APPLICATION OF STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY RESEARCH: CONCEPT AND PROSPECTS

1 Abdullahi Yusuf Waziri,2Mustapha Yakubu and 3Muhammad Sa’adiya Ilyasu

1Department of Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Environmental Technology, ATBU, Bauchi.

2Department of Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Environmental Technology, ATBU, Bauchi

3Department of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Technology, ATBU, Bauchi

E-mail: aywaziri@gmail.com,citihills@gmail.com, sandyilyas@gmail.com

ABSTRACTS: Research in social sciences deals with constructs that cannot be directly measured. In light of this, the authors offer a consumer’s guide to the concept, application and prospects of using structural equation modelling in construction industry research as a potential methodology for the modelling of relationships among constructs. Consequently, the study dwells on the underlying concept surrounding the use of SEM with in-depth discussions on the general uses of SEM, steps involved in SEM (model specification, identification, estimation, evaluation and modification) and two-stage SEM approach. The study concludes with presentation of various examples where SEM was used in construction industry research to argument the already discussed concept and principles of SEM.


Table of Contents

An Assessment of Microbial Quality of Sachet Water;

Implication on the Health of Students

Wokocha, G.A&  Ogologo, G.A.                                                                                              1-10

Comparative Assessment of Effect of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract and N.P.K (20:10:10) Fertilizer on the Growth and Herbage Yield of Amaranthus

 Hybridis in the Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria.

Anyaegbu Polycarp Ozobia                                                                                                     11-25

Different Organic Manures Effect on the Yield of Tomato (Mogal F1)

Adama M. Jallow, Lamin K.M. Fatty, Benjamin Gowon Ahule &Igbana Ajir                           26-51

Phytochemistry, Isolations and Some Pharmacological Studies of Ethanol

Leaf Extract of PiliostigmaThonningii

Abdulrahman, F.I. Yakubu, J., Tijjani., M.A. Sandabe, U.K.                                                        52-83

The Environmental Impact of Oil Spill Pollution in

Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

 Yusuf I., Gambon , Sule G. Tabita., Ibrahim. Binta.                                                                  84-95

Proximate, Phytochemical Quantification and Antidiarrhoea

 Potential of Gongronema Latifolium Extract  in Albino Rats.

Nwachoko, Ndidi., Onuoha, Samuel C., Amadi, Justus O.                                                       96-105


PROXIMATE, PHYTOCHEMICAL QUANTIFICATION AND ANTIDIARRHOEA POTENTIAL OF GONGRONEMA LATIFOLIUM EXTRACT IN ALBINO RATS

Nwachoko, Ndidi., Onuoha, Samuel C., Amadi, Justus O.

1& 3Department of Biochemistry,

University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

2Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State,

Email: blessedconfidence@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Diarrhoea is a potentially morbid condition with high prevalence worldwide, it constitute a major health situation especially in children under the age of five years old. The world health organization has encouraged studies that can bring about solutions to diarrhea. Thus this work investigated the proximate, phytochemical quantification and anti-diarrhea potential of G. latifolium extract with experimental animals. The result of the proximate analysis reviewed carbohydrate composition to be the highest, followed by the protein composition while fat had the least value. The result of the phytochemical analysis, showed high percentage saponons, flavonoids and alkaloids. Also the result of the anti-diarrhea study showed a reduction in the degree and frequency of defecation of diarrhea stool. The result indicates that the ethanolic extract of G. latifolium contains compounds that could inhibit castor oil induced diarrhea.

Keywords: Diarrhea, Gongronema latifolium, Phytochemicals, Proximate


PHYTOCHEMISTRY, ISOLATIONS AND SOME PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF PILIOSTIGMATHONNINGII

1Abdulrahman, F.I. 1Yakubu, J.,  1Tijjani., M.A. 2Sandabe, U.K.

University of Maiduguri, P.M.B 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science,

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,

University of Maiduguri, Borno state.

Email: Jamesyakubu96@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study was aimed at evaluation of phytochemical constituents and the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Piliostigma thonningii on the central and peripheral nervous systems in laboratory animals. Fresh leaves of Piliostigma thonningii were air-dried, pulverized extracted using soxhlet extraction technique with ethanol 148.24% w/w after being concentrated. The extract was screened for phytochemicals using standard methods. 20 g of the ethanol extract was subjected to column chromatographic (CC) analysis using ethyl acetate and n-butanol as mobile phase at different ratios and silica gel of 60-120 mesh as the stationary phase. Fractions obtained with similar retention factor (Rf) using thin layer chromatography (TLC) were combined, coded and subsequently screened for phytochemicals. Subsequent purification of fraction PTE3 was carried out using CC (ethylacetate and methanol were used as mobile phase at different ratios) and TLC until a sub-fraction PTE34 amongst other fractions gave a single spot on TLC and had a melting point of 102-103 oC. The phytochemical studies of the ethanol leaf extract of Piliostigma thonningii revealed the presence of some useful chemical compounds such as flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids. The pharmacological effects of Piliostigma thonningii was determined by examining the effects of the leaf extract on phenobarbitone sleeping time, analgesic and muscle relaxant activities using experimental animals. The analgesic effect of the leaf extract was evaluated with acetic acid induced writhing and thermally induced Nociception for pain. It was observed that the extract conferred 48.00 and 57.20% protection from writhes induced by acetic acid on mice when extract doses of 200 and 400 mg/Kg were administered. Similarly, there was a significant (p<0.5) dose dependent effect conferred on mice when pain was induced by heat. The extract also had a muscle relaxant effect as 20%, 60% and 80% were observed to slide down an inclined board in a dose dependent manner. The extract also significantly potentiated sleeping time of phenobarbitone dose dependently in rats of which the mean time duration of (72.0±04.64) min, (83.40±02.11) min, and (123.60±11.57) min were observed when rats were administered extract doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/Kg b wt. Thus the ethanol leaf extract of Piliostigma thonningii was able to provide depressant effects which were shown in its ability to potentiate barbiturate sleeping, analgesia and muscle relaxant effect.

