Major Cities In Nigeria Research Articles

Evaluation of emission indices and air quality implications of liquefied petroleum gas burners

Major cities in Nigeria has adopted the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as their main source for domestic cooking, however, this adoption led to different designs of LPG burners in Nigeria market. The emission indices of these burners and their air quality implications are yet to be ascertain. To solve these problems and fill the data gap, laboratory analysis were carried out on 16 conventional LPG burner heads identified in Nigeria market. The emission factors for Carbon monoxide (CO), Oxide of Nitrogen (NOx), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Hydrocarbons (HC) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) on the basis of useful energy delivered were 0.123–21.784 g/MJd, 1.973–32.943 g/MJd, 73.819–147.639 g/MJd, 4.069–171.643 g/MJd and 0–0.1644 g/MJd while the emission rates were 0.000238–0.1125 g/s, 0.0071–0.2 g/s, 0.1083–0.7 g/s, 0.0117–1.2583 g/s and 0–0.000194 g/s respectively. It was observed that results from the study were within the International Organization for Standardization, International Workshop Agreement 11 and World Health Organization indoor air quality guidelines for human protection.

Non-Negative Time Series Reconstruction via Singular Spectrum Analysis: A Case Study of Precipitation Dynamics in Nigeria

A proper understanding and analysis of the processes involved in seasonal precipitation variability and dynamics is essential to provide reliable information about climate change and how it can affect matters of critical importance such as water availability and agricultural productivity in urban cities. Precipitation data, as many other time series data present only non-negative observations, are is not constrained by standard time series methods. In this paper, we propose a modified singular spectrum analysis (SSA) algorithm for decomposition and reconstruction of time series with non-negative values. Our approach uses a non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) instead of the singular value decomposition in the SSA algorithm. The new algorithm is compared with the classic SSA algorithm by considering a simulation study and observed data of monthly precipitation of four major cities in Nigeria (Lagos, Kano, Ibadan and Kaduna). Although in terms of mean stared errors both methods give similar results, the percentage of negative fitted values for reconstructions with the classical SSA algorithm reached more than [Formula: see text] in our real data application, which is inappropriate for non-negative time series. The proposed adaptation of the SSA algorithm for non-negative time series data provides an important development with applications in many fields where time series data has non-negative constraints.

Perception of professionals on causes of structural cracks in concrete buildings

Of recent, the incessant collapse of buildings in some major cities in Nigeria has become a major concern to professionals in the construction industry and the general public because it has resulted in most cases loss of lives and valuables which could affect our attaining the sustainable development goals (SDGs). One of the key features that affect the quality of built structures and usage is crack. The occurrence of a crack in a structural member can weaken the member and eventually lead to building failure and outright collapse. This paper examines the perception of professionals in the Nigeria building industry on the causes and impact of crack on built structures. Primary data were obtained through questionnaires administered to practising professionals within Lagos state. Results obtained from the majority of the professionals indicate that occurrence of a crack in the building is majorly caused by foundation settlement, poor selection of construction materials and technique, design error and corrosion of the steel bar and thus have a significant impact on the structural integrity of the building. It was concluded by proposing certain preventive measures to mitigate crack in buildings so as to prevent possible building failure and attainment of the SDGs.

Low-cost housing policies and squatters struggles in Nigeria: the Nigerian perspective on possible solutions

This paper investigated the low-cost housing (LCH) policies in regard to squatters and offered a descriptive comparative analysis that affords insights into the Malaysian potential squatter zero programmes that could be applied to tackle the long-standing chronic urban slums in Nigerian cities. To achieve this, data were collected via in-depth oral interviews. Phenomenological type of qualitative research and snowball type of non-probability sampling technique was adopted respectively. MAXQDA 2018 with the support of thematic analysis was employed to analyze the three themes generated, and five major cities in Nigeria were covered. The study found that rural-urban migration, unemployment, high cost of the rental fee, inability to access housing loan and shortages of LCH were the reasons people engaged in squatting. From the findings, weak institutional framework, corruption, inadequate LCH policy, political will, and absence of national housing database emerged as the major hindrances to the implementation of LCH programmes that could have mitigated squatting. Nigerian Government should strengthen public housing institutions via a strong institutional framework for the sustainability of LCH programmes and tackle corruption head-on. This can be achieved if the government sees LCH provision as one of the major pillars and synergy with other constructs of welfare.

