Benchmark Nurse Leader Mentorship Program

“Historically, promotion to management positions has been a key pathway by which hospital staff nurses advance their careers, and these promotions typically occur before the nurse has acquired any formal management training” (Weisman, Minnick, Dienemann & Cassard, 1995, p. 296). Nurse managers are often driven to their roles due to sudden vacancies as a result of promotions, resignations, transfers or layoffs. Though willing to take on these challenges, these nurses are nevertheless inadequately prepared. “Nurse leaders are ill-equipped in terms of knowledge and may lack support and guidance to manage the challenges inherent in the role, such as productivity, job satisfaction, and retention concerns” (Vitale, 2018, p. 8). This negatively impacts not only the nurses, but the entire organization who must then cope with less effective management. The need for prepared nurse leaders and managers is growing. The aging of the baby boomer population, a group largely in place as nurse managers, executives and administrators, necessitates the development of future nurse leaders ready to tackle the role of leadership once that group retires (Vitale, 2018). Changes in information technology, medical devices, patient demographics, and care reimbursements calls for strategic thinking nurse leaders to manage transitions within their respective settings (Fennimore & Wolf, 2011). Legislation and threats of litigation prompts the delivery of quality care, and it is important for nurses to take an active role in developing and implementing policies that ensure the highest quality care processes (Montavlo & Veenema, 2015). Finally, the cost to an organization resulting from nurse leadership vacancies, including the recruitment, hiring and training of outside managers have not just a financial impact, but may negatively affect work culture and productivity as well (Ramseur, Fuchs, Edwards & Humphreys, 2018). Millennial nurses are willing to embrace the challenge of leadership, provided they are given adequate support (Bittner, 2019). Transitioning these emerging leaders through a structured nurse management succession training program using mentorship support from senior leaders is an effective way to ensure adequate preparation. After partaking in such preparation, novice leaders have been shown to have higher job satisfaction, improved leader competence, higher perceived self-confidence, and higher retention rates than those who did not

Management Functions as Correlates of Students’ Satisfaction with Library Services in Public Secondary Schools in Imo State.

Abstract This study examined management functions and students’ satisfaction with library services in public secondary schools in Imo State Nigeria. The study was guided by 3 research questions and 3 hypotheses. The design of the study is a linear correlational design. The population of the study is 94,968. This is made up of 94,693 Senior Secondary School Students and 275 librarians from 275 public secondary schools in Imo State. The sample size for this study is 660 made up of 110 librarians and 550 SS2 students from 110 public secondary schools in Imo State. The sampling techniques used in this study are multi-stage, purposive, simple random and disproportionate sampling techniques. Two types of research instruments were used to collect data for this study namely; School Library Management Scale (SLMS) for school librarians and Students’ Satisfaction with Library Services Scale (SSLSS) for Students. The data collected were analyzed using Pearson (r) for the research questions and t-test of significance of correlation for hypotheses. The major findings of the study showed that: there is a very low positive relationship between planning as a management function and students’ satisfaction with library services. It was also established that there is a very low positive relationship between the organizing function and students’ satisfaction with library services and there is a significant relationship between controlling and students’ satisfaction with library services. Based on these findings, the study recommended that: there should be proper and adequate planning with the available library services because for any school library service to be effective and satisfy the needs of the students, it must be properly planned; Library services in secondary schools should be well organized in the aspect of cataloguing, classification, shelving as these will facilitate the use of library by students and ultimately improve their reading habits; Control measures should be put in place as activities should be carried out according to plans accomplished by comparing actual performance with predetermined standards with the view to correct any deviation

Participative Management and Effective Communication as Predictors of Job Performance of Library Staff in Federal Universities in South East Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria.

Abstract The study focused on participative management and effective communication as predictors of job performance of library staff in Federal Universities in South-East Geo-political Zone of Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. Correlation research design which involved simple linear method was adopted for the study. The population of the study is 332 library staff. Using total enumeration sampling technique, the entire population was adopted as sample for the study. Rating scale was used to collect data for the study. Pearson r statistics was used to answer the research questions while t-test of significance of simple linear correlation statistics was used to test the hypotheses at

Catfish Farmers Perception of Training Effectiveness of the University of Nigeria-West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme

