Southwestern Part Of Nigeria Research Articles

An evaluation of the impacts of construction professionals’ conflict on performance in the Nigerian construction industry

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate impacts of construction professionals (CPs) conflict on performance in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI).Design/methodology/approachA quantitative method was used for this research. Questionnaires were sent to various CPs in Southwestern part of Nigeria. A total of 150 questionnaires were sent out, while 135 were gotten back from the partakers. The data received from the partakers were computed by applying descriptive and exploratory factor analysis.FindingsIn this study, conflict leads to the abandonment of the CPs’ task being rated highest by the participants. This was followed by conflict that results in insufficient communication, generates job pressure, results to frustrations and displeasure among the CPs, helps in early problem identification, causes work damage among professionals, helps in solving professional organization problems, improves productivity of professionals, improves communication among the professionals and so on.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to CPs that are members of professional bodies in Nigeria, and only 135 participants participated. Though, this paper suggests that a mixed-method approach should be utilized in further studies with a wider coverage.Practical implicationsThe findings from this paper will increase the understanding of CPs in Nigeria on various impacts of conflict on performance in the construction industry, most specifically the professional bodies. Moreover, this study will increase the knowledge of CPs to always avoid whatever that leads to the abandonment of their tasks. Additionally, this study will benefit the CPs to avoid insufficient communication among themselves, in order to accomplish great performance and efficiency in their respective professional bodies.Originality/valueSince previous studies on impacts of construction conflict in Nigeria were only focused on contractors and consultants in construction project, this current study filled the gap by evaluating the impacts of CPs’ conflict on performance in the NCI. Also, the method of analysis used for this study is exemptional because previous studies have overlooked the method. However, it is recommended that CPs must communicate more with others so as to ensure favorable conflict effects on performance.

Assessment of the perception of the public on the impact of the lockdown due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 started in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and was declared pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. Globally, majority of nations worldwide with Nigeria inclusive were on lockdown. Variations exist in the way the public responded to the lockdown.Objective: The study is to determine the public perception on the impact of the lockdown due to COVID-19Methods: Pretested survey form prepared using the Google form app and distributed via social media - WhatsApp, Facebook, email and Instagram. Sample size was determined as 510. The data collected was exported to Microsoft Excel. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Inferential analysis was done using chi square, and fisher exact test at 95% confidence interval. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Health Research and Ethics Committee, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.Results: A total of 510 respondents participated in the study. The results revealed 52.2% female respondents. The data revealed 60% were employed with majority residing in the South Western part of Nigeria and are in a relationship. While self-employed participants comprised 25.9%. Respondents aged between 40-49 years were 28.6%, while 61.57% were postgraduate degree holders. The current data showed that 59.6% of the respondents think that the lockdown, irrespective of the dimension taken prevented the spread of the diseaseConclusion: A significant percentage of the public are of the opinion that the lockdown was effective.

Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Methanol Extracts of Phragmanthera incana (schum) Leaves Parasitized on South-West-Nigeria Host Trees

Phragmanthera incana (Schum), a specie of mistletoe, belonging to the family Loranthaceae, is a hemi-parasitic plant growing on trees in South-Western part of Nigeria. The phytochemical constituents of P. incana from four host trees; Psidium guajava (guava), Cola acuminata (kolanut), Anacardium occidentale (cashew) and Mangifera indica (mango) were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively following standard protocols. The Qualitative screening showed the presence of tannins, anthraquinone, flavonoids, phenols, reducing sugar, cardiac glycosides, terpernoids, saponin and steroids in all the four selected host trees. Quantitative evaluation showed a significantly high (p < 0.05) Phenol and Steroid contents in P. incana from cashew tree when compared with P. incana from guava, kolanut and mango trees. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in Saponin, Terpernoids and Cardiac glycosides was recorded in P. incana from mango tree when compared with P. incana from cashew, guava and kolanut trees while a significantly high (p < 0.05) reducing sugar was in P. incana from kolanut tree when compared with P. incana leaves from cashew, guava and mango trees. It can be concluded that the plant has immense potential to be used in the area of pharmacology and as a prospective target for drug formulation. Key Words: Phytochemicals, Phragmanthera incana, Mistletoes, Hemi-parasitic plants

