Policy and institutional enablers of public–private partnerships in the electricity sector in Uganda: a multi-level and path dependence perspective

Purpose: This paper explains the evident disproportionality in the levels of adoption of the modality of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in Uganda by tracing the peculiar preconditions and enablers of the model's relative high adoption in the electricity sector. Design/methodology/approach: Key conceptual suggestions from historical institutionalism (HI), critical juncture and path dependence are used to orient the data collection and analysis. The direct experiences and perceptions of key informants involved in policy, regulation and operations in the electricity sector are thematically analyzed. Findings: The primacy of specific policy, institutional decisions and actions sequentially undertaken at the international, national and sectorial levels in shaping the conceivability and possibility of PPP modality is foregrounded. In particular, international advisory for the changed role of the state and the government's subsequent decision to enact and reenact specific institutional frameworks at the national and sectorial levels created important disruptions to the status quo and paved a new and relatively stable institutional path conducive for private sector participation. Research limitations/implications: Theoretically, the paper demonstrates the ability and power of HI to support the exploration and framing of multilevel and path-dependent explanations of institutional development and policy adoption. Practically, suggestions in terms of policy, legal and regulatory enablers for the adoption of PPP are made to shape practitioners' decision-making Practical implications: Practically, suggestions in terms of policy, legal and regulatory enablers for the adoption of PPP are made to shape practitioners' decision-making. Originality/value: The importance of considering factor combinations and sequences in explaining the emergence, adoption and proliferation of public policy instruments and phenomena is underscored. In addition, the discourse on PPPs is moved beyond rationalization on how to even out their adoption (and subsequently the associated benefits) across sectors

Impact of Past Mining Activities on Water Resources Around Active and Abandoned Mines and Quarries in Ebonyi State, South-Eastern Nigeria - A Mini Review

This paper presents a review on previous activities of mining on water resources around active and abandoned mines/quarries across Ebonyi State, South-Eastern, Nigeria. As high demand for water increases due to population growth and rapid development across the state, it is of upmost importance to periodically review water quality and also monitor water resources. However, less information is available on evaluation of impact on mining activities on water resources. For the purpose of this research, related articles were downloaded from Google, published article on effect of mining on water resources was download and thoroughly studied to evaluate effect of mining on water resources of the study area. Findings revealed that past mining activities has lead to chains of complex chemical reactions that has altered the quality of water resources

A Synoptic Review of Mineralogical and Chemical Characteristics of Clays in the Southern Part of Nigeria

This paper reviews the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of clays found in southern part of Nigeria, with a view to determine its usability. The usability of clays, depends on its chemical and mineralogical charactertics, the end product of clay after it is been processed is also based on it’s charactertics. From reviewed literature, it was observed that sampled clay within the study area were analyzed using the XRD, XRF and ICPMS method. Further findings also revealed that the dominant clay minerals within the study area include montmorillonite, illite, and kaolinite. On the other hand, it was observed that non-clay minerals such as feldspar, quartz, dickite and many others were found with clay as revealed by several scholars. While chemical charactertics of clay consists mainly of Al2O3, K2O, CaO and SiO2, with other major oxides such as P2O5, MgO, Fe2O3, TiO2, MnO and Na2O. Some trace elements such Be, Ba, Sc, Sr, Zr, V and Y were reported to be present in clays deposit found in selected part of Ogun state. From reviewed articles, it was observed that mineralogical and chemical charactertics of clay make it suitable for pharmaceutical, textile, cosmetic and polymer industries, but considered to be fairly suitable for oil and gas industry

Integrated Geophysical and Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Assessment of Groundwater Studies in Adum West Area of Benue State,Nigeria

