Integration of magnetic residuals,derivates and located euler deconvolution for structural and geologic mapping of parts of the precambrian gneisses of Ago-Iwoye, Southwestern Nigeria

Ground based magnetic survey conducted between longitude 06O 55I 51IIN –06O 55I 54IIN and latitude 03O 52I 06IIE –03O 52I 4.8IIE (Olabisi Onabanjo University) remarkably revealed a consistent subsurface NW -SE structural azimuth of localized discontinuities within the shallowly buried heterogeneous basement rocks, which at exposed locations are composed of strongly foliated granite gneiss and migmatite-gneiss with veins and veinlets principally orientated in NNW –SSE direction.Magnetic survey of the area was preceded by site inspection to avoid metallic objects interferences. Field procedure in the area involved Cartesian gridding, base station establishment, data acquisition at gridded points, and repeated bihourly diurnal checksat the base station. At the processing stage, diurnal variation effect was aptly removed before subjection to Kriging (gridding). The gridded data was then prepared as input for Forward Fourier Filter Transform (FFT), which upon definition and implementation enabled Butterworth filtering of isolated ringing effects, reduction to the equator (RTE) for geomagnetic correction, and the use of Gaussian and Upward Continuation filtering for regional magnetic intensity trend determination. Removal of the regional magnetic intensity (RMI) from the total magnetic intensity (TMI) resulted in the derivation of the residual anomaly. Enhancement filters adopted for better resolution of the residual magnetic gradient include analytical signal (AS), tilt-angle derivative (TDR), vertical derivative deconvolution (VDD), and the first vertical derivatives (FVD).TMI and RMI values range between 32925nT –33050nT and 32935nT –333050nT respectively, while the residual gradient ranges between 15nT/m and10nT/m; AS ranges between 0.28nT/m and4.1nT/m; and TDR ranges from-1.4nT/m to 1.4nT/m. Source depth calculation estimated from power spectrum analysis and Euler deconvolution ranges between 1m and15m. Composite overlay of magnetic maps revealed jointed and faulted zones within the area; exhibiting a NW-SE principal azimuth of Liberian orogenic impress, which are in consistence with the foliation direction of the jagged foliated bedrock with an estimated maximum overburden of about 15m.The structural significance of this area as a prospective hydro-geological centre, and as an undesirable spot for high-rise building has been accurately evaluated from research findings. Application of integrated geophysical approach, complemented by detailed geological studies may furnish greater information about the subsurface structural architecture.Keywords:Gneisses; Ground Magnetic Surveying;RTE;Structural discontinuities;TDR.1INTRODUCTIONStructuralmapping is an integral part of geologic surveys. It involves measurements, analyses, interpretation and recognition of geometrical features (structures) generated by rock deformations [1]. These structures often serve as fountains of environmental challenges or unparalleled opportunities depending on their modesof occurrences, which in most cases are imminently controlled by the dynamic interplay of differential stress distributions within the earth interior. In line with the principle of uniformitarianism, a broad understanding about Earth’s paleo processes and internal workingsare deductible from the various deformation types for diverse applications. Deductible inferences from brittle deformationsinclude the kinematics of crustal blocks, orientation of principal axes of regional and local stresses, and geometry. Deeper insights indeep seated stresses, regional movements and block motions are obtainable from ductile deformations

STUDIES ON GENITAL DISORDERS OF COWS SLAUGHTERED AT ZURU, KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

In a survey carried out between April and December, 2003 to investigate the incidence of reproductive pathology among cows slaughtered at Zuru central abattoir and some selected slaughter slabs within Zuru emirate, Kebbi State, a total of 84(16.8%) abnormalities were recorded from 500 female genitalia examined. The incidence of various abnormalities observed included bilateral Ovarian follicular cysts (1.6%), Endometritis (0.4%), Uterine hypoplasia (1.0%), Pyometra(1.2%), Ovarian tumour (0.2%), Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (0.4%), Para ovarian cyst (0.2%), Vulvo-vaginitis (1.6%), Salpingitis (2.0%), Ovarian abscess (0.2%), Ovarian agenesis (2.0%) and vulva tick infestation (6.0%). From this study, tick infestation of the vulva ranked the highest genital pathological condition recorded and the ticks were identified as Boophilus spp. This was closely followed by Salpingitis and Ovarian agenesis. These conditions most times result into conception failures, abortions or still births, situations that often lead to the culling of the animals by their owners. It is suggested that timely medical interventions to diagnose and treat these genital disorders will however save some of these economic losses. This study provides information on the diseases affecting reproductive tracts as well as their adverse effects and significance in cattle production and breeding in Nigeria. It recommends a close watch on the cattle industry by relevant stake holders with a view to preventing unwarranted slaughter of viable cows erroneously believed to be unproductive. &nbsp

