| 1 |
Author(s):
Vik-Benibo A. Nene, Ugwoha Ejikeme, Chinemerem Patricks.
Page No : 1-12
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Impact of Safety Leadership on Occupational Health and Safety Performance in Selected Oil Companies in Rivers State
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the influence of safety leadership on occupational health and safety performance within Nigerian oil and gas businesses operating in Rivers State. This study employed Lewin's technique as the theoretical foundation, drawing upon trait theories. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research approach, specifically targeting a group of oil and gas firms(IOGC and IOC) situated in the Eleme, Port Harcourt, and Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State. The study encompassed 3,800 individuals employed by two distinct oil businesses, with a sample size of 380 people. The sample methods utilised in this study consisted of purposive or convenient sampling techniques. Data collection was conducted by administering a questionnaire adapted from a reference document provided by the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP). The data was analysed using SPSS 25, using statistical techniques such as ANOVA and t-test. The findings of the study revealed a multitude of insights pertaining to the qualities of safety leadership. In relation to credibility, a significant proportion of participants from both the International Organisation of Governmental Control (IOGC) and International Oil Companies (IOCs) expressed the view that their respective leaders exhibited a deficiency in this attribute. The majority did not view feedback and recognition as highly evident, indicating another lacking characteristic. According to the respondents, the organisations under research did not exhibit a high presence of collaboration, which is seen as a trait of safety leadership. The aforementioned principle can also be extended to the domain of communication. Therefore, the study concluded that safety leadership is critical in influencing safety performance within the oil and gas industry. Nevertheless, the results indicate that there exists a perceived need for more specific leadership attributes among the executives within the firms under investigation. Addressing this deficiency has the potential to result in improved safety outcomes within these organisations.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Binitie, Amaka Patience , Babatunde, J. Odetayo.
Page No : 13-27
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Adapting User Interface Design to Mitigate Shoulder Surfing Attacks in USSD Channel
Abstract
The most widely accepted authentication method involves the use of a personal identification number (PIN). This method is applicable across many technologies, of which one of them is Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). USSD is a capability built into the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). In some developing countries like Nigeria, USSD is used in carrying out financial transactions. It has been observed that while carrying out banking transactions using this technology, users' personal identification number (PIN) entered for authentication appears in plain text on the mobile interface, thereby subjecting it to shoulder surfing attacks. Findings revealed that users' PIN appears in plain text because USSD technology is designed to convey only textual data. That is why many existing authentication methods against Human shoulder surfing attacks which contain features like images, colors, or graphical password, that can provide security to users' PIN on mobile interface are not implemented on the USSD channel. This is one of the reasons why many existing authentication methods, which are designed with features such as images, colors or graphical passwords to prevent shoulder surfing attack, are not implemented on the USSD channel. This research is, therefore, on the design of a new authentication method that can provide security to users’ PIN at the mobile interface of the USSD channel and secure the users’ transaction against shoulder surfing attacks. In this method, the challenge response approach is adopted to provide a secure PIN entry method in the presence of a human shoulder surfer, using the randomization obfuscation method that randomly places the user's chosen PIN within randomly generated 10-digit numbers, in Left to Right order. For further security, the designed model includes features like Bag of Soft Biometrics (BoSB) details and one-time password (OTP).
| 3 |
Author(s):
Genesis Tambang Yengoh.
Page No : 28-51
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An Assessment of Flood Risk in Gambia: A Data-Driven Approach to Flood Risk Management and Prevention
Abstract
Coastal African countries, including Gambia, are increasingly vulnerable to a range of natural disasters, notably flooding, which poses significant challenges to sustainable development and safety. This study set out to comprehensively assess the flood risk in Gambia using a data-driven approach, aiming to enhance flood risk management and prevention strategies. Utilizing geospatial data and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, the research involved mapping and categorizing flood risk zones across various regions. The analysis focused on the identification and categorization of flood risk zones, assessment of the vulnerability of key infrastructures, health facilities, road networks, and settlements to flooding. The findings reveal that a total of 2,721 square kilometers of land is at flood risk categorized as either high or very high. This constitutes 26.89 percent of the country’s of terrestrial area. A total of 25 critical health infrastructure were in areas of this high flood risk categorization – ranging from general hospitals to clinics. Up to 24.5% of the nation's road network was found to be in this flood risk zone. Of the country’s five administrative regions, the West Coast Region which is home to most of its urban centers was most at risk of flooding. Here, of the 353 settlements in this region, 172 of them fell under the high to very high-risk flood zone categorization, constituting 48.7% of the settlements at a significant level of flood vulnerability. This study enhances the understanding of flood hazards in Gambia, providing essential perspectives for decision makers, city planners, and emergency response teams. This research highlights the need for using data-driven methods in identifying and managing environmental risks. It also advocates for the adoption of long-term strategic planning, infrastructure enhancements, and community-based activities to reduce the effects of floods.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Edim Eka James, Josiah Josiah Ufot, Felix John Eze, Glory Sunday Etim, Eyo Emmanuel Essien.
