Awareness and Utilization of Social Media by Tertiary Institutions’ Librarians in Abia and Imo States, Nigeria.

Abstract This study investigated awareness and utilization of social media by tertiary institutions’ librarians in Abia and Imo states. The purposes that guided the study are to: establish the extent of awareness of social media for library services by tertiary institutions’ librarians in Abia and Imo states, ascertain the extent to which social media are used by librarians, and factors militating against the utilization of social media for library services. The survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised all 149 librarians in 12 government-owned tertiary institutions in Abia and Imo States. The instrument used for data collection was the rating scale. To answer the research questions of the study, tables, mean () and standard deviation were used, while ANOVA statistics was used for testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significane. Findings of the study revealed that; tertiary institutions\u27 librarians in Abia and Imo states are aware of social media to a high extent; social media tools are used to a high extent; unreliable power supply, inadequate internet connectivity are among the factors militating against the use of social media by librarians in the provision of library services. Based on the findings, the following were recommended: awareness of social media should be intensified by librarians of these institutions; librarians and patrons should acquire the necessary technologies that are amenable to social media use and there should be steady and reliable power supply among others

Ni(II) Complex of a Novel Schiff Base Derived from Benzaldehyde and Sulphathiazole: Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Studies

Communication in Physical Sciences 2020, 5(2): 145-155 Authors: Ifeanyi. E. Otuokere, J.C. Anyanwu and K.K. IgweReceived 09April 2020/Accepted 01May 2020 New Schiff base and its Ni(II) complex, were synthesized using benzaldehyde and sulphathiazole. They were characterized usingelemental analyser, UV-visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. IR spectral data suggested that the ligand coordinated to nickel ions through two azomethine nitrogen, and one amine nitrogen. Electronic spectral measurement indicated the occurrence of ligand to metal charge transfer. Based on the continuous variation method, metal: ligand ratio of 1:1 was proposed. Elemental analysis and spectroscopic studies suggested that the Schiff base behaved as a tridentate ligand towards nickel ion. Antibacterial sensitivity of the ligand and its Ni (II) complex were assayed in vitro against Staphylococcusaureus, Echerichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi. It was observed that the Ni(II) complex was more potent than the Schiff base against the bacterial strains used. Therefore, the Schiff base and its Ni(II) complex may inhibit bacterial infections caused by E.coli, P.aeruginosa,S. typhi and S.aureus. The Ni(II) complex showed enhanced antibacterial activity when compared with the pure the Schiff base.&nbsp

Deregulation, Globalisation and Current Issues in the Electronic Media in Nigeria

As a country with arguably the most vibrant media in Africa, Nigeria has caught the fire of the global media phenomenon. The Nigerian electronic media industry, in particular, continues to show greater participation in the global village agenda. This trend started with the passage of Decree 38 of 1992 that liberalized the electronic media industry in Nigeria, and empowered private ownership; however, no time has the globalisation effect been more felt than in the 15-year old (1999 – 2014) democratic administration in the country. This paper relies on primary and secondary materials from existing literatures and reports, to show how this globalization trend has galvanized the electronic media in Nigeria with numerous benefits and challenges, particularly in terms of production, content and reception. Keywords: Nigeria, Globalisation, Deregulation, Electronic, Media

Assessment of the Teleconnection Between El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and West African Rainfall

In this study, rainfall variability over Nigeria was analysed in relation to ocean-atmospheric interaction due to ENSO event. Monthly rainfall data were collected from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) from six (6) synoptic stations selected across three (3) geographical regions in Nigeria for a period of 26 years (1988 - 2013). Cluster analysis grouped the rainfall data into three clusters namely Coastal South, Middle belt and Sahel North, while Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) data from 1988 to 2013 was retrieved from National Ocean Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as updated by the National Centre for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). Rainfall Analysis Index (RAI) was computed for each of the three sub-regions and respective anomalies revealed in a time series. Additionally, linear correlation analysis between the RAI and SOI were computed at lag three months to determine any relationship between ENSO and Nigerian rainfall. The result shows that correlation between RAI and SOI were not uniformly significant, with Region 1 having a positive correlation and a negative correlation recorded for regions 2 and 3. Likewise, simple matrix confirm for region 1 the positive rainfall anomalies occurring during warm ENSO phase. How forecast will be improved if ENSO indices are included as precursor variables in rainfall forecast for the region will be of interest.Key Words: El Nino Southern Oscillation, Nigerian rainfall, Southern Oscillation Index (SOI

Design and development of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves slicing machine

A motorized fluted pumpkin leaves slicer was designed, fabricated and tested. The machine comprises a conveyor system made from a rubber belt, two pairs of bearings and two hollow metal rods, a frame made from metal sheets for support. The slicing unit comprising the cutting blades and a drive (transmission) shaft, and finally a 746 W (1 hp) power drive mechanism (electric motor). Tests carried out on the machine involved placing 1 kg of fluted pumpkin leaves on the conveyor belt, which was then conveyed to the slicing unit, where it was chopped to desired size. It took an average of 9 minutes to process 1kg of the fluted pumpkin leaves during the test. Series of tests were carried out on the machine, which showed that it had an efficiency of 73.2% and is much faster than hand/manual slicing method.Keywords: design, development, fluted pumpkin, slicing machin

