Authors:Tri Siswati , Muhammad Primiaji Rialihanto , Bunga Astria Paramashanti Pages: 1 - 7 Abstract: Introduction: Stunting is a public health priority in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, the validity and reliability of anthropometric measurement tools become critical for early stunting detection in children. Objective: This article aims to review the use of ultrasonic sensors in human anthropometric and body measurements. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of articles regarding the ultrasonic sensor for measuring anthropometrics in the human body between 2016 and 2022. We focused particularly on the use of ultrasonic sensors in children’s anthropometrics, body size, and body measurements. Results: According to the findings, the majority of non-contact measurements using ultrasonic sensors were applied to adults, though several studies also involved pregnant women to measure foetus size. These studies showed that ultrasonic sensors were beneficial as they served as accurate, reproducible, affordable, and easy-to-use tools. Conclusion: Future studies are warranted to understand the significance of the non-contact measurements for children’s anthropometrics, especially for early stunting detection. PubDate: 2023-05-24 DOI: 10.9734/jsrr/2023/v29i71754 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 7 (2023)
Authors:Diagi E. Bridget , Justin N. Okorondu , I. Ajiere Susan , Ekweogu Chinonye V. , David O. Edokpa , Chidinma Acholonu , Steven Edeh Pages: 8 - 16 Abstract: Assessment of heavy metal contamination of soils in mechanic workshop at Nekede and Orji, Imo State was carried out using triplicate soil samples at depths of 0 – 15 cm from three sampling points and a control sample - sample point 1 (SP) 20m away from (SP2) and 40m from (SP 3), control point, 1km away from each of the automobile workshops. A total of twelve (12) solil samples were collected using a soil auger. The soil samples were analysed for the following heavy metals (Lead, Copper, Zinc and Nickel) using AA Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Data generated were subjected to statistical analysis such as means and Standard deviation using least significant difference (LSD). Results showed lower concentrations of the heavy metals in soil from control point as compared to soil samples collected from mechanic workshops. Across the sampling point, Zn, Pb, Cu and Ni had concentrations 1.75-89 mg/kg, 1.15-51.15 mg/kg, 0.55-29.35 mg/kg and 0.3-4 mg/kg respectively. Mean concentrations of Zn (49.27 mg/kg), Pb (23.70 mg/kg), Cu (18.25 mg/kg) and Ni (3.58 mg/kg) were higher in the soil samples from auto workshops of Orji compared to Nekede. Across the different sampling points, both Zn (89 mg/kg) and Pb (15.36 mg/kg) were higher in Nekede SP 1 whereas Cu (29.35 mg/kg) and Ni (4 mg/kg) were higher in Orji SP 1 and SP 2 respectively. Assessment of the extent of lead contamination / pollution showed that Zn contamination ranged from very slight Pb varied from very slight, moderate, Cu ranged from low- very low concentration, while Ni varied from very slight’ slight. The study therefore, recommends the control and supervision in the use of land allocated as mechanic workshop to reduce the accumulation of heavy metals. PubDate: 2023-05-31 DOI: 10.9734/jsrr/2023/v29i71755 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 7 (2023)
Authors:Abdulrahman Bulama Bizi , Yusuf Dawa Sidi Pages: 17 - 26 Abstract: Aim: This research aims to discuss the environmental soil erosion problem in northern Nigeria: their potential impact and possible solution for sustainable agriculture and livelihood management Methods: This research was carried out by reviewing the literature. The data were derived from; books, journals, internet and conference reports, and Google Scholar, and some university library catalog was used to search the literature. The search terms used are soil erosion, climate change, land degradation, Sahel, drylands, soil conservation, agroforestry, and sustainable land management. Results: This paper reviewed environmental problems such as soil erosion which are generally considered as the most serious consequences and their impact will remain the main issues for the 21st century. Soil loss will however be prevented or decreased by appropriate crop management such as cover cropping, multiple cropping, and high-density planting. Cover crops have certainly influenced the properties of physical soil which include infiltration rate, moisture content, bulk density, increase organic matter content, the levels of Nitrogen (N) by use of Nitrate (N2) fixing legumes, exchange of cation capacity and crop yields. Conclusion: The use of cover crops, multiple cropping, agroforestry, and conservation tillage are provided as some of the effective means of controlling soil erosion in the northern part of Nigeria. Therefore, the recommendation here is that the government extension services should incorporate farmers in the affected areas. PubDate: 2023-06-03 DOI: 10.9734/jsrr/2023/v29i71756 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 7 (2023)