Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research

1-5

Authors: Promilla Ahlawat

To determine the metal accumulation in vital tissues i.e. liver and kidney, albino rats were exposed to sublethal doses (1/10th of LD50) each of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) individually and in combination for a period of two months. Administration of both cadmium and lead exposure simultaneously depressed weight gain more, than in the rats exposed by either metal. Change in color of fur was observed in cadmium and combined exposure groups only. Accumulation of both the metals i.e. leads and cadmium in liver and kidney was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Accumulation of cadmium was enhanced, while that of lead was decreased both in liver and kidney, during the combined exposure of toxicants (Pb and Cd), in comparison to their alone exposure. Relatively higher accumulation of both metals was observed in kidney than in liver.

19-28

Authors: Aysegul Golcu, Mustafa Çeşme, Ozge Eren

In this study, three different types of flavonoids ((3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxy-2-phenylchromen-4-one (Quercetin), 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-flavone (Luteolin) and 3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (Kaempferol)) which in the pomegranate shell grown in South of Turkey, were measured by the help of liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) technique. In this measurement, ACE 5 C18 column systems, ammonium acetate: methylalchol (MeOH) mobile phase and diode-array detector were used. In 0.5 gr of dry pomegranate shell; 3.79 g quercetin, 0.45 g luteolin and 3.97 g kaempferol were found. After, the wool fabrics have been dyed using pomegranate shell in together mordanting and mordantless techniques. Fastness to light, washing and rubbing of the dyed fabrics were measured and discussed.

35-41

Authors: Galih Prakoso, Sinanuri Surawijaya, Humiras Hardi Purba

To determine the health of a company can be determined by looking at the financial statements published by the company within a certain period. This study aims to determine the financial performance of the two companies engaged in the heavy equipment industry which have a sizeable market share in Indonesia, namely PT HexindoAdi Perkasa. United Tractors and PT Hexindo using financial ratio analysis of the financial statements of each company over the period 2011-2015. The research method is using quantitative and descriptive method using the financial statements issued by the respective companies. The ratio used three kind of ratio, first ratio is the ratio of liquidity consisting of current ratio, second ration is solvency ratio consisting of debt to asset ratio and debt to equity ratio, and the last is a profitability ratio that consists of the gross profit margin, net profit margin, return on investment, and return on equity. From the results of the study, researchers found that the overall performance two heavy equipment companies showed a decline from 2011 to 2015.

58-60

Authors: Promilla Ahlawat

The present study investigation was carried out to evaluate the toxicological effect of sulphurdioxide on haematological (Total erythrocyte count, Haemoglobin, Haematocrit, MCH, MCHC, MCV) indices of albino rats. The rats were exposed to 25 ppm of sulphur dioxide for one hour daily for a period of two months. Results indicated that the total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, haematocrit and mean cell volume were increased significantly, whereas, No significant change was observed in mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration after sulphur dioxide exposure.

70-74

Authors: Hassaballa M Abdalgadir, Mubarak Dirar, Zoalnoon A Abeid Allah, Lutfi M Abdalgadir

Recently a Lagrangian dependent on the second order derivatives was shown to be successful in describing and solving long standing gravitational problems. This gives motivation to construct second order electromagratic Lagrangian, which may hopefully can open a new horizon to solve disasters electromagnetic problems like self charge energy problem. In this work second order electromagnetic Lagrangian was derived with vacuum current density terms. This Lagrangian is used to derive a new Maxwell's equations, which predicts that both electric charges and vacuum can generate photons. The new Hamiltonian consists of an additional terms representing source emitting or observing photons beside vacuum energy terms. The equation of motion reduces to the ordinary equation of motion and to ordinary Hamiltonian with additional source term in the absence of vacuum energy term.

81-85

Authors: Bouhadi D, Raho B, Hariri A, Benattouche Z, Sahnouni F, Ould Yerou K, Boualem SA

The interest in the fermentative production of lactic acid has increased due to the prospects of environmental friendliness and of using renewable resources instead of petrochemicals. In this context, we have judged that is gainful to use the date juice which is with a low commercial value as a substrate for the production of lactic acid by Streptococcus thermophilus. Further, dates are rich in sugar ranging from 65% to 80% on dry weight basis mostly of inverted form (glucose and fructose), which can used as carbon source for the fermentation and the production of microbial biomass. The parameters optimization for lactic acid production by S. thermophilus grown on medium based on dates in order to improve yields is applied in this study. The results showed that the maximum of lactic acid production (36.9 g / l) is obtained after the enrichment of date juice with yeast extract (15%), Tween 80 (1g / l) MgSO4 (0.5g / l), MnSO4 (0.02g / l) and K2HPO4 (1g / l).

