Spatial Analysis Flood Risk Exposure in Ajeokuta Using Geographic Information System (GIS)

Heavy floods in Nigeria have shown increasing trend in recent years. Ajeokuta is one of the areas affected annually by flood due to its location along the river Niger basin.  Flood risk mapping and analysis are vital elements for appropriate land use planning in flood prone areas. The aim of this paper is to demarcate flood risk potential areas and determine the spatial impact of the recent major flood event in Ajeokuta using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. Identified flood inducing factors in the study area, such as slope, elevation, drainage density, proximity to the river and land use were reclassified and combined to delineate flood risk zones using multi-criteria approach in a GIS environment. The idea was to identify the areas with the highest number of flood inducing factors and assess its proximity to the inundated areas during the recent flood events as a criteria for determination of locations for future flood events. Moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometre (MODIS) data of NASA terra satellite, SRTM, Landsat image with resolution of 30m, geographical map of the study area and geographical information system (GIS) were used for this purpose. Each of the flood indicators was reclassified into four which included high risk, moderately risk, low risk, and no risk  through  ranking process. Flood risk map (FRM) was later generated by overlaying the reclassified maps of all the parameters using addition operator and validated with a view to assisting decision makers on the menace posed by the disaster. The flood risk map revealed that the very high risky places covered area of 376.31 square kilometers (27.63%) while high risky covered 322.88 square kilometers (23.71%), The low risky areas covered 151.76 square kilometers (11.14%)  and areas free from risk covers 511.040 square kilometers (37.52%). This analysis further revealed that 56 settlements are within the very high risk zone these  includes  Geregu, Gbokojo, Adogu, upake, Adogo, Achaga, Badogo, upaga etc Keywords: Risk, Flood Disasters, GIS, S.R.T.M, MODIS DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-8-07 Publication date:August 31st 202

Earth Observation System-Based Impact Assessment of 2012 Flood in Delta State Nigeria

Flooding is one of the most serious natural hazards in the world. It has become a common natural disaster which has claimed many lives, displaced millions and resulted to the destruction of properties and degradation of contiguous farmland.  Though over the decades the people of Delta state have had to contend with sporadic overflows from the river but not in the scale of 2012 flood event. Flood in 2012, submerged coastal villages, displaced millions of people, submerged several square kilometers of land,  disrupt economic activities and properties worth of millions of naira was lost. This study was provoked based on the fact that since the disaster, no reliable investigation and inventory has been made as a guide for mitigation for future occurrence. Currently Earth observing system (EOS) is gaining popularity in solving many environmental problems due to its accurate and timely delivery of information required for decision making. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the impact of 2012 flood in delta state.  Pre-flood and flood imageries captured by and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometre (MODIS), Land sat imagery with resolution 30m, SRTM with resolution 30 arc second, questionnaire, interview, Global positioning system (GPS)  and geographic information system (GIS) was used for data collection and analysis. The map generated from the non-flood image captured on 20th October 2010 was used as a reference to determine the extent of flooding from the disaster image. Spatial impact was determined based on the extent of the submerged land territory while physical economic impact was measured based on property damages. This study revealed that a total landed area of 2185Sq.kms was covered by flood excluding the original extent of the river. Further assessment  revealed that 785000 people were affected, crops worth’s 3.1 billion naira were destroyed, 231 communities in 12 local government of the 25 local government areas were adversely affected these include 118 communities market, 743 market stalls, 220 primary schools, 84 secondary schools, 435 fish farms, 526 poultry farms, 58 piggeries and 5099 houses. Keywords: key words, MODIS, SRTM, Flood,  Hazard, Imagery DOI: 10.7176/CER/12-9-08 Publication date:September 30th 202

Serum CA125 and HE4 as Biomarkers for the Detection of Endometrial Cancer and Associated High-Risk Features

Early detection of endometrial cancer improves survival. Non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers would improve triage of symptomatic women for investigations. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of serum Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125) and Human Epididymis 4 (HE4) for endometrial cancer and associated high-risk features. Serum samples from women investigated for gynaecological symptoms or diagnosed with endometrial cancer were analysed for CA125 and HE4. Conventional diagnostic metrics were calculated. In total, 755 women were included; 397 had endometrial cancer. Serum CA125 and HE4 were significantly elevated in cases compared with controls (both p < 0.001), and with pathological markers of disease severity (p < 0.05). A combination of CA125 and HE4 detected endometrial cancer with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.74–0.81). In a model with body mass index (BMI) and parity, HE4 predicted endometrial cancer in pre-menopausal women with an AUC of 0.91 [sensitivity = 84.5%, specificity = 80.9% (p < 0.001)]. In women with abnormal ultrasound, HE4 ≥ 77 pmol/L improved specificity compared with imaging alone [68.6% (95% CI: 75.0–83.6) vs. 34.4% (95% CI: 27.1–42.3), respectively], but at a cost to sensitivity. HE4 ≥ 77 pmol/L improved the detection of myometrial invasion ≥50% in women with stage I disease compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone [sensitivity = 100% (95% CI: 54.1–100)]. CA125 ≥ 35 U/mL did not add to imaging. HE4 is a good predictor of poor prognostic features which could assist staging investigations

