138 research outputs found
Genetics of growth and development in cattle / by Raphael Abiodun Afolayan
No full text"February, 2003"Includes 5 papers co-authored by the author at end of textIncludes bibliographical references (leaves 146-179)xv, 179, [31] leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Animal Science, 200
Transferability of regional climate models over different climatic domains
No full textIncludes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (p. 119-144).In the continuing quest to improve climate model predictions to meet the increasing demand for knowledge on the regional effects of global climate change, it is pertinent to increase our understanding of how the underlying processes of climate are represented in the models we use to make these predictions. Concerted efforts in model evaluations and intercomparison have provided numerous insights into various model biases which plague current state-of-the-art regional climate models (RCMs). Model evaluation and assessment is crucial to model development and understanding how physical processes are represented in models is necessary for improving model parameterizations. This thesis explored model transferability as a new approach for systematic process-based intercomparison of RCMs. It investigated an untested transferability hypothesis which states that “for non-monsoon regions experiencing weak synoptic scale forcing, the height of the cloud base is correlated with the daytime surface fluxes”. An initial transferability experiment was conducted over Cabauw, the Netherlands (51.97°N, 4.93°E) to assess the models’ skill in resolving the diurnal and seasonal cycles and to investigate the simulated connections between surface and hydrometeorological variables over a non-monsoon station. The ability of models to resolve these cycles correctly is a good metric of their predictive capabilities. The data used for the study comprises three-hourly surface observations for the period October 2002 – December 2004 from the Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period (CEOP) measuring campaigns of the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) and three-year simulations (2002 -2004) from five RCMs (CLM, GEMLAM, MRCC, RCA3 and RSM). In simulating seasonal and diurnal cycles of CBH and surface variables, the European models (CLM and RCA3) demonstrate a clear home advantage over the North American models (GEMLAM, MRCC and RSM). Principal component analysis revealed that the models couple the cloud base height with surface fluxes as in observations and that this coupling is not sensitive to changes in wind speed. This study found that summer daytime loadings gave the strongest couplings of variables. Three major processes were identified over Cabauw. First and most dominant is the surface energy process which couples sensible and latent heat with net radiation. The second process is thermodynamic, coupling temperature and surface moisture (specific humidity), and the third is a dynamic process which couples pressure and wind speed. A model intercomparison was then carried out across the six midlatitude domains to test the validity of the Cabauw findings. In observations, CBH is well coupled with the surface fluxes over Cabauw, Bondville, Lamont and BERMS, but coupled only with temperature over Lindenberg and Tongyu. All the models (except GEMLAM) simulated a good coupling with surface fluxes at all stations. In GEMLAM, there is no coupling between CBH and surface fluxes at any station. In less homogenous domains of the study, a very slight decrease in the strength of coupling is seen in most of the models, under strong large scale forcing. This would suggest that the coupling between cloud base height and surface fluxes in the models is possibly more influenced by radiative forcing than by synoptic controls. This second study confirmed the findings at Cabauw that the simulated cloud base is correlated with surface energy fluxes and the sign of the correlations in the models is as in observations. This finding is important for the modeling community as it establishes the fact that the models are actually simulating the direction of influence of surface fluxes and possibly, soil water variability, on cloud processes
Statistical analysis of weather parameters for sustainable flight operation in Nigeria
No full textThe recent complications in the weather system, which oftentimes lead to flight cancellation, delay and diversion have become a critical issue in Nigeria. This study however considers the weather related parameters and their impacts on flight disruption in the country. Weather data (on thunderstorm, wind speed and direction, visibility and cloud cover) and flight data (delay, cancellation and diversion) were collected from Murtala International Airport, Ikeja-Lagos, Nigeria. The data covered the period between 2005 and 2020. However, Regional Climate Models (RCMs) were also used to run climate data projections between year 2020 and 2035 in the study region. The study employed Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software for the descriptive and inferential analysis. Time series analysis, Pearson Moment Correlation for interrelationship among the weather parameters and the flight disruption data, and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to determine the influence of weather parameters on flight disruption data. Results show that cloud cover and high visibility are negatively correlated. Wind speed has positive relationship with wind direction; and an inverse relationship between visibility, thunderstorm, and fog. Direct relationship exists between highest visibility and thick dust, wind speed and cloud cover. Thick dust, wind speed and cloud cover indicate increased visibility level in the study area. Flight delay is prominent over flight diversion and cancellation, which indicates their relevance in air traffic of the study area. The prediction model indicates high degree of cloud cover at the beginning of every year and later declines sharply in 2035, the visibility flattens out by the year 2025, and low pattern of thick dust was calculated in the same pattern in 2011, 2016 and 2027. Based on this conclusion, the study recommends accurate weather reporting and strict compliance to safety regulations, and attention should be paid to changing pattern of weather parameters in order to minimize fight related disasters
Indigenous early warning systems and community resilience in flood-prone areas
