Adeyemi Ayodele Akintola, Senthilkumar Venkatachalam, David Root and Akponanabofa Henry Oti
Critics of claims about building information modeling’s (BIM’s) capability to revolutionize construction industry practices describe it as overhyped, fallacious and therefore…
Abstract
Purpose
Critics of claims about building information modeling’s (BIM’s) capability to revolutionize construction industry practices describe it as overhyped, fallacious and therefore suggest that there is need for a more critical examination of its change impacts. Others have posited that the changes BIM induces are evolutionary rather than revolutionary. In this vein, the purpose of this paper was to undertake a careful analysis of the nature of such changes to distil actual changes that happened, and the type of agency that brings such changes about.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing from appropriate qualitative research strategies, data was collected through key informant interviews from consulting organizations in South Africa that have implemented BIM within their organizations and on projects.
Findings
Changes in organizations’ work practices were evident in their workflows, formal/informal methods of interaction, norms, leadership and authority structures, remuneration and the way work was conceived or conceptualized. Furthermore, changes in organizational work practices do not solely occur through the direct agency of the BIM tool’s implementation. Instead, BIM-induced change occurs by delegated, conditional and needs-based agency – which are not mutually exclusive.
Originality/value
The nature of changes in professional work practices could be misconstrued as being solely because of the actions of agents who actively participate in implementing BIM. The discussion in the literature has, therefore, been advanced from general to specific theoretical understandings of BIM-induced change, which emphasize the need for construction stakeholders to actively participate in developing the innovations that drive change in the industry rather than hand the power to drive change to BIM authoring and management application developers who have less stake in the industry.
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Chipozya Kosta Tembo and Adeyemi Akintola
This paper presents a review of research methodologies used in addressing problems in the financial management of property and construction journals from 2005 to 2020.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper presents a review of research methodologies used in addressing problems in the financial management of property and construction journals from 2005 to 2020.
Design/methodology/approach
Content analysis of 258 research papers published in the Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction was carried out, enabling the exploration of research approaches, epistemology, strategies, data collection and data analysis methods used in addressing problems researched in the area of financial management of property and construction
Findings
The findings show that quantitative approaches and methods dominate, whereas qualitative and mixed methods were prominent in-depth understanding of a topics were needed. Interestingly, almost a third of the publications did not adopt quantitative approaches. In some journal issues, there was relatively high use of qualitative and multi-method approaches and up to 12% of the articles published over the past 16 years could be described as based on pragmatism.
Research limitations/implications
An important implication of this paper is that a conventionally number-based area of research does not preclude the use of qualitative and mixed approaches. The findings are only generalisable to the Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction.
Practical implications
Financial management researchers could benefit greatly by considering pluralistic approaches more in the design of their studies.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is an original synthesis of the articles published between 2005 and 2020. It provides new insight into the use of research methodologies by authors and how they have been combined to address their research problems. It further investigates an old issue or question about methodological choice-making using new evidence and original empirical work.
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Akponanabofa Henry Oti, Peter Farrell, Fonbeyin Henry Abanda, Paul McMahon, Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu, Dingayo Mzyece, Adeyemi Ayodele Akintola and Nawal Prinja
The relatively low capital cost and contributions to mitigating global warming have favoured the continuous construction and operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs) across the…
Abstract
Purpose
The relatively low capital cost and contributions to mitigating global warming have favoured the continuous construction and operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs) across the world. One critical phase in the operation of nuclear plants for ensuring the safety and security of radioactive products and by-products is decommissioning. With the advent of digital twinning in the building information modelling (BIM) methodology, efficiency and safety can be improved from context-focus access to regulations pertaining to demolition of structures and the cleaning-up of radioactivity inherent in nuclear stations. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to propose a BIM-driven framework to achieve a more regulation-aware and safer decommissioning of nuclear power plants.
Design/methodology/approach
The framework considers task requirements, and landscape and environmental factors in modelling demolition scenarios that characterise decommissioning processes. The framework integrates decommissioning rules/regulations in a BIM linked non-structured query system to model items and decommissioning tasks, which are implemented based on context-focussed retrieval of decommissioning rules and regulations. The concept’s efficacy is demonstrated using example cases of digitalised NPPs.
Findings
This approach contributes to enhancing improvements in nuclear plant decommissioning with potential for appropriate activity sequencing, risk reduction and ensuring safety.