93-100

Authors: Taher Baher Talari

Land subsidence is a phenomenon that involves the lowering or settling of the earth's surface due to various factors. In recent years, it has been proven that Kerman Province subsidence in Iran is due to extensive ground water withdrawal. A decrease in ground water level would causes an increase in effective stresses at clay layers which results consolidation of lower layers. In this research it is assumed that the water table level surface oscillate horizontally due to a group well pumping. This oscillation of water table for farming in various seasons of the year would produce cyclic loading. For modelling of any oscillation of water table, correlation between classical parameters, and parameters for numerical analysis was developed. A simple correlation between these parameters was found. Based on the model prediction the variation of settlement in the ground can be seen. The results show good comparison with field data.

113-115

Authors: Matthew NO Sadiku, Mahamadou Tembely, Sarhan M Musa

The development of computer network technology has facilitated electronic commerce and payment schemes. Digital money carries high hopes for economic development. It has the potential of replacing bank currency and other forms of exchange. It is network based and easy to use. This paper presents an introduction on digital money.

125-130

Authors: BS Aliu, AC Esume

This study examined the replacement of fishmeal with Poultry Hatchery Waste Meal (PHWM) supplemented with Blood meal in Practical diets of Clariid catfish (Heterobranchus bidorsalis). Five Iso-nitrogenous diets containing varying levels were formulated. Diet 1, (0 % PHWM) served as control; Diet 2, (25 % PHWM); Diet 3, (50 % PHWM); Diet 4 (75 % PHWM) and Diet 5 (100 % PHWM) as a replacement for fishmeal were fed to three replicate of Heterobranchus bidorsalis with an initial weight of 7.17±0.01g. Diet 3, (50 % PHWM) had the best growth response and feed utilization (p<0.05) as it had the highest value of weight gain (22.69), feed intake of (26.28), feed conversion Ratio of 1.21, relative weight gain of 22.58 and Specific Growth Rate of 2.89. Diet 3 (50 % PHWM) also had the highest value (P<0.05) for Protein Efficiency Ratio (2.09) while 75 % PHWM, had the best net protein utilization (53.06) and was significantly different (p<0.05) from other treatments. Therefore, Poultry hatchery waste meal supplemented with blood meal can replace fishmeal totally but will be best at 50 % replacement in diets for Heterobranchus bidorsalis without compromising the growth and carcass composition.

139-144

Authors: Sadiq G Abdu, Dallatu U Abbas, Aliyu I Kabiru

The influence of temperature on photoluminescence (PL) intensity of silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) is carried out using a theoretical model. A combined model of quantum confinement effects (QCE), surface State effect (SSE), exciton binding energy and temperature dependence band gap expression is developed to examine the temperature dependent PL between 1-3.6 nm of silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs). The model indicate that at the nanoscale the PL peak of the size dependent temperature luminescence is shifted to the smaller size as the temperature increases indicating a blue shift, while PL increases as the temperatures decrease. This implies that at higher temperature, the particles required small amount of energy to cross to the conduction band which reduces the bandgap and that an appreciable luminescence is observed at room temperature, which validate the experimental findings. All the features of the work are estimated by the use of a MATLAB program and are found to be consistent with experimental and other theoretical approaches.

153-155

Authors: MNO Sadiku, SM Musa, Sudarshan R Nelatury

The use of mobile devices has increased greatly over the last few years. Mobile computing allows people to send and receive data and information over a network from wherever they are. This wireless connectivity is profoundly changing the way we compute, communicate, and socialize. This paper presents a brief introduction to mobile computing.

163-172

Authors: Gamze Yuksel

The purpose of this study is to apply the Euler matrix method to linear second order partial differential equations (PDEs) under the most general conditions. Error analysis of the method is presented. By using the residual correction procedure, the absolute error may be estimated. The effectiveness of the method is illustrated in numerical examples. Numerical results are overlapped with the theoretical results.

188-199

Authors: Mohamed IA Othman, Ezaira RM Edeeb

The purpose of this paper is to study the 2-D problem of generalized thermoelastic medium with voids under the effect of gravity within the framework of the Green-Lindsay, Lord–Shulman and classical coupled theories. The normal mode analysis is used in our problem. Numerical results with comparisons between theories are illustrated graphically. Comparisons are made between the three theories in the presence and absence of gravity and also with and without voids.

