Analysis of item writing flaws (IWFs) evident in objective formats examination questions in federal college of education (technical) Asaba, Nigeria

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to ascertain IWFs contained in objective formats examination questions for assessment of students in the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme in 2016/2017, 2017/2018 and first semester 2018/2019 academic sessions. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted which enabled the researchers to estimate prevalence (number of cases) of IWFs associated with objective questions constructed for end-of-semester examinations. The researchers retrieved 57 objective question papers administered in end-of-semester examinations centrally conducted in the College within the period of three academic sessions (2016/2017, 2017/2018 and first semester 2018/2019). 19 common violations of item writing principles were selected from literature and used in assessing the quality of 57 objective questions. The study classified test items in each of the 57 objective question papers into standard and flawed categories such that if an item is flawed, the exact type of flaw(s) (including options) was recorded. Results: The results showed that short answer, multiple choice and alternate response questions are the types of objective test formats constructed by lecturers; there was a high rate of violation of standard item writing rules in most objective semester examination questions constructed by lecturers; and the nature of the four most frequently violated IWFs were related to irrelevant difficulty which tended to make questions or tasks more difficult than intended. Recommendations/Classroom Implications: College management should organize seminar or workshop at regular interval to train or update lecturers’ knowledge on test construction skills and tips

THE RELEVANCE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICTs) IN AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES

Heathcote (2000) posited that “Within half a century, computers and information technology have changed the world andaffected millions of lives in ways that no one could have foreseen”. The great impacts, contributions to knowledge,importance and economic achievements that have emerged from the fields of computer science (information science) andelectronic engineering, in the 21st century, are revolutionary and mind boggling (Bamgbade,2011). This paper explores theextent to which ICT applications have improved agro-forestry practices and discussed areas of application such as forestryand environmental management, species identification, research publication, ICT in agroforestry education, plant pathologystudies, wood anatomy, biometrics, Data management, modeling, analysis and miningKeywords: ICTs, Agroforestry, Impact, Management, Computers, Practices and Applications

Ughoton: An Analysis of Its Declining State, 1506-1897

This paper attempts to analyse the issue at stake in the decline of Ughoton. It examines the bad climatic condition of Ughoton and the factor of Christianity. It also discusses trade as not producing the expected result and the effect of the British invasion of 1897. Finally it evaluates the rise of Sapele and Itsekiri middlemen as factors that also contributed to the decline of Ughoton. The researcher used primary and secondary sources to obtain date. The primary sources include oral interview and archival materials while the secondary sources were books, newspapers, journal, articles, theses, dissertations. The study found that the issues of bad climatic and the factor of Christianity contributed to the decline. Again the trade at Ughoton did not produce the desired results. It was found that the British invasion of 1897 destroyed all the houses at Ughoton and the political head of Ughoton was killed. The rise of Sapele and Itsekiri middlemen were issues that affected Ughoton negatively. Keywords: Trade, Diversification, Invation, Decline, Effec

Rock Fragmentation Prediction using Kuz-Ram Model

Evaluation of fragmentation remains an ever important discussion in the mining parlance as it is the first step towards mineral recovery. Various software’s and methods of predicting and analyzing the result of blasting exists, one of such is the Kuz-Ram model. This paper studied the development of the Kuz-Ram model from inception and the modifications that have been made. The methodology of its use and the discrepancies that exist between predicted results and the actual results generated by the design for similarities and correlation were examined. Predictions were made based on the input parameters of a limestone quarry and the blast design were varied to predict new design parameters that reduced the mean fragment size from 113cm to 105cm. This result shows a significant boost in the productivity of subsequent operations when the values estimated for burden and spacing were adopted. It was observed that the trend of the results remains valid in present day application even though there are significant differences in magnitudes of values. It was concluded that Kuz-Ram Model remains viable at making fragmentation prediction and a useful tool for pre assessing the effect of optimizing certain parameters of a blast design. Keywords: Fragmentation analysis, Kuz-Ram Model, Optimization and Predictio

Trace Metals and Hydraulic Characterization of Soils and Groundwater Around Ajakanga Dumpsite in Ibadan Metropolis, Southwest Nigeria.

