Empirical Analysis of Financial Contributions of Tourism to the Gross Domestic Product of Nigeria

This study evaluated the financial contributions of tourism to the gross domestic product of Nigeria from 2000-2015. To achieve the study objectives, ex-post facto research design was adopted and secondary data were collected. Data collected were analyzed using ordinary least square multiple regression technique. This was aimed at determining the cause-effect relationship between financial contributions of Tourism Sector to gross domestic product of Nigeria within the period under review. Results obtained from the analysis showed that there is a significant relationship between financial contributions of Tourism Sector to gross domestic product of Nigeria. A further analysis on contributions of other related sectors such as Health Sector, Transportation Sector, etc. yielded a non-significant relationship. Arising from the above results and conclusion, it was recommended amongst others that, in order to improve on the yield of the value of gross domestic product of Nigeria, government should develop Tourism Sector and other related sectors mentioned above. The major contribution of the work is therefore the discovery made concerning the course effect relationship between financial contributions of other related sectors to the growth of gross domestic product which normally should be positive, but was discovered to be negative based on empirical result of this work. Also the growth in tourism which normally should have had a significant relationship with growth in gross domestic product was discovered to be non-significant. It is therefore suggested that the tourism sector be accorded more attention in view of the volatility associated with revenue from petroleum products. Keywords: Tourism growth, Gross domestic product, Hospitality industries, Tourist, Tourist destination, Tourism expenditur

PREDICTION OF CRUDE OIL VISCOSITY USING FEED-FORWARD BACK-PROPAGATION NEURAL NETWORK (FFBPNN)

Crude oil viscosity is an important governing parameter of fluid flow both in the porous media and in pipelines. So, estimating the oil viscosity at various operating conditions with accuracy is of utmost importance to petroleum engineers. Usually, oil viscosity is determined by laboratory measurements at reservoir temperature. However, laboratory experiments are rather expensive and in most cases, the data from such experiments are not reliable. So, petroleum engineers prefer to use published correlations but these correlations are either too simple or too complex and so many of them are region-based not generic. To tackle the above enumerated drawbacks, in this paper, a Feed-Forward Back-Propagation Neural Network (FFBPNN) model has been developed to estimate the crude oil viscosity (μo) of Undersaturated reservoirs in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The newly developed FFBPNN model shows good results compared to the existing empirical correlations. The μo FFBPNN model achieved an average absolute relative error of 0.01998 and the correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.999 compared to the existing empirical correlations. From the performance plots for the FFBPNN model and empirical correlations against their experimental values, the FFBPNN model's performance was excellent

Framework of Church Accounting in Nigeria: Pragmatic Examination of the Problems, Prospects and Financial Implications of Proliferation of Churches

The study focused on framework of Church Accounting in Nigeria: Pragmatic examination of the problems, prospects and financial implications of proliferation of churches.  It was aimed at identifying the core accounting practices in churches and relating them to standard accounting practices for non-profit organizations and also examined how the resources generated by the churches are utilized for growth and development of the churches as well as the welfare of members.  The study made use of both primary and secondary sources of data. Research hypotheses were formulated and tested to verify the facts gathered on the study. The analysis revealed the following: Church accounting is not significantly different from accounting in non-profit organizations.    Although there are minor differences in practice, the underlying principles are the same.  Secondly, church accounting system is significantly necessary in contemporary times to ensure proper accounting of resources and for future decision making with respect to financial dealings, growth and development.  Based on the empirical and non empirical findings, the researchers are of the opinion that although church accounting is non-profit oriented, efficiency should not be sacrificed for subjectivity. Church accounting practices should be properly organized by employing qualified accounting personnel and conduct all financial affairs to sustain confidence and trust of members. Lastly, church administrators should undertake to train, educate as well as instruct members involved in the accounting functions and practices in order to have accounting system that would pass basic test of integrity. Keywords: Church accounting, tithes, thanksgiving offering, vows & pledges, gifts & donation

A Genetic Algorithm-based Framework for Soft Handoff Optimization in Wireless Networks

