bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A continuum of stomatal responses to water deficits among 17 wine grape cultivars (Vitis vinifera)
Authors: Levin Alexander D. , Williams Larry E. , Matthews Mark A.
Published: October 2019

Vitis vinifera L. cultivars have been previously classified as isohydric, near-isohydric, anisohydric or isohydrodynamic, depending on the study. To test the hypothesis that V. vinifera cultivars’ stomatal behaviour can be separated into distinct classes, 17 cultivars grown in a replicated field trial were subjected to three irrigation treatments to manipulate vine water status across multiple years. Predawn (ΨPD) and midday (Ψl) leaf water potential and midday stomatal conductance (gs) were measured regularly throughout several seasons. The relationship of gs to Ψl was best modelled as a sigmoidal function and maximum stomatal conductance (gmax), water status at the onset of stomatal closure (Ψl95), sensitivity of closure (gsensitivity) and water status at the end of closure (Ψl25) were compared. There were no significant differences in gmax among cultivars. Cultivar-specific responses of gs to Ψl were broadly distributed along a continuum based on the relationship between Ψl95 and gsensitivity. Season-long cultivar mean Ψl values were positively related to Ψl25. In general, cultivars responded similarly to one another at high and low water status, but their stomatal behaviour differed at moderate water deficits. The results show that V. vinifera cultivars possess both iso- and anisohydric stomatal behaviours that depend on the intensity of water deficits, and call into question previous classifications assuming a single behaviour.
The “dissolving margins” of Elena Ferrante and the Neapolitan novels
Authors: Gibbons Alison
Published: October 2019

Using Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels as case study, this article presents a cognitive approach to fictionality and authorial intention using Text World Theory and Mind-Modelling. It investigates two forms of ontological distortion: readers’ (mis)classification of the novels’ genre (as autofiction or autobiography) and the problem posed by the author’s pseudonymic identity. The analysis has three parts: first, I conduct a Text World analysis of the novels’ syntactic/stylistic similarities to autobiography and, in doing so, reveal its ontological structure; second, I consider the ontological liminality of narration and the ways in which readers build an authorial mind-model of Ferrante; thirdly, I explore the assessment of critics and/as readers of the text’s fictionality and the impact of Ferrante’s pseudonym on perceptions of authorial intentionality and the authorial mind-model. Ultimately, I argue that a cognitive approach offers greatest insight into readers’ interpretations of authors and of fictionality.
Narrative warfare
Authors: Nurminen Matias
Published: October 2019

This article studies the use of literature and narrative strategies of online antifeminist movements. These
movements classified under the umbrella term the manosphere, wage ideological narrative warfare to endorse a
misogynistic worldview. The case at hand concentrates on the radical faction of neomasculinity and its attempts to reinterpret the
Western canon of literature. I propose that neomasculine readings of novels such as Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita are
careless interpretations that ground themselves on specific traits of the texts while ignoring others. These readings attempt to
evoke a sense of recognition in the community that believes in an alleged feminist conspiracy against men. Careless
interpretations borrow from post-truth rhetoric and the feminist literary theory tradition of reading against the grain. When
confronted over their controversial views, neomasculine figures renarrativize readings to benefit the promotion of neomasculine
perspectives. This strategic use of literature is part of the narrative warfare discussed in detail.
Adjusting to new “truths”
Authors: Schoofs Kim , Mieroop Dorien Van De
Published: October 2019

In this article, we study the diachronic (re)construction of repeated WWII-testimonies. Specifically, we scrutinize how shifting master narratives in the social context may affect how stories are told in a particular time and place. We selected testimonies by two Belgian concentration camp survivors – one Flemish and one Walloon – who both wrote down their story twice, namely in 1946 and 1985. By comparing the “same” diachronically dispersed stories – thus addressing the temporal dimension – and the differences in the narrators’ regional background – thus incorporating the spatial dimension – we study how overlapping and differing storytelling environments influenced the narratives’ construction. In the analyses, we adopt an interactional-sociolinguistic approach to illustrate the storytelling environments’ influence upon the story formulations and the relativity of what is presented as the “truth”, since the narrators continuously adjusted their stories and identities to fit with the ever-evolving storytelling context.
Rab7 regulates primary cilia disassembly through cilia excision
Authors: Wang Guang , Hu Huai-Bin , Chang Yan , Huang Yan , Song Zeng-Qing , Zhou Shi-Bo , Chen Liang , Zhang Yu-Cheng , Wu Min , Tu Hai-Qing , Yuan Jin-Feng , Wang Na , Pan Xin , Li Ai-Ling , Zhou Tao , Zhang Xue-Min , He Kun , Li Hui-Yan
Published: October 2019