207-221

Authors: Chima C Wokocha, Ndifreke E Williams, Edidiong A Essien, Emmanuel U Enweremadu, Akhayere Evidence

This research is to show the changes in soil quality, land use, land cover, soil physicochemical parameters and morphology. Satellite data and Geographic Information System (GIS) were used to investigate the soil changes in physicochemical parameters, land surveying and satellite data (Landsat TM and Arcview GIS 3.3) were used in GIS to explain the landforms and correlation between landforms, soil physicochemical properties and the morphological characteristics. The area was dominated by flood plain and marine plain of 58.24% while the water bodies and urban exhibit 41.76%, and the physicochemical properties were mapped. The morphological characteristic showed the textural class to comprise of silty loam, clay loam, sandy clay loam, sandy loam, and loamy sand while the soil structure are weak, strong and medium angular blocky and sub angular blocky with its consistency being non sticky due to the presence of abundant roots and some plastic in a non-root area. There is a prolonged distribution of the constraints of productivity all over the region due to the changes in the soil and land use settlement which could be due to the oil exploration in the region.

228-232

Authors: Adcharina Pratiwi, Asri Laksmi Riani, M Harisudin, Sarah Rum Handayani Pinta

The purpose of this research to develop the independence entrepreneurs “batik” through mentoring. Among the entrepreneurial mentoring it emphasizes a set of models that contains the characteristics of a facilitator with the nature of grindstones, and foster compassion. Among the model is a model that emphasizes family values, emotional and physical well-being and independence of tenants. Has three elements, namely latent entrepreneurs, mentors and the achievements of each criteria. Criteria participants (batik entrepreneurs) originally should have: mental entrepreneurs, willing effort, the work ethic, the courage to start a business, open to technology, managerial. While the criteria companion based Among applied for 2 months in a pre-study has the characteristics: a more open insight into the business, have a service mentality, intelligence communication, work ethic, managerial, competence, networking, facilitation, technology mastery, mastery of production, the characters wait, compassion, humility, example and encouragement. The target of the final outcome models Among is the independence of the tenants, namely: have the technical ability batik business, business awareness, motivation, effort, managerial, access to other parties, networking in sales, more confident, independent, tenacious and persevering, unyielding, creative, more capable who have both mental spiritual and physical freedom, courage and mastery of technology product diversification. Objects in the study was 10 batik entrepreneurs modeled among methods of data collection in this research through observation, experimentation, interviews, documentation, library research and direct action entrepreneurship. Methods of data analysis in this study using a hypothetical model concepts and inferential statistical techniques to analyze the data population. Analyzing the trend behavior of participants who are subject advisory models Among. Preliminary results through among models have increased the independence of batik entrepreneurs, is evident from the development trend in the behavior of independence.

238-251

Authors: Ibama Brown, Barnabas Ekpudjureni

The comprehensive goal of this research project was to evaluate the quality of life of the urban dwellers in Mile II, Diobu, Port Harcourt. Specific objectives included assessment of the happiness and contentment of the inhabitants even amid conditions of deprivation, ascertaining residents’ satisfaction with life as a whole and identifying the planning response and mechanisms for improving residential quality of life in the community. The study adopted the Passive-Observational survey design such that the research respondents were observed in-situ without experimental manipulation. Furthermore, the research population was studied using a “snapshot approach” or cross-sectional study within a three day period. The data for this study was drawn from primary and secondary sources. The results revealed that the quality of life of residents in Mile II Diobu was dependent on a variety of factors. A case in point was that most of the residents were not satisfied with the quality of the environment they lived in and would desire to move out, although 30% considered the quality of their life to be high. Improvement of the physical condition of the neighbourhood through use of planning mechanisms such as massive urban renewal, maintenance of roads and streets, government intervention on matters of security through provision of street lightning and the frequent patrol of the police and law enforcement agencies, provision of adequate recreational facilities (e.g. playground), improvement of drainage network systems in streets without paved drainages such as Nwachukwu Street, Achi, Chief Hobobo and Osina streets. These would greatly influence residents’ perspective of the neighbourhood and improve on the quality of life in Mile II Diobu.

262-268

Authors: Abdelaziz Bouchikhi

This paper presents news distributions in Cartesian geometry of subnormal glow discharge; such are the longitudinal currents densities of electron and ion, the longitudinal electron energy flux as well as both ionization and energy sources terms. The macroscopic model used for this investigation is the fluid two orders, counting continuity and momentums transfers’ equations of electron and ion and electron’s energy equation, the set of equations are coupled with Poisson’s equation in a self-coherent way. The test of validity of the model is carried out in this paper.

