North Central Part Of Nigeria Research Articles

Co-occurrence of non-communicable disease risk factors among adolescents in Jos, Nigeria.

The co-occurrence and clustering of risk factors for non-communicable disease (NCD) is a global public health concern. This study aimed to assess the co-occurrence and clustering of risk factors for NCDs among in-school and out-of-school adolescents in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Secondary schools and markets in Jos North Local Government Area. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 377 in-school and 377 out-of-school adolescents, aged 10-19 years of age. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on behavioural and physical risk factors for NCDs. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparisons at a 5% level of significance. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23.0. Of the 754 sampled adolescents, 386 (51.2%) were females and 368 (48.8%) were males. Adolescents aged 10-14 years made up 37.8% of the participants, 15 to 17 years of age accounted for 46.9% and 18-19 years 15.3%. Risk factors with the highest prevalence were a sedentary lifestyle (94.2%) and an unhealthy diet (92.4%). Majority (97.2%) had two or more risk factors while 1.9% of adolescents had no risk factor. More in-school adolescents (24.1%) had two risk factors compared to 14.1% of out-of-school adolescents (p 0.001); 14.1% of out-of-school adolescents had five or more risk factors compared to 2.9% of those in school (p 0.001). Co-occurrence and clustering of behavioural and physical risk factors was found among both in-school and out-of-school adolescents.Contribution: This study highlighted the burden of risk factors for NCDs among both in-school and out-of-school adolescents in the North-Central part of Nigeria. This is especially useful in developing targeted interventions to tackle these risk factors.

PATTERN OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURES IN A NIGERIAN TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTION; A 4-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: According to surveys, mandibular injuries aetiology varies between countries and even between centers in the same country. Mandibular fractures are the second most frequent facial injury, accounting for 15.5% to 59% of all facial fractures globally. The study aimed to find out if there were predictable patterns of fractured in the north central part of Nigeria.
 Materials and Methods: Mandibular fracture patients treated during a 4-year period were identified in a retrospective analysis and examined based on factors including age, sex, mode of trauma, month and day of the week of presentation, number and anatomic location, treatment method and sequelae.
 Results: The study reviewed 75 participants between the ages of 2 and 70. The mean age was 30.69 ± 11.22 years, and the gender split was 70 males (93.20%) and 5 females (6.80%), with a p-value of 0.09. The main cause was motorbike accident (68%) and head on collision was the major mechanism of trauma road traffic accidents (RTAs, 68.8%) and none of motorbike riders nor did passengers wear crash helmet. A total of ninety-nine fractures out of one hundred and six fractures were observed in males. A small percentage of patients (33%) exhibited altered consciousness, however there was no statistically significant link between the aetiology and level of consciousness (p=0.818).
 Conclusion: The mandibular body was most severely impacted and the primary mechanism of injury was head-on collision between two motorbikes. Speed restrictions and legislative law should be placed on the use of crash helmet.

Characteristics of soils for civil engineering foundations in part of North Central Nigeria, using electrical resistivity method

A geophysical investigation was carried out using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) in part of North Central Nigeria to evaluate the subsoil thickness, competence, and corrosivity for civil engineering foundations. A total of 60 VES stations were covered within the study area using the Schlumberger configuration array with half current electrode separation (AB/2) varying from 1m to a maximum of 100m while the half potential electrode spacing (MN/2) varied by 0.3 m to a maximum of 5m. The analysis of data was done using IP2win and Surfer 12 softwares. The first layer has resistivity values between 4.728 Ωm to 4210 Ωm and varied in thickness between 0.15 m to 1.42 m, the second layer has resistivity values between 24.7Ωm to 355000 Ωm and varied in thickness between 0.0355 m to 8.983 m while the third layer has resistivity values ranging between 8.361 Ωm to151,608 Ωm and varied in thickness between 1.05 m to 34.2 m, the fourth layer which is the last of the geoelectric layers has resistivity values between 27.95 m to 77000 m. The subsoil within the study area is composed of clay, sandy clay, clayey sand, sand, and laterite. From the qualitative interpretation of the Isoresistivity and Isopach maps, the Southwestern, Southeastern and Northwestern parts of the study area are moderately corrosive to extremely corrosive subsoil with resistivity values ranging between 4.728 Ωm and 50.48 Ωm. The third layer consists of an incompetent low resistivity soft material that underlain the entire study area except at the central region which is essentially noncorrosive and highly competent. VES curves interpretations revealed the thickness and depths of the geoelectric layers within the study area. The results of this research could enable civil engineers to ascertain the requisite depth of soil evacuation for the sustainability of structures within the study area.

