Northeastern Nigeria Research Articles

Determinants of uptake of routine immunization among mothers of under five children in rural areas of North-Eastern Nigeria

Background: Immunization against the vaccine preventable diseases is one of components of Primary Health Care and the most cost-effective public health intervention in the history of mankind: but it has failed to meet the health needs of the majority of the people particularly in underdeveloped countries. Method: this was a cross-sectional descriptive study that utilized interviewer administered questionnaire to 313 participants through multistage sampling. Data was analyzed using SPSS and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: about half (50.5%) of the study participants had good level of aggregate knowledge scores, nearly one-third (34.2%) had positive attitude, and about one quarter (25.9%) had good uptake/practice of routine immunization. After adjusting for the confounding effects using logistic regression analysis; educational status of secondary school (AOR=1.99, 95% CI=1.43 – 33.65) and tertiary (AOR=4.04,95%CI=3.25 – 15.75), number of ANC visit of > 4 times (AOR=3.02, 95%CI= 1.76 – 41.45) monthly income of >N70,000.00 (AOR=5.01, 95%CI=3.25 – 35.77), good aggregate knowledge scores of routine immunization (AOR=4.06 95%CI=2.99-13.89), and positive aggregate scores on attitudes of routine immunization (AOR=5.03, 95%CI= 5.13-27.33) remained significant predictors of uptake/practices of routine immunization among the study participants. Conclusions: most of the study participants had negative attitude on routine immunization that led to low uptake. It was recommended that more strategies that will ensure increase in uptake like health education and provision of adequate vaccine should be employed by the state government.

Occurrence, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment of trace elements in rainwater in the vicinity of a cement factory in northeastern Nigeria

Rapid industrialization and urbanization result in atmospheric pollution with trace elements precipitated and deposited by rain, affecting human health. This study determined the concentrations and non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with trace elements in rainwater in the vicinity of the Ashaka cement factory. Samples were collected using a bulk sampler fitted with a high-density polythene funnel. A total of 140 samples were collected in 2020 and analyzed for 15 trace elements using ICP-OES. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the sources of the rainwater trace elements. The results show that the abundance of trace elements in the collected samples was in the following order: Fe > Sb > Cu > Ba > V > Sc > Sr > Mn > Zn > Ti > Hg > Al > Mo > Co. Crustal enrichment factors (EFc) indicated that the samples were extremely enriched with Hg, Sb, Cu, and Mo, moderately enriched with Zn, Ba, V, Co, Sr, Cr, and Sc, and unenriched with Fe, Mn, Ti, and Al. Chronic daily intake (CDI) for both the ingestion and dermal pathways was in the order Fe > Cu > Ba > Cr > V > Mn > Zn > Hg > Mo. The hazard index (HI) was > 1 through the ingestion pathway, indicating a likely non-carcinogenic advertising effect. Similarly, the carcinogenic risk (CR) exceeded the (1.0 × 10–4—1.0 × 10–4) acceptable limit for children and adults, indicating the likely development of cancer among consumers. This revealed that the elements present in rainwater are anthropogenic and are brought about by cement production.

The Dynamics of Microbes from Surface Water in Doubeli, Adamawa, Northeastern Nigeria

The Dynamics of Microbes from Surface Water in Doubeli, Adamawa, Northeastern Nigeria

Investigating the feasibility of agro-waste briquettes as a sustainable energy source in Borno state Nigeria as pathways for post-conflict and instability recovery

The growing energy demand and lack of access to clean energy sources call for the development of more energy for cooking in households, briquettes produced using agricultural materials and related biomass have the capacity for utilization as an energy source. This study aims to introduce briquettes as an alternative energy source for cooking within conflict-affected communities in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, where factors relating to the high cost of charcoal, security constraints, and the environmental impact of tree cutting have sparked apprehension and raised concerns. The study demonstrates the likelihood of adopting briquettes as a cooking fuel alternative in communities recovering from insurgency. Using assessment tools such as household surveys, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), involving a total of 536 questionnaires administered to respondents; KII was administered to 37 respondents and 9 FGDs with cooperatives and dealers in traditional fuel were conducted. From the results 73% of the community relies on charcoal as their primary fuel source, since the majority (68.7%) appeared to be low-income households, 24.1% reported that the high cost of charcoal is a major hindrance to continued usage. However, despite the communities showing potential in briquettes, only 3.7% are aware of briquettes as an alternative option for cooking energy indicating the adoption of briquettes being low in the region. A situational assessment was carried and sensitization strategies were recommended as means to enhance livelihoods and build resilience within the community.

