The Impact of some Meteorological Variables on the Estimation of Global Solar Radiation in Kano, North Western, Nigeria

This study examines the impact of measured monthly average daily global solar radiation, sunshine duration, wind speed, maximum and minimum temperatures, rainfall, cloud cover and relative humidity parameters on the estimation of global solar radiation during the period of thirty one years (1980 – 2010) for Kano, Nigeria (Latitude 12.030N, Longitude 08.120E and altitude 472.5 m above sea level) using different selected proposed empirical models. The accuracy of the proposed models are tested using statistical indicator; Mean Bias Error (MBE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Percentage Error (MPE), t – test, correlation coefficient (R) and coefficient of determination (R2). The developed models are based on one variable correlation, two variable correlations, three variable correlations, four variable correlations, five variable correlations and six variable correlations, in each case one or two empirical models has been recommended based on their outstanding performance in line with the statistical test subjected to. The model (Eqn. 36) with the highest values of R and R2 and lowest values of MBE, RMSE, MPE and t – test as compared with other developed model is considered the best performing model. It was observed that the newly recommended developed models (Eqns. 13, 17, 21, 26, 27, 31, 35 and 36) can be used for estimating daily values of global solar radiation with higher accuracy and has good adaptability to highly changing climatic conditions for Kano and regions of similar climatic information. Keywords: global solar radiation, sunshine duration, wind speed, rainfall and coefficient of determination

A Comparative Study of some Meteorological Parameters for Predicting Global Solar Radiation in Kano, Nigeria Based on Three Variable Correlations

In this present study, twenty empirical regression equations based on three variable correlations were developed and used to estimate the monthly average daily global solar radiation on a horizontal surface using measured monthly average daily global solar radiation, sunshine duration, wind speed, maximum and minimum temperatures, rainfall, cloud cover and relative humidity parameters during the period of thirty one years (1980 – 2010) for Kano, Nigeria (Latitude 12.030N, Longitude 08.120E and altitude 472.5 m above sea level). The comparative performance of the developed models has been evaluated on the basis of statistical parameters using Mean Bias Error (MBE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Percentage Error (MPE), t – test and Nash – Sutcliffe Equation (NSE). The values of the correlation coefficient (R) and coefficient of determination (R2) were also obtained for each of the developed models. The MPE values for all the developed models lie within the acceptable range . The t – test produces perfect model performance at 95% and 99% confidence level for all the developed models. Three equations were recommended from this study, firstly, the model (Eqn. 20) with the highest value of R and R2, secondly, the model (Eqn. 24) with the least value of RMSE and the highest value of NSE and thirdly, the model (Eqn. 31) with the least values of MPE and t – test. These developed models can be used for estimating monthly average daily global solar radiation for Kano, North – Western, Nigeria and other locations with similar weather conditions where the solar radiation data is unavailable. Keywords: global solar radiation, Kano, variable correlation, Mean Bias Error (MBE) and coefficient of determination

Survey of Umbilical Cord care and Separation time in Healthy Newborns in Kano

Background: The interval between delivery and umbilical cord separation varies worldwide. Some maternal, foetal and perinatal factors includingcord care practices are known to affect this interval. Objectives: To establish the mean umbilical cord separation time and the effect of maternal and infant characteristics, perinatal factors and cord care practices on this time among healthy babies in northern Nigeria. Methods : An interviewer questionnaire was administered on mothers of healthy babies at Child Welfare Clinics of a tertiary and secondary level hospital in Kano.In each case, information was obtained about mother's parity, place of antenatal care and delivery, gestational age, birth weight, time of umbilical cord separation after birth and cord treatment practices. Results: Five hundred and seventy seven (96.2 percent) of 600 mothers interviewed, took part in the study, four of these mothers had twin gestation. Responses showed that cord separation time ranged from 2 -14 days (4.20 1.70)Three hundred and forty nine (60.9. percent ) mothers applied methylated spirit, 145 (25.3 percent) used hot compress, while50 (8.7 percent) applied toothpaste on the cord. Twenty (3.5 percent)others applied herbs, while nine (1.6 percent) applied dusting powder to the umbilical stump. Cord s epa r a t ion t ime wa s significantly shorter among babies whose mothers were of high parity, unbooked, and of low educational status. In addition, the use of razor blade, thread, hot compress or application of herbal preparations or toothpas te s igni f icant ly shortened the separation time (P<0.05). Conclusions: Cord separation time and cord care practices varied. Nigerian mothers often use unorthodox interventions to shorten cord separation time; however, therisk of omphalitis that may result from this is real. We recommendthat each centre should adopt and teach mothers a standard hygieniccord care practice while discouraging the use of herbs and untested materials.Keywords: Umbilical cord, Separation time, Cord care, Kan

