Zeitschriftenartikel zum Thema „Nigerian Air Force“

In the wake of decolonization, Britain wanted to maintain its strategic interests in Nigeria and to keep the newly independent African country in the Western orbit. Having abrogated a defense agreement in reaction to Nigerian domestic opposition, the British government counted on military assistance to secure its postcolonial security role. The British thus hoped to gain responsibility for the buildup of a Nigerian air force, which the authorities in Lagos wished to establish for national prestige and protection against potential enemies such as Ghana. The Nigerians, however, first tried to secure the requisite assistance from Commonwealth countries other than Britain before opting for a West German air force mission. The Nigerian government aimed to reduce its dependence on Britain and thereby burnish its neutralist credentials. Yet London was challenged by a Western version of neutralism, similar to Western neutrality, because the Nigerians never attempted to approach the Soviet bloc about military assistance.

This paper examined the role of airpower in counterinsurgency with particular focus on analyzing the Nigerian Air Force’s response to the Boko Haram insurgency in the north-east. The paper adopted the documentary method and sourced data from mainly secondary sources. The Nigeria Air Force ’s operations against the insurgent group commenced in 2010, as part of the armed forces operations within the purview of the Joint Task Force. It was found out that in spite of the significant contribution made by the Nigeria Air Force , there still are challenges to Nigeria Air Force ’s counterinsurgency efforts. Firstly, Nigeria Air Force faces logistical problems such as a dearth of spare parts, shortage of precision-guided ammunition, and inadequate trained personnel that can operate and maintain sophisticated war weapons. Secondly, there is a paucity of systems to initiate and maintain a systematic kill-chain that will encompass searching for the adversary, maintaining intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance presence over them, and subduing them and obtaining data for purposes of analysis. It was recommended, among others that for the Nigeria Air Force to be more effective in the northeast operations, there should be increased spending on purchasing more modern platforms and weaponry that are pliable in contemporary air power considerations.

International air carrier liability under Nigerian law has, for some time past, been shrouded in uncertainty because of the ambivalence with which Nigerian courts applied the Warsaw Convention 1929 as regards its exclusivity or otherwise, vis–à–vis actions and remedies. Consequently, it was hoped that the Montreal Convention 1999, which expressly forbids the application of national laws to international air carriage claims would ameliorate the situation. Unfortunately, the passage of the Civil Aviation Act 2006, which gives the Montreal Convention the force of law in Nigeria, also repealed the Warsaw Convention. This article discusses the liability regime under Nigerian law as it stood prior to the Act and the vacuum which has now been created by the repeal of the Warsaw Convention, which means that where the departing or destination country is not a signatory to the Montreal Convention, Nigeria’s national laws must be applied. The article further analyzes pertinent parts of the language of the Montreal Convention and its travaux préparatoires and argues that the provision which robs the Warsaw Convention of the force of law ought to be repealed immediately.

In the light of conflicts and Boko Haram insurgency facing Nigeria as a county and the involvement of the military in the fight against terrorists, the study of workload and happiness need to be researched more to gain greater acceptance and become one of the global indices on which nations’ military are measured and ranked. Our study anchors on multiple resource and information processing theory to assess the roles of fear and fragility of happiness in workload among Nigerian military personnel. Two hundred and twenty (220) Nigerian soldiers, drawn from Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force participated in this study. Three instruments , namely, Workload Scale, Fear of Happiness Scale and Fragility of Happiness Scale, were used to collect data from the participants. Results of hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that fear of happiness was not significantly associated with work load. Fragility of happiness positively predicted work load, indicating that military personnel who had greater fragility of happiness reported greater workload. It was concluded that workplace interventions and programs to curtail fragility of happiness would be helpful in reducing the perceptions of excess workload among Nigerian military personnel.

The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and perception of Nigerian Military population towards the coronavirus outbreak. A web-based cross-sectional survey was used to collect from 216 data from military officers from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy. Majority of the study sample were males, 88.4% (n = 191) and more than half the respondents were between 21 to 30 years old (50.5%). Also, 82.4% of the sample were graduates and 54.2% married. 82.9% were from Nigerian Army and 57.9% were commissioned officers with 6-10 years’ work experience 49.5 (n=107). Results show that there was no significant correlation between demographic factors of gender, age, military type, religion, education and marital status and knowledge of COVID-19 (p>.05). Results further show that there was no significant correlation between demographic factors and perception of COVID-19 (p>.05), meaning there was no significant difference in perception of COVID-19 based on demographic factors. Finally, the results showed that there was no significant correlation between demographic factors and attitude to COVID-19 (p>.05). Irrespective of gender or age for example, knowledge, attitude, and perception of COVID-19 was good among the military population. Despites high level of awareness among the study population, it was recommended that the military authorities in Nigeria further strengthen their health systems, as well as the knowledge of infectious diseases and pandemics which will help them to assist the government and in educating the general populace through their military-civilian interface.

This study addresses security issues in Nigeria through Arabic Language Education. Arabic Language is one out of the international languages, it is a member of the Semitic family of language and perhaps the only one among them that has gallantly stood the test of the time. It gains wide range of currency and leaves an indelible mark on the course of world history, culture and civilization. The language has played a significant role in security challenges. It has the ability to solve problems between groups of people by ensuring atmosphere for understanding and peaceful co-existence. The study was a descriptive survey type. The population consisted of all Nigerian military and paramilitary officers using stratified random sampling technique, 50 officers were selected from each of the Nigerian Army, Air force, Police, and Civil Defence corps in the North-east totaling 200. A questionnaire titled “Arabic Language Education and National Security Questionnaire” was designed for the data collection. Test re-test method was employed for the reliability with 0.76 coefficient. One research question and one hypothesis guided the study. Percentage was used to answer the research question and ANOVA was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05significance level. The findings reveal that there was a significant difference in the understanding of Arabic Language among Nigerian security officers. Significant difference was found in addressing insecurity through Arabic than in other languages. It was recommended among others that, the government should recognize Arabic Language as a medium of communication/instruction and of the equal rank with English language in Nigeria. The Language should be incorporated into in-house training for the security officers. Keywords: Nigeria, Security, Arabic Language, Role

Optimum sensor selection for helicopter enhanced vision in all-weather operations is a strategic issue and has a significant impact on safety, efficiency and utility of military and Emergency Service Helicopters. On the other hand, selecting the optimal sensor among many alternatives is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. The sensor selection task in this paper is modelled as a stepwise Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to guide the selection process, based on criteria relating to environmental conditions (fog, rain, dust) and sensor characteristics (detection range, update rate, resolution). Result of this study reveals that a combination of millimeter wave radar, passive millimeter wave camera and infrared camera is the optimal suite having the highest value among all the alternatives considered. This result will guide decision makers at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air force and indeed other helicopter operators in their quest to equip helicopters for operation in adverse weather conditions.

INTRODUCTION: Substance use is on increase and a major public health problem contributing about 1.7 million deaths among teenagers globally. Ironically, some are socially acceptable and freely consumed during social activities. They are consumed commonly for social, religious and medicinal reasons. This study aims to assess substance use, types, reasons and its perceived effects among PLHIV in Benue State, Nigeria METHODS: The study was at Centre for Infectious Diseases Control (CIDC), 161 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Makurdi at Benue state, Nigeria. Qualitative data was collected using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among five homogeneous groups involving 40 discussants [30 and 10 health care workers]. The recorded discussions were transcribed verbatim, coded based on predetermined themes and reported. RESULTS: The commonest psychoactive substance used by People living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWHIV) for both males and females was Alcohol followed by Kola nut and Bitter Cola. Others were; cannabis, overdose dose of Rohypnol, Tramadol and diazepam; paracitamol mixed with ‘la-cassera’ soft drink and codeine in cough syrup as well as Marijuana. Major reasons for use included to increase work, sexual performance, reading time and appetite; reduce nausea, vomiting and to manage stress or boredom. They perceived most substance to be safe though few expressed their concern on the possible interaction with Antiretroviral (ARV) medications and possibility of increasing Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) effect of some drugs. This they said depends on type and dose of consumption. CONCLUSION: Substance use among PLWHIV is common. Misconceptions and poor appreciation of effect of these substance use among these clients abound. Every effort should be made to tame this menace.