In this paper, a genetic algorithm (GA)-based approach is used to evaluate the probability of successful handoff in heterogeneous wireless networks (HWNs) so as to increase capacity and network performance. The traditional handoff schemes are prone to ping pong and corner effects and developing an optimized handoff scheme for seamless, faster, and less power consuming handoff decision is challenging. The GA scheme can effectively optimize soft handoff decision by selecting the best fit network for the mobile terminal (MT) considering quality of service (QoS) requirements, network parameters and user’s preference in terms of cost of different attachment points for the MT. The robustness and ability to determine global optima for any function using crossover and mutation operations makes GA a promising solution. The developed optimization framework was simulated in Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) software using MATLAB’s optima tool and results show that an optimal MT attachment point is the one with the highest handoff success probability value which determines direction for successful handoff in HWN environment. The system maintained a 90%  with 4 channels and more while a 75% was obtained even at high traffic intensity

Heterosis of Body Weights and Egg Weights of F1 Snails (Archachatina marginata var. saturalis) in Obubra, Nigeria

A study was conducted to provide baseline information on the trends of heterosis in snail traits, so that reproductive and production performance of snails will be enhanced as is the case with other farm animal species. Three hundred (300) grower snails, one hundred and fifty each of the black-skinned (BS) and white-skinned (WS) ectotypes of Archachatina marginata snail were generated from an earlier study in the same location. The snails had weight ranging from 43.31 to 45.43 g for both ectotypes at the time of selection and were allotted into three mating groups. The mating groups are; black skinned x black skinned (BS X BS), white skinned x white skinned (WS X WS) and black skinned x white skinned (BS X WS). The mating groups were used to generate snails whose body and egg weights were compared with that of their parents. Results from the study showed that all the mating groups (BS X BS, WS X WS and BS X WS) expressed positive body weight at hatch and at the juvenile stages of growth (1 wk to 4 wk). The heterotic values for body weight were 38.89 %, 37.01 % and 53.59 % for BS X BS, WS X WS and BS X WS mating groups respectively at hatch. The heterotic value for the crossbred (BS X WS) mating group was significantly (P<0.05) different from the values of the purebred mating groups (BS X BS and WS X WS). Similarly, all the mating groups recorded positive heterotic values for egg weight at lay. The crossbred (BS X WS) mating group expressed the highest value of 60.77 % and was significantly (P<0.05) different from the values expressed by the purebred mating groups, 59.39 % for BS X BS and 54.26 % for WS X WS. The results of this study suggest that hetrosis (hybrid vigour) can be exploited to improve snails’ reproductive and growth traits if appropriate selection programme is applied. We therefore recommend the continued crossing of the black- and white- skinned snails for the production of better offspring and preservation of their genetic potentials. Keywords: Heterosis, body, egg, weight, snai

Family planning practices of rural community dwellers in cross River State, Nigeria.

Background: Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa and the seventh most populous in the world. Despite a high fertility rate of 5.5 per woman and a high population growth rate of 3.2%, Nigeria’s contraceptive prevalence is 15%, which is one of the lowest in the world. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge of family planning and family planning preferences and practices of rural community women in Cross River State of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 291 rural women. Convenience sampling method was used. The women were assembled in a hall and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to every consenting woman until the sample size was attained. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 and presented in tables as frequencies and percentages as well as figures. Association between categorical variables was explored using chi-square test. Binary logistic regression was also performed to determine predictors of use of at least one family planning method at some point in time. Results: Fifty (17.2%) respondents were using at least one family planning method. One hundred and ninety-eight (68.3%) respondents had used at least one family planning method at some point in time. Reasons given for not using any family planning method included “Family planning is against my religious beliefs” (56%); “it is against our culture” (43.8%); “I need more children” (64.9%); “my partner would not agree” (35.3%); “family planning does not work” (42.9%); “it reduces sexual enjoyment” (76%); and “it promotes unfaithfulness/infidelity” (59%). Binary logistic regression conducted to predict the use of at least one family planning method at some point in time using some independent variables showed that who makes the decision regarding family planning use was the strongest predictor of family planning use (OR = 0.567; 95% CI = 0.391–0.821). This suggests that family planning uptake is more likely when couples make a joint decision. Conclusion: The proportion of respondents who were currently using at least one family planning method was low. The findings of this study suggest that family planning uptake would increase if couples make joint decisions in this regard

