Physicochemical assessment and bacteriological studies of hand-dug wells of major markets in south western, Nigeria

Rapid population in developing nations has imposed stress on groundwater resources, thus the need to assess physicochemical and bacteriological impact of microbes on hand-dug wells along some major markets in Ibadan Southwestern Nigeria. Water samples from hand-dug wells were measured sequentially, and total dissolved solute (TDS), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, and temperature were measured in situ. Water samples were analyzed at a Microbiology Laboratory. Most probable techniques used for micro-organism analysis were in three stages: presumptive test used for confirmation of Escherichia coli, confirmed test for total viable bacteria count (TVBC), and complete test to reconfirm the presence of coliform. Presumptive test showed high rate of E. coli in most of the hand-dug wells with (37.5 %). Confirmed test revealed Staphylococcus aureus to be 25 %, followed by Proteus vulgaris (14.6 %), Bacillus species (12.5 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.3 %), and Klebsiella spp. (2.1 %) respectively. Total viable bacteria counts are 500 to 192,000. Physicochemical results (total dissolved solute (TDS), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, temperature) when compared with WHO (2006) and SON (2007) revealed all the parameters to be within the permissible limits except pH (5.8 to 9.56), and high values of the parameters were caused by organic matter. High E. coli in the study area revealed influence of human and animal fecal that coul

Rainfall dynamics in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Nigeria under RCP 8.5

The study analysed the historical (1961–90) and projected rainfall variability for the rainy season expected in the near future (2021–50) at selected locations within the Komadugu-Yobe and Sokoto-Rima River Basins in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of northern Nigeria. Three models were utilised, and analyses were based on Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5. Projected changes in mean, level of variability and distribution of rainfall were analysed using the Relative Percentage Change Method and the Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI), while the performance of the models was evaluated using the Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) index. The results show that changes in mean rainfall will be predominantly negative, with a minimum and maximum level of change of ˗1.02 per cent at Nguru, and ˗70.4 per cent at Jos, based on the IPSL-CM5A and HadGEM2-ES models, respectively. The rainy season of the baseline period varied between low and moderate variability, while the near future ranges between low and high levels of variability. The validation indicates acceptable levels of performance, with most values ranging between 0.0 and 1.0. The PCI for the near future suggests that the rainy season will be mainly characterised by uniform and near-uniform rainfall distribution. Hence, the projected negative changes and high variability of rainfall at some locations call for the development of an Adaptive Benefit Mechanism that will minimise future natural resource conflicts.The study analysed the historical (1961–90) and projected rainfall variability for the rainy season expected in the near future (2021–50) at selected locations within the Komadugu-Yobe and Sokoto-Rima River Basins in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of northern Nigeria. Three models were utilised, and analyses were based on Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5. Projected changes in mean, level of variability and distribution of rainfall were analysed using the Relative Percentage Change Method and the Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI), while the performance of the models was evaluated using the Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) index. The results show that changes in mean rainfall will be predominantly negative, with a minimum and maximum level of change of ˗1.02 per cent at Nguru, and ˗70.4 per cent at Jos, based on the IPSL-CM5A and HadGEM2-ES models, respectively. The rainy season of the baseline period varied between low and moderate variability, while the near future ranges between low and high levels of variability. The validation indicates acceptable levels of performance, with most values ranging between 0.0 and 1.0. The PCI for the near future suggests that the rainy season will be mainly characterised by uniform and near-uniform rainfall distribution. Hence, the projected negative changes and high variability of rainfall at some locations call for the development of an Adaptive Benefit Mechanism that will minimise future natural resource conflicts

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL MAPPING OF PART OF THE NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA USING DEM AND MULTISPECTRAL IMAGERY

This study utilised geo-information technology to carry out a geomorphological mapping of a part of the Niger Delta. Satellite image analysis was based on bi-annual seasonal approach using a combination of visual analysis of the geometry, site, situation, colour, and season for analysis of the non-topographic features. The study also utilised virtual and onsite fieldworks and existing geomorphologic information to interpret and analyse topographic and bathymetric features. First-order topographic features (elevation) and second level features including slope, aspect, curvature and mathematically exaggerated shaded relief were extracted from DEM. Relief classification was based on average elevation differences, hill shade, slope, and aspect. Three main non-topographic landforms were identified; the permanent rivers with stable meanders, perennially-active systems of creeks and fluvial landforms including scroll bars and oxbows. With the exception of higher elevation values towards the north-western fringe, the elevation ranges between mean sea level and 1 metre above sea level thus establishing a somewhat flat terrain. These areas were filled with meandering streams, sinuous creeks and watercourses flanked by mangrove vegetation.  In the north-western area, elevation rose close to approximately 4 metres in most of the area with a peak of 10 metres.  Generally, the cumulative area-slope analysis yielded a deltaic plain with generalised slope ≤ 20. Overall two elevation-based geographically differentiated morphological units were identified; tidal mudflats and saltmarshes. The study recommends that to provide needed information for resource planning and management, further investigation should be carried out with a view to modelling probable ecological and geomorphological changes in the entire Niger Delta.   &nbsp

