Internal Communication and Market Orientation of Mobile Telecommunication Companies in Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate how Internal Communication influences Market Orientation of Mobile Telecommunication Firms in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive investigation to establish the relationship between internal communications and market orientation. Instruments from previous studies were refined and used in this study. Data analyses were aided by the use of SPSS version 20 and hypotheses were tested using the Simple Regression method. After the data analysis, it was revealed that: Most sampled employees agreed that internal communication  has led the firm to have sufficient understanding of the needs and preferences of customers to be able to continuously create superior value for them, understand the short-term strengths and weaknesses and the long-term capabilities of both current and potential competitors, and has been responsible for the improved level of their networks’ ability to coordinate personnel and other resources throughout the organisation. Internal Communication was found to be a strong dimension of Internal Marketing that positively and significantly influences all the three measures of Market Orientation (customer focus, competitor focus and interfunctional coordination). Based on the findings and conclusions the study recommended that since Internal Communication positively relates with Market Orientation, Mobile telecommunication firms in Nigeria should improve on how both informal and formal information are exchanged between management and employee. Improve their physical facilities, equipment and communication materials, create opportunities for career development and regularly evaluate employees satisfaction with their work situation to know if employee’ enjoy and sees their job as pleasurable and satisfyin

FACTORS AFFECTING STUDENT ACCEPTANCE OF EVOLUTION THEORY BASED ON GENDER AND EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: a case study in Universitas Islam Madura, Indonesia

Evolution is one area on Biology learning that has the most contravention and misconception for many students in various educational regions globally, including Indonesia. This study aimed to identify student's acceptance of the evolutionary theory. The study was conducted using a mixed-method, in which the results of descriptive research were followed by correlational research on the variables studied. Data were collected by using questionnaire and rubric of Measure of Acceptance of The Theory of Evolution (MATE). The results showed that the average MATE score was 65.05, in which the students tended to have a moderate level of the acceptance of the evolutionary theory. The result showed that sex and religious background correlated with students' acceptance of the evolutionary theory, with a contribution of 49.9%. Thus, these results suggest that evolution is a crucial aspect to be considered in teaching evolution, and there must be an effort to overcome the differences in the acceptance of evolutionary theory in students with different gender and educational backgrounds. Three other factors influence student acceptance of the theory of evolution, namely students' misconceptions, beliefs, and understanding of the nature of science. Therefore, identification of students' prior knowledge is needed to determine the factors that influence students' acceptance in a context

Internal Marketing and Market Orientation of Mobile Telecommunication Companies in Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate how Internal Marketing influences Market Orientation of Mobile Telecommunication Firms in Nigeria. Three hundred and seventy four (374) copies of the questionnaire were administered to respondents. Upon retrieval and data cleaning, 338 copies were subjected to Data analysis. Data analyses were aided by the use of SPSS version 20 and hypotheses were tested using the Simple Regression method. After the data analysis, it was revealed that: Most sampled employees agreed that internal marketing has led the firm to have sufficient understanding of the needs and preferences of customers to be able to continuously create superior value for them, understand the short-term strengths and weaknesses and the long-term capabilities of both current and potential competitors, and has been responsible for the improved level of their networks’ ability to coordinate personnel and other resources throughout the organisation. Internal Communication, Job Satisfaction and Employee Motivation were found to be strong dimensions of Internal Marketing that positively and significantly influences all the three measures of Market Orientation (customer focus, competitor focus and interfunctional coordination). There is a significant and positive influence of Organisational Commitment on the relationship between Internal Marketing and Market Orientation. We therefore concluded that all the three dimensions of Internal Marketing (internal communication, job satisfaction and employee motivation) positively correlate with the measures of Market Orientation (customer focus, competitor focus and interfunctional coordination). Also, there is a significant and positive influence of Organisational Commitment as moderating variable on the relationship between Internal Marketing and Market Orientation. Based on the findings and conclusions we recommended that since Internal Communication, Job Satisfaction and Employee Motivation all positively relates with Market Orientation, Mobile telecommunication firms in Nigeria should: Improve how both informal and formal information are exchanged between management and employee. Improve their physical facilities, equipment and communication materials, create opportunities for career development and regularly evaluate employees satisfaction with their work situation to know if employee’ enjoy and sees their job as pleasurable and satisfying. Improve employee motivation by giving financial incentives for additional work done, giving health insurance and also make the work environment comfortable. Also, since Organisational Commitment positively and significantly influences the relationship between Internal Marketing and Market Orientation, Mobile Telecommunication firms need to improve activities in the organisation that will make the employees proud to associate with the organisation as a result make them to be loyal and proud to discuss their organisation with others outside the organisation and want to stay even if they get a better offer

Effect of Exposure to Air Freshener on Some Hepatic Enzymes and Haematological Parameters of Albino Rats

