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The study investigated the effectiveness of goal-setting skills among Senior Secondary II students' academic performance in English language in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu state, Nigeria. Quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test control group design was adopted for the study. The initial sample was 147 participants (male and female) Senior Secondary School II students drawn from two public schools in Enugu zone of Enugu Metropolis. The final sample for the intervention consisted of 80 participants. This sample satisfied the condition for selection from the baseline data. Two research hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data generated were analyzed using the mean, standard deviation and t-test statistical method. The findings showed that performance in English language was enhanced among participants exposed to goal-setting intervention compared to those in the control group. The study also showed that there is a significant gender difference in students' performance with female participants recording a higher mean score than males. Parental level of education was also found to be related to performance in English Language. Based on the findings, goal-setting intervention was recommended as a strategy to enhancing students' academic performance particularly in English Language.

This study examined skewness as means of determining the nature of distribution of school based continuous assessment (SBCA) scores in selected subjects among Secondary Schools in Ondo State, Nigeria, to determine whether or not there is need for moderation of the SBCA Scores. This is an ex-post-facto research design involving no treatment and nonmanipulation of subjects but collection of data from records. Cluster sampling techniques was used to select ten schools from three senatorial districts in Ondo State. Simple random sampling technique was employed to selected one thousand five hundred Senior Secondary Students. This comprised 500 students per subject (one hundred and fifty students per school which was made up of 50 students per subject in each school). The SBCA Scores for year 2005/2006-2007/2008 for the selected school formed the data for the study. Data collected were analysed using Coefficients of Skewness and Pearson Product moment Correlation Statistic. Results indicated that SBCA Scores for first year in English language, first, and third year in Mathematics were positively skewed while SBC Scores for second and third year in English Language, Second year in Mathematics and first, second and third year in Biology showed negative skewness. There was significant relationship between coefficients of skewness of school based continuous assessment (CSBCA)Scores of first and second year in English Language, Mathematics and Biology. There was no significant relationship between CSBCA scores for first and third year in Mathematics and between CSBCA scores for second and third year in Biology. Based on the findings of the study, some recommendations were made.

Maize is a major staple food in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Vitamin A deficiency index is high in Africa and could be reduced through the consumption of provitamin-A-enriched maize. However, foliar diseases such as maize streak virus, northern corn leaf blight and common rust constrain maize production in SSA. The cultivation of host-resistant varieties is the most effective approach to mitigate their effects. Therefore, maize synthetics improved for PVA carotenoids, their selection cycles and crosses as well as a commercial disease-resistant check were assessed for resistance to maize streak virus, northern corn leaf blight and common rust at hotspots in Nigeria. The foliar diseases' effects on the agronomic performance and carotenoid content of the maize genotypes were assessed. The Genotypes differed for most agronomic traits and foliar disease resistance. Stepwise regression revealed that, although the agronomic traits determined 93% of the grain yield, each foliar disease had effect on the yield. A unit increase in maize streak virus score increased plant aspect and husk cover scores by 0.6 and 0.4, respectively, whereas an increase in common rust score decreased plant height by 16.2 cm and increased plant aspect score by 0.7. Maize streak virus and common rust decreased genotypic variability for lutein by 36.7 and 18.7%, respectively, while northern corn leaf blight decreased genotypic variability for provitamin A by 27.1%. Most of the genotypes exhibited moderate susceptibility to northern corn leaf blight. However, three selection cycles and three crosses exhibited high tolerance to maize streak virus and moderate tolerance to common rust, thus can serve as sources of PVA-enriched, maize streak virus and common rust tolerant lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the cardiovascular features of patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in steady-state with those in vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) at the Wesley Guild Hospital (WGH). Design: A descriptive cross-sectional, matched, case-control study among children with SCA at the WGH, a tertiary health facility in southwest Nigeria. Setting: The participants were recruited from the children's emergency unit and paediatric haematology clinic of the WGH. Participants: Consisted of 93 children with VOC (cases) and 93 age and sex-matched in steady state (controls), aged 5 - 15 years. Main outcome measures: Cardiovascular parameters, including pulse rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiographic profile, were assessed and compared using the appropriate statistical tests. Results: The mean (SD) age of the cases and controls were 8.8 (3.2) years and 9.0 (3.1) years, respectively (p= 0.106). There was no significant difference in the mean height of the groups. The mean pulse rate, diastolic, systolic, and mean arterial pressures were significantly higher in the cases than in the controls. A significantly higher proportion of the cases than the controls also had a higher frequency of heart blocks, prolonged QTc interval, ST elevation or depression, and T wave abnormality (p = 0.018, 0.039, 0.041, 0.009, respectively). The prevalence of chamber enlargements was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Cardiovascular dysfunction is worse during VOC when compared with steady state. Physicians should look for these dysfunctions in SCA children with VOC to reduce mortality from the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematics teaching is an interaction between the teacher and the learners that leads to acquisition of desirable mathematical knowledge, ideas and skills necessary for applicability in our everyday life. This paper therefore looks at the concept of self-reliance, the concept of mathematics teaching, problems and prospects of mathematics teaching and finally takes a look at mathematics as a tool for self reliance in solving our daily problems for the re-branding process in society.