Geotechnical investigation of the sub-soils condition around Yelwa North central part of Nigeria For the construction of infrastructures

Investigation of the geotechnical conditions of the Sub-soils around Yelwa North Central part of Nigeria was carried out in order to know the possible causes of the infrastructural failures in the area. The investigation involves in-situ collection of the disturbed and undisturbed soil samples and were analysed in the laboratory based on British Standard (BS) method for soil testing for civil engineers. Results of the study reveals that; The Atterberg limit (Liquid limit ranged from 33.0% to 43.0%, Plastic limits from 16.23% to 26.37%, Linear shrinkage from 7.86% to 15.71%, Plasticity index from 7.63% to 24.77%). The Sieve analysis shows that; the percentage passing of the soil samples ranges from 31.62% to 67.60% which indicates poor materials. The Direct shear test revealed that the cohesive strength (c) ranges from 13 kN/m2 to 24 kN/m2 , angle of internal friction (ø)° from 12° to 16° and unit weight (ϒ) from 18.17 kN/m3 to 20.87 kN/m3 . From the Consolidation test; the Total settlement (Pc) ranges from 0.0008 m to 0.013 m, Coefficient of Consolidation (Cv) from 87.657 m2 /yr to 109.325 m2 /yr and Volume Compressibility (Mv) from 0.0048 kN/m2 to 0.0205 kN/m2 . The Soil pH ranges from 6.4 to 7.4, Specific gravity (SG) from 2.57 to 2.73, and Natural Moisture Content (NMC) from 8.48% to 25.77%. The Compaction test revealed that; the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) ranged from 13.22% to 20.60%, Maximum Dry Density (MDD) from 1.59 g/cm3 to 1.88 g/cm3 which shows that the soil are mostly of silty-clay material and Un-soaked value of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) ranges from 50.88% to 96.51%. The findings have revealed that, the sub-soil is characteristically fair to poor, and this required a form of geotechnics. Information acquired from the findings are expected to serve as guide in the choice of design and construction and as a baseline subsurface soil compendium for the construction of infrastructure in the study area and for further studies.

The influence of religion and socio-economic status on coping with chronic diseases among older adults in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Although still regarded as a demographically young country, the increased life-expectancy in Nigeria has corresponded with increased rates of chronic diseases among older people. There is limited information about the strategies adopted by older people in dealing with chronic diseases. This study explored how religion and social support help older people cope with their chronic disease conditions, while accounting for the prevailing socio-cultural and economic circumstances in Nigeria. This qualitative study was conducted in two state-owned medical institutions, in a city in the North-Central part of Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted among 19 purposively selected chronically ill persons aged between 50 years and over, during clinic days, after receiving treatment from the medical doctors. Recurring themes include: ‘God as Bestower and Reliever,’ Disease as Frustration and Disruption,’ ‘Financial Strain and Drain,’ and ‘Times are Hard.’ The study revealed that religion is central to peoples’ understanding and acceptance of their chronic disease conditions as well as adherence to prescriptions. It also explored the dual burden of coping with chronic conditions as well as being financially responsible for themselves and their families. The study also highlighted the centrality of religion in understanding chronic conditions as well as adherence to physicians’ orders/prescriptions.

A baseline studies on the nutritional interplay between HIV drugs and kidney, liver and heart indices in patients receiving HIV treatment in North-Central Nigeria

