Analysis of Urban Land Use and Land Cover Change for Sustainable Development: A Case of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Inventories on land use/cover changes are assessed at increasing importance in various sectors, like agriculture, settlement, environmental studies and urban planning. This research was carried out to analyse the changes in urban land use/cover of Lafia for the years 1986, 2000 and 2014. Remotely sensed data from Landsat TM and Nigeria sat 8 were classified using GIS technique, to which six categories of land use/cover were identified such as: bare surfaces, built up areas, cultivated lands, rocky outcrops, vegetation cover and wetlands. Population data of the study area for 1986, 2000 and 2014 were also used to compare the relationship between population growth and landuse/cover changes in the study area using descriptive statistics. The result revealed an increase in built up areas from 1.56% to 15% between 1986 and 2014 while vegetation cover showed decrease: from 25% in 1986 to 12% in 2014. Cultivated lands increased from 56% in 1986 to 67% in 2014. Others classes such as: bare surfaces decreased, as wetlands and rock outcrops seem to be fluctuated. Therefore results from the analyses indicate a general change in landcover for the periods under this study. This study recommends that: there is a need to monitor the changes that occurred on land use so as to provide proper planning and effective management of the land resources in a sustainable manner.

Salmonella typhi infection in a tertiary institution in Nasarawa State,Nigeria

Objective:To evaluate the prevalence of Sabmonella typhi(S.typhi) among subjects attending College of Education Health Clinic,Akwanga,Nasarawa state from the year.2005 to 2007 and to recommend some preventive measures to the populace.Methods:Blood samples were tested for infection using the widal test.Results:Out of the 793 patients examined,579(73.0%) were positive with 174(30.05%),254(43.86%) and 151(26.07%) for the years 2005,2006 and 2007 respectively. The age range with the highest prevalence of infection for the period was 21-30 with 207(35.75%) followed by 31-40 year group with 133(22.97%).Chi-square analysis showed no significant difference in infection between males and females(P】0.05).Conclusions:The results of this study provide a useful guide in the formulation of S.typhi control measures in tertiary institutions in the State and also help to check the spread of the pathogen in the general population.

Fertility Cancer and Hereditary Risks in Soil Sample of Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

A survey of Fertility Cancer and Hereditary Risks in Soil Sample of Nasarawa was carried out.This study assessed the level of Fertility Cancer and Hereditary Risks from the naturally occurring radionuclides;^(232)Th,^(226)Ra and ^(40)K.12 soil samples collected from the respective part of the Nasarawa were analyzed using the gamma-ray spectrometry NaI(Tl)detector system.The mean concentration for ^(40)K was 645.29±07.32 Bq/kg,for ^(226)Ra was 28.43±4.8422 Bq/Kg and for ^(232)Th was 66.84±2.0201 Bq/Kg.The average effective dose due to the ingestion was 0.36±0.1μSv/y which was approximately 1000 times lower than the world average effective dose.Radium equivalent activity Ra_(eq)(Bq/kg),alpha index and total cancer risk were found to be 161.44±8.08 Bq/kg,0.142±0.02 and(0.21±0.05)×10^(-5) respectively.UNSCEAR/USEPA stipulated that;radium equivalent activity,alpha index,effective dose and total cancer risk should not exceed the limit of 370 Bq/kg,unity,300μSv/y and 1×10^(-4) respectively.Hence the values obtained in this work were within the acceptable limits.This implies that the ingestion or inhalation of soil is not associated with any radiological risk of concern.

Substrate colonization and relative abundance of immature forms of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in river Mada, Nasarawa State Nigeria

Black flies, vectors of Onchocercavolvulus, are known to colonize fast flowing sections of rivers.A study on aspects of ecology of immature forms of black flies was conducted at River Mada. Larvae and Pupae of the Genus: Simulium were prospected on natural substrates found at various water currents along the course of the river over a 12-month period. Larvae of six speciesand pupae of three species were identified colonizing different substrates in the river. A total of 443 larvae and 142 pupae were collected, and thepeak month of collection was April. 405 (91.4%) larvae were identified as S.damnosum sl while 38 (8.6%) comprised S. adersi, S.hargreavesi, S.cervicornotum, S. bovisand S.vorax. 110 (77.5%) of the pupae collected were S.damnosumsl while 32 (22.5%) were S.adersi, and S.hargreavesi. The larvae unlike pupae appeared to be non discriminatory in substrate colonization and current preference. Paucity of the population of immature forms is observed and attributed primarily to scarcity of suitable substrates and other factors also discussed herein.