Keywords:  Piliostigma thonningii, Phytochemicals, Ethanol Leaf Extract, Chromatography, Pharmacology


THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF OIL SPILL POLLUTION IN

NIGER DELTA REGION,NIGERIA

  Yusuf I1., Gambon,Sule G.Tabita,Ibrahim Binta.         

                            Department of Chemistry

Umar Suleiman College of Education Gashua.

Emails: ibrazuby@yahoo.com, ibratimah74@gmail.com.

ABSTRACT

An oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially marine areas, due to human activity, and is a form of pollution. The term is usually applied to marine oil spills, where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters, but spills may also occur on land. Oil spills may be due to releases of crude oil from tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs and wells, as well as spills of refined petroleum products (such as gasoline and diesel). Oil spills penetrate into the structure of the feathers of birds and the fur of mammals, reducing its insulating ability, and making them more vulnerable. This study described the damages caused by the oil industries in the Niger Delta region, they resulted in violations of the right to an adequate standard of living, including food and water, violations of the right to gain a living through work and violations of the right to health. Different plants and animal species which are known for long history have now disappeared as a result of crude oil exploration for over 50 years causing ecological damage to the region. The study look at the impact of the oil spills in the following areas (Water, soil fertility, fisheries as well as human health). Impact on soil oil spills reduced soil fertility as well as destroying economic trees and food crops either by completely killing trees or reducing their production yield. Impact on human health, oil spill is associated with a significant increase in the period prevalence for diarrhea, sore eyes, itchy, skin and occupational injuries, shock acute, renal failure, extensive epiderolysis, conjunctivitis, microsites, esophagitis and chemical Pollution on water bodies, the Niger Delta region’s ecosystem as noticed by the Shell Petroleum Development Company has undergone Sensitive changes in water quality such as salinity, PH, and heavy metals. 75% of families in the Niger Delta region rely on fishing in Land Rivers and offshore for income and food to survive, damage to fisheries is widely acknowledged. A study shows six major causes of death diseases in Nigeria (measles, tuberculosis, dysentery, tetanus, malaria and pneumonia) the coastal area forms a zone for these diseases as a result of oil spills.

Keywords: Health, Soil, Water and Environment.


DIFFERENT ORGANIC MANURES EFFECT ON THE YIELD OF TOMATO (MOGAL F1)

1Adama M. Jallow,2*Lamin K.M. Fatty,3Benjamin Gowon Ahule &4Igbana Ajir

1University of The Gambia, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Brikama Campus, P. O. Box 3530, Banjul, The Gambia

2,3&4Department of Sociology, Centre of Food Technology and Research

Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria,

Email:jallowadama31@yahoo.com,lkmfattya@utg.edu.gm,bahule@bsum.edu.ng,igbanaajir@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The field experiment was conducted at Horticulture research center Yundum from 1st February to 13th July 2016.To investigates the effects of different organic manures (fertilizers) on the yield of tomato (mongal F1). The experiment involved five treatments which are as follows: NPK 15:15:15, fish waste, poultry manure, and a combination of NPK 15:15:15, fish waste, poultry manure, and control. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Designed (RCBD) and replicated four times. The parameters taken were soil organic matter, moisture content and soil pH, plant height at harvest, number of plants that survived at harvest, total fruits per fertilizer treatment, and yields per kilogram per fertilizer treatment.  The results obtained show that tomato performs well and yields better (p≤0.05) if 15 kilograms of fish waste is applied on a 3m² beds, while total number of fruits produced and plant height performed best (p≤0.05) if 15 kilogram of poultry manure is applied on a 3m² beds. These results are similar to reports by Seran et al., (2010). Seran et al. (2010) reported that the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers had better effect on the growth and yield of tomato.

Keywords: Tomato, Fish-waste, Poultry-Manure, Yield


COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT Of Effect Of MORINGA OLEIFERA leaf EXTRACT AND N.P.K (20:10:10) FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH AND HERBAGE Yield Of AMARANTHUS HYBRIDIS IN THE GUINEA SAVANNAH ZONE OF NIGERIA.