The primary cilium is a sensory organelle that protrudes from the cell surface. Primary cilia undergo dynamic transitions between assembly and disassembly to exert their function in cell signaling. In this study, we identify the small GTPase Rab7 as a novel regulator of cilia disassembly. Depletion of Rab7 potently induced spontaneous ciliogenesis in proliferating cells and promoted cilia elongation during quiescence. Moreover, Rab7 performs an essential role in cilia disassembly; knockdown of Rab7 blocked serum-induced ciliary resorption, and active Rab7 was required for this process. Further, we demonstrate that Rab7 depletion significantly suppresses cilia tip excision, referred to as cilia ectocytosis, which has been identified as required for cilia disassembly. Mechanically, the failure of F-actin polymerization at the site of excision of cilia tips caused suppression of cilia ectocytosis on Rab7 depletion. Overall, our results suggest a novel function for Rab7 in regulating cilia ectocytosis and cilia disassembly via control of intraciliary F-actin polymerization.
Cold temperatures put a freeze on myosin activation
Authors: Short Ben
Published: October 2019

JGP study reveals that low temperatures reduce force production in mammalian skeletal muscle by trapping myosin motors in a refractory state unable to bind actin.
On phase retrieval via matrix completion and the estimation of low rank PSD matrices
Authors: Carlsson Marcus , Gerosa Daniele
Published: October 2019

Given underdetermined measurements of a positive semi-definite (PSD) matrix X of known low rank K, we present a new algorithm to estimate X based on recent advances in non-convex optimization schemes. We apply this in particular to the phase retrieval problem for Fourier data, which can be formulated as a rank 1 PSD matrix recovery problem. Moreover, we provide a theory for how oversampling affects the stability of the lifted inverse problem.
Radiation doses and decontamination effects in Minamisoma city: airborne and individual monitoring after the Fukushima nuclear accident
Authors: Murakami Michio , Nomura Shuhei , Tsubokura Masaharu , Takebayashi Yoshitake , Yamamoto Kana , Oikawa Tomoyoshi
Published: October 2019

After the Fukushima accident, airborne monitoring was implemented to measure airborne radiation. We examined the relationships between airborne and individual radiation monitoring and clarified the use of airborne monitoring to evaluate the effects of decontamination on residents’ received doses. We used the air dose rate data from four airborne monitors conducted between 2013 and 2016, and the dose data from four individual monitors (in which a total of 18 392 adults and 3650 children participated), conducted in Minamisoma City during the same period. We examined the Pearson correlation coefficients between the airborne and individual monitoring data and estimated exposure ratios (ERs; ratios of individual dose to air dose rates) among adults and children. We also estimated the effects of decontamination on residents’ doses based on airborne monitoring data, adjusting this for timing and dosing through propensity score matching, which were then compared to individual monitoring data. There were significant correlations between airborne and individual monitoring doses among adults and children, and more than 80% of residents showed a good estimation–observation agreement within a factor of two. The median of ERs was 0.304 and 0.250 among adults and children, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two. Effects of decontamination on residents’ doses estimated from airborne monitoring were significantly lower than those estimated from individual monitoring. These findings suggest that airborne monitoring can be used to estimate representative radiation doses within residential areas. It may be a useful tool for enhancing communication among stakeholders and supporting individual and policy decisions; however, it is less sensitive for evaluating individual effects of decontamination than individual monitoring. Combined use of airborne and individual monitoring also showed a lower median of ERs in children than in adults and in a Japanese government’s model, possibly due to prioritised decontamination for children and differences between their behavioral patterns.
Bioinspired growth of iron derivatives on mesoporous silica: effect on thermal degradation and fire behavior of polystyrene
Authors: Li Zhi , Zhang Jing , Nie Shibin , Wen Xin , Djaziri Soundes , Wang De-Yi
Published: October 2019

Aiming to investigate the influence of pore property of mesoporous material on thermal degradation and fire behavior of polystyrene (PS), the ultrafine iron derivatives were uniformly grown on the interior wall of SBA-15 via the coordination-induced assembly by bioinspired polydopamine (PDA). The resultant SBA-15@PDA@Fe was verified by various characterizations with the dominant component of FeOOH. Compared with PS composites with SBA-15, PS composites with SBA-15@PDA@Fe revealed the notably divergent alteration in thermal and thermal-oxidation degradation behavior, which was determined by the changed pore property. The iron derivatives in SBA-15 mesopores possessed the stronger affinity to aerobic volatiles than anaerobic volatiles (via π–π coordination), which inhibited the release of oxidatively decomposed products and enhanced thermal-oxidation stability. In addition, SBA-15@PDA@Fe was capable to preferentially improve limiting oxygen index, accompanied by the decrease of smoke production through suppressing smoke precursors. The glass transition temperature (T
g) of PS/SBA-15 was slightly increased via the bioinspired modification.
Integral fluctuation relations for entropy production at stopping times
Authors: Neri Izaak , Roldán Édgar , Pigolotti Simone , Jülicher Frank
Published: October 2019