DEveloping Tests for Endometrial Cancer deTection (DETECT): protocol for a diagnostic accuracy study of urine and vaginal samples for the detection of endometrial cancer by cytology in women with postmenopausal bleeding.

From Europe PMC via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: ppub 2021-07-01, epub 2021-07-28Publication status: PublishedFunder: Wellcome TrustFunder: Department of Health; Grant(s): NIHR300650Funder: Cancer Research UK; Grant(s): C147/A25254IntroductionPostmenopausal bleeding (PMB), the red flag symptom for endometrial cancer, triggers urgent investigation by transvaginal ultrasound scan, hysteroscopy and/or endometrial biopsy. These investigations are costly, invasive and often painful or distressing for women. In a pilot study, we found that voided urine and non-invasive vaginal samples from women with endometrial cancer contain malignant cells that can be identified by cytology. The aim of the DEveloping Tests for Endometrial Cancer deTection (DETECT) Study is to determine the diagnostic test accuracy of urine and vaginal cytology for endometrial cancer detection in women with PMB.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre diagnostic accuracy study of women referred to secondary care with PMB. Eligible women will be asked to provide a self-collected voided urine sample and a vaginal sample collected with a Delphi screener before routine clinical procedures. Pairs of specialist cytologists, blinded to participant cancer status, will assess and classify samples independently, with differences settled by consensus review or involving a third cytologist. Results will be compared with clinical outcomes from standard diagnostic tests. A sample size of 2000 women will have 80% power to establish a sensitivity of vaginal samples for endometrial cancer detection by cytology of ≥85%±7%, assuming 5% endometrial cancer prevalence. The primary objective is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of urogenital samples for endometrial cancer detection by cytology. Secondary objectives include the acceptability of urine and vaginal sampling to women.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the North West-Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee (16/NW/0660) and the Health Research Authority. Results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, presentation at conferences and via charity websites.Trial registration numberISRCTN58863784

Heavy metals pollution potentials in the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe

Heavy metals pollution potential in National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe was investigated. Two mining sites located at the east mining pits such as M3O, which is 370 m above sea level and M2O, which is 350 m above sea level were studied.  Sequential extraction techniques was utilised to examine the distribution effect of the heavy metals pollution potential on the environment. Twelve representative (six-soil, two-sediment, two-plant and two-water) samples were collected, pre-treated and prepared for this study. The atomic absorption spectrometer was used to analyse the concentration of the metals after the sequential and single-stage extractions were determined. Results showed that Chromium, Arsenic, Cadmium and Copper are more bioavailable in the study area than Lead and Iron. This findings indicate that human, animals and plants are exposed to toxic elements (metals and metalloids)

Spheroidal graphite iron production of furnace roof hangers

The wire rod mill of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited produces coils, wire rods and re-bars of different sizes. Without the furnace hangers, it will be difficult for the mill to continue to operate. This paper describes the production of furnace roof hangers that are required for re-heating furnace using the spheroidal graphite iron (SGI), highlighting the sand-casting process, charge calculation, and the chemical compositions. The facilities within the foundry shop of the steel company are used to produce furnace roof hangers. The available materials used for the casting of the hangers are the pig iron, scrap ends, foundry returns and magnesium. The process of production was performed through the reheating furnace for the heating of 120 m x 120 m x 120 m billets. One ton induction furnace of low frequency was used as the melting vessel. Also, 6 kg of magnesium was introduced in the ladle before the liquid metal was teemed into it. A Spectro analytical instrument was used to determine the chemical compositions of the materials before and after the casting processes. The analysis of the chemical compositions of produced sample of SGI are presented and discussed

Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Calibration and Validation Plan and Current Activities

The primary objective of the SMAP calibration and validation (Cal/Val) program is demonstrating that the science requirements (product accuracy and bias) have been met over the mission life. This begins during pre-launch with activities that contribute to high quality products and establishing post-launch validation infrastructure and continues through the mission life. However, the major focus is on a relatively short Cal/Val period following launch. The general approach and elements of the SMAP Cal/Val plan will be described and along with details on several ongoing or recent field experiments designed to address both near- and long-term Cal/Val

