Tribological Properties of Some Locally Manufactured Abrasive Wheels

Abrasive wheels are used for smoothening, machining or in some cases, roughening another softer material through extensive rubbing. This research work is targeted to designing and fabricating of some abrasive wheels using locally available materials. Six different modules of the abrasive wheel where designed, moulded and tested. Module number five was found to manifest the best in performance and mechanical strength. Keywords: Abrasives, composition, Strengths, compression, deflection

Heritability and Genes Governing Number of Seeds per Pod in West African Okra Abelmoschus caillei (A. Chev.) Stevels.

Heritability and genetic action moderating the inheritance of number of seeds per pod was investigated in four crosses of West African Okra accessions. Parents with variation for number of seeds per pod were used in hybridization process. Generations developed (Parents, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) were planted for evaluation in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed the adequacy of the additive – dominance model for one out of the four crosses (Acc6 x Acc1) and the inadequacy of the model for the remaining crosses. This was ascribed to significant estimates of A, B and C scaling test. The results of the generation mean analysis indicated that the additive genetic effect (d) significantly accounted for a large proportion of variability observed for number of seeds per pod in the crosses evaluated. The narrow sense heritability estimates were moderately high in all the crosses. An additive genetic effect suggests that selection among the segregating population could provide an average improvement in the performance of seed yield in subsequent generations. Keywords: West African Okra, Additive gene action, Generation means, Seed yield, Heritability, Genetic components

Geophysical Investigation for Aquifer Potential Assessment and Groundwater Development at EKSU Staff Quarters GRA Ado Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria

Very-Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and Electrical resistivity methods for  reconnaissance and detailed geophysical studies respectively have been carried out within the Ekiti-State University Staff Quarters at Onigari GRA area of Ado-Ekiti. The study’s objectives include amongst others to detect drillable points for groundwater abstraction boreholes in order to frontally address the inherent problem of scarce water supply for uses by the university staff and their families living within the quarters. Seventeen (17) East-West traverses were established along where VLF profiling were conducted at an interval of 10m. The qualitative and quantitative interpretations of the VLF-EM data revealed twenty three (23) positions along the traverses that exhibited significant conductivities which are suggestive of thick and/or fractured overburden which are favourable structures for possible groundwater accumulation, these 23 positions were selected for further detailed investigation using the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique. The Twenty-three (23) VES stations were thereafter occupied employing the Schlumberger arrangement, with half-electrode spacing (AB/2) varying from 1-150m. The quantitative interpretation of the obtained VES data were carried out using the  curve-matching and computer iteration techniques. The 3-layer (A and H); 4-layer (HK, KH, KQ and QH); 5-layer (HKH); 6-layer (AKHK and KHKH) and 7-layer (HKHKH) depth sounding curves were derived from the area. The 4-Layer type curve is predominant with 25% occurrence. The geoelectric sections mapped-out five lithologic units; including the topsoil; the weathered layer; the partly weathered/fractured basement, the fractured basement and the fresh basement. From the integrated consideration of the geoelectric parameters and inferred aquifer characteristics of the study area, it becomes clearer that the following VES postions are recommendable for the development of good yielding groundwater development schemes in order of priority,VES 20 ,  VES 12 , VES 18 ,  VES 10 , VES 8 ,  VES 7  and VES 15. Keywords:Traverses, Depth Sounding Curves, geoelectric sections, VES stations, aquifer units, borehole

Geophysical Investigation for Aquifer Potential Assessment and Groundwater Development at EKSU Staff Quarters GRA Ado Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria

Very-Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and Electrical resistivity methods for  reconnaissance and detailed geophysical studies respectively have been carried out within the Ekiti-State University Staff Quarters at Onigari GRA area of Ado-Ekiti. The study’s objectives include amongst others to detect drillable points for groundwater abstraction boreholes in order to frontally address the inherent problem of scarce water supply for uses by the university staff and their families living within the quarters. Seventeen (17) East-West traverses were established along where VLF profiling were conducted at an interval of 10m. The qualitative and quantitative interpretations of the VLF-EM data revealed twenty three (23) positions along the traverses that exhibited significant conductivities which are suggestive of thick and/or fractured overburden which are favourable structures for possible groundwater accumulation, these 23 positions were selected for further detailed investigation using the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique. The Twenty-three (23) VES stations were thereafter occupied employing the Schlumberger arrangement, with half-electrode spacing (AB/2) varying from 1-150m. The quantitative interpretation of the obtained VES data were carried out using the  curve-matching and computer iteration techniques. The 3-layer (A and H); 4-layer (HK, KH, KQ and QH); 5-layer (HKH); 6-layer (AKHK and KHKH) and 7-layer (HKHKH) depth sounding curves were derived from the area. The 4-Layer type curve is predominant with 25% occurrence. The geoelectric sections mapped-out five lithologic units; including the topsoil; the weathered layer; the partly weathered/fractured basement, the fractured basement and the fresh basement. From the integrated consideration of the geoelectric parameters and inferred aquifer characteristics of the study area, it becomes clearer that the following VES postions are recommendable for the development of good yielding groundwater development schemes in order of priority,VES 20 ,  VES 12 , VES 18 ,  VES 10 , VES 8 ,  VES 7  and VES 15. Keywords: Traverses, Depth Sounding Curves, geoelectric sections, VES stations, aquifer units, borehole

