Use of Smartphone for Access to Digital Information Resources and Services by University Academics: A Survey of Faculty Members of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria

The study investigates the use of Smartphone for Digital Information Resources and Services Access by University Academics: A Survey of Faculty Members of Modibbo Adama University, Yola Nigeria. The study was guided by six objectives, six research questions and three hypothesises were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted survey research method. Questionnaire was used as the method of data collection. The population for this study is 648 academics. The study adopted simple random sampling techniques. The collected data was analysed by inferential statistics, and hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance, the study among others revealed that 16.250% mostly used Android phones types of smartphone device mostly used by academics in accessing information resources and services. It revealed that respondents agreed to the items raised on the reasons for using various applications of smartphones by the academics to access information resources and services. It was also revealed that the respondents agreed to the items raised on the challenges faced by academics in accessing information resources and services. The study concludes among others that most of the academics used android phone in accessing the information and digital services also satisfied to the extent with the services. The study recommends among others that the library management should strive and make all information resources and services digitalized in order to make them accessible through digital devices, and management should provide internet with enough bandwidth to curtail the challenges faced by the academics in accessing information resources and service

The role of the human resource development unit of the department of Arts and Culture in promoting a culture of reading in the Edendale community.

Masters Degrees. University of KwaZulu-Natal. Pietermaritzburg.The investment in education will go a long way in addressing challenges of high levels of illiteracy, inequality, poverty and unemployment among poor communities. The contemporary literature indicates that high levels of illiteracy is responsible for the high levels of poverty mainly in the developing nations. Against this background, the study investigated the role of the Human Resource Development Unit of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture (HRD Unit of the KZN-DAC) in building learning societies through the development of reading habits in the Edendale community which falls under the Umsunduzi Local Municipality. The literature reviewed for the study pointed to the fact that the Sub-Saharan African region has the lowest rate of literacy of all the world regions, and that the public library system in Africa is beset by numerous challenges, particularly a lack of human resources, financial constraints and low levels of awareness for the role of libraries within communities. The study used Human Capital Theory to argue that the creation of much needed human capital for economic growth in South Africa depends mainly on a strong culture of reading. In this regard, the three elements of Human Capital Theory, namely: investment in education; advancement of population; and efficiency and productivity of employees are discussed in relation to the current study. The empirical survey was conducted through the mixed methods approach in which data collecion was conducted in a two-folded manner. Firstly, the semi-structured interviews (qualitative study) were conducted with officials from the KZN-DAC and Georgetown Public Library to solicit their views and opinions about the role of library services in the Edendale community. Secondly, the questionnaires were administered (quantitative study) to the community members of the Edendale community in order to draw statistical conclusions about their understanding of how libraries should be managed in order to produce positive results for community development. The findings of the study demonstrates that, due to resource constraints, the HRD Unit of the KZN-DAC is not playing a meaningful role in equipping the librarians with skills necessary for the promotion of a culture of reading in communities. Instead, this role is to some extent, played by the Msunduzi Municipality Library Services. The findings of the study also demonstrates that the HRD Unit of the KZN-DAC is not budgeting for the training of public librarians to equip them with requisite skills and knowledge for promoting a culture of reading. The recommendations of the study points to the need for exploring ways of closing the gap between the Municipality Library Services, the Library Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), the HRD Unit of the KZN-DAC and the Library Services Directorate of the KZN-DAC with regard to the initiatives geared towards the promotion of a culture of reading

Personnel management and job satisfaction in academic libraries: a case study of federal college education Yola. Adamawa state, Nigeria

The study examined personnel management and job satisfaction in academic libraries: A case study of the Federal College of Education Yola, Adamawa State. The objectives of the study were to: determine the methods used for personnel recruitment, determine the level of staff development, identify the motivational factors of the library personnel, determine the level of job satisfaction and needs of the personnel, and assesses allowances/pay packages of the personnel. Literatures were reviewed based on objectives of the study. Survey research was the method adopted for the study. The target population of the study was the 18 library personnel in the Federal College of Education Yola. Questionnaire was used for this research as the main data collection instrument, and descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. The major findings are that: Majority of the library personnel were recruited before starting the job, Majority of the staff were trained before starting the job, also the staff were sponsored for in- service training programme, findings also reveals that promotions and refresher courses motivate library personnel’s, majority of the library personnel were satisfied with their present job, and only few of the staff were given soft loan as a welfare allowance. It was recommended that the library Management of the Federal College of Education Yola library should widely recruit personnel and device the method of training and retraining them, library management should also create an enabling environment for the library personnel to undergo in-service training, also considerations should be given to adequate pay packages/allowance which includes rent in bulk, hazard and over time. They should also be highly motivated through promotions and salary increment. And the library Management should endeavor to strategize and encourage workers to perform better by providing them with necessary benefits such as hazard allowance, and other allowances

