On a Qualitative Comparison of the Proposed Randomized Response Technique with Hussain and Shabbir (2007)

Randomized Response Techniques (RRTs) were developed for the purpose of improving response rate by protecting surveyee’s privacy and avoiding answer bias.In this paper, we succinctly investigated the trend of the response rate (?) with both the proposed Randomized Response Technique (RRT) and the conventional one. We found that the proposed (RRT) is better than the conventional one at each response rate since it gives smaller variance. Keywords: Response rate, Randomized Response Techniques (RRTs), error variance, unpleasant character

On the Relative Efficiency of the Proposed Reparametized Randomized Response Model

In this paper, we proposed a new reparametized Randomized Response Model by incorporating a third answer option “Undecided” into the Randomized Response Model developed by Hussain-Shabbir[6]. The relative efficiency as well as the variance of the newly proposed reparametized Randomized Response Model over the existing Randomized Response Model was established when data were obtained through the randomized response model proposed by Hussain and Shabbir [6].Keywords: Reparametized Randomized Response Model (RRRM), Relative Efficiency, Privacy Protection, Stigmatized Characters, Randomization Devic

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Spatio-temporal analysis of land surface temperature variations in the rapidly developing Akure and its environs, southwestern Nigeria using Landsat data

The study attempted to assess land surface temperature (LST) variations in Akure, a millennium development city, and its environs, in Nigeria. The importance of LST as a vital component in global climate change cannot be over emphasized because as the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases, the LST also increases. Spatio-temporal assessment of LST variation is therefore becoming imperative to identify the contributing factors and the corresponding magnitude of contributions to the variation using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Landsat TM image of 1991, Landsat ETM+ image of 2002 and Landsat OLI/TIRS of 2015 were used and processed using ArcGIS 10.1, IDRISI and Erdas imagine 9.3 to generate indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI, Land Use Land Cover (LULC) and Land Surface Temperature (LST). The finding showed that the changes, both spatial and temporal within the land uses influenced the temperature variations in the study area. The built-up, rock outcrops, farmland and vegetation land uses recorded mean temperature change of 4.91±0.7, 3.53±0.3, 3.14±0.2 and 1.87±0.3 respectively, with their respective yearly temperature increase estimated at 0.21°C, 0.15°C, 0.14°C and 0.08°C between 1991 and 2015. The study concludes that the observed increasing variations in LST in all the land uses has been precipitated by rapid land use conversion and modification that may have strong tendency to usher in climate related problems such as flood, human discomfort and other associated environmental hazards. An effective land use policy is therefore suggested to complement Federal Government ‘green policy’ urban environment.Keywords:  LST variation, Land Use Land Cover, NDVI, GIS, Remote sensing technique, Nigeri

Remote sensing and gis applications in determining shoreline and surface water quality changes in Bayelsa state, Nigeria

The study of shoreline changes is essential for updating the changes in shoreline maps and management of natural resources as the shoreline is one of the most important features on the earth’s surface. Shorelines are the key element in coastal GIS that provide information on coastal landform dynamics. The purpose of this paper is to investigate shoreline changes in the study area and how it affects surface water quality using Landsat imagery from 1987 to 2016. The image processing techniques adopted involves supervised classification, object-based image analysis, shoreline extraction and image enhancement. The data obtained was analyzed and maps were generated and then integrated in a GIS environment. The results indicate that LULC changes in wetland areas increases rapidly during the years (1987-2016) from 34.83 to 38.96%, vegetation cover reduces drastically through the year which range from 30% to 20%. Polluted surface water was observed to have decreased from 30% to 20% during 1984-2010 and reduced by about 3% in 2016. In addition, the result revealed the highest level of erosion from 1987 to 2016 which is -49.60% against the highest level of accretion of 13.39% EPR and NSM -1400 erosion against 350 accretions. It was also observed that variations in shoreline changes affect the quality of surface water possibly due to shoreline movement hinterland. This study has demonstrated that through satellite remote sensing and GIS techniques, the Nigerian coastline can adequately be monitored for various changes that have taken place over the years.Key Words: Shoreline, Remote Sensing, Erosion, Accretion, GIS

Anatomical Variations of the Sphenoid Sinus and Nearby Neurovascular Structures Seen on Computed Tomography of Black Africans.

