Motivation, Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention Level of Academic Staff in Private Universities in Southwestern Nigeria

The study investigated the influence of level of motivation and job satisfaction on the level of turnover intention of academic staff in private universities in Southwestern Nigeria. The descriptive design method was employed and multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for the study. One thousand four hundred and seventy three academic staff participated in the study. The participants were drawn from 8 private universities randomly selected from 4 states which were randomly sampled from 6 states in Southwestern geo-political zone. Research questions were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation and multiple regression was used to analyse the hypothesis. The results revealed low level of motivation and job satisfaction as well as high level of turnover intention of academic staff in private universities in Southwestern Nigeria. Results also indicated a significant influence of the level of motivation and job satisfaction on the level of turnover intention of academic staff in private universities in Southwestern Nigeria. This means that 12% of the total variance in turnover intention of academic staff in private universities in Southwestern Nigeria is attributed to the influence of the level of motivation and job satisfaction. This indicates that the independent variables (motivation level and job satisfaction level) and the dependent variable (turnover intention level) have linear and significant relationship

Caesarean section in second stage of labour: a commentary on principles and techniques

Caesarean section done at full cervical dilatation (second stage of labour) has been on the rise globally and comes with its own unique challenges and complications. This commentary highlights the peculiar challenges associated with caesarean section in second stage of labour and gives an overview on various principles to be followed and techniques to employ to reduce fetal and maternal morbidity

Ex-vivo evaluation of crab shell chitosan as absorption enhancer in ciprofloxacin tablet formulation

This study was aimed at evaluating crab shell chitosan as absorption enhancer in ciprofloxacin tablet formulation using the ex-vivo model. Six batches of ciprofloxacin tablets containing varying concentrations of crab shell-derived chitosan ranging from 0 to 5% w/w at 1% w/w intervals were produced. Batch CTS-0 containing no chitosan served as the control. The crushing strength, friability, disintegration time, dissolution profile and permeation profile of all the batches were determined. Friability was not significantly affected but the crushing strength and disintegration time of tablets decreased with increase in concentration of chitosan. There was no significant difference in the cumulative percent drug released in 1 h but the cumulative percent drug permeated in 4 h increased with increase in the concentration of chitosan. It increased from 68% (when no chitosan was added) to 81.8% (when 5% w/w chitosan was incorporated). The polymer caused a faster onset of drug release but the eventual total drug released was not significantly influenced. It also improved the permeation of the released drug. This study correlates with in-vivo bioavailability study because the usual oral bioavailability of ciprofloxacin without absorption enhancer is 70%. Hence, crab shell chitosan at concentration of 5% w/w could increase the absorption of ciprofloxacin from 70 to 82%. The study suggests the use of the chitosan at this concentration to improve the absorption of ciprofloxacin.Key words: Crab shell chitosan, ciprofloxacin, dissolution, permeation, absorption

Biopolymer-mediated Green Synthesis of Noble Metal Nanostructures

Polymer-coated noble metal nanoparticles are currently of particular interest to investigators in the fields of nanobiomedicine and fundamental biomaterials. These materials not only exhibit imaging properties in response to stimuli but also efficiently deliver various drugs and therapeutic genes. Even though a large number of polymer-coated noble metal nanoparticles have been fabricated over the past decade, most of these materials still present some challenges emanating from their synthesis. The metal nanoparticles when encapsulated in a polymer and taken up by human cells might show a lower degree of toxicity; however, the degree of toxicity for some of the starting materials and precursors has raised serious concerns. Hence, there is a need to implement the principle of green chemistry in the synthesis of nanomaterials. The use of environmentally benign materials for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles provides numerous benefits ranging from biocompatibility, availability, cost-effectiveness, amenable scale-up to eco-friendliness. The biopolymer-based nanovehicles have been found to be more suitable in the field of nanotechnology owing to their high reproducibility, ease of manufacture, functional modification and safety (they are not carcinogenic). Unlike synthetic polymers where the raw material can be derived from petrochemicals or chemical industrial processes, biopolymers are produced from renewable resources such as plant and/or living organism. They are degradable by natural processes down to elemental entities that can be resorbed in the environment. Furthermore, they can also be modified to serve a particular purpose which explains the myriad of their potential applications. The macromolecular chain of these biopolymers possesses a large number of hydroxyl groups which can easily complex with metal ions. Additionally, these biopolymers also contain supramolecular structures that can lead to new functionalities of their composites with metal and semiconductor nanoparticles. In this chapter, a comprehensive discussion on different biopolymers, green synthesis of noble metal nanostructures, mechanisms, characterization and application in various fields is presented

Improving yield and cane quality through implementation of harvesting best practice-2019 Herbert demonstration

