Southwestern Part Of Nigeria Research Articles

Implications of carbonates and chlorides contamination in groundwater: Examples from textile tie and dye markets in some parts of Southwestern Nigeria

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of common mineral dyes in effluents from dyeing processes on the quality of groundwater at Itoku and Asero, Abeokuta in Nigeria. Methods: Thirty-two (32) samples were examined by determining the In-situ parameters: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (Ec) and pH with the aid of a multi-parameter portable meter(model Testr-35); Chemical parameters were determined with Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)and Titration methods for both cations and anions. Collected samples were analyzed for heterotrophic bacteria load using standard method. Findings: Elevated Ec-1830 µS/cm and TDS-1020mg/l values at Odutola-8 exceeded the WHO permissible limit with bicarbonate, carbonate and chlorides presence, in the water sample. DO at Ifote-6.0, Asero-6.8, Ifote-7.1, Asero carwash-7.9 was greater than WHO standard, specifying water that can support aquatic life and micro-organisms. However, other areas had low dissolved oxygen below the specified permissible limit. The results of the physicochemical parameters including; Chloride and Carbonate levels in effluent and groundwater in most of the studied sites were higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. Dye effluents and well water samples displayed high microbial loads. Predominant bacteria isolated from the effluent and groundwater included Aspergillus spp. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) observed indicated probable human carcinogens found where dye fabrication processes were high and effective. Novelty: Dye effluents have high bacterial and fungal loads. Similarity in the predominant bacteria isolated from effluent and groundwater from the hand-dug wells indicated that the effluent from the dyeing processes is negatively impacting the groundwater and this may pose a risk to public health. High levels of Carbonates, bicarbonates and chlorides in groundwater indicate contamination; making the water unfit for human and animal consumption. Keywords: Minerals; dyes; contamination; groundwater; carbonates; chlorides

Editan (Lasianthera africana) leaf-inclusive diets modulate some neuronal enzyme activities and antioxidant status of cyclophosphamide-treated Wistar rats.

The effect of Editan (Lasianthera africana) leaf inclusive diet (ELD) on neuronal cholinesterases (ChE), ecto-5'-nucleotidase, and endogenous antioxidant indices [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH)] in cyclophosphamide (CYP)-administered albino rats were investigated. Thirty male albino Wistar rats were dissevered appropriately (n=6). Group I-normal control rats (NC), II-untreated CYP-administered rats, III-CYP-administered rats pre-treated with donepezil (DON), group IV-CYP-administered rats fed ELD, and V-normal rats fed with ELD for 21days. Results obtained revealed that CYP-administered rats significantly (p<.05) had elevated activities of ChE, ecto-5'-nucleotidase and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), and concomitantly decreased in the antioxidant indices. However, pre-treatment with either DON or ELD reversed these effects, thereby eliciting a therapeutic effect which could be linked to the rich polyphenol and alkaloid constituents in the studied leaf, and could be responsible for the potential ethnopharmacological actions of the ELD in the management neurodegeneration. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Currently, the use of plant-food to control diseased conditions due to their phytochemicals has been explored, most especially, the indigenous edible vegetables from the Southwestern part of Nigeria. "Editan" leafy vegetable scientifically known as Lasianthera africana is commonly used in soups preparation and in folklore for the management of some human ailments. Editan leaf is a rich source of alkaloid and phenolic compounds, which could be used to treat and or manage neurological diseases. This study, therefore, unravels the fact that the studied leafy vegetable possesses therapeutic potentials toward the management of neurological disorders.

Total carbon and nitrogen stocks under different land use/land cover types in the Southwestern region of Nigeria