Anyaegbu Polycarp Ozobia

Department of Crop Science

University of Abuja, Nigeria

Email: anyaegbupoly@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The trial carried out to determine the effect of Moringa leaf extract and N.P.K (20:10:10) on the herbage yield of Amarnthus hybridis  was carried out at Vegetable Farmers’ Association Garden, Kubwa, Abuja, Nigeria. Randomized complete block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications was used. Data collected include plant height, number of leaves per plant, fresh root weight, and herbage yield, Results showed that Moringa oleifera extract enhanced the status of some basic elements in the soil. Soil pH of the plots that received Moringa leaf extract increased from 5.4 to 6.4 while in control plots, the pH decreased from 5.4 to 5.3. Application of Moringa leaf extract at one week interval increased plant height by 18% in the first trial and by 30% in the second experiment while its application at 2 weeks interval increased plant height by 14% in the first trial and by 27% in the second trial. Application of N.P.K (20:10:10) fertilizer at the rate of 50kg ha-1 increased the plant height by 20% in the first trial and by 33% in the second experiment while at 100kg ha-1, plant height increased by 23% in the first trial and 36% in the second. Highest herbage yields of 17.3 t ha-1 in the first experiment and 18.6 t ha-1 in the second experiment  were obtained when Moringa leaf extract was applied in combination with 50 kg ha-1 of N.P.K fertilizer,


AN ASSESSMENT OF MICROBIAL QUALITY OF SACHET WATER; IMPLICATION ON THE HEALTH OF STUDENTS

Wokocha, G.A1 & Ogologo, G.A2.

Department of Integrated Science

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt

Email:wkchgideon@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study is aimed at determining the microbial quality of sachet water sold in schools in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State and its implication on the health of school children. Five (5) different brands of sachet water samples were randomly sampled for the study. An experimental design was used for the study. The samples were thereafter subjected to laboratory test to determine the type and quality of micro-organisms in each brand of the sample (sachet water).The findings show that the samples contain various qualities of micro-organisms. The percentage of the micro-organisms also varies with the sample. Implications and recommendations were also discussed.


The Effectiveness of Loan Recovery Strategies in Cooperative Societies,

 Study of Selected Thrift Cooperative Societies in Lagos State

Bamisile Julius, Ojo                                                                                                                 1-13

Consumers’ Perception of the Credibility of Online Retail Shops’ Product Advertisement and Implication for Product Patronage:

A Study of Jumia and Konga

Okoye, Godwin                                                                                                                        14-43

Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Corporate Governance

Mechanisms on the Marketing System of Nigerian Banking Sector

Alo Ebenezer Adebisi & Oluwasanmi, Oluwaseun O.                                                             44-61

Unemployment and Economic Growth: An Empirical Reflection of the

 Nigerian Experience

Egberi Kelvin Agbarha & Oboreh Lucky Edafetano                                                                 62-73

Determinants of Investors’ Preferences for Sectoral Investments in Nigeria

 Capital Market

Bitrus Hudson Usmana                                                                                                           74-107


Determinants of Investors’ Preferences for Sectoral Investments in Nigeria Capital Market

BITRUS HUDSON USMANA

Bursary Department

University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri

ABSTRACT

An investor in the Capital market has to make a choice on which portfolio to invest in. A portfolio is a combination of securities which include debt and equity. The combination of debt and equity is necessary because while debt provide assured opportunities, equity gives higher and consistent long term returns but with an element of uncertainty. Therefore in a portfolio, a combination of debt instrument and equity is important to complement each other. By foregoing consumption today and investing their savings, investors expect to enhance their future consumption possibilities by increasing their wealth. According to classical economic theory, investors are assumed to be rational and competent.  The theory assumes that investors have the same preference, perfect knowledge of all alternatives and an understanding of the consequences of their decisions.  Also, markets are assumed to be efficient.  Neither technical nor fundamental analysis would assist an investor to achieve returns greater than those that could be obtained by holding a randomly selected portfolio of individuals stock with comparable risk. In recent years, there has been increased enthusiasm in the stock market by individual investors.  Attention is increasingly directed to local investors whose investments are known to have longer horizon than foreign ones. The problems lays in the fact that more and more attention has been paid to institutional investors while less attention has been given to small scale or individual investors, therefore, this study looks into the determinant of investors’ preferences for sectorial investment in the Nigerian Capital Market, the study is been guided by two objective and two research question, also two null and two alternate hypotheses were postulated. The result of the findings reveals that government policies do significantly influence investor’s perceptions in the Nigerian Capital Market; giving incentives to investors do significantly influence their perception to invest in Nigeria Capital Market.Based on the findings the following recommendations were made; policies regarding investment in Nigerian Capital Market should be looked into, to make room for investors participation in decision making as well; new policies that will include investors motivation should be enacted and implemented.


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