Assessing Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Labour Market Potentials: Comparison of Conferees' Opinions

Technical Vocational and Technical Education (TVET) has the potential to influence the labour market and transform the economy resulting in an improvement in the advancement of careers. This study assesses the potential of TVET to influence the labour market using the opinions of conferees. The study employs an integrative multi-method approach with a descriptive survey and focus group discussion. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 153 conferees using self-selection, non-probability sampling technique. Descriptive statistics of percentages and mean were used to analyze the data collected. Furthermore, the Keiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy gave MSA of .948; Bartlett's Test of Sphericity showed p-value of 0.000, necessitating a factor analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis H Test was used to determine the statistical differences in the responses. Results revealed a gradual balance of gender in TVET with 53% female and 47% male; among the 99% employed in diverse sectors, only 18% (28) created jobs by themselves. Although there was coherence in agreement to TVET potentials, some respondents disagreed that TVET leads to good career opportunities. Findings show underlying strategy groupings to improve potential, in line with the focus group analysis, include: quality and upgraded learning environment, teachers and labour market information; relevant technical and employability skills, and established gender equality standards

ECG abnormalities among HIV infected children placed on ART at Enugu, South East of Nigeria

Background: Cardiovascular abnormalities are not much reported among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected children especially in Africa where there is high HIV disease. In addition, the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in such children may have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Methods: Cross-sectional study of randomly selected eighty HIV infected and 80 aged matched non- HIV-infected children were used. HIV-infected children were on HAART for more than 5years and had steadily received the treatment for 6 months prior to the time of the tests. Heights and weights were measured and body mass index calculated. Cardiac indices evaluated were heart rate (HR), PR interval, QRS duration, QT/QTC Interval, P/QRS/T Axis, RV5/SV1 voltage and RV5+SV1 voltage. Results: The average heart rate was significantly higher among HIV infected children on HAART than their non-infected counterparts (P= 0.019). At 0.05 significance level, their PR interval was significantly higher than those in the control group (P=0.050). The average QRS duration result also showed a significant difference between that of test and control subjects (P = 0.022) Conclusion: The HAART usage possibly improved the cardiovascular functioning in the infected children but the protective effects diminish with increase age and longer exposur

Adopting green building constructions in developing countries through capacity building strategy: survey of Enugu State, Nigeria

Green building (GB) constructions seeks to address housing demands of the growing populace with better qualities, energy efficiency, using recycled and recyclable materials, improve building lifespan and health of occupants. But GB adoption lags in developing countries. This study focused on driving the adoption of GB constructions in developing countries through capacity building strategy: survey of Enugu State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 135 building workers in educational and industrial sectors across the registered construction companies and higher institutions in Enugu State. Mean and rank were used to answer the research questions, while t-test was used to test five null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed that there is need for capacity building in: GB design, GB site, GB construction, GB operation and maintenance, and GB construction and demolition waste management. Cluster t-test analysis showed discrepancies in the agreement of educational and industrial sector workers on GB design and GB construction needs. The implications for not adopting GB are continual conventional constructions with maximal exploitations and resource depletion. Thus, there is a gap in knowledge where sustainable development advocates, government and pioneers of green construction practices could channel efforts toward assisting the developing countries