Land use systems play a vital role in the storage of soil total nitrogen (STN) and terrestrial carbon stocks and offset of the atmospheric CO2 concentration. In this study, we estimated the overall-ecosystem carbon stocks under different land cover types in some parts of Southwestern Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Soil carbon and total nitrogen concentrations were measured at 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm soil depths for four land covers (forests (FOR), plantations (TP), woodlands (WD) and croplands (CP)). The aboveground biomass carbon (Mg C ha−1) followed the order: FOR (118.19 Mg C ha−1) > TP (64.57 Mg C ha−1) > WD (31.09 Mg C ha−1) > CP (17.31 Mg C ha−1). Soil organic carbon (SOC) and STN concentration in all land uses decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with depth increment. Total SOC stock in 0–30 cm soil layer follows the order: FOR land use (93.62 Mg C ha−1) > TP (60.87 Mg C ha−1) > WD (55.21 Mg C ha−1) > CP (50.23 Mg C ha−1). The majority of carbon stocks in our study area were concentrated in the aboveground and soil carbon pool. Overall, the total carbon stock (TCS) of FOR was 163.67 Mg C ha−1, 152.86 Mg C ha−1 and 107.98 Mg C ha−1, respectively, greater than that of CP, WD and TP, respectively. This result indicated that forests stored larger amount of TCS compared to croplands and woodlands. As such, agroforestry, forest plantations and forestry should be given serious considerations as strategies to sequester carbon. Land use management practices and disturbance history are major factors impacting changes in carbon storage among land use systems. Improved knowledge of these and their spatial and temporal variability is very important in understanding the global change in soil carbon stocks and in enhancing human capacity to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Integrated aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric data for delineating lithologies, structures, and hydrothermal alteration zones in part of southwestern Nigeria

Locating zones of possible mineralization potentials in part of southwestern Nigeria has been performed in this work by mapping lithology, structures, and hydrothermal alteration regions from airborne magnetic and radiometric data. Some enhancement techniques such as first vertical derivative, analytic signal, power spectrum, and center for exploration targeting grid and porphyry were used for data analysis and interpretation; in addition, the potassium to equivalent thorium (K/eTh) ratio and ternary radiometric maps were revealed to support the delineation process. The results obtained showed that the area is dominated by NE–SW, NW, NE, EW, and NS structural directions, though the structures trending NE–SW were found to be the most predominant and considered to be orientations of mineral deposits in the area. Depth estimation of shallow and deep-seated magnetic sources of the reduction to the equator (RTE) aeromagnetic data calculated using the analytic signal technique ranged from 270 to 2800 m, while power spectrum gives an average value of 2960 m. In addition, aeroradiometric analysis based on the concentrations of equivalent thorium and equivalent uranium and potassium and on the radiometric ternary map revealed lithological units and hydrothermal alterations within the basement complex. From this study, volcanic intrusions, lineament structures, and hydrothermal alteration zones were delineated. These intrusions resulted from the high content of magnetic anomalies related to the mineralized potential zones in the area. The integration of both magnetic and radiometric maps has revealed an approximate understanding between radiation zones, observed fractures, and faults in the locations between the boundaries of rock types in the study area.

HALF EXPONENTIAL POWER MODEL FOR THE FIRST TIME FAILURE OF POWER DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS IN NIGERIA

Transformer failure is a major problem confronting the Nigerian power sector, hindering the transmission and distribution of electric power to various households, institutions, and industries. Many of these transformer developed problem due to the old age of the transformers, overloading, in-availability of technical expertise, poor maintenance culture, manufacturer's faults, just to mention few. The present research focuses on providing half exponential power model for the failure of already installed transformers, with respect to years of installation up to the time of the first failure, using secondary data from the south western part of Nigeria as a case study. The results obtained showed that half exponential power performed better in modeling the first time failure of power transformers. This was possible because of the present of shape parameter which gives flexibility to half exponential power when compared with a half normal distribution.

Chemical and Phase Characterization of Snail Shell (Archachatina Marginata) as Bio-Waste from South-West in Nigeria for Industrial Applications

This paper aimed at characterizing waste snail shells found in South-West, Nigeria for potential industrial applications. Snail shells which represent the bio-shell waste of snails' remnants from restaurants, eateries or snail sellers constitute a serious degree of environmental threat with little or no economic value; their effective utilization can bring immense economic prosperity. Snail shells were obtained from two selected region of South-Western part of Nigeria. The obtained snail sells were thoroughly washed to remove adhered dirt and later dried in an electric powered oven at 110 o C for 6h. The dried shells were then crushed and further pulverized to obtain powder snail shells (SS p ) and labeled samples SS p A and SS p B respectively. The chemical composition of the samples was determined by Energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) while the phase constituent was analyzed using X-ray diffractometer. The results showed that SS p A consist mainly calcium (Ca) 83.38% while sample SS p B contains higher calcium (Ca) content of 85.04%. However, X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicate predominant phase of calcite for the samples. This indicates that the snail shell powder is suitable for industrial applications such as filler in paper and ceramic industry. Keywords: Snail shell; chemical composition; phase constituent; calcite phase. DOI: 10.7176/CMR/12-6-03 Publication date: July 31 st 2020