A stopping time T is the first time when a trajectory of a stochastic process satisfies a specific criterion. In this paper, we use martingale theory to derive the integral fluctuation relation for the stochastic entropy production in a stationary physical system at stochastic stopping times T. This fluctuation relation implies the law , which states that it is not possible to reduce entropy on average, even by stopping a stochastic process at a stopping time, and which we call the second law of thermodynamics at stopping times. This law bounds the average amount of heat and work a system can extract from its environment when stopped at a random time. Furthermore, the integral fluctuation relation implies that certain fluctuations of entropy production are universal or are bounded by universal functions. These universal properties descend from the integral fluctuation relation by selecting appropriate stopping times: for example, when T is a first-passage time for entropy production, then we obtain a bound on the statistics of negative records of entropy production. We illustrate these results on simple models of nonequilibrium systems described by Langevin equations and reveal two interesting phenomena. First, we demonstrate that isothermal mesoscopic systems can extract on average heat from their environment when stopped at a cleverly chosen moment and that the second law at stopping times bounds the average extracted heat. Second, we demonstrate that the efficiency at stopping times of an autonomous stochastic heat engine, such as Feymann’s ratchet, can be larger than the Carnot efficiency and that the second law of thermodynamics at stopping times bounds its efficiency at stopping times.
Measurement of electric charges on foraging bumblebees (Bombus terrestris)
Authors: Montgomery C , Koh K , Robert D
Published: October 2019

Bumblebees carry electric charge. Almost always positive, this charge facilitates pollen transfer between bumblebee and flower during pollination and is likely to play a role in the detection of electric fields. Models of the Coulomb forces acting on pollen grains during pollination are predominantly based upon laboratory measurements of bumblebee charge. Using a novel method, the charges on bumblebees are measured outdoors for the first time. Outdoor bumblebees are found to carry similar positive charges to those previously measured in the laboratory. Bee charge is affected by local weather conditions, with the most positive charges being found on bees flying in warm, dry conditions. Results show that bee charges used in previous models of pollen transfer are representative of wild foraging bumblebees, and that pollen transfer between bee and flower is likely to be affected by local weather conditions.
Electrostatic formation of Liquid Marbles – Statistical model
Authors: Ireland Peter M , Thomas Casey A , Lobel Benjamin T , Webber Grant B , Fujii Syuji , Wanless Erica J
Published: October 2019

A statistical treatment is developed for the electrostatic transfer of particles from a powder bed to a pendent droplet during liquid marble and aggregate formation. The model uses Weibull statistics to calculate the probability of particle transfer events of a given size occurring, for the given electric field strength and geometry. This is used in Monte Carlo simulations of the transfer process. In this preliminary study, some of the most distinctive features of the experiments – transfer event size and spacing, scaling with driving potential – are well-captured using physically plausible parameter values. Other features, such as denuding of the particle bed, are less well reproduced, and require refinement.
Study of the effect of plasma treatment on the triboelectric properties of Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) slabs
Authors: Hazadji Kheira , Tilmatine Omar , Zeghloul Thami , Neagoe Marian-Bogdan , Dascalescu Lucian
Published: October 2019

The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is a convenient way to modify the surface properties of polymers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of atmospheric DBD treatment on the triboelectric properties of polymers in sliding contact. The experiments were carried out on two polymers that were rubbed against each other: PP and PE. The pairs of samples were exposed to the DBD, and then taken to a triboelectric test bench for friction charging. The distribution of electric potential at the surface of the tribocharged samples was measured by an electrostatic voltmeter. The triboelectric behavior of the considered polymers depends on the conditions of DBD treatment: thickness of the dielectric barrier and duration of the exposure to the non-thermal plasma.
Electrostatic risk and specification of field and voltage limits for insulating web materials
Authors: Robinson Kelly , Smallwood Jeremy
Published: October 2019

Evaluation of electrostatic risk in production insulating web systems rely on electrostatic field or voltage measurements. Field meter measurement at the centre of a web span gives a direct evaluation of electrostatic risk from net web surface charge density. Surface voltage measured on the web against a grounded conductor can reveal the distribution of charges on each web film surface independently. Considerations for measurement instruments are given.
Characterization of ESD shielding materials with novel test methods
Authors: Viheriäkoski T , Wong R , Fung R , Tamminen P
Published: October 2019