Diverse co-teaching: a one-step strategy for assessment, integration, collegiality, transformation, professional and personal growth for the university community

Dr. Fry Dr. Odunuga Dr. Fry and Dr. Odunuga are two very different people. Yet the two share a passion for teaching chemistry and a desire to bring out the best in their students. Since 2016 the two have co-taught chemistry lectures and laboratories, and in this presentation they share their experiences and the benefits of diverse co-teaching. Diverse co-teaching naturally provides students, faculty and staff with a transformational experience, and serves as a universal platform for integrating various groups, promoting collegiality and performing assessment. Summarized below are some items of the transformation that each audience within the university may experience from diverse co-teaching. Faculty How to effectively provide transformational experiences for our students. How diverse co-teaching makes you more aware of how students perceive you. How co-teaching makes your life less stressful and more fun. Students The advantages of listening to, & learning from, people who are different than you. The benefits of having a diverse set of friends/colleagues. How to choose friends who will help you. The University Community How genuine friendships propel both professional & personal growth. The inherent value gained from a diverse community working towards common goals. Respect for all people is fundamental requirement in our society

Climate change, sea level rise and coastal inundation along part of Nigeria Barrier Lagoon Coast

The phenomenon of ocean surges and other morphological processes  along the Lagos coastline have generated serious public concern on the vulnerability of infrastructures and coastal services along the entire stretch of the Barrier-Lagoon coastline of Lagos State. This study examines  Badagry coastal environment inundations that arise from sea level rise. The study uses an iterative GIS-based simulation that mapped area  inundated based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (IPCC –SRES) classification (A1, A1T, B2, A1B and A2) and Locally Oriented Economic Development Scenarios  (LOEDS). The results of IPCC-SRES scenario analysis show that area  inundated at the high emission and worse case sea level rise is less than 0.13% of the study area while the LOEDS inundation area starts having significant impacts as from 4 meter rise in sea level. Since it is only environmental catastrophism and anthropogenic activities that can attain such serious dimension at local, regional and global scales in sea level, it is recommended that coastal protection infrastructures should be   integrated in any major developmental activitie

Environmental Change and Ecological Services in System I Drainage Area of Lagos

The study examines the implications of urban land uses on hydrological processes and ecological services in system I (Odo Iya Alaro Channel) of Lagos Drainage Master Plan.  Aerial Photography (1965) and Ikonos Imagery (2008) were used to assess the land use and land cover changes in a GIS environment. Field survey to inventories plant and fish species within the wetlands was carried out. Study of land use-land cover changes between 1965 and 2008 shows that about 79% of the area has been built-up. Based on environmental change projectisons using precipitation and land use drivers it is expected that runoff and peak flow would increase by 6.34, 14.24, and 20.36% for 50 years medium climate change, 50 years high climate change and 100 years high climate change respectively. Some of the flora expected to be lost from wetland and creeks based on landuse changes include Thuja sp and Ficus sp. This would affect some of the ecological services offered by these plants. Effluent discharge from industries is also putting the fish supply at risk, as species such as Sarotherodon melanotheron and Liza falcipinnis are reducing. The study advocates conservation approach for sustainable urban land uses. Keywords: Land Use-Land Cover Change; Wetland; Ecosystem; Urbanisation; Watershe

Boko Haram Insurgency in Northern States and Challenges of National Security for Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Terrorism and insecurity have remained issues of serious concern in Nigeria, several lives and properties have suffered wanton destruction and despicable hardship on the entire citizenry, as being perpetrated by a terrorist group Boko Haram, which has recently attracted the global and international attention. Consequently, Boko haram insurgency has made a considerable percentage of Nigerians to be sent to their early graves and national security has virtually become a mirage, and thereby impedes sustainable development in Nigeria despite all security measures being put in place by those in authority. Boko Haram dreaded group has been ravaging Northern Nigeria for years now. The group keep on changing their strategies of operations and targets starting from Maiduguri, Yobe, Bauchi, Abuja, Suleja, and other parts of the North. The paper adopted historical and descriptive research approaches to discuss the issues raised and put them in appropriate perspectives.  Therefore, the study was anchored on Cohen and Felson’s Routine Activity theory to undertake an exploration of historical background of Boko Haram, conceptualizing of sustainable development, national development, and impacts of Boko haram sects’ unscrupulous activities on sustainable development in Nigeria.  The work recommended the engagement of dialogue, amnesty, improvement of the wellbeing of the people and total overhauling of the security architecture as possible remedies in promoting sustainable development and security in the Northern states in particular and Nigeria at large. Keywords:  Boko Haram, Northern States, Challenges, National Security, Sustainable Development, Nigeria