Malnutrition is one of the major problems among those infected with HIV/AIDS receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Various studies have shown that HIV infection and malnutrition are intricately linked to each other. In the absence of proper nutrition and treatment, HIV infection can lead to malnutrition which in turn impairs the immune system there by progressing HIV to AIDS, conversely use of ART has been reported to have significant effect on people living with HIV. This study aims at assessing the nutritional interplay between HIV drugs and kidney, liver, and heart indices among subjects undergoing HIV treatment at medical out-patient department of Federal Medical Centers in North Central part of Nigeria. A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted where 677 people living with HIV attending the ART clinic were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Nutritional status among these people was assessed through anthropometry Body Mass Index (BMI) and were classified accordingly; Underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) and overweight/obesity (BMI > 23 kg/m2). Patients information’s including HIV associated risk factors, opportunistic infections, ART regimen, etc. were collected from the medical record department. Socio-demographic data were collected using structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to access kidney, liver and heart indices as well as levels of Vitamin D and trace elements such as Zinc and Selenium. Chi-square was used to test for a significant difference between sociodemographic characteristics and BMI, while ANOVA was used to compare the levels of kidney, liver and heart indices as well as vitamin D, Zn and Se based on BMI status at 95% C.I. Most of the study participants were overweight 201 (29.7%) and obese 211 (31.2%), a large number had a normal BMI 32.9%. The prevalence of underweight was found to be 42(6.2%). there was a significant increase in the level of some kidney, liver and cardiac indices in participants who were overweight and obese compared to those who were normal and underweights, these significant increase was observed in the levels of Na, K, Cl, HCo3, ALP, AST, ALT, Cholesterol, LDL and TG. There was a significant decrease in levels of Vitamin D, Zn and Se in participants who were underweight. Underweight, overweight and obesity are emerging problem among HIV patients on ART. Patients undergoing ART should be placed under strict nutritional monitoring and be subjected to nutritional supplementation to avert untimely death, also effort should be made to address the burden of malnutrition by addressing identified determinants.

The effects of pension scheme on the socio-economic development of the pensioner, a case of North Central, Plateau State, Nigeria

The purpose of this is to discover the effect between pension scheme and socio-economic development in North Central Part of Nigeria. How does pension Programmes affect the livelihood, prosperity, GDP and Infrastructural development of the pensioner. The design of this study was Adopted a case (study which is a research method were a researcher focuses on a specific area whose results are inference to represent the entire populations. The instruments of data collection was printed questions given to group of retirees and some civil servants to fill with the aim of collecting data and was analyzed using simple using correlation as well as analysis of variance (ANOVA) the result of this research shows that the value is less than the significant level at 5%, we can therefore reject the null hypothesis and conclude that pension scheme has significant effect on socio- economic development of pensioners in North central part of Nigeria. On the other hand ,for second research question, we can discovered that the value is less that the significance level (0.05). we again reject the null hypothesis and conclude that regular payments of retirees benefits has a significant impact on the livelihood of pensioner in line with the priory expectation that Sets the research in motion again on the probit regression results. We can see that indeed the level of payment of retirees pension is positively Related to their overall wellbeing. However, the impact of payment so far affect their livelihood insignificantly. Hence, the relevant authorities should check and Address The issues relating to payments of benefits such as late payment ,as it has adverse effects on the socio economic (well-being) of pensioners.

Predicting the distribution of the invasive species Hyptis suaveolens in Nigeria

Hyptis suaveolens is an exotic plant that has become established in Nigeria because it is grows vigorously and produces allelochemicals that adversely affect the growth of adjacent plants. In this study, we predict the distribution of Hyptis suaveolens in Nigeria using a Maximum Entropy modelling approach. Pearson correlations were used to select five bioclimatic variables to which type of soil and altitude were added to give a total of seven environmental variables that were then included in the MaxEnt model. This model predicts that Hyptis suaveolens can colonize 25%, 45% and 25% of the total land area in FCT, Nasarawa and the River States in Nigeria. In addition, Hyptis suaveolens in Nigeria grows mainly in sandy clay and sandy loam soils. Bioclimatic conditions most suitable for this species include temperatures between 26– 30 °C, 9–10 hour photoperiod, low altitudes of around 200–800 m and rainfall within the range of 200–800mm. The MaxEnt model indicates that Hyptis suaveolens is currently a threat to the survival of native species of plants in the North Central part of Nigeria. The MaxEnt model further reveals that because of its high adaptability and tolerance of changes in abiotic factors, Hyptis suaveolens is likely to invade a new environment, the humid forest zone in Nigeria. As this species can become very abundant, we recommend that its spread is monitored and controlled, particularly in areas of high suitability.