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding effectiveness of materials used to protect ESD sensitive devices was evaluated with a coaxial electrode and ESD generator. Attenuation of a continuous low power signal and a high power transient was measured. Electromagnetic far field shielding does not necessarily address ESD protection performance. High impedance on a discharge path reduces energy coupling efficiently. Therefore the prevention of conductive and capacitive coupling is the key factor for designing protective packaging for transportation of ESD sensitive devices. Due to the effect of breakdown field strength, low power signals shall not be used alone to assess ESD shielding characteristics. A coaxial electrode and an ESD generator was found a useful combination for the evaluation of ESD shielding effectiveness. As a final outcome, adequate ESD protection can be achieved even without the far field shielding, depending on application.
Influence of ESP collector configuration on reduction of particulate emissions from biomass combustion facility
Authors: Bologa A , Rheinheimer H P , Paur H P
Published: October 2019

Development of compact electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) for reduction of particulate emissions from small scale biomass combustion is an actual task. Particle mass collection efficiency of an ESP depends from combustion conditions, geometry of precipitator ionizer, collector stage configuration and ESP operation parameters. The investigation of the influence of collector stage configuration on particle mass collection efficiency of a pilot space charge ESP was in the focus of the study. It was shown that the use of tube collector with integrated grounded plates enhanced particle mass collection efficiency. The loading of plates with aerosol provoked particle re-entrainment and decreased long-term ESP mass collection efficiency. The use of grounded brush electrodes ensured effective reduction of particle emissions but resulted in increase of pressure drop in the precipitator. The optimization of cleaning intervals of the ionizer and collector stages increased particle mass collection efficiency. It was shown, that the integration of automatic systems for ionizer and collector cleaning into the space charge ESP enhanced precipitator long-term operation stability and ensured effective reduction of particulate emissions form small scale biomass combustion.
Electrostatic charging of water spray by induction
Authors: Marchewicz A , Sobczyk A T , Krupa A , Jaworek A
Published: October 2019

Results of experimental investigation of electric charging of water spray produced by several commercially available single-fluid pressure swirl atomizers, with cylinder induction electrode are presented in this paper. The process of induction charging of water spray is analysed in terms of specific charge and droplet size distribution, for water flow rate, water pressure, induction electrode voltage and inter-electrode distance as process variables. It was found that the specific charge of water droplets increases with increasing voltage applied to the induction electrode, but only to a certain voltage magnitude. The decrease in the specific charge for higher voltages is caused by corona discharge from the induction electrode and the shielding effect of space charge due to electric field produced by the charged droplets. The optimal inter-electrode distance maximizing the specific charge was determined for each of the tested nozzles.
Influence of Electrode Spacing on a Symmetrical Washer-Type Electrohydrodynamic Conduction Pump
Authors: Daaboul Michel , Traoré Philippe , Modh Sachin , Louste Christophe
Published: October 2019

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumping is an attractive method that can be applied to drive a fluid in mass transport and heat transfer enhancement applications, and more particularly for microfluidic applications. EHD pumps are very interesting because they do not require moving parts. The electric energy is directly converted into kinetic energy via the Coulomb force. Three modes can generate this fluid motion: conduction, induction, and injection. This paper presents the experimental results of a parametric investigation on EHD conduction pumps with washer-type electrode geometry. Only symmetrical electrode configuration is investigated in order to highlight the influence of the positive/negative charge mobility ratio. The working fluid is a dielectric liquid (HFE-7100). The pumping mechanism is examined with several washer-type electrode geometries and different types of spacers. For each configuration, pressure and current time variations are recorded and compared.
Linear complex permittivity of isotropic polar fluids
Authors: Déjardin Pierre-Michel , Cornaton Yann
Published: October 2019

An analytical formula for the linear complex permittivity of polar fluids is obtained from the averaged Dean-Kawasaki equation as a function of temperature, density and molecular dipole moment. The static results compare reasonably well with experimental data of some simple polar fluids in their liquid phase, while when the Kirkwood correlation factor is larger than unity, a thermally activated relaxation process appears in the dynamic response.
Economic drivers of wind and solar penetration in the US
Authors: Bistline John E T , Young David T
Published: October 2019

Much has been made of the potential for wind and solar generation to supply cheap, low-emissions electricity, but considerable disagreement exists as to which combinations of many potential drivers will enable deep penetration of these technologies. Most existing analyses consider limited factors in isolation, such as investment costs or energy storage, and do not provide rigorous support for understanding which combinations of factors could underpin a leading role for wind and solar. This study addresses this gap by undertaking a systematic sensitivity analysis using a state-of-the-art energy-economic model to comprehensively evaluate the relative magnitudes of five key drivers that may influence future wind and solar deployment in the United States. We find future wind and solar capital costs and carbon policy are the dominant factors, causing the average wind and solar share to vary by 38 and 31 percentage points, respectively. Transmission and storage availability have much smaller effects, causing the average share to vary by no more than 15 and 5 percentage points, respectively. No single factor unilaterally determines wind and solar deployment. The variable renewable share of electricity generation never reaches 100% nationally in any scenario even with low-cost storage, as decreasing marginal returns at higher deployments eventually outpace cost reductions. Average wind and solar shares and ranges of possible outcomes are higher in this study relative to recent multi-model comparison studies due to lower renewable costs and the potential for more stringent policies. Understanding drivers and barriers to renewable deployment has important ramifications for technology developers, infrastructure, market design, and policymakers, and this research provides insights as to which combinations of drivers lead to the greatest share of economic wind and solar deployment and why.
Agricultural Exports and Economic Growth in Nigeria: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Osabohien R , Akinpelumi D , Matthew O , Okafor V , Iku E , Olawande T , Okorie U
Published: October 2019