Originality/value
A BIM-driven framework hinged on querying non-structured databases to provide context-focussed access to nuclear rules and regulations and to aiding decommissioning is new.
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B.I.O. Ade‐Omowaye, S.A. Olaniyan, I.A. Adeyemi and O.O. Isola
This paper sets out to focus on the utilization of the locally available raw material to develop an acceptable and high quality non‐alcoholic beverage in Nigeria.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper sets out to focus on the utilization of the locally available raw material to develop an acceptable and high quality non‐alcoholic beverage in Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
Maize‐based non‐alcoholic beverages were produced from either plain maize powder or combinations of maize powder and mango or soybean flour. Plain and fruit or soy‐ fortified maize powders were analyzed using standard methods for chemical composition, while total solid, sediment height, pH, titratable acidity, storage stability and microbial load were determined on the formulated beverage products. Taste panel evaluation was conducted to evaluate the acceptability of the products.
Findings
While the protein, fat and ash contents of plain maize powder were 5.69, 5.95 and 0.35 per cent respectively, there was minimal enhancement with fruit addition. However, with 10 per cent soybean addition significant improvement over the unfortified sample in protein (14.62 per cent), fat (10.64 per cent) and ash (0.96 per cent) was obtained. Sediment height was found to be higher for beverage with sour water and least for soy‐fortified beverage. Titratable acidity of beverage samples was found to be 0.022, 0.018, 0.054 and 0.306 per cent (per cent lactic acid) for plain, fruit‐flavoured, soy‐fortified and soured beverages respectively. Variation in titratable acidity was observed depending on the product and storage condition. Sensory evaluation result for beverage prepared with sour water (0–100 per cent) revealed preference for soured beverage with 80 per cent sour water. Also, fruit‐flavoured sample ranked highest in preference followed closely by the plain beverage, while soy‐fortified sample was the least acceptable.
Originality/value
The paper has demonstrated the feasibility of developing acceptable beverage samples from sour water (a by‐product of Ogi usually regarded as waste) and combinations of either maize powder and mango or soybean flour.
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B.A. Akinwande, O.A. Abiodun and I.A. Adeyemi
The aim of the study is to compare the effect of steaming method and time on the physico‐chemical properties of underutilized Dioscorea dumetorum with three more commonly consumed…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the study is to compare the effect of steaming method and time on the physico‐chemical properties of underutilized Dioscorea dumetorum with three more commonly consumed Dioscorea rotundata, Dioscorea cayenensis and Dioscorea alata.
Design/methodology/approach
Raw and pre‐gelatinized flour were produced from the yam species. Pre‐gelatinization was done by steaming diced cubes in autoclave at 68,950 Nm‐2 for 5 min and in Barlett steamer at 98±2°C for 10, 20 and 30 min. Flour samples were analyzed for amylose content, swelling index, consistency, solubility, water absorption capacity, and iodine affinity for starch.
Findings
The physico‐chemical properties of the flours were affected by both species and steaming time. Pre‐gelatinization of the tuber reduced amylose content in all the yam species, which reduced further with increase in steaming time. Except for amylose content and iodine affinity for starch, D. dumetorum compared with D. rotundata and D. cayenensis in the parameters that were measured. Samples autoclaved for 5 min had value similar to those steamed in Barlett steamer for 10 and 20 min for all the parameters that were measured, except consistency.
Practical implications
It is very important to encourage the cultivation and utilization of D. dumetorum because of the high yield and nutritional composition to enhance the nutritional and financial well‐being of the populace.
Originality/value
Pre‐gelatinization is important as pre‐treatment for yam tubers. Underutilized D. dumetorum could be useful in ingredient formulation for product development, especially as a thickening agent.
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B.I.O. Ade‐Omowaye, A.M. Adegbite, B.R. Adetunji and O.O. Oladunmoye
This paper focuses on the effect of different pretreatments on some properties of tigernut, an underutilized crop in Nigeria with the aim of widening its utilization in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper focuses on the effect of different pretreatments on some properties of tigernut, an underutilized crop in Nigeria with the aim of widening its utilization in the country.
Design/methodology/approach
Tigernuts were subjected to various pretreatments such as fermentation, germination, pregelatinization and roasting before drying at 50 ± 2 ○C for 48 h in locally fabricated cabinet drier and milling in commercial plate mill to produce meal which passed through 30 mm pore‐sized sieve. Pretreated and untreated tigernut meals were analyzed using methods reported in the literature for chemical composition, physicochemical and functional properties.