Comparative Morphology and Taxonomic Study of Chlorophytum sabiense And Two Other Species in the Genus Chlorophytum Ker-Gawl

Chlorophytum sabiense Omok. (a newly identified species in the family Asparagaceae) is unique, having multiple styles emerging from fused ovaries. This specialized character may be overlooked in conjuring up archetype for the genus Chlorophytum, since the genus is characterized by single and simple style. Comparative morphology and taxonomic study of Chlorophytum sabiense and two other species in the genus (Chlorophytum macrophyllum and C. stenopetalum) was carried out to appraise level of relatedness of Chlorophytum. sabiense and these existing members. Distribution of the three species is sympatric in the North Central part of Nigeria. Chlorophytum sabiense may be confused with either of the two species because of the attributes they have in common. Samples collected were raised in a garden and closely observed for duration of three years. Data collected from morphological studies were analyzed statistically. The three species show similarity in most of the vegetative characters studied, however Chlorophytum sabiense is distinguished from the two others having; multiple styles, smaller fruit size and shorter length of pistil relative to the stamen. Exceptional characteristics exhibited by Chlorophytum sabiense makes it stand out among species in the genus, while its close resemblance with its allies accounts for reason why it had escaped recognition for a long time.

Impact Of Atmospheric Parameters And Noise Temperature On Digital Terrestrial Television Signal Strength Overkarshi Area, Abuja, North-Central, Nigeria

In this paper, the impact of atmospheric parameters (atmospheric temperature, pressure, relative humidity and wind speed) and noise temperature on digital terrestrial television signal strength over Karshi area, Abuja, North-Central part of Nigeria has been examined. Measurements were taken for a period of nine months (April 2019 – December 2019) to cover the commencement of rainy period and towards the end of rainy period. The results showed that atmospheric and noise temperature as well as wind speed weakly influenced the signal strength while relative humidity strongly influenced the signal strength. The effect of atmospheric pressure over the signal strength was not consistent during the period of measurement. The signal strength of AIT, NTA, Channels TV and ETV were negatively affected by the atmospheric temperature up to about88.8%, 25.6%, 16.5% and 93.2%, respectively; the noise temperature up to about 85.3%, 13.4%, 5.9% and 90.7% respectively and wind speed by about 89.2%, 26.8%, 16.3%, and 92.4%respectively. However, the signal strength was affected positively by the relative humidity up to about 87.9%, 18.7%, 10.1% and 92.4% respectively, while the atmospheric pressure affected NTA and Channels TV negatively by about 21.3% and 26.8%, respectively and affected AIT and ETV positively by about 22.7% and 26.8%, respectively. Findings from this study will be of help to satellite link designers, policy makers, antenna modelers and other TV transmission equipment designers on how to mitigate the effect of some of the atmospheric components on digital terrestrial signal strength reception in Nigeria.

Chlorophytum sabiense (Asparagaceae): A new speices from Nigeria

Chlorophytum Ker-Gawl. is a monocotyledonous perennial herb. Its perennating organ is rhizome which may be tuberous or not. The genus like other Liliales is characterized by having tricarpellay syncarpous ovary. In the present study, samples of the species collected from the North Central part of Nigeria and used for this study, were observed to have multiple carpels fused at the base and with free styles. This is the main diagnostic feature of the newly identified species. Multicarpellary syncarpous ovary is not only new for the genus but also for the tribe Asphodeleae of Hutchinson's system. The carpels consist of; 3 with long free styles and 3 with short free styles. Placentation is axile, with three chambers, suggesting carpellode situation in few of its carpels. The new taxon is therefore named Chlorophytum sabiense. Omokanye, sp. nov. TYPE: Nigeria, Sabi

Evaluation of Some Factors Associated with Mother to Child HIV Transmission in Some States in the North Central Part of Nigeria

In developing countries, despite the availability of proven interventions for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission, HIV in children is still a largely uncontrolled epidemic. Data of infants were collected from infant’s medical record and mother’s history charts from four states in North central part of Nigeria. Socio-demographic data such as age, occupation, place of delivery and mode of delivery and the rate prevalence in different states were also collected. The data were analyzed using chi-squared test with 95% confidence intervals and p-value (0.05). Out of one thousand four hundred and sixteen data collected on mode of child birth, the percentage mother to child transmission on children delivered through vaginal and cesarean surgery were 17.3% and 16.7%, respectively. Children delivered at home had the highest percentage HIV infection at 19.7%; while children delivered at private hospital had the lowest 16.5%. Younger mothers between the ages of 17-25 had the highest rate of mother to child transmission. Benue and Plateau states had the highest rate of mother to child transmission 21.7% and 20.4%, respectively compared to Nassarawa and Bauchi with infection rate 13.2 and 12.7%, respectively. The data collected in this study demonstrate the factors associated with mother to child transmission of HIV in some states in north central Nigeria.

