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Open Access
Assessment of vehicular emission contributions to ambient air quality along high and low density traffic routes in Lagos and Ile-Ife, southwestern Nigeria.
(Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science. Obafemi Awolowo University., 2021) JOSHUA, Oluwasesan Hezekiah
The study characterized air emissions from vehicles in Lagos and Ile-Ife, determined theground-level concentrations of associated pollutants along with the ambient air quality levels of selected air pollutants and evaluated the vehicular emissions using the results obtained above. These were with a view to assessing the vehicular emission contributions to ambient air quality along low- and high-density routes in Ile-Ife and Lagos. Four sampling points were established during dry and wet season periods over an averaging period of 24-hour, while traffic count, meteorology, and ambient measurements were carried out simultaneously at each of the sampling points. The vehicle emission measurement which is one of the inputs for predicting ground level concentrations using the BREEZE ROAD Model was carried out using Infra-Red gas analysers for CO, NO2, and SO2 concentrations and handheld aerosol real-time particulate matter (PM2.5) sampler for PM2.5 concentration. Ambient PM2.5 concentrations were measured using Air metric particulate matter sampler, while ambient gaseous concentrations of CO, NO2, SO2, O3, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) were measured using CO data logger, Ogawa sampler, and 3 M air monitor badge. The samples collected using the Ogawa sampler and 3 M air monitor badge were analysed using Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector. The measured ambient mean PM2.5 concentration in Lagos was 152.58± 61.65 µg/m3 while that of Ile-Ife was 93.13±2.24 µg/m3. The measured concentrations of NO2 in Lagos ranged from 21.98 to 64.95 µg/m3and that for Ile-Ife ranged from 10.00 to 55.04 µg/m3. Sulphur dioxide concentration ranged from 20.56 to 58.09 µg/m3 in Lagos and 16.35 to 60.69 µg/m3 in Ile Ife. Carbon monoxide concentrations in Ile-Ife sampling points ranged from 1,030.68 to 3,000.42 µg/m3 while that of Lagos sampling points ranged from 1,030.68 to 3,664.64 µg/m3.Comparative high average level (40.02± 8.5 µg/m3) of VOC was recorded in Lagos than Ile-Ife with an average value of 17.33± 5.46 µg/m3. However, all ambient pollutant values were below Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) and World Health Organization (WHO) limits except PM2.5 and SO2. The predicted mean ground level vehicular concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and CO for Lagos were 117.00 ± 25.46, 33.87 ± 5.32, 16.78 ± 13 and 1885.7 ± 565.69 µg/m3respectively while that of Ile-Ife were 86.50 ± 3.54, 13.17 ± 7.98, 15.61 ± 10.97 and 1028.60 ± 969.73 µg/m3respectively. Generally, the average percentile contribution of major vehicle criteria pollutants on the airshed along low and high-density traffic routes were 31 and 42% respectively. The study concluded that the pollutant concentration values obtained, apart from those of PM2.5 and SO2 which were below FMEnv and WHO limits, could cause adverse health by those having regular impacts of the parameters investigated.
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Open Access
Evaluation of serum free light chains as markers of disease severity in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukamia in southwestern Nigeria.