272-278

Authors: Yaşar ÖZYIĞIT, Sadık ÇAKMAKÇI

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different 1000 seeds weights on emergence traits and seedling growth in common vetch (Vicia sativa) in laboratories of Akdeniz University, Agricultural Faculty, Field Crops Department. The research was conducted in randomized parcels experimental design with 4 replicates. Common vetch line’s seeds which have different 1000 seeds weight were used as material. Firstly, seeds were separated 3 groups (small, medium, large) according to 1000 seeds weight and each group was consist 4 common vetch lines (total 12 lines). In study, emergence (emergence proportion, number of emergence day) and seedling (root length, shoot length, root weight, shoot weight, root/shoot ratio for length and weight) traits were investigated. The results showed that the effect of different seed weight was significant on investigated characters especially emergence traits. For example, while emergence percentages of medium and large seeds were determine high, low emergence day numbers were materialized in the same seeds. Also root and shoot traits were affected by different seed weights. On the other hand significant correlations were determined among investigated characters especially between emergence day number and emergence percentage. According to results obtained from study medium and large seeds must be use for good emergence and seedling growth in common vetch farming.

289-297

Authors: Marcel Sitor DIOUF, Ibrahima LY, Mamadou WADE, Ibrahima DIATTA, Youssou TRAORE, Mor NDIAYE, Grégoire SISSOKO

The open circuit is a operation point the solar cell corresponding to a maximum photovoltage and a almost nul photocurrent. The phenomenological parameter that sets this operating point of the solar cell is the junction recombination velocity of minority charge carriers at the junction. The open circuit is set when the recombination rate is low. In this article, we consider an operation point near the open circuit of solar cell, that is to say the one that limits the operation of the solar cell open circuit and its study versus to an external magnetic field is proposed. This study allowed the determination of the series resistance of the solar cell according to the external magnetic field. Thus, expression of the minority charge carrier density is determined from the continuity equation and studied for different values of the magnetic field. From this study, the open circuit voltage (Voc) and the junction surface recombination velocity limiting the open circuit (Sfoc) are determined and studied for different values of magnetic field. The determination of the series resistance is proposed from the curve of series resistance versus of the solar cell operation point by considering Sfoc.

307-311

Authors: Taher Elfakharany, Tarek M. Aboul-Fotouh

The capability to remove diesel and synthetic diesel from the drill cuttings before disposal can significantly reduce the long-term environmental effects of disposal. Drilling technology has up dated to reach the environmental regulations and thus the drill cuttings extracted becomes less harmful to the environment. This paper summarizes research efforts into development of a technique that uses a mixture of Toluene –GPR and Petroleum Ether-AR solvents to extract fuels from drill cuttings at 600 rpm for stirring and constant temperature of 40oC.The laboratory data indicates that a high quality fuel extracted from the drill cuttingshas no adverse effects on the environmental. In addition, ASTM distillations of Rashid and Ampatico samples show that the recoveries are 98% and 97% by volume respectively. Moreover, the oil content in the final drill cuttings extracted is no more than 0.3 % by volume and the high quality fuel product can be used again.

318-323

Authors: Bright Bariakpoa Kinate, Kingdom Kponanyie Dune

The rheological properties of crude oil samples from three oil field (Ogini, Ebocha and Ibigwe) in Niger Delta, Nigeria were investigated experimentally using Chandler Automated Viscometer (CAV). These samples were conditioned with an atmospheric consistometer and tested at different temperature conditions (Ambient, 50 oC, 70o C). Thereafter, the samples were placed in a centrifuge and activated for 10 minutes and then placed in a test tube rack for Basic Sediment & Water (BS &W) determination. The density and API gravity of the samples were determined, while the density ranges from 7.50 to 7.83 pounds per gallon, the API gravity ranges from 19.05 to 25.72. The viscosity result obtained shows that the plastic viscosity of Sample A decreased from 148 cp to 25 cp for Ambient to 70 oC, Sample B decreased from 2 cp to 1 cp for Ambient to 70 oC, and Sample C from 7cp to 1cp for Ambient to 70 oC. Similar trend was observed for apparent viscosity. Decrease in speed (revolution per minute) of the CAV, decreased the viscosity as the temperature increases. The shear stress and strain decreased with increase in temperature for all samples.

