Analysis of carbon stock density in protected and non- protected areas of Guinea Savanna in Niger State, Nigeria

Quantification of carbon stock has gained major attention in international climate change mitigation and adaptation negotiations. However, poor knowledge of the quantity of carbon stock in respective ecosystems is one major challenge in estimating carbon stock in developing countries. This study is aimed at estimating and comparing carbon stock density of protected (forest reserve) and non-protected (parkland) areas of guinea savanna in Niger state. The research methodology includes field survey inventory, biometric measurements and laboratory analysis. At each of the 45 sampling plot locations, Carbon stock was measured from six pools viz above ground tree, undergrowth, dead wood, litter, root and soil. within a quadrat sampling plot of 500 m2. Four fixed size square frames encompassing 1m2 was used for the undergrowth (shrubs and grasses) and litter. Composite soil samples (for organic carbon) and undisturbed samples (for bulk density) were taken from each of the 1m2 subplot quadrants at two depths (0-15cm and 15-30cm). Soil organic carbon concentration was estimated in the laboratory using Walkley-Black method. The findings of the study revealed that in terms of carbon stock in respective pools, in both protected and non-protected areas, soil pool was the highest, followed by tree and undergrowth; while litter, dead wood and root were the least in carbon stock. The average aggregate carbon stock density in the protected area is 118.2 Mg ha-1 which is greater than 69.3 Mg ha-1 recorded in the non- protected area. It was also observed that there is significant difference in carbon stock density between the forest reserve and parkland study sites where t (43) = 18.34, p < 0.001). The study concludes that if savannas were to be protected from fire, grazing and anthropogenic disturbances, most of them would accumulate substantial carbon and the sink would be larger; with a view to mitigating climate change effect.Keywords: Carbon stock, climate change, density, guinea savanna, mitigatio

Phytosociological analysis of woody plant species as determinant of above ground carbon stock in the Guinea Savanna Ecological Zone of Nigeria

Estimation of the magnitude of forests as carbon sinks or sources require accurate and reliable estimate of biomass density of the forests. However, poor knowledge of the quantity of biomass per species in a given ecosystem is one most uncertain factor involved in estimating carbon stock in developing countries. The aim of this study is to examine the relative phytosociological importance of woody species in determining above ground biomass/carbon stock in the Guinea savanna ecological zone of Nigeria. The research methodology employed field survey inventory, biometric measurements and laboratory analysis. Measurement was carried out in 45 quadrat sampling plots of 500 m2. Destructive biomass sampling was used for biomass estimation. The phytosociological analysis carried out in this study revealed that ecologically dominant tree species in the study area in decreasing order were Vitellaria paradoxa,(32.73) Irvingia gabonensis, (28.38) Parkia biglobosa, (23.20) Anogeissus leiocarpus, (21.64) and Pterocarpus erinaceous (15.73). Others include Detarium microcarpum (13.85) Prosopis Africana (13.69) Danellia oliveri (11.91) Afzelia Africana (10.80); together accounting for about 65.2 % of total species dominance. By contrast, tree species that contribute most to the above ground biomass stock in the study area were Anogeissus leiocarpus, (705.82 kg) Parkia biglobosa, (631.47 kg) Pterocarpus erinaceous, (522.23 kg) Irvingia gabonensis (469.72 kg) and Vitellaria paradoxa (381.80 kg). Finding in this study implies that Anogeissus leiocarpus is the tree species with highest potential to store carbon in the study area. The study recommends that the identified ecologically dominant tree species be well protected in order to exploit their carbon sequestration potential for mitigating climate change.Keywords: Phytomass, Carbon, Climate Change, Mitigation, Sequestratio

Homo sapiens are bilaterally symmetrical but not with toe length and toe-length ratios among Nigerians

The concept of bilateral symmetry in organisms involves the division of the body plan along a plane that splits the animal's body into right and left sides that are mirror images of each other. However can this be true for toe lengths and ratios? The present study evaluates the symmetric differences in toe length and toe-length ratios among the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. A total of 1574 adult Nigerian Hausas (664), Igbos (420) and Yorubas (490) of equal sex were included in the study. Aged between 18-65 years, were randomly selected from various states. Written informed consent was taken from each participant, sample size was determined by proportion, using Cochran formulae for infinite population. A digital Vernier caliper was used to obtain direct linear measurements of the toe length of both feet; hallux (1T), second toe (2T), third toe (3T), fourth toe (4T), and the fifth toe (5T). Ten (10) possible toe-length ratios were also determined and named as follows; 1T/2T, 1T/3T, 1T/4T, 1T/5T, 2T/3T, 2T/4T, 2T/5T, 3T/4T, 3T/5T, and 4T/5T. Data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM®Armonk, New York, USA) and Minitab V17 (Minitab® Inc. State College, Pennsylvania) statistical software. Paired-sample t-test was used to evaluate symmetry; Pearson’s Correlation was used for inter-prediction of the toes and ratios. Confidence level was set at 95%; as P-values ≤0.05 were considered significant. The result showed that some of the toe length of both feet were significantly assymetrical among the studied ethnic groups; Hausa males (1T df=1.35 and 5T df=0.55; P<0.05) and females (1T and 3T; (1T df=0.27, 3T df=0.47) P<0.001), Igbo males (1T, 3T and 4T(1T df=0.47, 3T, df=-0.53, 4T df=-0.58) ; P<0.05 and females 1T and 3T(1T df=0.40, T3 df=-0.64) ; P<0.01) and Yoruba males(1T, 2T, 3T and 5T(1T df=1.29, 2T df=0.47, 3T df=0.15, and 5T df=0.55,); P<0.001) and females (1T and 5T(1T df=0.77; 5T df=0.23) ;P<0.001). The toe-length ratios also displayed symmetrical differences for Nigerian male population; 1T:2T [t=3.78, P<0.001], 1T:3T [t=6.27, P<0.001], 1T:4T [t=6.04, P<0.001], 1T:5T [t=2.43, P=0.015], 2T:3T [t=2.23, P=0.026], 3T:5T [t=-3.78, P<0.001] and 4T:5T [t=-3.77, P<0.001].For the female population, all ratios were not significantly different except for1T:4T [t=2.56, P=0.011]. However, both feet displayed significant positive association for co-estimation of the corresponding toe length and toe-length ratios (r-values ranging from 0.20-0.70 at P<0.05).Ethnic and sex specific asymmetry were observed in the toe length and toe-length ratios; thus suggesting that anthropometrically, organisms are not completely bilaterally symmetrical.Keywords: Asymmetry, Bilateral symmetry, Toe length, Toe-length ratio, Ethnic group