Integration of geophysical and hydrogeochemical methods has been scientifically proven to be useful in vulnerability study and groundwater characterization. Subsurface geoelectric parameters such as resistivity and thickness obtained from geophysical method (Vertical Electrical Sounding VES) was used to determine aquifers vulnerability, longitudinal resistance (ρL) and transverse unit resistance (Rt). Thirty four water samples were collected from groundwater sources for physicochemical analysis.Estimated results from longitudinal conductance (S), (Rt) and (ρL) showed that the values ranges from 0.03 to 2.5mhos, 103.64 to 1964417.8 Ω/m2 and 215.41 to 65731.68 Ω-m respectively. Result from S suggested that 50 % of groundwater is considered to be vulnerable to contamination from the earth surface, while the remaining 50 % is considered to be slightly vulnerable to surface contamination. Further findings obtained from hydrogeochemical analysis such as Gibb’s and Chadba plots revealed that groundwater is highly influenced by rock water interaction,groundwater is classified to be Na+ + HCO3¯, Ca2+ + Mg2++ HCO3¯ , Na+ + Cl¯ and Ca2+ + Mg2+ + Cl¯ water type. Deduction from Soltan classification suggested that groundwater is classified to be of Na+ ˗ HCO3¯ and Na+ ˗ SO4 2¯ water type. Results obtained from Ec and pH suggested that the values were below WHO permissible limit, while result obtained from TDS showed that at some sampling points TDS values were above WHO limit. Based on pH value obtained groundwater within the study area fell within slightly basic to acidic

Effects of Water Source, Suspended Solids, and Acclimation on Biotransformation of 2 /4-Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid in Aquatic Systems

In recent years there has been a great deal of scientific interest in processes that affect the fate of organic chemicals in the environment. one main reason for this increased interest is due to greater environmental concern over accidental or purposeful release of these chemicals into the environment by man. A major environmental concern is the increased use of pesticides over the last few years. In the thirty years prior to 1978 the use of pesticides has increased by a factor of forty (Ridgeway et al., 1978). Recently the use of herbicides has been increasing, but that of insecticides has stabilized (Willis, 1983). Detectable amounts of organic pesticides can be found in many areas of the biosphere. For toxic organic chemicals to be used safely, researchers must have a clear understanding of the fate and persistence of these chemicals when they are released into the environment. This understanding will also allow the development of new products that, when properly used, will not produce adverse effects to man or the environment (Weber, 1972). According to the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) any new or expanded-use chemical that might be released into the environment must be tested for environmental hazard

Analysis of Non-adoption and Discontinuance of Improved Oil Palm Fruit Processing Technology in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria

The study analyzed non-adoption and discontinuance of improved oil palm fruit processing technology in Kogi State, North central Nigeria. Using purposive multi-stage sampling technique, a sample of 240 oil palm fruit processors was taken from three agricultural zones of the study area to represent the population. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data for the study. Organization and description of data were realized by the use of frequency distribution table, percentage, ranking and mean. The findings indicated that significant proportion (60.4%) of the respondents were female with a mean age of 43 years and an average household size of 8 persons. Seventy-three percent of the respondents were married, while 82.5% had formal education. The oil palm processors had 16 years of processing experience; 62.5% of the respondents had less than 5 extension contacts annually. Majority (63.8%) and 2.5% of the respondents did not adopt and discontinue use of the improved oil palm fruit processing technology respectively. Out of 153 respondents that did not adopt the technology, 68.6% and 67.3% gave their non-adoption reasons as high cost of machine and low level of extension visits respectively. Also, 100.0% of the respondents that discontinued the use of the technology gave high cost of machine as their reason, while 92.8% and 78.6% felt they had low level of extension visits and poor quality of oil produced using the machine respectively. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the improved oil palm fruit processing machine should be made affordable to processors by ways of both governmental and manufacturers subsidy policies to encourage prospective adoption of the technologies among others. Keywords: Non-adoption, Discontinuance, Improved, Oil Palm Fruit, Processing, Technology. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/9-18-01 Publication date:September 30th 201