Assessing the current problems in the tourism industry (Case study: Tabriz city)

Today, tourism industry has a high status in the economies of the country and plays an active and effective role in promoting the economic, social and cultural structure of countries, especially in the developing countries. Although tourism is just one industry, tourism has the most cultural interactions. The tourism industry plays a major role in the growth process and this is where Iran has the right advantages. The present research which is descriptive-research, has been conducted using library practices and practical studies and, in addition to identifying strengths, examines the weaknesses of tourism growth in the current situation of tabriz and the capabilities and limitations of tourism growth in the city  and mentioned to  matrix of external factors affecting the growth of tourism in tabriz city . These results indicate the inadequacy of the urban transport system for the growth of urban tourism, low attention to cultural and artistic attractions, lack of adequate and adequate parking in the historical context, attention to urban furniture, as well as beatification of tourist attractions, lack of management and planning Suitable for tourism related issues by urban organizations

The need for problem-based learning in Nigerian secondary school chemistry lesson

Education is a vital instrument for human capital development. Chemistry is one of the basic sciences responsible for development of any nation. Chemistry students are expected to be equipped with 21 century competences and skills. The purpose of this article is to stress the need for implementation of PBL in Nigerian secondary school chemistry lessons. Teaching and learning in Nigeria does not produce students with the required skills and competencies, because of traditional instructions by teachers, bad learning environment and inadequate facilities.PBL is a process in which students develop problem solving skills and flexible knowledge through collaborative and self-directed learning under teachers guide. The process also facilitates the learning of three levels of chemical representations and the students’ alternative conceptions in chemistry. PBL was pioneered for medical students in the 60s, to relate the knowledge acquired in the university to students future professional practice. It was letter extended to other sciences. PBL has its theoretical bases from Cognitivists and Constructivists psychologists.In conclusion, the authors suggested for implementation of PBL in Nigerian secondary schools.Therefore they will investigate how the process of its implementation in chemistry lessons with the aim of developing a suitable PBL Model for Nigeria

Anti-Salmonella activity of metabolites from African soldier termites, Macrotermes bellicosus

Background: The global emergence and rapid dissemination of multidrug resistant Salmonella strains necessitate research to find new antimicrobials that will effectively be used against these pathogens. In the present study, anti-Salmonella activity of metabolites from African Soldier Termites, Macrotermes bellicosus was demonstrated and subsequently compared with a potent antibiotic, ciprofloxacin.Materials and Methods: N-hexane, ethylacetate, methanol and aqueous extracts of metabolites from the M. bellicosus were assayed for anti-Salmonella activity using the agar dilution method in the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The inhibitory activities of the extracts were compared to ciprofloxacin (256μg/ml). Also, the bioactive components of the extracts were determined using standard techniques.Results: At 4000 μg/ml, N-hexane extract inhibited the growth of Salmonella Typhi, S. Paratyphi A, B and C while ethylacetate extract was able to inhibit S. Paratyphi A and C. Methanolic and aqueous extracts at the same concentration were unable to inhibit these strains of Salmonella. Furthermore, our findings revealed that the MIC of ethylacetate extract was 2000μg/ml for S. Paratyphi A and B, 250μg/ml for S. Typhi, and 125μg/ml for S. Paratyphi C. Also, the MIC of hexane extract was 4000μg/ml for S. Paratyphi B, 2000 μg/ml for S. Paratyphi C, 500μg/ml for S. Typhi and 250μg/ml for S. Paratyphi A respectively. The screening of bioactive components revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides and alkaloids.Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of anti-Salmonella action of metabolites from African Soldier Termites, M. bellicosus. N-hexane and ethylacetate extracts of M. bellicosus may be explored as novel antimicrobials for the treatment of typhoid and paratyphoid fevers thereby reducing the pressure exerted on available antibiotics.Keywords: Salmonella, antimicrobials, insects, extract