International Business in Conflict Zones: The Case of MTN

It is not uncommon for multinational companies to establish subsidiaries outside their home countries, especially in developing regions to tap into emerging markets. It is however a differ ent situation when multinationals establish businesses in unstable and violence-affected regions to take advantage of the local market structure that has suffered a hit by the continuous conflict. How ever, running a business in such regions may lead to distortion of the administration of these firms due to the violence which may destroy infrastructure and harm employees. Many firms are discour aged from investing in conflict zones because of the exposure to insecurity and violence. This paper adopts a case study and case analysis approach with an in-depth focus on the operation of a specific company and its operations in two conflict zones which resulted in distinct outcomes. In addition, a review of existing literature on the establishment and operation of a business in conflict zones was carried out to effectively examine the challenges of litigation and conflict resolution involving MTN Group as a corporate entity in Afghanistan and Northeastern Nigeria and the impact on the business operations in the respective regions. Keywords: Conflict, business, Afghanistan, MTN, Nigeria, terrorism.

Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Preputial Bacterial Flora from apparently Healthy Bulls, Rams, and Bucks in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria

The aim of this study was to identify the preputial aerobic bacterial flora from bulls, rams and bucks and to determine their antimicrobial sensitivities. Preputial swabs were collected randomly from twenty each of clinically healthy post pubertal bulls, rams and bucks. Using standard bacteriological techniques, the following bacteria were identified; Escherichia coli (bulls 26.5%, rams 19.2% and buck 22.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (bulls 25.0 %, rams 26.0 % and bucks 24.2 %), Streptococcus (bulls 20.6%, rams 26.0 % and bucks 25.8%), Salmonella (bulls 14.7%), Shigella (rams 15.1% and bucks 15.2%) and Klebsiella (bulls 13.2%, rams 13.7 % and bucks 12.1%) species. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the proportions of bacterial species and different animal species. In bulls, all bacterial isolates were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin (100%) and Levofloxacin (100%) while 60% of the bacterial isolates showed resistance to amoxicillin, ampiclox and streptomycin. In rams, all the bacterial isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin (100%) and gentamycin (100%) while 40% of bacterial isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol. In bucks, all bacterial isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin (100%), ampiclox (100%) and gentamycin (100%) while 20% bacterial isolates were resistant to streptomycin. This study shows that a few bacteria colonize the prepuce of ruminants in Maiduguri and there is need for preputial washing prior to breeding to reduce contamination of semen during natural mating or collection. Amoxiciillin, ampiclox, ciprofloxacin and gentamycin could be used as therapeutic agents to diseases that could be caused by the bacteria in prepuce of these animal species.

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity and Radiation Hazard in Soil and Rock Samples from Mining Sites within North-Eastern Nigeria

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity and Radiation Hazard in Soil and Rock Samples from Mining Sites within North-Eastern Nigeria

An assessment of the environmental radiation risk from the petrologic units of north-eastern Nigeria; an insight from aero-radiometric data interpretation

Information regarding the radiation risk posed by radioactive emissions from the petrologic units in North eastern Nigeria is extremely limited. Consequently, there has been little research conducted on the environmental impact of radiation exposure from different petrologic units in this region. Hence, the 13 petrologic components of the area that comprises of the migmatites-gneiss (MG), banded gneiss (BG), biotite-hornblende granites (OGe), porphyritic biotite-hornblende granites (OGp), charnockytes (Ch), ignimbrites (JYG), basalts (bb), Keri-Keri Formation (KK), Gombe Sandstones (GS), Pindiga Formation (PS), Yolde Formation (YL), Bima Sandstones (BS), and alluvium (AL) deposits were assessed using aero-radiometric data (equivalent uranium, equivalent thorium, and percentage potassium radio-elements) acquired by Nigerian geological survey agency (NGSA) in 2009. The objective of this study is to compute the amount of radiation across the various rock units of the study area, and examine their radiation risk parameters. The results of this study showed variable levels of radiation across the various rock units examined. The average total activity concentration values recorded ranges from 261.67 ± 447.12 Bq/Kg across KK rock unit to 1482.02 ± 447.12 Bq/Kg across OGp/OGe rock types of the study area. Moreover, the average radium equivalent (Rn eq), absorbed dose rates (D) estimated ranges from 113.83±461.33 Bq/Kg to 305.19 ± 58.51 Bq/Kg, and 51.88 ± 29.65 nGyh−1 to 144.94 ± 29.65 nGyh−1 along KK Formation, OGp, and same KK Formation, and OGp respectively. The average environmental radiation hazard parameters of the annual effective dose rate (AEDE), activity utilization index (AUI), respiratory dysfunction parameters (RH in, RH out), annual gonad dose equivalent (AGDE), and excess life cancer risk (ELCR) measured across all rock units were found to be within or above their respective acceptable limits of 1 mSv/y, 300 μSv/y, and 0.29 × 10−3. Additionally, based on the conspicuously higher hazardous radiation (D, Rn eq, AEDE AGDE, RH in, RH out, and ELCR) emissions estimated from the OGp, OGe, MG, BG, and Ch petrologic units, the inhabitants of these localities should therefore limit themselves from excessive exposure to these rocks. Therefore, periodic monitoring of these areas is recommended.