Trace metals concentrations and hydraulic characteristics of soil were studied with a view to assessing the impact of the Ajakanga dumpsite in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria, on soil and groundwater. Forty one surface soil samples were taken at the depth of 0.2 cm, eleven samples each of disturbed and undisturbed soils along two (2) vertical profiles at up-slope and down-slope pits within the dumpsite premises. Eight groundwater samples were also collected. Digestion of 0.5 gm each of fraction (< 63 µm) of the soil samples was carried out. Both the digested soil and groundwater samples were analysed for Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, Cd, Ni, As, Co and Cr using Buck Model 205 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The undisturbed soils were used for the determination of hydraulic properties. The data collected were interpreted using appropriate qualitative and quantitative statistical techniques. Trace elements results for soil showed average values for Zn (29.30 ± 16.1 mg/L), Pb (14.72 ± 0.84 mg/L), Cd (2.49 ± 0.48 mg/L), Ni (2.03 ± 1.12 mg/L), As (0.84 ± 0.22 mg/L), Co (0.16 ± 0.10 mg/L) and Cr (0.92 ± 1.40 mg/L) that were higher than those of control site values suggesting contamination. Grain size analysis showed that the clay size particles average abundance was higher in the B-level of the down-slope soil profile with mean value of 5.07±0.82 % compared with mean value of 4.85 ± 0.59 % at the up-slope pit. Evaluated results showed that the B-level is more polluted than the A and C levels probably due to adsorbsion effect of clay-sized materials that are more abundant in the B-level. Groundwater trace elements average concentration values were Mn (0.31± 0.74), Pb (0.03 ± 0.04), Cd (0.02 ± 0.03 mg/L), As (0.06 ±0.03 mg/L) and Ni (0.13 ± 0.08mg/L) which were higher than the WHO (2007) permissible levels especially in samples taken close to the dumpsite. The study concluded that the soils and groundwater samples close to Ajakanga open dumpsites were more polluted than those taken far away. The soil contamination was well pronounced within 0 – 3.5 m of the vertical soil profile at the dumpsite vicinity. Keywords: Trace Metals, Soil, Groundwater, Hydraulic Characteristics, Dumpsite, Environmental Impact

Influence of selected social factors on career decisionmaking of grade 12 learners in township secondary schools in South Afric

Career decision-making is a challenge to most learners in secondary schools in South Africa. The present study examined the influence of selected social factors (influence of older siblings, peer influence, teacher's influence, and career information services) on career decision-making of grade 12 learners in township secondary schools in South Africa. A correlational survey research design was adopted. The sample size of 260 learners was obtained using the stratified random sampling technique. The questionnaire including peer influence, teacher's influence, career information service, the influence of older siblings, and career decision-making was used to collect data. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient analysis was used to measure the internal consistency of the questionnaire and all sub-scales had excellent internal consistency reliability. The Kaiser-Meyer-Oklin measure of sample adequacy (KMO Index) and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity were used to confirm internal validity. Quantitative data were analysed using inferential statistics such as Pearson Product Moment Correlation, linear, and multiple regression analysis. According to the findings, the strongest correlation was between teacher influence and career decision-making (r=.643, n=204, p.01), followed by the relationship between career information services and career decision-making (r =.607, n=204, p.01), but peer influence had the least relationship with career decision-making (r (204) =.514, p.01. The influence of older siblings also had a significant direct relationship with career decision-making among the grade 12 learners (r=.566, n=204, p<.01). The study recommends that teacher counsellors should adopt a multifaceted approach in developing career decision-making programmes for learners in secondary schools

Analyses of Retail and Transport Geography of Liquefied Petroleum Products in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria

This study analyzed the effects that spatial arrangement of petroleum products retail outlets and the supply chain management techniques employed for products distribution (for both intra city and intercity shipments) have on the retailing dynamism of petroleum products within built environment and peripherals of Ibadan metropolis over the years. Specifically, the study investigated the differentials in the spatial configurations of petroleum products retail outlets between the core and periurban zones of the metropolis. An attempt was made to determine the explanatory variables that influence the spatial distributional decisions of petroleum products retail outlets in the metropolis. The study equally examined how the supply chain management (SCM) techniques by the different categories of the retail outlet owners influence the efficient and cost effective distribution of petroleum products. Lastly an attempt was made to analyze the relationship between the socio-economic attributes of the haulers and the achievement of compliance to the HSE stipulations guiding the conveyance of petroleum products. The theoretical underpinnings for the research were a derivative of the amalgamation of normative and psychological theories from geography, psychology, SCM and retailing science. Specifically, Expectation Disconfirmation Theory (EDT), Distributive Justice, Central Place Theory (CPT) Theories of Urban Impact (TUI) and Theory of Constraint (ToC) were the theories utilized in the study. For the achievement of the first objective which was to investigate the possible differential in the compliance rate between spatial pattern of fuel retail outlets in the core and peripheral zones of Ibadan metropolis, the first hypothesis of the study (which examined if there was no significant difference in the rate of compliance to the planning authority stipulations guiding the location pattern of petroleum product retail outlets between those located in the built up and xxiv peripheral zones of the city), was tested through the use of buffering and proximity analyses in the ArcMap environment of ArcGIS 10.1, while inferential statistical tool of an independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare the rate of compliance to the stipulations guiding the locations of these outlets in both the core and the peripheral zones. The result from the GIS analysis indicated that 33 (15.56%) out of the 220 outlets in the core zone of the metropolis complied with the planning stipulations guiding the location of fuel retail outlets. For the peripheral zone, out of the 220 fuel retail outlets 24 (10.90%) complied with the stipulations. The result from the t- test which was employed to test the hypothesis indicated that no significant difference existed in the rate of compliance t (263) =-2.66, p = 0.08 between fuel retail outlets in the core zone (M=3.9, SD=1.4) and peripheral zone (M=4.5, SD=1.79). The alternate hypothesis which stated that ―no significant difference existed in the compliance rate between fuel retail outlets located in the two zones‖ is accepted. For the achievement of the second objective of the study which was to analyze the factors which determine the location of fuel retail outlets both in the core and peripheral zones of Ibadan metropolis. All the managers/owners of the 432 fuel retail outlets in the metropolis were sampled out of which 256 questionnaires were retrieved for the purpose of this analysis. The breakdown of the socio-economic characteristics of the sampled respondents showed that the gender distribution showed that 194 (75.78%) of the respondents were males, while 64 (24.22 %) were females. The average age of the sampled population was 33.70 years. The mixed method was employed for the achievement of the second objective of this study. Logistic Regression Model (LRM) was employed to test the hypothesis and the result revealed that the inclusion of the independent variables in the model increased the overall level of it accuracy. The overall significance revealed that the Model Chi- xxv Square, derived from the likelihood fitted is also accurate (X2 = 43.47, df=5, p>.05). The model chi-square value of 43.47 (approximately 44% ) was significant. Thus, the indication is that the model has a good fit in predicting the possibility of a fuel retail outlet being located in the core or peripheral zone of the metropolis as determined by the explanatory variables (the independent variables accounted for about 44% of possible factors which determined whether a fuel retail outlets is located either within the core or peripheral zones of the metropolis. The remaining 56% are factors not considered in the study). The result gotten from the in depth interview sessions corroborated the findings from the tested hypothesis. The third objective was to examine the effects which the supply chain technique employed (either vertically integrated model or third-party arrangement) has on the achievement of efficient and effective distribution of the products. In order to achieve this objective, all the 389 registered members of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) association who are members of the PTD in the metropolis were sampled, 265 (around 70%) of the distributed questionnaires were retrieved and used for the analysis. In depth interview sessions were also conducted with three different managers of the three major conglomerates in the downstream sector of the Nigerian petroleum sector. The result of one-way between subjects (ANOVA) which was conducted to compare differences in the management and performances of haulage services outsourced to the 3PLS and those run under VIM showed that there was a significant effect of ownership type on management performance (F (2,262) = 60.26, p<.05). The null hypothesis was therefore rejected while the alternate hypothesis was accepted. The findings from the interview sessions posted similar results. The fourth and final objective was to analyze the effect that the socio-economic attributes of the participants (haulers and managers of retail outlets) involved in the distribution of xxvi petroleum products has on the safe, efficient and cost-effective distribution of product and this was done through the use of descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and incisive analysis of the interview sessions. A total number of 265 (70%) out of the 389 registered members of Petroleum Tanker Driver Association (PTDA) participated in the study. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was used to test this hypothesis. The result from the statistical analysis show that the use of stimulant, work condition, marital status and educational attainment/literacy level have joint influence on compliance (R2 = 0.31, F (4,260) = 29.72, p<.05). On the basis of the foregoing, the hypothesis is thus accepted. The result from the interview sessions confirmed the existence of strong relationship between the explanatory variables and the hypothetical dependant variable. The study recommended a review of the planning processes guiding the establishment of fuel retail outlets. The study also advocated that retailers should endeavour to have stronger control over the supply chain of their products this could done by investing more in VIM rather than outsourcing such functions to 3PLs. This will help in better business performances. Government agencies in charge of monitoring drug abuse among haulers are advised to be more proactive by the duo of prevention and punishment strategies. This should include advocacy campaign against drug abuse. Different ranges of punishments should also be meted out for individual haulers found culpable

STUDIES ON XYLANASE PRODUCTION BY Aspergillus niger ON TOMATO POMACE MEDIUM

There is a need for locally produced xylanase because of its vast importance and high cost of importation. Xylanase is used for many industrial processes such as for baking, bleaching paper pulp, bioethanol production and juice clarification. This study was therefore carried out to examine the potentials of tomato pomace as part of the growth medium for xylanase production. The objectives are to identify the specific activities of xylanase from the basal salt medium and the tomato pomace medium and to determine the Partial Purification of xylanase obtained from tomato pomace medium inoculated with A.niger This study isolated xylanase from A. niger on tomato pomace medium. The xylanase was partially purified and characterized. A. niger was obtained from deteriorated banana (Musa acuminata) fruit. A 72-h-old culture of A. niger was employed as the inoculum. It was inoculated onto Tomato pomace medium and a basal salt. Xylanase production was carried out after four days at room temperature (27 oC). Xylanase activity was determined by measuring the released reducing sugar (xylose). The specific activities of xylanase from the basal salt medium and the tomato pomace medium were 3.6 U/mg and 2.0 U/mg respectively. Partial purification of xylanase was by Ammonium sulphate precipitation. Optimum substrate concentration of 0.5mg/ml and a purification fold of 4.3 were obtained. The Michael is Menten constant (Km) from the Line-weaver burk plot was approximately 0.50mg/ml. This study established appreciable activity of xylanase from the A. niger used. It is therefore a potential organism for the utilization of tomato waste for xylanase production