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The Application of Theory of Planned Behaviours in Predicting Intentions to Speed: Roadwork Zones Versus School Zones
Darren Wishart,
Klaire Somoray,
Patrick Egan
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
61-69
Received:
28 February 2022
Accepted:
23 March 2022
Published:
14 April 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.jher.20220802.11
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Abstract: Roadwork and school zones are high risk areas for workers and other vulnerable road users due to the high density of pedestrians, altered road environment and conditions in combination with unsafe behaviours of drivers. Despite a range of government and road safety stakeholder initiatives to educate and discourage illegal driving behaviours in roadwork and school zones, evidence suggests that speeding in these zones is still prevalent. In aiming to better understand illegal and risky driving behaviour in these zones, the current study utilised the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a framework to investigate driver attitudes towards speeding in both school zones and roadwork zones using a sample of 428 respondents. The results of the online study indicated that drivers have safer attitudes in relation to speeding within school zones in comparison to speeding within road work zones. Results also indicated that attitude and subjective norms were significant predictors of intention to speed in both zones. However, perceived behavioural control only significantly predicted intention to speed in school zones. This effect was not observed in roadwork zones, suggesting that different mechanisms are in play dependent on the road context. This research has addressed a key gap in the driving safety literature in gaining insight into the opinions of Australian drivers and risky driving behaviour through roadwork and school zones. The results of this research and the implications for road safety stakeholders and future initiatives are discussed. Furthermore, the implication of using the Driver Social Desirability scale in traffic safety literature is also discussed.
Abstract: Roadwork and school zones are high risk areas for workers and other vulnerable road users due to the high density of pedestrians, altered road environment and conditions in combination with unsafe behaviours of drivers. Despite a range of government and road safety stakeholder initiatives to educate and discourage illegal driving behaviours in road...
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Factors Associated with Inflammation in Preschool Children and Women of Reproductive Age in Nepal
Sanjay Rijal,
Rajendra Budha Chhetri,
Naveen Paudyal
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
70-81
Received:
20 February 2022
Accepted:
15 April 2022
Published:
22 April 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.jher.20220802.12
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Abstract: Not much is known about the correlates of inflammation among pre-school children and women of reproductive age in Nepal. This study assessed the socio-demographic factors associated with increased levels of inflammation in Nepalese children and women of reproductive age. We analysed data from 3159 participants (1709 children aged 6-59 months, 1243 non-pregnant women aged 15-49 years and 207 pregnant women aged 15-49 years) from the 2016 Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey (NNMSS), a population-based and nationally representative sample conducted by the Nepal Ministry of Health and Population, with support from UNICEF. Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate associations between predictors and continuous high-sensitivity inflammation among the various participants. Increased inflammation levels were significantly associated with children from the Province 7, children who contracted fever and cough, and children from households with no water treatment habit. Increased levels of inflammation were significantly associated with non-pregnant women from the Dalit caste, pregnant women who had a cough, and non-pregnant women who had high dietary diversity. Increased levels of inflammation were significantly associated with pregnant women from rich households, pregnant women who had a cough and pregnant women from severely food insecure households. Interventions to address the burden of inflammation in Nepal should target individuals who contracted illnesses such as fever and cough and pregnant women from severely food insecure households.
Abstract: Not much is known about the correlates of inflammation among pre-school children and women of reproductive age in Nepal. This study assessed the socio-demographic factors associated with increased levels of inflammation in Nepalese children and women of reproductive age. We analysed data from 3159 participants (1709 children aged 6-59 months, 1243 ...
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Diversification of Smoking Cessation Programmes - The Role of E-Cigarettes
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
82-88
Received:
29 March 2022
Accepted:
15 April 2022
Published:
28 April 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.jher.20220802.13
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Abstract: The question of whether e-cigarettes are a useful tool for smoking cessation is part of an ongoing and highly controversial scientific debate. In practice, however, the number of people trying to quit tobacco consumption by using these products is steadily increasing. This discussion article provides an outline of the current state of research on the issue of whether and to what extent e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking. Of course, e-cigarettes also have a certain potential for harm, especially if nicotine dependence is unnecessarily prolonged. Nevertheless, it can make an important contribution to harm reduction in nicotine consumption. Hence, the product should get treated as a serious alternative to nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) in the scientific discussion. Like NRTs, e-cigarettes offer a less harmful way of consuming nicotine that greatly reduces many of the health risks associated with tobacco consumption, such as the absorption of carcinogenic substances. Recent studies and reviews suggest that the product can be at least as effective as nicotine replacement therapies in helping people quit smoking. Individual studies even demonstrate the increased effectiveness of e-cigarettes in supporting smoking cessation. Nevertheless, the review of the current literature shows that more high-quality research is needed to further understand the product and its properties. In terms of the harm reduction approach, however, it would already be more appropriate to also rely on e-cigarettes instead of trying to force immediate and complete nicotine abstinence. After all, in the process of quitting smoking, the fastest possible cessation of the more unhealthy consumption of tobacco should be prioritized in order to immediately minimize unnecessary health risks.