Intention to use alternative cooking energy among households of Northeastern Nigeria

Energy is one of the global challenges attracting more concern at both local and international levels due to its impact on health and the environment. Ensuring accessibility to sustainable, affordable, reliable and modern energy is one of the SDG goals intended to be achieved before 2030. The standard of living of a family is determined by the type of energy and pattern of its utilization by the households. However, many households in developing countries are not using alternative energy sources despite their abundance and potential. This study investigates the predominant energy sources and drivers of intention to use alternative ones as cooking energy among households in Northeastern Nigeria. Three hundred and thirty-nine (339) households were selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure for the study, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The result revealed that firewood and charcoal were the dominant energy sources used for cooking by households (63.13 % and 52.37 %, respectively) due to their relatively low cost and ease of access. Electricity, LPG, and solar are the cooking energy sources that over 90 % of households are willing to adopt as alternatives. The ease of using the alternative cooking energy sources their availability and accessing energy information via radio, NGOs and universities/research institutions affect the household's intention to use alternative cooking energy sources in a positive way. Ensuring a constant supply of electricity, subsidizing solar PV, making LPG available and affordable to households, provision of clean and modern stoves at a subsidized price and collaboration with universities, NGOs for awareness creation will help reduce deforestation and over-dependence on firewood, thereby protecting the health and the environment.

Elevated risk of pre-diabetes and diabetes in people with past history of COVID-19 in northeastern Nigeria

BackgroundAn increased risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) after COVID-19 has been reported in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The burden of COVID-related DM has yet to be described in Africa, where the overall risk of DM has been increasing rapidly. Our objective was to compare the prevalence of pre-DM and DM in Nigerian individuals with a history of COVID-19 to individuals without known COVID-19 infection.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective cohort study with 256 individuals with a past medical history of COVID-19 with no history of pre-DM or DM and 256 individuals without a history of COVID-19 or pre-DM/DM. Participants were categorized as pre-DM (fasting capillary glucose 100–125 mg/dL) or DM (fasting capillary glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL). We employed univariate and multivariable logistic regression to identify key predictors and adjust for confounders related to hyperglycaemia risk factors. Additionally, we used multinomial logistic regression to analyze the relationship between COVID-19 history and diabetes status, distinguishing between normal, pre-diabetic, and diabetic glucose levels. All models were adjusted for age, gender, hypertension, physical activity, central adiposity, and family history of DM.ResultsCompared to the control group, those with a history of COVID-19 had a similar median age (38 vs. 40 years, p = 0.84), had a higher proportion of men (63% vs. 49%), and had a lower prevalence of central adiposity (waist: hip ratio ≥ 0.90 for males and WHR ≥ 0.85 for females) (48% vs. 56.3%, p = 0.06). Of the 256 with a history of COVID-19, 44 (17%) required in-patient care. The median (interquartile range) time interval between COVID-19 diagnosis and the glycaemic assessment was 19 (IQR: 14, 24) months. Pre-DM prevalence was 27% in the post-COVID-19 group and 4% in the control group, whereas the prevalence of DM was 7% in the post-COVID-19 group and 2% in the control group. After multivariable adjustment, the odds of pre-DM were 8.12 (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.98, 16.58; p < 0.001) higher, and the odds of DM were 3.97 (95% CI: 1.16, 13.63) higher in those with a history of COVID-19 compared to controls. In the adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, individuals with a history of COVID-19 exhibited significantly elevated risks for pre-diabetes (RRR = 7.55, 95% CI: 3.76–15.17) and diabetes (RRR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.01–11.71) compared to those without COVID-19.ConclusionPrevious COVID-19 was found to be a risk factor for prevalent pre-diabetes and diabetes mellitus in Nigeria. More intensive screening for DM in those with a history of COVID-19 should be considered.