Discusses the different approaches to teaching reading to young Nigerian children. Points out the merits and demerits of the approaches. Alerts readers to the urgent need to open up studies on what is the best approach to teach reading to Nigerian children. (MG)

Breeding maize with high contents of zinc, iron and provitamin A (PVA) could be effective in mitigating micronutrient deficiency in developing countries with a high reliance on maize-based diets. Information on the mode of inheritance of zinc, iron, PVA and grain yield (GY) would facilitate the development of varieties with enhanced contents of these nutrients. Twenty-four yellow to orange maize inbred lines and their 96 F1 hybrids generated using North Carolina Design II, were evaluated alongside four checks for two years at two locations in Nigeria. The effects of environment, hybrid and inbred line were significant for GY and contents of zinc, iron and PVA. The GY, and contents of zinc, iron and PVA of the hybrids ranged from 1.49 to 6.05 t ha−1, 22.51 to 33.33 mg kg−1, 20.04 to 29.65 mg kg−1 and 3.55 to 15.28 µg g−1, respectively. Additive gene effects controlled the accumulation of PVA and Fe, whereas both additive and non-additive gene effects controlled the inheritance of Zn and GY. Inbred lines with high general combining ability for GY and single or multiple micronutrients were identified, and could be used to develop hybrids and synthetics that combine high GY with high micronutrient content. Six hybrids combined high GY with high contents of all three micronutrients, and are recommended for further evaluation and possible release. Our study revealed the feasibility of enriching maize with multiple micronutrients without compromising grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem borer (SB) and more recently, fall armyworm (FAW) are serious economic pests in maize production in sub-Saharan Africa. It is hypothesized that SB-resistant germplasm may confer resistance against FAW. However, the performance of SB-resistant lines in hybrid combinations and the inheritance of FAW-resistant traits under variable FAW infestations have not been reported. This study was conducted to (i) obtain information on the inheritance of agronomic and FAW-resistant traits under variable FAW infestations; (ii) identify hybrids combining high grain yield (GYLD) and stability under FAW infestations; and (iii) determine the effects of FAW damage on GYLD. Three SB-resistant lines (1393, CKSBL10060 and CML 331) as testers and six open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) as lines were crossed in a line tester scheme to generate eighteen test crosses. The test crosses together with two tester × tester crosses and two checks were evaluated under artificial FAW infestation (AI), natural infestation (NI) and pesticide-protected condition (PC) in Nigeria. Additive and non-additive effects were significant for GYLD, most agronomic and FAW-resistant traits under AI and NI, except ear damage (EDAM) scores under NI, whereas only the non-additive effect was significant for GYLD under PC. Two testers (1393 and CKSBL10060) combined significant and positive GCA effects for GYLD with desirable GCA effects for FAW-resistant traits under AI and NI, whereas CML 331 combined significant and negative GCA effects of GYLD with undesirable GCA effects of FAW resistance under the test conditions. Three OPVs (AWR SYN-W2, AMATZBR-WC4 and TZB-SR) had a significantly positive GCA effect for GYLD and a desirable GCA effect for either leaf damage (LDAM) or EDAM score under AI. The FAW LDAM and EDAM significantly reduced GYLD under AI but not under NI. Three test crosses (AMATZBR-WC4 x CKSBL10060, TZB-SR x CKSBL10060 and TZBR Comp 1-WC2 × 1393) combined high yield with stability and FAW tolerance across the test conditions and thus were recommended for further testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landraces are repositories for potential beneficial traits which could be used to develop varieties with enhanced qualities. Optimal utilization of the available large collection of landraces of African yam bean (AYB) presently conserved at the Genetic Resource Center, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan (GRC-IITA), requires an assessment of the magnitude and nature of genetic diversity within the germplasm. One hundred and ninety-six AYB accessions were evaluated during the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons in three agro-ecologies of Nigeria, using a 14 × 14 triple lattice design. The accessions were assessed for fourteen agronomic traits. Accession, environment, and accession × environment interaction effects were significant (p < 0.05) for all the traits. Variances due to environment and accession × environment interaction were higher than the genotypic variances. Similarly, estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits. Broad-sense heritability ranged from 17.1% (days to maturity) to 66.4% (seed length). Seed yield per plant had positive significant genotypic correlation with all the studied traits, except pod length and seed length. The first three principal components accounted for 59.7% of the total variation among the accessions and comprised of the 14 traits. Five major clusters were delineated based on phenotypic characteristics. Genetic variation was present among the AYB accessions, and these results will be useful for setting breeding goals and conservation approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall in Nigeria is highly dynamic and variable on a temporal and spatial scale. This has taken a more pronounced dimension due to climate change. In this study, Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) and Mann-Kendall test statistical tools were employed to analyze rainfall trends and patterns in Gombe metropolis between 1990 and 2020 and the ARIMA model was used for making the forecast for ten (10) years. Daily rainfall data of 31 years obtained from Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NIMET) was used for the study. The daily rainfall data was subjected to several analyses. Standard precipitation index showed that alternation of wet and dry period conditions had been witnessed in the study area. The result obtained showed that there is an upward trend in the annual rainfall amount received in Gombe over the last 31 years at a rate of 3.98 mm/year. The results for the forecast shows that the annual rainfall to be received in Gombe continues in a range above the mean which serves as an indication that the decade will experience more wet years than dry years. The study concludes that the pattern of rainfall in Gombe is a cyclic pattern. The current trend may affect soil moisture, flooding and subsequently lead to ecological change. The study recommends that inhabitants of the study areas should plan their cropping season based on climatic information of their area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provitamin A-enriched maize (Zea mays L.) is an important complementary food staple for combating vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in high maize-producing and maize-consuming countries of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, frequent drought is a major abiotic factor that retards maize growth, resulting in yearly fluctuations in grain yield. Development of provitamin A-enriched maize varieties resilient to recurrent drought stress could enhance and stabilize maize grain yield. This study was conducted to assess the effects of managed drought stress (MDS) on the performance and heterosis of some marker-based improved provitamin A maize synthetics and their varietal-cross