Abstract: The question of whether e-cigarettes are a useful tool for smoking cessation is part of an ongoing and highly controversial scientific debate. In practice, however, the number of people trying to quit tobacco consumption by using these products is steadily increasing. This discussion article provides an outline of the current state of research on t...
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Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Parts of Port Harcourt Metropolis
Geraldine Okwy Ojukwu,
Hycienth Ogunka Nwankwoala
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
89-95
Received:
14 March 2022
Accepted:
6 April 2022
Published:
29 April 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.jher.20220802.14
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Abstract: The quality of public water supply in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has come under scrutiny owing to the state of the facilities of the Port Harcourt Water Corporation (PHWC). Groundwater they supply were surveyed to determine the fitness for household utilization with respect to chemical quality. Physicochemical parameters were ascertained using standard protocols for water testing. The result disclosed that the values for temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, CI, NO3-, Fe, Na, Ca, Mg, HCO3-, SO4²-, total dissolved solid, Zn and turbidity varied from 26.2 - 28.3°C, 200 - 1000 µS/cm, 3.9 - 6.3 mg/L, 4 - 7.15, 7.1 - 710 mg/L, 1.7 - 40.01 mg/L, 0.0001 - 9.6 mg/L, 4.6 - 404 mg/L, 34.5 - 620 mg/L, 22 - 880 mg/L, 12 - 365 mg/L, 5 - 16.16 mg/L, 210 - 684 mg/L, 0.01 - 0.17 mg/L and 0.01 - 0.97 NTU respectively, with all values conforming to WHO and NSDWQ standards, except for pH, magnesium and iron. The water quality index (WQI) is as follows: Rumuola main Water station 28 (D), Eagle Island Water Station 25 (D), Borokiri Sandfill Water Station 34 (D), Diobu Water Station 42 (D), Earnest Ikoli Water Station 46 (D), GRA, Omerelu Street Overhead Tank 42 (D), Moscow Road Water Station 45 (D), Elelenwo Water Station 41 (D), Rumuokwurushi Water Station 40 (D) and Trans Amadi Water Station 51 (C). Improvement in facilities and water treatment ought to be given urgent attention, as the WQI for all but one water station were bad.
Abstract: The quality of public water supply in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has come under scrutiny owing to the state of the facilities of the Port Harcourt Water Corporation (PHWC). Groundwater they supply were surveyed to determine the fitness for household utilization with respect to chemical quality. Physicochemical parameters were ascertained using sta...
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Sequential Analysis and Geochemical Characterization of Heavy Metals in Araromi Coastal Sediments, Southwestern Nigeria
Ayodele Olusiji Samuel,
Adeniran Emmanuel Adebayo,
Olabanji Sunday Olajide
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
96-107
Received:
20 April 2022
Accepted:
11 May 2022
Published:
24 May 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.jher.20220802.15
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Abstract: Heavy metals are found naturally in the earth and they become concentrated as a result of natural and anthropogenic activities. Numerous researchers have worked on the pollution and contamination of toxic metals in the soils of the study area but none has been able to carry out sequential analysis and extraction of the heavy metals into different geochemical fractions. Therefore, this research adopted random sampling method across five locations at 100-200cm intervals at depth of 40m. The sediments collected were prepared for sequential analysis using standard chemical reagents which fractionate the metals into five defined phases such as exchangeable, carbonate, easily reducible, organic, and residual for heavy metals such as Ni, Zn, Co, Mn, Fe, Pb, Cr, Cd and Cu using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) Buck Scientific Model 205A. The results revealed that the residual, exchangeable, reducible, and organic fractions were the most active media where Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb and Cu were prominent and the correlation between them indicated a very strong bond. (0.9). Also, the result of mobility factor revealed that Cd has very high mobility and bioavailability in the studied area which constitutes a major threat to the ecosystem. Whereas, the enrichment factor of heavy metals in all the fractions indicated moderate to extremely high enrichment.