The study assessed farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of UNN-WAAPP training on catfish production around the University of Nigeria catchment area in Enugu State. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 42 respondents across four town communities that benefited from the project in Nsukka agricultural zone, while structured interview schedule were used to elicit information from the respondents. Results of the study revealed that although the majority of the respondents indicated that they received training on areas of catfish production such as; feeding (100%), pond fertilization (90.5%) and pond water treatment (88.1%), among others, but a lesser proportion (19.0%) of them received training on feed formulation, which is a key area in catfish production. Based on their level of satisfaction with the training received, the farmers indicated that they were satisfied in the following areas of training: feeding (M=1.83), pond water management (M=1.55) and pond maintenance (M=1.33), among others. However, the farmers were not satisfied with the training on preservation (M=0.95), pond construction (M=0.86) and feed formulation (M=0.17). With respect to the respondents’ perception on the effectiveness of the training programme as regards trainers’ performance, organization and administration, the respondents indicated that it was effective in terms of the communication methods used by the trainers (M=1.83), asking and answering questions clearly (M=1.74) and use of relevant examples to illustrate training activities (M=1.71), among others. In order to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of farmers involved in catfish production, there is need for additional training in key areas of catfish production such as feed formulation and pond construction in order to achieve the aim of the project which is focused on improving the wealth status of participating communities

Catfish Farmers Perception of Training Effectiveness of the University of Nigeria-West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme

The study assessed farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of UNN-WAAPP training on catfish production around the University of Nigeria catchment area in Enugu State. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 42 respondents across four town communities that benefited from the project in Nsukka agricultural zone, while structured interview schedule were used to elicit information from the respondents. Results of the study revealed that although the majority of the respondents indicated that they received training on areas of catfish production such as; feeding (100%), pond fertilization (90.5%) and pond water treatment (88.1%), among others, but a lesser proportion (19.0%) of them received training on feed formulation, which is a key area in catfish production. Based on their level of satisfaction with the training received, the farmers indicated that they were satisfied in the following areas of training: feeding (M=1.83), pond water management (M=1.55) and pond maintenance (M=1.33), among others. However, the farmers were not satisfied with the training on preservation (M=0.95), pond construction (M=0.86) and feed formulation (M=0.17). With respect to the respondents’ perception on the effectiveness of the training programme as regards trainers’ performance, organization and administration, the respondents indicated that it was effective in terms of the communication methods used by the trainers (M=1.83), asking and answering questions clearly (M=1.74) and use of relevant examples to illustrate training activities (M=1.71), among others. In order to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of farmers involved in catfish production, there is need for additional training in key areas of catfish production such as feed formulation and pond construction in order to achieve the aim of the project which is focused on improving the wealth status of participating communities

Assessing the Health Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets in the Control of Malaria in Endemic Regions

Malaria is a protozoan disease caused in humans by the genus Plasmodium of which four species are known: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae. It is transmitted through the bite of infected female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. Malaria is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is characterized by extreme exhaustion associated with paroxysms of high fever, sweating, shaking chills, and anemia. Approximately 40% of the world's population, mostly those living in the poorest nations, are at risk. Much of the deaths due to malaria occur in Africa, mostly among children. The search for prevention and control interventions that are effective and sustainable remains an abiding challenge for national governments and international health agencies. To this end, the World Health Organization and several nongovernmental organizations are investing in the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITMNs) as a viable option. Trials of ITMNs in the 1980s and 1990s showed that they reduce deaths in young children by an average of 20% and multilateral agencies, spearheaded by Roll Back Malaria (RBM), seek to have 60% of the populations at risk sleeping under ITMNs by 2005. All pesticides are toxic by nature and present risks of adverse effects that depend on toxicity of the chemical and the degree of exposure. While there is agreement that ITMNs can be effective in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality under field trials, a number of factors relating to their sustainability and contribution to health improvement in less-developed countries have yet to be determined. In particular, the adverse effects associated with their long-term use and misuse has yet to be fully evaluated. Although this paper examines potential neurotoxic and neurobehavioral effects of long-term use of ITMNs and discusses priority public health actions for protecting the health of users, it forms the basis for further research

Impacts of Extraction Methods in the Rapid Determination of Atrazine Residues in Foods using Supercritical Fluid Chromatography and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay: Microwave Solvent vs. Supercritical Fluid Extractions

