Effects of Rainfall Variability on Cassava Yield in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

Agriculture in Nigeria is the main source of food and major employer of labour with about 60% of the Nigerian population engaged in Agriculture. It is predominantly ran-fed and hence vulnerable to climate change. This study assessed the effects of rainfall and temperature variation on cassava in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected from the Imo State Agricultural Development Programme for the period of 22years (1995-2017). The data were analyzed statistically and the results revealed that there was minimal variation in rainfall and temperature characteristics, which translates into proportional variability in cassava yield in Owerri North Local Government Area, during the period of study. The study also revealed poor yield with non-significant positive effect of rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature in cassava yield. With reference to the study outcome, it was recommended that weather information should be disseminated to crop farmers to equip them with proper timing, adaptation and mitigation strategies for agricultural practice in the region. This would reduce the adverse effects of climate variability on crop production. Also, it was recommended that since rainfall and temperature do not account for one hundred percent of the determinants of crop yield, other factors such as soil fertility and farm management practices should be explored in order to ensure maximum yield of crops in Owerri, Imo State of Nigeria. Keywords: Effect, Rainfall, Variability, Cassava yield DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-3-12 Publication date:March 31st 201

Effects of Rainfall and Temperature Variability on Yam Production in Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The study assesses the effects of rainfall and temperature variability on yam production in lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The research data were collected from secondary data from the existed literatures such as textbooks, journals, articles, seminar papers, encyclopedia which are most pertinent to this study. The rainfall and temperature data of the fourteen years (2001-2014) were collected from synoptic weather station of NIMET archives Lafia sub station where rain gauge and thermometer are used. The Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS) software was used for the analysis. The derivatives of these data were computed and used for further analysis such as average of number of rainy and temperature variations of months of years under study. The yam data was collected in metric tons as unit of measurement per year for the fourteen years under study which shows that there is an upward increase trend in yam production in the area of study over the time span in gradual and steady state which has a variation in production, across the years under consideration of 0.843%. It is also indicated the effect of 0.186 (19%) of the variation in yam production was explained by the variation in rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature between the study periods. It’s further stated that the magnitude of effect by the predictors (rainfall, minimum and maximum temperature) on the dependent variable (yam) varies. Rainfall had a non-significant (P-value > 0.05) effect of -0.269 and a coefficient value of -0.438. This by extension implies that for every unit (mm) decrease in rainfall over the period of time under investigation, yam production decreases by -0.438mt. The relationship between rainfall, temperature and yam using Pearson correlation shows that a weak negative relationship (-0.041) between rainfall and yam yield, a weak positive relationship (0.160) between maximum temperature and yam yield and there is a weak positive relationship (0.322) between minimum temperature and yam yield. The study identified increased production with non-significant positive effect of rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature on yam production. Since the study focused on the effects of rainfall and temperature variability on yam production in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa state, without taking into consideration of other parameters like land use patterns and since rainfall and temperature are not the only parameters that affects yam production. the following recommendations are made: Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) should be deployed to guide farmers through routine visits, regular access to weather information to farmers by NIMET, application of irrigation  for growing of crops,  study of land use pattern should be considered and there is need for modern farm inputs and price control by government and Non Governmental organization. Keywords: Effects, Rainfall, Temperature, Variability, Yam Production DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-3-13 Publication date:March 31st 201

Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene-Cu Composite Via Hydrothermal Method

In this paper, graphene-copper composite was synthesized via hydrothermal method using different compositions from 5 to 25%. The grain size and copper composition are observed to decrease proportionally to increase in band gap. The effect of composition fluctuate the peaks shift. The peak increased linearly with increasing temperature for each composition. The band gap reduces with increasing temperature for each composition. Short calcined duration on samples is observed to cause a little lower band gap value than that of longer duration. The thermal treatment of graphene oxide (GO) has been observed to cause changes in its quality, size and shape. &nbsp

