Poverty and Ignorance as Correlates of Youths Social Restiveness Behaviour in Rivers and Bayelsa States of Nigeria: Implication for Counselling

This study investigates poverty, ignorance and gender as correlates of youths social restiveness behavior in Bayelsa and Rivers States of Nigeria. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Correlational research design was used for the study. The population consists of all youths (male and female) from ten local government areas of Bayelsa and Rivers states of Nigeria (5 local government areas from Bayelsa and 5 local government areas from Rivers respectively) estimated to be about 5000 youths. The sample size of 500 youths was used for the study selected through purposive random sampling technique from the selected local government areas. Researcher self made questionnaire titled “Youth Social Restiveness Behaviour Questionnaire (YSRBQ) was used for data collected from the subjects. Regression analysis statistics was used to answer and analyze the two research questions and two hypotheses formulated for the study at 0.05 level of significance. The result shows that poverty and ignorance are significant predictors of youth social restiveness behaviour though, poverty is stronger. Gender was not significant. Conclusions were reached, implication for counselling made and recommendations stated

School learning environment and pre-primary children’s reading readiness in early childhood development in Ogoja Education Zone of Cross River State

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of school learning environment on pre-primary school children’s reading readiness in their early childhood development in Ogoja Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. The sample for the study consisted of two hundred and ten (210) children and forty two care-givers who were purposively selected from 42 schools in the study area. The research adopted a correlational survey research design and data was collected using Physical Learning Environment and Reading Readiness Questionnaire (PLERRQ) as its main instrument. To guide the study, three research questions were raised and three research hypotheses were proposed and tested at 0.05 levels of significant using descriptive statistic, frequencies percentage, mean scores, and inferential statistics (multiple linear regressions). The results indicated that the state of classroom environment is promotive of pre-primary school children’s reading readiness. It was recommended that care-givers should be encouraged to ensure necessary activities in school. It also recommended that the necessary and concerned authorities should see to the environment of school classrooms and that of children’s extra-curricular activities. Learning materials should also be provided in a manner which impacts positively on children’s development.Keywords: Learning Environment, Early childhood, Pre-primary reading Readines

A POISSON-AKASH INRAR(1) MODEL FOR OVER DISPERSED COUNT TIME SERIES

In this paper, a Poisson-Akash INAR(1) model was proposed in order to improve on the modelling of overdispersed stationary count time series. The estimators of the parameters of the model were derived using the Yule-Walker (YW) method and the conditional least squares (CLS) method. An expression for the conditional log-likelihood and the r-step ahead forecast were obtained for the model. Three overdispersed nonseasonal stationary count time series were modelled to illustrate the applicability of the proposed model as well as its capacity to outperform the competing INAR (1) models in modelling overdispersed stationary count time series and the result showed that the proposed model is a strong competitor in the analysis of overdispersed stationary count time series and can perform better than the competing INAR(1) models for some data sets

Effects of cooperative and individualistic learning strategies on students’ map reading and interpretation

Current conventional methods of teaching Geography in Nigeria has not improved students’ performance in the subject. Hence, there is the need to expose students to other learning strategies that can improve their performance in map reading and interpretation. This study conceptualised relative effects of cooperative and individualistic learning strategies on secondary school students’ achievement in map reading and interpretation. The study employs pretest, posttest, control group, quasi-experimental research design. Subjects comprised 164 senior secondary II (SSII) geography students, made up of 109 boys and 55 girls, drawn from three secondary schools in Ilesa East and West Local Government Areas of Osun State, south-west, Nigeria. Three instruments were used to collect the requisite data – Numerical Ability Test (NAT), Map Reading and Interpretation Achievement Test (MARIAT) and Treatment Implementation Guides on Cooperative, Individualistic and the Conventional learning strategies. Three null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data collected were analysed using ANCOVA, Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA) and Scheffe Post-hoc Analysis. Treatment had a significant main effect on students’ map reading and interpretation [F (2, 163) = 35.181, p < 0.05]. Cooperative learning strategy was the most effective for the dependent measure. It was also found that numerical ability had a significant main effect on the dependent measure [F(2,163)=16.949; p<0.05], with high numerical ability subjects performing better than their average and low ability counterparts. Results also showed that gender has no significant main effect in map reading and interpretation as revealed by table 1 [F (1,163)=0.566; p>0.05]. It was concluded that the cooperative learning strategy was more effective in improving students’ achievement in map reading and intrpretation. Also, high numerical ability subjects performed better than those in the average and low numerical ability  groups. Gender has no influence on students’ achievement in map work. It was recommended that geography teachers be given on-the-job training in the use of cooperative learning strategy in classes, and that remedial classes should be organised for students with poor mathematical background. Geography teachers are enjoined to encourage students, particularly the females to show more interest in the study of geography through pieces of advice and the stimulating ways they handle the subject amongst others.Keywords: Cognitive Theory, Gender, Learning Strategies, Map Reading, Numerical Abilit