Air fresheners, which are available as incense sticks, scented candles, aerosols, liquids, gels, and electric diffusers, are used to mask odors with refreshing scents. They are widely used in homes, cars, and offices, marketed to create a clean and pleasant indoor atmosphere. However, many air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have harmful effects on human health. This study evaluated the effects of exposure to a gel air freshener on hepatic enzymes and hematological parameters in albino rats. Thirty (30) albino rats, weighing 200-260g, were divided into three groups of ten rats each, and acclimatized for two weeks under 12-hour light/dark cycles with free access to food and water. Group I (Control) was not exposed to the air freshener, Group II was exposed to the air freshener for 4 hours daily for 28 days, and Group III for 8 hours daily for 28 days. After the treatment, the rats fasted overnight, were anesthetized with chloroform, and blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture. AST and ALT were assayed using enzymatic methods, and hematological parameters were measured with the Sysmex XP-300 Automated Haematology Analyzer (5-part). Results showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in AST, ALT, hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cells, and platelet levels in Group III compared to Groups I and II. No significant difference was found between Groups I and II. This suggests that 8-hour daily exposure to air freshener for 28 days induces hepatocellular damage and alters hematological parameters in albino rats, with the extent of damage increasing with longer exposure. However, further studies on humans are recommended

The effect of gestational periods on fasting lipid profile, plasma glucose and chromium levels of apparently healthy pregnant women in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Pregnancy is a physiological condition in which the uterus of a woman carries at least one embryo for about 38 weeks, from conception to delivery; during this period, several physiological changes in biochemical and haematological functions occur. Knowledge of these changes however, may be helpful in providing effective care for pregnant women; hence this study was aimed at evaluating the effect of gestational periods on lipid profile, plasma glucose and chromium levels of apparently healthy pregnant women in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria.Methods: A total of 200 apparently healthy women were used for the study; 150 of them were pregnant (50 in the first trimester, 50 in the second trimester, and 50 in the third trimester), and the remaining 50 women were not pregnant. They were divided into four (4) groups; group I (control group) consists of 50 non-pregnant women, group II consists of 50 pregnant women in their first trimester, group III consists of 50 pregnant women in their second trimester, while group IV consists of 50 pregnant women in their third trimester. About 8 ml of fasting venous blood was collected from the antecubital fossa of each subject; 3 ml was dispensed into a fluoride oxalate anticoagulant bottle for the determination of plasma glucose concentration. The remaining 5 ml was dispensed into a lithium heparin-anticoagulant bottle for the determination of chromium and lipid profile. The data were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey multiple comparison test.Results: The results showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in glucose levels in the third trimester (group IV) of pregnancy compared to the non-pregnant group (control/group I), and a significant increase in chromium levels in the third trimester (group IV) compared to the non-pregnant group (control/group I), first trimester (group II) and second trimester (group III). Also, plasma triglyceride levels were significantly elevated in the second and third trimesters compared to the non-pregnant group and first trimester. Similarly, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly elevated in the second trimester compared to the non-pregnant group and first trimester, and in the third trimester compared to the non-pregnant group. Contrarily however, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels significantly decreased in the second and third trimesters compared to the non-pregnant group and first trimester, but no significant difference in total cholesterol when all the groups were compared.Conclusions: These findings revealed increased levels of chromium, which may be responsible for the decreased glucose levels in the third trimester. Also, this study revealed that pregnancy had no effect on the total cholesterol levels. However, an upsurge in triglyceride and LDL levels was noted in pregnancy, specifically in the second and third trimesters, whereas a down surge in HDL was noted in the second and third trimesters. The results show good glucose control, but with dyslipidaemia which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases especially arteriosclerosis

Evaluation of reproductive profile in male albino rats following varied duration of administration with Revive capsule

Background: Revive capsule is a polyherbal formulation commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction or enhance libido in men. Some of the individual herbs used in the formulation of this drug have been known scientifically to affect various biochemical components of the human body; hence this study was aimed at evaluating the reproductive profile in male albino rats following varied duration of administration with Revive capsule.  Methods: A total of 42 male albino rats were used for the study, and were divided into six (6) groups of seven (7) rats each. They were allowed to acclimatize for two (2) weeks by maintaining 12-hour light and dark cycles daily, with access to standard feed and water ad libitum. Group A (negative control) rats were administered with distilled water once daily, while groups B, C, D, E and F were administered once daily with 72 mg/kg of Revive capsule for 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks respectively. The rat dose administered was extrapolated from the human dose using the formula by Paget and Barnes. At the end of each treatment week, the rats were allowed to fast overnight, followed by their anaesthetization using chloroform, and blood sample collection via jugular vein puncture. Also, the testes were excised; the epididymis were also excised from the testes and used immediately for semen analysis, while the epididymis-free testes were examined histologically. Rat-specific test kits with ELISA method were used to analyze serum LH, FSH and testosterone.Results: The results showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels, and a significant increase in sperm count and sperm quality parameters in the treatment groups compared to the negative control, with the maximum levels attained after 6 weeks of treatment (group F). Also, photomicrographs of histologically examined testes of the treatment groups appeared indifferent from those of the negative control.Conclusions: These findings may suggest that in using a rat model, treatment with Revive capsule at the appropriate dosage for 6 weeks is safe, and that, besides its acclaimed use in enhancing libido or treating erectile dysfunction, it may also be effective in promoting male fertility.

