Spectroscopic measurements of meibum compositional, structural, and functional relationships to elucidate the role of meibum in dry eye.

The major aim of my dissertation was to investigate the etiology of dry eye disease which affects about 7 million people in the United States, causing symptoms that can lead to visual disturbance. Correlation between dry eye and an abnormal lipid layer of the tear film has been found. Tear film lipids originate mostly from the meibomian glands. Cholesteryl ester (CE) and Wax ester (WE) lipids make up most of the human meibum lipidome and the CE/WE ratio has been shown to decrease in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. Model studies using synthetic CE and WE, although providing some insight, are weak in their application as human CE and WE contain variable amounts of hydrocarbon chain branching, saturation and chain lengths. It is thus almost impossible to model the diverse composition of human meibum lipids using synthetic WE and CE. In vitro model studies of meibum lipids were therefore conducted using adsorption column chromatography, 1H-NMR, and FTIR spectroscopies to investigate meibum lipid interactions and the relationships between meibum lipid conformation and composition changes. Interactions between synthetic minor meibum lipids and hyaluronic acid (HA) were also investigated to identify practicable relevance to dry eye treatment. HA is used in eye drops with other therapeutics for dry eye symptoms mitigation. Data suggest physiological levels of HA, PC and SM may be related eye drop therapy. Human meibum CE and WE were also completely separated and spectroscopically verified. Phase transitional data of CE/WE mixtures indicated that CE changes the phase characteristics of meibum depending on whether it is more or less ordered than WE. Changes in the meibum CE/WE ratio could therefore explain changes in meibum order with age and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) which may influence tear film stability. CE/WE ratios from the meibum of donors with Sjögren syndrome were also compared to meibum from donors without dry eye to better understand the relationships between dry eye disease and meibum compositional differences

Housing Deficit Attenuation Through Market-Oriented Polycentric Management: Evidence from Nigeria

With a household renumeration of 39 million, 2.6% annual population growth rate, the over 17 million housing deficit in Nigeria is colossal, and remarkably unsustainable. Public housing providers in Nigeria have approached the scourge through a plethora of economic, financial and social strategies that have been proclaimed ineffective from various empirical standpoints. This paper investigates the market-oriented polycentricity of housing deficit attenuation in Nigeria. Survey method was employed on a sample frame of 384 public housing providers. Data was collected using a Market Orientation and Service Performance modelled questionnaire. Hypotheses testing employed Wilcoxon Signed Rank-Test and Spearman Rank Order Correlation. Results indicate that public housing delivery in Nigeria has not followed a market-oriented polycentric approach. The study recommended a consideration of this in the delivery of public housing, while advocating for the development of a Stakeholder Identification Framework for sustainable public housing delivery. Keywords: Housing deficit, Housing delivery, Polycentric management, Market orientation, Stakeholder identification, Demography management DOI: 10.7176/DCS/10-3-05 Publication date:March 31st 2020

Techno-economic analysis of micro-algae bio-jet fuel production processes

The production of bio-fuel from autotrophic micro-algae are being extensively studied and documented. However very few focuses specifically on the production of bio-jet fuel, with even fewer that assesses both the environmental and economic state of micro-algal bio-jet fuel production through modelling efforts. In this research study, an integrated energy, techno-economic and life-cycle assessment deterministic model was successfully developed for the production of micro-algal bio-jet fuel. The developed model acts as a simple tool which can be used to assess the economic and environmental (Net energy ratio, greenhouse emission and water footprint) state of micro-algal bio-jet fuel production in Malaysia as well as for the identification of the key input parameters which influence these state. Prior to model construction, an initial economic investigation was carried out and compared some of the technologies/methods required for bio-jet fuel production. A base case process pathway was established based on this investigation, and formed the foundation of the process model. The integrated model simulates the major steps involved in bio-jet fuel production, which are; micro-algal cultivation, harvesting and dewatering, cell disruption and lipid extraction, lipid purification and upgrading to bio-jet fuel and an additional anaerobic digestion of residual biomass. Through the mass and energy balances and relevant equations, the material and net energy ratio (NER) are estimated with the aid of performance equations, Aspen plus, Matlab and reported data in literature. The economics of bio-jet fuel production process is evaluated by estimation of the capital and operating cost and discounted cash flow. Additionally, greenhouse (GHG) emissions and water resource consumption associated with the production of bio-jet fuel are assessed. Process model results indicates the minimum fuel-selling price (MFSP) of algal derived jet fuel would be $5.89/L, which is 14 times more than the market price of fossil derived jet fuel at$0.43/L. The NER of bio-jet fuel production was however positive, >1, more energy produced than used in the production process and CO2 is abated at a rate of -7.49tonnesCO2/L of bio-jet fuel produced. Results indicated that an additional membrane filtration process prior to centrifugation greatly reduces harvesting and dewatering energy consumption by 93%. Water usage is also estimated at 2702 tonnes/L of bio-jet fuel produced. Sensitivity analysis results indicated that lipid recovery efficiency is one of the most influential parameter and significantly influences the NER, GHG, MFSP and water usage for micro-algal bio-jet fuel production. Case scenario studies in addition to the sensitivity analysis showed algal lipid content and algal productivity significantly influences the MFSP. It was concluded that algal bio-jet fuel production plant would benefit from co-location with wastewater treatment plant and flue-gas producing sites in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. This includes exploitation of micro-algal species with high lipid fraction and productivity and cost effective technologies and combinations. The lowest possible MFSP achievable was $1.31/L based on an optimistic case scenario encompassing all the benefits aforementioned but still not sufficient in achieving an economically viable production process