It has been observed that export promotion drive boosts economic growth of developing countries (Nigeria inclusive) through the multiplier effects that the income earned from exports has on the economy. Prior to the discovery of oil, agriculture has been the main contributor to the Nigerian external sector. It is in the light of this that this study sets out to examine the impact of agricultural export on Nigeria’s economic growth. This study used the Autoregressive Distribution Lag (ARDL) econometric technique to analyze the long run relationship and the impact of agricultural exports on Nigeria’s economic growth. Economic growth is the dependent variable, and is proxied by the real gross domestic product, the explanatory variables include: agricultural export, foreign direct investment, inflation rate and the labour force. The results from the ARDL technique revealed that agricultural exports significantly affect Nigeria’s economic growth; this suggests that, a 1percent increase in - agricultural export will boost economic growth in Nigeria by approximately 25percent.Therefore, from the results, the study recommended that agricultural export need to be promoted through the increase in agricultural production base.
Investigating the endothermic nature of the reactions of hybrid hydroxideperoxide with lignin in corn stover and napier grass for simple sugar production
Authors: Sanni S E , Omoleye J A , Emetere ME , Okoro E E
Published: October 2019

Napier grass and Corn Stover samples were collected as waste materials for sugar production. The samples were pretreated and hydrolyzed using hydrogen peroxide and Trichoderma ressei cellulase respectively. Chemical kinetics of the delignification process shows that the reduction reactions of lignin during pretreatment are dependent on the nature of raw material, temperature, concentration of the hydrogen peroxide and their activation energies. The calculated activation energies show that the reactions of lignin in both biomasses are though endothermic, but less energy intensive and more economically viable for Napier grass when compared to corn Stover. Based on the results, in order to obtain higher sugar yield from Napier grass and corn stover under the investigated conditions, both samples should be processed at 105 °C for 96 hours using 0.3 M and 0.1M hydrogen peroxide concentrations respectively.
Assessment of Energy Wastage and Saving Potentials for Higher Educational Institutional Buildings in South Western Nigeria
Authors: Obaju B N , Adeleke J S , Yusuf T O , Buari T A , Tokede C A
Published: October 2019

The study assessed the energy wastage areas in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) Buildings in South Western Nigeria; factors influencing the energy wastage and energy saving opportunities available in the study area with a view to promote energy conservation and cost savings. The study adopts the use of stratified simple random sampling techniques and the administration of two hundred (200) open ended questionnaire on the respondents who are mainly students, teaching and non-teaching staff in the physical planning, works and maintenance service department. Data obtained from respondents was analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean score index (MSI). Findings revealed that energy wastage are common with lighting consumption (MSI 4.59), poor controls and regulators for both lighting and other appliances in HEIs (MSI 4.57). Lighting related operations also exert significant impacts on energy wastages as six out of the thirteen major energy wastage areas are connected to it. The major factor influencing energy wastage are due to poorly designed HEIs buildings (MSI 4.62) and all other factors aside this need to be adequately considered in future designs for effective energy management. Findings further revealed that HEIs buildings require sound energy policy, improvement on passive building designs principles are critical to the reduction of energy wastage and hence should be adhered to since it has potential to saves cost. The study recommends the usage of metering system to determine energy consumed in each facilities/building, using scheduling devices with intelligent building designs for power supply and controls during peak and off peak period, implementing standard Energy Policies and creating awareness for students and staffs on energy usage and cost savings benefits and provisions.
Hybridization energy systems for a rural area in Nigeria
Authors: Olasunkanmi O G , Roleola O A , Alao P O , Oyedeji O , Onaifo F
Published: October 2019

Mankind cannot live without one form of energy or another. Energy (Electrical) is needed to lighten our environment, power our homes, schools, hospitals, offices, businesses, and for industrialization. It is generally known that the economic growth of a nation depends on electricity. This paper is assessing the possibility of hybridizing the various renewable energy sources in Nigeria and evaluating its sustainability, challenges and benefits of hybridizing the combinations of the renewable energy sources (PVs and wind turbine) that are abundantly available in Nigeria. The evaluation of these combinations is to determine the best for the region (rural setting). We are also looking at efforts being put at utilizing these renewable sources for energy generation in Nigeria. The hybrid energy system of a mix of locally available abundant energy resources is a good solution to the persistent epileptic power supply in Nigeria. This will minimize atmospheric degradation as quality of life will be improved.
Air quality investigation over Moundou Chad
Authors: Emetere M.E. , Oladimeji T.E.
Published: October 2019