Frequency domain electromagnetic and electrical resistivity geophysical investigation of tar sands deposits in the Ijebu Waterside area, Eastern Dahomey Basin, southwestern Nigeria

The use of electromagnetic conductivity and electrical resistivity geophysical techniques has been employed in this study to investigate the occurrence, thickness, and spatial distribution of bitumen deposit around Makun-Omi in the Ijebu Waterside area of southwestern Nigeria. Subsurface apparent conductivity distribution data obtained using Geonic 34-3 equipment along fifteen traverses which sounded from different depths of 7.5, 15, 30 and 60 m at inter-coil separation of 10, 20 and 40 m in vertical and horizontal coupling modes and ground resistivity distribution measurements, obtained using Geopulse Tiger Allied resistivity meter at fourteen Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) stations, were processed and employed to characterize the subsurface in terms of tar sands distribution. The conductivity and resistivity distribution in the form of a 3D earth model, iso-depth maps, 2D sections generated from the processed conductivity and resistivity data indicate relatively low conductivity <20 mS/m and high resistivity >1300 Ωm values around tar/bitumen impregnated sands which mostly occurred in the southern part of the study area. Clearly defined conductivity and resistivity anomalies which delineate the lateral and vertical occurrence of tar impregnated sands underscore the efficacy of integrating electromagnetic and electrical resistivity geophysical techniques to identify occurrence of economic deposits of tar sands in parts of southwestern Nigeria.

Larval Habitat Characterization and Molecular Identification of Anopheles gambiae Complex in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Background: Mosquito-borne diseases have remained a serious problem in many parts of the world despite several control efforts to manage the vector abundance. Mosquitoes transmit such diseases like malaria, dengue, lymphatic filariasis and yellow fever. Malaria parasites, transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquitoes still result in many morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. In this study, larval breeding site characterization and molecular identification of Anopheles mosquitoes were carried out in Ado, Oye and Ikole LGAs of Ekiti State, Nigeria . Methods: Mosquito larvae were collected from the study sites at different times during the mosquito breeding season from April to July 2019. Habitat characteristics were observed after which larvae collection was carried out. Identification of Anopheles adult mosquitoes was done using taxonomic keys and multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and the results were analysed using the chi-squared test Results: A total of 2,011 Anopheles mosquitoes larvae were collected from the various habitats in the three LGAs. Larvae breeding sites characteristics and the respective abundance of larvae caught include: Sunlight 1,509(75.04), Shade 502(24.96); Presence of algae 1,152(57.28), Absence of algae 859(42.72); Presence of vegetation 1,426(70.91), Absence of vegetation 585(29.09); Turbid 617(30.68), Clear 1,394(69.32); Temporary 1,909(94.93), Permanent 102(5.07); Stagnant 2,011(100), Flowing 0(0.00); Natural 1,851(92.04), Manmade 160(7.96); Presence of settlement 1,978(98.36) and Absence of settlement 33(1.64). The difference between each compared group was significant (p<0.05). Significant difference (p<0.05) also exist for the Anopheles mosquitoes collected; An. gambiae s.l (91.5%), An. funestus (7.96%) and An. maculipalpis (0.6%). Molecular identification of An. gambiae s.l. showed that products were formed in 83.61%, 76.61% and 84.47% of the samples from Ado, Oye and Ikole LGAs respectively and only two members of the An gambiae complex were identified in the entire LGAs; An. gambiae s.s. (59.22%) and An. arabiensis (21.89%). Conclusion: This study identified the An. gambiae as the main Anopheles species in the study sites. This finding is similar to results from other parts of South-western Nigeria where An. gambiae was the predominant vector. There is therefore a need to intensify control efforts in the three LGAs .