In-vitro Antivenom Potential of Solanum dasyphyllum Methanolic Leaf and Fruit Extracts against Naja nigricollis Venom

Solanum dasyphyllum belongs to the family of plants called Solanaceae, it is commonly called "Africa eggplant" and one of the medicinal plants used in the treatment of snake envenomation in the southwestern part of Nigeria, but investigation concerning its anti-venom activity has not been established. The present study evaluates the in-vitroenzyme inhibition potential of S.dasyphyllum leaf and fruit extracts against Naja nigricollis (Black-necked spitting cobra) venom. The inhibitory potential of S. dasyphyllum leaf and fruit on proteases, acetylcholinesterase, phospholipase A2 and hyaluronidase enzymes present in the snake venom was evaluated. The methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of S. dasyphyllum inhibited the activity of all enzymes evaluated, however, the leaf extract exhibited better enzyme inhibitory effect on N. nigricollis venom when compared with the fruit. This could be due to the presence of various phytochemicals in leaf and fruit extract. This result substantiates the ethnomedicinal usage of S. dasyphyllum and would help to develop potent antidote therapy against N. nigricollis envenomation.

Synthesis of Modern Construction Methods and Local Building Materials: A Drive to Revive Yoruba Vernacular Architecture

African vernacular architecture is considered to be one of the notable architecture in the world. This is due to its iconic and cultural representation with very little effort expended on achieving it. The preservation of vernacular buildings has been very difficult across African continents especially in Nigeria. Yoruba vernacular architecture, predominantly in south-western part of Nigeria is in a serious dilapidating state, this is as a result of the drastic shift from the locally sourced building materials to the modern imported ones. Hence, this paper reviews and analyses the causes of the deplorable state of Yoruba vernacular buildings with a view to suggesting appropriate measures to be taken in reviving and preserving them.However, some locally sourced building materials which are adjudged to be economical and sustainable are identified and possible ways of synthesizing them with modern construction methods as a process deemed capable of redeeming the Yoruba vernacular architecture are suggested and discussed. Keywords: African Vernacular Architecture, Yoruba vernacular architecture, Local materials, foreign materials, Indigenous technologies and modern construction methods. DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/65-04 Publication date: June 30 th 2020

Comparing climate adaptation strategies on technical efficiency of cassava production in Southwest, Nigeria

Purpose. The purpose of the article – to assess the technical efficiency of climate adaptation practices on cassava production in two different agro-ecological zones within the study area to know where the climate adaptation practices are more productive. To achieve the main objective of the study, the specific objectives were stated as follows: (a) describe relevant socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers in southwestern region of Nigeria; (b) assess the influence of the used climate change adaptation strategies on technical efficiency of cassava production in both agro-ecological zones.&#x0D; Methodology / approach. The study was carried out in Ekiti, Osun and Oyo State in the southwestern region of Nigeria, where two different agro-ecological zones (AEZ) (rain forest and guinea savannah) were chosen for the study. The study used multi-stage sampling procedures, with well-structured questionnaire, to select 150 cassava producers from each AEZ, making a total of 300 cassava producers for the study. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production function.&#x0D; Results. From the study, it was revealed that cassava farmers in the study area were relatively young, fairly educated, mostly married, well experienced, adequately aware of climate change, but operated on a small scale. The result on the influence of climate adaptation strategies on technical efficiency of cassava production in both rain forest and savannah AEZs within the study area revealed that technical inefficiency existed in cassava production as confirmed by the gamma values of 0.687 and 0.639 in rain forest and savannah respectively&#x0D; Originality / scientific novelty. The study has really revealed diverse climate adaptation options available to cassava farmers in order to sustain its production as a means of employment to the unemployed, food consumption and contribution to the national gross domestic product. Studies comparing climate adaptation practices on the technical efficiency of cassava production in different agro-ecological zones in southwestern part of Nigeria are relatively scarce considering the mixture of socio-economic and climate variables to assess technical efficiency of cassava production.&#x0D; Practical value / implications. The study has succeeded in identifying key factors that will enables policy makers to formulate a sustained policy framework that would encourage the use of multiple climate adaptation practices by the cassava farmers. To ensure sustainability of cassava production, it is therefore recommended that farmers should use different adaptation strategies to climate change e.g crop diversification, multiple planting dates, land fragmentation, use of improved varieties and off farm income activities that would bring increase in their scale of operation as most of the cassava farmers in the study areas cultivated less than 2 hectares of land for cassava production.

