THE PERCEPTION OF FUTURE DECISION MAKERS ON THE BUILDING PROFESSION

Out of all the professionals involved in the built environment, the most misunderstood is the Professional Builder. To avoid the dearth of the profession and ensure a sustainable profession, the study as a social judgment aims to assess the building profession in the eyes of future decision makers in Nigeria. Through a purposive sampling method, a structured questionnaire was distributed to two hundred and thirty-six (236) final year students of selected private and public universities in Lagos and Ogun state, Nigeria, termed as future decision makers. Using SPSS 17.0, descriptive and inferential statistics test such as Mean Score, Analysis of Variance and Factor analysis were used for the study. The results of this study indicated that future decision makers in the selected institutions in Nigeria had very little awareness of major and evolving roles of the professional builder. In conclusion, two (2) major areas can influence the popularity of the profession which are the Student/Professional builders’ participation and the Professional Associations. The study developed a framework to ensure the sustainability of the profession by influencing the awareness level of future decision makers

Post Contract Cost Management Practices of Contractors in Nigeria

It is a well-known fact that a lot of problems have arisen during the construction projects implementation; out of which, the main distinctive problem is cost overruns. Cost overruns are evidently frequent problems in the construction industries of many developed and developing countries. Once the construction projects implementation begins, the project's costs rarely remain static. There is need for cost control on the part of contractor in order to guarantee profit and ensure the continued achievement of long term goals of the company. This study was therefore carried out to examine the post contract cost management practices of contractors in Nigeria. The study examined the frequency of use of contractor’s cost control methods and their effectiveness. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was used as the principal instrument for collecting data from respondents. Random sampling method was used to drawn up sample from the population. A total sample of eighty (80) was drawn from these collections of building construction contractors of various categories (small, medium and large) from Lagos, Nigeria. Thirty four (34) were completed and returned representing a 44% response rate. Frequency, percentage, mean score, spearman rank order correlation and analysis of variance were used in analysing data collected for the study. Findings reveals cost projection measure is the most frequent cost control method used by contractors, while actual versus forecast reconciliation (labour/material/plant) is regarded as the most effective control method. Expatriate and partly expatriate contractors agree on the effective cost control methods in the construction industry. It was recommended that building contractors should ensure reliable and accurate cost estimating, the quantification of actual costs for labour, equipments and plants should be done on site during construction to ensure cost control on construction sites. The feedback which requires adjustments during pricing future estimates should be kept and updated in the form of bills of quantities. This study further recommends contractors should embrace cost control methods which ensure close monitoring and reporting of work progress and cost performance. This is very important for effective cost control process during post contract stage. The report also claimed that IT integration is the only way to get quick and accurate reports to solve cost overrun and its associated problems identified by several literature and professionals. Keywords: Construction project, cost control, cost overrun, Nigeria, post contract

Are HAARTs beneficial for spermatozoa of HIV patients?

Introduction: Globally, HIV/AIDS has been ranked as the 5th largest cause of death in Southern Sub-Saharan Africa and the major cause of death in the world. The review aims to focus on the effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the male gametes of HIV positive persons in order to give an insight into the fate of men infected with HIV with respect to their chances of having offsprings following the commencement of HAART.Methods: This review considered all original and review articles published on Pubmed from year 2000 to 2015. A few selected, exceptionally relevant publications outside this period were also reviewed.Results: HAART has been shown to improve the health, quality of life and reduction in the morbidity and mortality attributable to HIV-induced immune deficiency. It is anticipated that the survival of patients influence their fertility parameters while on treatment, with focus on young males, within the reproductive age.Conclusion: A better understanding of the influence of HAART on spermatozoa in patients with HIV/AIDS undergoing therapeutic management is therefore vital for knowledge and a proactive measure in order not to add to their burden if there is expression of the desire to conceive a child.Keywords: HIV/AIDS, HAART, sperm, Assisted reproductive technology, Afric

Antimicrobial Potency of Hydro, acetone and Ethanolic extracts of Treculia africana Decne Root and Stem Bark