Assessment of geoelectric properties and localized geology as indicators on cocoa (Theobroma cacao) yield in a part of southwestern Nigeria

The need to establish a sound scientific basis for subsoil studies using a geoelectric method for locating sites best suited for cocoa (Theobroma cacao) production is highly expedient considering recent scientific trends. An integration of geoelectrical and geological investigation was carried out with a view to assessing the relationship between subsoil parameters and cocoa production output on fifteen (15) selected farm-sites across different communities in Ondo State, currently ranking as highest producer of Cocoa in Nigeria. This is with the aim of delineating the subsurface geological sequences, determining their geoelectric parameters, identifying the composition of subsurface layers and soils best related for high yield of cocoa. The studied sites which are located on the Precambrian Basement complex and the Dahomey Basin, southwestern Nigeria, showed from the geoelectric sections a total of between three to five (3–5) subsoil layers comprising the topsoil, the weathered or fractured basement/cretaceous sediments layers, and imfinite depth basement bedrock. The well-drained clayey loam/loamy and clayey sand/sandy clay weathered/partially weathered subsoil groups coincided with high cocoa produce data zones. Granite Gneiss - Grey Gneiss and Charnockites rock groups make up the geology in these areas. While the weathered - partially weathered columns that are characterized as sands and plastic clay subsoils within the Schist/Granite Gneiss rock groups coincided with areas where cocoa are reported to have short life span and cocoa produce data is low. We concluded that fairly thick subsoil spectrum from the topsoil to weathered - partially weathered column, formed from the weathered products from rock units including Grey Gneiss - Charnockite rocks, make up the most important underlying lithologic units most suitable for optimal cultivation of cocoa crop in the study area.

An appraisal of air quality, thermal comfort, acoustic, and health risk of household kitchens in a developing country.

Few studies have documented the air quality, noise, thermal comfort, and health risk assessment of household kitchens related to Sub-Sahara Africa. In this paper, air quality (CO and PM2.5), thermal comfort (relative humidity (RH) and temperature), noise, and health risk in urban household kitchens with kerosene-fueled stoves were presented. This study was carried out during the dry season (summer) in the Southwestern part of Nigeria. At the breathing zone, PM2.5 and CO concentrations in the assessed kitchens were measured. In addition, the noise level, RH, and air temperature in the assessed kitchens were also determined. Furthermore, an evaluation of the heat index and health risk of the exposed population to the kerosene-fueled stove kitchens was carried out. During cooking, average CO and PM2.5 concentrations were 24.77 ± 1.05ppm and 138.10 ± 2.61µg/m3, respectively, while the RH was 68.34 ± 0.73%, noise level was 51.14 ± 1.08dB, and temperature was 29.86 ± 0.23°C. The CO and noise levels were relatively slightly lower and PM2.5 was significantly higher than the thresholds recommended by World Health Organisation. In most of the kitchens, the heat index evaluation revealed the possibility of heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and sunstroke with prolonged exposure of the vulnerable group. The air quality index depicted unhealthy (CO exposure) and very unhealthy (PM2.5 exposure) while the hazard quotient (> 1) implied possible health risk concerning exposure by inhalation. Better design of kitchen with adequate ventilation and improved stoves are suggested.

Quality evaluation and storage properties of traditional maize-based snacks: Ipekere Agbado enriched with Bambara groundnut

BackgroundIpekere agbado is a traditional maize-based snack consumed in South Western part of Nigeria, but low in protein content and deteriorate within few days. Hence, this study aimed at evaluating the chemical compositions, functional properties, softness index and storage properties as influence by Bambara groundnut (BG) enrichment. Maize and Bambara groundnut flours were well mixed to generate the following blends: MB10 (Maize 90%, Bambara groundnut 10%), MB20 (Maize 80%, Bambara groundnut 20%), MB30 (Maize 70%, Bambara groundnut 30%) and CTRL (Maize 100%) which served as control.ResultsProtein value increased with increase in Bambara groundnut flour inclusion. The value obtained for Na/K and Ca/P ratio of ipekere agbado samples including CTRL were all significantly (p < 0.05) lower than 1.00 and greater than 2.00 respectively. Low bulk density was observed in the enriched products compared with CTRL. Storage properties (TBA, PV and FFA) resulted in noticeable increase with increasing storage periods. The maize-snack stored at 37 °C had significantly (p < 0.05) shorter storage shelf life compared to those stored at 18 °C and 25 °C.ConclusionThe overall result showed that 20% Bambara substitution was the most adequate to produce an acceptable and nutritious snack (“ipekere agbado”). Hence, consumption may improve nutrient intake and reduce protein energy malnutrition menace.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene in healthcare centres: appraisal in a pandemic