In 2019, the Australian sugarcane industry conducted a month-long demonstration with 12 trials to determine the commercial viability of harvesting best practice. Initiated by a small group of innovative growers and contractors from the Herbert region, the concept of a commercial demonstration sought to determine both agronomic and economic impacts of adopting HBP, including the assessment of possible yield gains without having a detrimental impact on extraneous matter, and economic implication for growers and harvesting contractors arising from revenue and harvesting cost changes. Two Herbert harvesting contractors participated in the demonstration comparing their standard harvesting practices to Sugar Research Australia Harvesting Best Practice (HBP or recommended practice). The results identified an average 4.8 t/ha increase in yield with no additional increase in extraneous matter for the recommended setting. A comprehensive economic analysis was conducted on each of the trials. Detailed harvesting costs and operational information, including machinery, labour, and fuel data, were collected from the respective harvesting operations. Harvesting costs and levies were $37/ha ($0.07/t) higher for the recommended setting due to higher yields, reduced harvester ground speeds and lower extractor fan speeds. Despite the higher harvesting costs, recommended settings obtained significantly higher total revenue ($151/ha, +4.7$114/ha in the adoption of recommended settings (based on a 4.4% higher net revenue calculated as total grower revenue minus harvesting costs and levies). The Herbert demonstrations have proven instrumental in the acceptance of harvesting best practice for the region. The results again confirm that adapting and aligning commercial-scale harvesting practices to crop and paddock conditions have positive impacts on both yield and economic outcomes

Planned cesarean myomectomy at term for huge intramural fibroids coexisting with pregnancy: A case report

With about 2–11% of pregnancy co‑existing with fibroids, one in 10 women will have complications related to myoma in pregnancy. The procedure of cesarean myomectomy has been much discouraged and the need to perform inevitable myomectomy during the cesarean section (CS) when fibroids obstruct wound closure has been presented. A case of a primigravida with huge uterine fibroids displacing the fetus into a persistent oblique lie and causing maternal discomfort is presented. A planned cesarean myomectomy was performed. Hemorrhage was controlled with tourniquet using Foley catheter, misoprostol, and high dose oxytocin infusion. The mother and baby had a satisfactory outcome. Elective cesarean myomectomy is safe but should only be done by an experienced surgeon and in centers equipped with facilities for comprehensive emergency obstetric care. Key words: Cesarean myomectomy; cesarean section; fibroids

Factors Influencing The Practice Of Exclusive Breastfeeding In Three Regions Of Nigeria

Background: Breastfeeding is the super food for babies and is sufficient if given exclusively in the first six months of a baby's life. In Nigeria, the practice of breastfeeding is high but Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) rates remain low at 13%. Several interrelating factors directly or indirectly affect the decision or ability of mothers to practice EBF. The objective of this study was to assess the factors influencing EBF in Nigeria.Methodology: A cross sectional survey among 433 mothers of children between six and twenty-four months old was conducted in urban and peri-urban/rural parts of Zaria, Abakaliki, and Ibadan. The study adopted a mixed research methodology that consisted of key informant interviews, structured questionnaires, and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistic was used to analyze the quantitative data while the themes in the qualitative data were analyzed using manual content analysis.Results: Approximately 90% of all mothers interviewed had heard about EBF, although with variations in the exact definition of EBF as many interpreted it to be just till the start of 6 months. The practice of EBF is low - Ibadan (16%), Abakaliki (10%) and Zaria (2%).Inaccurate knowledge of EBF, occupation, antenatal care attendance, age of mothers, supportive environment from stakeholders are some factors associated with the practice of EBF.Conclusion: The findings in this study indicate that several factors affect the practice of EBF in Nigeria. Improving the practice of EBF in the country will require a multifaceted approach and concerted efforts from stakeholders to address the deterring factors limiting its practice.Keywords: Exclusive Breastfeeding, Interrelating factors, social activity and significant others, and Nigeri

The Application of ICT in the Circulation Services of the University Library, Federal University, Lokoja-Kogi State, Nigeria.

In this world where the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has revolutionized the way and manner in which tasks are been accomplished in most organizations. One important aspect of ICTs application in this 21st century library services is the provision of quick and effective service delivery. The circulation/customer service unit of the library offers customer services to library clientele and performs the traditional role of charging and discharging of information resources to users, registering new users, charging of fines etc, these activities are now been undertaking by applying ICTs. Thus, this study is aim to investigate the application of ICTs in the operational routine activities of the circulation/customer services unit in Federal University Library, Lokoja-Kogi State, Nigeria. The study is anchored on qualitative research method, with a population of eight (8) staff including the circulation/customer service librarian, out of which five (5) including the circulation librarian was purposively selected, using interview method as instrument and a structured interview was administered to the respondents using a checklist. The data generated were analysed using citation analysis. The study revealed that, the circulation processes of the library is at low level ICT application; also, some challenges like inadequate power supply, insufficient funding, inadequate computer savvy of the staff, network issues among others were identified. Finally, the study recommends: provision of constant and adequate power supply; training and retraining of staff; and improve network issues for better services delivery

Analyses of Willingness to Practice Agriculture as Enterprise among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Ibadan, Oyo State

This study investigated willingness to practice agriculture as enterprise among students of tertiary institutions in Oyo State. A Multi-stage sampling technique was used to elicit data from 112 selected respondents in the study area. Data were collected using a well structured questionnaire and analyzed with the use of descriptive (frequency counts, percentages, and mean) and inferential statistic (Chi-square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation). The results showed that majority of the respondents were within the age range of 21-25 years, with majority males, whom were single in the study area. Furthermore, results revealed that majority of the respondents had low interest in agricultural enterprise preference and high constraint associated with respondents willingness to engage in agricultural enterprise in the study area. Majority of the respondents had positive willingness to practice agricultural enterprise in the study area. There was significant relationship between selected socio-economic characteristics of the respondents except Gender and Marital status. It is therefore recommended that government should motivate agricultural students by providing Youth Empowerment programmes and services directed to improve their willingness to engage in agricultural enterprises