Abstract: Heavy metals are found naturally in the earth and they become concentrated as a result of natural and anthropogenic activities. Numerous researchers have worked on the pollution and contamination of toxic metals in the soils of the study area but none has been able to carry out sequential analysis and extraction of the heavy metals into different g...
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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Health Information Management Among Health Managers in Government Health Facilities in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study
Richmond Bediako Nsiah,
Solomon Anum-Doku,
Wisdom Takramah,
Dominic Nyarko,
Regina Amoa-TuTu,
George Hector Amonoo,
Lynna Naa Adede Obeng,
Gifty Sefaah Owusu,
Charles Sarkodie,
Gilbert Dagoe
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
108-115
Received:
2 May 2022
Accepted:
16 May 2022
Published:
26 May 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.jher.20220802.16
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Abstract: A proper health information management system goes a long way to effectively influence data-driven decision making to improve health delivery. Despite dedicating enormous resources to adequately manage health information in the health systems, health facility managers who are the main custodians of this information at the facility levels pay little or no attention to the management of this information. This study therefore aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice of health information management among health facility managers in government health facilities. An institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st February to 10th March 2022 in 68 purposively selected government health facilities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A pretested researcher-administered structured questionnaire was used to elicit quantitative data from health facility managers. Epi Info version 7 and STATA version 13 were used for data entry, cleaning and analysis respectively. Univariate descriptive statistics were computed. Fisher’s exact Binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors influencing knowledge, attitude and practice levels. An odd ratio at a 95% confidence level was used to describe the strength of the association. The overall adequate knowledge score was 34.3% with a mean score of 9.09±0.97. Good attitude and practice scores were 41.8% and 47.8% with mean scores of 3.01±1.04 and 6.22±2.60 respectively. Adequate knowledge among respondents who were 30 years and above was 10 times more compared to respondents whose ages were below the 30 years (95%CI (10.00,4.53.45), p = 0.016). Respondents who had worked for 5 years or more were more likely to have adequate knowledge of health information management compared to the respondents who have worked for less than 5 years (COR = 4.96 [95%CI (1.20,29.83)], p = 0.022). Sex, educational level, and respondents’ specialty were not statistically significant with the health information management knowledge level. All socio-demographics used in the multivariate analysis were not statistically significant with attitude and practice level of health information management among respondents. Knowledge, attitude and practice level of health information management were found to be very poor among health facility managers. Capacity building tailored towards health facility managers would help ensure effective supervision and monitoring of routine health information management. Future research would be needed to explore the reason behind the poor level of health managers’ knowledge, attitude and practice of health information management.
Abstract: A proper health information management system goes a long way to effectively influence data-driven decision making to improve health delivery. Despite dedicating enormous resources to adequately manage health information in the health systems, health facility managers who are the main custodians of this information at the facility levels pay little...
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Biomarkers of Exposure and Potential Harm in Exclusive Users of Electronic Cigarettes and Current, Former and Never-Smokers: A Cross-Sectional Study Protocol
Nathan Gale,
Linsey Ellen Haswell,
Michael McEwan,
David Azzopardi,
Jesse Thissen,
George Hardie
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
116-127
Received:
3 May 2022
Accepted:
19 May 2022
Published:
26 May 2022
Abstract: Despite public health efforts to reduce the health burden of cigarettes by encouraging smoking cessation, a proportion of smokers remain unwilling to quit. A shift from smoking cessation to tobacco harm reduction, based on smokers switching completely to potentially less harmful products such as electronic cigarettes (ECs), has been proposed as an alternative strategy. This is a single-centre, cross-sectional confinement study, involving healthy exclusive Vuse EC users and current, former, or never-smokers. Exclusive EC use and smoking status will be confirmed by urinary cotinine and exhaled carbon monoxide levels. Participants will be confined for 24 hours, during which they will use their usual product (EC or cigarette) as normal. Biomarkers of exposure and potential harm will be analysed in 24-hour urine and blood and compliance will be measured using N-(2-cyanoethyl)valine. The primary objective is to quantitatively assess differences between EC users and current smokers in urinary total 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α Type III, exhaled nitric oxide, and carboxyhaemoglobin, white blood cell count, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and high-density lipoprotein. Secondary objectives are to quantitatively assess differences between EC users and current smokers in selected urinary biomarkers of tobacco exposure, 11-dehydrothromboxane B2, forced expiratory volume in 1 second as a percentage of predicted, carotid intima-media thickness and a quality of life questionnaire. Endpoints will also be compared between EC users and former and never-smokers. The results of this study are anticipated to add to the current knowledge about the role of ECs in tobacco harm reduction.
