Factors militating against cooperative societies’ contributions to housing development in Osogbo, Nigeria

Various strategies are being deployed to address finance for housing development in Nigeria. However, few localised studies have examined factors hindering the performance of cooperative societies to assist with housing development. The article aims to investigate the barriers that hinder cooperative societies to be involved in housing delivery in Osogbo and Olorunda, two local government areas of Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. The study used a quantitative research design, with a questionnaire survey. Using the multi-stage sampling technique, 110 cooperative societies were selected across the local government areas and the structured descriptive survey was administered to one member in each selected cooperative society. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency table) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results of the communality values based on PCA showed that financial and land regulation, loan management, and credibility of co-operators are the factors affecting the ability of cooperative societies in funding housing development in Osogbo. The study concluded that cooperative societies have a significant impact on housing delivery in Osogbo. Based on these findings, it is clear that, if cooperative societies are well supported by government policies such as public-private collaborations on land acquisitions, urban housing production challenges could be reduced

Evaluation of outdoor activities in residential environments: The role of urban open spaces

There is increasing evidence linking the availability of urban open spaces to improve active living and outdoor behaviour. However, it is not clear what typologies of urban open spaces stimulate what types of activities. This article explores outdoor utilisation of open spaces in residential neighbourhoods of Osogbo, a South-Western city in Nigeria. The study classified neighbourhoods in the city into high-, medium- and lowdensity areas. Out of the 6 818 buildings identified in the selected neighbourhoods, multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 1 265 respondents. Using a survey research method, data were obtained through structured questionnaires, field observations, objective measurement of open spaces via Geographic Information System, and photographic recordings. The data were analysed with the aid of IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Statistics 24, and further presented indescriptive statistics, percentage statistics, and chi-square test. Different typologies of open spaces were identified (school playgrounds, neighbourhood park, incidental open spaces, pocket park). Walking and vigorous, moderate, and sedentary activities were observed in the open spaces. Results also show that sedentary activities were prevalent across all typologies, and the highest proportion of vigorous activities occurred in the incidental open spaces. In addition, the results revealed statistically significant variations in self-reported vigorous outdoor activities across the open space typologies. There was also statistically significant difference in the level of activities between males and females in the city. Findings show that the patterns of outdoor activities differ by typologies. To stimulate active living, this study recommends that appropriate amenities be provided in urban open spaces

Development of a multilevel converter topology for transformer-less connection of renewable energy systems

The global need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels for electricity production has become an ongoing research theme in the last decade. Clean energy sources (such as wind energy and solar energy) have considerable potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. However, wind energy is going to become more mainstream due to technological advancement and geographical availability. Therefore, various technologies exist to maximize the inherent advantages of using wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) to generate electrical power. One important technology is the power electronics interface that enables the transfer and effective control of electrical power from the renewable energy source to the grid through the filter and isolation transformer. However, the transformer is bulky, generates losses, and is also very costly. Therefore, the term "transformer-less connection" refers to eliminating a step-up transformer from the WECS, while the power conversion stage performs the conventional functions of a transformer. Existing power converter configurations for transformer-less connection of a WECS are either based on the generator-converter configuration or three-stage power converter configuration. These configurations consist of conventional multilevel converter topologies and two-stage power conversion between the generator-side converter topology and the high-order filter connected to the collection point of the wind power plant (WPP). Thus, the complexity and cost of these existing configurations are significant at higher voltage and power ratings. Therefore, a single-stage multilevel converter topology is proposed to simplify the power conversion stage of a transformer-less WECS. Furthermore, the primary design challenges – such as multiple clamping devices, multiple dc-link capacitors, and series-connected power semiconductor devices – have been mitigated by the proposed converter topology. The proposed converter topology, known as the "tapped inductor quasi-Z-source nested neutral-point-clamped (NNPC) converter," has been analyzed, and designed, and a prototype of the topology developed for experimental verification. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based modulation technique and voltage balancing control technique for maintaining the clamping capacitor voltages was developed. Hence, the proposed converter topology presents a single-stage power conversion configuration. Efficiency analysis of the proposed converter topology has been studied and compared to the intermediate and grid-side converter topology of a three-stage power converter configuration. A direct current (DC) component minimization technique to minimize the dc component generated by the proposed converter topology was investigated, developed, and verified experimentally. The proposed dc component minimization technique consists of a sensing and measurement circuitry with a digital notch filter. This thesis presents a detailed and comprehensive overview of the existing power converter configurations developed for transformer-less WECS applications. Based on the developed 2 comparative benchmark factor (CBF), the merits and demerits of each power converter configuration in terms of the component counts and grid compliance have been presented. In terms of cost comparison, the three-stage power converter configuration is more cost-effective than the generatorconverter configuration. Furthermore, the cost-benefit analysis of deploying a transformer-less WECSs in a WPP is evaluated and compared with conventional WECS in a WPP based on power converter configurations and collection system. Overall, the total cost of the collection system of WPP with transformer-less WECSs is about 23% less than the total cost of WPP with conventional WECs. The derivation and theoretical analysis of the proposed five-level tapped inductor quasi-Z-source NNPC converter topology have been presented, emphasizing its operating principles, steady-state analysis, and deriving equations to calculate its inductance and capacitance values. Furthermore, the FPGA implementation of the proposed converter topology was verified experimentally with a developed prototype of the topology. The efficiency of the proposed converter topology has been evaluated by varying the switching frequency and loads. Furthermore, the proposed converter topology is more efficient than the five-level DC-DC converter with a five-level diode-clamped converter (DCC) topology under the three-stage power converter configuration. Also, the cost analysis of the proposed converter topology and the conventional converter topology shows that it is more economical to deploy the proposed converter topology at the grid side of a transformer-less WECS

