scholarly journals The influence of socioeconomic variability on the housing quality standard in sub-Saharan Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3 (47)) ◽  
pp. 1089-1103
Author(s):  
Olawumi DARAMOLA ◽  
Olufemi ADELEYE ◽  
Hafeez AGBABIAKA ◽  
Falilat OLOWU

The study examined the relationships between residents’ socioeconomic characteristics and the housing quality standard in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 198 household heads for questionnaire administration. The findings revealed that socioeconomic factors are correlated in the following proportions: educational level shows a moderate correlation with monthly income (r = .463, p < 0.01), length of stay (r = -.433, p < 0.01) and age of building (r = -.414, p < 0.05); monthly income displays a fairly strong correlation with length of stay (r = -.502, p < 0.01) and age of building (r = -.625, p < 0.01); household size presents a relatively strong correlation with length of stay (r = .766, p < 0.01), and a moderate correlation with age of building (r = .545, p < 0.01). The results of the multiple regression analysis produced an R2 = 0.387, meaning that socioeconomic variables explained the 38.7% variance in the housing quality standard (HQS) in the study area. Therefore, the study concluded that length of stay, educational level and age of building are strongly associated with the housing quality in Abeokuta.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Nyangi ◽  
Elizabeth Kigondu ◽  
Beatrice Irungu ◽  
Margaret Nganga ◽  
Anthony Gachanja ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Vector control is an essential component in prevention and control of malaria in malaria endemic areas. Insecticide treated nets is one of the standard tools recommended for malaria vector control. The objective of the study was to determine physical integrity and insecticidal potency of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) used in control of malaria vector in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. Method The study targeted households in an area which had received LLINs during mass net distribution in 2016 from Ministry of Health. A total of 420 households were sampled using systematic sampling method, where the household heads consented to participate in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to assess care and use while physical examination was used to determine integrity. Chemical concentration was determined by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19. Results After 18 months of use, 96.9% (95% CI: 95.2–98.6%) of the distributed nets were still available. Regarding net utilization, 94.1% of household heads reported sleeping under an LLIN the previous night. After physical examination, 49.9% (95% CI: 43–52.8%) of the bed nets had at least one hole. The median number of holes of any size was 2[interquartile range (IQR) 1–4], and most holes were located on the lower part of the nets, [median 3 (IQR 2–5)]. Only 15% of the nets with holes had been repaired. The median concentration for α-cypermethrin was 7.15 mg/m2 (IQR 4.25–15.31) and 0.00 mg/g (IQR 0.00–1.99) for permethrin. Based on pHI, Chi-square test varied significantly with the manufacturer (X (6, N = 389) = 29.14, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference between nets with different number of washes (X2(2) = 4.55, p = 0.103). Conclusion More than three-quarters of the nets supplied had survived and insecticidal potency was adequate in vector control. Standard procedure for field evaluation of surface insecticidal content available to a mosquito after landing on a net to rest is recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 2150011
Author(s):  
Worapan Kusakunniran ◽  
Thearith Ponn ◽  
Nuttapol Boonsom ◽  
Suwimol Wahakit ◽  
Kittikhun Thongkanchorn

This paper develops the Scopus H5-Index rankings, using the field of computer science as a case study. The challenge begins with the inconsistency of conference names. The rule-based approach is invented to automatically clean up duplicate conferences and assign unique pseudo ID for each conference. This data cleansing process is applied on conference names retrieved from both Scopus and ERA/CORE, in order to share common pseudo IDs for the sake of correlation analysis. The proposed data cleansing process is validated using ERA 2010 and CORE 2018 as references and reports the very small errors of 0.6% and 0.4%, respectively. Then, the Scopus H5-Index 2006–2010 and Scopus H5-Index 2014–2018 rankings are constructed and compared with the existing ERA 2010 and CORE 2018 rankings, respectively. The results show that the correlation within the Scopus H5-Index rankings (i.e. Scopus H5-Index 2006–2010 and Scopus H5-Index 2014–2018) is at the top of the moderate correlation band, where the correlation within the ERA/CORE rankings (ERA 2010 and CORE 2018) is at the top of the strong correlation band. While the correlations across ranking systems (i.e. Scopus H5-Index 2006–2010 vs. ERA 2010, and Scopus H5-Index 2014–2018 vs. CORE 2018) are at the bottom and middle of the moderate correlation band. It can be said that the quality assessment using the Scopus H5-Index ranking is more dynamic and quickly up-to-date when compared with the ERA/CORE ranking. Also, these two ranking systems are moderately correlated with each other for both periods of 2010 and 2018.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Wanjiku Nyangi ◽  
Elizabeth Mumbi Kigondu ◽  
Beatrice Irungu ◽  
Margaret Nganga ◽  
Anthony Gachanja ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Vector control is an essential component in prevention and control of malaria in malaria endemic areas. Insecticide treated nets is one of the standard tools recommended for malaria vector control. The objective of the study was to determine physical integrity and insecticidal potency of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) used in control of malaria vector in Kirinyaga County, Kenya.Method: The study targeted households in an area which had received LLINs during mass net distribution in 2016 from Ministry of Health. A total of 420 households were sampled using systematic sampling method, where the household heads consented to participate in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to assess care and use while physical examination was used to determine integrity. Chemical potency was determined by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19. Results: After eighteen months of use, 96.9% (95% CI: 95.2% – 98.6%) of the distributed nets were still available. Regarding the net utilization, 94.1% of household heads reported sleeping under an LLIN the previous night. After physical examination, 49.9% (95% CI: 43% - 52.8%) of the bed nets had at least one hole. The median number of holes of any size was 2[interquartile range (IQR) 1-4], and most holes were located on the lower part of the nets, [median 3 (IQR 2-5)]. Only 15% of the nets with holes had been repaired. The median concentration for alpha-cypermethrin was 7.15mg/m2 (IQR 4.25-15.31) and 0.00mg/g (IQR 0.00-1.99) for permethrin. Based on pHI, Chi-square test varied significantly with the manufacturer (X (6, N=389) = 29.14, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference between nets with different number of washes (X2(2) = 4.55, p = 0.103).Conclusion: More than three-quarters of the nets supplied had survived and insecticidal potency was adequate in vector control. 14.2% of the nets were too torn and required immediate replacement. Studies for validated field evaluation of surface insecticidal content available to a mosquito after landing on a net to rest should be developed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 67-81
Author(s):  
Sebastian Lahajnar ◽  
Alenka Rožanec