No full textBackground: The hazard of flooding is an annual phenomenon that has displaced millions of people over the years worldwide and claimed lives and properties. This study examined indigenous – based early warning method for flood prevention in Ayetoro and its environs in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: The study employed descriptive survey design using systematic sampling techniques to select 309 respondents to investigate indigenous based early warming method and flood prevention in Aiyetoro and its environs in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Four research questions were raised and answered using descriptive statistics. Findings: The result revealed that there was moderate level of indigenous knowledge (grand mean = 3.00, above the standard mean of 2.50) which suggested that Ayetoro and its environs maintains traditional practices for flood prediction and mitigation of respondents on the effectiveness of Indigenous – based Early Warning Method (IEWM), supported by the grand mean value of 3.49 which indicated that the communities finds these methods highly reliable for flood mitigation, because of the timeliness and reliability of the information and trust in the accuracy of predictions. The result also indicated that majority of respondents (53.9%) supported the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern technology, with a grand mean of 3.49. This reveals the community's recognition of the limitations of indigenous methods and the potential benefits of combining them with technological advancements. The result further shows that (94.8%) of the respondents consenting the statements indicated that there were high challenges and barriers to the development and implementation of indigenous – based early warning method in the study area. Conclusion: The study concluded that communities highly value the accuracy and reliability of traditional methods, but the need for modernization is evident to sustain long-term flood management efforts. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study established shortfall in dependability of indigenous methods commonly adopted in the observed communities in the study. Modern technological tools of flood prediction combined with traditional knowledge will help to create a comprehensive and robust flood management system in the study area
FIELD-BASED EXCURSION (FBE) IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF GEOGRAPHY IN SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThe age long tradition of Field-Based Excursion (FBE) is being eroded as effective learning strategy in secondary schools. This study considers investigating FBE and the teaching and learning of geography in some selected secondary schools in Akoko Southwest, Ondo State, Nigeria with a view to examining; the practice of FBE in the selected secondary schools, students’ perceptions to FBE practice in secondary school, FBE and perceived relationship with geography subject, and FBE and learning impacts on secondary school students. The sample population consists of students of secondary school offering Geography as a subject in Akoko Southwest Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting twelve (12) secondary schools, while ten (10) students each were randomly selected from sampled schools. This sample gave a total of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents in this study. Learning and Excursion Questionnaire (LEQ) was built using four points Likert scale with Mean Weight Values (MWV) and Grand Mean Value (GMV) for perception analysis. The decision states, accept the perception if the MWV is greater than the MWV; and reject, if otherwise. Results show that; responses denote excursion is no longer part of school curriculum, group excursion could be a preferred mode of FBE for optimum productivity, all aspects of geography require FBE for better understanding” was ranked 1st on MWV=3.55, which signifies high level of relationship, It is worthy of note that significant impacts of FBE has far enriching impacts on students’ learning habits. The study concludes that efforts are needed to reintroduce FBE for quality educational delivery. It therefore recommends that there should be a reintroduction of FBE into secondary school curriculum so it can be made compulsory for students. Government and stakeholder at different levels should ensure adequate sponsor of FBE to bridge the cap for less privileged students. Teachers should introduce field-based approach to teaching methods
Book Review: African Philosophy: Reflections on Yoruba Metaphysics and Jurisprudence
No full textBook Title: African Philosophy: Reflections on Yoruba Metaphysics and JurisprudenceBook Author: Oladele Abiodun BalogunPublisher: Xcel Publishers. Pages: 387. Year of Publication: 201
Environmental Justice, Politics and the Grassroots Movement
No full textIt's been a while since the term "environmental racism" was coined by Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr. to describe the discrimination suffered by people of color concerning hazardous waste siting. Since then, minority communities have become more aware of the dangers of hazardous waste and are fighting against polluters. However, the most effective line of resistance is still formed in the most affluent neighborhoods, and communities of color continue to suffer a disproportionate share of toxic pollution. The environmental justice movement within communities of color is faced with diverse problems of mobilization, organization, and effective resistance. The purpose of this paper is to analyze grassroots mobilization efforts within the environmental justice movement in light of environmental politics
Assessment of Rehabilitation Programmes in Nigeria Correctional Facilities
No full textThe study examined the availability and adequacy of rehabilitation programmes in Nigeria Correctional Facilities. A study of sampled Correctional Facilities in Southwestern Nigeria, aimed at using on-site observation for availability of rehabilitation programmes as well as ascertaining the adequacy of such rehabilitation programmes in those sampled correctional facilities. Descriptive research design through observation and administration of questionnaire as well as interviewed was used to extract relevant data for the study. The study discovered that there are various rehabilitation programmes such as recreational activities, adult literacy, educational programmes, counselling programmes, among others which are adequately provided to rehabilitate inmates and prepare them for life after incarceration. The study concluded that the rehabilitation programmes available need to be strengthened especially in the area of after care service so that there will be adequate support to start what was learned after incarceration
RURAL CLIMATE AND ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY IN AKUNGBA-AKOKO, NIGERIA
No full textNigeria is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climatic influence on accessibility to quality food. Thus, this study focused on how people relate to the climatic condition with emphasis on improving crop production and the challenge of food insecurity. Systematic method
was adopted for distribution of one-hundred and twenty copies of questionnaire among the head of the households. The sampling method involved selection of every 15th building with copy of fifteen questionnaire in each of the eight (8) quarters that made up the entire study area. 3-points Likert scale was adopted. Poor food production results from increased temperature and irrigation deficiency. Among all other adaptive measures adopted in response to climate impact on food production in this area, only irrigation system was rejected because its Mean Weight Value at 1.73 is below the 2.07 Grand Mean Weight Value. Intensive agricultural practices with irrigation-based system of farming is capable of producing crops with required moisture under diverse climatic conditions. Descriptive statistics such as tabulation and simple percentages were also employed for data analysis and presentation of results
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