Efficiency of Gulf Cooperation Council banks: empirical evidence using data envelopment analysis

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the efficiency level of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) banks on technical efficiency (TE), pure technical efficiency (PTE) and scale efficiency (SE). Both PTE and SE represent the potential factors that influence the efficiency of the GCC banks. In total, 43 GCC banks were observed in this study over the period from 2007 until 2011. Design/methodology/approach: The Data Envelopment Analysis, a non-parametric method using variable returns to scale under Banker, Charnes and Cooper model, was used with assets and deposit (as input) and loan and income (as output). Findings: On average, the results show that many GCC banks are operating within an optimal scale of efficiency. Nevertheless, the results also show managerial inefficiency in the use of resources. Furthermore, the results indicate that, while the larger banks (the 22 largest) tend to operate at constant returns to scale (CRS) or decreasing returns to scale, the smaller banks (the 21 smallest) are susceptible to operate at either CRS or increasing returns to scale. Research limitations/implications: Because of the chosen research method, the results may lack generalisation. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the propositions further. An additional implication of the results is that it was able to identify some banks that may become potential targets for outside acquisition. Practical implications: The findings should be useful to banks in the GCC in increasing their efficiencies and recognizing those with a potential for outside acquisition. Originality/value: The findings are valuable because they will facilitate the maintenance of efficient banks in the GCC. This is necessary to enable the countries to maintain a healthy and sustainable economy

Assessment of the Use of Compressed Stabilized Interlocking Earth Block for Building Construction in Nigeria

With the increasing pace of technology and the ever growing client’s desire for comfort and optimum value for money, the need to diversify and try other materials and methods of building construction that will yield the expected result is necessary. One of such materials is the Compressed Stabilized Interlocking Earth Block (CSIEB) which is gaining popularity among construction professionals in most developing countries. This research therefore assessed its usage for building construction in Nigeria, using a questionnaire survey administered to construction professionals which includes; Architect, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers and Builders. Data gathered were analyzed using percentage, mean item score and correlation analysis. Findings revealed that CSIEB is gaining popularity among construction professionals and the present level of usage is encouraging. Correlation analysis showed that there is a strong relationship between its suitability and respondents’ willingness to adopt it for building construction. Findings further revealed that CSIEB is suitable for building construction and most professionals are willing to use it for subsequent projects. Its perceived benefits include; cost effective construction, aesthetically pleasing finish and reduction in cost of maintenance.  The study therefore recommends that the use of CSIEB should be encouraged among stakeholders as an alternative to the conventional materials use for building construction in Nigeria. Keywords: Building construction, Compressed Stabilized Interlocking Earth Block, Construction professionals, Nigeria, Suitability.

Determination of the influence of body mass percentile on mandibular canine calcification stages among 5-17 years old Northern Nigerian children

Dental calcification is a biological phenomenon used to estimate the maturation status of growing children. The effect of body mass index percentile (BMI-percentile) on this process appears contentious among researchers. To determine the predictive effect of body mass percentile on mandibular canine calcification. A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study. This was a prospective cross sectional descriptive study comprising of eighty four participants (5-17 years) who visited the Child Health Dental Clinic of Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nigeria between January and September, 2021. Mandibular canine calcifications of the study participants were staged using the Demirjian method while the World Health Organisation growth chart specific for age and gender was used to classify the BMI-percentile. The effect of BMI-percentile on the mandibular canine calcifications was determined using multinomial logistic regression. Chronological age had a significant predictive effect on the mandibular canine calcification (P=0.002) as against gender and BMI-percentile. A one-percentile increase in the BMI-percentile increases the likelihood of healthy children of having to present in stage D by 3.454 compared to obese children, but this effect was not statistically significant (P= 1.000). Obese children have a tendency of having advanced mandibular canine calcification than healthy children. Female participants were likely to be in advanced mandibular canine calcification stage. Early intervention is therefore suggested for obese children

Assessment of the Use of Solid Concrete and Interlocking Stones in the Construction of Walkways in a Tertiary Institution