Model reconstruction for dynamical systems

In numerical weather prediction (NWP), determining states and reconstructing model parameters or the underlying structural functions of dynamical models are essential and crucial components of the modelling and simulation process. In addition, it is gaining prominence in emerging application areas. In light of this, we examine the estimate of an unknown model M or the F function that determines the rate of change of x, which represents the dynamical system model of the type x˙ = F(x) using a high-dimensional nonlinear approach based on Ansatz functions such as Polynomial or Gaussian functions. The focus of this thesis is to propose specific iterative learning methods developed for estimating a dynamical system of interest using data assimilation (DA) techniques, as opposed to the traditional approaches typically used for parameter estimation, reduced order model approximation and the current approaches of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in general. This is initially evaluated using two models of dynamical systems with increasing complexity: Lorenz ’63 and Lorenz ’96. Then, we examine the reconstruction strategy based on a variety of basis functions, including Polynomial and Radial Basis Functions (RBF). As generic application issues, we examine the reconstruction of the dynamics of Lorenz ’63 with implicitly applied RBF under the assumption that the L 2 metric in coefficient space corresponds to a Gaussian prior in coefficient space. In addition, we employ the Amari Neural Field model for kernel reconstruction as a simulation test case for brain neural activity. Using the Lorenz ’96 model, we examine a Taylor series technique to express the forcing function F(x) with regard to the state variables. This was utilised for the rebuilding of models via ensemble data assimilation. Using the variational data assimilation method and the Kalman filter technique, our Model Reconstruction for Dynamical Systems primary objective is to study a general method for resolving this problem with little or some specific understanding of the underlying dynamical system. The models are then supplemented with a reaction-diffusion system. We demonstrate that learning a reaction-diffusion model’s fundamental partial differential equation is doable and produces good results when the learnt model is utilised as a propagator. Thus, we notice that the general iterative model reconstruction is competitive for the specific inverse issue under study for a broad range of initial conditions. Included are numerical examples demonstrating the practicability of the metho

Assessment of body composition, smoking and alcohol as risk factors to hypertension among adults in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a group of disorders/diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including heart attack and stroke that is responsible for many deaths around the world. Objective: The general objective of this study was to assess body composition, smoking and alcohol as risk factors to hypertension among adults in Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria. Methods: Four wards were randomly selected from each of the three local government areas in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State. Convenient sampling method was used to recruit 300 voluntary respondents into the study. A semi structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic, socio-economic characteristics, modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of non-communicable chronic diseases and the dietary habits of the respondents. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurement of respondents were taken using standard procedures. Results: The results indicated that majority of the respondents were within the age ranges of 41-50 years (32%). Using the American Heart Association (AHA) blood pressure classification, 40.3% had normal blood pressure, 30.7% were pre-hypertensive while 29.0% had hypertension. More than half of the respondents (55.3%) were overweight while 17.0% were obese, 6.1 % were current smokers and 21% were current alcohol drinkers. Blood pressure had a positive correlation with tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, body mass index and waist-hip-ratio, these associations were significant at p<0.05. Tobacco smoking contributed significantly to hypertension in this study (R2=0.114, F=38.342, p= 0.000). Conclusion: Findings of the study showed a high prevalence of hypertension, overweight and obesity, alcohol intake and smoking were significantly associated with hypertension

Multicriteria Flood Risk Analysis of Lower Ogun River Basin

Issues pertaining to flood and flood-related damages always generate global interest in different circles. This study utilised remote sensing techniques to develop flood risk map of Lower Ogun basin in Southwestern Nigeria. Microscale environmental variables of landuse and landcover typologies, rainfall, NDWI, DEM, slope, geological formation, and population density were used as input for weighted overlay multicriteria modelling using Idrisi Taiga and ArcGIS 10.0. These environmental variables were used to generate flood hazard map. Flood risk map was developed in which flood hazard map was combined with population data. Inter-parameter and intra-parameter modeling techniques were used to generate the flood risk based on flood-stimulating coefficient values. Results showed that about 77.62% of Lower Ogun lies within flood hazard zone (with 53.24% under high flood hazard intensity and 24.38% under very high flood hazard intensity. Further, flood risk intensity showed that 60.62% of the area is highly risky to flood occurrence. Therefore, it was recommended that a green belt buffer of 65 metres on both sides of the main river should be established for proper flood zone delineation. Keywords: Flood modeling, environmental variables, water level, flood hazard, Remote Sensing and GI