Perceived Effects of Prevalent Errors in Contract Documents on Construction Projects

One of the highly rated causes of poor performance is errors in contract documents. The objectives of this study are to investigate the prevalent errors in contract documents and their effects on construction projects. Questionnaire survey and 51 case study projects (mixed method) were adopted for the study. The study also involved the use of Delphi technique to extract the possible errors that may be contained in contract documents; it did not however constitute the empirical data for the study. The sample of the study consists of 985 consulting and 275 contracting firms that engaged in the construction of building projects that were completed between 2013 and 2016 and were above the ground floor. The two-stage stratified random sampling technique was adopted for the study. The data for the study were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics (based on Shapiro-Wilk’s test). The results of the study indicate that errors in contract documents were moderately prevalent. However, overmeasurement in bill of quantities was prevalent in private, institutional and management procured projects. Traditionally procured projects contain 68% of the errors in contract documents among the procurement methods. Drawings contain the highest number of errors, followed by bill of quantities and specifications. The severe effects of errors in contract documents were structural collapse, deterioration of buildings and contractors’ claims among others. The result of the study implies that, management procurement method is the route to error minimization in developing countries, but it may need to be backed by law and guarded against overmeasurement

Displaced, excluded, moving on: a study of refugee entrepreneurship in Kenya

The global refugee crisis has grown in scale over the last 30 years. There are currently 25.4million refugees worldwide of whom 85 percent reside in developing countries (UNHCR, 2019). As a result of the protracted violence and instability in the East African region, Kenya has been on the frontier of receiving refugees and asylum seekers since the 1970s. However, the official approach of the Kenyan government has been to enact a unique encampment policy that has effectively stripped the refugee community of the right to free movement and employment across the country. Most refugees are restricted to camps located in predominantly arid and semi-arid areas that have often been subjected to socio-political marginalisation (Campbell et al, 2011). In effect, these refugees are denied the opportunity to contribute to the economy of the host country by using their entrepreneurial skills and resources to create value and enhance national productivity. In the same vein, the imposed restrictions make it difficult for the refugee households to support themselves, raise household income, and forge a path to long term resettlement or return. However, in spite of these constraints, the refugees are employing new strategies to overcome institutional and infrastructural barriers and challenges. This paper therefore presents a study of refugee entrepreneurs within Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. We examine the role of social capital- in its bonding, bridging and linking forms. We draw from in-depth interviews of key stakeholders, supplemented with archival documents and policy papers, to review existing policies and interrogate the models of refugee entrepreneurship in Kenya. We also examine the link between refugee resilience, self-reliance and ingenuity on the one hand, and entrepreneurial success and livelihood recovery on the other hand. We then propose a conceptual framework that highlights the role of social capital in overcoming institutional and infrastructural constraints to entrepreneurship among refugee populations

Genetic diversity, taxonomy and legumins implications of seed storage protein profiling in Fabaceae

Proteomic evidences can be pivotal to the discovery of new plant proteins and plant relationships, due to the diversity of form it can reveal. Seed storage protein profiles of 20 Fabaceae species: 4 grain - legumes and 16 non-pulses; of 16 genera and 10 tribes were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to estimate protein content diversity and the possible genetic relatedness.28.3% similarity and 71.7% proteomic polymorphism was scored for the species. The high variability expressed by the lot reflects the genetic diversity amongst Fabaceae population. Dendrogram based on the proteomic data clustered the species into four groups. Aside two species, Albizia lebbeck and Albizia zygia belonging to the tribe Ingeae and those of the tribe Caesalpinieae, the other species clustered with several other non-traditional cohorts resulting in a rearrangement that showed least semblance with phylogenetic relationships based on traditional morphology taxonomic delimitation. The similarity in profiles can be preliminarily forensic for proteins of importance whether for nutritional, industrial or for improvement of existing crops or for entirely new plants as crops. The protein mix, and the resultant relationship based on seed storage proteins instigates a review of erstwhile taxonomic, agricultural and research perspectives for the Fabaceae