Background: Tobacco use is a leading avertable cause of premature death globally. It is commonly used among PLWHIV and with mortality tripling compared to the general population. Its impact on them is multifactorial. This study aims to assess the prevalence, determinants and effects of tobacco and its related products on treatment among persons living with HIV at a military hospital in Makurdi, Benue State, NigeriaMethods: The study was among HIV positive clients ≥18 years who have accessed care for ≥12 months at Nigerian air force hospital, Makurdi of Benue state, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done using adopted WHO ASSIST (V3.0) questionnaire. Simple random sampling method was used to select 700 clients studied.Results: About 138(19.7%) have used Tobacco products and 66 (9.4%) in past 3 months of which 10 (90.3%) were mild users. Of those that ever-used tobacco 114 (82.6%) used Tobacco and other substances; 90 (79.0%) Alcohol, 73 (64.0%) Kola nut, 8 (7.0%) Cannabis and 5 (4.4%) Cocaine. Determinants of use were male gender (AOR 0.23; 95% CI 0.15-0.35) and earning <18,000 (AOR 2.23; 95% CI 1.05-4.70). There were no associations of tobacco use with viral load and CD4 count.Conclusions: Prevalence of Tobacco use was higher than general population. Male gender and low socioeconomic status were determinants of use of tobacco. Addressing this menace of tobacco use is an important political and public health issue.

YAMUGAG-20 Exploder is a Radio Frequency (RF)-based wireless exploder system designed and constructed specially for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to overcome the challenges associated with the existing wired exploders used for the disposal of unserviceable ordnances. The Exploder system has three main parts namely, the master transmitter unit, the master receiver/slave transmitter unit, and the slave receiver unit. Each of these units is made up of transceiver module, microcomputer and power source. The microcomputers were programmed using C and C++ programming language of the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) software. The exploder is portable and easy to operate. For a typical demolition exercise, the operation of the exploder is such that signals are relayed from the master transmitter unit to the master receiver/slave transmitter unit onto the slave receiver unit to initiate an electric detonator leading to the detonation of the unserviceable ordnances. Functionality, range, power consumption, and system reliability tests were conducted on the exploder to establish its performance and efficiency. The results obtained from the tests indicated that the exploder transmitting at a frequency of 2.4GHz performed satisfactorily up to a range of 1000 meters. Therefore, the exploder has the potential of not only meeting the demolition demands of the NAF but can also be applied for other nonmilitary purposes like mining and related activities.

YAMUGAG-20 Exploder is a Radio Frequency (RF)-based wireless exploder system designed and constructed specially for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to overcome the challenges associated with the existing wired exploders used for the disposal of unserviceable ordnances. The Exploder system has three main parts namely, the master transmitter unit, the master receiver/slave transmitter unit, and the slave receiver unit. Each of these units is made up of transceiver module, microcomputer and power source. The microcomputers were programmed using C and C++ programming language of the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) software. The exploder is portable and easy to operate. For a typical demolition exercise, the operation of the exploder is such that signals are relayed from the master transmitter unit to the master receiver/slave transmitter unit onto the slave receiver unit to initiate an electric detonator leading to the detonation of the unserviceable ordnances. Functionality, range, power consumption, and system reliability tests were conducted on the exploder to establish its performance and efficiency. The results obtained from the tests indicated that the exploder transmitting at a frequency of 2.4GHz performed satisfactorily up to a range of 1000 meters. Therefore, the exploder has the potential of not only meeting the demolition demands of the NAF but can also be applied for other nonmilitary purposes like mining and related activities.

Bronchial asthma care professionals all over the world are faced with many challenges in managing children with asthma. This narrative review highlights the burden and specific challenges encountered by Nigerian health care professionals in the care of children with bronchial asthma and attempts to suggest ways of overcoming some of these challenges for optimal bronchial asthma care. Electronic search of relevant published articles from year 2000 to date was carried out using appropriate search engines for the following search words and phrases: “asthma in Nigerian children”, “childhood asthma in Nigeria”, “burden of asthma”, “challenges,” “prevalence” and “cost of bronchial asthma care.” The findings revealed that childhood bronchial asthma was reported in all the geo-political zones of the country with evidence of increasing prevalence and male preponderance. Higher prevalence rates were reported in urban settings compared to rural settings and intermittent asthma was the most frequently reported form of the disease in Nigeria. Allergic rhinitis, with or without conjunctivitis were the most common co-morbidities, while respiratory tract infections, exposure to dust and physical exercise were the common triggers. Bronchial asthma was reported to affect school attendance, family finances and the quality of life of children and their caregivers. Reported challenges of childhood bronchial asthma in Nigeria included ignorance, poverty, stigma and poor adherence to medications by affected children and caregivers; inadequate work force and suboptimal knowledge of various cadres of health workers and poor health system as well as little or no availability of standard asthma care facilities at all levels of health care in Nigeria. Awareness creation, routine training and re-training of all cadres of health workers, provision of basic asthma care facilities and revamping of the health system may assist in overcoming the challenges.

In recent years domestic airlines are improving their services, and the major airlines in Nigeria are ahead of others based on superior strategies; in fact, some airlines are not fully utilized, which affects their profitability, while others are highly utilized. Market dynamics and regulatory forces are the key variables that influence airline attributes, features, and developments, but this is most evident where each airline competes for passengers despite the different route choices and airports of departure. This study aimed to examine the significant variables that are currently influencing air travelers’ preference for domestic airlines in Nigeria. Primary data were obtained through systematic and random sampling of air passengers, and a questionnaire was employed for data analysis. In Lagos and Abuja airports, 757 and 682 questionnaires were administered respectively with 71.1% and 61.9% returned respectively. Regression analysis was utilized to analyze the primary data. The study found that time, safety, and fare are the most influencing factors determining passenger choice of domestic airlines in Nigeria. The current findings are crucial for policymaking, particularly during the phase of airline planning and management especially during the Covid-19 pandemic era that has challenged the economic buoyancy and the purchasing power of passengers.

Background: The clergy plays an important role in the care of mentally ill people in developing countries because of the predominant belief that supernatural factors are responsible for mental illness and spiritual healers are sought by the mentally ill and/or their relatives for treatment. This study aimed to assess clergymen’s beliefs about the etiology and treatment of mental illnesses in southwest Nigeria. Methods: The study was qualitative design and ethnographic in nature, conducted on one hundred and forty-eight clergymen at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. A convenient sampling technique was used and Self-administered questionnaires to obtain sociodemographic details. An In-depth/Semi-structured interview involving Focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) was used for the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The sociodemographic variables were presented on a frequency table. Results: The study involved hundred and forty-eight respondents with male preponderance. From the focus group discussion and key informant interview, respondents believed that mental illness depends on the victim’s predispositions and could as well result from spiritual attacks directly or indirectly through or from ancestral lineage, genetic factors, or evil forces. Although most of the respondents argued that mental illness is caused solely by spiritual attacks and can only be treated by spiritual means like an exorcism. However, the majority believed that a holistic approach to treatment must involve the spiritual, psychological and medical. Conclusion: The factor of theological education shines through in the definition, recognition, treatment, the concept of cure and clergy role in the management and community advocacy for mental illness although within the context of cultural beliefs of supernatural etiology of mental illness. With improved knowledge and their holistic approach to care, the clergymen will be able to effectively work with the orthodox medical practitioners in a wholesome way through an effective referral system, ensuring compliance, rehabilitation and banishing discrimination.

Prevention and management of crime is one of the core mandate responsibilities of security agencies who are peoples that are trained to oversee the internal security system in Nigeria. These agencies includes Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and civil Defense Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Directorate of State Security Service(DSSS) and to some certain extend when the level of internal security is over raising Nigeria Militaries, both Land Armies, Air Force and Navy gives intervention hand to curtail the situations. The widespread of small arms and light weapons in Kano State has it is genesis from both locally manufactured and the imported ones that mostly passed from various porous or illegal borders that are located in the neighboring states of Kastina and Jigawa State. SALW are the primary tools that trigger both ethnic and internal conflict and other related violent crimes that poses a threat to internal security, democracy and the operation of good governance not only in Kano State but in Nigeria. SALW is one of the key major factor s that generate to various categories of crime like armed robbery, kidder napping, community violent conflict, insurgent attacks and the host of many other crimes. The paper uses the failed state theory to explain the gap how state as an institution fails in its responsibilities and also the paper is empirical in nature by conducting interviews and administering questionnaire to some selected respondent populations from security personnel’s, academicians, traditional institutions and Community Based Organization’s CBO’s. The paper was on the position that for democracy and good governance to be truly functional the internal security must be guaranteed by empowering security agencies in terms of increasing their number, effective training, enough working tools, good condition of service and providing policies that will address the level of poverty and unemployment in the society as well as prosecuting any member of elite that either imported the arms or given arms to youth for achieving his political interest.

