Global Financial and Macroeconomic Fluctuations: Implications for African Economic Development

In the light of dampening effects of the global financial melt-down, the paper examines the trends in financial flows, particularly foreign direct investment (FDI) and the possible effects of the global financial crisis and macroeconomic fluctuations on economic development in Africa. The paper employs simple panel data approach which links panel data methodology that allows for individual heterogeneity, while the method of estimation is the Fixed and Random Effects regression. The method of panel VAR is also used in the paper with a view to capturing the dynamic effects of FDI inflows for policy analysis using the impulse response functions. The number of countries (27) included in the paper and the period of estimation, 1987-2007, are informed by data availability. With some suggestions on the direction of policy to stimulate increased financial flows, the paper opines that there is the need for comparative dynamics of African economies in order to return to the path of sustainable growth and development

Living without the State: A Rear View Mirror of Nigeria\u27s 50 Years of Independence

The purpose of this analysis is twofold. First, it undertakes a critical review of Nigeria’s performance within the five decades of its nationhood. Second, it compares its performance vis-à-vis a number of new states which started almost at the same time in both Africa and Asia using basic economic and political indicators. The article, however, infers that Nigerian political-economic performance is appalling, which has subjected citizens to living almost without the state in all ramifications. For a balanced view, the analysis argues that although there are few giant strides in terms of educational development and reduction in infant mortality as a result of improved health facilities, the gap between intent and actual practices is still very wide. The analysis recommends that the policymakers should visualize the next five decades and formulate appropriate reforms so that Nigeria may not eventually become a failed state

Application of Synthetic Storm Technique for Diurnal and Seasonal Variation of Slant Path Ka-Band Rain Attenuation Time Series over a Subtropical Location in South Africa

As technology advances and more demands are on satellite services, rain-induced attenuation still creates one of the most damaging effects of the atmosphere on the quality of radio communication signals, especially those operating above 10 GHz. System designers therefore require statistical information on rain-induced attenuation over the coverage area in order to determine the appropriate transmitter and receiver characteristics to be adopted. This paper presents results on the time-varying rain characterization and diurnal variation of slant path rain attenuation in the Ka-band frequency simulated with synthetic storm techniques over a subtropical location in South Africa using 10-year rain rate time-series data. The analysis is based on the CDF of one-minute rain rate; time-series seasonal variation of rain rate observed over four time intervals: 00:00–06:00, 06:00–12:00, 12:00–18:00, and 18:00–24:00; diurnal fades margin; and diurnal variation of rain attenuation. Comparison was also made between the synthesized values and measured attenuation data. The predicted statistics are in good agreement with those obtained from the propagation beacon measurement in the area. The overall results will be needed for an acceptable planning that can effectively reduce the fade margin to a very low value for an optimum data communication over this area

EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS AND MACROECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: A DYNAMIC PANEL COINTEGRATION ANALYSIS

In the light of the widespread effects of the recent global financial crisis on exchange rate and other macroeconomic developments, this paper investigates the implications of exchange rate fluctuations on output and other critical determining factors of exchange rates. We use Panel data set containing 40 countries from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over a period of 13 years: 1995-2007. In the paper, we employ the dynamic generalized methods of moments (GMM) panel data framework using the xtabond2 Difference/ System GMM. We also examine the panel co-integration properties of the variables in order to establish long-run relationship between exchange rate and other macroeconomic variables in the SSA countries. The Panel Granger Causality test confirms the bilateral relationships between some variables in the model. Though the results of the study are tentative, in view of the many assumptions underlying the methods used, they reveal their potency to determine exchange rate (EER), a long-run relationship with variables of the model and bidirectional relationships

Barriers and opportunities for participatory environmental upgrading: Case study of Havelock informal settlement, Durban

Urbanisation is one of the key challenges of this decade with 68% of the global population likely to be living in urban areas by 2050. This challenge is particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa where future towns and cities will see an influx of residents living in spontaneous human settlements. As cities struggle to keep up with the speed of growth and spread of informal settlements, associated environmental challenges such as air and water pollution and waste management have been significantly increasing posing a health risk in high density settings. Using the case of Havelock informal settlement in Durban, the authors identified key challenges associated with poor environmental conditions, lack of basic infrastructure, and the implications for settlement upgrading. The study uses mixed methods combining transect walks, priority mapping, seasonal calendar, focus group discussions and household interviews to explore the households' most challenging environmental issues faced daily by informal dwellers. This paper seeks to make the case for targeted participatory environmental infrastructure and management delivery in urban settlements in South Africa. The research also highlights the value of adopting a holistic approach to infrastructure provision to effectively enhance the living conditions of communities. Targeted participatory processes are vital to ensure that holistic infrastructure interventions are acceptable, appropriate and embedded in local communities to create sustainable habitats

