Application of impact fragmentation to rock trenching

Each brittle rock has a characteristic critical impact energy at which fractures develop extensively. This threshold energy level depends on the size distribution of flaws within the rock. The impact energy required for fracture development has been estimated and verified experimentally for a variety of rocks. A single impact below the critical energy level deforms the rock elastically and causes minor crushing. Crushing results from stress concentration at the bit tip. At critical energy, cracks propagate through the rock. Above the critical energy, crushing and cracking are the dominant failure modes. Rebound measured with a special fracture hammer on a variety of rocks correlated with ultrasonic pulse velocities as regards the indication of fracture development at critical impact energy. The impact energy required to cause fracture was marked by a sharp decrease in the hammer rebound. Point load tests showed up to 70 percent decrease in rock strength about the fracture energy level. The radius of the fractured zone delineated with ultrasonic tests ranged from 4 to 7 cm;The effectiveness of percussive impacts as a means of reducing rock strength is proven in this investigation. Results have significance in mechanical excavation of hard and abrasive rocks. Hard rock trenching requires higher cutting forces than available rotary trenchers can exert. Based on obtained results, a rational design is proposed for a percussion trencher. This trencher would prefracture and hence, weaken hard rocks by percussive impacts before drag bit action. Recommendations have also been made on the field use of the special impact hammer which was developed for this research. Its robustness and portability make it ideal for the measurement of the in situ impact strength of rocks

E-SERVICESCAPE AND CUSTOMER PATRONAGE OF INTERNET BANKING IN DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS

This study was geared towards assessing the influence of e-servicescape on customer patronage of internet banking in deposit money banks. Its aim was to examine the influences of website aesthetic appeal, website usability, website security and website interactivity on customer patronage of internet banking services. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The sampling technique adopted was purposive sampling, which facilitated data collection from 228 bank customers with internet banking experience through a structured questionnaire. The study adopted multiple linear regression method to statistically test the hypotheses of the study. Consequently, the study found that website usability, website security and website interactivity had significant positive influences on customer patronage of internet banking in deposit money banks, while the effect of website aesthetic appeal was found to be non-significant and negative. Therefore, the study made relevant practical implications and suggestions for further research. Keywords: E-Servicescape, Customer Patronage, Internet Banking, Deposit Money Banks, Website Aesthetic Appeal, Website Interactivit

Utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Resources and Job Effectiveness among Library Staff in the University of Calabar and Cross River University of Technology, Nigeria

This study investigated utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources and job effectiveness among library staff in the University of Calabar and Cross River University of Technology, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, four hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. A sample of two hundred and twenty five (225) respondents was randomly selected for the study. The selection was done through the stratified random sampling technique. The questionnaire was the main instruments used for data collection. The reliability estimate of the instruments was established through the test-retest reliability method. Pearson product moment correlation analysis was employed to test the hypotheses under study. Each hypothesis was tested at .05 level of significance. The results of the analysis revealed that, staff use of internet, use of e-mail, use of PowerPoint and use of computer significantly related with library staff job effectiveness. Based on the findings, it was recommended that  library managers should organized workshop to educate library staff on the use of ICT Keywords: Utilization, ICT Resource, Job Effectiveness, Library Staff, Nigeria Universitie

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IMPLEMENTATION IN URBAN NIGERIA

A global new deal (describing a comprehensive programme designed to respond to multiple crises in financial, economic, environmental and social sectors) recently adopted by advanced countries comprises sustainable (renewable and efficient) energy and environmentally-friendly technologies. Despite the abundance of natural renewable energy resources in Nigeria, sustainable energy remains ignored and underplayed. Aetiological method and concept of postneoliberalism were used to analyse historical data on sustainable energy production and use in Nigeria. The findings include prolonged use of neoliberalistic political framework: military dictatorship, ineptitude in terms of adoption of sustainable energy due to the culture comprising historical scramble to steal and misappropriate funds earned from export, production and use, of fossil fuels (petroleum oil and natural gas). After criminally enriching themselves by stealing public funds, Nigeria’s elite (characterized by opulent living) over-use and rely on conventional energy technologies (CETs)-especially gigantic and powerful fossil fuel-run power generating sets It is concluded that the failure of Nigeria’s elite to facilitate massive and rapid implementation of sustainable energy technologies to address multiple crises hampering the achievement of sustainable development in the country beckons for the creation of new postneoliberalistic policies are required to promote massive and rapid implementation of sustainable energy technologies at decentralized sub-national urban regions based on the proven model of distributed generation and supply of SETs.postneoliberalism, sustainable energy technologies, Nigeria, conventional energy technologies

The Use of Geographic Information Systems for Display of University of Calabar Use Statistics and Functional Areas.