hybrids. The maize synthetics and their varietal-cross hybrids, along with a drought-tolerant check (PVASYN13), were evaluated under MDS and well-watered (WW) conditions at Ikenne, Nigeria, for two years. Genotype and year effects were significant for grain yield and some agronomic traits under MDS and WW conditions. Grain yield was reduced by 56% under MDS. Grain yield was significantly correlated with days to anthesis, days to silking and anthesis-silking-interval under MDS but not under WW condition. Under MDS, three varietal-cross hybrids (PVASYNHGBC0/PVASYNHGAC0, PVASYNHGBC2/PVASYNHGAC0, PVASYNHGBC0/ PVASYNHGAC1) had similar grain yields and tolerance indices as the drought-tolerant check, whereas PVASYNHGBC1/PVASYNHGAC2 produced 12.5% more grain yield than the check. Three of the varietal-cross hybrids (PVASYNHGBC0/PVASYNHGAC0, PVASYNHGBC0/PVASYNHGAC1 and PVASYNHGBC1/PVASYNHGAC2) had significant mid-parent heterosis for grain yield under the two test conditions, and were recommended for developing drought-tolerant varieties to combat VAD in drought-prone environments of SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the framework of Nigeria's local content laws and policy, and the implications for sustainable development. The legislation is geared towards safeguarding local productivity and aiding the progressive aspirations of Nigeria's citizens. While commendable in principle, there have been questions about policy articulation, implementation and enforcement mechanisms, especially with regard to the Sustainable Development Goals. The article examines the local content legislation in Nigeria, and how policies have shaped the community-corporate nexus. This exposes the challenges facing extractive resource governance in a jurisdiction such as Nigeria and the discourses that have permeated legal scholarship on the practical deference to local content by non-state actors. It considers that well designed and implemented local content requirements are catalysts for structural development. To achieve sustainable development of its extractive sector, Nigeria requires state-led determination to stimulate economic growth and development. The article argues for continuous consultation as a bedrock for meaningful engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: in sub-Saharan Africa, 62% of the urban population reside in slums but there is paucity of data on the prevalence of dental caries in underprivileged children residing in urban slums in diverse regions of Nigeria. The purpose of our study was to determine the caries experience, risk factors, indicators and their association with anthropometric indices among children in a Nigerian slum. Methods: this was a cross sectional survey that utilised cluster sampling technique for recruiting the study participants. The participants included children from the four cluster areas of Makoko; Makoko North, Makoko Central area, on Water residents and South-East Makoko in Lagos, Nigeria; 684 children were enlisted for the study. Caries was recorded based on the WHO criteria while the weight for age (WAZ), height for age (HAZ), and weight for height (WHZ) measures were used to assess each child's nutritional state. The chi-square test was used to test bivariate associations. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: out of the 684 children seen, 64 (9.9%) had dmft =1 with range of 1-12; (127 primary teeth were decayed; 6 missing due to caries; 0 filled); while 45 (7.1%) had Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) =1 with range of 1-6; (79 permanent teeth were decayed; 14 missing due to caries; 0 filled). Maternal and Paternal educational level, child's age, consumption of cariogenic meals, and history of dental visits were all significantly associated with caries experience (p<0.05). For children with dental caries, the mean weight for height, height-for-age, weight for age- and BMI-for-age z-scores were 0.33±2.6; - 1.49±1.8 and -0.79±1.90.58, -0.16), respectively, and these z-score values were lower than those in the caries-free children. The BMI-for-age z-scores were significantly lower in children with dental caries than in caries free children (p=0.005). Conclusion: dental caries, which was mainly untreated was moderately prevalent among the children surveyed in the urban slum. There was also a significant association between the presence of caries in this population and low BMI. Specifically designed and well-targeted oral health interventions that takes status into consideration is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ionosphere model is essential to satellite-based systems to accurately correct the ionospheric error encountered by satellite signals en route. The Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation (LMBP) algorithm in the artificial neural network (ANN) was used in this work to predict the total electron content (TEC) within the trough of equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) over Nigeria. Two sets of data were used over the period of three consecutive years (2011–2013) of high solar activity. The first set was used as an input to the ANN model and the second set of data was used as a target. Seventy percent of the data sets were used to train the network, 15% of the data were used for validation, and 15% used for testing. The performance of the model was assessed during specific quiet and disturbed geomagnetic conditions. The regression analysis of the model output was optimized by minimizing a cost function of the mean square error (MSE). The results of the errors, regression, and comparative analyses have revealed that the ANN model is able to predict accurate and reliable TEC that compares well with the actual experimental data at any geophysical conditions. Hence, this model would be useful to forecast TEC over Nigeria to a reliable threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution aeromagnetic data investigation was carried out over the Gongola basin upper Benue trough northeastern Nigeria. Total intensity magnetic map were processed to get the residual map, reduction to equator, polynomial fitting, radially average power spectrum (RAPS) were done, subsequently the first horizontal and first vertical derivatives of the data was carried out in order to identify linear structures (faults and fractures). The outcomes from both the horizontal and vertical derivatives give contact locations that are continuous, thin and show major structures in the NE-SW direction both in the maps and in the rose diagrams. The study focused on delineation of geological structures such as rock contacts; rock boundaries, fractures and faulted zones from the maps, they are principally important in mineral resources studies because many of these resources are located along fracture zones. Linear structures perceived in this kind of studies are also reliable indicators for geologic structures. The result of this work is also significant in identifying areas to be avoided when constructing bridges, dams as well as siting nuclear power plants and delineation of potential risk areas of natural hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has contributed to a reduction in HIV-related oral lesions and improved quality of life among HIV seropositive patients. However, the therapy is not without its side effects. This study was aimed at assessing the self- reported orofacial manifestations due to long term use of HAART, as well as the pattern of oral lesions on examination. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study conducted among HIV seropositive adult patients in Ibadan, who had been on HAART for at least two years. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Clinical diagnosis of HIV-related oral lesions was made according to the EC-Clearinghouse criteria. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Results: the study participants comprised of 227 HIV seropositive patients who were HAART experienced, with 54 (24%) males and 173 (76%) females. Their mean age (±SD) was 44.7 (±9.4) years. The participants CD4 count ranged from 13-1338cells/mm³, with a median count of 341 cells/mm³. About half (45%) of the participants noted one or more orofacial changes since they commenced HAART. These oral changes included dryness of mouth, burning sensation, abnormal taste, melanotic hyperpigmentation, oral thrush, ulcers, and parotid swelling. Most of those who reported oral changes had been on HAART over 10 years (p=0.03), and the changes were more reported among those on the first-line regimen. Conclusion: melanotic hyperpigmentation was the most common oral lesion found and burning mouth syndrome was the most commonly reported complain among HIV-seropositive adults who are on long-term HAART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anomalous propagation conditions may cause multipath fading and strong signal enhancement on terrestrial line of sight links or interference on transhorizon paths. In detecting this conditions, spatial distribution of vertical refractivity gradient and ducting index were estimated across Nigeria using atmospheric data obtained from Era5 archive of European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Refractivity and refractivity gradient were calculated from the obtained temperature, relative humidity, and pressure data using International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommendation expression. Vertical refractivity gradient (VRG) and ducting index (Di) were deducted from refractivity gradient and modified the refractivity gradient. Correlation between vertical refractivity gradient, Di, and latitude were also computed. The result shows that the VRG values range between −5 and −65 N units/km in the Coastal and Guinea Savannah regions, and between −30 and −95 N units/km in the Midland and Sahelian regions. The Di values range between 10 and 60 in the Coastal and Guinea Savannah regions, between −10 and 110 in Midland and Sahelian region. Likewise, superrefraction and ducting are more prominent in the northern part, while superrefraction with minor subrefraction were noticed in the south. The Di performed better than VRG in detecting propagation conditions. Correlation between VRG and latitude ranges between −0.75 and −0.92. Correlation between Di and latitude is between 0.84 and 0.95. The values of VRG decrease northward, while those of the Di increase northward. Both VRG and Di revealed high variability in the dry months than in the wet months. Key Points: The article investigated anomalous propagation conditions at 100 m above the ground via the vertical refractivity gradient and ducting indexDucting index performed better in detecting anomalous conditions over Nigeria than vertical refractivity gradient with high superrefraction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ascariasis, Trichuriasis and Hookworm infections poses a considerable public health burden in Sub-Saharan Africa, and a sound understanding of their spatial distribution facilitates to better target control interventions. This study, therefore, assessed the prevalence of the trio, and mapped their spatial distribution in the 20 administrative regions of Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: Parasitological surveys were carried out in 1,499 households across 33 spatially selected communities. Fresh stool samples were collected from 1,027 consenting participants and processed using ether concentration method. The locations of the communities were georeferenced using a GPS device while demographic data were obtained using a standardized form. Data were analysed using SPSS software and visualizations and plotting maps were made in ArcGIS software. Results: Findings showed that 19 of the 20 regions were endemic for one or more kind of the three infections, with an aggregated prevalence of 17.2%. Ascariasis was the most frequently observed parasitic infection in 28 communities with a prevalence of 13.6%, followed by hookworm infections with a prevalence of 4.6% while Trichuriasis was the least encountered with a prevalence of 1.7%. The spatial distribution of infections ranges between 5.3–49.2% across the regions. The highest and lowest distribution of overall helminth infections was recorded in Egbado South and Egbado North respectively. Nine regions had infection status between 20.0%-49.2%, while 10 regions had infection status between 5.3%-15.8%. Conclusion: This study provides epidemiological data on the prevalence and spatial distribution of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infections which will add to the baseline data and guide the public health officers in providing appropriate control strategies in the endemic communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2015, Nigeria's estimated 317,700 stillbirths accounted for 12.2% of the 2.6 million estimated global stillbirths. This suggests that Nigeria still makes substantial contribution to the global burden of stillbirths. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and identify the causes and factors associated with stillbirth in eight referral hospitals in Nigeria.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of all deliveries over a period of 6 months in six general hospitals (4 in the south and 2 in the north), and two teaching hospitals (both in the north) in Nigeria. The study population was women delivering in the hospitals during the study period. A pre-tested study protocol was used to obtain clinical data on pregnancies, live births and stillbirths in the hospitals over a 6 months period. Data were analyzed centrally using univariate, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The main outcome measure was stillbirth rate in the hospitals (individually and overall).Results: There were 4416 single births and 175 stillbirths, and a mean stillbirth rate of 39.6 per 1000 births (range: 12.7 to 67.3/1000 births) in the hospitals. Antepartum (macerated) constituted 22.3% of the stillbirths; 47.4% were intrapartum (fresh stillbirths); while 30.3% was unclassified. Acute hypoxia accounted for 32.6% of the stillbirths. Other causes were maternal hypertensive disease (6.9%), and intrapartum unexplained (5.7%) among others. After adjusting for confounding variables, significant predictors of stillbirth were referral status, parity, past experience of stillbirth, birth weight, gestational age at delivery and mode of delivery.Conclusion: We conclude that the rate of stillbirth is high in Nigeria's referral hospitals largely because of patients' related factors and the high rates of pregnancy complications. Efforts to address these factors through improved patients' education and emergency obstetric care would reduce the rate of stillbirth in the country.Trial Registration: Trial Registration Number NCTR91540209. Nigeria Clinical Trials Registry. http://www.nctr.nhrec.net/ Registered April 14th 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, sonic and density logs are vital components during the generation of synthetic seismogram. However, sonic logs as observed in many studies, often have poor quality or even absent in some cases. This work is a case study for the transformation of resistivity logs to pseudo sonic logs for the generation of pseudo synthetic seismogram considering the effect of gas. This research studies the