An Evaluation of the Spatiotemporal Variation in the Degree of Saturation of Traffic at Signalised Roundabouts in a Typical Nigerian City

The degrees of saturation of traffic at the approaches to the two major signalised junctions, Fajuyi Roundabout, and Matthew Roundabout at Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, which are spaced at approximately 500m, were determined for the weekdays and weekend. In general, the results showed morning peaks at 7am-9am, evening peaks at 3pm-6pm and inter-peaks between these periods, especially around noon during weekdays at the roundabouts. There were mainly low-value peaks at 7am-9am and 3pm-5pm respectively on Saturday while the values on Sunday were mainly uniform; and the lowest. The most significant differences in the traffic flow at the two junctions were the congestion being experienced at Irona Street approach of Matthew Roundabout during weekdays, and the high degree of saturation of traffic between 12noon-5pm at the Ijigbo Street approach of the roundabout on Sunday. Even with this, there was relative similarity in the temporal variation of the degree of saturation of traffic at the two roundabouts, which was attributed to the similarity in their location, and thus traffic flow, as both are sited at the city centre. Other contributory factors include the short spacing and comparable land-use. Keywords: degree of saturation, signalised roundabout, traffic control lights, congestion, traffic strea

The Use of Lateritic Soils as a Cover Material in Municipal Solid Waste Landfills in Nigeria

Classification tests were undertaken on lateritic soils ( Soil A, Soil B, Soil C, Soil D) obtained from four borrow pits near the main waste dump being used for the disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) produced by the residents of Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. Classification according to BS 5930 indicated the soils as clayey SAND (clay of intermediate plasticity). Using AASTHO classification system, Soil A and Soil C were classified as soil type A-2-6 and Soil B and Soil D were classified as soil type A-2-7. The effectiveness of different soil types used as cover material were rated and the different functions of the cover materials in a landfill were ranked according to their perceived importance. Overall rating of the performance of each soil as daily cover and as intermediate cover were obtained from the mathematical computation using the ranking and rating of each soil. The results show that the lateritic soils tested in this study are good as intermediate cover. Although the lateritic soils appear to be fair as a daily cover, it may be used if the clay content is excluded as much as possible. Keywords: daily cover, intermediate cover, lateritic soil, municipal solid waste landfill, rating, ranking

An Assessment of the Performance of Traffic Control Signals Installed at a Main Junction in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

The traffic at one of the major isolated signalised junctions in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria was evaluated. Traffic counts were undertaken from 7am to 7pm on the approaches to the junction over a period of one week. Peak periods of traffic appeared to be 7am-10am and 3pm-6pm respectively. The maximum flow rate for the traffic streams was calculated from the geometric characteristics of the junction and the direction of the streams. Owing to non-marking of the lanes, the degree of saturation on each approach to the junction was calculated from the aggregation of such for the traffic streams. The results show that one of the approaches to the junction was mainly congested throughout the day, and therefore the existing traffic control signals were ineffective for the traffic at the approach. Keywords: traffic control signals, saturation, congestion, traffic stream, demand, capacit

Bacteriological examination of public water taps and borehole water in Choba community, Rivers state

This study examined the bacteriological quality of public water taps available in Choba community of Rivers State. Public water tap samples were collected using sterile glass jars. The samples were serial diluted and from 10-1 to 10-5 and were plated, the samples were gram stained and viewed under light microscope. Total heterotrophic bacteria was analyzed using spread plate method, feacal and total coliform was enumerated, so also motility test was done for the identification of salmonella shigella spp. Biochemical test and physical parameters were also analyzed. Results showed that bore hole water1 (BHW1) had 9.7 10^5, 2 , 240 and 3 respectively, bore hole water 2 (BHW2) had 1.7x 10^7, 200,4 and were not motile. Public water tap1 (PWT1) had 1.7 x10^6, 60, 20 and 10.public water tap ( PWT2) showed 1.6x 10^7, 120, 7, and 16 respectively for each of the tests. Physicochemical properties were also examined and public water tap (PWT1) had the highest alkalinity of 30, temperature of 32.5, pH 3.24 and hardness of 160 while bore hole water 1(BHW1) had 13.9, 30.3, 4.32and 10 for each of the physicochemical parameters respectively. The results showed that the water from the boreholes in the study areas are contaminated with coliform bacteria. There is therefore need to increase awareness of the community towards preventive and treatment approaches in order to minimize the dangers associated with the use of contaminated water. Pipe connections should be checked properly and regularly. Keywords: Bacteriological analysis, Water quality, Coliform , Diseases and Contamination.&nbsp