Forensic accounting and fraudulent practices in the Nigerian public sector

The broad objective of this study was to examine forensic accounting and fraudulent practices in the Nigerian public sector. The specific objective was to find out if there exists a significant relationship between forensic accounting and fraudulent practices in Nigerian public sector. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. The study population consisted of all public institutions in Edo State, Nigeria. However, ten (10) government establishments, both Federal and State owned, were randomly selected. Structured four-scale Likert-type questionnaire was used as the research instrument to elicit responses from the respondents who were mainly internal auditors, chief accountants, executive directors and directors of the selected institutions. The data were analyzed using frequency counts and simple percentages method. Findings made indicated that there is a significant relationship between forensic accounting and reduction of fraudulent practices in the Nigerian public sector; and the prevalence of fraudulent practices in the Nigerian public sector has brought set back to the economy, untold hardship to the citizens and shame to the country in general before the international communities. It is therefore recommended that government and regulatory authorities need to ensure the provision of standards and guidelines to regulate forensic activities and above all, Nigerians should embrace integrity, objectivity, fairness and accountability in their day-to-day activities particularly in the public sector.Keywords: Forensic accounting, fraudulent practices, frauds, forensic accountant

Adoption of E-Learning as Instructional Media in Secondary Schools: Challenges and Prospects

That the standard of Education has fallen; that the teachers no longer posses sufficient requisite knowledge, moral integrity nor required teaching ethics and attitude; that the government do not adequately fund the educational system in which the major stake holders do not allow their children to participate in but prefers to send them abroad to study where there is better standard; that the children of the present age no longer study the way and manner their parents did; and many more, are the criticisms or rather condemnations against the Nigerian Educational system. The extent to which these criticism hold water may not be clear but that not with standing they suggest one thing; there is an immense need for a hard look and a radical review of the Nigerian educational system. The review will naturally analyze the prevalent practice and Identity the short falls as well as sources of improvement. Currently, there is craze for ICT and its facilities-the computer systems; tablets, laptops, palm tops, and others. This is with particular reference to the children and youth of the student age. One of the sources of improving the standard of our educational systems, thus could be the adoption of E-Learning as a major instructional media at all levels of the educational system. Thus this paper considers the impacts, challenges and prospects of adopting E-Learning as a major instructional media as a contribution towards the improvement of secondary school education in Enugu State. Keywords: E-learning, Information and communication technology, Instructional media, Secondary schools

Economic Analysis of Liquefied Natural Gas Floating Production Storage and Offloading Plant (LNG FPSO) Using Probabilistic Approach

The global yearning for clean and safe environment coupled with the need of monetizing stranded gas fields to meet the growing demand of Natural gas in the world today has called for understanding of the range of potential for commercial realization of Liquefied Natural Gas Floating Production Storage and Offloading Plant (LNG FPSO). This places a heavy burden on the economic evaluation process which will give the maximum insight into the basis for a decision to invest or not to invest in the LNG FPSO. An economic analysis of 5.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) LNG FPSO plant was undertaken. A Monte Carlo simulation method was adopted in this study through the use of Crystal Ball Software. The key uncertainties were represented and their respective impacts on economic viability defined. The deterministic model results obtained from the studies were very impressive with Net Present Value of $2.3 billion at a discount value of 15% and Internal Rate of Return at 32.68%. Probabilistically, 74.96% certainty of having a positive net present value (NPV) and good IRR values far above the hurdle rate for investment in Nigeria was obtained. These clearly showed that LNG FPSO is profitable. Certainty of payback period of not exceeding 5 years was obtained to be 55.89%.Key words: LNG FPSO; Offshore LNG liquefaction; Probabilistic approach; Sensitivity analysis; Economic yardstic