Awareness and practice knowledge of ocular health safety among street sweepers in Calabar, South-South, Nigeria

Background: Street sweeping is an increasing popular outdoor occupation in major cities of Nigeria. These workers are chronically exposed to diverse occupational and environmental sources of ocular hazards, that they may not be aware of. This may impair their adoption and compliance with the requisite safety practices. This study was aimed at assessing levels of awareness, knowledge, and practice of ocular safety among street sweepers in Calabar, Southern Nigeria.Materials and Methods: The study was a cross sectional study among one hundred and fifteen (115) street sweepers in Calabar Urban Development Authority, Nigeria over a period of three months. A systematic random sampling method was used to select respondents eligible for the study and a pretested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain data. Data obtained was analysed using statistical package for social sciences version 20 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.).Results: One hundred and fifteen (115) subjects were studied, with mean age of 41.8 ± 10.4 years, and female to male ratio of 1:0.03. Seventy percent had good knowledge of ocular health safety; while 68% were aware of the occupational hazards associated with the job. Less than a quarter (19%) of workers used personal protective devices (PPD). Only 1% of the total who used PPD wore protective goggles while at work.Conclusion: Good knowledge and a high level of awareness on ocular health safety was seen among street sweepers. However, there was poor utilization of personal protective devices especially protective goggles among the workers which will increase their risk to occupational hazards.Keywords: Ocular health safety, street sweepers, Calabar

Misconceptions and current use of contraception among women of reproductive age in six major cities in Nigeria

Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the determinants of family planning misconceptions and modern contraceptive use, and the influence of misconceptions on the use of modern contraceptive methods.Methods: We reviewed and analysed data collected between October 2010 and March 2011 among a representative household sample of 13,575 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in six urban cities in Nigeria. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the predictors of misconceptions and current use of contraception and the association between misconceptions and modern contraceptive use.Results: Catholic women were significantly more likely to have misconceptions compared with Muslim women (β = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58, 1.60; p < .001); women with higher education were significantly less likely to have misconceptions about contraception compared with women with no formal education (β= −0.06; 95% CI −0.96, −0.29; p < .001). Unmarried women living with a partner were not significantly different from those who were not cohabiting (single, separated or widowed) in their current contraceptive use (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.91; 95% CI 0.79, 1.04; p > .05). Women with lower misconception scores were significantly more likely to adopt and use modern contraception compared with those with high misconception scores (adjusted OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.92, 0.94; p < .001).Conclusion: These findings suggest that programmatic efforts should be geared towards dispelling misconceptions by providing simple factual information related to the benefits of contraception and family planning.

Housing Accessibility Constraints amongst Public Servants in Ogun State Nigeria - A Case of Ota, Ogun State

This study examined the constraints in housing ownership amongst public servants in Ota, Ogun State. The work specifically sought to find the factors that could affect housing accessibility among target population in the study area. In achieving the aim of the study, survey was conducted among the selected population which was later confirmed with interviews. The causative factors of housing constraints were tested with the use of one-way ANOVA to test the significant difference in the response of the respondents and POST- HOC was used in the ranking of these factors. It was revealed that finance and institutional impediments are the two major factors amongst others that affect housing accessibility in the study area among public workers. Narrative and descriptive research designs in form of tables, bar charts and theoretical analysis were adopted. The study thus recommends that mortgage institutions and finance houses to have a special consideration and arrangement to public servants and low-income earners so as to increase of descent residential properties in major cities in Nigeria.