Investigating the necessity of in-situ and laboratory data in determining thermal properties of tar sands, an experimental design approach

Thermal properties of tar sand are useful parameters in planning its thermal recovery. These properties that are usually measured in-situ are reconfirm through the laboratory sample measurement, which shows any alteration, errors or uncertainties that might have been experienced during the sample collection process.Repeating this measurements procedure on the field and laboratory could be cumbersome, costly and time consuming (man hours). Therefore, this study set out to investigate the necessity of having both laboratory and field data in determining the thermal properties of Tar sand using the same device. To achieved this, the study compares the in-situ and laboratory measurements of tar sand thermal properties, using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to evaluate the field and laboratory (treatment) effect. Tar sands thermal properties namely; thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat were measured using KD2 Pro thermal analyzer in twelve locations along the tar sand belts in some parts of Southwestern Nigeria. Also, samples were taken at these twelve locations and the same properties were measured in the laboratory using the same thermal analyzer. These thermal properties measured and computed from the field and laboratory are regarded as treatments, while the location points on the field constitute the blocking factor. The responses obtained were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA, and the results showed that measurements could be taken either on the field or in the laboratory, as both measurements are statistically the same. Therefore, judgment on data acquired for these parameters should not be based on accuracy as influenced by the locations where the measurement took place, but instead on other factors such as feasibility, urgency, and cost among others.

Effect of moonseed vine (Triclisia gilletii Staner) on ethane-1,2-diol-induced urolithiasis and its renotoxicity in Wistar albino rats

BackgroundMoonseed vine (Triclisia gilletii Staner) in the family Menispermaceae is a robust creeper of up to 10 cm diameter, of the lowland dense rain forest. In Ondo State, located in the South Western part of Nigeria, the plant which is usually called Peshe is used for the management of renal-related ailments. The present study was undertaken to explore the efficacy of Triclisia gilletii, a folkloric therapy in the management of renal-related ailment.ResultsPhenols, steroids, saponins, and flavonoids are present in the TGME with a total antioxidant capacity of (30.36 ± 1.90 (mg GAE/g extract), LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg b.w., and in vitro anti-nucleation activity (iC50 = 7.09 mg/mL). Calcium oxalate stone formation as a result of oxalate from ethane-1,2-diol was evident by hypocalcemia, and further electrolyte imbalance and decreased glomerular filtration rate. The enhanced oxidative milieu in hyperoxaluria was evident by increased MDA and PC and decreased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants as well as renal membrane enzymes activities. The renal histopathological study further emphasized oxalate-induced damage and the ameliorative potential of TGME.ConclusionThe abnormal biochemical, redox electrolyte, membrane integrity, and histological alterations were attenuated by TGME which affirms its usage as nephroprotectant.

Evaluation of Rock Radiation Hazards for Construction Applications in Parts of Southwestern Nigeria

Evaluation of Rock Radiation Hazards for Construction Applications in Parts of Southwestern Nigeria

Seismic Retrofitting: A preparatory approach against the forecasted quakes in the South-Western Part of Nigeria.

The seismic record of Nigeria shows the occurrences of quakes that range from small to medium magnitude as against the belief of some people that Nigeria is aseismic. Researchers in Nigeria have also recently raised alarm that devastating earthquake is likely to be experienced in the nearest future with attention drawn to the south west in Nigeria. The historical seismic data as published in this work had the sizes of quakes presented using the intensity scale. To further give us clarity into the actual sizes of the documented quakes, the intensities were converted to local magnitudes, hence the minimum and maximum quakes ever witnessed in Nigeria were ascertained to be 3.3Ml and 6.5Ml. In response to the seismic alerts and forecast results targeted at the south-west region of Nigeria, seismic retrofitting is recommended for the existing structures along the seismic fault in the south west while the response results published in the works of [1] is recommended as guides to the designs of subsequent structures along the fault in the south west so as to establish safety just if the forecasted quake is experienced.