Assessment of Geotechnical Parameters of Lateritic Soil of Jos and Environs, for Civil Engineering Constructions North Central part of Nigeria

Due to failures of Civil Engineering structures in Jos and its Environs, Geotechnical parameters of Lateritic soils were carried out in order to determine its engineering properties for civil engineering construction. The methods involved are; reconnaissance survey, site works, laboratory tests based on British Standard (BS) methods and interpretation of the results. The laboratory test of the soils revealed that the Atterberg limit; Liquid limit (LL) ranged from 33.0% to 45.0%, Plastic limit (PL) from 16.23% to 26.37%, and Plasticity index (PI) from 8.63% to 22.67%. The percentage passing from the Sieve analysis ranges from 31.62% to 67.66%. The cohesive strength (c) and angle of internal friction (ø) from direct shear test ranged from 13KN/m2 to 24KN/m2 and 9° to 26°. The values of the Total settlement (Pc) from the Consolidation test ranged from 0.0005m to 0.0019m, Soil pH from 5.2 to 7.8, Specific gravity (SG) from 2.57 to 2.73 and Natural Moisture Content (NMC) from 8.18% to 46.36%. From the compaction test; the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) ranged from 15.22% to 20.60% and Maximum Dry Density (MDD) from 1.62g/cm3 to 1.84g/cm3. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test for the soaked soils ranged from 21.0% to 93.0% and Un-soaked values from 50.75% to 96.61%. The findings reveal that; the geology of the area can be largely classified into granites (Biotite-microgranite, N’gell biotite-granite, Jos-biotite-granite and Aplo-pegmatitic granite-gneiss) and laterites. The geotechnical parameters of the soil are characteristically fair to poor, the strength and deformation of the soil reveals that it can mostly be used as a sub-base materials. The soil is classified as silty-clay, and the area need to be stabilized with cement, sand and gravel before carry civil engineering constructions. The results obtained will serve as base-line information for civil engineering construction in the study area in other to avoid structural damage.

Regional groundwater studies using high-resolution aeromagnetic data in Abuja and environs, North-Central Nigeria

Abuja and environs usually experiences water shortage during the dry season as a result of rapid population growth, due to the fact that the water from Lower Usuma Dam used for domestic and industrial purposes are no longer sufficient to cater for its teeming population. The shortage can be minimized through better understanding of lineament configurations of the area. Regional groundwater studies using high-resolution aeromagnetic data in Abuja and environs, North-Central Nigeria were carried out to address water shortages in Abuja and its surroundings. The aim of the study was to identify groundwater targets/potential zones for the purpose of providing sufficient water to the communities in the area. The study area is situated in the North-Central part of Nigeria and lies between latitudes 8° 00’- 9°30’ N and longitudes 6°30’- 8°00’ E. First vertical derivative (1VD) technique was applied to the residual magnetic data of the study area using Oasis Montaj software version 8.3 and thereafter extracted lineaments from 1VD map using ArcGIS software version 10.4.1. Result of 1VD technique indicates that polyphase deformation was pervasive throughout the area as joints, fractures, faults, as well as folds in the map. Major lineament trends identified in the study area are NNE-SSW 27.47%, NE-SW 25.54%, ENE-WSW 18% and N-S 9.57%, the magnitudes and orientations of the lineaments are essential for groundwater movement. The study indicates that Dogon-Kurmi, Gitata, Rafin, Gurku, Karshi, Keffi, Paiko, Farindoki, Takuti, Lambata, Izom, Tudun Wada, Safon Lapai, Mayaki, Gwagwalada, Gidan Ali, Takura, Dafa, Dangara, Abaji, Kwali, Zuba, Madalla, Gauraka, Suleja, Kuje, Abuja, Bwari, Udegi, Zango-Daji, eastern part of Katakwa, Gadabuke, Buga, Koton-Karfe, Bibirako, Kworaki, Toto, Dagoshi and Umaisha have good groundwater prospect. Fieldwork conducted in the area confirmed the existence of lineaments/fractures in the area and as such are targets for groundwater exploration.