Estimation of gaseous criteria air pollutants from road transport system in Lagos metropolis of Nigeria

AbstractAmbient air pollution by vehicular emissions is underestimated, especially in the major cities of Nigeria. The buildup of the emissions in the atmosphere is a major health concern. This study estimated the emissions of gaseous criteria air pollutants (CAPs) from the road transport system in the Lagos metropolis from the year 2004 to 2007. The study also determined the ground‐level concentrations of these pollutants for the years under review. Estimation of the emission rates of all types of vehicles was performed using an emission factor approach, while the ground‐level concentrations of the CAPs were determined using the Industrial Source Complex Short Term 3 view model. The results showed that the mean concentrations of carbon monoxide in the ambient air were 26,741.12, 31,675.95, 54,515.48, and 72,388.09 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) for years 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively, while the estimated concentrations for oxides of nitrogen were 1,377.91 μg/m3 for year 2004, and 1,620.76, 2,897.33, and 3,839.68 μg/m3, respectively, for the years 2005, 2006, and 2007. The estimated concentrations of sulfur dioxide during the study period were 51,354.16, 57,244.76, 113,083.26, and 136,332.01 μg/m3 for 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively. For volatile organic compounds, the estimated concentrations were 3,839.68, 6,839.65, 7,067.62, and 8,431.35 μg/m3 for years 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively. The results also show that the maximum ground‐level concentrations were highest along the roadside, and the average CAPs concentrations and cumulative exposure concentrations that were estimated throughout the study period are a major health concern, as these concentrations are several times higher than international limits.

The Effects of Organisational Culture on IFRS Adoption: Evidence from Nigerian’ Companies

This study investigates the underlying factors contributing to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption in Nigeria. The diversity of responses to IFRS adoption is a phenomenon that requires empirical investigation to understand the reasons why some companies adopt IFRS other do not. Previous studies have investigated preparers of financial statements’ compliance with IFRS. However, there is a dearth of research on the influence of cultural factors on IFRS adoption. Little has heretofore has been done to examine cultural variables as determinants of IFRS adoption. This study applies a self-administered survey instrument to elicit data from four major cities in Nigeria. The analysis involves applied logistic regression to estimate the relationship between the covariates and the companies’ decisions to adopt IFRS. The results indicate companies’ professionalism, transparency, flexibility, secrecy, uniformity and statutory control are significant factors impacting IFRS adoption at different magnitudes. For example, a company that considers IFRS will increase the level of financial statements transparency is more likely to maintain some levels of secrecy. The study identifies that IFRS adoption can only be successful when accountants develop the relevant technical expertise in IFRS requirements prior to the implementation. Consequently, there is a need for more practical training in IFRS accounting valuation, recognition, measurement and disclosure of financial information to users of financial statements. The diversity in responses to IFRS adoption, where some companies adopt and others show resistance to IFRS requirements has been a phenomenon that requires empirical investigation to understand the rationale. Though some studies have investigated companies’ compliance with accounting regulations in Nigeria, there is limited research on factors influencing IFRS adoption. A consequence is that efforts to come up with effective policies to enhance IFRS adoption and obtain compliance status for Nigerian companies are constrained. The objective is to contribute to initiatives aimed at assuring foreign investors of reliability of IFRS financial statements prepared by Nigerian companies.

The Effects of Organisational Culture on IFRS Adoption: Evidence from Nigerian’ Companies

This study investigates the underlying factors contributing to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption in Nigeria. The diversity of responses to IFRS adoption is a phenomenon that requires empirical investigation to understand the reasons why some companies adopt IFRS other do not. Previous studies have investigated preparers of financial statements’ compliance with IFRS. However, there is a dearth of research on the influence of cultural factors on IFRS adoption. Little has heretofore been done to examine cultural variables as determinants of IFRS adoption. This study applies a self-administered survey instrument to elicit data from four major cities in Nigeria. The analysis involves applied logistic regression to estimate the relationship between the covariates and the companies’ decisions to adopt IFRS. The results indicate companies’ professionalism, transparency, flexibility, secrecy, uniformity and statutory control are significant factors impacting IFRS adoption at different magnitudes. For example, a company that considers IFRS will increase the level of financial statements transparency is more likely to maintain some levels of secrecy. The study identifies that IFRS adoption can only be successful when accountants develop the relevant technical expertise in IFRS requirements prior to the implementation. Consequently, there is a need for more practical training in IFRS accounting valuation, recognition, measurement and disclosure of financial information to users of financial statements.