Evaluation of Haematological Parameters in Stroke Patients in South-Western Nigeria

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of both ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke which has been linked to chronic and acute inflammation. Variations in the biochemical status of stroke patients might be accountable for the high morbidity and mortality associated with stroke.&#x0D; Aims of the Study: This study was designed to investigate haematological parameters namely Parked cell volume(PCV), Total Leucocyte Count(WBC), Platelet Count, and Differential Leucocyte Count(Neutrophil and Erythrocyte) in stroke patients attending various teaching and general hospitals in South-Western part of Nigeria.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: This study included already diagnosed stroke patients attending Teaching Hospitals and general hospitals in south-Western Nigeria and was carried out between 2015 to 2017.&#x0D; Methodology: Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total leucocyte (WBC), differential leukocyte and platelet count was determined using the method of Cheesbrough, (1999).&#x0D; Results: The result of this study revealed a significant increase p&lt;0.05 in platelet count in stroke patients when compared with the control. Similarly, there is a significant increase p&lt;0.05 in differential leukocyte count(neutrophil and lymphocyte count) in these patients when compared with the control. However, the WBC level in these patients is not significantly p&lt;0.05 different from the control subjects. The PCV in stroke patients is significantly lowered p&lt;0.05 when compared with the control subjects.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study reveals alterations in most of the haematological parameters considered in this patients which is a pointer to the fact that these parameters with further investigations could give clues to the diagnosis and management of stroke thereby reducing its morbidity and mortality.

Use of medicinal plants for the treatment of gastric ulcer in some parts of Southwestern Nigeria

Ulcer is erosion in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. It is caused by disruption of the gastric mucosal defense and repair systems. There has been much interest in natural medicines derived from traditional knowledge of pharmacological properties of plants recently. The major aim of this study was to conduct an ethnobotanical survey of plants used in the treatment of Gastric ulcers in some local government areas of Ibadan, South-West, Nigeria. Five local government areas which have prominent traditional medical practitioners and herbal markets were visited. Ninety-two plants belonging to forty-five different families were recorded. The prominent plants’ families recorded include; Apocynaceae, Loranthaceae, and Lamiaceae. Some of the most frequently used medicinal plants mentioned by the respondents are: Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre, Euadenia trifoliolata (Sch. &Thon.) Oliv., Khaya ivorensis A. Chev., Lonchocarpus cyanescens Benth, and Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. Most of the herbs were prescribed together with other plants and recipes. Modes of administration were mostly concoctions and decoctions. Cultivation and proper documentation of some of the plants which may become endangered over time is therefore encouraged. Most of the identified plants have been used regularly by the traditional medical practitioners and the efficacies have been proven. Key words: Gastric ulcer, ethnobotanical survey, medicinal plants, traditional medicine, South-west Nigeria.

Presence of Bluetongue Virus Antibodies in Cattle and Sheep in Ogun and Osun States, Nigeria

Bluetongue is an infectious, arthropod-borne viral disease principally affecting ruminants. The occurrence of bluetongue virus (BTV) antibodies in sheep and cattle from backyard farms, cattle markets and abattoirs in Ogun and Osun states of Nigeria was investigated. Three hundred and forty (340) plasma samples comprising 205 from sheep and 135 from cattle were collected from March to September 2017, noting the sex, breed and age of the animals. The samples were screened with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosurbent assay (ELISA) kit that detects BTV antibodies in ruminant plasma or serum. All cattle tested from both states were positive for BTV antibodies giving a seroprevalence of 100% while 95% seroprevalence was obtained for sheep. In Ogun state, prevalence of 90.5% and 98% were obtained for male and female sheep respectively while 95.6% and 95% prevalence were also obtained for male and female sheep respectively in Osun state. Based on breed, 94%, 95%, 95% and 96% prevalence were obtained for Yankasa, Balami, Ouda and West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep respectively in Ogun state while 93%, 95.5%, 100% and 93% prevalence were obtained for Yankasa, Balami, Ouda and WAD sheep respectively in Osun state. Furthermore, prevalence of 92% and 96.7% were obtained for age groups of ≤ 1 year and &gt; 1 year respectively in Ogun state, while prevalence of 96% and 94.7% were obtained for age groups of ≤ 1 year and &gt; 1 year respectively in Osun state. Since vaccination against bluetongue disease is not practiced in Nigeria, the detection of high prevalence of BTV antibodies observed in apparently healthy animals in this study indicates natural, albeit subclinical, infection with the virus and sustained activity of the Culicoides vector. These findings suggest that bluetongue is widespread in southwestern part of Nigeria and highlight the need for continuous surveillance of the disease in the country as well as isolation, identification and characterisation of currently circulating BTV strains in Nigeria.