Systems are fast collapsing in Nigeria, including education. The good old days of the country were devoid of all the negativities of today. Studies have shown that a number of forces and causes were responsible for where the country has come to find herself. However, to be historical is sine-qua-non to retracing our bearing and recognizing education as a potent instrument for a morally upright society. The connection between history and moral education was chronicled, with clear focus on the place of history and moral education from the retrospective standpoints; capturing colonial and post-colonial characteristics. Ugly state of affairs in Nigeria and ways of addressing the situations were highlighted, for nation building. Character training and promotion of right type of values recommended.

The attenuation of solar radiation in the atmosphere over Makurdi (Latitude 7o 7’ N and longitude 8o 6’ E) was investigated by measurements of direct solar radiation (I) carried out using a digital sun photometer that measured in Wm- 2. The measurements were made at 9:00hrs, 12:00 hrs and 15: 00hrs daily for six months. Global solar radiation, (IG) was calculated for the six months using Gun Bellani measurements from Air Force Base, Makurdi. The diffuse component of solar radiation (ID) was evaluated and the extraterrestrial solar radiation (Io) was obtained by calculation using the equation of Duffie and Beckman (1983) and Liou (1980). The variation of attenuation with clearness index Ki was found. The attenuation in the atmosphere over Makurdi was found to be highest in the month of August with a value of 0.975 and lowest in December with a value of 0.427. There was good agreement in the pattern of variation of attenuation in Makurdi when compared with that of Ilorin that lies in the same geographic latitude.

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess the concentration of air pollutants at charcoal sites, the dose-response relationship between site-based exposure levels to air pollutants and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among charcoal workers, and the measures these workers employ to safeguard their health.DesignCross-sectional but comparative designSettingCharcoal production kiln sites in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria.ParticipantsOverall 296 charcoal workers and age-matched, sex-matched and height-matched non-exposed traders (comparison group).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among charcoal workers while secondary outcomes included lung function indices as well as hazard control practices among charcoal workers.ResultsMajority (83.3%) of the sites had PM10and PM2.5values five times higher than the WHO standard. Charcoal workers were more likely to have respiratory symptoms; wheeze was statistically significant after adjusting for confounders, (OR 4.22; CI 1.37 to 12.99). The dose-response relationship between site-based exposure levels to air pollutants and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among charcoal workers was statistically significant for all symptoms except chest tightness (p=0.167). Mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were considerably lower among workers with differences of −0.22 (−0.42 to −0.05) L and −0.52 (-0.76 to −0.29) L, respectively, whereas FEV1/FVC ratio and peak expiratory flow rate were higher among workers with mean differences of 5.68 (3.59–8.82)% and 0.31 (-23.70 to 24.43) L/min, respectively; but the mean difference was significant only for the FEV1/FVC ratio. Charcoal workers had poor hazard control practices; only 3.4% reportedly used personal protective equipment.ConclusionAir pollutants at kiln sites were higher than WHO standards. Despite the significantly higher prevalence of wheeze, chest tightness and chronic cough among charcoal workers, their hazard control practices were inadequate. Charcoal workers should adopt appropriate hazard control practices, and use improved devices which emit minimal pollutants.

Abstract Background There is an increasing range of adverse health effects associated with air pollution at very low concentrations. Few studies have assessed respiratory parameters among filling station attendants. Objectives This study assessed air pollutants; particulate matter (PM10) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) concentrations at filling stations as well as determined forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) levels among filling station attendants. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess PM10 and TVOC concentrations at 20 systematically selected filling stations in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Ibadan for 2 months using a Thermo Scientific pDR 1500 PM10 monitor and SF2000-TVOC meter. FEV1 and PEFR levels were measured in order to assess the effect of exposure to PM10 and TVOC on lung function of 100 filling station attendants using a PIKO-1 Electronic peakflow/FEV1 meter. Results Total mean PM10 concentrations (μg/m3) in the morning (43.7±16.5) and afternoon (27.8±7.9) were significantly lower (p<0.01) than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limit (50 μg/m3). Total mean TVOC concentrations (ppm) in the morning (12.0±3.4) and afternoon (5.6±2.4) were however significantly higher (p<0.01) than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guideline limit (3 ppm). Mean FEV1 for filling station attendants was 1.63±0.39 and PEFR was 171.7±45.9. Conclusion Filling stations are hotspots for the emission of VOCs and PM10. However, filling station attendants in this study are at risk of exposure to high concentrations of VOCs but not PM10. FEV1 and PEFR values among filling station attendants were very low which could possibly be attributed to extended exposure to air pollutants. Regular medical examinations should also be conducted on filling station attendants in order to aid early detection of deviations in their health status.

The paper is aimed at analysing the environmental factors on the outage rates of the overhead distribution feeders. This was facilitated using daily outage data on the six 33kV feeders of the Zaria distribution system collected from the Zaria Transmission substation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) for twelve months. Outage models were developed from where power losses due to the feeder outages were obtained. Frequent and delayed forced outages occur during the rainy season, the peak being in August and during harmattan, especially in October. There were relatively high outage rates during the hot season, the maximum occurring in May. Feeders 2, 3 and 6 were most frequently on forced outages. The causes of the high outage rates are attributable to damages done to the overhead lines due to heavy winds, thunder strikes and other disturbances associated with rain. Other reasons include animal-caused outages, increase in the simultaneous use of weather sensitive devices, trees and vehicular accidents. As a result, energy loss was found to be 2947.62GWh, which translates to high revenue loss if the entire nation is considered. The forced outage rates are mapped to external environmental factors while the scheduled outages are due to the intrinsic factors. The paper proposes recommendations for minimizing the outage rates and hence improving the performance of the feeders.

Exposure to air pollutants by outdoor workers can predispose them to renal diseases. This study was carried out in Abia State Nigeria to assess the blood pressure and forced vital capacity (FVC) values of general outdoor workers. Measurement of blood pressure was taken with an electronic sphygmomanometer while the forced vital capacity was measured with a spirometer. A total of 322 subjects were used for the study. Results showed that the forced vital capacity (FVC) of 0-1000 was 5(1.56%) in Umuahia and 7(2.17%) in Aba; 1001-2000 was 34(10.56%) in Umuahia and 37(11.49%) in Aba; 2001-3000 was 83(25.78%) in Umuahia and 100(31.06%) in Aba; 3001-4000 was 23(7.14%) in Umuahia and 27(8.39%) in Aba; 4001-5000 was 1(0.31%) in Umuahia and 5(1.56%) in Aba. The mean FVC was 2410.55±443.61 in Umuahia and 2582.72± 526.80 in Aba. Results also showed that subjects with a systolic blood pressure of 81 - 100 was 6(1.86%) in Umuahia and 9(2.80%) in Aba; for 101 – 120, 33(10.25%) in Umuahia and 39(12.11%) in Aba; for 121 – 140, 65(20.19%) in Umuahia and 81(25.16%) in Aba; 141 – 160, 24(7.45%) in Umuahia and 27(8.39%) in Aba; for 161 – 180, 18(5.59%) in Umuahia and 20(6.21%) in Aba. The mean systolic blood pressure was 126.15 ±18.33 in Umuahia and 124.28 ±16.01 in Aba. The mean diastolic blood pressure was 74.65±11.69 in Umuahia and 76.29 ±10.78 in Aba. The FVC, systolic and diastolic blood pressures values were statistically within normal values (P>0.05). It was recommended that general outdoor workers wear nose and face masks to protect themselves against health problems resulting from environmental pollution. Keywords: Forced Vital Capacity, Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate, Spirometry, Renal diseases

The paper assesses the reliability performance of the 4.2 MW, Single Shaft Typhoon Gas Fired Turbine Power Generation Station at Beta Glass Plc (Guinea Plant), Agbara, Ogun State, Nigeria. The monthly outage data of the station for the period of 68 months (May, 2003 to December, 2008) were collected and used to compute the yearly reliability indices of the generating unit. The unit availability was found to be low, especially in 2007 and 2008. The station recorded highest number of fuel gas supply failure throughout this period. The core engine failures were frequent and repairs were not promptly effected which made the unit to operate below its rated capacity. The high forced outages recorded are indications of unreliable performance. Appropriate recommendations were proposed.