Influence of Resource Capability on the National Transport Policy Implementation in Nigeria

The objective of this study is to examine the extent to which available resources in Nigeria’s Transport Industry are adequate and appropriate for the implementation of National Transport Policy (NTP). The study was carried out in selected transport firms in Nigeria and survey research method was employed. The instrument for data gathering was structured questionnaire and a random sample of 127 (or 68.28%) transport firms were selected for the study out of a population 168 registered luxury bus and shipping firms in Nigeria. From the sample all available managers in the firms were studied giving a total of 1,270 managers in the 127 firms. For completeness 400 non transport workers were included in the study. Therefore a total number of 1,670 copies of questionnaire were administered to the respondents out of which 1,452 completed copies were returned giving a response rate of 86.95%. Data collected were analyzed using means procedure and hypothesis was tested with the aid of one sample Z-test at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that the extent to which the available resources in Nigeria’s transport industry were adequate and appropriate for implementation of National Transport policy (NTP) was significantly above average. Based on the findings, it was logically concluded that the available resources in the Nigerian transport industry were adequate as well as appropriate for the implementation of the National Transport Policy (NTP]. To this effect it was recommended that the NTP be modified to increase the salience of the policy goals, for the transport organizations if further strides towards sustainable transportation are to be made in Nigeria. Keywords: Nigeria Transport Policy, resource, capability, sustainable transportation, implementation

Environmental Scanning: An Imperative for Business Survival and Growth in Nigeria

There is no doubt that the business environment of the 21st Century has been more volatile and challenging than those of centuries before it. This volatility is largely the consequence of globalization that has turned the world into a global village where event in one region transmits to others almost immediately. In spite of this environmental turbulence, organizations must effectively depend on its environment for operations and survival. This paper sought to assess the place of environmental scanning as a means of business survival and competitiveness in Nigeria. This study used mainly secondary data which it analytically adapted to suit its unique objectives. Findings generally reveal that environmental scanning is critical to business survival not only in Nigeria, but in other parts of the world. Nigerian specific data reveal that educational level of managers significantly impact on their tendency to scan the business environment. It also found out that informal sources are more used to gather data from the environment than formal sources and that customers and competitors are the most unpredictable and yet, the most attended factors of the environment. Key Words: Environment Scanning, Business Growth, Competitiveness, Surviva

Techno-economic analysis of micro-algae bio-jet fuel production processes

The production of bio-fuel from autotrophic micro-algae are being extensively studied and documented. However very few focuses specifically on the production of bio-jet fuel, with even fewer that assesses both the environmental and economic state of micro-algal bio-jet fuel production through modelling efforts. In this research study, an integrated energy, techno-economic and life-cycle assessment deterministic model was successfully developed for the production of micro-algal bio-jet fuel. The developed model acts as a simple tool which can be used to assess the economic and environmental (Net energy ratio, greenhouse emission and water footprint) state of micro-algal bio-jet fuel production in Malaysia as well as for the identification of the key input parameters which influence these state. Prior to model construction, an initial economic investigation was carried out and compared some of the technologies/methods required for bio-jet fuel production. A base case process pathway was established based on this investigation, and formed the foundation of the process model. The integrated model simulates the major steps involved in bio-jet fuel production, which are; micro-algal cultivation, harvesting and dewatering, cell disruption and lipid extraction, lipid purification and upgrading to bio-jet fuel and an additional anaerobic digestion of residual biomass. Through the mass and energy balances and relevant equations, the material and net energy ratio (NER) are estimated with the aid of performance equations, Aspen plus, Matlab and reported data in literature. The economics of bio-jet fuel production process is evaluated by estimation of the capital and operating cost and discounted cash flow. Additionally, greenhouse (GHG) emissions and water resource consumption associated with the production of bio-jet fuel are assessed. Process model results indicates the minimum fuel-selling price (MFSP) of algal derived jet fuel would be $5.89/L, which is 14 times more than the market price of fossil derived jet fuel at$0.43/L. The NER of bio-jet fuel production was however positive, >1, more energy produced than used in the production process and CO2 is abated at a rate of -7.49tonnesCO2/L of bio-jet fuel produced. Results indicated that an additional membrane filtration process prior to centrifugation greatly reduces harvesting and dewatering energy consumption by 93%. Water usage is also estimated at 2702 tonnes/L of bio-jet fuel produced. Sensitivity analysis results indicated that lipid recovery efficiency is one of the most influential parameter and significantly influences the NER, GHG, MFSP and water usage for micro-algal bio-jet fuel production. Case scenario studies in addition to the sensitivity analysis showed algal lipid content and algal productivity significantly influences the MFSP. It was concluded that algal bio-jet fuel production plant would benefit from co-location with wastewater treatment plant and flue-gas producing sites in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. This includes exploitation of micro-algal species with high lipid fraction and productivity and cost effective technologies and combinations. The lowest possible MFSP achievable was $1.31/L based on an optimistic case scenario encompassing all the benefits aforementioned but still not sufficient in achieving an economically viable production process