Evaluating Pharmacist Level of Involvement in disease Prevention Activities in Nigeria

Evidence exists in literature to support involvement of community pharmacists in a broad range of preventive health activities especially in developed countries. There is a need to explore extent of pharmacists’ involvement in resource limited countries. The objectives of this study were to describe community pharmacists’ involvement in disease prevention strategies and explore facilitators and barriers to involvement. A forty item pretested self- completion questionnaire with 0.944 reliability was administered to a convenient sample of 500 community pharmacists in 3 major cities in Nigeria. Self- reported involvement in preventive health strategies was evaluated on a 5 point response scale ranging from 1 (Not involved at all ) to 5 (very much involved). Response rate was 90.6% (453/500). Mean scores on face to face delivery of preventive health service was consistently higher than leaflet or text message. Pharmacists were mostly involved in preventive health services in the area of hypertension mean (4.38±0.91) followed by Diabetes (4.35±0.86) ST1 (4.27±0.84) and weight reduction (3.39±1.37). Areas of least involvement include osteoporosis (2.2±1.25), hyperlipidemia (2.9±1.43), travel health (2.33±1.33) and cancer risk assessment (1.67±0.96). Lack of adequate training was the most frequent reason for low level of involvement. Community pharmacists in Nigeria are involved to varying extent in a wide range of preventive health activities. Areas of low involvement in this study indicate a need for capacity building in order to increase level of community pharmacist involvement in preventive health activities.

Assessment of the impacts of municipal solid waste dumps on soils and plants

ABSTRACTThe study aimed at evaluating the impacts of open municipal solid wastes dumps on soil and vegetation near the main roads linking major cities in Nigeria. We hypothesised that the metals from the wastes exerted substantial impacts at the dump sites which affect the soil and plants. Data were analysed from five dump sites and five control sites. The result revealed that the effects of the heavy metals (HM) were significant and higher at the dump sites where their concentrations were far above the EU, and Canadian environmental quality permissible limits for agricultural soils and vegetation. In contrast with dump sites, a significant relationship (R2 = 0.70; p < .001) was found between the number of plant species and area at control sites. Shrubs and herbs were more tolerance with higher contents of HM compared with grasses. Plants leaves showed more HM contents compared to the shoots or roots. The soil and plants contents of the HM were relatively in the order of Zn > Cr > Pb at both dump sites and control sites. Further study on the effects of more HM on soil and plant is recommended in the area. Recycling and bio-phytoremediation processes should also be introduced.

FACING CRIMINALITY ON FACEBOOK

This paper is titled: “Facing Criminality on Facebook”. Facebook as a social media technology-based interactive platform has no doubt raised the bar of interaction and communication among individuals, businesses, corporate organizations, and even governments and their agencies. This is especially so as it allows people and groups to create and share user-generated content such as individual profiles, texts, photos, audios and videos on a common connectivity. The platform has thus helped a great number of people and groups across the world to get information, inspiration, friends, do business, share ideas, pictures, audios and videos and even games faster than ever before. The fact that more than 1.65 billion people are active users of the Facebook platform emphasizes its relevance and impact in people’s lives globally, even as it stands out as the most popular social media or social network platform worldwide going by the number of users. But despite its relevance, impact and popularity, Facebook as a social networking site which was conceived primarily to enhance communication, promote friendship and businesses is fast becoming a platform for criminality and this has manifested variously in different parts of the world. This paper which is based on research conducted in three major cities in Nigeria – Calabar, Abuja and Lagos, shows that crimes such as scam, fraud, impersonation, hacking of accounts are fast becoming rampant on the social media platform, a situation which calls for urgent global attention and collaboration in combating these crimes. Keywords: Facing, Criminality, Facebook, Social, Media