relationship between resistivity and sonic logs in order to utilize the former for the generation of pseudo synthetics when sonic log is absent or poor. Standard synthetic seismograms were first created conventionally using sonic and density logs as inputs. The sonic log values were then plotted against the corresponding resistivity values for each well to derive their relationship using both linear and polynomial functions. Generally, the crossplot shows a fair correlation but some scattered plots were observed. Further probe into these observed anomalies revealed the areas to be gas saturated. A better correlation was achieved within affected zones by doing independent crossplots for previously gas delineated units. The standard synthetic generated were used as control for the pseudo synthetics and better correlation is observed when compared with the previous pseudo synthetics that does not acknowledge gas-effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the existing knowledge and skills relating to Emergency Obstetrics Care (EMOC) among health providers in eight referral maternity hospitals in Nigeria. Study design: A cross-sectional study of skilled health providers (doctors, nurses and midwives) working in the hospitals during the period. Setting: Six general hospitals (4 in the south and 2 in the north), and two teaching hospitals (both in the Northern part) of the country. Population: All skilled providers offering EMOC services in the hospitals during the study. Methods: A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information relating to socio-demographic characteristics, the respondents’ knowledge and skills in offering specific EMOC services (as compared to standard World Health Organization recommendations), and their confidence in transferring the skills to mid-level providers. Data were analyzed with univariate, bivariate, binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses. Main outcome measures: knowledge and skills in EMOC services by hospital and overall. Results: A total of 341 health providers (148 doctors and 193 nurses/midwives) participated in the study. Averagely, the providers scored less than 46% in a composite EMOC knowledge score, with doctors scoring considerable higher than the nurses/midwives. Similarly, doctors scored higher than nurses/midwives in the self-reporting of confidence in carrying out specific EMOC functions. Health providers that scored higher in knowledge were significantly more likely to report confidence in performing specific EMOC functions as compared to those with lower scores. The self-reporting of confidence in transferring clinical skills was also higher in those with higher EMOC knowledge scores. Conclusion: The knowledge and reported skills on EMOC by health providers in referral facilities in Nigeria was lower than average. We conclude that the in-service training and re-training of health providers should be included in national policy and programs that address maternal mortality prevention in referral facilities in the country. Trial registration: Nigeria Clinical Trials Registry . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in primary schools to determine prevalence, intensity and spatial co-distribution of Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths (STH) infections in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 2148 pupils from 42 schools were examined for Schistosoma and STH infections from urine and fresh fecal samples respectively. Ethyl ether concentration method prepared in sodium acetate - acetic acid - formalin ether was used to concentrate parasites' ova before microscopic examination. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis and STH infections were 4.0% (95% CI = 3.21-4.92) and 34.64% (95% CI = 32.62-36.69) respectively. Schistosoma haematobium and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most prevalent across the study area among the Schistosoma and STH species respectively. Overall, intensity of infection was higher in males than in females for all Schistosoma and STH infections, but with no significant difference (P > 0.05), except for Trichuris trichiura (Χ² = 6.490, P < 0.05). Infection intensity was significantly inversely correlated (Χ² = 12.953, P < 0.05) with an increase in age group. Co-distribution of Schistosoma and STH infections occurred in 15 (35.7%) out of 42 schools, and only 30 children (1.4%) had co-infection of Schistosoma and STH. This study provides information on the prevalence and spatial risk of schistosomiasis and STH in Ogun State. This will serve as decision-support tool for Ogun State programme managers to help facilitate integration of schistosomiasis and STH control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: While reports from individual hospitals have helped to provide insights into the causes of maternal mortality in low-income countries, they are often limited for policymaking at national and subnational levels. This multisite study was designed to determine maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) and identify the risk factors for maternal deaths in referral health facilities in Nigeria. Methods: A pretested study protocol was used over a 6-month period (January 1-June 30, 2014) to obtain clinical data on pregnancies, births, and maternal deaths in eight referral hospitals across eight states and four geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Data were analyzed centrally using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics. Results: The results show an MMR of 2,085 per 100,000 live births in the hospitals (range: 877-4,210 per 100,000 births). Several covariates were identified as increasing the odds for maternal mortality; however, after adjustment for confounding, five factors remained significant in the logistic regression model. These include delivery in a secondary health facility as opposed to delivery in a tertiary hospital, non-booking for antenatal and delivery care, referral as obstetric emergency from nonhospital sources of care, previous experience by women of early pregnancy complications, and grandmultiparity. Conclusion: MMR remains high in referral health facilities in Nigeria due to institutional and patient-related factors. Efforts to reduce MMR in these health facilities should include the improvement of emergency obstetric care, public health education so that women can seek appropriate and immediate evidence-based pregnancy care, the socioeconomic empowerment of women, and the strengthening of the health care system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Late arrival in hospital by women experiencing pregnancy complications is an important background factor leading to maternal mortality in Nigeria. The use of effective and timely emergency obstetric care determines whether women survive or die, or become near-miss cases. Healthcare managers have the responsibility to deploy resources for implementing emergency obstetric care. Objectives: To determine the nature of institutional policies and frameworks for managing obstetric complications and reducing maternal deaths in Nigeria. Methods: Thirty-six hospital managers, heads of obstetrics department and senior midwives were interviewed about hospital infrastructure, resources, policies and processes relating to emergency obstetric care, whilst allowing informants to discuss their thoughts and feelings. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed using Atlas ti 6.2software. Results: Hospital managers are aware of the seriousness of maternal mortality and the steps to improve maternal healthcare. Many reported the lack of policies and specific action-plans for maternal mortality prevention, and many did not purposely disburse budgets or resources to address the problem. Although some reported that maternal/perinatal audit take place in their hospitals, there was no substantive evidence and no records of maternal/perinatal audits were made available. Respondents decried the lack of appropriate data collection system in the hospitals for accurate monitoring of maternal mortality and identification of appropriate remediating actions. Conclusion: Healthcare managers are handicapped to properly manage the healthcare system for maternal mortality prevention. Relevant training of healthcare managers would be crucial to enable the development of strategic implementation plans for the prevention of maternal mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Available evidence suggests that the low use of antenatal, delivery, and post-natal services by Nigerian women may be due to their perceptions of low quality of care in health facilities. This study investigated the perceptions of women regarding their satisfaction with the maternity services offered in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Methods: Five focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with women in eight secondary and tertiary hospitals in four of the six geo-political zones of the country. In all, 40 FGDs were held with women attending antenatal and post-natal clinics in the hospitals. The questions assessed women's level of satisfaction with the care they received in the hospitals, their views on what needed to be done to improve patients' satisfaction, and the overall quality of maternity services in the hospitals. The discussions were audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed by themes using Atlas ti computer software. Results: Few of the participants expressed satisfaction with the quality of care they received during antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care. Many had areas of dissatisfaction, or were not satisfied at all with the quality of care. Reasons for dissatisfaction included poor staff attitude, long waiting time, poor attention to women in labour, high cost of services, and sub-standard facilities. These sources of dissatisfaction were given as the reasons why women often preferred traditional rather than modern facility based maternity care. The recommendations they made for improving maternity care were also consistent with their perceptions of the gaps and inadequacies. These included the improvement of hospital facilities, re-organization of services to eliminate delays, the training and re-training of health workers, and feedback/counseling and education of women. Conclusion: A women-friendly approach to delivery of maternal health care based on adequate response to women's concerns and experiences of health care will be critical to curbing women's dissatisfaction with modern facility based health care, improving access to maternal health, and reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Trial registration: Trial Registration Number NCTR No: 91540209. Nigeria Clinical Trials Registry. http://www.nctr. nhrec.net/. Registered April 14th 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 24-day old female Nigerian neonate presented with protracted vomiting, fever and dehydration but without palpable abdominal tumour or visible gastric peristalsis. There was no derangement of serum electrolytes. The initial working diagnosis was Late-Onset Sepsis but abdominal ultrasonography showed features consistent with the diagnosis of IHPS. This case report highlights the atypical presentation of this surgical condition and the need to investigate cases of protracted vomiting in the newborn with at least, ultrasonography to minimize complications and reduce the risk of mortality in a resource-poor setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The acceleration of the control of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in Nigeria, emphasizing preventive chemotherapy, has become imperative in light of the global fight against neglected tropical diseases. Predictive risk maps are an important tool to guide and support control activities. Methodology: STH infection prevalence data were obtained from surveys carried out in 2011 using standard protocols. Data were geo-referenced and collated in a nationwide, geographic information system database. Bayesian geostatistical models with remotely sensed environmental covariates and variable selection procedures were utilized to predict the spatial distribution of STH infections in Nigeria. Principal Findings: We found that hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura infections are endemic in 482 (86.8%), 305 (55.0%), and 55 (9.9%) locations, respectively. Hookworm and A. lumbricoides infection co-exist in 16 states, while the three species are co-endemic in 12 states. Overall, STHs are endemic in 20 of the 36 states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. The observed prevalence at endemic locations ranged from 1.7% to 51.7% for hookworm, from 1.6% to 77.8% for A. lumbricoides, and from 1.0% to 25.5% for T. trichiura. Model-based predictions ranged from 0.7% to 51.0% for hookworm, from 0.1% to 82.6% for A. lumbricoides, and from 0.0% to 18.5% for T. trichiura. Our models suggest that day land surface temperature and dense vegetation are important predictors of the spatial distribution of STH infection in Nigeria. In 2011, a total of 5.7 million (13.8%) school-aged children were predicted to be infected with STHs in Nigeria. Mass treatment at the local government area level for annual or bi-annual treatment of the school-aged population in Nigeria in 2011, based on World Health Organization prevalence thresholds, were estimated at 10.2 million tablets. Conclusions/Significance: The predictive risk maps and estimated deworming needs presented here will be helpful for escalating the control and spatial targeting of interventions against STH infections in Nigeria. Author Summary: Infections with three kinds of parasitic worms—hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm—are collectively known as soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). These parasitic worm infections are widespread in Nigeria, but the exact distribution is poorly understood. In view of the global commitment to control STH infections, there is a need to accelerate the mapping of STH infections to guide control interventions, such as large-scale administration of deworming drugs. In this study, we collated survey data from the year 2011 for Nigeria. The data were utilized to predict the distribution of STH infection based on environmental and socioeconomic covariates, and employing a Bayesian geostatistical modeling approach. Our results indicated that STH infections are widely distributed across Nigeria with prevalence estimates as high as 83% for roundworm, 50% for hookworm, and 19% for whipworm infections at specific survey locations. We predict that 5.7 million school-aged children were infected with STHs. The numbers of deworming tablets for annual or bi-annual treatment of the school-aged population at local government areas level in Nigeria for 2011 were estimated to be 10.2 million. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the 2007 general elections in Nigeria, and its implication for democracy. The Federal Republic of Nigeria created the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 1999, and assigned to its functions. It is stated that democracy is best achieved through free and fair elections; and the manipulations in the 2007 General elections have adversely affected democracy in Nigeria.