Knowledge and Perception of Afenmai Residents on Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria

The media as purveyors and carriers of information frequently examine issues of public health by publishing messages that could guide the audience to make informed decisions about their health. This study therefore, examined the knowledge and perception of Afenmai residents on lassa fever disease outbreak in Nigeria. Anchored on Agenda Setting and the Health Belief Model, the study relied on survey design with questionnaire as instruments of data collection. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample 400 respondents from a population of 1,317,655 persons selected from six local government areas: Akoko-Edo, Etsako-Central, Etsako-East, Etsako-West, Owan-West, Owan-East, in Afenmai region of Edo state. Findings indicate that the Afenmai people are exposed to campaigns on lassa fever prevention and control and that there is a significant level of adoption of the transmitted campaign messages. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers conclude that there is significant difference in the perception of Afenmai residents on lassa fever pandemic in Nigeria. The researchers further concluded that the media played useful role in sensitizing the residents of the region on the virus. It therefore, recommended that government and media organizations should enhance media campaign messages on lassa fever outbreak in the county amongst others. Keywords: Knowledge; Perception; Afenmai; Residents; Lassa Fever. DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/98-04 Publication date:September 30th 202

Effects of Variations in Sea and Land Surface Temperature on Rainfall Pattern over Nigerian Coastal Zone

This study evaluated the variations in sea and land temperature from 1901 to 2013 with a view to examining their effects on rainfall pattern in the coastal zone of Nigeria. It used the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) monthly mean sea surface temperature (SST) over the Atlantic Ocean (longitude 0o E - 8o.20′ E and latitude 1oN - 3o.50′ N). Land Surface Temperature (LST) and rainfall dataset sourced from the archive of the University of Delaware (UDEL) and ground station observations (NIMET) over four selected coastal locations (Calabar, Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Warri) were also used. The mean observations of rainfall and temperature of NIMET and UDEL for the overlapping period (i.e. 1974-2013) were compared Using paired T-test and Percent Bias. The annual and seasonal trends in these climatic variables were examined using their deviations from means and trend analyses. The study then employed Pearson multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the combined effects of LST and SST on rainfall pattern over the study areas. The results revealed the highest values of SST and LST in MAM and the lowest in JJA season.  It rained in all months across the stations with the maximum rainfall (163.5 - 471.2 mm/month) in JJA and the least (24.0 - 47.2mm/month) in DJF. The comparison of both UDEL and NIMET observations suggested no significant difference between both datasets at P = .05.  The results demonstrated increasing trends in both SST (0.012oC year-1) and LST (0.003 to 0.007oC year-1). Both SST and LST significantly influenced rainfall pattern (0.445 ≥ R ≤ 0.731; R > 39%) at P = .05. The contributions of SST to rainfall variations were, however, significantly higher (0.530: 0.422) than those of LST (0.452: 0.215) in Lagos and Port-Harcourt due to the proximity and locations of these stations to the Atlantic Ocean. Keywords: Sea and land surface temperature, rainfall variations, effects, coastal zon

The Influence of Personality Characteristics on Teachers and Students in Architectural Design Studio Projects in Some Selected Nigerian Universities

This study reviewed and analyzed the extroversion-introversion characteristics of teachers and students as well as the implications of interface issues on architectural design studio outcomes. The study engaged a structured questionnaire to collect information from a sample of 546 respondents (both students and staff-teachers/mentors). The study found a difference in design approach of students who preferred acting first before thinking and reflection across selected schools of architecture. It also found a difference in the design outcomes of students who are usually open and motivated by outside world in the selected schools. Moreover, the study discovered a difference in design approach of students who enjoy wide variety and changing relationship in the selected schools. It recommended that the synergy of polar characteristic differences of the students be better engaged by the design 32 studio teachers during training in school to prepare for professional competency in practice. Keywords: Architecture, characteristics, extraversion-introversion, influence, teachers, student

Response to “Dynamic Challenges Inhibiting Optimal Adoption of Kidney Paired Donation: Findings of a Consensus Conference” by Melcher et al.

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/99040/1/ajt12345.pd

Impact and key challenges of insider threats on organizations and critical businesses

The insider threat has consistently been identified as a key threat to organizations and governments. Understanding the nature of insider threats and the related threat landscape can help in forming mitigation strategies, including non-technical means. In this paper, we survey and highlight challenges associated with the identification and detection of insider threats in both public and private sector organizations, especially those part of a nation’s critical infrastructure. We explore the utility of the cyber kill chain to understand insider threats, as well as understanding the underpinning human behavior and psychological factors. The existing defense techniques are discussed and critically analyzed, and improvements are suggested, in line with the current state-of-the-art cyber security requirements. Finally, open problems related to the insider threat are identified and future research directions are discussed