Page No : 52-84
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Ethical Distribution and Supply Efficiency of Petroleum Products: A Systematic Literature Review
Abstract
This study examined ethical distribution and supply efficiency of petroleum products. It explored the contemporary ethical distribution practices adopted by petroleum marketers in extant literature; identified the current key performance indicators (KPIs) for supply efficiency in the petroleum industry; and explored the position of scholars on the influence of ethical distribution on supply efficiency of petroleum products, among other objectives. To that end, a systematic literature review methodology was adopted. Through a thorough search process supported by a set of stringent inclusion-exclusion criteria, 91 relevant articles were included in this review. The articles were analyzed using in-depth content analysis method augmented with descriptive statistics. Consequently, the major finding of the study revealed that the majority of extant scholarly studies reviewed supported the proposition that ethical distribution practices can have significant influences on supply efficiency of petroleum products in extant literature. It was also found that the contemporary ethical distribution practices adopted by petroleum marketers in extant literature can be grouped into 11 categories, while the current key performance indicators (KPIs) for supply efficiency in the petroleum industry can be grouped into 13 categories, among other findings. On that note, the study recommended the need for a robust regulatory and implementation framework that mandates and ensures that petroleum marketers consistently integrate ethical considerations into their distribution operations in order to improve supply efficiency of petroleum products.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Edim Eka James, Glory Sunday Etim, Josiah Josiah Ufot, Felix John Eze, Ebitu Ezekiel Tom.
Page No : 85-105
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Ethical Marketing Practices and Customer Loyalty Towards Petrol Stations in Calabar Metropolis
Abstract
This study examined ethical marketing practices and customer loyalty towards petrol stations. It specifically sought to unravel the relationship between marketing transparency, quality assurance, environmental responsibility and customer loyalty towards petrol stations. To that end, the study adopted cross-sectional survey research design. This enabled the collection of primary data from 168 motorists in Calabar Metropolis using a structured questionnaire. The data obtained were descriptively analyzed, while the hypotheses of the study were tested using Pearson’s product moment correlation method. The findings of the study revealed that marketing transparency, quality assurance and environmental responsibility had significant positive relationships with customer loyalty towards petrol stations in Calabar Metropolis. On the basis of these findings, we recommended that petrol stations should adopt transparent marketing, maintain honesty in advertisements, ensure trustworthy employees, prevent deceptive pricing, guarantee accurate dispensing pumps, implement quality assurance measures for safety and durability, and exhibit a consistent commitment to environmental sustainability to foster positive perception and encourage repeat customer patronage. From the limitations of the present study, we offered potential suggestions to guide future research efforts.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Chinonye Oluchi Ezenwaka, Mercy Ibilesu Obakimo.
Page No : 106-112
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Parasitic Fauna of Achatina Achatina in Otuoke Community, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State
Abstract
The Giant African land snail, Achatina achatina, is an invasive species recognized for being a serious agricultural pest and vector for diverse parasites that cause diseases in humans. This study assessed the prevalence of parasites harboured by the snails collected from bushes in the Otuoke community of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The snail samples were collected and transported to the laboratory for examination using wet mouth preparation and teasing methods. Subsequently, they were classified by size into small, medium and large. The body organs were individually teased and examined under the microscope. 122 snail samples (32 small, 54 medium, 36 large) were randomly collected for this study and examined for the presence of eggs or larvae of parasites, out of which 108 (88.5%) were infected. The larvae of only two species of parasites, Angiostrongylus cantonensis (90.1%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (9.9%)) were recovered from the infected snails, with A. cantonensis being most prevalent, 737 (90.1%). The parasites were most prevalent in the medium snails (42.6%), followed by the small size (23.8%) and then, the large size snails with the least prevalence of infection. The slime, intestine and stomach were infected, with the parasites being more in the slime (88.5%) than any other body parts. Since the Giant African land snail serves as an intermediate host for several parasites, a thorough understanding of the snail parasites' lifecycles and modes of transmission to humans is important, for human health and welfare, sustainable snail farming, and for maintenance of snail biodiversity.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Gideon Uchechukwu Nwafor (Ph.D.).
Page No : 113-127
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Impact of Plastic Pollution on the Economic Growth and Sustainability of Blue Economy in Nigeria
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a significant environmental problem, causing widespread environmental and health challenges globally. The impact of plastic pollution on the sustainability of the blue economy in Nigeria has become an area of concern, considering the country's reliance on oceans and seas for economic activities. This research aims to investigate the impact of plastic pollution on the sustainability of the blue economy in Nigeria. Anchored on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, the study uses a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the impact of plastic pollution on the blue economy in Nigeria. The study revealed that plastic pollution has significant impacts on the blue economy in Nigeria with the fishing industry, tourism, and human health as the most affected sectors. The pollution is also responsible for environmental challenges, such as ocean acidification, water pollution, and land degradation. The research also found that weak legislation, inadequate waste management practices, and poor public awareness are the significant challenges in addressing plastic pollution in Nigeria. In conclusion, plastic pollution has a considerable impact on the sustainability of the blue economy in Nigeria. The environmental, social, and economic dimensions of the industry have been adversely affected. The study recommends the adoption of a comprehensive approach, which includes effective waste management, public awareness campaigns, sustainable production and consumption patterns, and the implementation of robust legislation to mitigate the effects of plastic pollution.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Davies Ibienebo Chris, Efekemo Oghenetekevwe, Orororo Clement Osuvwe.