Three species of hinge-back tortoises (Kinixys belliana nogueyi, Kinixys erosa, Kinixys homeana) are found in simpatry in the rainforests of the Niger Delta, southern Nigeria (west Africa). The seasonal activity patterns and food habits of these tortoises are studied in the present paper. K. erosa and K. homeana have similar activity patterns, with peaks occurring during the wet season. Kinixys belliana was found only during the wet months. There was no evidence of any specific effect of humidity of the air on their activity intensity, and it seems likely that, more than absolute values of air humidity, the crucial factor to force tortoises into high activity is the sudden change between dry days and very wet days at the onset of the rainy season (end of March-early April). K. homeana was significantly more active in the early phase of the wet season. Common items, which were consumed by all three predator species, were: plant matters, fruits and berries, fungi, Oligochaeta, and Gastropoda Pulmonata, whereas Araneidae were also consumed by all species, but much more rarely. Common prey items, which were consumed by K. homeana and not by K. erosa were: Coleoptera larvae, Dermaptera, and termites. K. homeana appeared more generalist than K. erosa, and the respective diets diverged considerably both in dry and in wet seasons. On the other hand, the diets of K. erosa and K. belliana were more similar (at least in wet season).

The use of computers to conduct examinations is more effective than traditional paper-based examinations in terms of immediate availability of results and long term cost effectiveness. This however is faced with identifying and authenticating the real identities of the examinees so as to reduce impersonation. The study examined the existing authentication method available on the Computer-based test system of Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, Nigeria and proposed the fingerprint biometric technique as an additional method to authenticate the examinees. The fingerprint biometric authentication was developed using FlexCode SDK and implemented on DigitalPersona 4500 fingerprint reader – the recommended scanner by JAMB for fingerprint enrollment. The system was developed using PHP scripting language on XAMPP local server and MySQL database system. The results obtained showed that there is no need for a middleware to link the authentication module with the CBT because of the Single Sign-On technique implemented. This result thus improved the level of authentication and access to the CBT. This will therefore reduce impersonation and increase the level of awareness of CBT by academic stakeholders.

This study examined the effects of aircraft noise on residential properties rental value around Maiduguri International Airport Area in Borno State. The data was collected through the administration of 363 structured questionnaire to selected household heads residing in the neighbourhoods around the airport. It utilized mean ranking, the simple regression analysis toanalyze the data collected. The result of the simple regression analysis revealed that aircraft noise negatively influences residential property value around the airport and that aircraft noise does not really depreciate residential property rental value, the noise level for the day-eveningnight time depends on frequency of flights as well as distance from the airport and the time of the day and also showed that rental values of residential properties in the study area fall within the range of 50,000 Naira and below for one room apartment. The study also found that tenants are willing to stay in the neighbourhood due to the presence of Air Force Base (security personnel) in the area. The study therefore recommends among other things, that investors and propertydevelopers embarking on property development should take into account the effects of noise on rental value of residential property to avoid wasting of funds in such ventures, also upgrading of the sound insulation of buildings will be a useful technique for reducing the negative impacts of aircraft noise to enhance the quality of urban life of residents. Government through urbandevelopment board should ensure the enforcement of land use and physical planning laws to mitigate and minimize the negative impacts of airport noise in the airport areas.

Abstract While the UN was still a fledgling organization in the early 1950s, it took on the question of what an appropriate minimum age for marriage should be across all its member countries. Two UN conventions—the 1956 Supplementary Convention on Slavery and the 1962 Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages—involved tense deliberations over a marriage age standard. Drawing on records of UN preparatory meetings, I show that delegates representing Britain and Portugal spearheaded an effort to frame early and forced marriage as forms of slavery, and thereby focused abolitionist attention on formerly colonized countries. The moral worth of newly independent countries came to be signaled by specifying a high chronological age for marriage rather than treating puberty as a threshold. Although there was no tidy polarization between colonizers and colonized in the deliberations, several delegates from former British colonies—especially Nigeria and India, large regional powers with aspirations to lead the budding Non-Aligned Movement—strenuously rejected the tutelary stance of the British delegates. These debates about a common marriage age reveal how, in this foundational moment of liberal internationalism, relationships of equivalence between countries were undercut by efforts to mark differences between imperial powers and newly independent countries.

AbstractThis article focuses on the consequences of twentieth-century developmentalism for labor practices in the Nigerien Sahel under French rule and in the postindependence period. It examines labor regime transformations at the desert's edge; the ways in which state-led developmentalism influenced labor relations; and gender disparities in the history of emancipation from slavery. Following the abolition of forced labor in 1946, the rhetoric of human investment was used to promote the “voluntary” participation of workers in colonial development initiatives. This continued under Niger's independent governments. Seyni Kountché’s dictatorship relabeled Niger “Development Society” and mobilized Nigeriens’ “voluntary” work in development projects. Concurrently, drought in the Sahel attracted unprecedented levels of international funding. In the Ader region this led to the establishment of a major antidesertification project that paid local labor on a food-for-work basis. Since most men migrated seasonally to West African cities, the majority of workers in the project's worksites were women who welcomed “project work” to avoid destitution. In the name of development, it continued to be possible to mobilize workers without remuneration beyond the cost of a meal.

When Bamileke women in urban Cameroon give birth, older women often recall the ‘troubles’, the period between 1955 and 1974 when the UPC (Union des Populations du Cameroun) waged a battle of national independence, as a way of teaching their daughters about the hazards of reproduction and threats to Bamileke integrity as a people (Feldman-Savelsberget al.). Slightly to the north-west, in the Nigerian city of Kano, Igbo talk constantly about their memories of the Biafran war, using them to forge a sense of Igbo ethnic distinctiveness that reinforces patterns of patron-client relations critical to the maintenance of transregional connections (Smith), while further to the south many Yoruba are reassessing the meaning of the old practice of pawning children (Renne). Meanwhile in Botswana, where the AIDS epidemic exacts a high death toll, members of an Apostolic church create distinctive practices of remembering what caused a person's death. In so doing, they counter the attenuation of care and support that often occurs when people interpret death as due to illnesses transmitted through blood and improper sexual relations (Klaits). By contrast in a Samburu community in Kenya, the cultural practice ofntotoi, a complex board game, reproduces a male-dominated history of kinship, while systematically erasing a female narrative of adulterous births and forced infanticide. And among rural Beng in Côte d'Ivoire, beliefs and practices that structure infant care serve as an indirect critique of the violence of French colonialism and of its aftermath that continues to interfere in Beng lives in the form of high rates of infant mortality (Gottlieb). As these examples taken from this volume indicate, the papers gathered together in this special issue examine the complex and often contradictory ways in which the reproduction of memories shapes the social and biological reproduction of people.

International Business Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. International Business Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ibr/editor/recruitment and e-mail the completed application form to ibr@ccsenet.org. Reviewers for Volume 12, Number 4 &nbsp; Alireza Athari, Eastern Mediterranean University, Iran Anna Paola Micheli, Univrtsity of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy Antonio Usai, University of Sassari, Italy Ashford C Chea, Benedict College, USA Aurelija Burinskiene, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania Bazeet Olayemi Badru, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Nigeria Bruno Ferreira Frascaroli, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil Celina Maria Olszak, University of Economics in Katowice, Poland Christopher Alozie, Tansian University, Nigeria Cristian Rabanal, National University of Villa Mercedes, Argentina Francesco Ciampi, Florence University, Italy Francesco Scalera, University of Bari &quot;Aldo Moro&quot;, Italy Haldun Şecaattin &Ccedil;etinarslan, Turkish Naval Forces Command, Turkey Hanna Trojanowska, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland Henrique F&aacute;tima Boyol Ngan, Institute for Tourism Studies, Macao, Macao Herald Monis, Milagres College, India Hillary Odor, University of Benin, Nigeria Imran Riaz Malik, IQRA University, Pakistan L. Leo Franklin, Bharathidasn University, India Ladislav Mura, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia Leow Hon Wei, SEGi University, Malaysia Luisa Pinto, University of Porto School of Economics, Portugal M- Muzamil Naqshbandi, University of Dubai, UAE Manuel A. R. da Fonseca, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil Marcelino Jos&eacute; Jorge, Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute of Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Marco Valeri, Niccol&ograve; Cusano University, Italy Marta Joanna Zi&oacute;lkowska, Warsaw School of Economics (Szkoła Gł&oacute;wna Handlowa), Poland Michele Rubino, Universit&agrave; LUM Jean Monnet, Italy Mohamed Abdel Rahman Salih, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia Mohsen Malekalketab Khiabani, University Technology Malaysia, Malaysia Muath Eleswed, American University of Kuwait, USA Nicoleta Barbuta-Misu, &ldquo;Dunarea de Jos&rdquo; University of Galati, Romania Ozgur Demirtas, Turkish Air Force Academy, Turkey Pascal Stiefenhofer, University of Brighton, UK Radoslav Jankal, University of Zilina, Slovakia Razana Juhaida Johari, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia Riaz Ahsan, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan Roxanne Helm Stevens, Azusa Pacific University, USA Serhii Kozlovskiy, Donetsk National University, Ukraine Slavoljub M. Vujović, Economic Institute, Belgrade, Serbia Stephen Donald Strombeck, William Jessup University, USA Sumathisri Bhoopalan, SASTRA Deemed to be University, India Wejdene Yangui, Institute of High Business Studies of Sfax _ Tunisia (IHEC), Tunisia Yan Lu, University of Central Florida, USA