Facilitating mCommerce Growth in Nigeria through mMoney Usage: A Preliminary Analysis

A general belief is that Mobile Money (mMoney) has the catalytic effect of spurring mCommerce growth and driving financial inclusion in developing nations like Nigeria. In Nigeria, mMoney service is certainly a new financial service innovation in the country, and as a result critical issues surrounding its early critical mass adoption, including its perceived usefulness, remain largely opaque. In this paper, our aim was to explore factors influencing perceived usefulness of mMoney by using the extended technology acceptance model (TAM) as the theoretical underpinning of our work. This work is based on a usable sample of 127 respondents from two major cities in Nigeria. Overall, the study’s results indicate that perceived regulator assurance, service affordability, convenience, proximity to the nearest bank branch, and worry over ease of use are significant predictors of mMoney perceived usefulness. The work helps shed new insights about the significant factors that are closely related to the consumer’s perception of the relevance of mMoney services (to his/her financial needs). In sum, the study is an initial step to addressing the issue of perceived usefulness of mMoney service, including its pivotal importance to laying a solid foundation for mCommerce growth in Nigeria and similar sub-Saharan African (SSA) coun-tries.

Functional disability and associated factors in two samples of elderly Nigerians

Background: The increasing number of elderly persons and their attendant functional disability have implication on public health programmes in developing countries. However, there is limited information on the profile of disability in the elderly residing outside major cities in Nigeria. Objectives: This was to estimates disability in a representative sample of persons aged 60 and older in an urban and a rural areas of Oyo State. Methods Design: A comparative cross-sectional survey. Setting: Iseyin and Ilua are urban and rural communities, respectively, in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State, in South Western Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics and instrumental activities of daily living. Participants: Consenting adults aged 60 years and above. Main Outcome Measures: These include the prevalence of disability in both communities major impairments or health problems with a significant difference in limiting the activities of the elderly, instrumental activities of daily living activities of daily living (IADL-ADL) disability by location and significant predictors of disability in both groups. Results: A total of 630 respondents: 316 in urban and 314 in rural locations were interviewed. The majority (61.4%) were females and 42.1% were aged 60–69 years. The prevalence of disability was 32.7% (30.1% and 35.4%) among urban and rural respondents, respectively. The main ADL-IADL disabilities reported were going to farm or some other places of work (19.2%), doing everyday household chores (18.1%) and getting around the house (15.7%). Significantly higher proportion of those in urban (73.7%) compared to rural (57.7%) had a severe disability (P = 0.016). IADL was also significantly higher (20.9%) among urban respondents (P = 0.010). Significant predictors for disability were increasing age, not working currently and having a health problem. Conclusions: Functional disability was prevalent in both communities, but more so in the urban area. Other social factors were predictors.

Study of Material Flow of End-of-Life Computer Equipment (e-wastes) in Some Major Cities in Nigeria

The fast growing use of Information and Communication Technology has created a new environmental problem, electronic-waste (e-waste).Addressing this concern requires proper management plans and strategy, which in turn requires reliable estimates of e-waste generation in the present as well as future. In this study, a material flow model for the analysis of e-waste generation from computer equipment in Kaduna and Abuja in Nigeria has been developed and compared with that of Lagos which has been studied earlier. Data used to develop the models are the sales data from major distributors of electronics in the study areas, usage time of computer equipment and transfer coefficients of the electronics from one stage to another. The analysis of individual flows of computer from the material flow model showed that the fate of obsolete computer equipment were storage (27-41%), reuse (35-61%) and direct disposal (12-24%). It was also found that after four years of the last inflow considered, averagely 935,686, 399,769 and 101,142 computer equipment would be in storage in Lagos, Kaduna and Abuja respectively; 998,861, 458,202 and 152, 305 computers respectively would be under reuse and 674,492,247,858 and 76,419 computers respectively would be disposed. A sensitivity analysis for an error of 0.1 in each of the transfer coefficients (TC) used in the model showed a variation of ±10% in e-waste generation. The results also indicated that computer equipment would continue to remain in either storage, re-use or gradually disposed off for 10, 8 and 11 years respectively after its inflow into the consumption phase. This delay or staggering in e-waste disposal would reduce the amount of e-waste disposed yearly and thus afford the country the time to make plans to accommodate and manage the e-wastes generated more efficiently.