Findings
Protein content of the meals ranged from 2.79 ± 0.01 to 3.65 ± 0.02 per cent with sample from fermented tigernut having the highest value and those from roasted ones having the least value. There were slight variations in the crude fat, fiber and ash contents of the resultant meals after pretreatment. There were 10 and 14 per cent enhancement in the ascorbic acid contents of fermented and germinated meals respectively. Titratable acidity, pH and water absorption capacity were affected by pretreatment in this study. Bulk density varied slightly after pretreatment. Germination, roasting and pregelatinization resulted in marked decrease in peak viscosity of the samples. The emulsion capacity ranged from 48.4 to 56 per cent with the untreated sample having the highest value and meals from roasted sample had the least value. Foaming capacity was improved by the pretreatments with the exception of roasting which reduced it from 2.15 to 1.18 per cent.
Originality/value
The paper has demonstrated the effect of pretreatments on tigernut meals and its potential applications in various food formulation and development, e.g. weaning foods, baked goods, beverage products, etc.
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B.A. Akinwande, B.I.O. Ade‐Omowaye, S.A. Olaniyan and O.O. Akintaro
This study aimed at the potential use of ginger‐flavoured soy‐cassava flour to produce high‐protein biscuits.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed at the potential use of ginger‐flavoured soy‐cassava flour to produce high‐protein biscuits.
Design/methodology/approach
Preparation of biscuit was done using soy‐cassava flour blends (0:100, 20:80, 30:70 and 40:60 w/w). Biscuit was also prepared from 100 per cent wheat flour to serve as control.
Findings
Chemical analysis indicated that the substitution of soy flour into cassava flour augmented the nutrient content of the biscuit, which indicates a good potential for meeting the nutrient requirements of school children. The use of ginger powder as flavouring agent effectively masked the beany flavour that is normally associated with soybean products. A sensory evaluation also confirmed good aroma and positive acceptability.
Originality/value
The findings in this study confirms the endless possibilities of protein enrichment of cassava flour for the production of biscuits as a potentially effective strategy for enhancing protein‐energy balance in children, particularly in developing countries. The value of this study lies in its potential as a product development strategy in combating protein‐energy malnutrition, thereby promoting good health, labour productivity and mental development.
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Adewumi Israel Badiora, Christopher A. Wojuade and Adeniyi S. Adeyemi
Crime in public places is an increasing concern for the police, users of public places and the general public at large. Significantly, users of public transport facilities…
Abstract
Purpose
Crime in public places is an increasing concern for the police, users of public places and the general public at large. Significantly, users of public transport facilities consistently perceive their risks from crime to be considerably higher, hurting levels of patronage. The aim of this study is to examine concerns for personal safety and measures that could improve sense of personal safety in a Nigerian public transport facility. This study further examines whether respondents’ perceptions determine frequent use of this public place. Explanatory factors are personal safety and place improvements concerns ratings.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a case study. The selection of this was accomplished using carefully defined criteria in previous studies. The research process consists of three steps the on-site assessment, objective insecurity assessment and subjective insecurity survey. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Quantitative data were explored using mean ranking, percentages and correlation, whereas qualitative information was analysed using narrative techniques of reporting. To define the major determinants of the frequent use of this public place, a multiple ordinary least squares regression was constructed for variables in the correlation model.
Findings
Results show that places within the site are not designed to meet crime prevention through environmental design strategies, as 625 crimes were documented with thefts well above other listed crimes. Respondents exhibited a significant level of concern for their safety across all the factors enumerated while the most important improvements concern was enhancements to lighting. Generally, findings suggest that there is still much to be done to improve elements of surveillance, access control, territoriality, image management and activity support on the site. Regression model shows that efforts to enhance perceived safety of users would have major significance on the frequent use of this facility.
Practical implications
Policies on public place developments should be mainly in terms of tackling the environmental design of car parks and the effects of darkness at night time. This should involve improvement of lighting and the installation of CCTV, security camera as well as constant maintenance of bushes, vegetation, plants, trees and other elements of the landscape. Furthermore, the aesthetics of the site has to be attractive to users. The site and its closest surroundings have to be well-maintained and cared for. Besides, place lines and private areas must be defined with plants, pavement treatments, short walls or fences.
