Comparative studies of the rain attenuation predictions for tropical regions

The radio waves propagating through the earth atmosphere will be attenuated due to the presence of atmosphere particles, such as water vapor, water drops and the ice particles. Meanwhile, the atmospheric gases and rain will both absorb and scatter the radio waves, and consequently degrade the performance of the link. The results of various studies conducted in temperate and tropical regions have been published in research papers. This paper presents the summary of comparative studies on different rain attenuation prediction methods for terrestrial microwave links tropical regions. Basically the models described in this paper include those of the ITU-R, revised Moupfouma, revised Silva Mello and Lin model. The objective of this study is to reveal the most suitable rain attenuation prediction model for the Malaysian tropical region. This paper will provide useful information for microwave engineers and researchers in making decision over the choice of most suitable rain attenuation prediction for terrestrial links operating in a tropical region. Even though the ITU-R model underestimates the rain attenuation at higher frequencies, the test results have clearly indicated that it is most suitable for predicting terrestrial rain attenuation in tropical Malaysia, compared to others

Critical Success Factors for Building Information Modelling Implementation

Adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the global construction industry is fast growing. This paper expounds the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for BIM implementation and explore their ranking and underlying relationships. A total of 28 CSFs was identified from the review of previous studies on success factors. Survey questionnaire containing these 28 factors was used to collect data from industry practitioners in Nigeria. Benchmark metrics was developed to rank the success factors. The topmost five success factors for BIM implementation in order of importance are: standard platforms for integration and communication; cost of development; education and training; standardization (product and process); and clear definition and understanding of users’ requirement. Analysis of variance shows that significant differences exist in the pattern of rating for the topmost CSFs based on turnover. Factor analysis was further adopted to group the 28 CSFs into five components, using rotated component matrix method. The five components extracted are: (i) industry stakeholders’ commitment and knowledge of BIM, (ii) capacity building for technology adoption, (iii) organisational support, (iv) collaborative synergy among industry professional and (v) cultural orientation. The rankings of the CSFs provide basis for prioritising the most significant factors that industry stakeholders should focus attention for successful implementation of BIM. In addition, the underlying relationships among the success factors identified in this study, will assist industry stakeholders to determine best strategy to adopt in implementing BIM at industry level

An Assessment Of The Competitors' Strategies Of Global System Mobile (GSM) Communication For Service Providers In Nigeria

This study examines the Competitors’ Strategies of the five GSM Service providers in Nigeria. Survey questionnaire was administered to the stakeholders in order to collect the data .The purpose of this study is to identify those strategies employed by each network against its competitors and how those strategies succeeded in bringing about the realization of corporate objective, promotion, customers satisfaction and target market. We find that various strategies adopted by the GSM providers provide a significant influence on the promotions, corporate objectives, Target markets and customers satisfaction. In addition we find that there is need for GSM providers to involve in marketing research in order to create their own original promotional strategies (or products) instead of imitating or mimicking strategies by other network. Furthermore, the study recommends that they should continue to lay more emphasizes on the strategies for promotions, customer services, corporate objectives and the target market so as to achieve the organizational goa

Perceived benefits of adopting Standard – Based pricing mechanism for mechanical and electrical services installations

Cost is an important measure of project success and clients will expect a reliable forecast at the early stage of construction projects to inform their business decision. This study was undertaken to investigate the current practices in managing cost of mechanical and electrical (M&E) services in buildings. The perceptions of practitioners on the benefits of adopting Standard – Based Pricing Mechanism for M&E services as used for building fabrics and finishes was ascertained. The methodology adopted for the study was semi – structure interview and questionnaire survey.  Inferential statistics technique was used to analyse the data collected. The results revealed that, M&E services tender documents are often based on lump sum contract. Practitioners are of the opinion that the adoption of Standard – Based Pricing Mechanism (SBPM) could enhance the quality of M&E services price forecast; ensure active post contract cost monitoring and control; encourage collaborative working relationship; enhance efficient whole life cycle cost management; improve risk management and facilitate efficient tendering process. The study suggested the development of local Standard Method of Measurement for M&E services and proposed strategies to facilitate the adoption of SBPM as basis for forecasting contract price of mechanical and electrical services in buildings

Fragile and conflict affected states: report from the Consultation on Collaboration for Applied Health Research and Delivery

Fragile and Conflict Affected States present difficult contexts to achieve health system outcomes and are neglected in health systems research. This report presents key debates from the Consultation of the Collaboration for Applied Health Research and Delivery, Liverpool, June, 2014

A Critical Examination of the Legal and Institutional Framework for Protection of E-Consumers Rights in Nigeria