Impact of formulated organic fertilizers on soil physical and chemical properties in sandy loam soil of North-Eastern Nigeria

The excessive and sole use of inorganic fertilizers has led to soil nutrient depletion, acidification and loss of soil organic matter. Decreased organic matter content reduces the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients, which can lead to reduced crop yields. Organic fertilizers provide a slow release of nutrients to soil while at the same time improving soil health and reducing the risk of soil degradation. Hence, there is a need to investigate the impact of formulated organic fertilizers on soil physical and chemical properties in the study area. The study site is in the Teaching and Research Farm, Yobe State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Gujba, Damaturu, Yobe State. Its geographic coordinates are 11.7461° N, 11.9608°. The study area is approximately twenty hectares while the size of land for the experiment was approximately two hectares. The soil analysis conducted revealed varying levels of nutrients. Nitrogen (N) ranged from 0.11 to 0.20 g/kg-1, indicating medium fertility. Phosphorus (P) levels ranged from 0.17 to 0.19 g/kg-1, indicating signifying low fertility, while potassium (K) varied from 0.46 to 0.89 g/kg-1, indicating high fertility. Copper (Cu) levels ranged from 0.67 to 0.85 g/kg-1, suggesting medium fertility. Zinc (Zn) ranged from 0.55 to 0.38 g/kg-1, indicating medium to low fertility, particularly in deeper soil layers. Iron (Fe) ranged from 0.53 to 0.01 g/kg-1, categorized as medium to low fertility. Manganese (Mn) ranged from 0.11 to 0.04 g/kg-1, showing low fertility levels insufficient for optimal agricultural production. Despite minor improvements post-application of organic fertilizer, overall fertility ratings remained largely unchanged. The study highlights the heterogeneous distribution of nutrients in the study area, emphasizing both strengths and deficiencies crucial for agricultural productivity.

Utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Among Women Farmers in North-Eastern Nigeria

This research focused on evaluating the utilization of ICTs by women farmers in North-Eastern Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling method, which included both purposive and simple random sampling techniques, was used to select 359 women farmers for the study. Primary data were gathered and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to meet the study's objectives. The majority of respondents (78.0%) were married, with a mean age of 41 years. Most of the respondents (52.5%) were involved in trading, and the average farm size was 3.4 hectares. Additionally, 88.3% had a high social participation score, and 51.7% and 58.9% were aware of old and new ICTs, respectively. Majority of the participants benefited from access to information on fertilizer sources and application (74.9%), credits, grants, and loans (70.8%), market rates and locations (63.1%), and crop pests, diseases, and control (62.1%) through the use of ICTs. Most of the respondents faced several constraints: high cost of gadgets (73.5%), insufficient time allotted to agricultural programmes (73.5%), lack of or inadequate ICT infrastructure (62.3%), expensive power/electricity prices (61.3%), defective equipment (57.8%), and multiple responsibilities of women farmers (54.3%). The regression analysis showed that age, marital status, religion, farm size, household size, and occupations did not significantly affect ICT utilization. However, educational attainment, participation in social organizations, and awareness were significant factors influencing the use of ICTs among women farmers. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should prioritize the establishment of essential infrastructure aimed at promoting and facilitating the utilization of ICTs among women farmers.

Promoting gender equity in a home visits programme: a qualitative study in Northern Nigeria