Abstract Assessment of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and water source quality in parts of Southwestern Nigeria was conducted. Sixty-one PHCs in urban and rural areas were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. A WASH profile of the PHCs was conducted based on the water source type, type of toilet facilities, and handwashing practice using the Joint Monitoring Programme service ladder for monitoring WASH services in healthcare facilities. Water sources were tested for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, chloride, nitrate, and E. coli. Boreholes and hand-dug wells are the most prevalent water source type, and flush toilets and pit latrines are the major types of toilet facilities used. All but two PHCs engaged in handwashing practices. Water quality analysis results showed that chloride, nitrate, and turbidity were within the WHO drinking-water standards. Poor water quality and sanitation practices could expose health staff and patients to healthcare-associated infections. The study recommends the construction of safe, secure and accessible water sources and toilet facilities, provision of water treatment facilities, and the training of staff and patients on the significance of handwashing practices.

Physicochemical properties of groundwater in parts of Irun Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

Ten groundwater samples from hand dug wells were collected at Irun Akoko within the basement complex of part of southwestern Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the groundwater suitability for both drinking and irrigation purposes. The groundwater samples were analysed for some physical and chemical constituents including pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), turbidity, Na, Ca, Mg, K, Cl, SO4, PO4 and NO3. The pH (7.0 – 7.9) and TDS (12.26 – 19.35 mg/l) of the groundwater indicate that the water is neutral to slightly alkaline and fresh respectively. The order of relative abundance for concentration of cations in the groundwater is K&gt;Ca&gt;Na&gt;Mg, while that of anions is Cl&gt;SO4&gt;NO3&gt;PO4. The concentrations of potassium in about 90% and chloride in about 40 % of the samples were above the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for drinking water. Other hydro-geochemical parameters Ca, Mg, Na, SO4, PO4 and NO3 falls within the WHO standards. Values of Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) classified the water as excellent for irrigation purposes. The Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP) values classified eighty percent of the water to be of good quality and the remaining samples as fair for irrigation purposes. However, using the Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (55.0 – 68.9 %) the samples may have hazardous effects on the soil. Generally, groundwater in the study area is suitable for both domestic and irrigation uses.

Empirical Assessment of Missing Link in Agricultural Technology Development and Transfer Nexus in Nigeria

Governments and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) focussed on the funding of research but neglect a very crucial issue of the transfer of technologies. Unfortunately, most of these technologies invented end up on bookshelves which might be as a result of missing linkage between the researchers, extension organizations and farmers. Therefore, the study focussed on factors associated with the missing link among researchers, extension workers and farmers in technology development and transfer. The study was carried out in the south-western part of Nigeria. The study employed the use of an interview schedule for farmers and questionnaire for extension personnel and researchers. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 398 respondents which include 80 researchers, 85 extension agents and 233 farmers.Data collected were analysed with descriptive statistics and correlation coefficient. The findings revealed that most (61%) of the selected technologies developed by research institutions were not known to the farmers. About 21% out of 39% of farmers that were aware of the technologies were still using it while 18% had discontinued the usage. Factors associated with research-extension-farmers missing link include package of recommendations not suitable for farmers (researcher 95.7%, extension agents 84.3% and farmers 95.1%); time lag between the availability of research findings and their application by the farmer (research (64.2%) extension workers (73.2%) and farmers (80%)), wages and salary differential (researchers (65.4%) and extension workers (78.3%)) and inadequate funds (researcher 90.4% and extension workers (95.3%)). The linkage strength could be influenced by the personal and psychological factors of personnel involved in research and dissemination. The gap that exists between the technologies invented and those that have been accepted by farmers has to be bridged by developing stronger links between researchers, extension personnel and the farmers by government agencies. Keywords— Extension workers, farmers, linkage, researchers, research development, technology transfer.