English

This study is aimed at assessing ambient air quality in city centres, in Minna metropolis, Niger State, North-Central part of Nigeria. Thirty points of commercial transportation locations within the city centre were considered, three thousand observations of CO, CO2, LEL, H2S and O2 were collected at different West African time (6 am, 8 am, 10 am, 12 noon and 6 pm) during the wet season in 2018 and analysed. Instruments including RKI GX-2009 and BW Technologies GasAlert® Multi-Gas, AMPROBE CO2-100, gas detection instrument with self-calibration capability of ±30 ppm, ±5%rdg (0–5000) accuracy and Garmin CX60 handheld global positioning system were used to obtain the Universal Transverse Mercator coordinates. The results showed higher mean CO2 emission values of > 499 ppm and < 551 ppm. It was also observed that these values were contrary to and exceeded the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and Occupational Safety and Health Administration normal outdoor level standards of 350 to 450 ppm. These higher CO2 values were found to have displaced O2 and increased its value to 22.5% above the standard (20.9%). The results also showed emission of H2S in the commercial city centres; if these pollutants are not monitored and controlled they will have adverse effects on human health and impact on the environment. This scenario would be in contrast to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 11. Effective city planning and development control with emphasis on transportation planning, improving the soft landscaping component of the city through planting of trees to sequestrate the CO2 and environmental awareness campaigns by relevant state authorities and non-governmental organisations.   Key words: Air quality levels, carbon emissions, transportation, green-cities, pollution.

Application of Aeromagnetic Data to Assess the Structures and Solid Mineral Potentials in Part of North Central Nigeria

Assessment of the structures and solid minerals was carryout to investigate subsurface structural characteristics and mineralization potential zones within part of north-central Nigeria. The residual magnetic intensity data of the area was reduced to magnetic pole after which several source edge detection/interpretation with depth determination techniques including, analytic signal; tilt derivative; first and second vertical derivatives and Euler deconvolution were applied to the aeromagnetic data. From the analytic signal map, three magnetic zones were delineated. These are: low to relatively low magnetic zone (LM) with amplitude range from 0.003 to 0.009, moderate magnetic zone (MM) with amplitude 0.009 to 0.106 and those with amplitudes above 0.106 were products of later magmatic intrusions into host with fractures, faults and joints. Tilt derivative helped in delineating location and extent of edges of causative sources while Euler deconvolution helps in determination of boundary, depth and geometry of the structures. From first vertical derivative map, structures were found to have high lineament density around the central portion of the area and span toward the western end of the map were delineated. The lineaments mapped trending in the ENE-WSW followed by WNW-ESE with some NE-SW, NNE-SSW and NNW-SSE trends. The second vertical derivative (SVD) map also helped in delineating structures and possible mineralization zones that are pronounced within the study area, around high analytic signal zones. Delineated possible and favorable mineralization zones from second vertical derivative map correlate with portion of the study area with rocks showing high analytic signal amplitude suggesting the rocks to be of later magmatic intrusions where mineralization fluids solidify within the host rocks.

A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Revealing Causes of Pavement Failures: Case Study of Minna – Suleja Highway, North-Central Nigeria

Remote sensing, geotechnical studies and geophysical data have been applied to determine the causes of the continuous pavement failure of the Minna – Suleja highway in a part of North-Central Nigeria. In this study, remotely sensed data in the form of Landsat 8 OLI and SRTM DEM were processed to extract structural lineaments and drainage pattern of the area. Geotechnical evaluation of soil samples such as grain size analyses, Compaction Test, Atterberg Limits and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) determination were also conducted. Geophysical data acquired were in the form of lateral resistivity profiling data at 500 m intervals and twenty-one Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) spread across the selected sections of the road. Lineament analysis revealed predominant NNE-SSW trending structures. A notable percentage of the Lineaments trend NW- SE. Both sets of lineaments constitute a conjugate fracture system. CBR values in both portions range from 5 – 15% in soaked condition and unsoaked condition at OMC. Plasticity index range from 14 – 30 and 19 – 45 in both portions. Quantitative interpretation of the VES results established the presence of mostly three geologic layers which are: Clayey top soil, sand/lateritic sand and weathered basement. Resistivity values range from 20 Ωm to 300 Ωm for the top soil layer. The depths of this layer were generally less than 3 m. Preponderance of intersections of lineaments along failed portions account for near surface fractures, making these zones weak. This can be linked to low resistivity of the near surface materials and shallowness of the water bearing zones especially on the failed portions on which the road pavement foundation was laid. A distinction could not be made on the results of the geotechnical properties in both the failed and stable portions of the road. Hence, failure factors are not linked to the geotechnical properties of the soils.