333-341

Authors: Antai Raphael Eduk, Osuji Leo Chigbu, Beka Francis Thomas

Industrialization is highly desirable for the sustenance of a nation’s economy and the enhancement of the citizenry’s well being. However the negative impact precipitated by introduction of its unwanted by–products into environment may be catastrophic if allowed to build up and uncontrolled. Urban Air pollution due to activities of process industries is one of the main problems faced by the industrial area of the world. Environmental assessment was carried out to determine the extent of air pollution the Uyo. Results obtained revealed that the concentration of pollutants are unacceptable compare to the Federal Environmental protection Agency set limit.

352-355

Authors: Itiowe K, Omontese SO, Adiela UP

Twelve (12) ditch cutting samples from ‘T’ well in upper Benue Trough were subjected to palynological and quantitative palynofacies analysis. The palynomorph groups are of two categories; terrestrial (miospores) and marine (dinocyst, pediastrum, foraminiferal test-linings and fungal spore). The cluster analysis for ‘T’ well based on the abundance and composition of the kerogen groups revealed three clusters which are: CL-1, CL-2, CL-3 known as the palynofacies unit. Quantitative data determined from the different organic matter constituents of the samples of ‘T’ well provided important information on possible depositional environments. The kerogen ternary diagram shows that samples of the well were deposited in marginal dysoxic-anoxic shelf conditions and Heterolithic oxic shelf (proximal shelf). Ternary plot of spores, pollen and microplankton, suggest that the clastic sediments of ‘T’ well are interpreted as being deposited in a near shore environment with a very shallow marine influence represented by marine shale horizons and intercalations of silty shale , sandy shale at the top of the sandstone body.

366-377

Authors: Kanyeki FG, Khanna KM

Designer nuclei with large neutron excess have been produced in the laboratories to understand the role played by excess neutrons in understanding the properties of large finite nuclei. Assuming the core of a nucleus is composed of neutron-proton pairs (np-pairs) and the unpaired neutrons constitute the surface region of the nucleus, we have used Bogoliubov technique to calculate the binding energy, binding fraction, specific heat, entropy, transition temperature and the nuclear radius of such nuclei.

387-389

Authors: Matthew N. O. Sadiku, Mahamadou Tembely, Sarhan M. Musa

Design thinking refers to a formal method for solving problems and providing solutions. It is one of the promising ways of transforming organizations. Researchers working in several disciplines continue to study the ways designers think. This paper provides a short introduction to design thinking and emphasizes the need of design thinking in undergraduate decision-making courses.

398-404

Authors: Yuniawan Sulistyoadi, Budi Hidajah, Humiras Hardi Purba

Implementation of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) being realized and become as an essential matter to resolve maintenance issue incurred in Injection Moulding Company. The basic impact given by down time issue was manufacturer would not able to achieve the targeted production. To overcome the case, it is required the maintenance program to be performed in accordance with TPM ideal concept so that the production activity of injection machine would be operated in optimum stage. The fundamental of TPM implementation are laying on 5S and 8 Pillars Methodology. The implementation of TPM is requiring full supporting of top management to ensure its working as well the support of all employees from all level escorting the TPM to be carried in proper way and practice. It is also noticed, in order to achieve the maximum objective against the implementation of TPM, it is required controlling on TPM implementation has to be reviewed once in 3 months.

410-420

Authors: Marcel Sitor DIOUF, Ibrahima LY, Mamadou WADE, Ibrahima DIATTA, Youssou TRAORE, Mor NDIAYE, Grégoire SISSOKO

In this paper, we studied the influence of the electric field and temperature on the recombination velocity at the junction initiating the short-circuit and the short-circuit current. The excess of minority carrier’s density in the base is determined from the continuity equation. The photocurrent and the short- circuit current are derived from the excess minority carrier’s density. From the photocurrent study, the recombination velocity at the junction initiating the short-circuit and the short-circuit current are determined and studied for different values of electric field and the temperature under polychromatic illumination.

426-432

Authors: Sabri M. A. A. Ahmed, Othman O Khalifa

Detecting and tracking objects in crowded areas is a challenging issue in the field of Video Surveillance System. Nowadays the increase of digital video cameras, and the availability of video storage and high performance video processing hardware, opens up conceivable outcomes for tackling many video understanding problems. Developing a real-time video understanding technique which can process the large amounts of data becomes very important. The object detection first step used in surveillance applications aims to separation of foreground objects from the background. Many algorithms proposed to solve the problem of object detection, however, it still lack of tracking multiple objects in real time. Object tracking used to find a moving object detected in motion detection stage from one frame to another in an image sequence. This paper focuses on review of various techniques used in object detection and object tracking.