The air quality over Moundou-Chad was examined using satellite dataset. Fifteen years aerosol optical depth (AOD) was obtained from the Multi-angle Imaging Spectro-Radiometer (MISR). The AOD dataset is statisticaly stable for further prediction. The highest AOD mean was observed in 2008. The standard deviation, average deviation and coefficient of variation all agrees that the AOD dataset is reliable. It is shown that the aerosol loading over Moundou is high and the size of the aerosol is very tiny to deposit in the human lungs.
Analysis of aerosol optical depth and aerosol loading Over Voinjama: A projected estimation of atmospheric corrosion
Authors: Emetere M.E. , Sanni S.E. , Okoro S.E.
Published: October 2019

The World Health Organization (WHO) warning on air pollution is a verified in this research by corroborating it with fifteen years primary (aerosol optical depth) dataset that was obtained from the Multi-angle Imaging Spectro-Radiometer (MISR) over Voinjama-Liberia. The detailed statistical and computational analysis was carried out using computational softwares. The spatial amd surface plot the pollution over the geographical location may constantly be dispersed from same sources of pollution. The implication of the aerosol optical depth (AOD) on the atmospheric corrosion was corroborated using mathematical estimations. The highest corrosion rate is given as 2.6 and the average corrosion rate over Voinjama is 0.5.
Household waste burning techniques and correlated respiratory indicators in Northern Nigeria: Case study of Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja Nigeria
Authors: Igibah Ehizemhen. C , Agashua Lucia. O , Sadiq Abubakar. A
Published: October 2019

The household waste burning practice and impacts of the waste burning emission on respiratory health of the populace in the Gwagwalada Local Council Area happens frequently, though not well recorded. The goal of this study was to quantify the waste burning occurrence as well as scrutinize the correlation between waste burning practice and respiratory problem in Northern Nigeria with Gwagwalada as case study because is an example of rural settlement growing to urbanites. Questionnaire was utilized to accumulate information from houses in Gwagwalada Area Council Community, Abuja. Total of 150 participants were enrolled and their retorts on household waste burning besides respiratory symptoms were investigated. The participants indicated that their neighbors burn waste frequently, with 67 (44.7%) of them from Gwagwalada Local government (rural zone). The local waste experts collected refuse from 97.0% of these participants at least once per week in the enlightened zone and central but rural is once monthly or not at all. The prevalent lower respiratory sign connected with waste burning was dehydrated cough (31.4%). For Lower and Upper health signs, the participants who participated in the practice of waste burning had a faintly higher commonness of breath shortness (56%) and Water itchy eyes (49%) respectively. For each of lower and upper health signs, the trend is such that 6 month above is greater than immediately, which is greater than those of a month after. These results imply that waste or bush burning effect on health is on the long – term basis.
Influence of wastes management and viable improvement in Nigeria: case study of Kubwa, Abuja in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Igibah Ehizemhen. C , Agashua Lucia. O , Sadiq Abubakar. A
Published: October 2019

The paper investigate waste management and viable improvement in Nigeria with specific reference to Kubwa, F.C.T, Abuja. The region was divided into three districts namely: District A (south-north), District B (west - east) and District C (central zone). Survey research stratagem was implemented with questionnaire as main tools applied for data gathering which were dispensed to twenty households carefully picked randomly making total of 60families that were studied. Illiteracy and income level was discovered has main cause of waste management difficult, equally city waste characterization for the Kubwa – Abuja reveals paper, food leftovers and water sachets as the highest waste created, while delivery bag and flexible bag are consistently utilized to dispose waste since bags are stress-free in disposing and low-priced. The waste storage frequency is between 12 – 24 hours whereas waste throwing frequency follows regularly once and biweekly gatherings. Some respondents have open dumps within their locality where waste is stock before thrown away. Nevertheless, there is great recycling event for metal and bottles since they are recycle at home and 15 % sell. Mutual solid waste management practice in Kubwa - Abuja are storage and highway or canal waste discarding whereas recycling and waste reduction which are waste minimization implements in the trio pyramid system which is the strength of most waste administration systems is weakly practiced.
An Assessment of Energy Performance Index of the Nigerian Universities’ Senate Building
Authors: Abdulhamid Yahuza , Suleiman Sani Aisha , Gafar Mudashir , Usman A.M.
Published: October 2019