Determination of minerals, vitamin content and antioxidant activity of cucumber and watermelon fruits from South-Western part of Nigeria

Determination of minerals, vitamin content and antioxidant activity of cucumber and watermelon fruits from South-Western part of Nigeria

Geoelectrical resistivity imaging of shallow oil sands in the Eastern Dahomey Basin (SW Nigeria): Implication for heavy oil exploration and production

The Eastern Dahomey Basin hosts an extensive reserve of oil sands, a significant portion of which is unexplored and located within the southwestern part of Nigeria. Here, we use detailed outcrop mapping and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to investigate the physical and geological characteristics of the oil sands and surrounding lithological units within the Eastern Dahomey Basin in SW Nigeria. The oil sands in the studied outcrop belong to the Turonian to Maastrichtian sandstones of the Afowo Formation which is characterized by active bitumen seepage along the length of the outcrop. The ERT results reveal lateral and vertical variability of the overburden and oil sands units in the study area. The oil sands are characterised by two unique geoelectric anomalies. Each of these anomalies has higher resistivity values (>3713 Ωm) compared to the low resistivity values of the topsoil/laterite overburden (160–2790 Ωm) and the underlying clay dominated interval (160–1576 Ωm). Importantly, the oil sands have variable thicknesses of up to 20 m and are located at shallow depths (~1–5 m below ground level). Hence, the oil sands can be exploited using surface mining techniques. This study provides a detailed assessment into the application of a non-invasive geophysical techniques for characterising oil sands near an active seep system, with implications for drawing up exploitation strategies.

The prevalence and seasonality of ruminant animal diseases in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria.

A ten-year (1996-2005) record of treatment report on diagnosed ruminant diseases in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State was evaluated to determine the prevalence and seasonality of the major ruminant diseases in the southwestern part of Nigeria. A total of 6880 ruminants comprising 114 cattle, 3312 sheep and 3454 goats were treated. Trypanomosis, Pneumonia, and Malnutrition showed seasonal fluctuation while Helminthiasis, Ectoparasitism, Gastro-Enteritis, Kata and Dystocia were distributed throughout the year. Helminthasis (3126 cases) had a seasonal occurrence of 31.99%, 31.54%, 11.89% and 29.01% for the hot-dry , hot-humid rainy, hot humid non-rainy and cool-humid rainy seasons respectively. During the hot-dry season, Trypanosomosis (19.29%) and malnutrition (3.51%) in cattle, Helminthiasis (14.31% and 11.87%) in sheep and goats respectively were the major problems. Ectoparasition (6.76% and 7.53%) and Kata (5.86% and 5.79%) in the sheep and goats respectively were the major problems during the hot-humid rainy season. Helminthiasis (3.51%) Gastro-Enteritis (3.51%) and Toxaemia/Septicaemia (3.51%) in cattle, Helminthiasis (4.23% and 5.91%), Ectoparasitism (2.60% and 1.74%) and Kata (3.02% and 2.72%) in sheep and goats respectively were the major problems during the hot-humid non-rainy season. Pneumonia (5.265) and Helminthasis (3.51%) in cattle, Helminthasis (13.90% and 11.60%), Kata (4.90% and 7.53%), Ectoparasitism (3.51% and 5.21%) and Pneumonia (2.42% and 1.80%) in sheep and goats respectively were the major diseases that occurred in the cool humid rainy season. The relevance of this report to effective control of measures for the ruminant enterprise in southwestern Nigeria is also highlighted.