Urban Sprawl and the Challenges of Physical Development Planning in the North-Central Part of Nigeria

Urban Sprawl and the Challenges of Physical Development Planning in the North-Central Part of Nigeria

THE INTERSECTION OF RELIGION AND SES IN MANAGING CHRONIC CONDITIONS AMONG OLDER PERSONS IN NIGERIA

Increased life expectancy in Nigeria has corresponded with higher rates of chronic diseases among older persons. Consequently, this is a new experience that older persons progressively have to deal with. In this study, I explored how religion and social support helped older persons cope with their chronic disease conditions, in light of the prevailing socio-cultural and economic circumstances in Nigeria. The research was conducted in two state-owned medical institutions, in a city in the North-Central part of Nigeria. In-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted among 19 purposively selected chronically ill persons aged between 50 years and over, during clinic days. The study revealed that religion is central to peoples’ management of feelings of despair, and acceptance of chronic disease conditions, as well as their adherence to prescriptions. This is explained by the theme “God as the Bestower and Reliever.” Also, some respondents perceived their coreligionists to be financially supportive. Although, some participants expressed that they depended on their families for their upkeep and emotional well-being, dire socio-economic conditions and lack of governmental support in chronic care meant that financial support was limited. This is explained by the theme “Times are Hard.” Subsequently, most respondents bore a dual burden of coping with chronic conditions even as they were financially responsible for themselves and their families. This was particularly stressful because it meant that most respondents were constantly worried about being able to meet basic daily needs, as well as manage the financial costs of their treatments, which proved expensive to manage.

Impact of a Nomadic Pastoral Lifestyle on the Gut Microbiome in the Fulani Living in Nigeria.

The co-evolution of the gut microbiota with its human host has revolutionized our current scientific viewpoint about the contribution of diet and lifestyle on human health. Most studies so far have focused on populations living in the United States and Europe or compared those with communities from other geographic areas in the world. In order to determine the taxonomic and predicted functional profile of the gut microbiome of a hitherto unstudied human community, we investigated the phylogenetic diversity of the gut microbiota in a community of Fulani nomadic pastoralists, and their semi-urbanized neighbors – the Jarawa. The Jarawa reside in a city (Jos) in the north-central part of Nigeria, and are adapted in part to a westernized lifestyle. The nomadic Fulani lifestyle resembles a mix of Paleolithic and Neolithic lifestyle patterns with a greater predisposition to diseases. The fecal microbiota of the Fulani and the Jarawa were characterized by paired-end Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, followed by downstream bioinformatics analysis of the sequence reads. The Fulani harbored increased numbers of signatures of microbes that are known to be associated with a foraging lifestyle such as the Bacteroidetes, Spirochaetes, and Prevotellaceae, while the Jarawa were dominated by signatures of Firmicutes, Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Christensenellaceae. Notably, the gut microbiota of the Fulani showed less taxonomic diversity than those of the Jarawa. Although they reside in the same geographical zone, microbial community composition was significantly different between the two groups. Pathogens were predicted to be more abundant in the gut microbiota of the Fulani than of the Jarawa. Predicted pathogenic pathways and pathways associated with the breakdown of fiber-rich diet were enriched in the Fulani, including glutathione metabolism, while pathways associated with the consumption of low-fiber diet and xenobiotics, including fructose and mannose metabolic pathways, and nitrotoluene degradation pathways, respectively, were enriched in the Jarawa. Significant differences in composition between both groups were likely due to differences in diet and lifestyle and exposure to pathogens. These results suggest that microbial diversity may not always be higher in non-industrialized societies than in westernized societies, as previously assumed.