(Department of Haematology and Immunlogy, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Obafemi Awolowo University., 2022) GBOTOSHO Olabisi Abosede
The aim of this study is to determine the haematological parameters, disease severity, serum lactate dehydrogenase, serum β2 microglobulin, serum creatinine and serum free light chains kappa and lambda of newly diagnosed CLL patients; and assess the relationship between the pattern of free light chains and the measured parameters, with the view to improve treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Thirty-three newly diagnosed CLL patients were enrolled into the study using convenience sampling method. Patients with other chronic illnesses or in disease transformation were excluded. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, general physical and systemic examination was also collected for each eligible patient, after informed consent was obtained. Clinical disease severity score was determined using the Binet staging system. Ten milliliters of venous blood were collected; 5ml were anticoagulated using EDTA to obtain haematological parameters from an haemo-autoanalyzer; and for making peripheral blood film using standard operating procedures. The remaining 5ml of blood was dispensed into a plain bottle to obtain serum using standard operating procedures. The sera collected were stored at -200C and batch tested for serum free light chains, kappa and lambda, from which the kappa/lambda ratio was calculated, β2-microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine. Numerical values were reported as frequency, percentage, median, interquartile range, minimum and maximum values. Bivariate analysis was used for continuous variables while chi-square test was used for non-continuous variables data. A p-value ≤ 0.05 or 95% CI (CI=95%) was defined as statistical significance
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Open Access
Development of an improved tractor-mounted kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus) Harvester
(Department of Agriculture Engineering, Faculty of Technology ,Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife , Nigeria., 2022) Thomas Adebayo Ayorinde
The study designed and fabricated an improved tractor-mounted device for kenaf harvesting; it evaluated the performance of the machine developed. It also developed mathematical models for the torque, power and energy for the machine; and validated the models developed. These were with a view to developing a kenaf harvesting technology which will improve kenaf production efficiency. The tractor mounted kenaf harvesting machine has a rotary drive mechanism, which was adopted from a forage harvester. A review of the physical and mechanical properties of kenaf stem was made to ensure the accuracy of the design calculation for shaft, chain drive and gear design. The cutting blades, spur gears, bevel gears was designed and fabricated based on the design calculations. Performance evaluation of the machine was carried out at the kenaf experimental field set up at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm. The evaluation of the machine was carried out from 10 to 16 weeks after planting, at 2 weeks interval. The factors considered in the evaluation include; crop maturity, crop varieties and forward speed of the machine. The machine parameters which are constant machine values peculiar to the machine performance evaluation include width of cut, speed of operation, height of cut. The performance indices were theoretical field capacity, field efficiency, effective field capacity and operational loses. The results obtained was analysed using 3-level factorial response surface methodology (RSM) of design expert software. A mathematical model was developed to detemine the cutting behaviour of the machine when modelled as a fixed uniform cantilever. An equation to predict the cutting torque, power and energy requirement of the machine during operation was obtained and validated. The effective field capacity was observed to decrease with increase in plant maturity and increase with increase in forward speed of the machine. The highest effective field capacity recorded was 2.13 ha/day with Ifeken 100 at crop maturity of 10 weeks after planting, and forward speed was 5 km/hr. The field efficiency of the machine was found to decrease with increase in crop maturity, and forward speed of the machine. The highest field efficiency was 97%, with Ifeken 100, crop maturity of 10 weeks after planting, and at forward speed of machine of 2 km/hr. The duration of operation was also observed to increase with increase in maturity, and decreased slightly with increase in forward speed of machine. The highest duration of operation recorded was close to 9 hours, obtained when the crop maturity was 16 weeks after planting, during the harvesting of Ifeken di 400 and forward speed of 2 km/hr. Operatiional losses was observed to be uniform as the crop maturity increased, highest during the harvesting of Ifeken 100 and increased with increasing forward speed of the machine. The least operational losses recorded was 6.9% recorded when the plant maturity was 16 weeks after planting, during the harvest of Cuba 108 and when the forward speed of machine was 2 km/hr. There was good agreement between the predicted and experimental values of the cutting torque, power and energy requirement of the machine. The study concluded that with the current level of performance obtained for the machine in the research, it has the potential for inclusion in kenaf production operation.
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Open Access
Analysis of the driving behaviour of micra taxi drivers in Ibadan, Nigeria.