Administrative Roles in Primary Schools for Curbing COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: Henry Fayol’s Approach

COVID-19 is a threatening disease that has led to total lockdown of educational institutions in various countries, Nigeria inclusive. Presently, there is no vaccination for its cure yet; thus, the need for preventive mechanisms to reduce its spread in the schools. The primary school which this study is delimited is made of pupils whose ability to prevent this disease is minimal due to their level of physical and mental development, therefore they require proper attention. The headteachers and teachers who occupy administrative positions in primary schools need to manage these pupils, to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the schools. The main purpose of this study is to suggest how headteachers and teachers should practically discharge their administrative functions so asto reduce coronavirus spread among pupils in primary schools. This is expected to give an insight into healthy adaptive mechanism for the staff and pupils in primary schools in Nigeria. Finally, the following recommendations were made; which include: providing hygiene facilities, services of healthcare workers and isolation center in the school for pupils that may need extra care

Gender Influence on School Climate and Organizational Silence Amongst Teachers in Anambra State

This paper examines the gender influence on school climate and organizational silence among teachers in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. Correlational research design is used for the study. The population of the study consisted of all the 5498 teachers in 259 secondary schools in Anambra State, comprising 775 male and 4723 female teachers. Two structured questionnaires were adapted as the instruments for data collection. The internal consistency of the instruments was established using Cronbach alpha which yielded 0.81 and 0.91. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. The study reveals that there is no significant relationship between the perception of teachers who teach in an open school climate and their organizational silence. Secondly, there is no significant relationship between the perception of male and female teachers who teach in a closed school climate and their organizational silence. Based on this, recommendations were made

New wine in old wine skin : an assessment of African Union’s peace and security initiatives in Africa

Abstract: The need for continental freedom, peace, security, and unity were among the major reasons for the formation of Organization of African Unity (OAU). This organization fought acidulously to guarantee independence for the African countries and end apartheid regime in South Africa. With time, both intended and unintended internal activities of independent African countries led to series of conflicts that jeopardized the peace, security and unity of the continent. The need for a more dogged organization that would fit into the trending globalization and create peace and security in the continent therefore led to the formation of the African Union (AU). This research therefore employed qualitative historical method of data collection and analysis as a way juxtaposing the extents the two organizations went in maintaining peace, security and unity of the continent. It tried to examine the extent AU was different from the OAU. The study weighed the strengths and weaknesses of the two organizations. Some of the weaknesses were evident: the OAU was more like a toothless bulldog as it failed in many occasions to back plans with actions; the AU also beclouds the Article 4(h) with conceptual ambiguities that retard its functionalities. The strength of the OAU is evident in the attainment of independence while the AU can boast of success in peacebuilding in the post-Cold War Africa. The study recommended increased peacebuilding efforts and transformative national leadership as the sustainable road to African peace, security and development

Emotional Intelligence: Practices to Manage and Develop It

Emotional intelligence (EI) describes the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions, both in oneself and in others. It has strongly emerged as a game changer, playing crucial roles in various aspects of human development, including interpersonal relationships, academic and professional success, and overall well-being. Despite the unprecedented impact of emotional intelligence in human development, happiness and survival, it seems to have been given inadequate attention or ignored entirely by some people. Worse still, in some professional curricula, little or no attention has been given to it. This research paper explores the significance of emotional intelligence and presents strategies for enhancing emotional intelligence through strengthening self-management, self-awareness, relationship management and social awareness activities

Adiponectin and cardiovascular risk factors in relation with glycemic control in type 2 diabetics

Background: Adiponectin has been associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in Type 2 diabetes, though the mechanism of association is still uncertain. The adiponectin levels and lipid profile in relation to glycemic control were investigated in type 2 diabetics.Methods: Forty two diabetic subjects (35-64 years) and 33 age-matched non-diabetic subjects were recruited into this case control study. Socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric indices and blood pressure were obtained. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein, (HDL), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were estimated using colorimetric methods, atherogenic index (AI) was calculated, while serum adiponectin was determined by ELISA method. Results: Adiponectin levels of type 2 diabetics were not significantly different from the non-diabetics studied (p>0.05).  Higher TG levels were observed in diabetics with poor glycemic control compared with those with good glycemic control (p0.05). Conclusion: Type 2 diabetics do not have lower adiponectin levels. Gender, duration of diabetes and glycemic control does not seem to exert any influence on adiponectin levels in type 2 diabetes. Adiponectin may be associated with reduced risk of atherosclerosis through its effects on HDL cholesterol metabolism.