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING LOAN DEFAULT AMONG POULTRY FARMERS IN OGUN STATE NIGERIA

This study is interested in determining factors infl uencing default in loan repayment among poultry farmers in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State. A total of 100 poultry farmers were randomly sampled from the study area. Probit model was employed to determine and analyse the factors infl uencing default in loan repayment in the study area. Descriptive statistics were also employed to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers. Finding revealed that majority of the farmers in the study area are educated. About 55.0 percent of the farmers source their credit from formal fi nancial institutions. Result from the probit model revealed that fl ock size of the farmers signifi cantly infl uence default in loan repayment at (P<0.10) level. Age of the farmers signifi cantly infl uence default in loan repayment at (P<0.01) level, while Educational level and Income of the farmers also signifi cantly infl uence default in loan repayment at (P<0.05) level

CONSUMER WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR SAFETY LABELS IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF POTASSIUM BROMATE IN BREAD

The study analysed consumer willingness to pay for safety labels in Nigeria by a case study of potassium bromate in bread” in Benin City, Edo State. It specifi cally investigates factors that promote willingness to pay for label among consumers of bread in Benin City, Edo State. Data used for the study were obtained through a well-structured questionnaire from 200 respondents. Both descriptive analytical methods and probit regression models were used for the analysis. The study revealed that 73% of the respondents are in their active working age with 50 percent of the respondent being male and female respectively. 67 percent of the respondents are married with 55 percent having an average of 5 members per household. 99 percent of the respondents are educated i.e. they have the capability of being able to read and write. Respondents purchased bread mainly from hawkers (60%) with about 60% of them being aware of the presence of bromate in bread. 40% of the consumers used labeling as a way of identifying bromate free bread. Other methods reported deal with differences in price of bread with same weight, aroma and taste. Result also revealed that 60% of the respondents got to know about the negative effect of bromate from news (both print and mass media). Econometric results show that variables like education, gender, income, prior knowledge of bromate and perception held by respondents of negative implications of bromate signifi cantly infl uence the willingness to pay for safety labels. Education, gender, income and prior knowledge of bromate positively infl uence the probability of consumers’ decision to pay for safety label, while price of bread and confi dence and perception held by respondents of negative implications of bromate on human health infl uence consumers willingness to pay more for safety labels. The study, thus, suggests a defi ned market for bread purchases, community based awareness programme and extension of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) role beyond media advertisement

CONSUMER WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR SAFETY LABELS IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF POTASSIUM BROMATE IN BREAD

The study analysed consumer willingness to pay for safety labels in Nigeria by a case study of potassium bromate in bread” in Benin City, Edo State. It specifi cally investigates factors that promote willingness to pay for label among consumers of bread in Benin City, Edo State. Data used for the study were obtained through a well-structured questionnaire from 200 respondents. Both descriptive analytical methods and probit regression models were used for the analysis. The study revealed that 73% of the respondents are in their active working age with 50 percent of the respondent being male and female respectively. 67 percent of the respondents are married with 55 percent having an average of 5 members per household. 99 percent of the respondents are educated i.e. they have the capability of being able to read and write. Respondents purchased bread mainly from hawkers (60%) with about 60% of them being aware of the presence of bromate in bread. 40% of the consumers used labeling as a way of identifying bromate free bread. Other methods reported deal with differences in price of bread with same weight, aroma and taste. Result also revealed that 60% of the respondents got to know about the negative effect of bromate from news (both print and mass media). Econometric results show that variables like education, gender, income, prior knowledge of bromate and perception held by respondents of negative implications of bromate signifi cantly infl uence the willingness to pay for safety labels. Education, gender, income and prior knowledge of bromate positively infl uence the probability of consumers’ decision to pay for safety label, while price of bread and confi dence and perception held by respondents of negative implications of bromate on human health infl uence consumers willingness to pay more for safety labels. The study, thus, suggests a defi ned market for bread purchases, community based awareness programme and extension of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) role beyond media advertisement

Assessment of environmental degradation in Eleyele Area, Ibadan North West Local Government, Oyo State Nigeria

This study investigated the causes and effects of environmental degradation in Eleyele, Ibadan. Six research questions were formulated for&nbsp; this study. A duly validated instrument named Questionnaire on Causes and Effects of Environmental Degradation (QCEED) was used for data collection. A total of ninety (90) copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents using simple random sampling method by coming in contact/physical means and oral interviewing the respondents. Descriptive statistic was used to analyze the data collected. The result from this study showed that erosion (28.8%), flooding (22.5%), and air pollution (18.3%) were identified as major environmental hazards in the study area. The causes of these environmental problems were inadequate drainage pattern (19.4%),&nbsp; dumping of solids wastes into rivers/streams (17.8%), poor sanitation exercise (15.6%). The study identified control measures such as awareness programme to re-awaken people’s commitment on environmental management (81.3%), dredging of rivers/streams channel (91.3%), renovation of damaged drainages (85.0%) and prosecution of sanitation exercise programme offenders (75.0%). The study recommends that there is need for the formulation and enforcement of sanitation&nbsp; programme among others