18 research outputs found
MEDIA MIX AND CONTRACEPTIVE BEHAVIOR OF SEXUALLY ACTIVE NIGERIANS*
No full text**Moses Olayiwola Raimi was a senior lecturer in the Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, at the time of writing. Unfortunately, he passed away before he could see the publication of this article to which he had contributed immensely. The first author wants to dedicate this article to late Dr. Moses Olayiwola Raimi. Large-scale national studies have found similar results. In their analysis of the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey, However, the question remains whether there is an added advantage when reproductive health and family planning messages are disseminated through a number of media channels. A study in Tanzania has shown a positive impact of full multimedia family planning promotion on contraceptive behavior. In this paper, we test Nigerian data to assess whether the number of media messages sexually active men and women in Nigeria are exposed to affect their contraceptive behavior, measured by contraceptive use status, spousal discussions of family planning and visits to a family planning clinic. The effects of two family planning program interventions on contraceptive behavior in Nigeria are also examined. BACKGROUN
The Delineation of Potential Groundwater Aquifers within Basement Complex in ABU Zaria, Nigeria
No full textHydrogeophysical Evaluation of Groundwater Potential and Aquifer Protective Capacity in Akerebiata, Ilorin, Nigeria
No full textGroundwater potential and aquifer protective capacity in Akerebiata and its environs, Ilorin South, Nigeria, were evaluated using the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) method. The study was motivated by the absence of a functional municipal water supply and increasing reliance on shallow hand-dug wells that are often unreliable and vulnerable to contamination. Six VES stations were acquired using the Schlumberger electrode configuration with a maximum current electrode spacing of 200 m. Apparent resistivity data were processed and interpreted through partial curve matching and iterative inversion to delineate subsurface geoelectric layers and infer hydrogeological conditions. The results reveal three to five geoelectric layers across the study area, comprising topsoil, weathered basement (saprolite), fractured basement (saprock), and fresh basement. Groundwater occurrence is primarily associated with the weathered and fractured basement units, while the fresh basement is largely non-aquiferous. Weathered layer thickness varies significantly across the area, ranging from less than 5 m to over 14 m. VES stations 2 and 3 exhibit the most favorable groundwater conditions, characterized by thick saprolitic layers (>14 m), moderate resistivity values, underlying fractured basement, and moderate aquifer protective capacity. VES stations 4 and 5 show moderate groundwater potential, whereas VES 6 is considered unsuitable for groundwater development due to shallow bedrock and limited storage capacity. The study demonstrates that groundwater potential in Akerebiata is highly localized and structurally controlled. Borehole drilling to depths exceeding 18 m is recommended to ensure adequate penetration of productive aquifer zones. The integration of VES interpretation with longitudinal conductance analysis proves effective for groundwater assessment and vulnerability evaluation in crystalline basement terrains
Identity issues in urban ethno-communal con! ict in Africa: an empirical study of ife-modakeke crisis in Nigeria
No full text! e paper examines identity issues in urban ethno-communal con" ict focusing on the case of Ife-Modakeke in Nigeria. ! e data used in the study is from a larger survey carried out by the author in Ife and Modakeke communities. ! e data collected was analysed using simplefrequencies, percentages and correlation statistical technique. Given the circumstance that led to the birth of Modakeke; the status of Modakeke and that of its people has always been a source of dispute and con" ict. First, is the issue of landlord/tenant relationship and second, is the issue of indigene/non-indigene status and by extension the problem of citizenship. In both communities ethnic attachment is high, and, inter-personal relationship among the people in the two communities is not that very cordial. Signi# cant negative relationship is found between inter-personal relationship and age, age of the youngest child, and if most important organization belonged to is ethnic organization. Signi# cant positive relationship is found betweeninter-personal relationship and having relative in the other community (Ife or Modakeke). ! e result of the correlation analysis between ethnic attachment and inter-personal relationships among the people of the two communities though found not to be signi# cant shows a negativerelationship. ! is result suggests that for sustainable peace to be attained there is the need to pursue policies that encourages social integration, as well as policies that discourage strong ethnic attachment and the spread of ethnically related organizations in the two communities
EVIDENCE-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICES TO RESPOND TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS
No full textBackground: Given the unprecedented novel nature and scale of coronavirus and the global nature of this public health crisis, which upended many public/environmental research norms almost overnight. However, with further waves of the virus expected and more pandemics anticipated. The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 opened our eyes to the ever-changing conditions and uncertainty that exists in our world today, particularly with regards to environmental and public health practices disruption.
Objectives: This paper explores environmental and public health evidence-based practices toward Responding to Covid-19.
Methods: A literature review tried to do a deep dive by using a variety of search engines including Research Gate, Google Scholar, Summon, PubMed, Scopus, Hinari, Dimension, CAB Abstract, OARE Abstract, Academia, Mendeley, SSRN search strategy to retrieve research publications, “grey literature” and expert working group reports.