Influence of Some Water Physicochemical Parameters on the Distribution of Black Fly (Diptera, Simuliidae) in Some Rivers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Changes in the distribution of simuliid species and their disease transmission pattern may occur in response to climatic and environmental factors. Simuliid larvae were prospected in 34 rivers of Nasarawa State from January 2010 to December 2010. A total of 198,420 simuliid larvae collected were found to belong to six species as follows: S. damnosum s.l. (72.13%), S. adersi (24.31%), S. ruficorne (2.52%), S. cervicornutum (0.69%), S. alcocki (0.68%), and S. schoutedeni (0.17%). The monthly sample indicated continuous breeding throughout the year with peaks in July, August and September. The density of black fly larvae was estimated from samples collected on water plants per 1 dm2 of water plant surface. The study showed that both physicochemical and ecological parameters influenced the density of simuliids. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between simuliids density and the environmental factors. Data on prevalence and distribution of simuliids in Nasarawa State are sparse and scanty. Therefore, the result of this study provides additional information on the distribution and density of simuliids in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Mycotoxin Contamination of Bush Mango,Cashew Nuts,Okra,Sesame and Sorghum Marketed in Nasarawa State,Nigeria

Food crops(bush mango(n=12),roasted cashew nut(n=12),dried okra(n=12),sesame(n=35)and sorghum(n=36))sold in markets in Nasarawa state,Nigeria,were analyzed using a LC-MS/MS mycotoxin method.The hepatocarcinogenic aflatoxin B_(1) was detected in 42%,25%and 19%of bush mango,dried okra and sorghum samples at mean concentrations of 19.2μg/kg,8.27μg/kg and 4.75μg/kg,respectively,while fumonisin B_(1) contaminated 9%of the sesame(mean:12.5μg/kg)and 47%of the sorghum(mean:461μg/kg)samples.At least 19%of the sorghum samples were co-contaminated with aflatoxin B_(1) and fumonisin B_(1).The nephrotoxic ochratoxin A was detected in bush mango,sorghum and,for the first time to the best of our knowledge,in dried okra.These vended food crops in the local markets are therefore prone to mycotoxin contamination,which may pose a health threat to consumers,and require intentional mitigation efforts.

Spatial Analysis and Modelling of Wind Farm Site Suitability in Nasarawa State, North-Central Nigeria

There has been an increasing global and local interest in developing renewable, clean, and cheap energy towards achieving Goal number 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). However, decisions involving suitable and sustainable locations for renewable energy projects remain an important task. This study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to spatially analyze and model wind farm site suitability in Nasarawa State. The aim is to integrate the environmental, social, and economic aspects of decision-making for identifying sustainable wind farm sites. The study distinguished between two sets of decision criteria: decision constraints and decision factors. The former defined the exclusion zones while the latter were standardized based on fuzzy logic to depict varying degrees of suitability across the State. The MCDA applied the weighted linear combination method, with relative weights generated through pairwise comparisons of the analytic hierarchy process to analyze three policy scenarios: equal weights, environmental/social priority, and economic priority scenario. A combination of resulting composite maps from the constraints and the factors gave the final suitability maps. The resulting suitability index (SI) for the respective policy scenario describes the degrees of suitability: Ideal locations were denoted by one (1) and the not suitable locations by zero (0), with values in-between depicting varying degrees of wind farm site suitability. Based on the SI, priority locations indicating areas with good prospects, in addition to the most suitable parcels of land, were identified and delineated. The composite decision constraint revealed that wind farm projects would not be viable in more than half (57.58%) of the State. Wind speed was the major constraint and accounted for the exclusion of 46.25%, with a mean fuzzy membership value of 0.2008 indicating low suitability across the State. Also, the average acceptable wind farm location for the three-policy scenario was 33.33% of the entire study area. Lafia, Obi, Keana, Awe, Nasarawa-Eggon, Wamba and Kokona LGAs were the identified priority Local Government Areas (LGAs). However, only Lafia, Obi, and Nasarawa-Eggon were consistent with changes in the policy objectives. All the priority LGAs have one or more of the most suitable parcels within their administrative boundaries except for Wamba. Despite the severe limitations of wind speed, substantial parts of Nasarawa State still provide great development potentials for wind energy. The “most suitable” locations in Lafia, Nasarawa-Eggon, and Obi LGAs should have first consideration for the development of wind energy in the State.