The Islamic Injunction on Hijab: The Practice and The Dynamics of The Agitation for The Adoption of The Use of Hijab in The State

Ekiti State is one of the States in the South Western part of Nigeria. The dominant religions in the State are Christianity and Islam. Like other parts of the world, there is a strong wave of Islamic revivalism by the Muslims while the Christians are not relenting in their evangelism to draw more people to their fold. One of the expressions of the revivalism by the Muslims is the voluntary adoption of the hijāb by many female Muslims. Consequently, the average female Muslim is a Mājubah of one sort or the other. The state is now faced with teeming number of women who wants to use the hijāb in the Western based schools and the government official work places. Many of them are now faced with either to remove the hijāb because of education or to look for a white collar job in the State while others who want to strictly hold to their faith were making agitations for the use of the hijāb. The paper looks at the concept of hijāb in Islam, the mode of dressing in Ekiti State, its compatibility and the differences with the traditional dressing in the State and the dynamics of the agitation for the adoption of the use of hijāb. The work made use of both primary and secondary sources. Islamic literature, archival materials and pamphlets were consulted while interviews were made with relevant personalities in the state. The result revealed a good approach adopted by the government of Ekiti State in taking care of the agitations of the Muslims on the use of hijab in government official places of work and students in formal public schools. The Ekiti model is therefore suggested to be adapted and adopted by other states in Nigeria where the problem of hijab have snowballed into crises

Hazards Risks in Manufacturing Industries: Possibility of Integrating Customized Needs

Manufacturing industries (Mrg-Inds) entails physically transformation of goods, with activities such as molding, cutting, and assembly, to final product. Hazards, associated with the activities in Mrg-Inds, are common among its workers. All the industries are face with tailored hazard risks and it is difficult to provide a common corrective measure. This study aimed at finding the possibility of integrating customized hazards in food, textile, chemical, leather and shoe, furniture and wood, and metal Mrg-Inds. The six industries assessed were located in Lagos and Ibadan, the southwestern part of Nigeria. Data were collected from 300 workers through questionnaire. Information related to peculiar types and prevalence of hazards in each of the industries were collected. Machine learning decision tree (Mld-tree) device, implemented in SPSS, was used to recognize the common hazards requiring the same decreasing measures. More than twenty-six hazards were collated from all the study areas. Chemical-related was rated (96.7%) major across the industries. This was followed by machinery-related (90%) and slips/falls (89%). The Mld tree spotted hazards related with ‘equipment’ and ‘ergonomics’ as the first chance node and the most common across all the industries. The chance node was ‘noise’ derived when hazards related with ‘equipment’ was further splatted into end node. The study identified hazards connected with ‘machinery’, ‘ergonomics’ and ‘noise’ as the integrated hazards prevalent in all the six Mrg-Inds that require common ergonomics intervention at reducing health and safety risks of workers in food, textile, chemical, leather and shoe, furniture and wood, and metal Mrg-Inds.

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Hydrothermally altered Talcose rocks from Ila Orangun-Oyan areas, part of Southwestern Nigeria

Background/Objectives: Talcose rocks within Precambrian Basement Complex serve as relics of Archean greenstones. alterations associated with polycyclic-orogenies that affected this complex is studied to understand mineralogical and geochemical alterations. Methods: Five fresh samples of talcose rocks were collected during field mapping. These samples were cut into thin sections to reveal modal mineralogy, altered minerals and degree of alteration of such minerals. Mineral phase identification of the talcose rocks was conducted using X-ray Broker D8 ADVANCE diffractometer while whole rock analysis was carried out using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Findings: Lithological relationship revealed from field evidence showed that the talc bodies occurred in close association with micaceous schist. The mineral assemblage of talc, tremolite, actinolite, chlorite and calcite suggest low grade greenschist metamorphic facies from possible hydrothermal alteration. Geochemical results revealed the following range of concentrations; SiO2 42.19-59.03%; Al2O3 1.1 - 11.8%; Fe2O3 7.64-9.56%; MgO 24.47-26.639%; Ni 594-1207ppm; Co 43.2-113.9ppm; Sn 6-41ppm; V 32-75ppm and Zr 1.3-58.7ppm, and these are typical of talcose rocks. Petrogenetic studies suggest a komatiitic origin with a peridotitic komatiite precursor for the talc-chlorite-tremolite schist. Enrichment in LREE, depletion in HREE and a negative Eu anomaly suggest alteration of the parent magma for the talcose rock and plagioclase fractionation. The trends observed for the LILE, HFSE and REE suggest possible contamination or mixing of crustal and mantle materials during the formation of the protolith. Ni and Co concentrations are higher than average crustal values with implication for ultrabasic to basic magma composition for the komatiitic progenitor and also suggestive of possible mineralisation. Conclusion: Mineralogical examination has revealed a talc-chlorite-tremolite composition for the talcose rocks with peridotitic komatiite precursory while geochemical composition supported ultrabasic magmatism similar to those with the Ilesha schist belt.