Termites play a significant role in soil-forming processes of the tropics. The influence of termites on pedogenesis as affected by the toposequence, however, has rarely been explored. We investigated the soil physicochemical and morphological characteristics of epigeal mounds constructed by Macrotermes bellicosus (Smethman) compared with those of surrounding pedons along a toposequence (bottom, fringe and upland sites) of an inland valley in central Nigeria. The physicochemical and morphological properties of the mound soils varied according to structural units but were generally different from those of the adjacent pedons. The differences included finer texture, higher electrical conductivity, total N, exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg and K) and effective cation exchange capacity and lower C/N ratio and exchange acidity in the mound than the pedon at each toposequence position. This tendency to modify the soil properties was more prominent in the nest body where the termites actually live, that is, in the hives, royal cell and base-plate, than in the soils below the nest and the other mound parts, that is, the external wall, internal wall and pillars. We found this trend to a greater or lesser degree at all toposequence positions. Our findings suggest that: (1) M. bellicosus can manipulate the mound soils according to functional applications of structure units or environmental requirements for its livelihood, regardless of local soils; (2) M. bellicosus makes ecological patches (hot spots) at all toposequence positions in the same measure; (3) the influence of M. bellicosus on the pedogenesis is reduced in the lowlands compared with the uplands because the number and volume of the mounds were substantially lower in the bottom and fringe sites compared with the upland site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Inland valleys are a widespread topography in West Africa and have significant potential for agricultural development, especially wet rice cultivation. This study investigated the physicochemical and morphological properties of the soils of two inland valleys in Abakaliki and Bende, Southeast Nigeria, where the soils are derived from shale materials, and discusses their agricultural potential as well as the soil-forming process. Particle size analysis suggested that the soils at both sites were fine-silty, fine-loamy or clayey and, thus, would be able to retain a high amount of water. In contrast, the higher content of clay and silt in the Abakaliki soils would enhance much more water retention than the Bende soils. The soils in Abakaliki, except for some subsoil horizons, generally had acidic reactions, low contents of exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K and Na) and high amounts of exchangeable acidity (Al and H) for which leaching effects under high precipitation in the area would be implicated. Bray-1 P values in these soils were generally low under such acidic conditions, while organic C and total N were recorded at relatively high levels, in particular at the surface horizons, reflecting large biomass production under a humid climate. The Bende soils showed similar chemical properties to Abakaliki except for relative accumulation of exchangeable bases throughout the profile on the downslope possibly because of the rolling topography. This result suggested that geological fertilization (i.e. afflux of nutrients released during the soil formation in the upland into the lowland) was more beneficial in Bende than Abakaliki. From the findings of the present study, we concluded that soils in both Abakaliki and Bende had good texture for sawah development (leveled and bounded rice field with an inlet and an outlet for irrigation and drainage), but their poor chemical properties would be constraints for agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a serious problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and other parts of the world. Understanding the effect of marker-based improvement (MARS) of two maize synthetics (HGA and HGB) representing different heterotic groups on their agronomic performance, carotenoid content, and combining abilities could help identify suitable sources to develop divergent inbred lines for optimizing heterosis. This study involved three selection cycles each of the two synthetics and their nine varietal-cross hybrids together with a released check variety was conducted across four diverse locations in Nigeria in 2018 and 2019. Environment and hybrid effects were significant on grain yield and other agronomic traits as well as provitamin A content and other carotenoids. Genetic improvement per cycle of MARS in the parental synthetics was 15% for provitamin A, 25% for β-carotene and 26% for lutein in HGA and 4% for grain yield, 3% for zeaxanthin and 5% for α-carotene in HGB. Grain yield and agronomic traits of the two maize synthetics were controlled by additive and non-additive gene effects, while provitamin A content and other carotenoids were mainly controlled by additive gene effects. Some selection cycles which were high in grain yield and provitamin A content were identified as potential sources of new and divergent maize inbred lines in maize breeding programs. Some varietal-cross hybrids expressed significant mid-parent heterosis for grain yield and moderate mid-parent heterosis for provitamin A, β-carotene and xanthophylls. These hybrids could be commercialized at reasonable prices to small-scale farmers in rural areas that are most affected by vitamin A deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The paucity of human resources for health buoyed by excessive workloads has been identified as being responsible for poor quality obstetric care, which leads to high maternal mortality in Nigeria. While there is anecdotal and qualitative research to support this observation, limited quantitative studies have been conducted to test the association between the number and density of human resources and risk of maternal mortality. This study aims to investigate the association between client-provider ratios for antenatal and delivery care and the risk of maternal mortality in 8 referral hospitals in Nigeria. Methods: Client-provider ratios were calculated for antenatal and delivery care attendees during a 3-year period (2011–2013). The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was calculated per 100,000 live births for the hospitals, while unadjusted Poisson regression analysis was used to examine the association between the number of maternal deaths and density of healthcare providers. Results: A total of 334,425 antenatal care attendees and 26,479 births were recorded during this period. The client-provider ratio in the maternity department for antenatal care attendees was 1343:1 for doctors and 222:1 for midwives. The ratio of births to one doctor in the maternity department was 106:1 and 18:1 for midwives. On average, there were 441 births per specialist obstetrician. The results of the regression analysis showed a significant negative association between the number of maternal deaths and client-provider ratios in all categories. Conclusion: We conclude that the maternal mortality ratios in Nigeria's referral hospitals are worsened by high client-provider ratios, with few providers attending a large number of pregnant women. Efforts to improve the density and quality of maternal healthcare providers, especially at the first referral level, would be a critical intervention for reducing the currently high rate of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Trial registration: Trial Registration Number: NCTR91540209. Nigeria Clinical Trials Registry. Registered 14 April 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genetic diversity is crucial for conservation efforts as well as breeding programs targeted at the development of improved varieties. Taro, a climate-resilient crop, plays a vital role in the nutritional and economic