The health benefits of walking: a Nigerian reflection

A ban on the use of motorcycles for public transportation in major cities in Nigeria along with the increased awareness of the contributions of leisure activity to health is prompting many citizens to engage in walking. This paper provides a foundation for establishing the health benefits of walking as leisure and uses exploratory data to examine the perceptions that Nigerians have about walking. The majority of the participants claim that walking for leisure contributes to physical health, reduces the risk of chronic obesity and improves their immune system. They also agree that leisure walking enhances mental or psychological health by relieving stress and enhancing self-esteem and positive image. Although walking is sometimes a necessity, it also can be enjoyable and can promote people's general well-being in Nigeria, just as it can in other countries.

Perception Survey of Poor Construction Supervision and Building Failures in Six Major Cities in Nigeria

The paper is a perception survey of poor construction supervision and building failures in six major cities in Nigeria. This was informed by several reported cases of building failure and collapse with its concomitant losses of life and properties. While the paper examined relationship between poor construction supervision and unsustainable building construction practices with regard to incessant building failures in six major cities in Nigeria between September 2012 and August 2013, it assumes sustainable construction principles, efficient and effective supervision and other factors will stem the tide. The paper adopted descriptive research design using 397stratified randomly and area clustered selected registered members of Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) from the six major cities in Nigeria for questionnaire administration. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula for sample size determination at 5% level of significance. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results from the data analysis indicated that significant relationship exists between poor construction supervision and unsustainable building construction practices (use of substandard designs, materials, manpower & procedures)/building failures in Nigeria; thus recommended effective monitoring of building projects by government agencies, establishment of building inspectorate, stiffer penalties for non-compliance with approved building plans and provision of low interest mortgage loans. Original Research Article British Journal of Education, Society & Behavioural Science, 4(4): 456-472, 2014 457

Advertising Slogan Recall and Consumers’ Patronage of Mtn Products in Nigeria

The preoccupation of this study was borne out of the necessity to ascertain the relationship between consumer exposure to advertising slogans of heavily advertised brand like MTN GSM Network and slogan recall at one hand, and slogan recall and consumer patronage of the advertised products. This study which was conducted in some of the major cities in Nigeria was based on three hypothetic constructs. The data and test results of the hypotheses affirm that there exists a positive relationship between these variables. The interplay between exposure, recall and patronage depicts serious activism between the producer and the market;s and heightens the projection of the consumer as highly potent especially in the context of hemispheric literalization. Key Words: advertising slogan, aided recall, consumer patronage.

Stem cells in Dentistry: knowledge and attitude of Nigerian Dentists

BackgroundSeveral controversies exist about the methods of harvesting and eventual utilization of stem cells in Medicine and Dentistry. The objective of the study was to investigate the awareness, attitude and knowledge of the use of stem cells in Dentistry among Nigerian Dentists.MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among dentists selected from both private and public health sectors, in some of the major cities in Nigeria.ResultsThe majority of the participants were ≤35 years in age, male, Pentecostal Christians, possessed a postgraduate qualification, had practiced for ≤5 years and were specialists or specializing. In this study, 153(81.0%) of the participants reported awareness about the use of stem cells in dentistry which was significantly associated with qualification and type of practice. Most of the respondents 114 (60.3%) had a poor knowledge of the use of stem cells in Dentistry. This was significantly associated with type of practice and awareness about stem cell use in dentistry but binary logistic regression showed awareness as the only determinant of knowledge. About three-quarters 142 (75.1%) of the participants exhibited positive attitude towards stem cell use. This had a positive non-significant association with knowledge and reported awareness.ConclusionData from this study revealed a high level of awareness, positive attitude to and poor knowledge of the use of stem cells in Dentistry among a cross section of Nigerian Dentists.