Over the years solid concrete and interlocking stones have gained popularity in the construction of walkways due to their immense benefits. This study therefore assessed their usage in the construction of walkways in a tertiary institution, using the Federal University of Technology, Akure as a case study. The study, through the review of documentary evidence, personal observation and interview, assessed the level of usage of these materials within the institution, the present condition of these walkways, factors influencing the usage of these materials and the factors affecting their present conditions. The study revealed that the use of solid concrete for walkway construction is gradually fading away as most of the walkways newly constructed are done with the use of interlocking stones. This is as a result of the need for beautification and the need to meet up with present trend. The major defects associated with solid concrete walkways within the institution are cracks and breakages while that of interlocking stones are presence of vegetative growth in between voids, removal of interlocking stones and undulating walkways. The major factors responsible for these defects include; adverse weather condition, poor construction, poor usage and poor maintenance. The study therefore recommend adequate maintenance, use of underground drains beneath sub soil to allow proper draining of absorbed water, shading of concrete walkways through use of light weight covering and proper filling and compaction of sub-base to avoid underground settlement. Keywords: Construction, Interlocking stone, Pavers, Solid concrete, Walkways

Stakeholders' Perception of Sustainability in Educational Buildings in Nigeria

Building plays a vital role in the delivery of quality education. It is therefore necessary to provide not just buildings but sustainable ones, since educational buildings are meant to serve both the present generation and generations to come. This paper presents the findings of the assessment of sustainability in educational buildings in Nigeria from the stakeholders view point. A survey design approach was adopted and questionnaire was administered on construction participants in selected higher institutions. Data gathered were analyzed using percentage, relative importance index, and Kruskal-Walis H-test. The study revealed that sustainability in educational buildings in the country is on the average with the social dimension ranking a bit higher than the economic and environmental dimensions. There is also a significant divergence in the view of construction stakeholders as to the sustainability features of educational buildings. This divergence tends to affect the priority placed on sustainability as some critical sustainability features such as thermal, visual and acoustic comfort, needed for sustainable educational buildings were found to be very low. If this is to change, then more orientation of construction stakeholders as regards sustainability is needed. The study therefore recommends that educating construction participants, on the concept of sustainability is necessary in order to improve the understanding of sustainability among participants, and achieve sustainability in its holistic form. The study contributes to the body of knowledge as it brings to light the sustainability nature of educational buildings in the country from the stakeholders' perspective; an aspect that has lacked research attention in the discussion of sustainable construction in the country. It is therefore believed that its findings will assist those responsible for the delivery of educational buildings across the country in delivering sustainable buildings for effective learning

Estimation of bole biomass and carbon stocks through three volume equations for tree species in Ogba zoo, Nigeria

Precise and accurate estimates of bole Carbon Stocks (CS) sequestration are crucial for sustainable forest management related to climate change. Therefore, the study is aimed at estimating CS through three volume equations techniques with a view to identify how CS sequestration varies across volume equation. A total of ten (10) Temporary Sample Plots (TSPs) of 20m x 20m (0.04ha) in size were randomly laid in the study site. Tree species in all of the TSPs with a diameter ≥ 10 were measured for diameters and heights. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, volume equations, regression and analysis of variance at α0.05. A total of twenty five (25) tree species comprising of fourteen (14) families were found in the TSPs from hundred and one (101) individual trees. There were differences in CS with respect to the three volume equations. There were very strong linear relationship between CS and the three volume equations with R2 value > 90%. There was statistical difference amongst Hossfeld’s equation, Geometric equation for the truncated cone and Smalian’s equation with t-Test value of 0.01, while Geometric equation for the truncated cone showed statistical difference with Hossfeld’s equation with t-Test value of 0.00. There was no statistical difference between Smalian’s equation and Geometric equation for the truncated cone with t-Test value of 0.57. Therefore, the scatter plots shows that the three bole volume equations are good predictors for estimating CS. However, Geometric equation for the truncated cone and Smalian’s equation had a high standard error and uncertainty values of 5%, 143% and 6%, 145%. Keywords: carbon stocks, carbon dioxide equivalent, volume equation, tree species, Ogba Zo

Assessment of wood waste generated in selected sawmills in Kajola local government area of Oyo state