Results: To achieve improved population health, more widespread adoption of evidence-based strategies is recommended, particularly in this uncertain time. As only together can evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) can become a reality which include effective policies and practices, transparency and accountability of decisions, and equity outcomes; these are all more relevant in resource-constrained contexts, such as Nigeria. Effective and ethical EIDM though requires the production and use of high-quality evidence that are timely, relevant and structured. One way to do so is through co-production. Co-production (or co-creation or co-design) of environmental/public health evidence considered as a key tool for addressing complex global crises such as the high risk of severe COVID-19 in different nations.
Discussion: A significant evidence-based component of environmental/public health (EBEPH) consist of decisions making based on best accessible, evidence that is peer-reviewed; using data as well as systematic information systems; community engagement in policy making; conducting sound evaluation; do a thorough program-planning frameworks; as well as disseminating what is being learned. As researchers, scientists, statisticians, journal editors, practitioners, as well as decision makers strive to improve population health, having a natural tendency toward scrutinizing the scientific literature aimed at novel research findings serving as the foundation for intervention as well as prevention programs. The main inspiration behind conducting research ought to be toward stimulating and collaborating appropriately on public/environmental health action. Hence, there is need for a “Plan B” of effective behavioural, environmental, social and systems interventions (BESSI) to reduce transmissio
Self-Affirmation and Identity-Driven Political Behavior
No full textThis is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Cambridge University Press via the DOI in this recordData availability: The data, code, and any additional materials required to replicate all analyses in this article are available at the Journal of Experimental Political Science Dataverse within the Harvard Dataverse Network, at: doi:10.7910/DVN/HUJZMOPsychological attachment to political parties can bias people’s attitudes, beliefs, and group evaluations. Studies from psychology suggest that self-affirmation theory may ameliorate this problem in the domain of politics on a variety of outcome measures. We report a series of studies conducted by separate research teams that examine whether a self-affirmation intervention affects a variety of outcomes, including political or policy attitudes, factual beliefs, conspiracy beliefs, affective polarization, and evaluations of news sources. The different research teams use a variety of self-affirmation interventions, research designs, and outcomes. Despite these differences, the research teams consistently find that self-affirmation treatments have little effect. These findings suggest considerable caution is warranted for researchers who wish to apply the self-affirmation framework to studies that investigate political attitudes and beliefs. By presenting the “null results” of separate research teams, we hope to spark a discussion about whether and how the self-affirmation paradigm should be applied to political topics.European Union Horizon 2020NASAEnergy FoundationUniversity of MinnesotaNational Science Foundation (NSF
Study of early light emission from anode-initiated surface flashover in vacuum
No full textThe physical phenomena leading to high voltage surface flashover are investigated. Surface flashover is a possible failure mechanism in high voltage vacuum systems which involves electrical breakdown across the surface of an insulator. Positive angled insulator geometries, i.e. insulators which are narrower near the anode, are known to withstand higher voltages because the field at the cathode triple junction (CTJ) is suppressed; such geometries are common in large pulsed power machines due to their superior performance. However, the field at the anode triple junction (ATJ) is significantly enhanced, so when flashover does occur in these geometries it is believed to be anode-initiated. A deeper physical understanding of the mechanisms of anode-initiated flashover is necessary to continue to improve the performance of these systems.
An experimental setup for the study of vacuum surface flashover is introduced which is capable of greater than 200 kV pulses with rise times on the order of a few tens of nanoseconds. The positive 45° flashover geometry is designed to provide similar field conditions to the insulator stacks of large scale pulsed power machines while improving diagnostic access. Specifically, an experimental apparatus for collecting the flashover self-luminosity is introduced. It enables spatiotemporally resolved photodetection from regions adjacent to the ATJ and CTJ. The apparatus further permits collecting temporally resolved optical emission spectra in the spectral range from 200-800 nm, yielding additional insight into the flashover dynamics. Light intensity waveforms reveal that the geometry was successful in promoting anode-initiated flashover, since early anode light precedes early cathode light by a few to ten nanoseconds during the voltage rise. Then, a spectral progression of the flashover plasma is presented, spanning from the earliest detectable light to tens of nanoseconds after the impedance collapse. The earliest light is a broadband background, which is joined by hydrogen and carbon lines prior to the impedance collapse. Metal lines are also detected near the anode prior to the impedance collapse, which appears to be unique to anode-initiated flashover.Embargo status: Restricted until 09/2172. To request the author grant access, click on the PDF link to the left
When Shakespeare met Raimi: David Mence’s Macbeth re-arisen
No full textWhat would happen if Macbeth returned as a zombie? David Mence's "Macbeth Re-Arisen", a daring sequel of Shakespeare's Macbeth, is the answer to that question. According to award-winning author David Mence, the borders between pulp science fiction, fantasy and horror and literary fiction are more permeable than we think (Mence, 2014). In his audacious "Macbeth Re-Arisen", entirely written in blank verse, Mence blends the medieval Scotland depicted by Shakespeare with the maniacal zombies of Sam Raimi's "Evil Dead" series.