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study is to present University of Calabar statistics and functional areas using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The process of using a GIS is faceted and involves different methods of presentation. Being that University of Calabar Library has not yet been geo-mapped, author traced in-use statistics in the different divisions for a 3-years period especially to show that the library, in whatever format is useful for Information services. The summed in –use statistics gave a total data for study in all the functional areas. Analysis was presented using three different types of GIS charts------ Lines with markers charts, Radar charts, and a 3-D 100% stacked column chart. The findings revealed that library use data can be represented using a GIS. In addition, when data is accurate, whatever GIS design used for presentation and visualization will be accurate, most times self-explanatory and easy to understand. There is little published research to date on the capabilities and applications of GIS in this area of the world. This research provides a practical application-base overview. The paper therefore recommends that library Management in collaboration with the parent institution should arrange for the training of librarians in GIS usage. This would be important to boost contemporary Librarianship in this aspect

Leaders and Leadership Roles in Relation to Effective Management of the Human Resources

The term leader is defined as a person initiating interaction with other members of a group, a person who moves the group towards group goal. The dictionary definition of a leader is ‘one who leads or goes first’. In other words one who first perceives the group’s needs far ahead of others and therefore plans and enlists the cooperation of others in its implementation. A person is a leader in any social situation in which his ideas and actions influence the thoughts and behaviours of others. The concept of a ‘leader’ therefore implies role-playing for some time. To be called a leader, one must be performing leading roles repeatedly under varying conditions (English Dictionary 1987 ; Gibb 1965)

KNOWLEDGE AND USERS’ PREFERENCES OF CONTEMPORARY MARKETING STRATEGIES USED IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES

Purpose: This study investigated knowledge and users’ preferences of contemporary marketing strategies used in academic libraries. It is a user study innovation characterized by granting users’ with the information appropriate for better library usage and their feedback to analyze how what is presented to them makes an impact towards their attainment of academic goals. Methodology: This study carried out in University of Calabar Library adopted survey research design on a population of 1804 registered users. A simple random sampling technique was adopted in selecting 600 undergraduate and postgraduate registered users. Accordingly, 600 copies of questionnaire were distributed in the reader services units, which comprised Social Sciences, Medical, Africana, Humanities, Law, Reference as well as Science and Technology/Annex Divisions of the library. Questionnaire was distributed with a condition that only registered users who use the library often (at least thrice a week) were eligible to respond. Only 428 usable copies were returned and these were analyzed for the study. Findings: Study revealed users’ knowledge of marketing strategies in the following sequence Digital media marketing 423(98.83%), Awareness services marketing 377(88.08%) and Conducive environment marketing 224(52.34%). The result of preferences showed Digital media marketing as most preferred with 421(98.36%), Awareness services marketing had 398 (92.99%) respondents and Conducive environment marketing 204(47.66%). On the challenges, two respondents (5&34) frankly indicated their lack of understanding for the term conducive environment. This has a great implication for the result altogether but other respondents revealed their challenges with regards to inappropriate time fixed for library use of e-library, epileptic power supply, low bandwidth, that causes the network to show while pages were unable to open and staff negative attitude. Suggestions were given to encourage the publications of local news and magazines, which would help to intimate users of issues relating to library use among others. Originality: This article offer valuable insight on the users’ knowledge and preferences of contemporary marketing strategies in academic libraries. This indicate that, it is only when users’ are given what they desire, that they could be said to be satisfied. Classification: Research paper Keywords: Information, librarians’ empathy, Knowledge, users’ preferences, Contemporar

Clinical use of a modified release methylphenidate in the treatment of childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed neurobehavioural disorder in childhood, affecting over 5% of children worldwide. As well as the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, patients often exhibit learning difficulties and impairment in social functioning. The frequency of referral is higher for boys than for girls (about 2:1), and girls are generally older at the time of referral

AFTER-SALE SERVICES AND SUBSCRIBERS' SATISFACTION WITH TERRESTRIAL TELEVISION SERVICE PROVIDERS

This study centered on the effect of after-sale services on subscribers’ satisfaction with terrestrial television service providers. It was conducted to determine the effects of product delivery, installation service, warranty service and customer support on subscribers’ satisfaction with terrestrial television service providers. The study adopted cross-sectional survey research design. Primary data were obtained from 246 subscribers of terrestrial television service providers using a structured questionnaire. The data obtained for the study were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics while the hypotheses of the study were tested using multiple linear regression. The findings of the study revealed that installation service (? = .444; p-value = .000 < 0.05) had the highest significant positive effect on subscribers’ satisfaction with terrestrial television service providers, followed by warranty service (? = .384; p-value = .003 < 0.05), product delivery (? = .352; p-value = .000 < 0.05) and customer support (? = .301; p-value = .000 < 0.05). Consequently, the study concluded that subscribers’ satisfaction with terrestrial television service providers could be effectively improved by applying after-sale service practices. To that end, the study provided practical implications for managers of terrestrial television service providers.  Keywords: After-sale Services, Subscribers’ Satisfaction, Terrestrial Television Services