Inflation Targeting Framework for Monetary Policy in Nigeria: Issues, Problems And Prospects.

Over the years, Nigeria has adopted different monetary policy regimes with limited or no success. These ranged from exchange rate targeting, direct monetary controls to monetary targeting. The overall objectives of monetary policy have been the maintenance of macroeconomic stability and non-inflationary growth. In line with the global trend, Nigeria navigated towards adoption of Inflation Targeting monetary framework. But recent policy indication shows that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may have soft-pedaled in the pursuit of full-fledged Inflation Targeting  for the country. This paper attempted to critically analyze the basic issues, problems and prospects germane to the adoption of Inflation Targeting as a monetary policy framework for Nigeria. To do this, the paper examined the basic features and performances of inflation targeting countries globally,  adduced that Inflation Targeting is not “a cure-all medicine” and that it may not significantly reduce the real costs of disinflation in Nigeria in terms of a decline in output and an  increase in unemployment. For Nigeria, the extent of the success of Inflation Targeting, if and when adopted, will crucially depend on the availability of executive capacity, quality and timely data and the political will and commitment to the success of the programme on the part of monetary authorities. KEY WORDS: Inflation Targeting, Policy consistency, monetary authoritie

A GIS Analysis of Noise Islands in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria

This study examined noise islands in Calabar Metropolis, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) infrastructure. Physical measurement of noise levels was made using Barn and Korn (BK) Precision 732 Digital Sound Level Meters. The locations were geo-referenced using a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Global Positioning System. Data were manipulated using ESRI ArcGis Software version 9.5, which generated composite noise maps. The point data in the geospatial database were subjected to interpolation, deploying Inverse Distance Weighing (IDW) algorithm for the different temporal periods of morning, afternoon and evening. The results revealed that noise level in the industrial, commercial as well as the transportation land use elements have been found to increase from the morning period, hits the peak in the afternoon and begins to wane in the evening period. Unlike the residential zones, which showed low, as well as moderately high noise level on certain days of the week due to some incompatible activities located there. It was therefore recommended that those activities that generate high noise in the industrial and commercial zones should be discouraged from springing up in the residential landuses in order to maintain their tranquil status. Besides, the source, path, and receiver techniques of noise attenuation have also been recommended as a general antidote to noise menace in the metropolis. Keywords: Noise Level, Noise Maps, Noise Islands, Spatial Distribution, Temporal Distribution, GIS, Inverse Distance Weighin

The Effects of Solar Panel Temperature on the Power Output Efficiency in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: The current push for adoption of alternative energysources necessitates research into parameters that would enhancethe optimum harvest of the benefits of such efforts.Purpose: To determine the effects of solar panel temperature on itsefficiency in Calabar, Nigeria, by determining the output currentand voltage changes due to solar panel temperature.Materials and Methods: A modern digital thermometer, Model220k type, and Alda ADV 890C digital multimeter, were used toobtain measurements of solar panel temperatures, current andvoltage, respectively, in Calabar, Nigeria. Comparisons were madeof the values of current and voltage obtained with solar paneltemperature changes, and efficiency of the output of the solarpanels determined by calculation using efficiency as given byKachhava (2003).Results: Results indicate that a maximum output current of18.4x10-1A was recorded at 42.8oC. Beyond this temperature theoutput current dropped down to 12x10-1A at 54.8oC. The voltageoutput remained relatively stable as solar panel temperatureincreased. Power output efficiency dropped from 82.3% at 42.8oCto 52.4% at 54.8oC.Conclusion: High solar panel temperatures may have adverseeffects on solar panel efficiency. The result obtained in this studysuggest a maximum operating temperature of solar panel inCalabar, Nigeria

Investigation and Comparative Analysis of Energy Potentials from Different Biomass Sources

Comparative analysis of energy potentials from different biomass sources were investigated to determine the energy potential stored in them: biomass materials used were cattle manure, wood and dry grass. Instruments used for this investigation includes: coffee can, thermometer, stop watch, heat source etc. simple heat equation was used to evaluate the heat potential in each material. Results shows that heat energy of cattle manure was 0.33264788J, wood was 0.1661868J and that of dry grass was 0.1001J. Showing that cattle manure has higher energy potential than wood and grass, meaning it will have more application for energy generation

Non-Relativistic Energy Spectra of the Modified Hylleraas Potential and Its Thermodynamic Properties in Arbitrary Dimensions

In this study, the solutions of the Schrodinger equation (SE) with modified Hylleraas potential in arbitrary dimensions was obtained using the asymptotic iteration method (AIM) to obtain the energy and wave functions, respectively. The energy equation was used to obtain the thermal properties of this system. The effect of the potential parameters and dimensions on the energy spectra and thermal properties was scrutinized thoroughly. It was found that the aforementioned affects the thermal properties and energy spectra, respectively. In addition, we also computed the numerical energy spectra of the MHP for the first time and discussed it in detail. The results of our study can be applied to molecular physics, chemical physics, etc

Non-Relativistic Energy Spectra of the Modified Hylleraas Potential and Its Thermodynamic Properties in Arbitrary Dimensions

In this study, the solutions of the Schrodinger equation (SE) with modified Hylleraas potential in arbitrary dimensions was obtained using the asymptotic iteration method (AIM) to obtain the energy and wave functions, respectively. The energy equation was used to obtain the thermal properties of this system. The effect of the potential parameters and dimensions on the energy spectra and thermal properties was scrutinized thoroughly. It was found that the aforementioned affects the thermal properties and energy spectra, respectively. In addition, we also computed the numerical energy spectra of the MHP for the first time and discussed it in detail. The results of our study can be applied to molecular physics, chemical physics, etc