This article analyses the representation of zombies as characters in relation to David Mence's "Macbeth Re-Arisen", showing some continuity between this sequel of Shakespeares "Macbeth" and zombies in cinema, popular culture, and social studies. This article also analyses characters and topoi in ÒMacbeth Re-ArisenÓ and compares them to those in Shakesperare's "Macbeth"
In vitro anti‑HIV, cytotoxicity and nutritional analysis of Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae)
No full textThe development of antiretroviral therapy has brought a tremendous relief to the world as it minimizes mortality, reduces HIV transmission, and suppresses progression in infected patients. However, the orthodox antiretroviral therapy is faced with limitations which have necessitated a continuous search for more novel plant-based antiviral compounds, which can bypass the existing barriers created by drug resistance and target more viral proteins. Despite the edibility and enormous pharmacological benefits of T. portulacastrum, little is known about its nutrient profiles and potential use as a natural source of antiviral drug. This study focuses on the full feed analysis and anti-HIV potential of two biotypes of T. portulacastrum. Ethanolic extracts of both biotypes of T. portulacastrum (T01 and T02) had significant inhibitory effects on the level of replication of the HIV-1. Both extracts induced the inhibition of at least 50% of the HIV-1 viral load at considerably low IC50 values of 1.757 mg/mL (T01) and 1.205 mg/mL (T02) which is comparable to the AZT standard. The protein composition ranged between 8.63-22.69%; fat (1.84-4.33%); moisture (7.89-9.04%); fibre (23.84-49.98%); and carbohydrate content (38.54-70.14%). Mineral contents of tested T. portulacastrum varied considerably in different parts of the plant. Nitrogen N mineral ranged between 13.8-36.3 mg/g; sodium Na (2.0-14.0 mg/g); potassium K (14.0-82.0 mg/g); magnesium Mg (2.8-7.1 mg/g); calcium Ca (9.1-24.7 mg/g); phosphorus P (1.3-3.6 mg/g); iron Fe (193.5-984.0 ppm); zinc Zn (42.5-96.0 ppm); manganese Mn (28.5-167.5 ppm); and copper Cu (2.0-8.5 ppm). These mineral values are comparable or higher than values quoted for common vegetables, suggesting that T. portulacastrum is a nutrient-dense vegetable that could provide alternative sources of antiviral nutrients to HIV-infected individuals. Further studies are recommended to unravel key metabolites responsible for high nutrient profiles and antiretroviral effects in T. portulacastrum
The studying of magnetic anomalies due to shallow underground targets and the environmental applications
No full textThe magnetic method of investigation is a well-known and dependable technique for detecting underground ferro-materials. However, the application of the magnetic method to identify the exact position of underground targets such as buried explosive devices (BED), illegally buried waste (IBW), metallic storage tanks, utility pipes, and communication cables is quite challenging in both civil and environmental engineering. This article presents the results of the investigation performed at a 55 m by 55 m area within the Ahmadu Bello University Geophysical Test Site (ABUGTS) to study the signals generated by various buried targets to simulate similar situations encountered in environmental engineering. The total magnetic intensity (TMI) of the site without buried targets was obtained to identify the possible existing underground materials or faults that could generate false geophysical data. The magnetic susceptibility of the buried targets was determined in the laboratory before the burial to validate the field results. The influence of the buried materials over the magnetic signature of the site was examined, showing the TMI values vary between 34966 nT and 44510 nT before burial and 351607 nT to 49795 nT after burial. The Euler deconvolution (ED) and residual maps alongside the signal enhancement maps like analytical signal and first vertical derivative (FVD) were employed to study the magnetic anomalies due to buried targets. The results of the data interpretation confirmed the existence of cluster anomaly source bodies due to buried targets. The ED delineates the depth of the buried targets varying between 0.7 m – 3.3 m corresponding with the actual depth of burial. The analytical signal map produced a perfect behaviour of the magnetic anomalies to buried targets, capturing all the buried targets buried at the site. However, the shape of the anomaly signal is almost independent of the buried target orientation with a spherical pattern of anomalies. However, the exact size and shape of the buried targets were not achieved. Nevertheless, the FVD and analytical signal maps perform better than the residual and TMI maps due to the substantially smaller magnetic anomalies of the buried targets similar to expected. In addition, stronger magnetic anomaly signals occur maximally around buried larger ferro-materials with precise prediction of the buried target position. The magnetic method is a very powerful, convenient, cheap, and time-saving geophysical tool for investigating underground targets, which is highly applicable in engineering and environmental contexts
