Quantitative Estimate of Weeds of Sugarcane (Saccharum Officinarum L.) Crop in Ilorin, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

A survey was conducted in the sugarcane fields of Unilorin Sugar Research Institute, Ilorin in the southern Guinea savanna agro-ecological zone of Nigeria during 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons with an objective to identify the current status of prevalent weeds in rainfed and irrigated sugarcane fields. A quantitative method was employed for the enumeration of weeds. Quadrats were laid along transects and individual weed species in each quadrat was identified and counted. Simpson’s diversity index, Sorensen similarity index and relative abundance were used to determine the weed community structure. A total of 51 weed species belonging to 40 genera within 16 families were identified across the sugarcane fields. Rainfed sugarcane field was higher in weed species (41) than irrigated fields (35 weed species). Rainfed fields also had the diversity index of 28.84 % compared to 21.66% species diversity computed for irrigated fields. The result generally shows that the similarities index of weed species between rainfed and irrigated fields is about 50 %. Among the 10 abundant weed species, two grasses viz. Panicum repens L. and Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeschel were the most  abundant weeds in sugarcane fields followed by Rottboellia cochinchinensis Lour and two sedge weeds Cyperus rotundus L. and Mariscus longibracteatus Cherm. Results obtained from this study would be useful in creating a weed management programme and making informed decision on choice of herbicides. Regular weed survey to identify possible problematic weeds and weed population shifts and direct research toward new or improved weed control measures is thereby recommended.Key words: Sugarcane fields, rainfed, irrigation, survey, weed specie

Applications and Performance Evaluation of Renewable Energy Technology Development in Nigeria using PESTEL Evaluation

Global warming and the depletion of fossil fuels have led advanced countries to develop renewable energy technologies. Very far from this trend are developing countries like Nigeria. The research examined the impact of Renewable Energy Technology (RET) development, taking to account the major barriers that influence the promotion of RET in the developing countries and the major issues with the usage. In achieving this, a two way analysis was done, firstly, using Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal (PESTEL) frame work analysis, taking into account the macro factors considered in RET development in the developing country. Secondly, through data obtained directly from target audience divided in themes using statistical inference.  The results indicates that there are strong barrier linking energy and development that obstructs implementation of RET and some of the major factors involved at the local level.  Imperative and substantial suggestions that can be utilized, even by other local regions in the developing world that wish to make a shift towards greater use of RET was made. Keywords: Application, Performance, Renewable Energy, Technology, Development, “PESTEL” Nigeria

Determinants of contractor satisfaction

Performance in the construction industry is increasingly scrutinized as a result of the delays, cost overruns and poor quality of the industry’s products and services. Increasingly, disputes, conflicts and mismatches of objectives among participants are contributory factors. Performance measurement approaches have been developed to overcome these problems. However, these approaches focus primarily on objective measures to the exclusion of subjective measures, particularly those concerning contractor satisfaction (Co-S). The contractor satisfaction model (CoSMo) developed here is intended to rectify the situation. Data derived from a questionnaire survey of 75 large contractors in Malaysia in respect of a key project are analysed to identify participant factors and their strength of relationship with Co-S dimensions. The results are presented in the form of eight regression equations. The outcome is a tool for use by project participants to provide a better understanding of how they, and the project, affect contractor satisfaction. The developed model sheds some light on a hitherto unknown aspect of construction management in providing an increased awareness of the importance of major Malaysian construction contractors’ needs in the execution of successful projects

Intelligence Gathering Imperative: A Tool for Successful Security Outfits’ Operation

This study examines the recent security challenges Nigerians and non-Nigerians encounters in their daily existence to eke a living. These threats are orchestrated by the activities of one of the deadliest terrorist group in the world (Boko Haram), and herdsmen notorious killers, armed banditry, cow rustling by rustlers, incessant kidnapping especially students in schools and unsuspecting Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike; which has made Nigeria federating states unsafe for any meaningful socio-economic development to thrive. To achieve this, two objectives were stated to include, underscore the overarching relevance of intelligent gathering in preventing crime and understand the elaborateness of intelligence gathering that can be utilized to mitigate crimes outcomes. The study found that intelligence gathering is the disconnect that has precipitated this state of affairs in Nigeria. Equally responsible is the people’s loyalty which is first and foremost skewed to ethnoreligious and political considerations instead of the country. It was recommended among other appeals to include: The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) of Nigeria which is the coordinating security agency should be properly funded and personnel trained in modern intelligence gathering techniques, the unnecessary bickering, in-fighting for superiority between and among security agencies in Nigeria should be discouraged because this itself is a big challenge in security equation of Nigeria; and serious effort should be made to stop the politicization of security intelligence gathering matters based on tribe, ethnic group, religious and political affiliations

Occupational safety and health management in developing countries: A study of construction companies in Malawi

Purpose: Whilst occupational safety and health (OSH) management is recognised as an important mechanism for addressing poor OSH performance, limited empirical insight is available on OSH management by construction companies in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated OSH management by construction companies (i.e. contractors) in Malawi in order to unpick implementation issues that need attention. Materials and methods: 46 OSH management practices were probed through a survey of contractors. Results: Implementation of OSH practices amongst contractors is low, particularly for practices related to the policy, organising, measuring and reviewing, and auditing elements of OSH management. Company size, is associated with implementation of nearly a half of the 46 OSH practices. Certification of company to Standard No. OHSAS 1800:2007 is associated with the implementation of fewer practices. Conclusions: OSH management improvement efforts would need to focus on the elements with particularly low implementation of practices as well as include initiatives that focus on helping micro enterprises to improve their OSH management. Association between business characteristics and OSH management may be more evident with certain elements such as the organising element. Furthermore, certification to Standard No. OHSAS 1800:2007 may not necessarily translate into greater implementation of OSH management practices, especially in developing countries