livelihoods of many households in Nigeria, but its yield is very low due to inadequate genetic improvement efforts. A diversity assessment of Nigerian taro is therefore required to create a premise for its improvement in yield, quality and disease tolerance. In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure of 490 taro cultivars comprising two main gene pools: Dasheen (215) and Eddoe (275), collected from farmers and marketers across seven states in Nigeria was assessed using 3047 Diversity Array Technology single nucleotide polymorphism (DArT-SNP) markers. A subset of 114 taro cultivars, comprising 30 Dasheens and 84 Eddoes were further phenotyped using 24 agro-morphological descriptors., Results: Both phenotypic and molecular characterization revealed higher genetic diversity among the Eddoes than Dasheens. Estimates of gene flow (Nm = 0.353) revealed intermixing of cultivars among the States of collection, with the highest gene flow occurring between cultivars from Anambra and Ondo states and the lowest between Anambra and Kwara states. Population structure and Ward's minimum variance hierarchical cluster based on DArT-SNPs identified four groups, one comprising Dasheen and three comprising Eddoe cultivars. Hierarchical clustering based on phenotypic traits delineated three clusters. Variation between gene pools (49%) was higher than within gene pools (32%). Variation among States of collection was high (41%), while variation among individuals within gene pools (18%) and States of collection (19%) was relatively low. Correlation between phenotypic and genotypic diversity assessments was low (r = 0.01), indicating that both approaches were necessary for assessing genetic diversity in taro. However, genotypic assessment provided better information about genetic diversity of the taro cultivars., Conclusion: This is the first study that represented germplasm collection across the major taro growing regions of Nigeria. The findings from this study based on agro-morphological characterization and DArT-SNP genotyping are critical for genetic characterization, conservation and breeding of taro in Nigeria, mainly initiating hybridization between the two genepools after careful assessment of ploidy levels of the accessions collected in this study. This will facilitate in developing improved taro varieties with desirable traits, such as higher yield, better disease resistance, and improved nutritional quality., Competing Interests: Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The plant materials used in the study were purchased from the farmers and marketers. Sampling was done on private land with due permission from the owners. Consent for publication Not applicable. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Most of the maize (Zea mays L.) varieties in developing countries have low content of micronutrients including vitamin A. As a result, people who are largely dependent on cereal-based diets suffer from health challenges due to micronutrient deficiencies. Marker assisted recurrent selection (MARS), which increases the frequency of favorable alleles with advances in selection cycle, could be used to enhance the provitamin A (PVA) content of maize. This study was carried out to determine changes in levels of PVA carotenoids and genetic diversity in two maize synthetics that were subjected to two cycles of MARS. The two populations, known as HGA and HGB, and their advanced selection cycles (C1 and C2) were evaluated at Ibadan in Nigeria. Selection increased the concentrations of β-carotene, PVA and total carotenoids across cycles in HGA, while in HGB only α-carotene increased with advances in selection cycle. β-cryptoxanthine increased at C1 but decreased at C2 in HGB. The levels of β-carotene, PVA, and total carotenoids increased by 40%, 30% and 36% respectively, in HGA after two cycles of selection. α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthine content improved by 20% and 5%, respectively after two cycles of selection in HGB. MARS caused changes in genetic diversity over selection cycles. Number of effective alleles and observed heterozygosity decreased with selection cycles, while expected heterozygosity increased at C1 and decreased at C2 in HGA. In HGB, number of effective alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity increased at C1 and decreased at C2. In both populations, fixation index increased after two cycle of selections. The greatest part of the genetic variability resides within the population accounting for 86% of the total genetic variance. In general, MARS effectively improved PVA carotenoid content. However, genetic diversity in the two synthetics declined after two cycles of selection., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: An early first dental clinic appointment offers the prospect of prompt preventative care and parental education regarding the oral health of the child. The evidence-based recommendation by dental professionals all over the world is that a child should visit a dentist before or by 1 year of age., Aim: This study aimed to determine the chronological age at and the purpose for a first dental clinic visit amongst children aged 16 years and below attending the Paediatric Dental Clinic at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)., Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted amongst children who attended the Paediatric Dental Clinic at the LUTH between January 2017 and December 2018. Data on age at first dental visit, reasons for attending and other information relevant to the study were collected. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis were conducted, and the level of significance was set at P < 0.05., Results: A total of 1157 children were studied, comprising 580 (50.5%) males and 577 (49.9%) females. Their mean age on their first dental visit was 7.9 ± 3.7 years. Most of the children (31.4%) had their first dental visits at 7 and 9 years, and 0.8% of the children had their first dental visit below the age of 1 year. The most common reason for visiting the dental clinic was dental pain (33.1%). A higher proportion of the children (911 [79.0%]) had their first dental visit for therapeutic purposes, whereas 246 (21.0%) children visited the dental clinic for preventive care. Sex and age at first dental visit were statistically significantly associated with the reason for attendance (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Most children had their first dental visit between the ages of 7 and 9 years, mainly because of pain. It is necessary to create more awareness among parents/caregivers and to establish the concept of dental home., Competing Interests: None

Objectives: To assess the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) from data collected as maternal deaths occurred over a 4-year period., Methods: A Departmental database established in 2008 was used to keep data on deliveries and maternal deaths as they occurred. The causes of death were decided after a meeting reviewed the case. Analysis was done using Microsoft Excel software and results presented in means and frequencies., Results: Eight thousand two hundred and twenty live deliveries that occurred were complicated by 68 maternal deaths. The MMR was 827/100 000 live births. The MMR for unbooked women was four times higher than for booked women. Obstetric haemorrhage was the main (21.6%) direct cause of death followed by preeclampsia/eclampsia (18.9%). While anaemia was the leading (8.1%) indirect cause of death, tetanus in the puerperium reared its head as an emerging (5.4%) indirect cause of maternal death. None of the women ever used contraceptives. Most deaths occurred in teenage mothers (23.5%), unbooked women (86%) and in the postpartum period (69%)., Conclusion: The MMR was high and tetanus in puerperium emerged as an indirect cause of maternal deaths. There is a need to curb the emergence of tetanus in the puerperium as a cause of maternal death.