Assessment of the Effects of Flood on Agricultural Land Use in Doma Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This study aimed at assessing the effects of flood on agricultural land use in Doma Local Government Area, Nasarawa state, Nigeria. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, information on the causes effects frequency and magnitude of flood on agricultural land use were needed from primary and secondary source of data. The primary data were obtained through the use of structured questionnaire, field observation and measurement and ten years rainfall data (2004-2014). The rainfall data were obtained from Nigeria meteorological agency (NIMET), Lafia, Nasarawa state. Rainfall data obtained were used for rainfall trend analysis for the study. The secondary data include information from relevant text such as journals, newspaper dictionary, encyclopaedia textbooks, internet and web and related past students dissertation and thesis. Basic statistical techniques such as the computation of totals, mean, and standard deviation were employed for the analysis of rainfall data. Descriptive statistics were adopted to analyze the result from the questionnaire and simply linear regression analysis were used to determined rainfall trend for this work. The study shows that there has an appreciable effect of flood in the    study area which is due to many factors such as human activities but is greatly influenced by climate. This evident in the study as about 44.1% and 21.8% of the total respondents have been engaged in farming for 21 years and above, and 16 to 20 years respectively and are thereby able to explain clearly the effects they home observed experienced over time. The finding also revealed that 1.76% of the respondents have lost a total 15 hectares of farm land, 30.59% have 416 hectare 23.53 have lost 480 hectares, 14.71% lost 500 histories and 7.06% 600 hectares respective. This indicates a great destruction farm lands in the area and invariably a decrease in food production. The state disaster management and other agencies charges with disaster management in the state level should be properly funded in order to respond to the challenges of sudden of occurrences of natural disaster in future. Keywords: Effect, Floods, Agriculture, Landuse, Devastation DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-3-08 Publication date:March 31st 201

Electrical Resistivity Survey on Two Waste Dumpsites at Nguru, Potiskum, Yobe State, Nigeria to Determine the Effect of Leachates on Ground Water Aquifer

The research intends to bring out the contribution of leachate on groundwater in two dumpsites in Nguru and Potiskum all in Yobe state, Nigeria. A total of seven (7) and eight (8) VES by Schlumberger electrode with the use of Wenner electrode configuration. The results were interpreted by the use of WinRESIST for VES and IPWIN2INV for ERT. The study pointed out that, the area in question is comprised of four layers of geoelectric such as the topsoil, clay, sand, sandy clay and sand. The range of the first resistivity layer was from 6.16 Ωm to 332 Ωm in the first geo-electric layer and its thickness range from 2.77 m to 37.7 m and a depth range of 2.77 m to 37.7 m. the range of the second resistivity layer was from 16.5 Ωm to 37.9 Ωm which has the range of its thickness from 4.1 m to 10.7 m. The range of the third resistivity layer was from 101.2 Ωm to 288.2 Ωm which has the range of its thickness from 38.9 m to 99.7 m, and the first aquifer in the area. The range of the first resistivity layer was from 100.7 Ωm to 214.3 Ωm which has the range of its thickness from 28.5 m to 94 m. The fifth layer which is the second aquifer and has resistivity from 254 Ωm to 350 Ωm with a very large thickness. The range of the first resistivity aquifer is from 101.2 Ωm to 288.2 Ωm and the range of the second resistivity aquifer is from 253.8 Ωm to 350.1 Ωm. The 2D ERT profiles unveiled areas with low resistant zones and later discussed as zones penetrated by contaminants originated from dumpsites whereas high resistant zones represent areas of low or non-conductive materials in the area. Data obtained from four dumpsites indicated that leachate of the waste dumpsites penetrated into aquifers and polluted the groundwater. The existence of contaminants in the water was noted by a decrease in the formation resistant values. It is seen, from the results of the survey (geophysical) that the water in the area is polluted and it accounts for the prevalence of any disease related to water that are common in the are

Evaluation of Environmental Effect of Shiroro Hydropower Dam on the Downstream Communities of Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