Background: To describe the relationship of optic nerves and internal carotid arteries to sphenoid sinus using Computerized Tomography (CT) in a black African population. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed both the coronal and axial CT images of the paranasal sinuses and brain of 110 patients which were obtained for head and neck diseases other than malignancies, nasal polyps and craniofacial trauma using computer workstation with Clearcanvas software. All scans were evaluated on both soft tissue and bone windows for the identification of protrusion of optic nerve (ON) and internal carotid artery (ICA) into the sphenoid sinus, pneumatisation of the anterior clinoid process (ACP) and position of the sphenoid septum. Results: Forty two (38.2%) cases have ON protruding into the sphenoidal sinus and ON wall dehiscence occurred in 15(13.6%). Protrusion of the ICA into the sphenoid sinus was on CT images of 30 (27.3%) patients and dehiscence of bony sphenoidal wall of ICA occurred in 12 (10.9%) patients. The anterior clinoid process (ACP) was pneumatized in 16 (14.5%) cases and sphenoidal septum was absent in 3(2.7%) cases. Conclusions: Anatomic variations in relationship of sphenoid sinus to ON and ICA are seen on CT examinations in black Africans population. The endoscopic head and neck surgeons managing black Africans should be aware of these varied relationships and ensure a detailed pre-operative review of the CT scans to avoid the potential risks of blindness, uncontrollable haemorrhage and death that may attend anatomically uninformed sphenoidal surgeries

Comparison of audio computer assisted self-interview and face-to-face interview methods in eliciting HIV-related risks among men who have sex with men and men who inject drugs in Nigeria

Introduction: Face-to-face (FTF) interviews are the most frequently used means of obtaining information on sexual and drug injecting behaviours from men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who inject drugs (MWID). However, accurate information on these behaviours may be difficult to elicit because of sociocultural hostility towards these populations and the criminalization associated with these behaviours. Audio computer assisted self-interview (ACASI) is an interviewing technique that may mitigate social desirability bias in this context. Methods: This study evaluated differences in the reporting of HIV-related risky behaviours by MSM and MWID using ACASI and FTF interviews. Between August and September 2010, 712 MSM and 328 MWID in Nigeria were randomized to either ACASI or FTF interview for completion of a behavioural survey that included questions on sensitive sexual and injecting risk behaviours. Data were analyzed separately for MSM and MWID. Logistic regression was run for each behaviour as a dependent variable to determine differences in reporting methods. Results: MSM interviewed via ACASI reported significantly higher risky behaviours with both women (multiple female sexual partners 51% vs. 43%, p = 0.04; had unprotected anal sex with women 72% vs. 57%, p = 0.05) and men (multiple male sex partners 70% vs. 54%, p ≤ 0.001) than through FTF. Additionally, they were more likely to self-identify as homosexual (AOR: 3.3, 95%CI:2.4–4.6) and report drug use in the past 12 months (AOR:40.0, 95%CI: 9.6–166.0). MWID interviewed with ACASI were more likely to report needle sharing (AOR:3.3, 95%CI:1.2–8.9) and re-use (AOR:2.2, 95%CI:1.2–3.9) in the past month and prior HIV testing (AOR:1.6, 95%CI 1.02–2.5). Conclusion: The feasibility of using ACASI in studies and clinics targeting key populations in Nigeria must be explored to increase the likelihood of obtaining more accurate data on high risk behaviours to inform improved risk reduction strategies that reduce HIV transmission

Genetic studies in the nigerian population implicate an MSX1 mutation in complex oral facial clefting disorders

BACKGROUND: Orofacial clefts are the most common malformations of the head and neck with a World-wide prevalence of 1/700 births. They are commonly divided into CL(P) and CP based on anatomical, genetic and embryological findings. A Nigerian craniofacial anomalies study “NigeriaCRAN” was set up in 2006 to investigate the role of gene-environment interaction in the etiology of orofacial clefts in Nigeria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: DNA isolated from saliva from the Nigerian probands was used for genotype association studies and direct sequencing on the cleft candidate genes: MSX1, IRF6, FOXE1, FGFR1, FGFR2, BMP4, MAFB, ABCA4, PAX7 and VAX1, and the chromosome 8q region. RESULTS: A missense mutation A34G in MSX1 was observed in nine cases and four hap map controls. No other apparent etiologic variations were identified. A deviation from HWE was observed in the cases (p= 0.00002). There was a significant difference between the affected side for unilateral CL (p=0.03) and, between bilateral clefts and clefts on either side (p=0.02). A significant gender difference was also observed for CP (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The replication of a mutation previously implicated in other populations suggests a role for the MSX1 A34G variant in the etiology of CL(P)