Effect of coffee consumption on liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase), total and conjugated bilirubin levels among students in Nnewi

Background: Coffee has a number of bioactive compounds that have beneficial effects on human health in general and more importantly is the fact that coffee consumption has positive impact on the liver function. The present study investigated the effect of coffee consumption on liver enzymes: alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) and conjugated bilirubin (CB) levels among student in Nnewi.Methods: A total of twenty-five (25) apparently healthy participants aged between 18 and 30 years which were randomly recruited from College of Health Sciences’ students to serve as both test and control group. Each participant was advised to abstain from coffee and similar beverages for a period of three weeks prior to the commencement of the study. Subsequently, in addition to their normal diet, each of the subjects was given 2 gm of coffee dissolved in 150 ml of hot water in which 50 mg of non-dairy creamer was added before breakfast daily for 28 consecutive days. 6 ml each of baseline and test samples (after an overnight fast) were collected at day 0 and 29 respectively from each participant. Liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, and ALP activity as well as TB and CB levels was determined using standard laboratory methods.Results: This showed significant reductions in the mean serum AST and ALT activity, TB and unconjugated bilirubin (UB) levels with no significant alterations in the mean ALP activity and CB level in participants studied after short-term coffee consumption.Conclusions: This study revealed the hepatoprotective effect of coffee intake at short term basis

Effects of Climate Change on Fluted Pumpkin Production and Adaptaton Measures Used Among Farmers in Rivers State

The importance of fluted pumpkin crop in rural household economy cannot be over emphasized. Farmers in the South South Nigeria depend greatly on fluted pumpkin for its many uses. The production however is beset with a myriad of constraints of which climate change is one of the most outstanding. The study assessed the effects of climate change and adaptation measures used by fluted pumpkin farmers in Ikwerre Local Government Area(LGA) of Rivers State, Southsouth Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. Out of the twelve communities that make up Ikwerre LGA, six communities were randomly chosen from which one hundred and eighty fluted pumpkin farmers were proportionately selected. Interview schedule and focus group discussion were used to elicit in depth information from respondents. Data were analyzed using percentage, frequency count and mean. Tables and charts were used in presentation of data. The result of the study showed that 51 percent of the respondents were female, majority were married (77 percent) and were full time farmers (79 percent). Relatively large proportion had no formal education (42 percent) and indicated both consumption and sale (79 percent) as the major aim of production. The respondents perceived that unpredictable climate condition, changes in rainfall pattern, changes in rainfall distribution, reduced yield of fluted pumpkin and reduction of family income were the major effects of climate change on fluted pumpkin production. A combination of fluted pumpkin production with other income generating activities was shown to be the most widely used adaptation strategy by respondents. Based on the results of the study it was recommended that improved extension services that can provide the needed farming inputs (fluted pumpkin seedlings, fertilizers e.t.c) as well as useful and relevant information on climate change and adaptation strategies should be made available to the people

Effects of Climate Change on Fluted Pumpkin Production and Adaptaton Measures Used Among Farmers in Rivers State

The importance of fluted pumpkin crop in rural household economy cannot be over emphasized. Farmers in the South South Nigeria depend greatly on fluted pumpkin for its many uses. The production however is beset with a myriad of constraints of which climate change is one of the most outstanding. The study assessed the effects of climate change and adaptation measures used by fluted pumpkin farmers in Ikwerre Local Government Area(LGA) of Rivers State, Southsouth Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. Out of the twelve communities that make up Ikwerre LGA, six communities were randomly chosen from which one hundred and eighty fluted pumpkin farmers were proportionately selected. Interview schedule and focus group discussion were used to elicit in depth information from respondents. Data were analyzed using percentage, frequency count and mean. Tables and charts were used in presentation of data. The result of the study showed that 51 percent of the respondents were female, majority were married (77 percent) and were full time farmers (79 percent). Relatively large proportion had no formal education (42 percent) and indicated both consumption and sale (79 percent) as the major aim of production. The respondents perceived that unpredictable climate condition, changes in rainfall pattern, changes in rainfall distribution, reduced yield of fluted pumpkin and reduction of family income were the major effects of climate change on fluted pumpkin production. A combination of fluted pumpkin production with other income generating activities was shown to be the most widely used adaptation strategy by respondents. Based on the results of the study it was recommended that improved extension services that can provide the needed farming inputs (fluted pumpkin seedlings, fertilizers e.t.c) as well as useful and relevant information on climate change and adaptation strategies should be made available to the people