Review of variability of radiogenic heat properties of some rock types as a basis for geothermal characterization in Nigeria

The southwestern part of Nigeria is one of the three known regions in Nigeria with geothermal prospect. It is characterized by distinctly different thermal state and surface thermal manifestations. Although a number of geophysical explorations have been undertaken, but studies on fundamental geothermal theory remain scarce, including a lack of high-quality heat flow determinations and thermal structure studies. Heat production and heat flow properties play a very critical role in the study of thermal structure in a region. In this report, heat production and heat flow data of rock samples from published studies from some localities in Nigeria was compiled. To optimize this data, the rock-type denominations from the original studies was classified. This was used to characterize the thermal structure of the areas for possible geothermal exploration and radiogenic heat production distribution for the different rock types in the region. This gave some useful guidelines to lithospheric thermal modeling. From the heat production data, there is a wide range in values with igneous rocks having a maximum 11.17 µWm-3 and the metamorphic rocks having 131.37 µWm-3 as maximum value. The metamorphic rocks have higher values than the igneous rocks while the heat flow compiled for the country area has a minimum of 29 mWm-2 and a maximum of 130 mWm-2 with a mean value of 80 mWm-2. The high heat flow observed from data of the southwest zones may suggest the existence of anomalous heat source body in crust due to the radiogenic heat of the solid crust. This work is also an appraisal to direct attention to the lack of thermal properties investigations in the southwestern part of Nigeria and the need to improve on the heat flow database of Nigeria. Hence some parts of the study areas could be further explored for geothermal energy using appropriate geophysical techniques.

10.4314/njphy.v17i3.38035

10.4314/njphy.v17i3.38035

Assessment of Maximum Mouth Opening of Public Primary and Secondary School Children in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Excessive opening of the mouth has been reported to cause clinical problems such as luxations and traumatic injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The knowledge of the normal range of mouth opening will help to avoid excessive opening of the mouth which can cause injury to the TMJ of patients during procedures that involve mandibular manipulations. Maximum mouth opening (MMO) has age, race, gender and ethnic variations. Previous studies have looked at normal range of mouth opening among adults, but to the best of our knowledge, no study has looked at this among the paediatric/children population in Nigeria. Thus, this study aimed to determine the normal maximum mouth opening (MMO) among the paediatric population in Ibadan (South Western part of Nigeria) and the effect of gender, age, height and weight of these children on their MMO.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Six hundred and nine primary and secondary school pupils aged 6 – 15 years were included in this study. Patients with any condition affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function were not included. Measurements of height, weight and two readings of maximum interincisal distance were performed for each participant. Student's t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson bivariate correlation were used to assess the sample.&#x0D; Results: The mean MMO was 44.0 ± 5.3 mm and 42.6 ± 5.6 mm for males and females respectively. There was no significant difference in the MMO of males and females (t= 0.335, p = 0.563). MMO increases gradually with age irrespective of the gender and this was statistically significant (F= 17.1, p =0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The maximum mouth opening established for the paediatric population in this study will help practitioners whose care involves the stomathognathic system to have information about the normal range of mouth opening in this group of patients. The result will also be useful asbaseline for future research.&#x0D;