Identification of Medical and Industrial Used Radioisotopes in Mining Sites of Nasarawa,Nasarawa State,Nigeria

This research intends to unveil the presence of radioisotopes in the soil of some mining sites in Nasarawa of Nasarawa state using thermos-scientific interceptor(IdentiFINDER).The work aimed at detecting the presence,types and trust level of radioisotopes.The result showed that,103Pd and 125I were found in 57%of the total points and the percentage abundance of the detector reached 50-65%indicating that,those radioisotopes are likely found in the area,109Cd was found in 15%of the total areas.The percentage abundance of the detector for 109Cd shows 50%indicating that,those radioisotopes are likely to be found in the area,241Am was found in 7%of the total areas.The percentage abundance of the detector for 241Am shows 81%indicating that,those radioisotopes are likely found in the area,235U was found in 7%of the total points.The percentage abundance of the detector for 235U reaches 57%indicating that,those radioisotopes are likely found in the area,75Se was found in 7%of the total points.The percentage abundance of the detector for 75Se was in abundance up to 57%indicating that,those radioisotopes are likely gotten in the area and 57Co was gotten in 7%of the total areas.The percentage abundance of the detector for 57Co was 54%indicating that,those radioisotopes are likely to be gotten in the area.Based on this high percentage abundance of the detector for these radioisotopes,they can be harnessed and applied appropriately in medicine and industry.

Geological Exploration of Marble Deposits in Toto Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Geological mapping as well as chemical analysis for marble deposit in the Muro-Obugu-Panda area of Toto Local Government, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, was carried out. The objectives of the study are to first map out the extent of the deposit and then evaluate its chemical characteristics. The geology of the area forms part of the Upper Proterozoic low-grade (green schist facies) schist belts of Central Nigeria, and consists of schists, banded iron, quartzite, and marble. Geological mapping revealed that the marble deposit stretches in a NE-SW direction, from Muro in the north to Kolo in the south, covering about 28 km2. This deposit consists mainly of silicified gray and white varieties of marble. The mapping also identified three (3) exploration targets A—Panda, B—Obugu, and C— Soka. Chemical analysis of eight (8) selected samples shows that CaO content varies from 3.72 to 53.12 wt%. Other impurities are Fe2O3, Al2O3, MgO and SiO2. Plot of Na2O + K2O vs. SiO2 shows a positive correlation while that of CaO and MgO exhibits a well defined negative correlation with SiO2 and this reflects the introduction of chert during the deposition of the parent limestone of the marble body. The variation plot of CaO vs. MgO shows an inverse relationship. This is reflected in the inverse relationship in the proportion of calcite to dolomite in the marble. All these results correlate with those found in the adjacent area by previous workers and this indicates the same extension of marble in these areas. The Muro marble can be used economically as raw materials for a variety of products such as fillers, glass, papers, lime, pesticide and sewage treatment, decorative construction, monuments, paint making and most of all very suitable for cement production.

Assessment of Urban Sprawl Using Geospatial Techniques in Awka Town, Anambra State, Nigeria

Cities and towns in developing countries are experiencing an unplanned and uncontrolled development known as urban sprawl. This research examines urban sprawl in Awka metropolis, between 1986 and 2016. Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) of 1986, Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) data of the year 2000 and Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) 2016 were used for this study. Geographic Information System was employed for the analysis of the data. Result showed that Awka metropolis witnessed a remarkable growth between 1986 and 2016 from mere 3444.48 Km2 in 1986 to about 11,452.46 Km2 in 2016. This growth contributed to the sharp decline in farmland from 25,500.51 km2 (19.13%) in 1986 to 17,848.44 km2 (13.60%) in 2000 and further declined to 10,037.07 km2 (10.01%) in 2016. Bare surfaces witnessed an increase over the years of this study. This increase is as a result of clearing of natural vegetation for urban development, thereby exposing the land to direct contact with rainfall, leading to gully erosion in the area. Light vegetation also witnessed a sharp decreased from (38.53%) in 1986 to (8.53%) in 2000. It further decreased (8.53%) to (4.62%) in 2016. Therefore, increase in population led to the increase in urban sprawl in the study area. The study recommends that there is a need for a regular monitoring of urban sprawl and development in the study area by the state government especially with the aid of geospatial techniques for better decision making.