Haematological and serum biochemical indices of pre-pubertal male rabbits fed with graded level of blood-wild sunflower forage meal mixture

The effects of feeding graded levels of blood wild sunflower forage meal mixture (BWSFM) on haematological and serum biochemical parameters in rabbit were studied. Thirty-two (32) cross-bred (New Zealand-white X Chinchilla) male weaner rabbits aged between 6 and 9 weeks were randomly divided after weight balancing into four groups of eight rabbits per group and each rabbit served as replicate in a complete randomized design. Four diets were formulated in which diet 1 the control, was containing no BWSFM mixture, while diets 2, 3 and 4 had graded levels of 5, 10 and 15% BWSFM mixture respectively. The rabbits were fed with the experimental diets for 12 weeks. The results showed that though the final weight of the rabbits in the different groups were not significantly affected by the inclusion of the test ingredient, the packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin content (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, as well as the lymphocytes and serum alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the treatments. It was concluded that inclusion of blood/wild sunflower forage meal mixture up to 15% was well tolerated by pre-pubertal male rabbits without any adverse health condition.Keyword: Pre-pubertal, rabbits, packed cell volume, alanine aminotransaminase, blood/wild sunflower forage meal mixtur

Soundscape Mapping of Agodi Park and Gardens, Ibadan Southwestern Nigeria

This study provides contextual evidence on recreational noise exposure in a typical Nigerian urban park. It investigated perceived sonic characteristics as well as the spatial noise variations across Agodi Park and Gardens in the city of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Integration of noise mapping and soundscape methods was used to understand the nature of noise being generated in this outdoor setting. Sound Pressure Level (SPL) was used to obtain data from nine major locations within the park. Using a non-probabilistic method of sampling, fifty respondents were selected incidentally to participate in this study. With the aid of an instrument consisting structured questionnaires and observation checklist, information on respondents’ demographic characteristics, their perceptions of the recreational noise, and desirability levels of soundscape in the park was obtained. Recreational noise data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Test of Difference (T-test) to investigate time-based variations in the level of noise (morning and evening periods). Although most respondents were oblivious of the noise exposure, findings show that the average sound level in the park was 77 dBA which exceeded the recommended noise limit of 60 dBA expected in recreational parks. The study recommends that soundscape characters should be considered in the design of future urban parks as they would go a long way in improving and enhancing the quality of perceived user’s comfort

An Innovative Pick and Place Robotic Arm System Using an Atmega328 Microcontroller with Escalating Stability