Originality/value
Previous studies on safety and security of public transport places, particularly rail facility, have mainly concentrated on the relations between fear of crime, perceived safety and place improvement concerns. To the best of authors’ knowledge, no study till date has explored how they correlate to the patronage of the transport facility, particularly in the sub-Saharan nations. This study contributes to existing literature having revealed perceived personal safety and transport place improvements concerns to be another important dimension of rail transport patronage in the Nigerian context.
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Olutosin Phebean Akintola, Catherine Adebukola Oladoyinbo and David Olayinka Ayedun
This study aims to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) considering a comparative study.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) considering a comparative study.
Design/methodology/approach
A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out with 247 respondents which include 123 HIV patients and 124 people without HIV (PWoH) recruited using a simple random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements were taken using the standard procedures and instruments. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured in all the subjects. The lipid level and blood glucose were obtained using a vacutainer method to collect at least 5 ml of venous blood into a heparin-containing bottle and fluoride bottle, and a chemical pathology analysis was conducted at the pathology laboratory.
Findings
Using the International Diabetes Federation criteria, the overall prevalence of MetS was 21.1%, while 27.6% and 14.5% prevalence were observed among the PLWHIV and PWoH, respectively. In all, 4% of the respondents were underweight, 40.9% had normal body mass index, 29.6 were overweight and 18.6 were obese I. The mean total cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) for PLWHIV and controls were 162.59 ± 37.80, 177.54 ± 34.23, 91.62 ± 51.74 and 69.59 ± 33.87 mg/dl, respectively. There was no significant association between gender and MetS. Of all the determinants of MetS, central obesity has the highest prevalence (71.5%, 65.3%) among the PLWHIV and the controls. Raised TGs were the components of MetS with the least prevalence (9.8% and 4.8%) among PLWHIV and PWoH. There was a significant association between reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.001) and raised blood pressure (p = 0.001) of PLWHIV and PWoH. This study reveals that the burden of MetS among PLWHIV is higher than apparently healthy individuals.
Research limitations/implications
This study could not measure the association between specific antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens and MetS because all the PLWHIV in the study are on one regimen Tenofovir disoproxil/lamivudine/dolutegravir. Therefore, longitudinal studies on the extent of ART on MetS should be carried out while using newly diagnosed HIV patients who are not yet on ART as controls.
Practical implications
Prevalence of MetS and its components toward the high range among PLWHIV compared to the PWoH who are apparently healthy individuals was found. Higher prevalence of central obesity and reduced HDL-C among PLWHIV was also found. Overall, MetS is high among PLWHIV, and this might predispose them to adverse metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases among others. Therefore, screening for metabolic risk factors should be adopted as part of routine HIV care.
Originality/value
The findings reveal the magnitude of MetS among PLWHIV compared to the apparently healthy individuals.
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E.T. Otunola and R.S. Ogunbiyi
The aim of the paper is to evaluate the microbiological and physico‐chemical characteristics of fermented pounded yam, a unique and popular food of the Igbominas of Nigeria.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the paper is to evaluate the microbiological and physico‐chemical characteristics of fermented pounded yam, a unique and popular food of the Igbominas of Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
Fresh pounded yam was prepared in the laboratory by a modification of the traditional method, and then fermented for varying periods of time (0‐96hrs), also essentially by the traditional method. Analysis was carried out on the products following documented and established procedures.
Findings
Data obtained indicated noticeable increases in the populations of all the groups of microorganisms investigated with increases in fermentation time, except coliforms which declined in population after 24 hours. Heating of the samples after each fermentation interval resulted in significant reductions in microbial populations such that coliforms could not even be detected after 24 hours of fermentation. Lactic acid production, an indication of flavour development, and pH drop were highest at 48 hours of fermentation. The samples also became softer with increases in fermentation period. The heated samples were considered safe microbiologically, since they contained neither coliforms nor faecal coliforms.
Research limitations/implications
The consumption of fermented pounded yam is encouraged since it is safe microbiologically and develops a desired flavour, while further research should be carried out on the nutritional benefits.
Practical implications
The findings here suggested that adequate heating after fermentation is necessary to eliminate any potential microbial contamination, and for full flavour development.
Originality/value
The results of this research contribute to the knowledge of fermented foods, especially those that are indigenous to Nigeria and West Africa.