International Business Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. International Business Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ibr/editor/recruitment and e-mail the completed application form to ibr@ccsenet.org. Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 11 &nbsp; Alireza Athari, Eastern Mediterranean University, Iran Anca Gabriela Turtureanu, &ldquo;DANUBIUS&rdquo; University Galati, Romania Andrea Carosi, University of Sassari, Italy Andrei Buiga, &ldquo;ARTIFEX University of Bucharest, Romania Anna Paola Micheli, Univrtsity of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy Ant&ocirc;nio Andr&eacute; Cunha Callado, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernmabuco, Brazil Antonio Usai, University of Sassari, Italy Ashford C Chea, Benedict College, USA Bazeet Olayemi Badru, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Nigeria Chokri Kooli, International Center for Basic Research applied, Paris, Canada Duminda Kuruppuarachchi, University of Otago, New Zealand Essia Ries Ahmed, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia Fevzi Esen, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Turkey Filomena Izzo, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy Francesco Scalera, University of Bari &quot;Aldo Moro&quot;, Italy Grzegorz Zasuwa, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland Haldun Şecaattin &Ccedil;etinarslan, Turkish Naval Forces Command, Turkey Hanna Trojanowska, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland Herald Monis, Milagres College, India Hsiao-Ching Kuo, Washington and Jefferson College, USA Hung-Che Wu, Nanfang College of Sun Yat-sen University, China Ionela-Corina Chersan, &ldquo;Alexandru Ioan Cuza&rdquo; University from Iași, Romania Iwona Gorzeń-Mitka, Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland Janusz Wielki, Opole University of Technology, Poland Keshmeer Makun, University o the South Pacific, Fiji Khaled Mokni, Northern Border University, Tunisia L. Leo Franklin, Bharathidasn University, India Luisa Pinto, University of Porto School of Economics, Portugal Mahdi Shadkam, University Technology Malaysia, Malaysia Manuel A. R. da Fonseca, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil Marcelino Jos&eacute; Jorge, Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute of Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Maria Teresa Bianchi, University of Rome &ldquo;LA SAPIENZA&rdquo;, Italy Michaela Maria Schaffhauser-Linzatti, University of Vienna, Austria Miriam Jankalov&aacute;, University of Zilina, Slovakia Miroslav Iordanov Mateev, American University, Dubai, UAE Mithat Turhan, Mersin University, Turkey Mohsen Malekalketab Khiabani, University Technology Malaysia, Malaysia Muath Eleswed, American University of Kuwait, USA Murat Akin, Omer Halisdemir University FEAS &ndash; NIGDE, Turkey Ozgur Demirtas, Turkish Air Force Academy, Turkey Radoslav Jankal, University of Zilina, Slovakia Riaz Ahsan, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan Roxanne Helm Stevens, Azusa Pacific University, USA Serhii Kozlovskiy, Donetsk National University, Ukraine Shun Mun Helen Wong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Wanmo Koo, Western Illinois University, USA Yasmin Tahira, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Al Ain, UAE

International Business Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. International Business Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ibr/editor/recruitment and e-mail the completed application form to ibr@ccsenet.org. Reviewers for Volume 12, Number 1 &nbsp; Abedalqader Rababah, Arab Open University, Oman Ajit Kumar Kar, Indian Metal &amp; Ferro Alloys Ltd, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India Alireza Athari, Eastern Mediterranean University, Iran Andrei Buiga, &ldquo;ARTIFEX University of Bucharest, Romania Anna Paola Micheli, Univrtsity of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy Ashford C Chea, Benedict College, USA Aurelija Burinskiene, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania Bazeet Olayemi Badru, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Nigeria Benjamin James Inyang, University of Calabar, Nigeria Celina Maria Olszak, University of Economics in Katowice, Poland Claudia Isac, University of Petrosani, Romania Dionito F. Mangao, Cavite State University &ndash; Naic Campus, Philippines Duminda Kuruppuarachchi, University of Otago, New Zealand Federica Caboni, University of Cagliari, Italy Federica De Santis, University of Pisa, Italy Georges Samara, ESADE Business School, Lebanon Gianluca Ginesti, University of Naples &ldquo;FEDERICO II&rdquo;, Italy Gilberto MarquezIllescas, University of Rhode Island, USA Guo ZiYi, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., USA Hejun Zhuang, Brandon University, Canada Henrique F&aacute;tima Boyol Ngan, Institute for Tourism Studies, Macao, Macao Herald Monis, Milagres College, India HungChe Wu, Nanfang College of Sun Yatsen University, China Joanna Katarzyna Blach, University of Economics in Katowice, Poland Manuel A. R. da Fonseca, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil Marcelino Jos&eacute; Jorge, Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute of Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Maria do C&eacute;u Gaspar Alves, University of Beira Interior, Portugal Maria Teresa Bianchi, University of Rome &ldquo;LA SAPIENZA&rdquo;, Italy MariaMadela Abrudan, University of ORADEA, Romania Marta Joanna Zi&oacute;lkowska, Warsaw School of Economics (Szkoła Gł&oacute;wna Handlowa), Poland Maryam Ebrahimi, Azad University, Iran Michaela Maria SchaffhauserLinzatti, University of Vienna, Austria Michele Rubino, Universit&agrave; LUM Jean Monnet, Italy Mithat Turhan, Mersin University, Turkey Mohsen Malekalketab Khiabani, University Technology Malaysia, Malaysia Mongi Arfaoui, University of Monastir, Tunisia Murat Akin, Omer Halisdemir University FEAS &ndash; NIGDE, Turkey Ozgur Demirtas, Turkish Air Force Academy, Turkey Pascal Stiefenhofer, University of Brighton, UK Roxanne Helm Stevens, Azusa Pacific University, USA Sara Saggese, University of Naples Federico II, Italy Serhii Kozlovskiy, Donetsk National University, Ukraine Shame Mukoka, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe Shun Mun Helen Wong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Silvia Ferramosca, University of Pisa, Italy Sumathisri Bhoopalan, SASTRA Deemed to be University, India Tatiana Marceda Bach, Centro Universit&aacute;rio Univel (UNIVEL), Brazil Vassili JOANNIDES de LAUTOUR, Grenoble &Eacute;cole de Management (France) and Queensland University of Technology School of Accountancy (Australia), France Wanmo Koo, Western Illinois University, USA Wasilu Suleiman, Bauchi State University, Nigeria Wejdene Yangui, Institute of High Business Studies of Sfax _ Tunisia (IHEC), Tunisia

