Showing papers by "Rivers State University of Science and Technology published in 2014"

A review of Critical Project Management Success Factors (CPMSF) for sustainable social housing in Nigeria

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate and establish the Critical Project Management Success Factors (CPMSF) for the sustainable social (public) housing estates’ delivery/provision in Nigeria. The current housing estate deficit faced in the country is credited to poor and inadequate housing delivery and provision by various agencies. Method/design: Documentary analysis of data collection was used in the study which involved an extensive and investigative theoretical review of online and visual document resources, followed by an interpretative identification of categories and limits of various materials and information considered vital to the phenomenon in the study. The documents were analysed with a content analysis approach under four criteria of how: authentic; credible; representative; and meaningful. Findings/results: The study reveals that 22 Critical Project Management Success Factors (CPMSF) are essential for the achievement of sustainable social (public) housing estates’ delivery/provision in Nigeria. These relate to: the project managers’ performance; the organisation that owns the development project; the characteristics of the team members; and the external project environment. At the same time, the study reveals that these are social, economic, and environmental factors that are associated with the triple objectives of sustainable development. Originality/value: This study reflection aims to resolve or reduce to a minimum the acknowledged housing estate delivery and provision inadequacy problems in the country, and by exploring this phenomenon, best practise project management techniques will be understood and used to provide sustainable social (public) housing estate units for the Nigerian populace.

Water quality index of the ground water of bitumen deposit impacted farm settlements using entropy weighted method

Abstract: Ground water of the farm settlements in the bitumen deposit area of Western Nigeria were tested for pH, conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solid, sulphate, phosphate, nitrogen nitrate, chloride, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and total coliform in the dry season (March) and rainy season (August) of years 2008 and 2009 using atomic absorption spectrometer and standard analytical methods. Conductivity, pH, turbidity, phosphate ions and total coliform values obtained in some of the wells were out of the recommended range for drinking water. Water quality index analysis was carried out using information entropy method. Water quality index of the wells when compared with the permissible limits of international standards, ranked the bore hole as ‘excellent’ in the dry season of year 2009 and just ‘good’ in the rainy season of the same year. Ground water sampling stations were ranked extremely poor at least once out of the four seasons considered. Water quality index ranking also showed that the quality of the wells declined over the years. The correlation coefficient matrix (p < 0.05) of water quality index and the parameters showed significant relationships between water quality index and total coliform (0.99), total dissolved solids and conductivity (0.96), hardness and Ca2+ (0.68), hardness and Mg2+ (0.75). Water quality index also showed moderate significant relationship with total dissolved solid, conductivity and N–NO3 −. High concentration of total coliform in most of the shallow wells in the environment, due to bitumen deposit, renders them unfit for human consumption unless properly treated.

Preliminary surveys of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna (mammals, reptiles, and amphibians) of the Edumanon Forest Reserve, Nigeria

Abstract: The Edumanon Forest Reserve is one of the least explored protected areas in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria, West Africa. In this article, we report the results of preliminary surveys, conducted between 2011 and 2014, for determining a checklist and a relative estimate of abundance for three groups of vertebrates, namely mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Overall, we detected 69 vertebrate species (birds excluded), several of them being of high conservation concern. Among the most remarkable species from the conservation point of view, we can cite the chimpanzee, the manatee, and three species of sympatric crocodiles. Analysis of the reptile diversity suggested that species dominance was high and evenness was low, thus revealing altered ecological conditions in this forest area. Nonetheless, several forest specialists were still observed in this forest reserve. The conservation implications of the observed patterns, together with some ethnozoological data, are also discussed.

Intellectual capital in Ugandan service firms as mediator of board governance and firm performance

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of intellectual capital on the relationship between board governance and perceived firm financial performance. Design/methodology/approach – This study was cross-sectional. Analyses were by SPSS and Analysis of Moment Structure on a sample of 128 firms. Findings – The mediated model provides support for the hypothesis that intellectual capital mediates the relationship between board governance and perceived firm performance. while the direct relationship between board governance and firm financial performance without the mediation effect of intellectual capital was found to be significant, this relationship becomes insignificant when mediation of intellectual capital is allowed. Thus, the entire effect does not only go through the main hypothesised predictor variable (board governance) but majorly also, through intellectual capital. Accordingly, the connection between board governance and firm financial performance is very much weakene...