Contribution of home gardens to rural household income in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

For decades, home gardens have proved to be significant to rural inhabitants by providing a wide range of useful products such as fruits, vegetables and medicine, but there is lack of quantitative information on its benefits and its contributions to income of rural household. The main objective of this study is to investigate contributions of home garden to income of rural household in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, formerly Nkonkobe Local Municipality of Eastern Cape Province South Africa. The stratified random sampling method was applied in order to choose a sample of 160 household that were interviewed by means of semi-structured questionnaires. The study was conducted among 80 households engaging in home gardens and 80 non- participating households in the study area. Frequencies and mean were used to describe the general characteristics of the households as well as ownership patterns of home gardens. In order to determine the factors that influence home gardens ownership binary logistic regression model was used. The overall model show that level of education, total household income and access to land significantly affects ownership of the home garden positively. Social grant has the highest contributions to total household income for both category while income generated from home garden has the second largest share to total household income, this show that the majority of rural households in the study area rely on social grant as their source of income. Cabbage, spinach, potatoes and carrots were the dominant crops in home gardens. In view of research findings, there is still a wide room for further improvement in home gardens practises in study area. Contrary to expectations, home gardens have the potential to improve livelihood significantly if the rural households take the necessary steps to make the production more sustainable. Based on research findings several policy proposals are suggested. These include investment in agricultural programmes that will empower the rural households like Massive food projects, Siyazondla and related home garden initiatives. Home garden is the major source of food and income generation in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Therefore, government should provide sufficient credit facilities, extension services together with marketing arrangement in the area

Contribution of home gardens to rural household income in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

For decades, home gardens have proved to be significant to rural inhabitants by providing a wide range of useful products such as fruits, vegetables and medicine, but there is lack of quantitative information on its benefits and its contributions to income of rural household. The main objective of this study is to investigate contributions of home garden to income of rural household in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, formerly Nkonkobe Local Municipality of Eastern Cape Province South Africa. The stratified random sampling method was applied in order to choose a sample of 160 household that were interviewed by means of semi-structured questionnaires. The study was conducted among 80 households engaging in home gardens and 80 non- participating households in the study area. Frequencies and mean were used to describe the general characteristics of the households as well as ownership patterns of home gardens. In order to determine the factors that influence home gardens ownership binary logistic regression model was used. The overall model show that level of education, total household income and access to land significantly affects ownership of the home garden positively. Social grant has the highest contributions to total household income for both category while income generated from home garden has the second largest share to total household income, this show that the majority of rural households in the study area rely on social grant as their source of income. Cabbage, spinach, potatoes and carrots were the dominant crops in home gardens. In view of research findings, there is still a wide room for further improvement in home gardens practises in study area. Contrary to expectations, home gardens have the potential to improve livelihood significantly if the rural households take the necessary steps to make the production more sustainable. Based on research findings several policy proposals are suggested. These include investment in agricultural programmes that will empower the rural households like Massive food projects, Siyazondla and related home garden initiatives. Home garden is the major source of food and income generation in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Therefore, government should provide sufficient credit facilities, extension services together with marketing arrangement in the area

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in an apparently healthy population and its relation to hypertension