446-451

Authors: Salisu I. Kunya, Sadiq G. Abdu, Muhammad Y. Onimisi

A wide variety of approximation have been used to investigate scattering process, the eikonal method was used in this work which is valid at high incident energy. The work report the Differential cross section for elastic electron scattering from mercury atom, the incident electron energies considered are 80.0e V, 90.0eV and 100.0eV, the eikonal and NIST SRD 64 have good agreement, when compared with Born approximation, there is discrepancy from 90 to 700.

454-459

Authors: Dang Van Thanh, Pham Van Tinh, Vu Ngoc Quang, Dao Tien Phong

By using method of laboratory experiments, this study evaluates the effect of fiber content to slump index and compressive strength of concrete. The polypropylene fiber content of sampling concrete groups are inturn: 1,0kg/m3; 1,3kg/m3; 1,6kg/m3; 1,9kg/m3 và 2,2kg/m3. The results show that the influence of fiber content to slump very clear; affect the compressive strength is not great, but affects the rate of formation is relatively clear intensity. At a certain limit, while fiber content increases, the slump of the mixture will decrease and the strength of concrete will increase. Proposed reasonable fiber content of should be 1.6 - 1,9kg /m3.

465-467

Authors: Matthew N O Sadiku, Sarhan M Musa, Sudarshan R Nelatury

The smart home is one of the emerging infrastructures. It is an application of ubiquitous computing that provides services to users in form of remote home control or home automation. Smart homes should be regarded as the building blocks of smart cities and intelligent communities. This paper provides a brief introduction to smart homes.

473-478

Authors: Thomas C Godstime, Amaechi O Joseph

This paper examined technical and vocational education skills acquisition programe in light of its relevance and impact on sustainable rural youth development in Niger Delta region. In the context of this article, technical and vocational education was viewed as a platform for an individual to acquire skills with the right attitudes which are necessary for entrance and progressing in an occupation. It was found that skills acquired in technical and vocational education trades; will provide and improve the standard of living with the insurance against poverty; self sustenance and will also sustain national and rural community development through youths’ participation in techno-vocational skills acquisition programmes. In conclusion, rural youths cannot take up jobs that are readily available when they do not acquire skills and knowledge that are relevant to the particular job. Therefore, it was recommended among other things that the wide gap between the classroom and the industry be bridged by instituting an effective skill acquisition policy in the Niger Delta region.

488-493

Authors: Lawal Abdu Daura

Solid waste disposal sites generates methane which is a greenhouse gas with global warming potential about 21 times that of carbon dioxide. In this study potential for reduction in greenhouse gas contribution of the methane generation from four solid waste disposal sites (SWDs) in Kano metropolis was investigated. The result show that combustion of the methane generated in the solid waste disposal sites would reduce the carbon dioxide equivalent emission of the methane by about 88.42%. The estimated average total carbon dioxide equivalent emission of the methane generation from the SWDs is about 13,034.847 tonnes/yr, while combustion of the methane would produce and estimated 1,706.941 tonnes/yr of carbon dioxide emission.

500-505

Authors: Hassan Haruna, Umar Ibrahim Yakubu, Ayegbokiki Sunday Tunde, Esan Martins Taiwo

The study investigated the modern construction skills required of Blocklaying, Bricklaying and Concreting Work Craftsmen in Building Construction Industry in Niger State, Nigeria. In the study, skills improvement needs in the use of advance tools and equipment; the skills improvement needs in bonding walls unit; the skills improvement needs in plastering and rendering wall finishes and the skills improvement needs in the production of concrete structures were determined. Data for study was obtained through the administration of structured questionnaire. A sample of 66 blocklaying, bricklaying and concreting work craftsmen and 40 building professionals were randomly selected in building construction industry in the three geo-political zones of Niger State, Nigeria. Mean statistics and standard deviation tools were employed to analyze the data related to the four research questions. The findings revealed that three items out of the thirty items were accepted as the highly required modern construction skills; twenty six items were established as the required modern construction skill while, one item was moderately required as the modern construction skills. It was therefore recommended that National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) should consider inclusion of the identified skills in the curriculum. Building construction industry should organize workshop for their craftsmen on the areas where skills improvement are needed. Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and National Institute of Building (NIOB) should organize workshops and seminars that will expose the craftsmen to the modern skills required in the industry.