Energy conservation at homes has become a topical issue among policy makers and researchers. This is borne out of the fact that household energy demand constitutes a large portion of the total energy demand in most countries. In Nigeria, the sector accounts for 40% of the total energy demand. Leaning upon the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study examines the relationship that exists between energy conservation and psychological variables on one hand and household socio-demographic characteristics on the other hand. Structural equation model was used to model the path diagram of the relationship that exists between the two domains (psychological and socio-demographic variables). Results show that Psychological variables were strongly related to energy conservation while the socio-demographic variables were insignificant in influencing energy conservation.

Geotechnical laboratory investigations were carried out on Abandoned Dumpsite Soils from Orita-Aperin, Ibadan Southwestern Nigeria to determine the basic unconfined compressive strength of the soil samples which is an important factor to be considered when considering materials as liners in waste containment structure. Clay mineralogy, major element geochemical analyses were carried out by means of X-ray diffractometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry respectively. The engineering tests such as sieve size analyses, atterberg limits, natural moisture contents, specific gravity and compaction using four different compactive efforts namely reduced Proctor (RP), Standard Proctor (SP), West African Standard (WAS) and modified Proctor (MP). The tests were carried out in line with the procedures of the British Standard 1377 of 1990 and Head of 1992. The soils were found to contain kaolinite as the major mineral with some mixtures of smectite, quartzite, biotite, annite and alluminium silicate. Values of the unconfined compressive strength obtained within 13.9 and 18.1% moulding water contents equal to or greater than 200kN/m2 which is the minimum acceptable value required for containment facilities. Hence, unconfined compressive strength values were found to be greater than 200kN/m2 at dry unit weight of 16.10kN/m3 especially when WAS and modified Proctor compactive efforts were used which met the minimum required unconfined compressive strength of 200kN/m2 for hydraulic barriers in waste containment structures.

Groundmagnetic investigation into the cause of the subsidence in the abandoned local government secretariat, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Adagunodo T. Aanuoluwa, Sunmonu L. Ayobami, Oladejo O. Peter and Olafisoye E. Rotimi

Groundmagnetic was used to investigate the cause of the subsidence at an Abandoned Local Government Secretariat, Ogbomoso, Southwestern Nigeria with a view to determining whether the sinking and cracks in the plasterworks experienced at the Eastern side of the study area is due to subsurface features or insufficient use of building materials. The study took place at an Abandoned Local Government Secretariat Ogbomoso, Southwestern Nigeria which falls within latitude 080 09′ 50.6″ - 080 09′ 55.9″ and longitude 0040 15′ 36.1″ - 0040 15′ 42.3″. Proton Precision Magnetometer model GSM-19T was used to carry out the geophysical survey along four traverses in East-West and North-South directions. The traverses length ranges from 70m to 150m with inter station spacing of 10m. The results were presented as groundmagnetic profiles of varying magnetic intensities, groundmagnetic contoured map and groundmagnetic surface map. The basement topography was obtained from the profiles using half-width of the amplitude method. Areas with high magnetic values are the competent zones for construction while areas with low magnetic values are the weak zones. The quantitative interpretation gave the overburden thickness to the top of the magnetic basement rock as varied between 7.0m to 13.0m. Interpretation of groundmagnetic data revealed that the weak zones present at the Southeastern, Eastern and Northeastern part of the study area are the cause for the subsidence that occurred towards the Eastern side of the building. Contrary to the opinion of people that the building contractor used inferior building materials for the construction, we found out that half of the building is constructed on either collapse tunnel, fault or fracture which resulted into the sinking and new cracks in plasterworks experienced at the Eastern part of the abandoned Local Government secretariat.

Evaluation physical development patterns and spatial distribution of public services with social justice approach (the case study: Naghadeh, Iran)

Bakhtiar Ezzat panah, Rozhaneh Rivaz, Nobakht Sobhani and Fereshte Babaoghli

With increasing world population and consequently, urbanization of societies, spatial development and equitable allocation of resources and urban services according to society needs and also communication between urban physical development and these uses development rate in different regions are important concern of city managers. Based on that, this article attempts to study spatial distribution and their equitable allocation of resources in Naghadeh (Iran) beside to analyses the physical development of this city from 1996 to 2010. Applied research methodology in this article is descriptive and analytical, based on functional aim. Development process in this city evaluated based on Shanon Antropy. We used from Williamson Index to analyses how to distribution of urban services. Finding of this research indicated that physical development of city was scattered and spiral and also with spatial development of this city over time urban services distribution was not compatible with urban regions, so many people specially people of north of city are excluded from urban resources and services. Also, quantitative evaluation of urban land uses in Naghadeh showed that most of urban land uses in this city was not compatible with standard capita in Iran that according to spatial shortage we can point to transportation and depots, green spaces, educational, urban equipments, commercial, industrial, and workshop land uses.

This paper reviews the impact of illegal mining on water resources for irrigation and domestic application in Ghana. It was carried out by reviewing literature and media information as well as interviews and observation of small scale mining activities in mining communities especially illegal mining popularly called galamsey in Ghana. It was observed during the process that the mining activities are quite lucrative and offer jobs to many of the youth as well as women who sell at these mining communities across the country. The small scale mining also contributes significantly to GDP in Ghana. However, the activities of the small scale mining have affected several water bodies especially Pra, Ankobra and Birim Rivers as well as smaller rivers in the mining communities. Many of these water bodies have also been polluted to the extent that it is difficult for communities to rely on for domestic and irrigation purposes. Forest reserves, farms and agricultural lands have also been affected negatively. Many lives have also been lost over the years and continue to be lost through illegal mining. The research also outlined the challenges associated with illegal mining activities in Ghana, potential impact on water and the environment, and suggested possible mitigation measures which if considered could help address the issue of illegal mining activities in the country.