This study evaluates the environmental effect of Shiroro hydropower dam on the downstream communities. The main objective of this study is to investigate the environmental effects of Shiroro hydropower dam on the downstream communities. A suitable conceptual framework was formulated and obtained data on the environmental impacts of dam on downstream communities, followed by a comprehensive literature review for viable information on the study. Three communities were used as case studies and quantitative method was  used as an appropriate research paradigm such as structured questionnaire survey (with predominantly quantitative questions) and  relevant data was obtained from the study area. Subsequently the data was analysed using descriptive, factor analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test as well construct reliability and validity analysis. From a broad range of environmental impacts, core environmental impacts were determined. The core impacts include changes in riparian vegetation, changes in river water quality, changes to channel shape and changes in floodplains among others. Similarly, control techniques were identified to lessen the effect of the impact and the result revealed that watershed management, water pollution control, management of water releases, fishing regulation, fish hatcheries and fish passage facilities were the core control techniques. The result of Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that majority of the environmental impacts affecting the communities under study is significantly and statistically different while the Cronbach alpha for internal consistencies of the constructs of the questionnaire was 0.745, hence high enough for generalising the result. Keywords: Environment, Effects, Hydroelectric, Dam, Downstream DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-3-11 Publication date:March 31st 201

ESTABLISHING THE RATES OF DEFORESTATION USING GIS AND REMOTE SENSING TOOLS IN SHENDAM DISTRICT, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

This study presents an estimate of deforestation rates in Shendam district, geographically located at latitude   8º53′43.88″N and longitude 9º27′13.41″S, in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The study was carried out using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools/ Remote Sensing Applications and field observation to establish the rates and extend of forest resources depletion within the study area. The Center for Remote Sensing, Jos, Plateau State, generated the  Land use Cover Data for the years, 1994, 2004, 2014,using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) at 30m Resolution. The  results from (1994-2014) shows 173.3 hectares of forest lost and (2004-2014) shows 128.3 hectares of  forest cover  lost annually. In1994, the vegetation cover of the study area was characterized by forest (39.3%), shrubs (31.9%), farmlands (20.8%) and built-up area had (8.0%) which implies that there was less farming activity in the study area at that time. In 2014, however, forest cover decreased to 11.2%, shrubs reduced to 25.6% farmlands increased to 38.1%, while built-up area rose to 25.1%. This indicates an increase in human settlement and farming activities in shendam district. The following recommendations were offered: Afforestation policy should be reviewed to strengthened  forest management and Social investment programmes should be introduced to empower the less privileged. The policy of cut one-plant five trees initiative should be embraced for the purpose of environmental sustainability in Shendam District. KEYWORDS:  Deforestation, GIS and Remote Sensing, Settlement, Sustainabilit

Assessment of probability of pulmonary arterial hypertension among HIV-1 infected patients on haart and its relationship with Cd4 cells Count and viral load

HIV patients are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than the general population and have a 2500-fold increased risk of developing pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). HIV associated pulmonary hypertension was said to be more severe and is associated with higher mortality. Methodology: Across-sectional conducted among consecutive HIV patients age greater than 18 years receiving treatment at the antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic of the Federal Medical Centre Nguru Yobe State Northeastern Nigeria. Results: One hundred and twenty (120) subjects were recruited into the study, thirteen had incomplete data and were excluded from the analysis. There was a significant negative correlation between CD4 cells count with tricuspid regurgitant flow velocity (TRv), pulmonary regurgitant flow velocity (PRv), pulmonary artery trunk diameter (PATd), right ventricular to left ventricular internal diameter (RV/LV) ratio, left ventricular eccentricity index (LVEI), and right atrial area (RAA), while the correlation between CD4 cells count and right ventricular acceleration time (RVAT) was positive and significant. On the other hand, the correlations between viral load and TRv, PRv, PATd, RV/LV ratio, and RAA were positive and significant while that between viral load and RVAT was negative and significant. Conclusions: This study revealed that HIV patients with low CD4 cell count and high viral load had a high probability of developing PAH (significant negative relationship between variables associated with the probability of PAH with CD4 cell count and significant positive relationship with viral load), In HIV patients the probability of developing PAH decreases with adequate treatment (that suppress viral replication and increases CD4 count). We, therefore, recommend routine assessment of the probability of PAH in patients with HIV infection particularly those with low CD4 cell count and high viral load and encourage early commencement of HAART to prevent the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Environmental Effects of Gully Erosion in Nigeria: Case Study of Nanka Community, Orumba North, L.G.A of Anambra State