Background: Hypertension is a major health problem in sub-Sahara Africa. Several studies have suggested a role of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in the aetiology of hypertension, but there is a dearth of information on this association in Africa where the burden of hypertension is high. We investigated the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria, its association with hypertension and determined the antibiotic resistance patterns of implicated bacterial isolates in an urban community of Ile-Ife.Methods: One hundred and seventy-four apparently healthy individuals were investigated for ASB. Relevant information was obtained from them with standard proforma. Their Blood pressure was measured with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. All samples were processed on cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient medium and chocolate agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique.Results:Fifty (28.7%) individuals were positive for ASB. ASB was commonly detected among the female subjects (X2=5.619; p-value = 0.01777), and among individuals in the age group of 50 59 years. Those that were hypertensive were two and a half times more likely to have ASB (Odd ratio=2.5; p-value=0.01369; CI=1.19-5.35). The highest percentage of hypertensive female participants with ASB was found in the age group of 30-39 years (33.3%) while among the male participants, the highest percentage was found in the age group of 60-69 years (9.5%). Escherichia coli (n=13; 26%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n=13; 26%) were the commonest organisms implicated in ASB. The majority of the isolates (>90%) were multidrug resistant. Isolates of Escherichia coli were commonly resistant to ampicillin (83.3%), ceftriaxone (72.7%) and cefepime (66.7%). Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were all (100%) resistant to erythromycin, cloxacillin and streptomycin. All isolates were least resistant to cotrimoxazole (<8%).Conclusion: Women as well as men in the age group of 50-59 years were more likely to develop ASB. ASB could be contributing to the rising incidence of hypertension in this environment. Co-occurrence of hypertension and ASB portends a grave problem for apparently healthy individuals in this environment.Keywords: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, Hypertension, Escherichia coli, healthy individuals, urban communit

Predicting Completion Risk in PPP Projects using Big Data Analytics

Accurate prediction of potential delays in public private partnerships (PPP) projects could provide valuable information relevant for planning and mitigating completion risk in future PPP projects. However, existing techniques for evaluating completion risk remain incapable of identifying hidden patterns in risk behavior within large samples of projects, which are increasingly relevant for accurate prediction. To effectively tackle this problem in PPP projects, this study proposes a Big Data Analytics predictive modeling technique for completion risk prediction. With data from 4294 PPP project samples delivered across Europe between 1992 and 2015, a series of predictive models have been devised and evaluated using linear regression, regression trees, random forest, support vector machine, and deep neural network for completion risk prediction. Results and findings from this study reveal that random forest is an effective technique for predicting delays in PPP projects, with lower average test predicting error than other legacy regression techniques. Research issues relating to model selection, training, and validation are also presented in the study

Insolvency of small civil engineering firms: Critical strategic factors

© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers. Construction industry insolvency studies have failed to stem the industry's high insolvency tide because many focus on big civil engineering firms (CEF) when over 90% of firms in the industry are small or micro (S&M). This study thus set out to uncover insolvency criteria of S&M CEFs and the underlying factors using mixed methods. Using convenience sampling, the storytelling method was used to execute interviews of 16 respondents from insolvent firms. Narrative and thematic analysis were used to extract 17 criteria under 2 groups. Criteria were used to formulate a questionnaire, of which 81 completed copies were received and analyzed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and relevance index score for reliability and ranking, respectively. The five most relevant criteria were economic recession, immigration, too many new firms springing up, collecting receivables, and burden of sustainable construction. The four underlying factors established through factor analysis were market forces, competence-based management, operations efficiency and other management issues, and information management. The factors were in line with Mintzberg's and Porter's strategy theories. The results demonstrate that insolvency factors affecting big and small CEF can be quite different and, sometimes, even opposite. This research will provide a unique resource on the factors that should make potential owners of S&M CEF cautious. The criteria are potential variables for insolvency prediction models for S&M CEFs

Designing out construction waste using BIM technology:Stakeholders’ expectations for industry deployment

The need to use Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) minimisation is well documented but most of the existing CDW management tools still lack BIM functionality. This study therefore assesses the expectations of stakeholders on how BIM could be employed for CDW management. After a review of extant literature to assess the limitations of existing CDW management tools, qualitative Focus Group Interviews (FGIs) were conducted with professionals who are familiar with the use of BIM to understand their expectations on the use of BIM for CDW management. The 22 factors identified from the qualitative data analyses were then developed into a questionnaire survey. The exploratory factor analysis of the responses reveals five major groups of BIM expectations for CDW management, which are: (i) BIM-based collaboration for waste management, (ii) waste-driven design process and solutions, (iii) waste analysis throughout building lifecycle, (iv) innovative technologies for waste intelligence and analytics, and (v) improved documentation for waste management. Considering these groups of factors is key to meeting the needs of the stakeholders regarding the use of BIM for CDW management. These groups of factors are important considerations for the implementation and acceptance of BIM-based tools and practices for CDW management within the construction industry.<br/