International Business Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. International Business Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ibr/editor/recruitment and e-mail the completed application form to ibr@ccsenet.org. Reviewers for Volume 12, Number 3 &nbsp; Alireza Athari, Eastern Mediterranean University, Iran Anca Gabriela Turtureanu, &ldquo;DANUBIUS&rdquo; University Galati, Romania Andrea Carosi, University of Sassari, Italy Anna Paola Micheli, Univrtsity of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy Ant&ocirc;nio Andr&eacute; Cunha Callado, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernmabuco, Brazil Ashford C Chea, Benedict College, USA Bruno Marsigalia, University of Casino and Southern Lazio, Italy Chokri Kooli, International Center for Basic Research applied, Paris, Canada Christopher Alozie, Tansian University, Nigeria Cristian Marian Barbu, &ldquo;ARTIFEX&rdquo; University, Romania Duminda Kuruppuarachchi, University of Otago, New Zealand Essia Ries Ahmed, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia Federica Caboni, University of Cagliari, Italy Federica De Santis, University of Pisa, Italy Florin Ionita, The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, Romania Foued Hamouda, Ecole Sup&eacute;rieure de Commerce, Tunisia Francesco Ciampi, Florence University, Italy Francesco Scalera, University of Bari &quot;Aldo Moro&quot;, Italy Gianluca Ginesti, University of Naples &ldquo;FEDERICO II&rdquo;, Italy Hillary Odor, University of Benin, Nigeria Ivana Tomic, IT Company CloudTech, Republic of Serbia Joanna Katarzyna Blach, University of Economics in Katowice, Poland Joseph Lok-Man Lee, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Khaled Mokni, Northern Border University, Tunisia L. Leo Franklin, Bharathidasn University, India Ladislav Mura, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia Leow Hon Wei, SEGi University, Malaysia Manuel A. R. da Fonseca, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil Marcelino Jos&eacute; Jorge, Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute of Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Maria do C&eacute;u Gaspar Alves, University of Beira Interior, Portugal Maria Teresa Bianchi, University of Rome &ldquo;LA SAPIENZA&rdquo;, Italy Miriam Jankalov&aacute;, University of Zilina, Slovakia Mongi Arfaoui, University of Monastir, Tunisia Muath Eleswed, American University of Kuwait, USA Ozgur Demirtas, Turkish Air Force Academy, Turkey Pascal Stiefenhofer, University of Brighton, UK Prosper Senyo Koto, Dalhousie University, Canada Rafiuddin Ahmed, James Cook University, Australia Razana Juhaida Johari, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia Riccardo Cimini, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy Roberto Campos da Rocha Miranda, University Center Iesb, Brazil Sang- Bing Tsai, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China Sara Saggese, University of Naples Federico II, Italy Shun Mun Helen Wong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Slavoljub M. Vujović, Economic Institute, Belgrade, Serbia Tariq Tawfeeq Yousif Alabdullah, University of Basrah, Iraq Valerija Botric, The Institute of Economics, Zagreb, Croatia Velia Gabriella Cenciarelli, University of Pisa, Italy Yan Lu, University of Central Florida, USA Yasmin Tahira, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Al Ain, UAE

International Business Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. International Business Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ibr/editor/recruitment and e-mail the completed application form to ibr@ccsenet.org. Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 10 &nbsp; Andrea Carosi, University of Sassari, Italy Anna Paola Micheli, Univrtsity of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy Ant&ocirc;nio Andr&eacute; Cunha Callado, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernmabuco, Brazil Ashford C Chea, Benedict College, USA Aurelija Burinskiene, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania Benjamin James Inyang, University of Calabar, Nigeria Bruno Ferreira Frascaroli, Federal University of Paraiba, BrazilBrazil, Celina Maria Olszak, University of Economics in Katowice, Poland Cheng Jing, eBay, Inc. / University of Rochester, USA Chokri Kooli, International Center for Basic Research applied, Paris, Canada Claudia Isac, University of Petrosani, Romania Dea&rsquo;a Al-Deen Al-Sraheen, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan , Jordan Eunju Lee, University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA Federica De Santis , University of Pisa , Italy Foued Hamouda, Ecole Sup&eacute;rieure de Commerce, Tunisia Francesco Ciampi, Florence University, Italy Gilberto Marquez-Illescas , University of Rhode Island, USA Giuseppe Granata, University of Cassino and Southen Lazio, Italy Giuseppe Russo, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy Guo Zi-Yi, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., USA Imran Riaz Malik, IQRA University, Pakistan Janusz Wielki, Opole University of Technology, Poland Jerome Kueh, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia Joseph Lok-Man Lee, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Ladislav Mura, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia Luisa Pinto, University of Porto School of Economics, Portugal Manuel A. R. da Fonseca, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil Manuela Rozalia Gabor, &ldquo;Petru Maior&rdquo; University of T&icirc;rgu Mureş, Romania Marcelino Jos&eacute; Jorge, Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute of Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Maria-Madela Abrudan, University of ORADEA, Romania Maryam Ebrahimi, Azad University, Iran Mithat Turhan, Mersin University, Turkey Modar Abdullatif, Middle East University, Jordan Mohamed Abdel Rahman Salih, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia Ozgur Demirtas, Turkish Air Force Academy, Turkey Pascal Stiefenhofer, University of Brighton, UK Rafiuddin Ahmed, James Cook University, Australia Riaz Ahsan, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan Sumathisri Bhoopalan, SASTRA Deemed to be University, India Valeria Stefanelli, University of Salento, Italy Valerija Botric, The Institute of Economics, Zagreb, Croatia Wanmo Koo, Western Illinois University, USA Wejdene Yangui, Institute of High Business Studies of Sfax _ Tunisia (IHEC), Tunisia Yasmin Tahira, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Al Ain, UAE

Rapid urbanization rates impact significantly on the nature of Land Cover patterns of the environment, which has been evident in the depletion of vegetal reserves and in general modifying the human climatic systems (Henderson, et al., 2017; Kumar, Masago, Mishra, & Fukushi, 2018; Luo and Lau, 2017). This study explores remote sensing classification technique and other auxiliary data to determine LULCC for a period of 50 years (1967-2016). The LULCC types identified were quantitatively evaluated using the change detection approach from results of maximum likelihood classification algorithm in GIS. Accuracy assessment results were evaluated and found to be between 56 to 98 percent of the LULC classification. The change detection analysis revealed change in the LULC types in Minna from 1976 to 2016. Built-up area increases from 74.82ha in 1976 to 116.58ha in 2016. Farmlands increased from 2.23 ha to 46.45ha and bared surface increases from 120.00ha to 161.31ha between 1976 to 2016 resulting to decline in vegetation, water body, and wetlands. The Decade of rapid urbanization was found to coincide with the period of increased Public Private Partnership Agreement (PPPA). Increase in farmlands was due to the adoption of urban agriculture which has influence on food security and the environmental sustainability. The observed increase in built up areas, farmlands and bare surfaces has substantially led to reduction in vegetation and water bodies. The oscillatory nature of water bodies LULCC which was not particularly consistent with the rates of urbanization also suggests that beyond the urbanization process, other factors may influence the LULCC of water bodies in urban settlements. Keywords: Minna, Niger State, Remote Sensing, Land Surface Characteristics References Akinrinmade, A., Ibrahim, K., & Abdurrahman, A. (2012). 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Independent mobility of children living in the barrack is declining over the last four decades due to its unfriendly environment. There are limited studies on children-environment relationships in Nigeria, especially in the barrack. Available studies from social sciences and public health studies lack policy connection with the child-friendly environment for improved independent mobility. Hence, this study aimed to develop a child-friendly barrack environment policy framework for enhanced independent movement of children. The safety and security, barrack environmental quality, basic services, quality of housing, and children’s participation were five characteristics of a child-friendly environment considered. They exogenously predicted improved independent mobility of children in the barrack. On the other hand, the endogenous construct consists of the land-use change, destination accessibility, home range, travel time, and population density of the barrack. A total of 390 parent and primary school children aged 5-12 living in the Nigerian Air Force Barrack in Kaduna jointly assessed the five barrack environment characteristics and five indicators of children’s independent mobility. The survey questionnaire was analysed using SPSS and PLS-SEM. Consequently, the principal component analysis showed high factor loading for the five characteristics and four independent mobility indicators except for the land use that fell below 0.7 thresholds. The outer weights of the reflexive measurement items were high which signified strong correlations. Hence, barrack environment characteristics strongly predicted improved independent mobility of children. Thus, the structural model’s path coefficient of 0.585 explained 58.5% variance in the independent mobility of children in the barrack residential area. The coefficient of determination R2 value is 0.342, and the p-value is at 0.000 level of significance. It provided an environment planning policy framework to monitor interventions and halt the declining rates of children's independent mobility in the military barrack of Nigeria. The conceptual framework developed is applicable in the para-military barrack, housing estates and compact cities in African countries including Nigeria.

Aims: To assess the level of knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention and identify factors influencing the awareness of HIV transmission and prevention among military personnel in Nigeria. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Place and duration of study: The Nigerian Defense Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria. Methodology: Using the stratified probability sampling technique, military personnel between the age of 18 and 55 years, were recruited based on arm of service with a percentage distribution of 60:20:20 (Army, Navy, and Air Force respectively). The sample size(n) was 384 and the adjusted sample size was 427 respondents. The tool for data collection was a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. This instrument, divided into 3 sections, was designed to obtain information on socio-demographics (sex, age, ethnic background, education level as the highest level of education attainment, experience in the military; the arm of service, rank, length of service, gender and number of sexual partners, knowledge of HIV prevention, and perception of risk of HIV transmission. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression at p<0.05. Results: While 98.5% of respondents have ever heard of HIV, 80.3% claimed to have seen or heard information about HIV, with media (85.9%) been the major source of this information. Out of the 391 respondents, 174 (44.5%) and 217 (55.5%) military personnel had inadequate and adequate knowledge of HIV transmission respectively while 80.8% and 19.2% of these respondents had inadequate and adequate knowledge of HIV prevention, respectively. Conclusions: While there was no significant difference in the proportion of those military men that had adequate and inadequate knowledge of HIV transmission, there was a clear and significant difference in the proportion of military men with adequate and inadequate prevention knowledge. Age, education, marital status, and service arm are predictive factors that could influence knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention.