The article explores the correlation strength of the ten most important cryptocurrencies, emphasizing the examination of differences during the periods of rising and falling prices. The daily and weekly returns of selected cryptocurrencies are taken as the basis for calculating and determining the correlation strength using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The survey covers the period from the beginning of 2017 to Bitcoin’s last local bottom in mid-March 2020. Research findings are as follows: 1) the most important cryptocurrencies are mostly moderately positively correlated with each other over time; 2) correlation strength decreases slightly during the bull period, but mostly remain in the range of moderate correlation; 3) correlation strength increases significantly during the bear period, with most cryptocurrencies strongly correlated with each other. The results do not change significantly if the daily or weekly cryptocurrency returns are used as the basis. A strong correlation in the period of falling prices prevents the effective diversification of the cryptocurrency portfolio, which must be considered when investing funds in the cryptocurrency market.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-125
Author(s):  
Kingsley Okechukwu Dimuna ◽  
Abiodun Olukayode Olotuah

Abstract Residential and neighbourhood satisfaction are important indicators of housing quality and conditions which affect individual’s quality of life. This study which was conducted in 2018 evaluated the level of satisfaction in terms building features in six completed and occupied housing estates in Benin city, namely the federal owned estate at Ikpoba hill, and state owned housing estates located at Ugbowo, Oregbeni, Oluku, Evboriaria and Iyekogba. Data were collected from 1000 heads of households and analysed using descriptive statistical tools, categorical regression and factor analyses. The findings showed that the building features significantly affect the level of resident’s satisfaction. The RSI scores for the relatively old estates; EDPA, Ikpoba hill and Oregbeni and are on the dissatisfied region (RSI: 1.1-2.00) while for the relatively newer ones; Andrew Wilson and Oluku, the RSI scores are on the satisfied level (RSI=. 3.1-4.00) with building features features. The study recommends that the design for future low cost housing should consider the family sizes of average Nigerian family, kitchen design that make use of cooking gas, kerosene and outdoor kitchen possible. The paper concludes that the buildings should maintain an acceptable quality standard in terms of functional spaces, structural stability and aesthetics as this will result to resident's housing satisfaction.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Hassan ◽  
Chad Aldridge ◽  
Yan Zhuang ◽  
Timothy L McMurry ◽  
Gustavo Rohde ◽  
...  

Background: Posterior circulation stroke (PCS) accounts for ~20% of ischemic strokes. Existing EMS screening tools lack accuracy in the diagnosis of PCS. We aim to develop an automated screening tool to detect abnormal eye movements in patients presenting with PCS. Methods: As an initial step, we built a portable platform called RoADIE (Rolling Apparatus to Detect Impairment of the Eyes), equipped with eye-tracking software to acquire gaze data from patients presenting with PCS, acute vestibular syndrome, and normal controls. We first performed a validation study in 19 healthy controls comparing calibration (C) vs non-calibration (NC) techniques. Eye movements were captured using a standard H-Test exam. The NC condition was performed first for each volunteer to avoid a learning effect. Correlation between C and NC tests was determined using the Spearman coefficient (r). Results: Conjugate gaze (i.e. ability of eyes to track in unison) demonstrated strong correlation along the horizontal [r = 0.976 (C), 0.922 (NC)] and vertical axes [r= 0.866 (C), 0.881(NC)]. Smooth pursuit (i.e. ability of each eye to track moving target) also showed strong correlation in the horizontal plane: right eye [r = 0.945 (C), 0.946 (NC), left eye [r=0.945 (C), 0.943 (NC)]. Vertical tracking showed moderate correlation: right eye [r=0.652 (C), 0.575 (NC), left eye [r=0.678 (C), 0.550 (NC)]. Conclusion: In this initial validation test of a portable eye tracking platform, we demonstrated strong correlation for both conjugate gaze and smooth pursuit in the horizontal axis, and moderate correlation for eye tracking in the vertical axis. Given similar performance in non-calibrated tests, a calibration procedure may not be necessary for future data capture. Next steps will include validation of the eye tracking device in prospective patients presenting with PCS and acute vestibular syndrome. Acknowledgement: Funding support through AHA Innovative Project Award 19IPLOI34760692