Transfer Factor of Heavy Metals due to Mining Activities in Some Parts of Plateau State,Nigeria(Health Implications on the Inhabitants)

Accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils is instigated by industrial and other human activities such as mining,smelting,cement-pollution,energy and fuel production,power transmission,traffic activities,intensive agriculture,sludge dumping and melting operations.Plants received heavy metals from soils through ionic exchange,redox reactions,precipitation-dissolution,and so on,which implies that the solubility of trace elements based on factors like minerals in the soil(carbonates,oxide,hydroxide etc.),soil organic matter(humic acids,fulvic acids,polysaccharides and organic acids),soil pH,redox potential,content,nutrient balance,other trace elements concentration in soil,physical and mechanical characteristics of soil,soil temperature and humidity,and so on.In this study,the soil-edible plant and soil-water Transfer Factor(TF)for various metals showed that the TF values differed slightly between the locations.On soil-edible plant transfer,the mean TF for different heavy metals in soil-edible plants decreased in the following order:As(0.6)mg/kg>Cd(0.1)mg/kg>Cr(0.06)mg/kg>Pb(0.003)mg/kg>Ni(0.001)mg/kg.The total TF for different locations decreases in the following order:Barkin Ladi(1.0)mg/kg>Jos South and Jos East(0.7)mg/kg>Bassa and Mangu(0.6)mg/kg.On soil-water transfer,the mean TF for different heavy metals in soil-edible plants decreased in the following order:Cd(0.001)mg/L>As(0.0007)mg/L>Cr(0.0005)mg/L>Pb(0.0001)mg/L and Ni(0.0001)mg/L.The total TF for different locations decreases in the following order:Jos South(0.003)mg/kg>Barkin Ladi,Bassa,Jos East and Mangu(0.002)mg/kg.Based on the findings of this study,it can be concluded that the water and edible plants in the study area are good for public consumption,even though,regular checking of heavy metals in the study area is recommended.

Health Effects of Radiation Exposure to Human Sensitive Organs across Some Selected Mining Sites of Plateau State,Nigeria

The association of radiation with matter,being it from external means(i.e.external sources)or from internal pollution of the body by toxic substances,can pose biological hazard which may show the clinical symptoms later.The nature and extent of these symptoms and the time they take to appear are a function of the amount of radiation absorbed and the rate at which it is received.This study aimed at assessing the health effects of radiation exposure to human sensitive organs across some selected mining sites of Plateau State Nigeria.Finding of this study have revealed that the mean Dorgan values for the lungs,ovaries,bone marrow,testes,kidney,liver and whole body for different mining points of Plateau State are 0.29 mSv/y,0.26 mSv/y,0.31 mSv/y,0.36 mSv/y,0.28 mSv/y,0.21 mSv/y and 0.30 mSv/y respectively.From the findings presented,it can be concluded that the background radiation in Plateau State is not an issue of health concern in regards to sensitive organs and may not course immediate health effect except when accumulated over long period of time which may cause cancer to the indoor members on approximately seventy years of exposure.

A Novel Approach for Developing a Linear Regression Model within Logistic Cluster Using Scikit-Learn

Due to the rapid development of logistic industry, transportation cost is also increasing, and finding trends in transportation activities will impact positively in investment in transportation infrastructure. There is limited literature and data-driven analysis about trends in transportation mode. This thesis delves into the operational challenges of vehicle performance management within logistics clusters, a critical aspect of efficient supply chain operations. It aims to address the issues faced by logistics organizations in optimizing their vehicle fleets’ performance, essential for seamless logistics operations. The study’s core design involves the development of a predictive logistics model based on regression, focused on forecasting, and evaluating vehicle performance in logistics clusters. It encompasses a comprehensive literature review, research methodology, data sources, variables, feature engineering, and model training and evaluation and F-test analysis was done to identify and verify the relationships between attributes and the target variable. The findings highlight the model’s efficacy, with a low mean squared error (MSE) value of 3.42, indicating its accuracy in predicting performance metrics. The high R-squared (R2) score of 0.921 emphasizes its ability to capture relationships between input characteristics and performance metrics. The model’s training and testing accuracy further attest to its reliability and generalization capabilities. In interpretation, this research underscores the practical significance of the findings. The regression-based model provides a practical solution for the logistics industry, enabling informed decisions regarding resource allocation, maintenance planning, and delivery route optimization. This contributes to enhanced overall logistics performance and customer service. By addressing performance gaps and embracing modern logistics technologies, the study supports the ongoing evolution of vehicle performance management in logistics clusters, fostering increased competitiveness and sustainability in the logistics sector.