Treculia africana is a plant that is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diverse ailments. To investigate the scientific basis for the use of the plant, the antimicrobial activities/potency of the root and stem bark extracts were evaluated against common gram negative and gram positive bacteria as well as yeast. The chemical constituents of the plant in addition to the effect of temperature and pH on its antimicrobial potencies were investigated. The phytochemical constituents of the dried powdered plant parts were extracted using aqueous and organic solvents (acetone and ethanol). The antimicrobial activity of the concentrated extracts was evaluated by determining the diameter of zone of inhibition against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria and yeast, using the disc diffusion technique. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of glycosides, anthraquinone, free aglycone, saponin, steroids and polyphenols. The extracts were active against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The activities of the plant extracts were not affected at varied temperatures (4oC, 30oC, 60oC and 100oC), but decreased at alkaline pH. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts on the test organisms revealed lowest MIC and MBC against Salmonella paratyphi, Salmonella typhi and Bacillus subtilis with highest MIC and MBC exhibited against Staphylococcus aureus. Generally, there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the antimicrobial activities of the test extracts and control antibiotics, with the control antibiotics exerting broader antimicrobial activity. Treculia africana demonstrated broad spectrum antibacterial activity and a potential source of new classes of antibiotics that could be useful for infectious disease chemotherapy and control.Keywords: Treculia africana, Underutilized plant, Antimicrobial potency, MIC, MBC, Phytochemical

An analysis of social media marketing of indigenous construction firms in Nigeria: A tool for sustainable growth

Indigenous construction firms in Nigeria operate in one of the harshest economic climates while competing with their foreign counterparts. ICFs require strategic and innovative marketing skills in selling their products and services to current and prospective clients. The paper examined the use of social media marketing strategies by indigenous construction firms in Nigeria; a tool for sustainable growth. The study used quantitative data through a questionnaire survey instrument at company-level. A total of seventy-nine (79) questionnaires at firm level were utilised. The data collected were presented using stacked bars, radar charts and matrix correlation. The study identified the social media platforms mostly utilised by ICFs and the major barriers resisting the adoption of the innovative marketing strategy in Nigeria. The perceived benefits accrued to ICFs in the use of social media as a marketing tool differs across the type of social media platforms in use by the ICFs. ICFs need to be concerned about image and trust building through a concerted effort in client engagement on social media platforms to improve their brand and reputation. Social media marketing strategies should be integrated with the traditional marketing plans of construction fir

Evaluation of Users' Satisfaction with Lighting Strategies in Selected Art Museum and Galleries in Nigeria

To achieve effective communication between displayed works and users in art museums and galleries, some environmental factors must be satisfied. Paramount among such factors is lighting. The provision of adequate lighting is a vital component for achieving effective and sustainable display areas in art museums and galleries. To assess the adequacy of lighting in the display areas, users’ opinion is central. This study evaluated users' satisfaction with lighting strategies in display areas of selected art museum and galleries in Nigeria, to identify areas for further improvements. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative data was collected with the aid of an observation guide from one museum and two galleries, and content analysed. Whereas quantitative data was gathered with a closed-end structured questionnaire from 175 respondents across the three selected establishments and analysed with Statistical Product and Service Solutions software. The results were presented descriptively with the aid of tables, figures, and plates for better comprehension. The results showed that users were to a considerable extent satisfied with the lighting strategies employed which were predominantly artificial lighting which includes, fluorescent and incandescent lighting. The strategies employed are: down, up, front, side, and back-lighting, However, to enhance users’ satisfaction, the majority of the respondents suggested the use of daylighting strategies in the display areas where the exhibited works are not susceptible to light damage. The study recommended that while seeking to adopt lighting strategies that protect and preserve the value of artworks in display areas, architects should take into consideration the utmost importance of users’ visual comfort and well-being. Safe artificial and daylighting strategies should also be integrated right from the site planning to the lighting design and implementation stages

The Prevalence of Bacteriospermia in Patients with Clinically Diagnosed HIV/AIDS in Port Harcourt

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of bacteriospermia in male patients with clinically proven HIV/AIDS in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.Methods: Using standard methods, sperm samples were collected by masturbation after 3 days of abstinence from 120 male patients with clinically diagnosed HIV/AIDS aged 18-57 with a mean age of 39.5; this included 65 single and 55 married men and analyzed for sperm quality and bacteriological profile.Results: Of the 120 patients tested, 90 (75%) had bacteriospermia with at least one pathogen (Staphylococcus aureus, 30%, Staphylococcus  saprophyticus, 13%, Escherichia coli, 20%, Proteus mirabilis, 10%, Proteusvulgaris, 10%, Klebsiella spp., 10% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 7%). The prevalence of bacteriospermia was higher in singles 60 (50%) compared to married 30 (25%) and significantly (P=0.05) higher in  subjects 28-37 and 38-47 years age group (both 30%) followed by the 18-27 years age group (15%).Conclusion: A relatively high rate of prevalence of bacteriospermia has been identified among HIV/AIDS patients studied. This is dependent of age and marital status of the patients.Keywords: Sperm quality, Infertility, Bacteria profile, Viral infection,  Immunity, Prevention, Public health