1962 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. B. Ammons ◽  
C. H. Ammons

A detailed account is given of the development, standardization, and evaluation of The Quick Test, a brief individual intelligence test based on perceptual-verbal performance. Three single forms, each consisting of 50 word-items based on one plate with four line drawings, cover abilities from the two-year level to the superior-adult level. Three to ten minutes are required to administer the QT to any person who can see the drawings, hear or read the word items, and give a yes-no signal. Standardization was based on the responses of 458 children and adults, a sample controlled on a simultaneous quota basis for age, sex, educational level and own or father's occupation. Single forms and combination forms (1+2, 2+3, 1+3, 1+2+3) were found to be highly reliable (.66 to .95). These estimates were corroborated in several independent studies ( N = 111), as were validity estimates (.77 to .96, correlations with the revised Stanford-Binet and the Wechslers). MA, IQ, and percentile norms are included as well as a discussion of practical problems in testing, suggestions for minimizing such problems, and ideas for further research. It is concluded that the QT is quite satisfactory for school, clinical, and research use, and since the QT shows strong correlation with the Full-Range Picture Vocabulary Test, the two tests can be used interchangeably.


2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (187) ◽  
pp. 567-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ginny A. Catania ◽  
Thomas A. Neumann ◽  
Stephen F. Price

AbstractRapid, local drainage of surface meltwater to the base of the Greenland ice sheet is thought to result in surface velocity variations as far inland as the equilibrium zone (Zwally and others, 2002). Ice-penetrating radar surveys throughout this region allow us to characterize englacial drainage features that appear as vertically stacked diffraction hyperbolae in common-offset profiles. These data are used with a radar-simulation model, which allows for variations in geometry, penetration depth and infill material, to understand the characteristics of these hyperbolae and the likelihood that they are produced by moulins. We find only a moderate correlation between the locations of these possible moulins and supraglacial lakes, indicating that many lakes drain over the surface of the ice sheet, or do not contain sufficient water to reach the bed through moulin formation. We find a strong correlation between moulin location in the ablation region and elevated along-flow tension (due to flow over rough bedrock), which generates surface crevassing and provides an entry point for meltwater. Although theory suggests that moulins may form anywhere on the ice sheet given sufficient meltwater input, our data suggest that they are far more common in the ablation zone than near, or inland from, the equilibrium line.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Karl Kafui Kwaku Tetteh ◽  
Richard Owusu ◽  
Wisdom Kudzo Axame

Background. Eye injuries are one of the most common work-related injuries among certain occupations, including welders. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors influencing eye injuries among welders in Accra, Ghana. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, we recruited 382 welders in Accra from two welding sites. Systematic sampling was used to select participants. A pretested semistructured questionnaire was used to collect demographic information, history of eye injuries, ownership, and use of eye protective equipment and workplace characteristics. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions at 5% level of significance were used to determine factors influencing eye injuries. Data were entered into Microsoft excel and exported to Stata 16/MP for analysis. Results. We found 59.7% of welders engaged in electric/arc welding and 40.3% in gas welding. Overall prevalence of eye injuries was 47.9%, higher among electric/arc welders (73.7%) compared to gas welders (9.7%). Factors associated with eye injuries were engaging in gas welding [AOR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.04–0.16], higher monthly income [AOR = 5.26; 95% CI: 1.72–16.09], nonuse of eye PPE while working [AOR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.02–3.43], and no training on the use of eye personal protective equipment [AOR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.07–4.38]. Conclusion. There is high prevalence of welding-related eye injuries among electric welders. Gas welding, high monthly income, nonuse of eye protective equipment, and inadequate training on the use of eye protective equipment were significantly associated with eye injuries. Health policies should be implemented to ensure all welders use eye personal protective equipment.


Atmosphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong-Min Park ◽  
Young-Ji Han ◽  
Sung-Hwan Cho ◽  
Hyun-Woong Kim

PM2.5 has been a serious issue in South Korea not only in urban and industrial areas but also in rural and background areas. In this study, PM2.5 and its carbonaceous compounds including organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were collected and analyzed in a small residential city. The PM2.5 concentration frequently exceeded the national ambient air quality standard during the spring and the winter, which often occurred concurrently with fog and mist events. Over the whole sampling period, both OC and the OC/EC ratio were considerably higher than the ratios in other cities in Korea, which suggests that sources other than vehicular emissions were important. The top 10% of OC/EC ratio samples could be explained by regional and long-range transport because there was a strong correlation between primary and secondary organic carbon. However, biomass combustion was likely to account for the consistently high OC concentration due to a strong correlation between WSOC and primary OC as well as the diagnostic ratio results of PAHs.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document