Assessment of Genetic Relationship and Application of Computational Algorithm to Assess Functionality of Non-Synonymous Substitutions in DQA2 Gene of Cattle, Sheep and Goats

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a fundamental part of the immune system in nearly all vertebrates. DQA2 is a member of the MHC complex and an important candidate gene involved in susceptibility/resistance to various diseases. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating computationally molecular genetic variation of DQA2 gene of cattle, sheep and goats especially on its evolution and differentiation within and among species as well as the attendant effects of the polymorphism on the function of DQA2 gene. A total of thirty three DQA2 nucleotide sequences comprising cattle (10), sheep (12) and goats (11) were retrieved from the GenBank. Forty seven amino acid substitutions of the wild type alleles located in the putative peptide coding region of caprine DQA2 alleles were obtained from the alignment of deduced amino acid sequences of goats. Out of these, eleven amino acid substitutions (H14L, H14R, L34M, E35L, G56S, G56R, 161V, A62E, D69Q, T72N and T72G) were returned neutral;an indication that they did not impair protein function. The Expected Accuracy (EA) ranged from 53% - 87%. For sheep, sixteen amino acid substitutions (A11P, A11T, A11G, A11M, L14S, L14T, V27L, V27S, G35S, S46T, D55E, L57T, L57A, L57G, K65Q and V68I) appeared beneficial while the rest forty seven appeared harmful (EA ranged from 53% - 93%). Twenty four amino acid substitutions did not impair the function of protein while seventy seven substitutions appeared to have a negative effect on the function of protein of cattle (EA ranged from 53% - 94%). The phylogeny based on nucleotide and amino acid sequences of DQA2 gene revealed the close relatedness of the caprine, ovine and bovine species. The present knowledge would be relevant for performing further genotype-phenotype research as well as pharmacogenetics studies in order to show association between caprine, ovine and bovine DQA2 allelic variation and the clinical progression of infectious diseases especially in a developing country such as Nigeria.

Effects of Vitamin E and Selenium on Fertility and Lamb Performance of Yankasa Sheep

Effects of vitamin E and Selenium administration on fertility and lamb performance of Yankasa sheep were evaluated. Thirty post pubertal ewes (1-1 1/2 years of age) and nine rams (2-2 1/2 years of age) were used for the study. The ewes were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n = 10). Animals in group 1 served as control and were administered 1 ml normal saline. Animals in group 2 were administered 90 mg Tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E), while group 3 received injection containing a combination of 100 mg tocopherol acetate and 1.97 mg sodium selenite. Two doses of the injections were administered 14 days apart (subcutaneously). Estrus was synchronized in the ewes using controlled internal drug release device (CIDR). Rams were used for estrus detection and mating starting 24 hours following withdrawal of CIDR. Ewes were allowed to carry the pregnancy to term. The results indicate higher (p < 0.05) estrus response (80.00, 100.00, 100.00), pregnancy rate (75.00, 100.00, 100.00) and lambing rate (66.6, 100.00, 100.00) in ewes following administration of vitamin E and a combination of vitamin E and selenium. Average daily weight gain of lambs was also significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) by treatment. It can be concluded that administration of Vitamin E alone and in combination with selenium resulted in improved reproductive performance on Yankasa sheep.

A Global Stability Analysis of a Susceptible-Infected-Removed-Prevented-Controlled Epidemic Model

A mathematical model of HIV transmission dynamics is proposed and analysed. The population is partitioned into five compartments of susceptible S(t), Infected I(t), Removed R(t), Prevented U(t) and the Controlled W(t). Each of the compartments comprises of cohort of individuals. Five systems of nonlinear equations are derived to represent each of the compartments. The general stability of the disease free equilibrium (DFE) and the endemic equilibrium states of the linearized model are established using the linear stability analysis (Routh-Hurwitz) method which is found to be locally asymptotically stable when the infected individuals receive ART and use the condom. The reproduction number is also derived using the idea of Diekmann and is found to be strictly less than one. This means that the epidemic will die out.