Sustainable Development Through Green-Themed Environmental Impact Assessment: Lessons for Developing Countries

In this study, we used Geographic Information System and remote sensing to explore the stimulation of sustainable development through “Green-Conscious” Environmental Impact Assessment of industrial projects. Despite the global clamour for sustainable development as panacea for recent climatic concerns; sustainable development initiatives like Nano and green technologies are not highlighted in key Sections of the Nigerian EIA Act. The study adopted time series of 16-day composite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer 250m resolution NDVI data (MOD13Q1) covering South West, Nigeria between 2002–2017. We conclude that Nigeria cannot attain sustainable development if relevant laws are not amended to include sustainability initiatives. Keywords: Sustainable Development; Going-Green; Environmental Impact Assessment; EIA; Industrial Projects, Nanotechnology DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-5-06 Publication date:May 31st 202

Sustainable Public Housing Delivery in Nigeria: A Conceptual Stakeholder Management Model

In this study, we introduce a conceptual Housing Stakeholder Management Model that transforms institutional attitudes towards sustainable housing delivery. The essence is to promote a sustainability culture in housing delivery that meets safety and affordability needs of the majority. This exploratory study utilized data from 385 real estate professionals and policy makers. Data was analyzed qualitatively with Scissor-Sort Technique and TEXTPACK, and quantitatively with One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test and Spearman Correlation. The findings advance the Model’s effectiveness in identifying stakeholder interests and establishment of a sustainability framework of engagement. Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat analysis was used in validating the Model. Keywords: Stakeholder Management; Stakeholder Management Model; Sustainable Housing               Delivery; Social Responsibility Management; Public Housing DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-10-05 Publication date:May 31st 202

Affordable Housing Ambidexterity of Real Estate Investment Trusts: SWOT Analysis for N-REITs

Symmetric movements of real estate investment trust (REIT) capitalization and affordable housing deficit in Nigeria fuelled the motivation of the study on analyzing the implications of an affordable housing ambidexterity of REITs in Nigeria (N-REITs). The focus on REITs was informed by the unsustainable growth in the deficit statistics of affordable housing in Nigeria which implies a think-outside-the-box search for financing panacea. Indeed, there seems a paucity of empirical and practical evidence of such ambidextrous diversification for N-REITs, so the study was aimed at conducting a strength, weakness, opportunity and threat (SWOT) analysis of affordable housing ambidexterity of N-REITs. Survey research method was employed on a sample frame of housing delivery stakeholders. Sample size of 369 was determined using Freund and Williams formula, while the research instrument was a self-administered e-questionnaire. Data was obtained from primary sources, and further subjected to descriptive analysis. The study found that professional investment management competency was the most dominant strength, 10% investable income was the most significant weakness, significant room for rise in market share was the most significant opportunity, while effect of systematic risk on sustainability planning was the most significant threat to N-REIT ambidexterity towards affordable housing investment in Nigeria. The study concluded that the professional investment management quality of REITs, in comparison with non-listed direct real estate companies would envisage a robust and sustainable contribution to increase in affordable housing stock in the country. It was recommended that management of N-REITs should leverage on their professional investment management strengths to explore blue ocean strategies for an ambidextrous attitude that enhances the growth and sustainability of affordable housing units, in addition to the employment of risk analysis, management and mitigation strategies to limit the effect of volatilities from macroeconomic risks. Keywords: Housing affordability, Housing deficit, Housing financing, REITs, REIT ambidexterity, SWOT analysis. DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/13-12-02 Publication date:June 30th 202

Trade- GDP Nexus in Nigeria: An Application of Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Model

This study examined Trade-GDP nexus in Nigeria using the autoregressive distributed lag(ARDL) approach. The study covers the periods 1970-2012, employing data sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin of various issues. Econometric evidence revealed that trade openness; foreign direct investment and exchange rate were some of the key factors that explained the trade-GDP nexus in Nigeria. In addition, the estimated ECM result revealed 31% speed of adjustment between the dependent variable (RGDP) and independent variables (TOP, FDI and EXR). Findings from the study also showed that the endogenously determined variables of (TOP, FDI & EXR) are jointly significant in explaining changes in Nigeria’s economic growth. However, trade openness and exchange rate management influences economic growth negatively because of unfavourable terms-of-trade between Nigeria and her trading partners and the continuous depletion of the external reserves. We therefore recommend among others, expansion of the economy’s export base by complete diversification of the economy away from the oil enclave as well as effective exchange rate management in Nigeria by the monetary authorities. Keywords: Trade, economic growth, ARDL co -integration. JEL Classification: F43, F14, C3