It is an accepted fact that many food products that we eat today have the possibility of being contaminated by various chemicals used from planting to processing. These chemicals have been shown to cause illnesses for which some concerned government agencies have instituted regulatory mechanisms to minimize the risks and the effects on humans. It is for these concerns that reliable and accurate rapid determination techniques are needed to effect proper regulatory standards for the protection of people's nutritional health. This paper, therefore, reports the comparative evaluation of the extraction methods in the determination of atrazine (commonly used in agricultural as a herbicide) residues in foods using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and microwave solvent extraction (MSE) methods were used to test samples of frozen vegetables, fruit juice, and jam from local food markets in Houston. Results showed a high recovery percentage of atrazine residues using supercritical fluid coupled with ELISA and SFC than with MSE. Comparatively, however, atrazine was detected 90.9 and 54.5% using SFC and ELISA techniques, respectively. ELISA technique was, however, less time consuming, lower in cost, and more sensitive with low detection limit of atrazine residues than SFC technique

EVALUATION OF WOUND HEALING AND ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF METHANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF STEPHANIA DINKLAGEI (ENGL.) DIELS

Background: Stephania dinklagei Diels (Engl.) is used in folkloric medicine in Southeastern Nigeria for treatment of wounds and some bacterial-associated infections. This study evaluated the wound healing and antibacterial potential of Stephania dinklagei to validate or invalidate its folkloric use. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of methanolic extract of S. dinklagei root (MESDR) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. was determined by macrobroth dilution. The extract at 20% and 10% concentrations were dosed orally to rats at 300mg/kg body weight (bw) in incision and dead space wound healing model to determine wound tensile strength and granulation tissue weight, respectively. Same extract concentrations were applied topically in excision wound model to determine the rate of wound contraction and epithelialization. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and the levels of total protein (TP), malondialdehyde (MAL), hydroxyproline (HYP) and hexosamine (HEX) in excision wound biopsies were determined at days 7 and 14 post wounding (pw). In the excision wound model, the extract concentrations were compared with gentamicin sulphate. Results: The MIC of S. dinklagei extract against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli and Klebsiella spp. were 8mg/ml, 3 mg/ml, 5mg/ml, 6mg/ml and 7mg/ml, respectively, while the corresponding MBC were 10 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml, 7mg/ml, 8mg/ml, and 9 mg/ml, respectively. The 20% extract concentration gave significantly (P0.05) at day 14 pw. HYP level of the extract-treated groups significantly (

Impact of Hydrophobic Pollutants' Behavior on Occupational and Environmental Health

This paper reviews the influence of hydrophobic pollutant behavior on environmental hazards and risks. The definition and examples of hydrophobic pollutants are given as a guide to better understand the sources of release and the media of dispersion in the environment. The properties and behavior of hydrophobic pollutants are described and their influence on environmental hazard and risk is reviewed and evaluated. The overall outcome of the assessment and evaluation showed that all hydrophobic pollutants are hazardous and risky to all organisms, including man. Their risk effects are due to their inherent persistence, bioaccumulation potential, environmental mobility, and reactivity. Their hazardous effects on organisms occur at varying spatial and temporal degrees of emissions, toxicities, exposures, and concentrations

DISCIPLINARY MEASURES AND JOB PERFORMANCE OF LIBRARY STAFF IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN IMO STATE.

Abstract The paper examined disciplinary measures and job performance of library staff in academic libraries in Imo State. It was guided by five objectives of the study. The survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study is thirty (34) Heads of Departments in the five academic libraries studied. The instrument for data collection was an online questionnaire rated using the four-point scale. Out of the 34 copies of instrument sent, 28 were returned showing 82% return rate. Data generated from the study were analyzed using mean (x) scores. Findings of the study revealed that; indiscipline practices carried out to high extent in the libraries studied are lateness, absenteeism from work and insubordination, causes of indiscipline in the libraries are poor working condition irregular payment of salaries, incompetent leadership, natural tendency to flout laws, lack of upward communication, wrong placement of staff, laxity on the part of managers to enforce discipline and nepotism/ethnicity, disciplinary measures are carried out to a low extent, discipline has influence on job performance of library staff and factors that militate against the adoption of disciplinary measures in the libraries, the respondents strongly agree to lack of policy, favouritism, corrupt leaders, ignorance of rules and regulations by staff, lack of management backing, inconsistency in carrying out disciplinary measures and interference from unions. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers recommend that: orientation should be given to staff, all stakeholders should be involved in the fight against the causes of indiscipline, every act of indiscipline should be given a matching disciplinary measure, disciplinary measures should be maintained in libraries in order to improve job performance and there should be a policy on discipline of staff which should be adhered to strictly without interference from individuals or unions. Keywords: Discipline, Measures, Job, Performance, Library, Management, Influence, Indiscipline, Policy, Staff