Abstract: Despite public health efforts to reduce the health burden of cigarettes by encouraging smoking cessation, a proportion of smokers remain unwilling to quit. A shift from smoking cessation to tobacco harm reduction, based on smokers switching completely to potentially less harmful products such as electronic cigarettes (ECs), has been proposed as an ...
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Bridging Sustainable Development Gap in the Gold Mining Sector of Zimbabwe: A Conceptual Framework on the Role That Can Be Played by Microfinance Institutions
Moses Nyakuwanika,
Munyaradzi Duve,
Oscar Chagwiza
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
128-140
Received:
29 March 2022
Accepted:
9 May 2022
Published:
9 June 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.jher.20220802.18
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Abstract: Eventhough gold mining has both the positive and negative impacts on the environment, its negative impacts like depletion of natural resources, loss of grazing land and degradation of the environment tends to outweigh its positive contribution. This study was carried to see how microfinance institutions (MFIs) can use institutional force in compelling the gold mining sector to adhere to environmental management principles in Zimbabwe. The study explores the role that can be played by microfinance in promoting green goldmining in Zimbabwe. Green microfinance besides its traditional finance and social role also aims for the promotion of environmental management. Microfinance institutions play a critical role in promoting environmental sustainability, even though they are well misunderstood as the role they play on the ground requires a guideline. Therefore, to understand the role that can be played by microfinance institutions in promoting green gold mining this study advocate for a conceptual framework to act as a guide to microfinance institutions. The development of a conceptual framework for the role of microfinance institutions in bridging the sustainable development gap in the goldmining sector is the work's key contribution. Further work would include conducting in-depth interviews with key stakeholders in the Zimbabwean microfinance sector and gold mining sector to validate the framework.
Abstract: Eventhough gold mining has both the positive and negative impacts on the environment, its negative impacts like depletion of natural resources, loss of grazing land and degradation of the environment tends to outweigh its positive contribution. This study was carried to see how microfinance institutions (MFIs) can use institutional force in compell...
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Contactless: Concept, Mechanism and Practice in COVID-19 Prevention and Control Under STLC Theory
Lingfu Zhang,
Hailing Wang,
Yongfang Dou
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
141-150
Received:
17 February 2022
Accepted:
9 March 2022
Published:
16 June 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.jher.20220802.19
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Abstract: COVID-19 is spreading rapidly over the world, which has continued to affect economic performance and the lives of residents. To find a scientific theory for controlling the spread of the COVID-19, restoring economic development, improving people’s lives, based on the literature, theory and practice analysis, the paper makes the following points. 1. Presenting the concept of contactless, including the definition, characteristics, significance. 2. Constructing a space-time locational correlation theory (STLC) to study the operational mechanism of contactless, (1) based on the definition analysis, the scope of action of contactless is divided into three parts: 1) the spatial surface distance between the subject (A) and the object (B) is zero, 2) the spatial surface distance between A and B is not zero but within the effective direct influence range, 3) beyond its effective direct influence range; (2) exploring the mechanism of contactless of A and B under the different scope of action for the 1) same space, same time, 2) same space, different time, 3) different space, same time, 4) different space, different time, respectively. 3. Building a contactless decision-making model, which considers the subject-object cost, environmental cost and safety cost, to minimize the comprehensive cost, and providing a basis for the selection and application of contactless. 4. Discussing it empirically using the COVID-19 as an example to demonstrate the application value and practical significance of the basic theory and mechanism of contactless. Contactless has already played a significant role in the prevention and control of the COVID-19, but there are still imperfections and future research still needs to improve and expand on them. It is expected that contactless will serve social development better.
Abstract: COVID-19 is spreading rapidly over the world, which has continued to affect economic performance and the lives of residents. To find a scientific theory for controlling the spread of the COVID-19, restoring economic development, improving people’s lives, based on the literature, theory and practice analysis, the paper makes the following points. 1....
