Background: In recent times, there has been an increase in the number of Lassa fever cases resulting from the several episodes of Lassa fever epidemics ravaging Nigeria and other West African countries. The presence o...Background: In recent times, there has been an increase in the number of Lassa fever cases resulting from the several episodes of Lassa fever epidemics ravaging Nigeria and other West African countries. The presence of Lassa virus in rodents other than the major reservoir (Mastomys natalensis) has been a public health concern as to the actual burden of the disease. It is therefore of a public health necessity to explore the LASV RNA habouring potential of several species of rodents in endemic as well as non-endemic areas for proper prevention of emergence of outbreaks in non-endemic areas. Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect the presence of LASV RNA in different species of rodents in Ikorodu, Lagos state and Abeokuta, Ogun state. Methods: A total of ninety one (91) rodents were captured from Ikorodu, Lagos State (61 rodents) and Abeokuta, Ogun State (30 rodents), euthanized, bled, and plasma obtained for the detection of LASV RNA by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: A total of 91 rodents consisting of 77 Rattus rattus and 14 Crocidura spp. The S segment of LASV RNA was not in any of the 91 rodents’ plasma samples. Conclusion: The rodents captured within the rural communities of Ikorodu, Lagos State and Abeokuta, Ogun State were found not to habour the LASV RNA. This study is limited by the relatively small sample size. Similar studies should be encouraged both in endemic and non-endemic areas in order to understand the actual burden of Lassa fever as well as put into check future epidemics.展开更多
This study assessed the performance of residential buildings in public housing estates in urban areas of Ogun State Southwest Nigeria. It was based on the notion that users＇ satisfaction with dwelling units is a meas...This study assessed the performance of residential buildings in public housing estates in urban areas of Ogun State Southwest Nigeria. It was based on the notion that users＇ satisfaction with dwelling units is a measure of the performance of residential buildings in meeting their needs and expectations. A cross sectional survey of 452 household heads in nine public housing estates was conducted in the study area. Data were obtained using structured questionnaire and observation schedule; and were subjected to descriptive statistics and factor analysis. A mean satisfaction score of 3.21 was observed; indicating that the respondents were generally satisfied with the performance of the different components of the buildings. Satisfaction levels were generally higher with privacy and sizes of living and sleeping areas than the availability of water and electricity in the buildings. The type, location and aesthetic appearance as well as size of main activity areas were the most predominant factors that determined satisfaction and indeed the performance of the buildings in meeting users＇ needs and expectations. The paper highlights critical areas where attention is needed in order to improve the performance of residential buildings and users＇ satisfaction with public housing projects in Nigeria.展开更多
The use of probability distribution functions for describing tree diameter at breast height provides useful information for forest resource evaluation and quantification. A series of probability distribution functions...The use of probability distribution functions for describing tree diameter at breast height provides useful information for forest resource evaluation and quantification. A series of probability distribution functions have been widely developed and applied for managing forest trees in conventional forest reserves without much consideration for trees outside forest reserves. The aim of this study is to evaluate and propose a suitable probability distribution function for trees in Agricultural landscapes. The study examined 3-parameter lognormal, Lognormal, 3-parameter Gamma, Gamma, 3-parameter Weibull and Weibull distribution functions, using the Maximum Likelihood method for fitting tree diameter at breast height. Three hundred and thirty-two temporary farmlands were randomly selected from which stem diameter of all living trees, with diameter ≥ 10.0 cm, were measured. Results of the statistical analysis showed that the 3-parameter lognormal distribution gave a superior description of the stem diameter with the least values of Anderson Darling (1.627) and Akaike Information Criterion (5962.0) statistics. Hence, the 3-parameter lognormal distribution function was found suitable for the stem diameter of trees in Agricultural landscapes in the study area.展开更多
文摘Background: In recent times, there has been an increase in the number of Lassa fever cases resulting from the several episodes of Lassa fever epidemics ravaging Nigeria and other West African countries. The presence of Lassa virus in rodents other than the major reservoir (Mastomys natalensis) has been a public health concern as to the actual burden of the disease. It is therefore of a public health necessity to explore the LASV RNA habouring potential of several species of rodents in endemic as well as non-endemic areas for proper prevention of emergence of outbreaks in non-endemic areas. Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect the presence of LASV RNA in different species of rodents in Ikorodu, Lagos state and Abeokuta, Ogun state. Methods: A total of ninety one (91) rodents were captured from Ikorodu, Lagos State (61 rodents) and Abeokuta, Ogun State (30 rodents), euthanized, bled, and plasma obtained for the detection of LASV RNA by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: A total of 91 rodents consisting of 77 Rattus rattus and 14 Crocidura spp. The S segment of LASV RNA was not in any of the 91 rodents’ plasma samples. Conclusion: The rodents captured within the rural communities of Ikorodu, Lagos State and Abeokuta, Ogun State were found not to habour the LASV RNA. This study is limited by the relatively small sample size. Similar studies should be encouraged both in endemic and non-endemic areas in order to understand the actual burden of Lassa fever as well as put into check future epidemics.
文摘This study assessed the performance of residential buildings in public housing estates in urban areas of Ogun State Southwest Nigeria. It was based on the notion that users＇ satisfaction with dwelling units is a measure of the performance of residential buildings in meeting their needs and expectations. A cross sectional survey of 452 household heads in nine public housing estates was conducted in the study area. Data were obtained using structured questionnaire and observation schedule; and were subjected to descriptive statistics and factor analysis. A mean satisfaction score of 3.21 was observed; indicating that the respondents were generally satisfied with the performance of the different components of the buildings. Satisfaction levels were generally higher with privacy and sizes of living and sleeping areas than the availability of water and electricity in the buildings. The type, location and aesthetic appearance as well as size of main activity areas were the most predominant factors that determined satisfaction and indeed the performance of the buildings in meeting users＇ needs and expectations. The paper highlights critical areas where attention is needed in order to improve the performance of residential buildings and users＇ satisfaction with public housing projects in Nigeria.
文摘The use of probability distribution functions for describing tree diameter at breast height provides useful information for forest resource evaluation and quantification. A series of probability distribution functions have been widely developed and applied for managing forest trees in conventional forest reserves without much consideration for trees outside forest reserves. The aim of this study is to evaluate and propose a suitable probability distribution function for trees in Agricultural landscapes. The study examined 3-parameter lognormal, Lognormal, 3-parameter Gamma, Gamma, 3-parameter Weibull and Weibull distribution functions, using the Maximum Likelihood method for fitting tree diameter at breast height. Three hundred and thirty-two temporary farmlands were randomly selected from which stem diameter of all living trees, with diameter ≥ 10.0 cm, were measured. Results of the statistical analysis showed that the 3-parameter lognormal distribution gave a superior description of the stem diameter with the least values of Anderson Darling (1.627) and Akaike Information Criterion (5962.0) statistics. Hence, the 3-parameter lognormal distribution function was found suitable for the stem diameter of trees in Agricultural landscapes in the study area.