Page No : 128-145
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Water Quality Assessment and Heavy Metal Levels in Mudskipper (Periophthalmus Papilio), Sediments and Water of Mangrove Swamps, Rivers State, Nigeria
Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the physicochemical parameters of surface water and heavy metal concentrations in the mudskipper (Periophthalmus papilio) fish, sediments, and water collected from the Ikpukulu, Kalio, and Ogoloma swamps of Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria and analysed using standard methods. All samples were collected for six months from three stations in 2023. The results indicate that pH and temperature values were significantly lower across stations in terms of physicochemical properties than standards. However, there was a significant increase in electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity. Ikpukulu had the highest EC (1917 uS/cm), while Kalio had the highest salinity (333.3 ppm). All stations had significant decreases in dissolved oxygen (DO) and biological oxygen demand (BOD), with Ogoloma having the lowest values (DO: 3.2 mg/L, BOD: 2.9 mg/L). Copper and chromium levels were significantly higher than the standards in all stations, while cadmium levels were not significantly different from those in the standards. As compared with the standards, copper levels in water samples were considerably higher, especially in Ogoloma (2.03 mg/kg). Ogoloma had a higher concentration of chromium. Cadmium levels decreased significantly at all stations for the mudskipper (P. papilio). The copper levels in Ogoloma and the chromium levels in Ikpukulu were significantly higher than those in standards. The results of the study suggest an increase in heavy metal concentrations in the mangrove swamp region, emphasising the need for proactive measures to mitigate activities that may adversely affect the aquatic ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Abdulrashid Inuwa, S. A. Adeduntan, V.A.J. Adekunle, B. R. Wali.
Page No : 146-154
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Assessment of Soil Physicochemical Properties in The Parklands of Northern Nigeria
Abstract
A study was conducted to examine the soil physicochemical properties and nutrients status in parklands of northern Nigeria. Soil samples were collected using soil auger close to mature trees, tree saplings and seedlings from three states (viz. Bauchi, Jigawa and Kano) in different depths (0–15 cm, and 16–30 cm) and analyzed for soil physical and chemical properties. Soil pH was weakly acidic (5.7–6.0) and not significant (P<0.05). Total Nitrogen, CEC, and Ca all showed no significant difference and decreased with increase in depth. Sand, silt, clay and Mg were statistically different (p<0.05) and decreased with increase in depth. Pearson's correlation matrix revealed significant positive correlations of soil properties with fertility indices. The soils in the agricultural parklands of the states are fairly low in fertility. Mass sensitization and awareness of farmers on best practices that will help improve the soil fertility and nutrients status in the parkland and improve farmers’ livelihood are highly recommended. Further evaluations of soil factors are needed to be carried out that will lead to data availability and help in critical evaluation of soil dynamics as well as give an insight to how the fertility and productivity of the soils support and improve biodiversity stability.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Mofor Nelson Alakeh, Nformi Talla Ramses Afanyu, Fonteh Mathias Fru, Njoyim Estella Buleng Tamungang, Nchofua Festus Biosengazeh.
Page No : 155-165
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Development of a Low Cost System for The Removal of Heavy Metals from Polluted Water
Abstract
Water pollution by heavy metals has become one of the most harmful environmental issues. This study developed a low cost heavy metal (lead and chromium) removal system from polluted water using locally available adsorbents, such as sawdust, pawpaw (Carica papaya) seeds and sand. Heavy metals constitute a serious threat to human health and the entire biological system due to their toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic nature even at trace concentrations. The objective of this study was to design and construct a low cost heavy metals removal system, test its performance and do a cost analysis of the system. In this process, a filter column made of a plastic container of height 54 cm and diameter 20.4 cm was constructed. Characteristic properties of the adsorbents were obtained from secondary sources and were found to possess functional groups (hydroxyl, carbonyl, aldehyde and amine) capable of binding to metal ions. Optimization was done with a sawdust and pawpaw seeds/sand height ratios of 10:10, 10:15, 15:10, 20:10 and 10:20 cm respectively in the filter column. Results showed that the best removal efficiencies were 99.88% for lead and 85.57% for chromium with a sawdust to pawpaw seeds/sand mixture ratio of 10:20 cm. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the final concentrations of lead and chromium using the various adsorbent proportions. Cost per liter of treated water was deduced to be 15.5 FCFA. This cost can be afforded by many households with low incomes and thus, this low cost heavy metals removal technology is highly recommended.