CHARTERING FUNDING AND RETURN ON ASSETS OF GUARANTEE CURRENCY STORES

The study set out to examine the chartering funding and return on assets of Guarantee Currency Stores. The study adopted the ex-post facto research design. The main purpose of the study was to generally evaluate the extent to which chartering funding could be considered as a better option amongst the various options of funding and extent which chartering funding affect the return on assets of guarantee currency stores. Data were collected from the annual reports of the selected Guarantee Currency Stores and the data were analyzed using regression method. The findings revealed that there is positive and significant relationship between funding charter, debt funding and return on asset respectively. Based on the findings, it was concluded that funding charter is one of the major sources of funding any asset as this option of funding ensures ample return on asset. The policy and economic implications are that; Guarantee Currency Stores should think through and judiciously appraise funding charter alternative in the construction of their capital structure as this increases return on asset more than others sources of capital while Machinery Charter Union of Nigeria should create more awareness on the significance of funding charter to encourage those Guarantee Currency Stores seeking for funds to use either funding charter or debt capital taking into reflection the benefits of the two options in terms of improved corporate return on asset.  Article visualizations

Nurses\u27 Involvement in HIV Policy Formulation in Nigerian Health Care System

Background of study: Nigerian national policy on HIV stresses the need for the adoption of multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach in policy formulation, with the health sector taking the lead. This calls for collaboration among the various stakeholders including nurses in policy development initiatives to ensure that diverse health care needs and disciplinary perspectives are captured in HIV health policies. Purpose: This paper will present the findings of a recent study which examined nurse’s involvement in policy development in the context of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV in Nigeria. Methodology: A qualitative case study design under the guiding tenets of critical social and power theories. The research is a single case study of one state with embedded units. Thirty nurse-leaders from the various embedded units were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling technique. Semi-structured in-depth interviews and document reviews were used for data collection. Focus group discussions were used as a form of member-checking and also to generate data. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: This paper focuses on the major themes that emerged from the study as well as highlight specific interplay of power dynamics in the health care system which hinders nurse’s involvement in policy formulation. Conclusion: The paper concludes with some of the lessons learnt in the study and proffer suggestions for effective integration of nurses into policy arena. It suggests the need for a broad-based educational curriculum which will incorporate strategies to build nurses capacity for leadership and policy development in nursing training schools

Adaptive Response Strategy of Farmers to Changing Rainfall Averages in Parts of South-Eastern Nigeria

The variable and changing nature of the annual rainfall regime in the study area poses the main problem for which planet responses are needed. The study is conducted with an estimated population of six thousand (6000) food croppers from Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. Three thousand (3000) respondent farmers are then drawn from six (6) agro-ecological zones, two from each of the sample states at five hundred (500) respondents per zone. Two hundred and fifty (250) farming households and finally sampled from the zones resulting in the one thousand five hundred (1500) sample that the study is based. Statistical evidence indicates that the awareness level of the peasants to the issue is significant at the 95% level of confidence. The main response strategies from analysis include the application of chemical fertilizers, the use of crop verities and changing the time of farming. The main change stimuli, however are higher annual intensities and declines in the duration. Response strategies however vary significantly across the study space at 95% probability. Cross River State, the more vulnerable to the threat is suggested to be the source of the significant variation following the Scheffe Post HOC analysis. Keywords: climate change response stimuli, response strategy, reactive response

Giant simple hepatic cyst: a case report and review of relevant literature

Background: Giant cysts of the liver are uncommon. Symptoms are related primarily to the mass effect of the enlarging cyst.Objective: To highlight the challenges of management of giant simple hepatic cyst in a resource limited setting.Case report: Presented is a 58-year-old seamstress with a 5-year history of an enlarging abdominal mass with easy satiety. Surgery revealed an exophytic giant simple hepatic cyst arising from liver segment IV that drained 4.6 litres of serous fluid.Conclusion: Simple hepatic cyst can attain giant dimensions and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intra- abdominal masses.Keywords: Laparotomy, giant hepatic cyst, drainage, wide excisio