Evaluation of the microbial community, acidity and proximate composition of akamu, a fermented maize food.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Akamu is a lactic acid-fermented cereal-based food that constitutes a major infant complementary food in most West African countries. The identities of LAB populations from DGGE analysis and conventionally isolated LAB and yeasts from traditionally fermented akamu were confirmed by PCR sequencing analysis. The relationships between pH, acidity and lactic acid levels and proximate composition of the akamu samples were investigated. RESULTS The LAB communities in the akamu samples comprised mainly Lactobacillus species, including Lb. fermentum, Lb. plantarum, Lb. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Lb. helveticus, as well as Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris. Identified yeasts were Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans, Clavispora lusitaniae and Saccharomyces paradoxus. Low pH (3.22–3.95) was accompanied by high lactic acid concentrations (43.10–84.29 mmol kg−1). Protein (31.88–74.32 g kg−1) and lipid (17.74–36.83 g kg−1) contents were negatively correlated with carbohydrate content (897.48–926.20 g kg−1, of which ≤1 g kg−1 was sugars). Ash was either not detected or present only in trace amounts (≤4 g kg−1). Energy levels ranged from 17.29 to 18.37 kJ g−1. CONCLUSION The akamu samples were predominantly starchy foods and had pH < 4.0 owing to the activities of fermentative LAB. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

Shared values and organizational effectiveness: a study of the Nigerian banking industry

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which shared values influences organizational effectiveness and the extent to which shared values influences profitability, productivity, and market share. Design/methodology/approach – The correlational study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. Research questionnaires were administered; interviews were held with managers in the organizations studied. A total of 388 managers were randomly drawn from a population of 13,339 managers of all the 24 banks in Nigeria. The independent variable, “shared values” was measured by coordination and integration, agreement, and core values. The dependent variable, organizational effectiveness was measured by profitability, productivity, and market share. The measures used a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1-strongly disagree to 5-strongly agree. Spearman's rank correlation statistical tool was used to test the hypotheses. Findings – The result (ρ=0.555, p<0.05) (see Table II) shows a significant p...

Heavy metal hazards of Nigerian smokeless tobacco

Abstract: Background Interest is rising in smokeless tobacco as a safer alternative to smoking. Information on the heavy metal hazards of smokeless tobacco is sparse in Nigeria, as it is in most sub-Saharan Africa countries. This study assesses the heavy metal hazards of the smokeless tobacco types commonly available in Nigeria. Methods Using a market basket protocol 30 Nigerian smokeless tobacco types were studied. Digestion was performed by addition of 10 mL of a mix of nitric and hydrochloric acids (HCl:HNO 3 , 3:1); the mixture was then heated to dryness. Then, 20 mL deionised water was added, and the mixture stirred and filtered. The filtrate was made up in a standard volumetric flask and lead, cadmium, chromium, cobalt and nickel concentrations were assayed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry at 205 A. The daily intake and target hazard quotient (THQ) were calculated. Results Chromium, cobalt and nickel concentrations ranged from 2.77–11.40, 0.01–0.03 and 0.02–0.07 μg/g, respectively, whereas lead and cadmium ranged from 0.00–2.48 and 0.01–0.17 μg/g, respectively. The daily intake of chromium, cobalt and nickel ranged from 277–1140, 1–3 and 2 to 7 μg/day, respectively. Lead and cadmium daily intakes ranged from 0–248 and 1–17 μg/day, respectively. Conclusions Although there was no apparent risk when each metal was analysed and considered individually, the potential risk could be multiplied when considering all heavy metals. The high heavy metal content in Nigerian smokeless tobacco may have public health implications.

Antihyperglycaemic Effect of Tetracarpidium Conophorum Nuts in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Female Albino Rats

Abstract: The antihyperglycaemic activity of Tetracarpidium conophorum nut (walnut) was investigated in albino rats. A total of 20 albino rats were used for the study. The rats were divided into five groups (A-E) of four rats each. Diabetes were induced in the rats except four which served as the positive control group A. Groups B (negative control), C, D, and E contain diabetic rats each with blood sugar level ≥17.00 mmol/L. Groups A and B were fed on 85.2 g of top feed grower over the test period. Test groups C, D, and E were fed on 21.3 g, 42.6 g, and 85.2 g of walnuts, respectively, and their fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were checked on daily basis. Fasting blood glucose levels of the test groups were significantly lower than negative control P < 0.05, for 3rd, 7th, and 10th days of the test. There were also significant increase in the body weight and hemoglobin concentration and a decreased urine output of the test group compared with the controls. These results indicate that Tetracarpidium conophorum nut (walnut) has an antihyperglycemic effect in diabetic rats.

