to community-based asthma care, such as fear during asthma flare-ups, difficulty accessing GPs, and concerns about medication side effects. DISCUSSION: Melbourne's inner west has disproportionately higher asthma-related ED presentation rates. This warrants further investigation and development of strategies to improve community-based asthma care and reduce triggers, including air pollution.

Steal that car: A spatial analysis of motor vehicle theft in New South Wales, Australia

Adoption status of improved cowpea production techniques among farmers in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria

Delays in seeking medical care after snakebites are common in rural areas and worsen the risks of complications, disability and death. In North-eastern Nigeria, subsistence farmers struggle to access prompt treatment due to financial, geographic and cultural barriers, posing a public health issue. We assessed the barriers to timely care associated with the complications of snakebite envenomation amongst farmers in Northeastern Nigeria. A community-based, sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted in Kaltungo Local Government Area, a recognised hotspot for carpet viper bites. Farmers aged 15+ years were surveyed with an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) explored experiences, care-seeking behaviours and barriers to treatment. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics to summarise the sociodemographic data and bite patterns. Relationships between barriers to care and complications were examined using the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, followed by multivariable logistic regression to control for confounding factors and determine the independent associations. P < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Snakebite prevalence was 42.3% ( n = 160), with 95% reporting symptoms and 91.9% having prolonged complications. Barriers included financial issues (75.5%), transportation (80.9%) and low danger perception (65.5%), all linked to complications ( P < 0.05). FGDs cited hospital cost fears, distance, traditional healer reliance and seasonal exposure as key delay factors. Snakebite envenoming remains a health threat for rural farmers, worsened by financial, transportation and sociocultural barriers. Improving health insurance, decentralising antivenom and enhancing health education are crucial for better outcomes.

Background: Commercial drivers are usually in transit and exposed to street foods. Their dietary choice and lifestyle could be influenced by nutrition knowledge, and predispose them to hypertension. Objective: To determine the level of nutrition knowledge, elevated blood pressure (EBP), and associated factors. Design A cross-sectional study was conducted using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed through SPSS 29.0 at 5% level of significance (p < 0.05). Setting: Three hundred commercial drivers were randomly selected from four motor parks in Ondo West local government area, Nigeria. Results: Participants were all males with a mean age and daily income of 42.0 ± 10.42 years and ₦3 932 ± 2 897.61, respectively. The majority (69.0%) had secondary education, 44.7% travelled interstate, 13.7% smoked cigarettes and 39.7% drank alcohol, while 51.6% frequently ate outside the home, and 48.7% had adequate nutrition knowledge. Overweight, obesity and abdominal adiposity and EBP accounted for 45.0%, 6.7%, 84.3% and 29.3%, respectively. Nutrition knowledge was associated with level of education (aOR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.03–2.47; p = 0.038), cigarette smoking (aOR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.49–7.02; p = 0.003) and frequency of eating outside the home (aOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.15–1.68; p = <0.001) while EBP was associated with waist–hip ratio (aOR: 6.17, 95% CI: 1.01–37.64; p = 0.049), route of transportation (aOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.04–3.64; p = 0.038) and brisk walking (aOR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.09–3.51; p = 0.023). Conclusion: The findings indicate that inadequate nutrition knowledge predisposes to an unhealthy lifestyle, while abdominal adiposity and inactivity contribute to elevated BP. Incorporating nutrition and physical exercise into health education will help to alleviate cardiometabolic risk among commercial drivers in Nigeria.

Fungal contamination in pharmaceutical drugs poses unseen risks to public health especially for people with weakened immune systems. Despite their importance, pharmaceutical drugs can get contaminated with fungi during storage, altering their properties. Dispensable pharmaceutical drugs were gathered from pharmacies in Choba, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. Fungal isolates were collected and morphologically identified. Internal Transcribed Spacer 4 and 5 (ITS-4 and 5) molecular markers were used to characterize the DNA of the most prevalent fungal isolates, RCBBR-P13 and SR-2A. The morphological results indicated that RCBBR-P13 and SR-2A isolates were Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger. Each isolate's DNA had a molecular weight of more than 600 base pairs. According to sequence similarity, the isolate's DNA sequence was 99% identical to that of A. niger isolate MG596642.1 and 100% identical to that of A. fumigatus isolate ICL-PG-FUN-SG-7. According to these results, Aspergillus species is a prevalent fungal pathogen found in pharmaceutical items. A phylogenetic tree revealed relationships between isolates. The presence of A. fumigatus and A. niger in drugs poses infection risks, alter drug efficacy and safety, leading to treatment failures or adverse effects. Study underscores need for stricter manufacturing, storage, and distribution practices to prevent fungal contamination. Findings may prompt regulatory reviews and guidelines for pharmaceutical quality control in Nigeria and guide future research on risks and mitigation. This report of Aspergillus species in pharmaceutical drugs, highlights the need for vigilance in ensuring medication safety and provides groundwork for assessing risks of fungal-contaminated medications.

The rapid expansion of mobile transceiver stations across urban and rural communities in Nigeria has raised growing concerns regarding the potential health impacts of continuous exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Often, these stations are located near residential areas and public facilities without thorough assessment of associated risks. This study evaluated the power flux density of RF emissions from mobile transceiver stations in Kagara, Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State, to assess compliance with safety limits established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Signal strengths from all mobile network operators in the study area were measured using an RF Strength Meter (Model 480836) along accessible routes, with corresponding distances and coordinates recorded using a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. Analysis revealed significant spatial variability in power flux density, influenced primarily by environmental factors such as terrain, buildings, and vegetation. Despite these fluctuations, the maximum observed power flux density was 66.79 mW/m², substantially below the ICNIRP guideline of 4,500 mW/m² for 900 MHz signals, indicating that public exposure levels are within internationally accepted safe limits.