Advective Transport Modeling for Spatial Analysis of Atmospheric Aerosols over Lagos Area of South Western Nigeria

In this study atmospheric aerosols distribution over Lagos area of southwestern part of Nigeria was analyzed using backward air mass trajectory model. GPS information of the study region was used to simulate meteorological variables and aerosol data that have been stored by satellite imagery from the National Oceanography and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Air Resource Laboratory (ARL). Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectories HYSPLIT was used to determine the wind-field information and also to obtain the backward air mass trajectory for atmospheric aerosols transport pattern at heights 0, 1000m and 2000m above ground level. The result showed that aerosols of sea-salt origin evolved from Atlantic ocean and spread over Lagos during the period under consideration. The average wind speed observed within the period ranged between 4 and 7m/s in south westerly direction which is attributed to the influence Atlantic Ocean. The results also showed that aerosol traversing Lagos area are mainly sea salts

Community perceptions of the human-wildlife conflict: a case study of Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria

ABSTRACTThis paper addresses the perception of human-wildlife conflict from residents, located in the Old Oyo National Park (OONP), in the south-western part of Nigeria. Four communities living within and beyond the boundaries of the park were selected for this study, with questionnaires distributed amongst individuals within the communities. The results revealed that there was a low tolerance to wildlife among residents (91%) due in most part to the destruction of high-yielding cash crops by the wildlife. However, approximately 74% of the respondents noted that if some type of benefit – be it ecologically or financial – reached them, they supposed that tolerance towards wildlife would increase. Based on these findings, it was concluded that in order to reduce human-wildlife conflict, strategies need to be put in place that provide some form of benefit, such as owning game, which could ultimately attract visitors and create alternative sources of income for the park’s local residents.

Landslide in parts of southwestern Nigeria

Landslides represent “structural failures” with great risk to the environment, and this makes the study of the mechanism of formation of landslides very important. Most parts of the Okemesi ridge are inherently dangerous areas, at high risk of sliding. This research is one of the first detailed geological investigations of landslides in this area. This research evaluates the importance of the lithological, structural and geomorphological factors to landslide activities in parts of southwestern Nigeria with the aim of designing a susceptibility map which is intended to serve as an early warning and mitigation measures. The result revealed that the latest landslide was caused by the release of intensely fractured rocks along adjacent blocks of a fault plane, and prevalent tectonic stress condition set the stage for the landslide, while slope instability in conjunction with prolonged high-intensity rainfall triggered the movement. The most susceptible area of landslide is within the slope angles of between 45° and 75° with an elevation of between 514 and 666 m. The research further revealed that the landslide occurred about 500 m to the road. The landslide-prone location is within the 0–200 m from the hill; hence, human settlements and activities should be sited at least 500 m away from the hill.

Neonatal macrosomia and associated morbidities in Sagamu, Nigeria

Background: The incidence of neonatal macrosomia is on the increase in many parts of the world. The impact of the condition on baby and child health has not received adequate research attention. Objective: To determine the prevalence, baby and maternal characteristics, the pattern of neonatal morbidity and perinatal outcome of macrosomia. Methods: A retrospective study of all singleton deliveries with birth weight ≥ 4.0 kg was conducted at a tertiary facility in the south-western part of Nigeria between January 2013 and December 2014. Results: Eighty-eight newborn babies were macrosomic out of 1854 deliveries, resulting in a prevalence rate of 4.7%. The male-to-female ratio was 1: 0.54, while the mean (±SD) birth weight was 4.23 ± 0.29 kg. There was no significant difference in the mean birth weights of the male and female babies (t = 1.24, p = 0.218). The mean maternal age was 31.7 ± 5.1 years. Multiparous mothers had the highest proportion of macrosomic babies, while a majority of mothers (77.3%) were either overweight or obese. One-minute Apgar score &lt;7 was observed among 28 (31.8%) babies. Twenty-three (26.1%) babies were hospitalized for further management. Birth asphyxia, hypoglycaemia and hyperbilirubinaemia were the leading morbidities. The perinatal mortality rate for macrosomic babies was 102.2 per 1000 total births. Conclusion: The incidence of neonatal macrosomia is relatively low in our study population but falls within the range of prevalence rates reported from other parts of the country. Birth asphyxia, hypoglycaemia and hyperbilirubinemia are common morbidities among affected babies.