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Assessment of the Potential Radiation Hazard of the Adrasman Tailing Dump (Tajikistan) for the Population Living Around It
Ulmas Mirsaidov,
Kholmurod Maripovich Nazarov,
Boboev Begmurot Dustovich,
Rahimberdiev Shukurjon Akhmatkulovich,
Mukhamedova Svetlana Galievna,
Matin Zafarjonovich Akhmedov
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
151-158
Received:
17 May 2022
Accepted:
6 June 2022
Published:
30 June 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.jher.20220802.20
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Abstract: The article features the outcomes of radiation monitoring in the territory of the Adrasman tailing dump and around it. Radiation monitoring was carried out by dividing the study area into several parts using the PackEye FHT1377 radiation detection kit. Some local points with increased values of ambient dose rate of gamma radiation were discovered. This is due to the transfer of radioactive material from the body of the tailing dump through atmospheric precipitation waters. Mudflows after heavy rains, flowing over the surface of the tailing dump, destroy its coating on the edges and carry the tailing material down the relief, polluting the environment. It has been established that at the destroyed boundary of the radioactive Adrasman tailing dump, the ambient dose rate reaches 3.7 µSv/h. Within the populated part of the Adrasman settlement, the ambient dose rate ranges from 0.10 to 0.30 µSv/h. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the contaminated area is used by residents of nearby houses for agricultural production and livestock grazing, as well as the use of tailing material in the construction of residential buildings. These circumstances negatively affect the radiation situation in this area. The study results demonstrated that the values of annual radiation doses are in the range from 3.15 to 21.47 mSv/year. The most significant contribution to exposure is made by: external gamma radiation; radon emitted from the surface of the tailing dump (if people stay on its surface); radon emitted from the structures of houses in the construction of which tailing materials were used. The given estimate of the dose up to 21.47 mSv/year is quite high and unacceptable in comparison with the accepted safe dose limit for the population of 1 mSv/year over the natural background. Based on the results of the radioecological monitoring carried out, it is proposed: to stabilize the radiation situation and to prevent the tailing material from being washed away, to build a drainage channel; in the future, aimed at actually improving the radiation situation, to carry out a set of reclamation measures in the area of the radioactive Adrasman tailing dump.
Abstract: The article features the outcomes of radiation monitoring in the territory of the Adrasman tailing dump and around it. Radiation monitoring was carried out by dividing the study area into several parts using the PackEye FHT1377 radiation detection kit. Some local points with increased values of ambient dose rate of gamma radiation were discovered. ...
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Modelling the Potential of Poultry Farm as a Driver of Atmospheric Pollution in Delta State Using a Geo-statistical Approach
Edjere Oghenekohwiroro,
Mbaoma Oliver Chinonso,
Oguori-Okodaso Ejiroghene
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
159-169
Received:
4 July 2022
Accepted:
20 July 2022
Published:
29 July 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.jher.20220802.21
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Abstract: Agricultural Livestock production contributes significantly to global emission such as Ammonia (NH3) which has a resultant effect on climatic conditions with possible secondary impact on environment and human health. There has been an increase in urban poultry farming which raises concern to residents living close to farm buildings due to the risk associated with emissions produced by farm activities. Although the presence of poultry farms in rural and urban settlements on Delta State is very evident, there is no study on the environmental impact of poultry farms. This study was carried in some major towns and villages selected from four local government areas in Delta State. Primary Data were collected using structured questionnaires that were administered to farm staff and residents in the study area with focus on information about socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, level of acceptability of poultry production, farm management experience and waste management practices. Atmospheric concentration of Ammonia and Volatile Organic Compounds were sampled in each location where poultry farm was sited using Aeroqual Series 300 automated gas sensors. Statistical analysis of respondent’s feedback suggested that farm management practices were reported to have an effect on how poultry farms impact air quality in the study area. Correlation results revealed that waste management practice significantly influenced the level of impact of poultry farms on air quality. Results from air quality analysis using in-situ data depicted that Ammonia concentration level collected across the poultry farm during investigation were above the acceptable level of 25ppm. Mofor which is highly urbanized with significant human presence and economic activities and has the poultry farm just less than 20m away from residential areas has the highest Ammonia concentration value of 594ppm which is way above accepted level of 25ppm. Also, Okuokoko which is just 20m from residential areas also have a significant level of ammonia concentration of 255ppm. Hazard ratio score which was obtained from computations using concentration of pollutants with distances of poultry farms from residential areas and then used to create continuous surface raster to show area of influence in the study areas using the interpolation method of geostatistics. Mofor, Okuokoko and Abraka which coincidentally are all located in densely populated residential areas had high hazard ratio scores. Ophori 3, Ophori 4 and Ophori 1 all rural areas had medium hazard ratios scores. Ewherhe 1, Aragba 1, Ugono 1, Ophori 2 and Ugono 2 had low hazard scores.
Abstract: Agricultural Livestock production contributes significantly to global emission such as Ammonia (NH3) which has a resultant effect on climatic conditions with possible secondary impact on environment and human health. There has been an increase in urban poultry farming which raises concern to residents living close to farm buildings due to the risk ...
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