This study was carried out in selected sawmills in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State to assess the volume of wood waste generated in their various forms during log conversion into sawn timber. Ten (10) sawmills were randomly selected in the area for the study and in each sawmill, ten (10) logs were sampled for conversion making a total of one hundred (100) logs. Some of the logs sampled included Melicia exceisa, Terminalia superba, Ceiba petandenra, Annogeisus leiocarpus and Danieila oliverii. Through and through sawing method was used for the logs conversion. Before conversion, input volume was determined while volume of lumber recovered, percentage of lumber recovery, volume of sawdust, slabs and bark were also determined. The result showed that Temidire sawmill had 80.23% which revealed the highest percentage of lumber recovery while Babameta sawmill had 70.09%, with least percentage of lumber recovery. Correlation analysis revealed that there was high positive significant relationship between top girth, basal girth and input volume of logs while others have no significant relationship among the factors considered. If the volume of wood waste generated in different forms can be reduced at any particular time, sawn board available for household use and construction industries will increase, hence, minimize the rate of exploitation of the forest. Keywords: Wood waste, Sawmills, Kerf, Conversion, Lumber recovery, Timber specie

Effect of Different Levels of Plantain Peel Meal as Diet on the Productive Potentials of Archachatina Marginata (Swaison)

This study determines the productive potentials of Archachatina marginata (Swaison) fed with different levels of plantain peels meal (PPM) as diets. Twenty seven juveniles of giant African snails were used for the experiments that lasted for eight weeks. The snails were allotted into three treatment groups with three replicates each. Three snails constituted a replicate laid in completely randomized design (CRD) format. The treatment groups were; feeds with concentrate only (T1), concentrate and 50g of plantain peel meal (T2), and concentrate with100g of plantain peel meal (T3). The data generated were analyzed using SPSS software. Parameters measured including body weight gain, feed efficiency, shell length, shell circumference, groove diameters and the sensory attribute. Results obtained in the stuffy snail fed with concentrate with100g of plantain peel meal performed best in all parameters assessed with values of average weight gain of (177.00g), average shell length (12.60g), groove diameter (8.10) and shell circumference (18.50g) respectively. Snails fed with concentrate and 50g of PPM had 38.72% in terms of dressing percentage followed those fed with concentrate only (36.22%) while those fed with concentrate and 100mg of PPM had the least value (34.42%) respectively. From the results, it was concluded that concentrate and 100g PPM was suitable for snail diets as it gave the best performance. The palatability test revealed that meat sample of treatment 3 had the most satisfactory rating in terms of flavour and overall acceptability, indicating that PPM positively influenced the meat qualities. Keywords: Plantain Peels, Productive Potentials, Archachatina marginata, Die

Application of Value Management to Selected Construction Projects in Nigeria

Due to the benefits of value management (VM) in capital projects in some developed and developing countries of the world, there has been call by built environment professionals in Nigeria for embracement of the practice by project stakeholders. VM has been introduced in the country but there are challenges with its implementation and application, this study therefore examine the influence of VM practice on 4 selected building projects. Case-study approach was employed in which group of professionals carried out hypothetical VM analysis of selected projects using 40-hour workshop plan. Prior to the examination of the projects, facilitators and members of the team were trained on the history, basis and application of VM to construction works and a typical project was examined in the course of the training. On a general note, the study revealed that VM has numerous benefits if fully implemented for construction projects thereby enhancing value for money for project clients, owners or sponsors. The two notable benefits are reduction of cost while maintaining function as well as identification and removal of unnecessary materials, process and workmen time. Beyond the introduction of VM into curriculum of higher institutions and presentation at various workshops and seminars, a major issue of implementation should be addressed by stakeholders in the construction industry. Keywords: Construction projects; Cost; Nigeria; Project function; Value management

Cost and time performance of traditional-, direct labour- and management-procured public projects in Ondo State, Nigeria

Procurement method over time has proven to have significant influence on the successful delivery of construction projects. Making the right decision in the selection of a procurement option to adopt is therefore crucial if a project is to succeed. This study therefore assessed the cost and time performance of selected public building projects procured using traditional, direct labour and management procurement options in Ondo State, Nigeria. A pro forma was used to gather cost and time data from government procuring entities in the state. In addition, a structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from construction professionals in these procuring entities, in order to ascertain the factors influencing the choice of procurement options adopted. The cost and time data gathered were analyzed using percentages and the paired-samples t-test, while those gathered on the factors influencing the choice of procurement options were analyzed using mean item scores and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results revealed that although there is no significant difference between the initial and final costs of the assessed projects, some measure of cost overrun still exists. In addition, a considerable amount of time overrun was experienced on projects executed using the three different procurement options. The most significant factors influencing the choice of a procurement option are price competition, speed, time certainty and complexity of the project. It is believed that the findings of this study will provide public procuring entities with insight on the cost and time capability of these procurement methods and aid them in selecting the procurement option that will help in delivering public building projects within the budget and on schedule