Implantação da central de atendimento ao público

O projeto refere-se à implantação de uma Central de Atendimento ao Público, na Superintendência do IBAMA na Paraíba, visando a melhoria na prestação dos serviços ofertados à população, através da elevação da qualidade no atendimento e, conseqüentemente, do nível de satisfação de seus usuários. As principais inovações estão na integração dos setores que lidam com o atendimento ao público (Arrecadação, Cadastro e Protocolo), reunindo-os num só local de atendimento, mais moderno, informatizado e mais funcional; e no aproveitamento do local para a exibição de vídeos ecológicos durante o período em que o contribuinte aguarda o atendimento, procurando, desta forma, por meio da Educação Ambiental, despertar a consciência ecológica daqueles que degradam o meio ambiente ou que exercem atividades utilizadoras de recursos ambientais. Como resultados positivos principais, destacam-se a agilidade e melhoria na qualidade do atendimento ao usuário, que passou a usufruir de um atendimento bem mais agradável, com eficiência, facilidade, rapidez, conforto e cordialidade. Tais resultados proporcionaram o resgate da credibilidade na Instituição perante a sociedade e representou uma mudança radical no ambiente de trabalho e na cultura organizacional da Casa, ao valorizar a atividade de atendimento ao público e, ao mesmo tempo melhorar as condições de trabalho dos servidores, favorecendo a uma relação de harmonia e respeitabilidade entre o corpo funcional do Órgão e seus usuários - clientesNúmero de páginas: 6 p.InovaçãoIniciativa premiada no 3º Concurso Inovação na Gestão Pública Federal sob responsabilidade de Joseilson de Assis CostaAções premiadas no 3º Concurso Inovação na Gestão Pública Federal - Prêmio Hélio Beltrão – 1998Áreas temáticas: atendimento ao cidadão-usuário; atendimento ao cidadã

Símbolos populares Colombianos

El presente proyecto de investigación está enfocado a identificar los símbolos populares colombianos que gozan de una relevancia cultural en nuestro país. Son reconocidos pero poco explotados comercialmente, ya que esto se puede evidenciar en aquellos objetos e indumentaria que las personas llevan a diario. Nuestra intencionalidad es tomar e intervenir representaciones icónicas que guardan una aceptación y un acuerdo social y estético en culturas como la nuestra, y se configuran en el imaginario, para que desde lo simbólico puedan ser comunicados desde el diseño y la comunicación gráfica en una propuesta atractiva que le genere un sentido de pertenencia a un grupo juvenil determinado, el cual oscila entre 15 a 25 años

Effect of Revive Capsule on Cardiovascular Risk Indices in Male Albino Rats in Relation to the Duration of Administration

Revive capsule is a polyherbal formulation commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction or enhance libido in men. This drug has similar mechanism of action with phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. However, there have been speculations about the relationship between PDE5 inhibitors and cardiovascular disease, hence the need for this study, which was aimed at evaluating the effects of Revive capsule on cardiovascular risk indices in male albino rats in relation to the duration of administration. A total of 42 male albino rats were used for the study, and were divided into six (6) groups of seven (7) rats each. They were allowed to acclimatize for two (2) weeks by maintaining 12-hour light and dark cycles daily, with access to standard feed and water ad libitum. Group I (Negative Control group) was administered with distilled water once daily, while groups II, III, IV, V and VI were treated with Revive capsule at a dosage of 72mg/kg once daily for 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks respectively. The rat dose administered was extrapolated from the human dose using the formula by Paget and Barnes. At the end of each treatment week, the rats were allowed to fast overnight, followed by their anaesthetization using chloroform, and blood sample collection via jugular vein puncture. Also, the heart was excised and examined histologically. Fasting lipid profile total cholesterol, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein was analyzed using Randox test kits with enzymatic method; the low density lipoprotein was calculated using Friedewald’s equation; then, the cardiovascular (atherogenic) risk indices were calculated using the various lipid parameters. The results showed a significant increase (p <0.05) in serum high density lipoprotein level, and a decrease in serum low density lipoprotein level and cardiovascular risk indices (atherogenic index of plasma, castelli's risk index-I, castelli's risk index-II and atherogenic coefficient) in the treatment groups, with the maximum effect attained after 6 weeks of treatment. Also, photomicrographs of histologically examined cardiac muscle of the treatment groups appeared indifferent from that of the negative control. These findings may suggest that treatment with Revive capsule at the appropriate dosage for 6 weeks did not pose any cardiovascular risk or cardiotoxicty, but may rather be helpful in the amelioration of cardiovascular diseases in a rat model