A 10 Years Review and Classification of the Geographic Information Systems Impact Literature (1998-2008)

Our objective in this paper is to review the literature on the impact of geographic information systems (GIS) in governmental and non-governmental organizations by analyzing 53 articles published between 1998 and 2008. The impacts of GIS are categorized in a taxonomy which designates GIS contributions to efficiency, effectiveness and societal well-being. According to this taxonomy, 38 articles are examined in-depth and their results reported. The focus of GIS impact research efforts in terms of research philosophies, methodologies and geographic focus is also presented. We suggest that the appropriate use of theories, concepts and testing of existing GIS evaluation frameworks could serve as building blocks for more rigorous studies on the impact of GIS, including Land Information Systems (LIS) and Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI)

Substance use, social support and socio-demographic factors among commercial drivers in Ibadan

Commercial drivers often engage in long and irregular working hours, and as such suffer back pain, fatigue, stress and thereafter use some psychoactive substance to cope with their job. Even though most studies on substance use have been on general population, limited information is available on the use of substance and roles of socio-demographic factors among commercial drivers. This study therefore examined the roles of sociodemographic factors (age, years of driving, gender and social support) in substance use among commercial drivers in Ibadan, Nigeria.The study employed a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling technique to recruit 250 commercial drivers. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-demographic information, social support and substance use from the participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, Analysis of Variance and Independent t-test analysis. Results showed that years of driving significantly have a positive correlation with substance use. However, duration and hours spent on the driving did not have a significant independent relationship with substance use. Younger participants significantly engage more in substance use than older individuals. Similarly, female participants significantly engage more in substance use than male drivers. Additionally, participants with high social support mostly engage in substance use than participants with low social support. The study concluded that years of driving, age, gender and social support network of the drivers significantly plays an influencing roles in substance usage among commercial drivers in Ibadan. The study recommends that, in the organized substance use and abuse preventive program for drivers, the consideration for drivers’ socio-demographics factors is quite imperative, especially as more females and younger individuals with more social support are getting more involved in substance use

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF CARBON STORAGE IN BIOMASS AND SOIL ORGANIC CARBON IN TEAK PLANTATION OF DIFFERENT AGES IN YEWA NORTH, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Tree act as a sink for CO2 by fixing carbon during photosynthesis and is a vital tool to alleviate climate change through CO2 absorption from the atmosphere. This study was conducted to assess carbon storage in tree biomass and soil carbon stock in Teak (Tectona grandis) plantations of different age series (5, 9 and 12 years). Data were collected on diameter at breast height (Dbh) and total height (TH) of all the trees in a sample plot of 1000 m2 in each plantation of age series. Carbon stored was evaluated based on tree growth variables, soil parameters and above ground biomass. Topsoil and subsoil (0-15 and 15-30 cm) samples collected from three sites were analyzed for organic carbon (OC) following standard methods.  Mean diameter at breast height were 67.11, 45.42, and 21.35 cm ha-1 and the mean volumes were 0.39, 0.16 and 0.02 m3ha-1 for 12, 9 and 5 years old were significant different (p<0.05). The highest value of total soil organic carbon (TSOC) was 8464.65 t.ha-1 for the 12year-old followed by 4430.25 t.ha-1 for 9 years old stand and 3004.95 t.ha-1 for 5years old were significant different (p<0.05) respectively. The total soil organic carbon per hectare were higher for the older than the younger Tectona grandis stand (8464.65 t.ha-1, 4430.25 t.ha-1 and 3004.95 t.ha-1) were significant different (p<0.05). Total carbon storage by soil and in biomass (CSB) was 15899.85 and 49.31 tons.ha-1 and total carbon accumulated by the plantation under investigation was in the order of 12 years old > 9 years old > 5 years old, respectively. The results of this study confirm that teak has good potentials to offer carbon sequestration through its soil and accumulate large amount of biomass carbon. The plantation ownership should be guided properly on the management activities such as thinning, pruning and weeding operation as well as indiscriminate removal of individual caused by anthropogenic activities should be avoided.     &nbsp

THE IMPACT OF MIMOSA PUDICA ON THE HISTOARCHITECTURE OF HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-TESTICULAR AXIS IN CADMIUM TREATED RATS

Background: Cadmium is a known environmental and industrial pollutant with an enormous neuroendocrine disrupting potential. Mimosa pudica Linn is a creeping annual or perennial herb known to possess antiasthmatic, antiepileptic, antitumour, aphrodisiac, analgesic, antidepressant properties and a strong radical scavenging activity. This research was aimed at investigating the impact of Mimosa pudica on the histoarchitectural integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in cadmium-treated rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty five mature wistar rats (Rattus rattus norvegicus) were employed in the study. These animals were divided into five groups - 5 Rats/Group; Control, Cadmium Toxicity, Mimosa pudica Extract, Protection and Therapeutic Groups. The Control Group was orally administrated with distilled water. Result: Toxicity was achieved with 1.2mg/kg body weight for forty days with apparent histological abnormalities and alterations to the axis components. Administration of Mimosa pudica (200mg/kg) body weight with cadmium in both the Protection and Therapeutic Groups showed remarkable histological improvements and markedly reduced tissue damage when compared with Cadmium Toxicity Group. Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrate that Mimosa pudica possesses protective, therapeutic as well as restorative capacity on the histoarchitecture of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis components in cadmium-treated rats

Structural Exposition of Concern and Belief of COVID-19 Vaccination Knowledge in Ghana

This study aimed to investigate the structural concerns, knowledge, and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccination in the Ghanaian context. As a result, understanding the changing dynamics of knowledge, concerns, and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccination and health is critical for disease control and prevention. This study used a quantitative method with convenience sampling to ask respondents about COVID-19 vaccine acceptance through an online questionnaire shared with indigenous residents in and outside Ghana with 346 respondents. This study employed various data analysis techniques, including structural equation modelling, multi-group data analysis, and interaction effects. The degree of belief and concern regarding vaccination knowledge was statistically different. It is assumed that males tend to believe more about vaccination and have higher knowledge than females. The study adds an original view of differences in the perception of people in Ghana on how they perceived the belief and concern for vaccination knowledge based on demographic factors of gender, employment, and unemployment