The fish assemblage of elechi creek rivers state, nigeria.

Abstract: The fish assemblage of Elechi Creek in Rivers State of the Niger Delta, Nigeria was studied from October to December 1994 (representing the dry season) and April to June 1995 (representing the wet season) (representing the wet season) using local fishing gear (cast net, seine net and drift net). Sampling was carried out both by day and night during high tide and low tide. A total of 5,051 specimens were sampled which yielded 20 families made up of 35 species. Variations in mesh size and gear used greatly influenced species diversity and abundance in Elechi Creek Niger (Gerridae) and Tilapa guineensis (cichlida) appeared abundantly in the catch. The clupeid Ethmalosa fimbriata was observed as the most dominant species in this study. Other dominant species that may be regarded as forming commercial quantities in the mangrove habit of Elechi Creek include the clupeid Lae viscutela, Aplocheilichthys spilauchena (Cyperinodontidae), and progobius schlageli (Gobiidae). Seasonal variation was observed in the assemblage. Significant differences (P<0.01) occurred in the catch between low and high tide and between the day and night.

Solar-Powered Groundwater Pumping Systems for Nigerian Water Sheds

Abstract: The paper presents an overview of the occurrence of different groundwater sheds, water quality, and availability in Nigeria. it also discussed the viability of solar-powered groundwater pumping systems in Nigeria. Applicable methods for system design and economic analysis are further outlined.

Descriptive epidemiology and seasonality of intestinal parasites of cats in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract: An epidemiological survey was conducted on the prevalence, intensity, seasonality and risk factors associated with intestinal parasites of cats in Southeast Nigeria between February 2011 and January 2012, spanning all the seasons of the year. A total of 119 cats (68 stray and 51 domesticated) were surveyed. Out of these, 88 (73.9 %) were infected with at least one intestinal parasite. In terms of individual infections, Dipylidium caninum had the highest prevalence (59.7 %) and intensity (42.5 ± 4.3), while the lowest prevalence was for Blastocystis spp. (1.7 % prevalence and 0.8 ± 0.6 intensity). While the prevalence of individual parasites was comparable between the stray and domesticated cats except for Blastocystis spp., the intensity of infection was significantly higher (p 0.05) except for Blastocystis spp. but age dependent. On the basis of individual organisms, prevalence of nematode parasites was significantly higher (p 0.05) while protozoa followed no definite pattern. The overall prevalence of the parasitic agents varied significantly (p < 0.05) with seasonal changes, being highest during summer (June–August) and least during winter (December–February). Age, residency status and seasonal variations were found to be important risk factors associated with infection. The above findings are critical, given recent concerns about the growing public health importance of zoonosis worldwide.

Degree of Operating Leverage, Contribution Margin and the Risk-Return Profile of Emerging Companies: Evidence from Nigeria

Abstract: This article investigates the effects of degree of operating leverage and contribution margin on profitability and risk of Nigeria’s emerging companies. Emerging companies were described in this study as small and medium-sized enterprises that are high-potential and high-growth in character listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market. Cross-sectional and time series data were collected from Nigerian Stock Exchange for the top ten emerging companies listed in the market. Additional restricted-access data about internal management accounting decisions were retrieved directly from these firms. Data were sought to estimate values for operating profit, operating risk, degree of operating leverage, and contribution margin. Since data were collected for ten years in each case, a ten-by-ten panel study involving two models was designed. The probability of both f-test and t-test was 0.05. First, the study shows that degree of operating leverage (DOL) contributes less to profit before interest and tax (PBIT) of emerging companies than contribution margin (CM), yet DOL contributes more to their operating risk profile than CM does. Second, only CM was found to have caused significantly positive changes in operating risk. It was, therefore, concluded that emerging companies face challenges in recovering fixed costs or take unusually longer period to breakeven.