Of all the fossil fuel sources, Coal Bed Methane (CBM) is the least expensive for its energy content. This study aimed at assessing the geological factors that may be responsible for gas emplacement in Nigerian coal and syngas extraction using a locally fabricated gasification plant. Trace element, sulfur content, XRay diffraction, and Scan Electron Microscope analysis of coal samples from Ute and Okaba were carried out to determine geological factors such as depositional environment, ineralogy, and pore morphology that affects the emplacement of gas in coals and its extraction. The syngas was then extracted from Okaba and Ute coal using the fabricated gasification plant which consists of a reactor, water jacket to regulate body temperature, a blower to allow continuous inflow of air, cyclone filter to filter the syngas from the impurity, compressor, and a cylinder to collect and store the gas. The coal samples were heated to a temperature range of 500 -1000 0C. The value of the V/Ni ratio of the coals ranged from 0.35 to 3.75 ppm. Also, plots of V/Cr and Ni/Co ratios indicated predominantly oxic conditions during sediment accumulation. The low V/(V+Ni) ratio (0.26- 0.0.79 ppm) also confirmed that the coal samples were deposited under oxic conditions. By implication, the sulfur content in the Okaba and Ute coal with the range of 0.85 - 2.33% originated from parent plant material deposited in a lacustrine environment. The coal samples contain brittle minerals such as quartz and Kaolinitic clay that also allow the creation of natural fractures and could provide induced fractures under artificial fracturing force which is conducive to coal gas exploration. The pore and racture diameters observed in coal samples from Okaba and Ute are classified as microfracture and macropores, respectively, implying that the coal can serve as a reservoir for coal bed methane (CBM) and that the linkage of the fractures and pores results in high permeability which in turn will allow the coal to easily release the gas it is storing when heated. The syngas extracted from Okaba and Ute coal consists of a mixture of N2, H2, CO2, and CH4 which can either be used upon purification for transport, chemicals production, heat, and power generation. It can be deduced that the coal samples from the study area (Okaba and Ute) are capable of storing gas which in turn can be extracted and used by gasification method which has a minimal environmental effect because the gasification plant reduces CO2 emission by 90% as compared with direct combustion of coal.

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to assess the current level of systems literacy of air force logisticians in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThis research undertook an assessment of the knowledge of air force logistics officers on systems thinking with the aid of a qualitative questionnaire. The questionnaire featured questions on the level of literacy and application of systems thinking by air force logisticians in Nigeria.FindingsThe research finds that the majority of the air force logistics officers have very low levels of knowledge and training in systems thinking.Originality/valueThe research is a unique effort to ascertain the level of systems thinking literacy and training in air force logistics in Nigeria. The study presents a baseline and justification for intervention through an improvement of the logistics curricula used in air force training institutions in Nigeria.

When the Administration of Criminal Justice Act,2015 was enacted, the purpose among others, was the protection of the rights of the suspect/defendant and the society from crime. In the prosecution of its purpose, the Act provides for the defendant’s right to bail subject to the discretion of the court to stipulate deposit of money among other terms as a condition for the bail. Furthermore, the Act provides for the establishment of professional surety regime whereby registered bondsmen are allowed to stand surety for defendant on the payment of fees to be determined on agreement with the defendant. The consequence is the growth of bail industry at Abuja and other cities of Nigeria, where bondsmen force relations of defendants to contribute money in payment of their charges in the same manner as ransom is contributed to kidnappers for the freedom of their loved ones in detention. In this paper, the writer appraised the security implication of the new bail regime on Nigeria and its implication on the right of the defendant to presumption of innocence enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). In the course of so doing, the writer uses the doctrinal research method and drew from the American experience on the subject before arriving at conclusion.

Aims: This research involves the development of a sawdust fired fluidized bed reactor for the production of synthetic gas for domestic cooking. Study Design: A sawdust fired fluidized bed reactor using AutoCAD inventor. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure Ondo state Nigeria. Methodology: The reactor consists of a hopper, rolled mild steel plate frame lined with clay which forms the frame, air distributor plate and five radially spaced tuyeres. The reactor is fed with pelletized sawdust, retain heat within it and maintain a temperature of 50⁰C at the external surface to minimize burns. Results: Air was forced into the plenum, after which the air distributor plate evenly distributed jets of air in the bed resulting in complete and incomplete combustion. Combustible gas was produced after 30 minutes and used to boil water. Conclusion: The sawdust fired fluidized bed reactor is recommended for domestic household use.

Aims: Produce combustible gas from sawdust for domestic house use. Study Design: A fluidized bed gasifier suitable for sawdust gasification was used. Place and Duration of Study: The study was done at the federal university of technology akure, Ondo state Nigeria Methodology: Sawdust was first processed by converting it to pellets. Tests were carried out on the pellets using a bomb calorimeter using the ASTM-E771 standard. On experimental, the pellets were loaded into the reactor and then fired. Air was forced into the plenum, after which the air distributor plate evenly distributed jets of air in the bed resulting in complete and incomplete combustion. Results: Experimental tests showed that the pellets have a heating value of 16.36 MJ of energy per kg and a higher percentage of volatile matter of 57.62% (ASTM-E872) and a lower percentage of fixed carbon than the initial sawdust sample. The produced synthesis gas composed of methane 63.4%, Ammonia 1.09%, Carbon monoxide 0.63%, Hydrogen sulphide 0.84% and carbon dioxide 34.04%. Conclusion: The gas was ignited showing it was combustible.

In many cities around the globe, humans have shown disdain and neglect to physical planning laws. The consequence is the social and environmental challenges that residents experience therein. This study examines the factors that affect planning laws compliance in the capital cities in the south-south geopolitical region, of Nigeria. The cross-sectional research approach was used. Data for the study were sourced from primary and secondary sources. Copies of the questionnaire were administered to all the 522 practicing town planners in the study area who constituted the study population but only 414 of them responded. Descriptive statistics was deployed in analyzing the data. The study found that corruption ranks first with a mean score of 3.77 followed by customs and traditions which score 3.63. It is also revealed by the study that political interference, weak enforcement of planning laws, and awareness of existing planning laws with mean scores of 3.42, and 3.25 respectively are also constraints to compliance with planning laws. The study, therefore, recommends that agencies of government saddled with the responsibility of enforcing planning regulations and laws should strictly enforce the extant planning laws so that residents will be forced to comply with the planning laws. It is also recommended that urban planners should not allow native laws and customs to interfere with urban planning regulations.

Aims: To investigate the effect of aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of this medicinal plant on isolated uterine smooth muscle strips of the rat and to determine its mechanism of action. Study Design: Laboratory-experimental design was used in this study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria between June and October 2014. Methodology: Fresh leaves of Mucuna pruriens were identified and collected by a taxonomist from Nsukka, Nigeria. The leaves were then air dried and pulverized into powder. This was then subjected to cold extraction using petroleum ether (70-90) and 70% aqueous ethanol, after which the extract was left to dry at room temperature. Estrogenised uterine strips (12mm) were harvested from non-pregnant, sexually matured albino rats (180 g -250 g) and suspended in a 35ml organ bath containing Krebs’ physiological salt solution. The organ bath was connected to an isometric electronic force displacement transducer and a physiograph. Drugs such as Salbutamol, Isoprenaline, Adrenaline, Propranolol, Atipamezole and Prazosin were used as either agonists or antagonists to determine the mechanism of action of the extract. Atropine sulphate and Cyproheptadine were also used as test drugs. Concentrations of these drugs presented in the body of this work represent the final nutrient bath concentrations. Results: M. pruriens caused a dose -dependent increase in uterine muscle contraction with an EC50 of 0.88 mg/ml, n=4. The contraction was unaffected by atropine sulphate (0.042 µmol), but abolished by salbutamol (0.012-0.4 µmol), isoprenaline (0.06-0.23 µmol), and adrenaline (16 nmol). The uterine muscle contractions were enhanced by propranolol (1 µmol) in a dose- dependent manner. Prazosin (0.069-0.14 µmol) and atipamezole (3.3-13.7 nmol) were unable to abolish contractions stimulated by the extract. However, 0.2 µmol of cyproheptadine caused 80% suppression of the extract –induced uterine contraction Conclusion: It is concluded that aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of M. pruriens, has ability to cause uterine smooth muscle contraction hence, justifies its reported use traditionally as a uterine stimulant. This contraction is most likely exerted via the 5-HT receptor activation (activated by low concentrations of serotonin).