Apparently, Nigeria is struggling with the developmental issues of the incessant power outage and lack of energy services. The primary sources of energy for office building are from national grid and gasoline generators. However, the former is not reliable and the latter is unsustainable; hence, the need to explore energy efficiency strategies to cut down the energy demand for cooling office building in Nigeria is unavoidable. The article aimed to assess the energy efficiency or performance index of the Nigerian Universities’ senate buildings in the north-eastern region (dry sub-humid climate). The research employed a case study approach, construction of baseline model with the Revit architecture software and applied DesignBuilder building analysis software to evaluate the energy performance of the senate building as built. The research findings showed that energy efficiency indexes for both universities’ senate buildings (57% and 63%) which were relatively below the recommended standard checklist. Also, the simulation results further showed that both case studies require 141.4wh/m2 and 127.3wh/m2 heating/cooling per annum compared to the stipulated LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standard of 15wh/m2. Therefore, research implication is that it is essential for the architects and engineers to incorporate more proactive energy efficiency strategies in the design of office buildings in Nigeria
Effect of digitalization on the performance of commercial banks in Nigeria
Authors: Agboola Mayowa G , Awobajo Kiitan A , Oluwatobi Stephen O , Akinbode Mosunmola O , Fagbohun Michael O , Esse Ugwunwa C , Segun-Adeniran Chidi D , Asaolu Aderonke O , Betek Chelsea M
Published: October 2019

This study investigates how digitalization enhances the performance of commercial banks adopting the purposive method and simple random sampling selecting 370 non-managerial employees from a commercial bank. A self-structured questionnaire was used as the major instrument for data collection and was analysed using SPSS version 25. From the result, it was discovered that there was a mild significant and positive relationship between the digitalization process and commercial bank performance (r = 0.114*; p<.05). Also, there is a positive significant relationship between product innovation and performance of commercial banks in Nigeria (r = 0.186; p< 0.001). The study recommends that digitalization processes if adequately and correctly implemented, will have a significant positive relationship on the performance of commercial banks in Nigeria ceteris paribus.
Noise Pollution and Waste Control Techniques in Building Construction in Nigeria: A Literature Review
Authors: Sholanke A , Aina-Badejo T , Aina-Babajide A , Nara Jacob A
Published: October 2019

The activities of the construction industry are often plagued with improper material control and operational measures that result in the production of noise and generation of waste in project sites. Waste and noise are generated in every step of the construction process, from the production of materials used, to the erection and finishing of structures. In this age of incorporating sustainability into the development of buildings and their environments, there is a need for the construction industry to substantially reduce the amount of noise and waste produced. This paper investigated various noise pollution and waste control techniques used in the construction industry in Nigeria, with a view to identify areas for further improvement. The paper is a systematic literature review which made use of document analysis to collect data and content analysis to analyse the data gathered. Descriptive approach was used to present the result. The paper examined the current state of waste and noise management and the recommendations provided. The study found that in Nigeria, the noise control technique employed is the use of noise barriers, while the waste control management strategies used are prefabricated elements, sorting waste generated, open dumping, open burning and composting disposal method. Some of the recommendations made include: discarding open dumping and open burning as waste control measures due to their negative environmental impact, developing and enforcing a legal framework for noise and construction waste. Furthermore, educating site workers on noise and waste control techniques and replacing machines that use combustion engines with those that use electrical motors. Students, educators, building industry practitioners and other construction industry stakeholders will find the study a useful material to work with, as well as build upon.
Renewal and Upgrading System For A Sustainable Urban-Rural Housing System Development: Panacea To Accommodation, Employment And Healthcare Issues
Authors: Amusan L. M , Akanya C.N , Adeyemo K. A , Ayo C. K. , Owolabi J.D , Mohammed Dabo Baba
Published: October 2019

Developments in the Urban communities has become issue of great concern. Urban development has been rapid with urban centres springing up from rural communities and sometimes creating an imbalance in environmental systems with attendant consequences and advantages. The study therefore explored the urban system housing development within the context of formulating framework for development, renewal and upgrading in order to achieve sustainable development in urban and rural communities. The aim of the study was to carry out a longitudinal survey of selected areas where there is occurrence of concentration of rural-urban, urban-rural settlement within the selected study areas. Survey was conducted on some parameters as part of the calibrated questionnaire that was designed in Likert Scale 1-5 used for the study. The parameters include evaluation of existing renewal and upgrading pattern, upgrading system, renewal strategies, features of rural-urban growth, challenges of urban renewal and regenerations, influence of urban and rural upgrading system on employment availability, health challenges associated with urban-rural settlement and post occupancy study of satisfaction level of residents of urban and rural settlement housing facilities.