War without weapons:constitution of healthy and pathological phenotypes associated with polymorphisms in genes involved in the maintenance of genome integrity

Capacity to repair DNA damage may vary significantly between individuals coming out as healthy on routine physical and laboratory examinations. This variance does not generally cause distress or disease unless in case that specific triggers are present, but, taken together with other factors, may increase the risk for certain types of cancer or may modulate the outcome of anticancer therapies. Carriership of certain polymorphic variants in DNA repair genes may also modify the course of the normal process of aging. The present paper reviews the role of some of the common polymorphisms in DNA repair genes and in genes involved in the maintenance of genomic integrity; and their association, separately or in combination, with the ‘healthy’ phenotype and with certain diseases and conditions related to exposure to increased levels of oxidative damage

Examining the Influence of Awareness Tools on Library Electronic Resources: A Case Study of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

This study examines the influence of awareness tools on library electronic resources: a case study of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) employing a quantitative research approach and survey methodology, the research targeted a sample population of 1,680, including 1,513 students, 140 academic staff members, and 27 academic librarians. A combination of probability (stratified random and systematic) and nonprobability (purposive) sampling methods were applied. The study employed online self-administered closed-ended questionnaires distributed through Google Forms to participants\u27 emails. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results revealed that both academic staff and students utilize library electronic resources for diverse purposes. However, the study found a relatively low utilization rate, with less than 40% of academic staff and students accessing and utilizing these resources. The study recommends that the library management develop awareness programs tailored to the unique needs of an open and distance learning (ODL) university community, utilizing modern communication tools. The emphasis should particularly be placed on integrating electronic resources into the university curriculum

EXPERIMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC POWER GENERATOR UNDER DC ARC PLASMA

The generation of electric power through the conventional systems (thermal and hydroelectric) is no longer sufficient to meet the increasing industrial and commercial usage. Therefore, an alternative energy conversion system is currently being sought. The aim of the presented study is to develop a direct energy conversion system (Magnetohydrodynamics, MHD generator) to generate electric power using plasma. Additionally, the generator electric response is investigated based on the Faraday’s principle of electromagnetism and fluid dynamics. For this purpose, a rectangular MHD generator prototype with segmented electrodes was constructed and subjected to continuous plasma from a DC arc source at test facilities available in the Western Cape region (South Africa). Subsequently, the terminal voltages at the middle-electrodes were measured one after another across 1, 100 and 470 Ω load resistors. In all experiments, the absolute time-averages of the measured terminal voltage across each load resistor were similar, which indicates a generation of power. The maximum power of the order 0.203mW was obtained when 1 Ω resistor was connected to the middle-electrodes. Conclusively, these results validate the measurement approach of the MHD generator with segmented electrodes and could be used to design a large MHD unit that can be incorporated to the existing conventional thermal plant to improve their cyclic thermal efficiency

Perceptions and Challenges in Accessing Library Electronic Resources: A Case Study of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

This study investigated user perceptions and challenges associated with accessing and utilizing electronic resources at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), including their implications for remote users. Using a quantitative research approach and survey methodology, the study involved 1,680 participants: 1,513 students, 140 academic staff, and 27 academic librarians. Employing a combination of probability (stratified random and systematic) and nonprobability (purposive) sampling ensured comprehensive representation. Participants completed self-administered closed-ended questionnaires distributed through online platforms, primarily Google Forms. Data collected underwent thorough analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings indicated that the NOUN library offers access to electronic resources such as journals and books. However, the overall perception of these resources by NOUN library users was below average. Both the library and users faced challenges like electricity outages and sluggish internet connectivity speed while accessing or utilizing electronic resources. Recommendations highlight the importance of library management creating awareness programs using modern communication tools. Furthermore, integrating electronic resource usage into the university\u27s curriculum is suggested. This research explored user perceptions and challenges related to electronic resource access and usage at the National Open University of Nigeria. Through a quantitative approach, the study provided insights into current electronic resource utilization, pinpointing areas for improvement, particularly in terms of awareness and curriculum integration

Picking up the pieces: social capital and entrepreneurship for livelihood recovery among displaced populations in Northeast Nigeria

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version.In the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the rate of forced displacement, often precipitated by persecution, civil wars, terrorism, transborder conflicts, as well as natural disasters. The United Nations High Commission for Refugee (UNHCR) reports that there are 25.4 million refugees and 68.5 million forcibly displaced people, and only a small fraction are able to return to their former homes (UNHCR 2019). Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria has precipitated humanitarian tragedy on a scale comparable to the Nigerian civil war (1967-1970) and arguably the worst of any manmade or natural disaster in Nigeria's history. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre estimates that up to 3.3 million people have been internally displaced due to terrorist violence perpetrated by the Boko Haram (International Displacement Monitoring Centre 2015). The number of people displaced by the conflict is the largest in Africa and the third largest in the world. Using quantitative and qualitative data obtained from questionnaires and interviews conducted with respondents in Northeast Nigeria, the study examines the extent to which the displaced populations are drawing on social capital and human capital to withstand, cope with and recover from the adverse experiences and consequences of the insurgency and counterinsurgency. Given that most forced displacements occur in developing countries like Nigeria, government resources are increasingly stretched to deal with the crisis, and there are calls for fundamental rethink of the traditional approach to interventions in disaster situations. In particular, scholars and practitioners are highlighting the need to shift from the current emphasis on technological solutions and financial input, to an approach that combines both technological solutions and social solutions, bringing people and communities to the forefront of interventions (Aldrich & Meyer 2014; Wind & Komproe 2012; Johnson et al. 2013). Forced migration is a social process in which human agency and social networks play a major part. These networks can be instrumental in the construction and (re)-construction of livelihood systems and communities shattered by insurgencies and protracted conflicts

Tax compliance cost and international trade in Africa

International trade in Africa could be one of the antidotes to the precarious poverty and economic deficiency in which the continent finds itself. An outward orientation towards international trade opens the continent to many opportunities including an increase in productivity and the development of redistributive channels for both natural and manufactured products. Resources in Africa could also be efficiently allocated and other consumption opportunities will be exploited when international trade is encouraged and reformed. However, one of the major bottlenecks which affect the growth of international trade in the continent is tax compliance costs. Taxation and its compliance cost could be the most burdensome and costly business activity which has the potential to discourage business growth and investments. Tax compliance costs which include the cost and time involved in complying with various tax regulations in Africa could be a disincentive to trading firms. Adopting the institutional theory, this study has investigated the impact of tax compliance cost on international trade in Africa. The evidence shows that while the number of taxes paid by firms in a year and the tax rate as a percentage of commercial profit has a negative impact on international trade in Africa. However, the time taken for tax registration/compliance and post-tax filing time of firms seem not to have any immediate impact on international trade in Africa. This paper, therefore, argues that Africa needs tax reforms in the form of self-assessments, simplification of tax administration, risk-based inspections and electronic submissions of tax returns in order to reduce the current level of tax compliance burden on firms in Africa

The Effects of Health Care Expenditures on Health Outcomes in West Africa: Analysis of Selected 14 Countries from 2000 to 2018

This study has examined the impact of health expenditure on health outcomes in the selected West African countries. The health outcomes used in this study are infant mortality, under-five mortality, and maternal mortality rates. A panel data set for 14 countries for the period 2000‒2018 was used. Aside from examining the role of total health expenditure on the health outcomes, we examine whether public and private healthcare expenditure could have dissimilar health outcomes. This research used panel data estimation method. Panel data has some advantages over the cross sectional analysis and time series analysis in the sense that it controls for the effect of omitted variables, takes into consideration the international differences and provides more accurate inference of model parameters via more degrees of freedom and more sample variability. A one percentage point increase in health expenditure will reduce infant mortality by 2.4 percent, under-five mortality by 3.9 percent and maternal mortality by 4.9 percent. These are economically significant effects too and indicate decent contribution of health resources toward building human capital in these economics. Human capital expansion presumably affects economic growth positively in the developing countries of West Africa, making it worthwhile to increase health expenditure in the region