Incidence and Speciation of Candida Species among Non-gravid young Females in Ilorin, North Central, Nigeria

This study investigated the incidence and speciation of Candida species among non-gravid young females, using commercially available chromogenic Candida speciation media (CHROM agar) for the identification/speciation of medically important yeast and yeastlike organisms in a routine clinical mycology laboratory. High Vaginal Swabs (HVS) were randomly collected from consenting non-gravid-young females for the study. The participants also completed a structured questionnaire assessing demographic data, symptoms, and risk factors of candidiasis. A total of 120 females between the ages of 17 and 31 years were randomly recruited for the study. Standard microbiological techniques such as Gram’s stain, wet mount and culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and CHROM agar were used to analyze the swabs. Candida species was isolated from 64 of the 120 females, representing 53.3%. The highest incidence rate of 25.0% was recorded in the 23-25 years age group, followed by 12.5% in the 26 28 years while the lowest incidence (1.7%) was observed in the 17-19 years age group. Candida albicans (35.0%) was the most common Candida species, followed by C. tropicalis (8.3%), C. glabrata (6.7%) and C. krusie (3.3%), whereas, non-Candida infection constituted 46.7% (Negative cultures). Vaginal discharge (85.5%) and itching (52.5%) recorded the high values, with respect to symptoms. The prevalent risk factors associated with vaginal candidiasis in this study were washing of vagina with soap (Vaginal douching) (72.5%) and unprotected casual sex (16.7%). Whitish vaginal discharge (78.3%) was most prevalent followed by creamish vagina discharge (56.7%). In addition to Candida albicans, non-albicans Candida spp were isolated from HVS specimens; therefore, public health education is vital. CHROM agar is a simple, rapid and inexpensive method with good sensitivity and specificity for identification and speciation of Candida species thus, allowing an early and appropriate antifungal therapy. The results of the study will eliminate the ambiguities concerning Candida identification in this country and will contribute to better management and proper treatment of patients.Keywords: Candidiasis, vulvovaginitis, Incidence, Speciation, CHROM agar, Risk Factor

SKILLED LABOR CHALLENGES AND AUTOMATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The construction industry remains one of the most labor-intensive industries worldwide, creating an average gross domestic product (GDP) of 8% for the global economy and helping reduce unemployment. However, the last few years have brought a plague of skilled labor shortage and retirement, the most recent pandemic also playing a part in hastening retirement due to the present age cohort (baby boomers). Therefore, the need to begin to source viable alternatives to mitigate these issues that could be catastrophic is critical. One possible option is automation, but the industry remains lethargic toward innovation adoption and its use. Past and present challenges should determine alternatives given evidence of success recorded from the application of technology for processes in other industries and some aspects in construction. This study aims to investigate occupations with the most shortage and the impact of retirement approaching 2023 while promoting research information about automation adoption and use as a viable alternative. The study utilized data from the bureau of labor statistics and a systematic review of literature to encapsulate the weight of these issues for the construction industry. The findings demonstrate a similar trend among the 15 occupations and total employment in the construction industry as it relates to increases and dips from 2007 to 2021. Most occupations experience labor shortages at the same pace; hence, automation has been adjudged a vital solution not only to help mitigate shortage and retirement issues but improve performance in the construction industry accordingly

Built Environment Professionals' Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Building Control Measures in Lagos State

Due to the alarming rate of building collapse, this study assesses building control practices in Lagos state. It examines the effectiveness of building control practices, and it also identifies the factors limiting the capacity of building control practices. To achieve these objectives, quantitative techniques were used in which 61 questionnaires were distributed to selected professionals from contracting firms within the built environment. The sample was selected using the purposive sampling technique. The data collected were processed using mean item score, percentage and ANOVA. The study revealed that not all building control measures were thoroughly observed. It was discovered from the findings that, aside from the measure of processing and scrutinising the building plans for approval, which was duly observed, no other measures were observed, and they are all equally significant. The study also identifies factors that impede adherence to building control practices, such as corruption and the bureaucratic process, which were ranked highest. Hypothesis testing revealed that there is no significant difference among the professionals in their perception of the effectiveness of building control practices. In conclusion, this study recommends regular auditing of the activities of building control agencies due to the prevalence of corruption cases among their members