It is well known that the pick and place mechanism can take the role of human arms, particularly in industrial settings, and that it is more accurate and faster at performing jobs. The mechanism created in this study is an inexpensive device controlled by sensors that can propel items swiftly. The proposed system simulates the behavior of a human in accomplishing a specific industrial job with increased stability than the existing designs. Ultrasonic sensors were used to sense anything for picking and positioning in industries, together with servo motors, an Atmega328 Arduino microprocessor, and light steel iron for the frames. The system's stability as derived from the theoretical equations is verified using Matlab software. The elevated stability was achieved utilizing a step input signal that is a type zero system.  The observability, controllability, polar plot, and bode were also established. The phase difference for the bode plot is 173 degrees, and the system rise time is 1.01 seconds. The findings demonstrate the device's escalated stability and dependability, which will increase productivity and lower production costs when used by the industry. The device can be usefully utilized in an environment that is life-threatening to human beings. The limitation of the proposed system is that it is stationary and can be used only to move an object along a conveyor belt; it is not mobile. Nevertheless, it outperforms current ones economically. It is more affordable, exceedingly dependable, repeatable, and steady

Precision Medicine of Autoimmune Diseases

Genomic-based information is an essential key to precise therapy referred to as personalized medicine. Its application in autoimmune disease treatment will bring the required breakthrough in medicine. Autoimmune diseases are the disease conditions where the body’s immune system recognizes and generate an immune response against self-antigens. There exist different approaches of which precision medicine data can be utilized in the clinical management of autoimmune diseases; this includes diagnosis, prognosis, stratification and treatment response prediction. Different markers exist to guide clinical decision while several others are still being identified and proposed. This chapter highlights data and databases in precision medicine of autoimmune diseases and the pathway for data sharing. The precision medicine of selected autoimmune diseases was discussed, and the different biomarkers utilized in the diagnosis, prognosis, stratification and response monitoring of such condition were considered

Influence of Personality Traits and Work Commitment on Job Performance of Public Secondary School Teachers in Oyo South Senatorial District

This study examined the influence of personality traits, and work commitment on Job performance of public secondary school teachers in Oyo South Senatorial District of Oyo State, Nigeria. It also assessed the level of job performance of public secondary school teachers and investigated the combined influence of personality traits and work commitment on Job performance of these teachers with a view to improving their job performance level in the senatorial district and Oyo State in general. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The sample for this study consisted of 15 principals, 75 HODs, and 300 class teachers in the senatorial district. Five local government councils were selected from nine local government councils in Oyo South senatorial district using simple random sampling technique. Frequency counts, simple percentages, chi-square, and one-way ANOVA statistics were employed to analyze the data. The hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that 15.7%, 67.9% and 16.4% of public secondary school teachers in the senatorial district demonstrated low, moderate, and high levels of job performance respectively. Also, 72.1% of the teachers had a moderate level of work commitment, 1.7% had a high level while 11.7% had a low level of work commitment. The results further showed that there was no significant influence of personality traits on teacher’s job performance (X2 = 6.730, df = 8, p = 566). It was established that there was significant influence of personality traits on the job performance of teachers (X2 = 49.942, df = 4, p = .00). Moreover, the result showed that the combination of personality traits and work commitment will significantly influence the job performance of the teachers (F = 541.158, P > 0.05). The study concluded that work commitment had the greater influence on the job performance than personality traits

AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN PROSTAGLANDIN E2, NITRIC OXIDE, AND VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR LEVELS IN GASTRIC MUCOSA DURING THE HEALING OF ACETIC ACID-INDUCED ULCER

Objective: Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PgE2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are fundamental regulators of epithelial restitution and angiogenesis. They play important roles in ulcer healing. Insights into their possible changes during gastric ulcer healing putting age into consideration could give a guide to the proper management of ulcers in the aging population. This study, therefore, examined alterations in the concentrations of PgE2, NO, and VEGF in the gastric mucosa of rats of different ages after induction of ulcer and during healing.Methods: Male Wister rats (aged 3, 6, and 18 months old) were divided into three groups according to their ages. The ulcer was induced using the acetic acid ulcer model. Healing indices studied on days 3, 7, and 14 were the macroscopic dimension of ulcer, stomach tissue concentration of PgE2, NO, and VEGF, with the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF.Results: Outcome of this study showed 100%, 88.36%, and 62.30% area of mucosa healed in 3-, 6-, and 18-month-old rats respectively, on day 14 post-induction of ulcer. PgE2, NO, and VEGF concentrations were inversely proportional to age during healing. Immunohistochemical staining showed that younger rat (3 and 6 months old) had higher expression of VEGF throughout the healing period.Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that the slower rate of healing in older rats could be due to reduced gastroprotection, epithelial restitution, and angiogenesis as age increases