Remediation of Nickel from Crude Oil Obtained from Bomu Oil Field Using Cassava Waste Water Starch Stabilized Magnetic Nanoparticles

Abstract: Starch Stabilized Magnetic Nanoparticles (SSMNPs) were prepared by reacting 4.4 g of FeCl3.6H2O with 1.98 g of FeCl2.4H2O in 61 mL of 0, 0.025, 0.5, 0.1 and 0.5% w/v of cassava waste water starch solution. Deionised water (0% w/v) was used as the control. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis of the first four samples confirmed that all the samples contained magnetite nanoparticles with estimated sizes of 16.99, 15.73, 11.48 and 17.73 nm respectively. The SSMNPs were then applied in the removal of nickel ions from crude oil obtained from Bomu oil field. The samples were divided into batches A and B. Both samples were shaken for 3.3 h but only batch A was centrifuged before analysis. 0.2 mL of each sample was siphoned and dissolved in n-hexane for analysis. The results obtained showed that the sample with the least starch concentration (15.73 nm) recorded the best performance in both cases with 56 and 93% of Ni (II) complexes removal respectively. All measurements were done using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer set at λmax of 400 nm predetermined from a scan of Ni (II) ions solution.

Sighting frequency decreases over two decades in three populations of Testudo hermanni from central Italy

Abstract: Sighting frequency of tortoises (Testudo hermanni), standardized by the number of person-hours of field effort, was studied between 1992 and 2013 at three different study areas in central Italy. Although the frequency of tortoise sightings fluctuated substantially across years and among study areas, there was a significant declining trend in all the three areas, with GLM analyses showing also a significant interaction between study area and sampling year. The decreasing trend was higher in Castel Fusano than in the other two sites, with yearly frequency of sightings being independent of search effort in all of the study areas. These trends may indicate population declines, because no other explanations seem plausible. Total rainfall from previous autumn to the study period was positively correlated to tortoise sightings in only one locality. The yearly frequency of sightings of juvenile tortoises did not vary significantly among study areas and across years, thus indicating that simple differences in detectability cannot explain the observed patterns. Summer fires and forest overgrowing seem to explain the tortoise decline in two study areas (Castel Fusano and Oriolo) whereas we were not able to identify any specific reason for tortoise decline in the third study area (Manziana).

Rural women farmers' assessment of credit oriented self-help groups in Delta State, Nigeria.

Abstract: This study was conducted to analyze the perception of the rural woman about credit oriented self-help group in Delta State, Nigeria. A sample size of 110 respondents was used for the study and data were collected from them with the use of structured interview schedule and questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression equation model as the lead equation. It was revealed that the women farmers subscribed to self-help groups in order to be able to have access to credit (mean = 3.78), information (mean = 3.55), extension services (mean = 3.45). The respondents were satisfied with their respective self-help groups. However, they had some challenges such as inadequate access to extension services (mean = 3.55) and lack of commitment by the leaders (mean = 3.22) and members (mean = 3.19). Educational level and frequency of extension contact of the respondents were found to influence their perception on self-help groups at 5% level of significance. It is recommended that governmental and non-governmental organizations, and university agricultural extension departments should carry out a campaign on workshops for these groups on commitment and extension agencies should diversify their focus to include selfhelp groups and activities.

Influence of Fouling on Heat Exchanger Effectiveness in a Polyethylene Plant

Abstract: This paper evaluates the effects of fouling on three heat exchanger units (Pump around cooler, First stage condenser and pre heater) in a polyethylene plant. Data were obtained through steady state monitoring and direct measurements from the plant. The data were analysed using various energy equations and a computer program to determine the overall heat transfer coefficient, heat duties, temperature and pressure range of hot and cold fluids, capacity ratio and effectiveness. The result shows that for the pump around cooler, the overall heat transfer coefficient was 51.60% less than the design value. For the first stage condenser the heat duty and the overall heat transfer coefficient were 86.39% and 80.71% less than the design value respectively. This was traceable to increased fouling that has affected the effectiveness, capacity ratio and temperature range of the hot and cold fluid. In the pre heater unit the heat duty was found to be 80.14% of the design value, while the overall heat transfer coefficient was 15% more than the design value. This was due to variation in temperature difference between plant data and design value in the hot fluid side of the exchanger which has also affected the pressure drop. The results also show an increase of 57.73% of the fouling factor over the design value which also affected the effectiveness and capacity ratio of the heat exchangers.