The study engaged population of 5 different locations with 100 residents drafted from various selected locations classified as urban and rural settlement as respondents. The data was analysed using Mean Item Score, Simple percentages and regression analysis. Some of the striking contribution in this study includes: System to formulate good renewal and resuscitating, it also include resuscitating decayed component of rural setting at urban location. The study also contribute to knowledge in advocating strategies for urban and renewal strategy like compilation of plans for physical development of the area, development of identified locations, re-accommodation and resettlement of displaced settlements, re-accommodation and resettlement of displaced settlements and reconstruction of the areas devastated by development programmes. Similarly, rural and urban development would bring employment opportunity for all classes of trade either skill labour, un-skill labour and semi-skill labour. Construction activities would attract and provide fortune to different workers category there creating prosperity for all. Finally, the study developed a system framework that could be used for urban and rural settlement regeneration, revitalization, redevelopment and reconstruction. The developed framework would assist in eliminating accommodation challenges, employment problems and health care issues often associated with disparity in settlement growth when rural settlement metamorphosed into urban settlement.
The impact of basic forensic accounting skills on financial reporting credibility among listed firms in Nigeria
Authors: Chukwu N , Asaolu T O , Uwuigbe O R , Uwuigbe U , Umukoro O E , Nassar L , Alabi O
Published: October 2019

The paper aims at evaluating the impact of basic forensic accounting skills viz: communication skills, technical & analytical skills, accounting & auditing skills and psycho-social skills on the financial reporting credibility of listed organisations in Nigeria. The scope of the study is composed of firms quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as at January, 2018 while the study population is the users and auditors of the financial reports produced by these entities. The users of financial reports are represented by investment advisers which a segment of capital market operators while the auditors are represented by the Big 4 Audit Firms operating in Nigeria as at January, 2018. The research design employed is the survey approach by which primary data was collected from the sample respondents described above while the multivariate analysis was conducted to highlight the impact of the selected independent variables on financial reporting. It was found that, with the exception of communication skills which exhibited a negative but significant impact, all the other basic forensic accounting skills exert positive and significant impact on the methods by which an organization reports her financials. It is prescribed that aspiring forensic accountants should be adequately trained to be able to practice the profession satisfactorily.
Sustainable Smart City and its Promising Urban Value: An Overview
Authors: Fayomi G U , Mini S E , Fayomi O S I , Mbonu C C , Udoye N E
Published: October 2019

Development from conventional urban city to the smart city requires a level of sustainable development. Smart city involves multiple fields of human capacity in knowledge of artificial intelligence, information and communication technology and management in form of environment sensing, innovation, education, culture, deep and machine learning, networking, information processing and digital technology, and city governance in order to enhance performance in resource management, improve well-being and economic development in the aspect of individuals standard of living which impacts on transportation, water supply, waste disposal, healthcare, etc. This paper highlights actions that can combine sustainability and innovation to result to a sustainable smart city and measures put into play in order to achieve a smart city which claims to be sustainable.
Processing human biogas using drying agent
Authors: Emetere M.E. , Pindar H.
Published: October 2019

Biogas production in cow dung supersedes other bio-waste product. Human waste is one of the lowest biogas sources. More so, the nature of the human excretal deposition matters. There are higher biogas productions in pit latrines than in water closet (WC) system. However, it is known that WC users are the majority in modern building design. The main disadvantage of the WC system ingenerating biogas is that the solid excretal is broken into pieces by water dissolution and collision with the sewage pipe. The chemistry of the event is that the little biogas produced has high percentage of moist. In this research we deployed drying agents to process the biogas from WC system.
Modified Angstrom Solar Radiation Model for Lagos Nigeria
Authors: Emetere M.E. , Emetere J.M. , Dania O.E.
Published: October 2019

Solar energy generation in tropical climate system is said to be a viable project because of the availability of solar radiation. The use of solar photovoltaic (PV) panel in the research area is encouraging at the moment but the issue has been that the lifespan of the PV panel is somewhat very low. This research aims to determine the solar radiation model for Lagos to enhance the optimization of the production of solar PV panels for Lagos Nigeria. This would enhance higher patronage in the commercial hub of Nigeria.
Corporate Governance and Financial Statement Fraud among Listed Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Uwuigbe O R , Olorunshe O , Uwuigbe U , Ozordi E , Asiriuwa O , Asaolu T , Erin O
Published: October 2019

The study looked into the association which exists amid financial statement fraud and governance among business organizations in Nigeria. A population of 122 non-financial companies registered on Nigeria stock exchange was limited to 20 firms employing the rule of thumb based on stratified and simple random technique for a period of 2012-2016. The method of data analysis is panel regression. The dependent variable, fraud in the financial statement was measured using the Beneish M-score model while the independent variable was measured using audit committee independence, board structure. Findings show that an insignificant association exist amid audit committee independence, the composition of the board and financial statement fraud. This research design suggests regarding the reduction of the occurrence of financial statement fraud, less emphasis should be placed on audit committee independence, board composition and independent non-executive directors’ effectiveness.