(Department of Geography, Faculty of Social science. Obafemi Awolowo University., 2023) OLADEPO, Oluwasegun
This study examined the socio-economic and driving characteristics of Micra taxi drivers in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. It also described the types of driving behaviour and the spatial pattern of driving behaviour of the drivers; analysed factors accounting for different driving behavioral pattern among the drivers; and examined the nature of the association between drivers’ characteristics and their driving behaviour in the study area. These were with a view to determining the types and factors influencing driving behaviour of Micra taxi drivers in the study area. Descriptive research design was adopted by the study. Primary and secondary data were used in the study. Primary data were collected through field observation of Micra taxi drivers driving behaviour, focus group discussion with drivers, and from the administration of commuters’ questionnaire. The sampling frame for the study consisted of Micra taxi drivers and commuters in all the 11 local government areas (LGAs) in Ibadan. In selecting the drivers and commuters of Micra Taxis, random sampling technique was used. A sample size of 770 (20%) Micra taxis was randomly selected for naturalistic observation from the 3,850 Micra taxis registered in the area. For the administration of commuters’ questionnaire, major routes plied by Micra taxis and adjoining streets were selected from each of the eleven LGAs, through multistage sampling technique. Based on the 2020 projected population of the LGAs (5,345,538), a sample size of 0.01 percent (535) of the population of commuters’ was randomly selected for administration of questionnaire. The selected commuters must have used Micra taxi a day before the interview. Four focus group discussions consisting of 10 drivers each were conducted with Micra drivers in four of the 11 LGAs. Secondary data on routes used by Micra taxi and other relevant documents was extracted from archives of the Federal Road Safety Corps. Data collected were analysed using percentage distribution, Relative Important Index (RII), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), correlation, multiple regression and factor analysis. The results showed that 84.7% of the Micra drivers were adults (30-60 years), while the youths (18-29 years) accounted for the remaining 14.8%. All the drivers were male. The dominant types of poor driving behaviour were; reckless (53%), risky (16.3%) and distracted (6.75%) driving behaviours. In terms of results from qualitative data, most of the drivers in the focus group discussions agreed that they drive recklessly and risky in their approach to other road users. The results also showed homogeneous spatial pattern in driving behaviour (F=2.103 – 2.797, ≤ 0.05). The major factors affecting behavioral pattern the drivers were; drivers’ carefree attitude and excesses (RII = 0.768), scouting for passengers (RII=0.724), driver's temperament (RII= 0.674), road condition (RII=0.643), and traffic situation - congestion and delay (RII=0.634). Lastly, there was an association between drivers/vehicle characteristics and driving behavior; whereas drivers age was inversely associated with selected behaviour (“reckless”, “risky” and “self-willed”) (β = -1.91 0.21, ≤ 0.05); “availability of side mirror” and “condition of taxi” were heterogeneously (partly positive or negative) with the behaviour. The study concluded that the major types of driving behaviour among Micra taxi drivers in the study area were risky and reckless driving behaviours and that the main factors influencing the behaviour were drivers’ carefree attitude and excesses.
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Open Access
Financial inclusion and small and medium enterprises performance In Oyo state.
(Department of Management and Accounting. Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University., 2022) FASOLA, Adenike Oluwabukola
The study determined the trend of financial inclusion in Oyo State, Nigeria, and ascertained the level of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) compliance with the financial inclusion strategy. It also assessed the effect of financial inclusion on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Oyo State. These were with the view to examining the relationship between financial inclusion and performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Primary and secondary data were used for this study. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire and secondary data were retrieved from survey of financial inclusion in Nigeria from 2008 to 2020 conducted by Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA). The study population comprised 3,657 SMEs based on the data obtained from Oyo State Ministry of Trade and Commerce. Using Taro Yamane formula for sample size, a total sample of 367 SMEs industry was adopted. The questionnaire was administered on the respondents using purposive sampling technique. Data collected were analysed using mean, kendall rank correlation and ordinary least squares regression analysis. The results showed an increase in trend of financial inclusion in 2012 (57.7%) was sustained till 2020 (63%). The result also showed that the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Oyo State complied to an average extent (5%) with financial inclusion strategy. Finally, the result also showed that financial inclusion had positive and significant effect (t = 6.53, p < 0.05) on the performance of SMEs in Oyo State. The study concluded that financial inclusion improved performance of SMEs in Oyo State, Nigeria.