Rainfall Runoff Model for Calabar Metropolis Using Multiple Regression

Abstract: Mathematical analyses were used to develop model that predicts the influence of some hydraulic and hydrologic parameters on the perennial flooding of some parts of the Calabar Metropolis. The parameters were obtained from ten sampling locations all within Calabar metropolis. An empirical model was developed to predict discharge based on the independent variables of cross sectional area of drains, degree imperviousness, gradient, sum of channel length, and basin area. The model developed gave a good multiple regression coefficient of 0.982with a standard error of 0.709at a significance level of 0.10. The R 2 value of the regression model shows that 96.4% of the total variation in the storm water discharge is accounted for by the five regressors. Incorrect sizing and spread of drains as well as the existing slopes employed in the generation of the drains’ invert during construction have been seen as some of the key factors that foster flooding in the Metropolis. Designers are encouraged to employ the model developed for drains design and analysis for Calabar Metropolis. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v33i4.18

Antifungal Activities of Curry Leaf (Murraya Koengii) Extract on Some Selected Fungi

Abstract: Studies on the antifungal activity of aqueous and organic extracts of Murraya koeingii (curry leaf) on fungi was undertaken using Candida albicans, Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium camemberti, Aspergillus niger as test organisms. Aqueous and organic extracts of the plants were obtained using standard techniques. The extracts were Cold aqueous extract (CAE), hot aqueous extract (HAE) and Ethanol extract (EE). Sensitivity test was carried out using Agar Well Diffusion Method; the set up was incubated at 37 0 c for 24 hours. Development of zones of inhibition was observed and measured. This showed that some of the tested extracts demonstrated antifungal activities against the test organisms. Comparison of the extracts showed that Ethanol aqueous extract (EE) of Murraya koengii had high activity against all test organisms. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Cold, Hot and Ethanol extracts of Murraya koenigii was 20g/ml for all the test organisms.Since the Cold and Hot extracts did not demonstrate high activity on the test organism, it could be concluded that the activity demonstrated by both Cold and Hot aqueous extract was due to the effect of the extracts. These results indicate that Murraya koengii can be used as an antifungal agent in the treatment of infections. Keywords: antifungal, fungi, murraya koeingii (curry leaf), organisms, organic extract

Population-based survey of HIV sero-status and vertical transmission among naive pregnant women in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract: Background: This study aims at investigating the seroprevalence of HIV infection among status naive pregnant women and probable vertical transmission in Sokoto, Nigeria. Materials and Methods : This cross-sectional study examined 13,026 apparently healthy pregnant women aged between 14 and 45 years and 312 mother-baby pairs in 4 different hospital settings in Sokoto State, North West, Nigeria between March, 2011 and February, 2013. The babies were aged between 8 and 16 months. HIV screening was performed using qualitative rapid tests and ELISA and HIV-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Measurement of CD4+ T-lymphocytes was carried out by the BD FACScount System. All seropositive pregnant women were immediately placed on triple antiretroviral therapy (ART) throughout the duration of the pregnancy and beyond. Results: An overall 2.4% prevalence of HIV-1 infection among the pregnant women and 20.5% incident of mother-to-child transmission were found. Of the seropositive pregnant women, 75.0% were full-time house wives, 13.8% and 11.2% were traders and civil servants respectively; of which, 70.2% were within the ages of 14 and 27 years (youthful predominance). Pearson’s χ 2 analysis did not show any statistically significant difference in the Mean values in the 4 health facilities (χ 2 =2.084, df=3, P-value=0.555). Similarly, no significant difference in HIV seropositivity in the demographic data of the pregnant women were observed (P>0.05). Infection was recorded in all age groups but there was no statistical significance between age groups and infection (P = 0.833). Of the 64 seropositive babies, 62 (92.5%) contracted HIV from antiretroviral therapy non-adherence mothers (χ 2 =271.457, df=1, P<0.01), OR=1506.6 (95%CI=285.5-7950.4). Conclusion: This study found high prevalence of vertical transmission due to ART non-adherence. Intervention initiatives should, therefore, focus seriously on ART non-adherence. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.11530 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 49-57

Social Impact Assessment of Crude Oil Pollution on Small Scale Farmers in Oil Producing Communities of the Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study assessed the social impact of oil production on small holder farmers in oil-producing communities of the Central zone of Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 120 respondents by the use of questionnaires. Soil erosion (96.6%), noise pollution (98.3%), bush burning (93.3%), land degradation/pollution (87.5%), water pollution (80.3%), air pollution (62.5%), massive deforestation (62.5%) and acid rain (52.5%) were seen as the major environmental problems experienced in the study area. The respondents reported that oil pollution impacted negatively on their income (83.3%), agricultural production (98.3%) and land availability (85.8%). None of the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents such as age, gender, Educational level, religion, marital status, type of farming, family size, Farming experience, farm size, income, housing, tenure, membership of organization, land tenure and source of labour were found to determine the social impact of oil pollution on small-scale farmers. Recommendations given dwelt on making the environment conducive for the communities, agricultural activities and it sustenance for future generations.