BackgroundGender inequities remain critical determinants influencing maternal health. Harmful gender norms and gender-based violence adversely affect maternal health. Gendered division of labour, lack of access to and control of resources, and limited women’s decision-making autonomy impede women’s access to maternal healthcare services. We undertook a cluster randomized controlled trial of universal home visits to pregnant women and their spouses in one local government area in Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria. The trial demonstrated a significant improvement in maternal and child health outcomes and male knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. This paper qualitatively evaluates gender equity in the home visits programme.MethodsThe research team explored participants’ views about gender equity in the home visits programme. We conducted nine key informant interviews with policymakers and 14 gender and age-stratified focus group discussions with men and women from visited households, with women and men home visitors and supervisors, and with men and women community leaders. Analysis used an adapted conceptual framework exploring gender equity in mainstream health. A deductive thematic analysis of interviews and focus group reports looked for patterns and meanings.ResultsAll respondents considered the home visits programme to have a positive impact on gender equity, as they perceived gender equity. Visited women and men and home visitors reported increased male support for household chores, with men doing heavy work traditionally pre-assigned to women. Men increased their support for women’s maternal health by paying for healthcare and providing nutritious food. Households and community members confirmed that women no longer needed their spouses’ permission to use health services for their own healthcare. Households and home visitors reported an improvement in spousal communication. They perceived a significant reduction in domestic violence, which they attributed to the changing attitudes of both women and men due to the home visits. All stakeholder groups stressed the importance of engaging male spouses in the home visits programme.ConclusionThe home visits programme, as implemented, contributed to gender equity.

A Cross-sectional Study of the Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Malaria Transmission among Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients in Urban Communities of Taraba Northeastern Nigeria

A Cross-sectional Study of the Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Malaria Transmission among Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients in Urban Communities of Taraba Northeastern Nigeria

The changing contours of insecurity in Katsina: A threat assessment

Threats from armed bandits and kidnappers in Northwestern Nigeria are in different forms. The landscape of security challenges has changed since 2016, with the intensive war against Islamic insurgents in Northeastern Nigeria called Boko Haram has changed the contours of security challenges in Nigeria. The manifestation of different security threats has been on the increase and the armed bandits have continued to wreak havoc on communities and highways in different parts of Nigeria. The security challenge is now a hydra-headed monster, which if one head is cut, another head will develop in Nigeria. This article has assessed the current security situation and challenges that beleaguered some States in the Northwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria with a particular interest in Katsina State. The researcher evaluated secondary data on the performance of security personnel deployed to the conflict-affected areas in Katsina, State. The assessment covered January to June 2024. However, the data are classified information hence the identity of the personnel and persons who divulged the information cannot be revealed in line with the principles of anonymity in research ethics. The findings found that some of the armed groups in parts of Katsina State are kidnapping people to remove some vital organs from their bodies and sell them to those who traffic human organs. Based on the assessment, the affected Local Government Areas in Katsina State are categorized into four (4) based on the severity and magnitude of kidnapping, cattle rustling and ransacking of villages. Drawing from the findings, the researcher has developed policies and strategies to address the changing contours of security challenges in the affected areas and Nigeria. As a tradition in threat assessment, the researcher has provided policy recommendations to achieve or implement the policies and strategies. The activities of the armed bandits and organ traffickers portend a grave danger now and in the future as many people would be involved in the business of human organs due to their lucrative nature. The government should develop strategies that will enable the rural communities not to be vulnerable to attacks from armed bandits. Armed groups who kill and kidnap residents at will for ransom and organ trafficking if not tamed will recruit new foot soldiers hence aggravating the situation. Addressing security threats can be achieved by deploying enough security personnel at the border between the Niger Republic and Nigeria. Security personnel should deploy electronic scanners and long-range cameras to monitor and arrest the influx of foreign and domestic dealers in human organs and weapons for appropriate punishment.

Impact of insecurity on crop productivity of rural women in Northeastern Nigeria

Impact of insecurity on crop productivity of rural women in Northeastern Nigeria

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Optimize Antivenom Therapy for Carpet Viper (Echis romani)-Envenomed Children in Nigeria.

In an open randomized controlled trial, we compared one vial (10 mL) to two vials (20 mL) of EchiTAb-plus-ICP (EPI) antivenom among children with systemic carpet viper (Echis romani) envenoming of moderate severity in northeastern Nigeria. Systemic envenoming, presenting with incoagulable blood, was diagnosed using the 20-minute whole blood clotting test (20WBCT). Eligible patients with positive 20WBCT whose guardians assented were recruited and randomly allocated to receive either one vial or two vials of EPI administered either as a bolus or as a slow continuous infusion. The primary outcome was permanent restoration of blood coagulability 6 hours after the start of treatment, assessed by the 20WBCT and repeated at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment. Secondary outcomes were the incidences of early adverse reactions to antivenom treatment. Initial doses permanently restored blood coagulability at 6 hours in 34/39 (87.2%) of those treated with one vial and 39/41 (95.1%) of those treated with two vials of EPI (P = 0.258). However, the proportion with permanent restoration of clotting at 6 hours among patients randomized to bolus administration was 41 of 42 (97.6%) patients compared with 32 of 38 (84.2%) patients randomized to slow infusion of EPI antivenom (P = 0.049); however, the difference was not sustained through the remaining time points. There was no difference in early adverse reactions between those treated with the two different doses or modes of delivery. We conclude that the one-vial dose compared favorably to two vials of EPI antivenom with regards to effectiveness and safety among children with carpet viper envenoming of moderate severity in Nigeria.