Structure and Efficiency of Trade in Wild Snail in Selected Markets in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo state, Nigeria

The study examined the structure and efficiency of trade in wild snail in Selected Markets in fivepurposively selected popular markets in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from ahundred and twenty (120) snail marketers with the use of structured questionnaire and analyzed using Descriptivestatistics, Gini coefficient and budgetary analysis. According to the study, 80% of the respondents sourced theirgoods (snails) from the wild and the selling price is largely determined by the socio economic status of the buyer(40%). Also the enterprise is dominated by females (83.3%), more profitable in Apata market with a profit margin of ₦167,000 and generally efficient. Furthermore there is high inequality in the structure of the market as the gini coefficient (0.59) tends towards one while the major constraints to  marketing include transportation (from the wild to the market) competition among marketers and storage. The study therefore recommends that snail farming (heliculture) should be encouraged so that there will be massive production and availability of snails all year round. This would mitigate the identified problems and increase the benefits accruing to players in the snail value chain. Keywords: Structure, Efficiency, Wild snail, Ibadan metropolis, Profit Margin

Perception of farmers on agroforestry systems adoption in Akinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The study assessed farmers’ characteristic variables and perception towards the adoption of agroforestry practices in Akinyele Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State. Multistage Sampling Technique was used for the study. Five Wards which include Ijaye /Ojedeji, Ajibade/Alabata/Elekuru,  Akinyele/Isabiyi/Irepodun, Ojo Emo/Moniya and Ojoo/Ajibode/Laniba were randomly selected from the Local Government Area. Ajeja, Alabata, Akinyele, Moniya and Idowu oko areas were selected from each of the Wards, respectively while ten (10) farmers were selected from each of these areas. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage distributions as well as correlational studies were used to analyse the collected data. 34 % of the respondents were involved in the practice of agroforestry according to the study. The correlation (r value) at (p< 0.01) also shows that there is a significant association between respondents’ characteristic variables such as age, educational and marital status and adoption of agroforestry practices, while age, sex, marital and educational status are significant on agroforestry perception. It is recommended that awareness  on benefits of agroforestry should be raised in order to create needed awareness and its importance, adequate technical supports should be  provided for farmers interested in practicing agroforestry and also the efficient use of available farmlands of all types of landholders should be  ensured. Keywords: Farmers’ characteristic variables; Perception; Adoption; Agroforestry practices

Perceptions of secondary school students on forestry and environmental science education in Oyo-State, Nigeria

Forestry and Environmental Science education have become inevitable in Nigerian schools considering the numerous environmental problems encountered daily in almost all the states within the country, hence the need for this study. This study assessed the perception of secondary school students on Forestry and Environmental Science Education in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and forty copies of questionnaire were administered to the students in the study area. The student’s average perception ofForestry and Science Environmental Education was quite impressive because majority (95.9%, 99.2%) of the students in government and private schools respectively agreed with that protection of the environment is important. Majority (89.1%, 73.1%) of the students in private and government schools were knowledgeable about the environmental issues in Oyo state. Some perceived benefits of forest such as Tree roots helps in absorbing surface water and Forest creates job opportunities for people with a mean score of 1.73 and 1.62were ranked 1st and 2nd respectively. The regression analysis result shows that students’ knowledge of environmental issues has contributed significantly to their perception of Forestry and Environmental Education. Based on the findings of the study, it is therefore concluded that majority of the students have high level of knowledge about environmental issues in Oyo state although they were not satisfied with the current state of environment in the state. The study recommends that more orientation and re-orientationprograms on the issue of environmental protection are needed in schools in Oyo State. Keywords: Perception, Environmental schools education, Forestry, Environmental problems, Secondary student

Managing Residential Density Development in Akure Through E-land Pricing System

One of the major challenges of Akure in the past two decades is the uncoordinated residential density development. This paper examined this haphazard development by mapping out the housing density mix in selected residential neighbourhoods in the city with a view to developing an e-land pricing model for its effective land management therein. The study identified three residential estates in Akure as representatives of the three broad densities (high, medium, low) in the residential zones using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Primary data were generated from the administration of structured questionnaire that captured information on socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, location of buildings, plot sizes, coverage and prices among others. From the research findings, a high level of unregulated pricing was obvious particularly in the private sector that controls vast areas of the city land. The closer a private landed property to the city centre or a government housing scheme, the higher the price irrespective of the plot size. Sudden increase in income of residents is a determinant of the willingness to purchase land at high prices. To address this trend this study has developed an e-land pricing interface to regulate the residential density choice in the city. The model was tested to successfully predict specific areas for density development given certain variables such as regular income of land buyers, price of land, plot sizes among others. An administrative structure that can ensure management of the proposed e-land pricing reform measure was specified for effective density mix in the city. Keywords: Residential, density development, housing, e-land pricing, Akure.  DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-7-04 Publication date:July 31st 201

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries