Mathemaphobia and Teaching Learning Materials as Correlates of Pupils Achievement in Mathematics

The importance of mathematics to the effective daily living and contributions to the scientific and technological advancement of the society cannot be over-emphasized. As important as this subject is, there seems to be a lot variable that promote or inhibit the pupils’ performance in it as various level of Nigerian educational system.  The study investigated mathemaphobia and teaching-learning materials as correlates of pupils’ achievement in mathematics. Correlation design was adopted in the study. A sample size of 1,080 students and 48 mathematics teachers were randomly selected for the study.  Three instruments (Students Mathemaphobia Questionnaires (SMQ), Teaching-learning Materials Inventory (TMI) and Mathematics Achievement Test) were used for data collection.  SMQ was adapted from Sokun (1998) and was revalidated by the researcher while SMQ and TMI were constructed and validated by the researcher. The results of the finding showed a linear relationship between the predictors and the criterion; the combination of predictor variables and students achievement in basic mathematics yielded a multiple correlation of 0.574 with students’ achievement in basic mathematics. The multiple correlation of 0.574 indicates that there is moderate relationship between the predictors and the students’ achievement in basic mathematics; it implied that the obtained regression equation resulting from the set of the four (4) predictor variables allow reliable prediction of students’ achievement in Mathematics. The four predictor variables accounted for 30.7% of the observed variance in the students’ achievement in basic mathematics; only mathemaphobia contributed significantly to the prediction model while the remaining predictors’ contributions were not significant. The study recommends adequate provisions of teaching materials to various basic schools on Oyo state among others. Keywords: mathemaphobia, teaching-learning materials, mathematic

Growth performance, haematological and biochemical study of Clarias gariepinus (Burshell) fingerlings fed formlulated Rana galamensis (Galam) meals

A 56-­‐day feeding experiment involving Clarias gariepinus fingerlings was conducted to investigate the growth response, serum and biochemical parameters of the fingerlings to formulated feed from Rana galamensis at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% inclusion levels. 180 fingerlings were divided into 5 treatment groups containing 36 fingerlings and each group was further replicated 3 times. A significant difference (P<0.05) was established in the growth parameters determined in the C. gariepinus fingerlings fed with the four frog formulations, namely, final weight, total weight, and mean feed gain, mean weight gain and feed conversion ratio The 40% R. galamensis ration elicited higher growth values than all other rations. Similarly, significance difference (P<0.05) was established in the serum (Total protein, Albumin and Cholestreol) and biochemical (Na+. K+ and HCO3 -­‐) parameters determined in the blood samples collected from the fingerlings fed with the four frog formulations. The increasing values observed in the growth factors, serum and biochemical parameters of the fingerlings when increasing level of R. galamensis protein was incorporated into the fish diet is an indication that the formulated feed can serve as growth promoter as well as rich sources of mineral supply to the fish; hence, a potential protein source for aquacultural practices

Evaluation of the Efficacy of African Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) Leaf for Disinfecting Well - water obtained from Ekiti State, Nigeria

The demand for potable and affordable water led to comparative research of the efficacy of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf (OGL) extract by collecting well water and treated with OGL extract. Both treated and untreated samples were subjected to physiochemical and bacteriological examinations. Data obtained showed that the pH and feacal coliform counts ranged from 6.17 to 6.74 and 0 to 192 CFU/100 mL for well water sample A; 6.56 to 7.24 and 0 to 118 CFU/100 mL for well water samples B; 6.81 to 7.79 and 0 to 75 CFU/100 mL for well water samples C respectively. The OGL extract includes various bioactive components (i.e. steroids, tannins, etc) according to the phytochemical tests. The first feacal coliform count was above the allowed range (i.e. >50 CFU/100 mL) and the pH value tended to be acidic (6.5), with a colour of >15 H.U. and an unclear (brownish) appearance. The Coliform count was lowered with each dosage of OGL extract until it reached zero count after 24 hours’ contact time at an optimum dosage of 5 mL and the total bacteria counts were gone. The beneficial influence (s) from this study confirms the disinfectant potential of OGL extract for well water treatment

Meta-analysis of fraud, waste and abuse detection methods in healthcare

Fraud, waste and abuse have been a concern in healthcare system due to the exponential increase in the loss of revenue, loss of reputation and goodwill, and a rapid decline in the relationship between healthcare providers and patients. Consequently, fraud, waste and abuse result in a high cost of healthcare services, decreased quality of care, and threat to patients’ lives. Its enormous side effects in healthcare have attracted diverse efforts in the healthcare industry, data analytics industry and research communities towards the development of fraud detection methods. Hence, this study examines and analyzes fraud, waste and abuse detection methods used in healthcare, to reveal the strengths and limitations of each approach. Eighty eight literatures obtained from journal articles, conference proceedings and books based on their relevance to the research problem were reviewed. The result of this review revealed that fraud detection methods are difficult to implement in the healthcare system because new fraud patterns are constantly developed to circumvent fraud detection methods. Research in medical fraud assessment is limited due to data limitations as well as privacy and confidentiality concerns.Keywords: abuse, fraud, healthcare, waste, fraud detection method

Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in Nigeria

In most developing countries, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) serves as a means of earning foreign reserves via investments, businesses and foreign aids from advanced countries. FDI is considered a valuable source of finance and capital formation, Technology-Transfer and know-how, as well as a viable medium for trade among countries. The Spillover effect also allows for the transfer of innovations and invention to the receiving countries, one of which Nigeria belongs. According to the requirement for accelerated growth in association with the Sustainable Development Goals is not completely clear, however, for economies to experience sustainable and inclusive development, cross-border trade is paramount. Presently, Nigeria is the first host economy of FDI in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the third in the continent. Recently, Nigeria has witnessed several trade policies which aim at diversifying the economy away from oil revenue. These policies are focused on improving the industrial sector, and of course, results in austerity. In 2018, the total FDI inflow to the country was around USD 1.9 billion, while in 2017, FDI inflow was around USD 3.5 billion, showing a decrease due to the consequence of the austerity measures imposed in 2018. At the third quarter of 2019, the FDI was only 3.37% (USD 200.08 million) of the total capital inflow for the period. Traditionally, FDI is designed to improve the recipient economies thereby enhancing economic growth and development, it is in this view that many developing countries attract foreign investors with the hope of strengthening their economy by increasing the foreign investment portfolio. However, most empirical analysis of the impact of FDI on economic growth advises otherwise, hence, a controversy. According to the existing literature, some empirical results found a negative relationship between FDI and economic growth, while others opined that as FDI increases, it results in a boost of output productivity, hence a positive relationship between the variables. Therefore, this study contributes to the existing literature by investigating the effects of FDI both on the owner, and the host country, using Nigeria as a case study

Subcontractor trust issues on payment and valuation practices in UK private projects

Purpose Construction project delivery is hinged on the performance of the contractor and subcontractors. In many private construction projects in the UK, there are trust issues between the subcontractor and contractor, especially when there are no collateral warranties to protect the rights of the subcontractors. The purpose of this study is to investigate and identify the causations of distrust between subcontractors and contractors and proffered panaceas. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative open-ended questions were used. Twenty respondents, mainly supervisors, tradesmen, subcontractors and main contractors in the UK, were interviewed. The thematic analysis approach was used to identify the dominant themes. Findings The interview findings were presented descriptively, and the frequency approach identified more occurring themes from the interviewees’ responses. The six themes contributing to distrust between subcontractor and contractor are financial pressures, partnering approach, payment and trust, nature of trust, internal influence and unfair payment. Practical implications The findings of this study revealed that many subcontractors have limited knowledge of the clauses in contracts they are entering into. Thus, in addition to obtaining collateral warranties, subcontractors must carefully understand their contractual obligations and payment arrangements before agreeing to be part of a construction project. Originality/value Although this study aimed to shed light on the distrust between subcontractors and contractors in private UK construction projects, improvements in contract administration, subcontractors continued professional development and improved valuation processes can reduce distrust between subcontractors and contractors

Experimental analytical design of CNC machine tool SCFC based on electro-pneumatic system simulation

AbstractA Smart Clamping Force Control (SCFC) is adapted to hold sensitive workpiece using magnetic proximity switch during a machining operation on the CNC machine tool. It has been ascertained that work-holding of different workpiece materials and shapes during machining operation is one of the problems encountered during CNC milling machining operations. This work proposes a novel clamping strategy for workpieces with the aid of SCFC. The purpose of the study is to adjust the forward movement of the clamp and reduce the damage caused by the clamp on the workpiece, this depends on the material of the work-piece. The speed of the clamp is reduced using the inlet flow control throttle valve and a magnetic proximity switch (MPS). It provides careful handling of workpiece and prevent it from damage and as well optimizes the forward movement of the cylinder. The proposed strategy is based on dynamic machine loading in which the impact of applied forces were monitored to optimize the clamping control system of the machine tool. The mode of operation and performance of the SCFC were simulated in the FluidSIM® software, and the validated results was presented on Festo workstation. This work therefore further elucidate the fundamental design criterion for machine tool clamping forces and the sustainable manufacture of its components

Service planning and delivery outcomes of home adaptations for ageing in the UK

In response to the impact of demographic change on the healthcare system, ‘ageing in place’ was introduced as a national policy to support elderly people living independently in their homes. Housing adaptation is essential for successful independent living and has been given increased political priority. However, adaptation policies and practice vary regionally, reflecting statutory limits, policy choices and local planning. This study investigated the current status of adaptation provision in different regions in the UK and assessed the effectiveness of local service planning and management. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory research strategy was employed. In the first quantitative phase, a questionnaire survey was carried out involving all 378 local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. This was followed by a second qualitative phase involving individual interviews with five professionals and two clients and a focus group meeting with six key stakeholders. The study found that the current number of adaptations was relatively small compared with potential demands in most local areas, as was funding for adaptations. On the operational side, the adaptation process was fragmented, involving different service groups in many local authorities. There were disconnections between these groups, which often caused inefficiencies and poor effectiveness. Moving forward, local authorities need to have a clear vision of the overall need for adaptations and allocate sufficient resources. Practical guidelines are also needed for better integrated working and performance management

Developing Appropriate Techniques to Alleviate the Ogun River Network Annual Flooding Problems

The perennial annual flooding problems occurring in Lagos and Ogun States during the rainy season due largely to release of excess water from the multi-purpose Oyan Dam reservoir built across Oyan River, a tributary of Ogun River, located in Abeokuta North Local Government of Ogun State, has reached unacceptable level. Annually, the flooding hazard causes severe economic, social, ecological and environmental impacts such as displacement of no less than 1,280 residents, interruption of major roads which inevitably leads to loss of valuable man-hours, infection of surface and ground water leading to increased incidences of water-borne diseases, disruption of commercial and educational activities and recession of shoreline. This paper reviews the genesis and root causes of the flooding problems with a view to proffer the best approach to alleviate and solve this problem on a permanent basis combining hydraulic and hydrological best practices

The Challenges of Water Supply for A Megacity: A Case Study of Lagos Metropolis

Lagos State has grown from 300,000 and 500,000 in 1950 and 1991 to an unprecedented population of 15.7 million (Mabogunje, 2002). Already, it is projected to have a population of 25 million by 2015 which will make Lagos the third largest megacity after Tokyo and Bombay and a population of 29 million by 2020, with an annual growth rate of 8 %( UNCHS, 1996; George, 2010; LWC, 2011). This scenario presents enormous emerging challenges as well as opportunities that are numerous, diverse and inevitable. This geometric population growth, coupled with accelerated industrialization and urbanization, has contributed immensely to the hydra-headed problems of water scarcity, uneven and inadequate pipe-borne water distribution and transmission, increased exposure to incidence of water-borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera leading to loss of lives and valuable man-hours. There is increased reliability on unwholesome water sources such as “pure” water sachets, polluted surface and underground waters, and increased urban poverty owing to a combination of the above problems, the increased cost of production for industries and increased distribution losses (Akunyili, 2003). The major elements of water supply include surface and groundwater sources, water-treatment works-primary, secondary and tertiary, and pipe distribution systems. Lagos Metropolis and its environs are served by three (3) major waterworks, twenty-seven (27) mini-waterworks, out of which fifteen (15) were recently commissioned and ten (10) micro-waterworks, with a combined production capacity of 240MGD, which meets about 40% of current demand (LWC, 2011). The rivers which traverse the state, namely Rivers Ogun, Oshun, Aye, Owo, Yewa, Iju all combine to produce a total safe yield of 3,565 MLD. The groundwater aquifer under the state located in the Coastal Plain Sand and Abeokuta formations at a depth between 600-800m is capable of a total yield of 650, 000 m3/day (Oyegoke, 1986; Longe et al, 1987; Coode, 1997). An estimated $3 Billion will be required for massive water infrastructural development within the next ten years according to Lagos State Government while$3.7389B investment is required to produce 3954 MLD (870MGD) which is enough to meet the year 2025 forecasted demand of 3900 MLD according to Challenge International Associates (2006). This can only be met by Public-Private Partnerships while concerted effort is made for investment recovery