Indoor and Outdoor Gamma Dose Rate Exposure Levels in Major Commercial Building Material Distribution Outlets and Their Radiological Implications to Occupants in Ibadan, Nigeria

The indoor and outdoor gamma exposure levels at commercial distribution stores/shops where different brands of building materials are sold at Iwo road market in Ibadan, Nigeria have been determined. The direct measurements of the gamma exposure levels were made using a calibrated RADEYE G-10 gamma survey meter.  Typical mean dose rate obtained in the stores/shops were 0.140 ± 0.01 ?Sv/h (indoor) and 0.124 ± 0.02 ?Sv/h(outdoor) for floor Tiles, 0.11± 0.01 ?Sv/h (indoor) and 0.103 ± 0.020 ?Sv/h (outdoor) for wall tiles and 0.098 ± 0.010 ?Sv/h (indoor) and 0.089 ± 0.020 ?Sv/h(outdoor) for water closet respectively. The calculated annual effective doses for indoor and outdoor were 0.520 ± 0.01 mSv and 0.46 ± 0.02 mSv for floor tiles respectively while it was 0.42 ± 0.01 mSv and 0.37 ± 0.02 mSv and 0.367 ± 0.01 mSv and 0.333 ± 0.02 mSv for wall tiles and water closet respectively. The results showed that the building materials at these stores/shops have slightly increased the natural radiation dose exposure levels in the area and to the occupants. The study also indicated that the occupants at the shops may be subjects for elevated levels of radon exposure due to confined space and poor ventilation. Keywords: Indoor gamma exposure, Outdoor gamma exposure, Building materials, Building material shop outlets, Annual effective dose

Magnitude of transaction costs on contractors for eligibility documents, contract administration and bidding

The research assessed the magnitude of transaction costs incurred by contractors with respect to eligibility papers, contract administration and process costs of bidding expenditures. Multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to select participants from building companies from two hundred and thirty (230) contractors in chosen North-West states registered in the contractors ' database of the Bureau of Public Procurement, who are deemed to engage in any federal tendering process as participants. Different participants submitted two hundred (200) questionnaires. Modelling of structural equations has been used to evaluate the information from the participants. Results show an important connection existed between the eligibility documents, the process of bidding expenditures, contract administration costs, and the models of procurement guides (PPA 2007). This shows that, when bidding projects, the Transaction Costs (TCs) incurred by contracting companies are between 5-10% of the contract amount. The study proposes that the federal government procurement regulatory body should amend the present PPA 2007 Act in Nigeria. MDAs that are in line with the PPA rules should ask for minimum requirements or criteria.Keywords: Procurement Act 2007, Eligibility document, Contract, Infrastructure, and Transaction costs theor

Production of cellulosic ethanol from wood sawdust

Energy from fossil fuels has played a very important role in our lives, but such an important role has been clouded out due to the environment hazards caused from fossil emissions.  This has led to a new dimension in energy utilization known as renewable energy fuels.  To fully support this type of energy from biological mass, adequate biomass source must be harnessed.  This work thus was carried out to utilize a local available biomass waste as an alternative source of ethanol which is currently used for spark ignition engines as a renewable energy fuel.  It also determined the yield of ethanol from the sawdust used.  The sawdust sample was collected from the Nsukka Sawmill (Timbershade).  Materials used included 18 m (78% concentration) of sulphuric acid, 6 m of sodium hydroxide for hydrolysis, and fermentation process.  The hydrolysis involves the extraction of fermentable sugar from a cellulosic biomass.  The sawdust of sulfuric acid mixture was allowed to sit for 48 hours, then the distilled water was used to dilute in order to bring its pH between 5.0 - 6.0.  10 kg of sawdust gave 500 cm3 of ethanol using Beer-Lambert plot of ethanol water mixture.  The success of the extraction of ethanol shows there are possibilities for improvement. Keywords: Biofuel, climate change, ethanol yield, fermentation, wood sawdus