Prediction of aggressive tendencies from facial dimension and ratios: A Study on undergraduate students of Northeastern Nigeria

Facial dimensions and ratios are important anthropometric parameters which have been used over the years to define and predict some physical and social characteristics notably among human behaviour like aggression. However, there is a paucity of data regarding this link among the African population, particularly in Northeastern Nigeria where high cases of insurgency, banditry and some aggressive related criminalities are reported daily. The study aimed to determine how linear facial dimensions or ratios can specifically predict a self-reported form of aggression (physical, verbal, anger and hostility) among undergraduate students. A cross-sectional study design was adopted whereby a total of 400 (200 male and 200 female) adult undergraduate students aged between 16 to 30 years were randomly selected. A 2D facial images were used to determine facial biometrics (four linear facial dimensions ((n-sn, sn-gn, go-go and zy-gy) and five facial ratios {upper facial weight/lower facial height (UFW/LFH), upper facial weight/lower facial weight (UFW/LFW), upper facial weight/upper facial height (UFWUFH) and upper facial height/facial height (UFH/FH) and facial weight to height ratio (fWHR) - lower derived from the measured linear dimensions using a Sony digital camera DSC w380 and art face 3 software. Buss and Perry's aggression questionnaire was adopted, and scores for each aggression scale were recorded. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS software version 22 and Cronbach’s alpha for each scale above 0.70. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship of facial biometrics with aggressive tendencies. The study observed that lower facial height (sn-gn) significantly correlates with verbal aggression and anger irrespective of sex. Facial height (FH) also correlates with verbal aggression in both sexes, while fWHR correlates significantly with anger (AN) irrespective of sex. More so, lower facial height to facial height ratio (LFH/FH) correlates significantly with verbal aggression (VA) and anger (AN) irrespective of sex but correlates with the same in males only. Similarly, upper facial weight to lower facial height (UFW/LFH) correlates significantly with verbal aggression and anger irrespective of sex and with anger only in males. Stepwise multiple linear regression equations were formed for the parameters which showed a positive correlation with aggression and consequently UFW/LFH and UFW/LFW were the best predictors of aggressive tendencies (P = 0.01). Conclusively, facial characteristics are indicators of one’s mood and can weakly predict aggressive tendencies in an individual and may be useful to predict suitable partners in marriage, friendship, or recruitment exercise.

A Proposed Dam Site Investigation Using Integrated Geophysical And Geotechnical Methods; A Case Study Of Loko Area, Northeastern Nigeria

A Proposed Dam Site Investigation Using Integrated Geophysical And Geotechnical Methods; A Case Study Of Loko Area, Northeastern Nigeria

Population Dynamics of Dysdercus volkeri F. (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae) at Different Stages of Cotton Development in Northeastern Nigeria

Two-location field trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Protection, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola and at the School Farm Government Girls Secondary School Kaltungo, Gombe state, in 2022 cropping season. The study was carried out to determine the population dynamics of Dysdercus volkeri at different stages of cotton development in North-Eastern Nigeria. The experiments were laid-out using randomize complete block design (RCBD) and the treatments consisting of five cotton varieties (SAMCOT 8, SAMCOT 9, SAMCOT 10, SAMCOT 11, SAMCOT 12) were replicated four (4) times. The week that had the highest population of D. volkeri in a combined analysis was 18 Weeks After Sowing (WAS), 66.30 in Yola and 16WAS, 20.70 in Kaltungo, per 10 cotton plants. The least population of the insect in both locations was obtained on 12WAS with 27.70 in Yola and 12WAS with 2.83 in Kaltungo, per 10 cotton plants. SAMCOT 10 had the highest population of the insect in both location with 54.71 and 32.70 (per 10 cotton plants) with the least on SAMCOT 11 and 12 with a population of 37.17 and 7.57 (per 10 cotton plants). Boll maturation stage supported the highest population of D. volkeri at Yola and Kaltungo with 89.23, the least at the beginning of boll formation 48.34 in both locations