Soil is the most vital natural resources on earth. This is because it hosts both animate and inanimate beings and over three quarters of the world’s man-made developments are being carried out on land. Nanka is an Igbo speaking community covering five (5) settlements in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, South Eastern Nigeria. The studyis aimed at evaluating the effects of gully erosion in Nanka Community of Anambra State and with a view to recommend sustainable mitigation measures for environmental improvement. The use of questionnaires, maps, pictures, literature review, soil sample collection and laboratory analysis were part of the research methodology. The study revealed that both the natural and anthropogenic such as road construction without drainage, deforestation, solid waste disposal in water ways, rainfall intensity and nature of soil among others  are the causal factors of gully erosion in Nanka Community. The respondents agreed that rainfall intensity and nature of soil are the major cause with about 36.02% and 30.11% respectively. At 0.05 level of significance, the critical table value of‘ t test’ is 2.78 while the calculated value of R2 is 0.31(31%) for the test of hypothesis. However, it was also observed that the effects of gully erosion in Nanka Community encompass destruction of residential homes, psychological trauma and loss of lives and farmlands among others. The mitigation measures to tackle the problem are land reclamation, aforestation, construction of roads with drainages, removal solid waste materials in water channels, public sensitization / awareness campaign and construction of embankments through public and private participation programme. Keywords: Aforestation, Anthropogenic factors, Gully erosion, Mitigation, Rainfall DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-10-08 Publication date:October 31st 201

Community psychosocial music intervention (CHIME) to reduce antenatal common mental disorder symptoms in The Gambia: a feasibility trial

Objectives: Examine the feasibility of a Community Health Intervention through Musical Engagement (CHIME) in The Gambia to reduce common mental disorder (CMD) symptoms in pregnant women. Design: Feasibility trial testing a randomised stepped-wedge cluster design. Setting: Four local antenatal clinics. Participants: Women who were 14–24 weeks pregnant and spoke Mandinka or Wolof were recruited into the intervention (n=50) or control group (n=74). Intervention: Music-based psychosocial support sessions designed and delivered by all-female fertility societies. Sessions lasted 1 hour and were held weekly for 6 weeks. Delivered to groups of women with no preselection. Sessions were designed to lift mood, build social connection and provide health messaging through participatory music making. The control group received standard antenatal care. Outcomes: Demographic, feasibility, acceptability outcomes and the appropriateness of the study design were assessed. Translated measurement tools (Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20); Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)) were used to assess CMD symptoms at baseline, post-intervention and 4-week follow-up. Results: All clinics and 82% of women approached consented to take part. A 33% attrition rate across all time points was observed. 72% in the intervention group attended at least three sessions. Audio and video analysis confirmed fidelity of the intervention and a thematic analysis of participant interviews demonstrated acceptability and positive evaluation. Results showed a potential beneficial effect with a reduction of 2.13 points (95% CI (0.89 to 3.38), p<0.01, n=99) on the SRQ-20 and 1.98 points (95% CI (1.06 to 2.90), p<0.01, n=99) on the EPDS at the post-intervention time point for the intervention group compared with standard care. Conclusion: Results demonstrate that CHIME is acceptable and feasible in The Gambia. To our knowledge, CHIME is the first example of a music-based psychosocial intervention to be applied to perinatal mental health in a low- and middle-income country context