AbstractThe environments of tropical regions favour the activities and growth of termitaria on soils and woods. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of pretest drying conditions and sawdust ash (SDA) on the strength properties of termite reworked soil for pre and post engineering construction. Twelve disturbed subsoil samples; six termite reworked soil samples and six neighboring residual soils of each of the termite reworked soils were obtained in Akungba Akoko, South-western Nigeria. The termite reworked soil and the surrounding residual soil met the Nigeria requirement of a good sub-grade soil. However, termite reworked soil shows better geotechnical ratings when compared to the surrounding residual soil samples. This result attested to the fact that termites’ activities promote forces of attraction and adhesion among the soil particles. On the addition of sawdust ash to termite reworked soil at 6% of the weight of the soil samples; the geotechnical properties of the termite reworked soils slightly improved. Again, the geotechnical properties of termite reworked soils were considered under varying pretest drying conditions; of air-dried condition as well as conditions obtained by drying the soils at 50°C ± 5, 75°C ± 5 and 110°C ± 5. The index and strength properties of the termite reworked soils improved with increase in pretest drying temperature. Statistical analysis of ANOVA shows that there is no significant statistical difference in the values of the geotechnical parameters of the sampled soils under pretest drying conditions. For Pearson’s correlation, SDA improved soil and pretest drying temperatures for fine contents with CBR and MDD values; the obtained test values of correlation are higher than the critical r value (0.497). Again we reject null hypothesis in favour of the test hypothesis.

Abstract Background Upsurge in cardiopulmonary dysfunctions in Enugu, Nigeria, involved mainly cement workers, automobile spray painters, woodworkers, and Cleaners and was worsened in the dry season, suggesting the need for an occupation-specific characterization of the disease features and seasonal evaluation of air quality for prevention and management. Methods We conducted a randomized cross-sectional study of eighty consenting participants (in Achara Layout, Enugu), comprising 20 cement workers (39.50 ± 14.95 years), 20 automobile spray painters (40.75 ± 9.85 years), 20 woodworkers (52.20 ± 9.77 years), and 20 cleaners (42.30 ± 9.06 years). The air quality, some haematological (fibrinogen-Fc, and C-reactive protein-CRP), and cardiopulmonary parameters were measured and analyzed using ANCOVA, at p < 0.05. Results The dry season particulate matter (PM) in ambient air exceeded the WHO standards in the New layout [PM10 = 541.17 ± 258.72 µg/m3; PM2.5 = 72.92 ± 25.81 µg/m3] and the University campus [PM10 = 244 ± 74.79 µg/m3; PM2.5 = 30.33 ± 16.10 µg/m3], but the former was twice higher. The PM differed significantly (p < 0.05) across the sites. Forced expiratory volume at the first second (FEV1) (F = 6.128; p = 0.001), and Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (F = 5.523; p = 0.002), differed significantly across the groups. FEV1/FVC% was < 70% in cement workers (55.33%) and woodworkers (61.79%), unlike, automobile spray painters (72.22%) and cleaners (70.66%). FEV1 and work duration were significantly and negatively related in cement workers (r = -0.46; r2 = 0.2116; p = 0.041 one-tailed). CRP (normal range ≤ 3.0 mg/L) and Fc (normal range—1.5–3.0 g/L) varied in cement workers (3.32 ± 0.93 mg/L versus 3.01 ± 0.85 g/L), automobile spray painters (2.90 ± 1.19 mg/L versus 2.54 ± 0.99 mg/L), woodworkers (2.79 ± 1.10 mg/L versus 2.37 ± 0.92 g/L) and cleaners (3.06 ± 0.82 mg/L versus 2.54 ± 0.70 g/L). Conclusion(s) Poor air quality was evident at the study sites, especially in the dry season. Cement workers and automobile spray painters showed significant risks of obstructive pulmonary diseases while woodworkers had restrictive lung diseases. Cement workers and cleaners recorded the highest risk of coronary heart disease (CRP ≥ 3.0 mg/L). The similarity in Fc and CRP trends suggests a role for the inflammation-sensitive proteins in the determination of cardiovascular risk in cement workers and cleaners. Therefore, there are occupation-specific disease endpoints of public health concern that likewise warrant specific preventive and management approaches among the workers.

The study of ionospheric irregularities is important since many technological systems might be influenced by the ionosphere. In this work, we use data from the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receiver installed in Abuja, Nigeria, GPS Scintillation Network Decision Aid (SCINDA) TEC data from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) data archive, and the geomagnetic data from the World Data Center (WDC) in Kyoto, Japan, to investigate the relationship between geomagnetic storm and ionospheric irregularity occurrences using the rate of change of total electron content (TEC) index (ROTI), with a validation using the S4 indices, during the peak of the 24th solar cycle. The occurrences of irregularities were investigated on day-to-day and seasonal bases. The nighttime ionospheric irregularities, which are attributed to ionospheric plasma irregularities in the equatorial ionospheric F-region, were found to be prevalent. To investigate the relationship between the strength of ionospheric irregularities (ROTI) and the geomagnetic storm (Dst), the periodogram power spectral density (PSD) and regression analysis were used. The results showed that there was no correlation, cc = 0.073, between the Dst and ROTI, implying that the strengths of ionospheric irregularities occurring during geomagnetic storms are not strictly decided by the magnitudes of the storms; this was also confirmed using the S4 index. The impact of geomagnetic storms caused enhanced development or inhibition of ionospheric irregularities. We observed that the bulk of the storms occurring during the period of this study is not associated with ionospheric irregularities. Finally, the investigation showed that the correlation between the ROTI and Dst observed during the coronal mass ejection (CME)-driven geomagnetic storms was higher than that during the corotating interaction region (CIR)-driven geomagnetic storms, during the peak of the 24th solar cycle. The results of this work confirm the findings by other researchers.

Many researchers believe that government expenditures promote economic growth at the first development stage. However, as public expenditure becomes too large, countries will suffer a huge tax burden and tax distortions. This suggests an optimal public expenditure at which economic growth rate is the highest. However, the optimal point would differ across countries because of differences in economic structure. In this present paper, the optimal public expenditure in the developing countries is analyzed. Based on descriptive statistics and regression analysis of 30 developing countries in the period 2004-2013, the findings of this paper are threefold: (i) public expenditure increases along with development level of countries; (ii) the optimal public expenditure is at 19. 375% of GDP; (iii) economic growth has a positive relationship with both investment and labor force, and a negative relationship with urbanization. Keywords Public expenditure; Economic growth; Fiscal policy; Government size References [1] U.F. Akpan, D.E. Abang, “Does government spending spur economic growth? Evidence from Nigeria”, Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development. 4(9) (2013) 36-52. [2] E. Abounoori, Y. Nademi, Government Size Threshold and Economic Growth in Iran (No. 259600001). EcoMod. [3] O.F. Altunc, C. AydÕn, “The Relationship between Optimal Size of Government and Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria”, Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences. 92 (2013) 66-75.[4] H. Aly, M. Strazicich, “Is Government Size Optimal in the Gulf Countries of the Middle East? An empirical investigation”, International Review of Applied Economics. 14 (2000) Số trang.[5] S. Asimakopoulos, Y. Karavias, “The impact of government size on economic growth: A threshold analysis”, Economics Letters, S0165-1765(15) (2015) 00519-4. [6] R.J. Barro, Government spending in a simple model of endogeneous growth, Journal of political economy. 98 (5, Part 2) (1990) S103-S125. [7] IMF, “Public expenditure reform: Making difficult choices”, chapter 2, 2014.[8] P.V. İyidoğan, T. Turan, Government Size and Economic Growth in Turkey: A Threshold Regression Analysis, Prague Economic Papers, 26 (2) (2017) 142-154. [9] G. Karras, On the optimal government size in Europe: theory and empirical evidence, The Manchester School. 65(3) (1997) 280-294. [10] D.C. Mueller, Public choice: an introduction, In The encyclopedia of public choice, Springer, Boston, MA, 2004, pp. 32-48. [11] P. Pevcin, Does optimal size of government spending exist?, University of Ljubljana. 10 (2004) 101-135. [12] R. Ram, Government size and economic growth: A new framework and some evidence from cross-section and time-series data, The American Economic Review. 76(1) (1986) 191-203. [13] U.F. Akpan, D.E. Abang, “Does government spending spur economic growth? 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