Developing the Next Generation of Science Data System Engineers

At Goddard, engineers and scientists with a range of experience in science data systems are needed to employ new technologies and develop advances in capabilities for supporting new Earth and Space science research. Engineers with extensive experience in science data, software engineering and computer-information architectures are needed to lead and perform these activities. The increasing types and complexity of instrument data and emerging computer technologies coupled with the current shortage of computer engineers with backgrounds in science has led the need to develop a career path for science data systems engineers and architects.The current career path, in which undergraduate students studying various disciplines such as Computer Engineering or Physical Scientist, generally begins with serving on a development team in any of the disciplines where they can work in depth on existing Goddard data systems or serve with a specific NASA science team. There they begin to understand the data, infuse technologies, and begin to know the architectures of science data systems. From here the typical career involves peermentoring, on-the-job training or graduate level studies in analytics, computational science and applied science and mathematics. At the most senior level, engineers become subject matter experts and system architect experts, leading discipline-specific data centers and large software development projects. They are recognized as a subject matter expert in a science domain, they have project management expertise, lead standards efforts and lead international projects. A long career development remains necessary not only because of the breadth of knowledge required across physical sciences and engineering disciplines, but also because of the diversity of instrument data being developed today both by NASA and international partner agencies and because multidiscipline science and practitioner communities expect to have access to all types of observational data.This paper describes an approach to defining career-path guidance for college-bound high school and undergraduate engineering students, junior and senior engineers from various disciplines

From Community Laywomen to Breast Health Workers: A Pilot Training Model to Implement Clinical Breast Exam Screening in Malawi

BackgroundBreast cancer burden is high in low-income countries. Inadequate early detection contributes to late diagnosis and increased mortality. We describe the training program for Malawi’s first clinical breast exam (CBE) screening effort.MethodsLaywomen were recruited as Breast Health Workers (BHWs) with the help of local staff and breast cancer advocates. The four-week training consisted of lectures, online modules, role-playing, case discussions, CBE using simulators and patients, and practice presentations. Ministry of Health trainers taught health communication, promotion, and education skills. Breast cancer survivors shared their experiences. Clinicians taught breast cancer epidemiology, prevention, detection, and clinical care. Clinicians and research staff taught research ethics, informed consent, data collection, and professionalism. Breast cancer knowledge was measured using pre- and post-training surveys. Concordance between BHW and clinician CBE was assessed. Breast cancer talks by BHW were evaluated on a 5-point scale in 22 areas by 3 judges.ResultsWe interviewed 12 women, and 4 were selected as BHWs including 1 breast cancer survivor. Training was dynamic with modification based on trainee response and progress. A higher-than-anticipated level of comprehension and interest led to inclusion of additional topics like breast reconstruction. Pre-training knowledge increased from 49% to 91% correct (p<0.0001). Clinician and BHW CBE had 88% concordance (kappa 0.43). The mean rating of BHW educational talks was 4.4 (standard deviation 0.7).ConclusionsMalawian laywomen successfully completed training and demonstrated competency to conduct CBE and deliver breast cancer educational talks. Knowledge increased after training, and concordance was high between BHW and clinician CBE

Achieving Sustainable Use and Management of Water Resources for Irrigation in Nigeria

Water resource is available in Nigeria to meet water demand for domestic, agricultural and industrial use. If well enhanced and protected from various source of pollution. However, less information is available on suitability of water resources for irrigation use in Nigeria. This article reviews literature of the past with regards to influence of geogenic and anthropogenic activities on water resource for irrigation purpose in Nigeria and also to explain the current state of suitability of water resource for irrigation studies in Nigeria and gaps in studies. It also summarizes future ways on water resource management and preventive measure for water resource pollution for irrigation use. Related articles were downloaded from Google scholar in water-related issues. This paper tends to review previous article on water resource in Nigeria, and its suitability for irrigation. The primary aim of this paper is to produce a synoptic overview of the water resources in Nigeria and its suitability for irrigation use. From paper reviewed it was observed that 89 % of water resources was considered suitable for irrigation