Foot Length and Preference: Implication in Footwear Design

Introduction: The foot bears great anatomical function and therefore needs to be protected. The design and engineering of footwear for diverse population is subject to accurate anthropometric data provided for the population.Aims and Objectives: The present study therefore evaluates foot length difference in relation to foot preference and their implication in footwear design.Methods: A total of 1154 adult Nigerians comprising of 577 males and 577 females were included in the study. Direct linear measurements of the left and right foot length were measured using a metric tape. Foot preference (RT, LF or both) and longer foot (RT, LT or EQ) were also determined. Data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM®Armonk, New York, USA) and Minitab V17 (Minitab® Inc. State College, Pennsylvania) statistical software. Paired-sample t-test was used to evaluate symmetry; student t-test was used to compare sex differences while Chi square analysis was used to evaluate the association of foot preference with sex, side and longer foot. Confidence level was set at 95%; as P-values ≤0.05 were considered significant.Results: The mean (S.D) of the right and left foot length (RFL and LFL) of male was 270.20±13.25mm and 270.46±12.94mm while female was 248.90±12.07mm and 249.52±11.81mm respectively. The population RFL and LFL was 259.55±16.56mm and 259.99±16.22mm. The paired sample t-test showed significant symmetric differences in RFL and LFL for females (P=0.033) and total population (P=0.011) but not males (P=0.168). Males displayed significantly higher mean values than the females (P<0.001). Results of the Chi-square analysis showed that, when sex was related to foot preference, the right foot was observed to be dominant for both males (88%) and females (87%), while dual-footedness presented least (2.4% males and 1.7% females). However, there was no observed association of sex and the foot preference neither was there any proportionality difference (P>0.05) but there was association between sex and foot-length difference (P<0.01), with more females having a longer left and right foot while more males had relatively equal foot length.Conclusion: This study suggests the avoidance of assumption of equal foot length; hence, length difference must be considered when constructing footwear for the Nigerian population, most especially for the females, as the study observed bilateral asymmetry in foot length

Air movement and its consequences around a multiple shelterbelt system under advective conditions in semi-arid northern Nigeria.

Horizontal wind speed patterns above a scarce millet row crop on inhomogeneous sandy soil revealed insufficient protection from hot winds by multiple shelterbelts in semi-arid Northern Nigeria. This appeared mainly due to too high distances between the belts. Marked yield drops occurred with distance between the belts, in what McNaughton defined (under mechanical damage and microclimate disturbance from strong winds) as the unprotected wake zone. These may, in the case of hot winds, mainly be attributed to combined negative effects on soil moisture and crop physiology of the combination of turbulence, worsened by the shelterbelts, and advected heat. Other parameters confirm the picture of the wake zone and the quiet zone, the latter also being present windward of the belts in a reduced form. The results have serious consequences for the design rules of multiple shelterbelts and alternatives under African semi-arid conditions

The Views Of Cancer Patients On Receiving Bad News

AIM: This study was performed in a descriptive matter to determine the views of inpatients at an oncology state hospital on receiving bad news. METHOD: The study sample consisted of 237 inpatients (155 females, 82 males) at an oncology state hospital between October and November 2008 who were determined using the random sampling method and accepted participating in the study. The data collection tool used was a survey form that consisted of 24 questions related to the sociodemographic features and views on receiving bad news. RESULTS: The mean age of the study subjects was 53.1±13.9 (min.=18, max.=83). The patients were undergoing the treatment process in 84% and the diagnostic process in 16%. The bad news had been given by the physician in 87.8% and while in the physician's room in 74.8%. The patients had been told while receiving the bad news that 'there is a mass/problem/lesion/tumor and you will undergo surgery' in 47.7% while 24.9% had been told that they had cancer directly. The patients stated that they froze, fainted, were shocked, felt their life was shattered and experienced emotions such as sadness, fear, hopelessness, sorrow, disappointment, desperation, etc. at a rate of 93.7%. We found that 58.2% of the patients had not been given an opportunity to express their emotions when they received the bad news, 67.4% preferred to have a relative with them at the time, 40.9% felt that the bad news should be given in a special environment, 30% wanted the bad news to be given as soon as the diagnosis was known while 36.7% preferred being told everything about the disease when receiving the bad news CONCLUSION: Taking into account the information content, family participation, and the individual preferences of the patients regarding time and place when giving bad news and encouraging them to ask questions and express themselves may make it easier for the patients to cope with bad news. [TAF Prev Med Bull 2011; 10(3.000): 319-326