Power supply infrastructure and government policy inconsistency on the performance of small and medium scale manufacturing firms in nigeria: an empirical assessment

Abstract: This study empirically examined the influence of power supply infrastructure and government policy inconsistencies as external environmental factors on small and medium scale manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The delimitation of the study was on small and medium scale manufacturing firms in Lagos State, Nigeria listed in the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria with a population of 283 firms and a sample size of 148 firms selected using the stratified random sampling technique. The research adopted the quantitative research process with the use of structured questionnaire. The data from the questionnaire were analyzed using the statistical package on social sciences. The findings are: That power supply infrastructure has significant influence on the performance measures of small and medium manufacturing firms in Nigeria and that government policy inconsistency does not have significant influence on the performance of small and medium manufacturing firms. From the findings of the study, it is recommended that regional industrial catchment areas be developed for small and medium manufacturing firms and the provision of independent power generation as a central power supply infrastructure provided in the industrial catchment areas; and that though small and medium firms are not significantly susceptible to government policy inconsistencies but with the dynamics of an emerging economy, government in Nigeria should develop a manufacturing policy guideline to improve on the performance of small and medium manufacturing firms.

Conservation of Traditional Agricultural Knowledge in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract: Many sustainable agricultural practices that emanate from local and traditional farming knowledge and are environment friendly in the face of climate change are steadily being abandoned. These practices include the use of manure, local weather forecast and planting of various local cassava varieties to manage risk. This study examines the characteristics of those who maintain these traditional practices to ascertain if the maintenance of these local agricultural practices can be explained by adoption diffusion literature. The reasons given for maintenance of the traditional farm practices included cost, environmental friendliness and easy access to needed weather information, quality of starch in cassava and risk management. The findings do not support the idea that young, educated and wealthier farmers are more likely to reject traditional farm practices. Instead, use of tractors, off-farm employment and farm size tend to have relationship with the use of traditional farm practices.

Information Communication Technologies in Agricultural Extension Delivery of Agricultural Transformation Agenda

Abstract: The study examined the role of information communication technologies in extension delivery of Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of Nigeria. The objectives were to: examine the agricultural extension delivery of ATA; identify ICTs relevant in agricultural extension and application of ATA; examine roles of ICTs in extension of ATA and identify constraints to the use of ICTs in extension delivery. The study is a review research which was based on secondary data collected from Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, related literatures and internet. The study identified roles of ICTs in extension in ATA to include bridging the information gap for rural farmers with respect to innovative practices; farmers' access to government policies; farmers' access to information about input availability, credit facilities and weather vagaries. Some of the constraints to the use of ICTs were identified to include, erratic and fluctuating power supply, poor finance, lack of internet access in the rural areas and high cost of ICTs hard and soft wares. It was recommended that for more impact of the ICTs application in agriculture to be felt by extension agents and farmers alike, government and private sector investors should carryout massive human capacity development of agricultural extension officers in the various ICT tools which are applicable in agricultural sector, carry out awareness creation and sensitization of rural farmers of the opportunities they have in the use of ICTs, include the use of video-conferencing among stakeholders for meetings to reduce distant travels.

Post Consolidation Asset Base: Effect on Financial Leverage, Efficiency and Profitability of Nigerian Banks

Abstract: This paper examines the effect of post-bank consolidation on financial leverage, asset efficiency and profitability of Nigerian banks. Cross-sectional and time series data were collected from Nigerian Stock Exchange fact books and annual reports and accounts of various banks, specifically on revenue, fixed assets, long term debt, and profit after tax. Leverage, assets efficiency and profitability ratios were calculated and the data delineated into two eras: pre-consolidation era (involving 30 banks) and post-consolidation era (with 16 banks). Paired sample t-test of mean and multiple regression analysis were employed to evaluate bank performance. Financial leverage was lower in the post-consolidation era indicating lower risk, lesser vulnerability and greater stability. Assets efficiency and profitability were not significantly different in both eras. Again the multiple regression analysis shows stronger explanatory power of asset efficiency to cause changes in financial leverage for both pre-and post-consolidation eras than that of profitability, albeit in contrast to a priori expectation. The anxieties expressed by industry watchers that the dusts are not yet settled with Nigeria’s banks credibility are therefore founded in empirical results.

Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Corporate Collapse: A Post-Mortem Analysis of Failure of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Nigeria

Abstract: The study investigated through a post mortem research paradigm the extent to which lack of fiscal transparency and accountability accounted the collapse of SOEs in Nigeria without prejudice to other variables identified in previous studies. The study adopted the fiscal transparency and accountability code of good conduct as evolved by the IMF in building the model tested in the study. The paper observed that institutionalization of the tripod of: clarity of roles and responsibilities (which is a cardinal principle of internal control); public availability of information; and open preparation and proper of implementation of budget would have contributed significantly to foreclosing the collapse of SOEs in Nigeria. The paper also observed that assurances of integrity which revolved around proper engagement of external audit services could not have prevented the failure of SOEs. The paper concludes that the non enshrinement of fiscal transparency and accountability in the management of SOEs is a recipe not only for their poor performance but eventual failure. This conclusion is firmly collocated within the current push for greater transparency and answerability on the part of government and her institutions as evidenced in the ongoing public service reforms. Therefore, the paper recommends the imperative of institutionalizing fiscal transparency and accountability in all public institutions as a critical service delivery success factor and the enthronement of good governance. Keywords: Fiscal transparency, accountability, state-owned enterprises, corporate collapse, post mortem, national development.

Assessment of rural livelihoods in oil producing communities of Rivers state, Nigeria.

Abstract: The study assessed rural livelihoods in oil producing communities of Rivers state. A structured interview schedule was utilized in obtaining information from two hundred respondents. Multi- stage sampling procedure was employed in the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study established that 64.5% of the respondents in the upland oil producing communities had farming as their economic livelihood while 74.2% of the respondents in the coastal oil producing communities had fishing as their main occupation in the 80s. At present (2010), the percentage of those involved in farming in the upland oil producing communities have reduced from 64.5% in the 80s to 21.6% in 2010 while a higher percentage (61.3%) are now civil/public servants. Also, the percentage of those fishing in the coastal oil producing communities has reduced from 74.2% in the 80s to 18.4% in 2010 while a great percentage (55.6%) of the respondents is now civil/public servants. The causes for these changes were land degradation, low agricultural produce, socio economic effects of oil prospect and land displacement. It is therefore recommended that the oil producing communities should use fertilizer to improve the nutritional content of the soil.

Effect of an Improvised Furnance on Students Performance in Foundry Technology in Technical Colleges in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of an improvised furnace on students’ performance in foundry technology in technical colleges in Rivers State. The study adopted research and development incorporating quasi-experimental design. It involved the use of control group, pre-test – post test design. The population of 194 students from four technical colleges in Rivers State were used for the study. The instrument for data collection was made up of Foundry Technology Achievement Test (FTAT) developed by the researcher. The achievement test consists of 50-multiple choice items with four options of A-D. The test items were identified and selected from the content of (NABTEB) syllabus on metal work technology. Test re-test method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument; the tests yielded 0.70,073 and 0.72, 0.74 for the first and second tests respectively. Four experts in metal work technology were involved in both face and content validity of the improvised furnace and 200 multiple-choice test items. The results obtained from the test scores were compiled and analyzed using statistical tools such as; percentage, mean, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in answering the research question and testing the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. improvised furnace had positive effects on students’ performance in foundry (15.32). The difference in performance between those taught using improvised furnace and those taught using conventional teaching aids was found to be significant at 0.05 levels of significance. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that government, technical college principals and the different agencies should provide fund to procure the materials and component for designing and constructing furnace by the teacher for teaching foundry in technical colleges in Rivers State. Also, constant power supply, generators, accumulators, anvil, steel vessel, pipes and electric blower should be provided and distributed by the ministry of education to the technical colleges for construction of furnace for effective teaching of foundry in Rivers State. The industries, government, non-governmental agencies and private enterprises and communities should provide components, consumable materials necessary for teaching foundry and supply the materials directly to the individual technical colleges in Rivers State. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p649