Attitude of Students towards Utilization of Computerized library Services in Nigerian Libraries

Abstract This study surveyed the attitude of students towards computerized library services at Ibrahim Babangida Library (IBL) Modibbo Adama University of Technology, (MAUTech) Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data was collected through questionnaire. The study used population of 158 students who visited the university library as at the time the study was conducted. The findings revealed that Internet is the most available computerized service in the library as well as students have positive attitude towards the computerized services in the library. Among others, the problem of inadequate power supply as major hindrance to the use of the computerized library services. The study concluded that there is a positive attitude from the students towards computerized library services. It is therefore recommended among others that library management should provide alternative source of power to curtail power outages and librarians should increases the level of awareness of its users towards the computerized library services

Molecular Identification of Salmonella spp. in Ticks Isolated from Domestic Animals in Zanjan Province

Salmonella is a Gram-negative Bacteria that is commonly found in most environments and organisms and is a causative agent of disease. Salmonella spp. is one of the most common foodborne illnesses. Salmonellosis is a common infectious disease in humans and animals that manifests with gastrointestinal or hepatic symptoms and can lead to various clinical symptoms such as diarrhea in infants, fetal abortion, orchitis, pneumonia, and septicemia. In the current study, 412 hard ticks were classified and identified to investigate Salmonella spp. based on diagnostic keys. In total, 412 hard ticks, including 208 Hyalomma species and 204 Rhipicephalus species, were identified. The samples were divided into 82 pools according to the tick genus, and DNA was extracted from the ticks. Pathogens transmitted by ticks were diagnosed using PCR, and samples were examined for the presence of Salmonella spp. bacteria. In the study, a total of 208 Hyalomma tick samples and 204 Rhipicephalus tick samples were collected and were separated by gender in pools of five. Out of these, 51 male pools and 30 female pools were identified. Rhipicephalus ticks had 27 male and 14 female pools, while Hyalomma ticks had 24 males and 16 female pools. The study found that 8 out of 40 (20%; 95% Cl: 10.5%- 34.76%) Hyalomma ticks, and 12 out of 41 (29.27%; 95% Cl: 17.61%-44.48%) Rhipicephalus ticks were carriers of the pathogens, indicating that these pathogens can be transmitted by different species of hard ticks. Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a significant public health concern worldwide

The Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)) Towards Providing Effective Library Services in Special Libraries of Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation Yola, Adamawa State Nigeria

The study examined the role of information and communication technology (ICT)) towards providing effective library services in special libraries of Adamawa broadcasting corporation Yola, Adamawa State Nigeria. The study employed four objectives of the study and four research questions. The study adopted the descriptive survey research method. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The population of the study consists of fifteen (15) staff. This study adopted purposive sampling technique where. Descriptive statistic was used as the method of data analysis. The study revealed that there is availability of ICTs such as: CDs, hard drives, flash and also photocopier and printers in the library. The study also, revealed that the staff possessed competencies in retrieving document from storage devices. The study also, showed that current awareness services are effective in using ICTS for providing effective services in the library. The study showed that poor funding and facilities are the major problem hindered the effective use of information and communication technology in the library. The study concluded that among others that there is availability of information and communication technologies; also, staff in the library possessed competencies of retrieving document from the storage devices and poor funding and inadequate facilities are the major problems hinders the effective use of the library. The study recommended among others that the management of ABC should make ICTs available and should make sufficient funds available in other to acquire modern ICT facilities for effective services deliver

A New Topology for Z-Source Inverter Based on Switched-Inductor and Boost Z-Source Inverter

In this paper, a new topology for boost Z-source inverterbased on switched-inductor cell is proposed. The operating modes of the proposed inverter are analyzed and also a suitable control method to generate the trigger signals of the inverter is presented. Having a common earth between the input source and inverter and capability to generate a higher voltage gain by using lower amounts of the duty cycles are some advantages of the proposed Z-source inverter. Comparison of the proposed inverter with conventional Z-source inverters is presented from different points of the view. Finally, the accuracy performance of the proposed inverter is reconfirmed through the simulation results in EMTDC/PSCAD software program