Modelling of Potential Pipeline Impact Radius and High Consequence Area in a Wetland Sub-Region of Nigeria

Crude oil transportation through pipelines presents danger to communities along its path. In the Niger Delta region of Nigeria for instance, pipeline vandalism occurs indiscriminately and regularly, such that every segment of a pipeline network becomes a potential target and possibly source of oil spill hazard. In terms of pipeline hazard and risk distribution, the oil plume’s ability to migrate freely in wetlands and encroachment on pipeline right of ways by people increases chances of wider contact and exposure opportunities to inhabitants and the environment. Despite several efforts to mitigate pipeline hazards in the oil and gas sector, none has been effective in Nigeria partly due to paucity of data in public domain and poor public participation. Therefore considering the environmental and human health challenges associated with oil spills, an alternative method was developed using multi-criteria decision analysis to model 1) pipeline hazard zones, 2) potential pipeline impact radius, and 3) high consequence areas with four attribute layers, i.e. land cover, population, river and pipeline to encourage public participation. The model identified land use areas, communities and rivers likely to be susceptible to pipeline hazards and areas requiring regular monitoring and possible intervention. Meanwhile the model sensitivity test indicated that the river layer was most sensitive, while transferability was limited to similar criteria variables. The model can stimulate public participation in pipeline hazard management while policy makers and regulators would find it relevant in oil spill impact mitigation.

Performance Assessment of Received and Formulated Carbon Animalis: A Comparative Adsorption Isotherm Test

With the stated advantages of finer adsorbent of high surface area, why then do manufacturers design unspecified active carbons of granular size even for the removal of medium size particles? This research attempts to provide one of such answers. A batch equilibrium adsorption study was carried out to assess the adsorption capacity and intensities of methyl red dye onto “Received” Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and “formulated” Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) .The equilibrium data obtained were modeled using the Langmuir and Freundlich Isotherms. The data fitted best with the Langmuir model which was predicted by the highest R2 value (0.981). The experiment carried out demonstrated that GAC had a higher adsorption efficiency range of 33.4% to 93.55% and a high adsorption capacity of 1.176 mg/g. Generally, the research ascertained the reason why the manufacturer supplied the chosen adsorbent as “granulated particulate” instead of “powdered” as formulated for the purpose of this research.

Estimation of Annual Effective Dose Due to Ingestion of Natural Radionuclides in Cattle in Tin Mining Areas of Jos Plateau, Nigeria: Are Large Mammals Really Affected?

We have read with great interest the paper which was published in Natural Science, 2014 issue number 6 titled “Estimation of annual effective dose due to ingestion of natural radionuclides in cattle in tin mining area of Jos Plateau, Nigeria” [1]. The paper motivated us to use state-of-the-art computational technique to investigate the risks of the tin mining activity in Jos-Plateau, Nigeria on large mammals (e.g. cattle). The Tier 2 Erica Tool assessment was used to estimate the total dose rate and risk quotients of these reference terrestrial animals. Our investigation revealed that the expected and conservative risk quotients of large mammals due to internal and external exposure to enhanced level of radioactivity are 0.05 and 0.16, respectively. Since the risk quotients are less than unity, this indicates that there is less than 5% probability that the screen dose rate (10 μGy&bull;h–1) is exceeded. The estimated total dose rate to large mammals is 0.52 μGy&bull;h–1 which is not statistically significant. A critical analysis of [1] is presented in the introductory part of this paper.

An Analysis of the Impact of Zoning Policies on Residential Property Values in Abuja

Zoning policies are measures used to enforce compliance and control the development of an area.These measures have been used in different countries to achieve a well-planned and habitable residential environment.Enforcement of these measures has tended to increase or decrease property values in some jurisdictions.Thus,the objective of this study was to measure the influence of zoning policies on rental values in Abuja,Nigeria.Due to the dearth of data related to the subject matter of this research,residents,property developers and personnel responsible for enforcement of these policies were targeted and used for data gathering.The hedonic price modeling(HPM)was used to assess the contribution of zoning policies to rental values in this analysis.The results,however,revealed that zoning is negatively correlated to rental values,while other zoning policies used in the study area are positively correlated to rental values.The result extends the debate that the impact of zoning could either be positively or negatively correlated to price relative to the underlying measures adopted within a jurisdiction.This result suggests that it is imperative to undertake a study in a jurisdiction before decisions could be made.Again,zoning policies should be extended to other suburbs of Abuja so that population pressure within Abuja and its immediate suburbs could be mitigated.