Compliance to medication among hypertensive patients in Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Background: Non-compliance to blood pressure-lowering medication is a major reason for poor control of hypertension worldwide. We assessed the level of compliance to anti-hypertensive therapy and identified factors contributing to poor compliance among hypertensives in Kano. Methodology: Three hundred and sixty outpatients were interviewed using a pre-tested, structured, mostly closed ended questionnaire in Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano, Nigeria. Results: Good compliance with drug treatment was observed in 54.2% of the respondents and poor compliance among the remainder. Poor compliance was found to be mainly due to ignorance on need for regular treatment (32.7%), lack of funds to purchase drugs (32.7%) and side effects of drugs (12.1%). Patients with formal education, and higher monthly income were more compliant to treatment. In addition, those on single drugs were more compliant compared to those on two or more drugs. Poor compliance was found to be mainly due to ignorance and lack of funds to purchase drugs. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, there is a need for launching a comprehensive approach involving health care providers, patients and the general public to educating patients on the need to take their drugs regularly and in the manner prescribed. Doctors should consider the financial status of their patients in prescribing antihypertensive drugs to enable affordability. Prices of anti-hypertensive drugs should be subsidized where possible. Prescribing an effective, inexpensive, single dose daily medication with minimal side effects will improve patient compliance considerably. Key Words: Hypertension; Medication; Compliance; Kano Journal of Community Medicine & Primary Health Care Vol.16(1) 2004: 16-2

Ebola virus disease and pregnancy outcome: A review of the literature

Introduction: Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a disease of humans and other primates caused by Ebola viruses. The most widespread epidemic of EVD in history occurred recently in several West African countries. The burden and outcome of EVD in pregnant women remains uncertain. There are few reports to date on maternal and fetal outcomes among pregnant women with EVD, hence the justification for this comprehensive review of these published studies.Materials and Methods: Published literature in Englishthat reported on maternal and or fetal outcome among pregnant women with EVD up to May 2016 were searched in electronic databases (Google Scholar, Medline, Embase, PubMed, AJOL, and Scopus). Studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. We extracted the following variables from each study: Geographical location, year of the study, settings of the study, participants, maternal and fetal outcome.Results: A total of 12 studies reported on 108 pregnant women and 110 fetal outcomes. Six of the studies were case reports, three retrospective studies, two cross‑sectional studies, and one was a technical report. There were 91 (84.3%) deaths out of the 108 pregnant women, while only one (0.9%) fetal survival was reported out of 110. The survival rate among the 15 patients that had spontaneous abortion/stillbirth or induced delivery was 100%.Conclusion: There was a poor maternal and fetal outcome among pregnant women with EVD, and fetal evacuation significantly improves maternal survival.Key words: Africa; Ebola; fetal; maternal; outcome

Effects of vaccination on the prevalence of Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in small ruminants in Taraba State, Nigeria

An investigation was conducted in order to determine the distribution of Peste Des Petits Ru'minants (PPR) and vaccination efforts in Taraba State of Nigeria using data collected from the Veterinary Services Department of the State's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development between 1992 and 1998. The results showed that the disease is most prevalent during the cold months of the year (Hamattan) and beginning of the rainy season. Similarly, outbreaks increased with the relaxation of vaccination campaign programmes. It was observed that the number of outbreak was low when a vaccination using Tissue-Culture-Rinderpest Vaccine (TCRV) was intensified and it increases when the vaccination was relaxed. It was concluded from this study that intensive vaccination campaign of small ruminants against the PPR through provision of adequate facilities, TCRV vaccines, training offield workers and mass enlightenment campaign in the villages are paramount to control menace of the disease in Nigeria

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

Correlates of postpartum sexual activity and contraceptive use in Kano, northern Nigeria

Practices related to resumption of coitus after childbirth remains poorly documented in Nigeria. This study examined factors associated with sexual intercourse, delivery-coitus interval, and contraceptive use among postpartum women attending a tertiary centre in Kano, northern Nigeria. A cross section of 317 women attending immunization, postnatal and family planning clinics within 12 months of childbirth was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Vaginal intercourse was resumed by most women (n=212; 66.9%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 61.8%, 72.2%) with delivery-coitus resumption interval (mean ± SD) of 9.6±5.2 weeks postpartum. The majority (67.9%) resumed sexual activity within 8 weeks of delivery. Nearly two-thirds 65.6% (n=139/212) of the sexually active women reported current use of contraceptives. Onset of postpartum sexual activity was independently associated with mode of delivery adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95%CI)= 1.10 (1.03,1.78), baby‘s age AOR (95%CI) =2.10 (1.27, 8.70), number of living children AOR (95%CI)=1.21 (1.07,1.79), onset of menstruation AOR (95%CI)=0.34 (0.17,0.69) and co-habitation AOR (95%CI)=0.47 (0.016, 0.14). Contraceptive use was predicted by educational status, sexual activity, baby‘s age and menstruation. Most women attending maternal and child health clinics resumed sexual intercourse within 2 months of delivery, but only two-thirds used modern contraceptive methods. Contraceptive counseling should commence early, preferably during pregnancy.Keywords: sexual intercourse, postpartum, contraceptive use, predictors, Nigeri

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