The rapid growth of e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship in Nigeria has revolutionized how peoplebuy, sell, and create content online. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok have becomeessential tools for trade, services, and creative expression. However, this digital shift has also broughtsignificant challenges for online consumers and content creators. Issues such as fraud, data breaches,unfair contract terms, sudden demonetization, and poor dispute resolution mechanisms are becomingincreasingly common. This paper takes a closer look at how well Nigeria’s legal and institutionalframeworks protect the rights of digital consumers

Using a human resource management approach to support community health workers: experiences from five African countries

Background Like any other health worker, community health workers (CHWs) need to be supported to ensure that they are able to contribute effectively to health programmes. Management challenges, similar to those of managing any other health worker, relate to improving attraction, retention and performance. Methods Exploratory case studies of CHW programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Senegal, Uganda and Zimbabwe were conducted to provide an understanding of the practices for supporting and managing CHWs from a multi-actor perspective. Document reviews (n = 43), in-depth interviews with programme managers, supervisors and community members involved in managing CHWs (n = 31) and focus group discussions with CHWs (n = 13) were conducted across the five countries. Data were transcribed, translated and analysed using the framework approach. Results CHWs had many expectations of their role in healthcare, including serving the community, enhancing skills, receiving financial benefits and their role as a CHW fitting in with their other responsibilities. Many human resource management (HRM) practices are employed, but how well they are implemented, the degree to which they meet the expectations of the CHWs and their effects on human resource (HR) outcomes vary across contexts. Front-line supervisors, such as health centre nurses and senior CHWs, play a major role in the management of CHWs and are central to the implementation of HRM practices. On the other hand, community members and programme managers have little involvement with managing the CHWs. Conclusions This study highlighted that CHW expectations are not always met through HRM practices. This paper calls for a coordinated HRM approach to support CHWs, whereby HRM practices are designed to not only address expectations but also ensure that the CHW programme meets its goals. There is a need to work with all three groups of management actors (front-line supervisors, programme managers and community members) to ensure the use of an effective HRM approach. A larger multi-country study is needed to test an HRM approach that integrates context-appropriate strategies and coordinates relevant management actors. Ensuring that CHWs are adequately supported is vital if CHWs are to fulfil the critical role that they can play in improving the health of their communities

Remote research in the DRC shows the benefits of methodological pragmatism and community-insiders

In regions where the COVID-19 pandemic meets violent conflict, research projects face novel challenges. By adopting adaptive programming and remote organisation of data collection, a project in northeastern DRC was not only successful in obtaining findings but gained unforeseen benefits: local researchers, as a part of the community, developed a trust that drew different ethnographic responses

Removal of COD and Colour from Sanitary Landfill Leachate by using Coagulation – Fenton’s Process

This study investigated two methods for the removal of COD and colour fromsanitary landfill leachates. The first method involved the use of  coagulation/flocculation process using FeCl3 as a conventional coagulant and Ca(OH)2 as base-precipitant. The second method involved integration of Fenton’s reagent into the coagulation/flocculation process. Concentration of FeCl3 that reduced chemical oxygen demand (COD), and color by 37 and62% is 1000mg/l. Fenton-coagulation flocculation process reduced the COD and color of the leachates by 88 and 98% respectively. The optimum conditions for the effectiveness of Fenton’s reagent, namely temperature, pH, H2O2 and coagulant dose were studied. @JASE

Engineering geological Characterization of Basement Rocks for Construction Aggregates: A Case Study of Kajuru Area Kaduna, Nigeria.

The microstructure, mineralogical composition and analysis of chemical constituent of rock samples were evaluated as part of the research on the quality and suitability of rocks in Kajuru, Kaduna State, Nigeria as sources of aggregate for construction. Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection (ASTER) Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM) in Global mapper software was used to visualize three dimensional perspectives (3D) of the study area and quantities of major oxides present in Rock samples were determined using x-ray florescence machine called X-supreme 8000. The microstructural characteristics of rocks such as mineralogy, structure, textural and distributions of minerals in the matrix were studied using a petrographic microscope. The rock predominantly consists of porphyritic granites and gneisses with minor quartz vein and quartzofeldpathic pegmatite intrusions. The high silica contents are confirmed from microscopic studies that elucidated the prevalent mineral specie to be felsic component - quartz and feldspar with interlocking grain boundary. The studies revealed mica, microcrack and fracture in some of the rock type which will invariably affect their engineering performance. It is therefore recommended that physicomechanical evaluation be carried out on the rock aggregates to establish the strength of aggregate and the link between physicomechanical properties and geological characteristics of the rock. Keywords: Basement rocks; microstructure; mineralogical composition; petrograph