An Epistemological Inquiry of Scientific Practice

Abstract: This study explores some theoretical issues in scientific research such as, the nature of experimentation and problems of methodology in scientific practice as well as the question of truth, rationality, objectivity and utility of scientific discoveries. The paper discusses a number of theorizing that have emerged in response to the challenge raised by the above concerns. Epistemological models of science from critical rationalists, like Popper, Kuhn, Feyerabend and the neo-pragmatic methodological orientation of Arthur Fine’s Natural Ontological Attitude (NOA) to Science, have been adopted as points of discussion on what science as an empirical discipline entail. The paper concludes that a rigorous epistemological discussion on the methodology of scientific inquiry is a desideratum for the progress of science

Assessing Relationship between Personal Value and Customer Satisfaction:Evidence from Nigerian Banking Industry

Results implicated self-transcendence as having positive relationship with customer satisfaction while selfenhancement has negative relationship with customer satisfaction. It was also established that the overall personal value has significant effect on customer satisfaction. The research measures showed encouraging psychometric values. These findings were discussed and situated within the Nigerian banking industry. It was recommended that the banking industry should place more emphasis on target marketing practices thereby enhancing the quality delivery of services to customers. Areas of further studies were also suggested

Occupational practice and problems of artisanal fisherfolk in Oyan dam area of Ogun State

Artisanal Fish Societies constitutes one of the poorest societies in the developing world. Attempts to harness the potentials of such societies have often failed due to the enormity of the problem of poverty. This study was conducted in four major fishing villages namely: Abule Titun, Apojola, Imala Odo and Ibaro in order to investigate the occupational practices and the problems of rural artisanal fisherfolks in Oyam's Dam, area of Ogun State. Eighty respondents were randomly selected among the artisanal fisher folks for interview using interview guide. The findings revealed that 43.8% of the fisherfolks are within active age range of 31-40 years while 30% are within 21-30 years range. Also 31% had no formal education indicating a relatively high level of illiteracy among the fisherfolks while majority of the respondents practice fishing activities using paddle and canoe. It was similarly discovered from the study that the most pressing problems of the fishfolks is the lack of basic social amenities like electricity, potable water, access roads, hospital and markets. It is therefore recommended that basic social infrastructures be provided for the artisanal fishing communities in order to improve their social welfare, standard of living and the capacity to have a sustainable fishing occupation in the interest of food security and poverty alleviatio

Social Networking and Business Performance: The case of Selected Entrepreneurs in Ota, Nigeria

This research study examined the nature of relationship between social networking and business performance using selected entrepreneurs in Ota, Nigeria as respondents. The specific objectives of the study are; (i) to ascertain the extent to which social media networks are used by entrepreneurs (ii)to find out the purpose for which those sites were visited (iii) to determine the effect of electronic networking on sales turnover and (iv) to identify the effect of physical networking on business efficiency. The study used survey research method with structured questionnaire that was distributed among the sampled respondents. The findings of the study revealed that Facebook and twitter were the mostly visited social network by the entrepreneurs for business purposes. The result further revealed that electronic social network has significant effect on sales turnover. Physical social network such as trade associations was also found having a significant effect on business efficiency. Based on these findings, conclusion was drawn and relevant recommendations were made

Occupational practices and problems of rural artisanal fisherfolks in Oyan Dam area of Ogun State

Artisanal Fish Societies constitutes one of the poorest societies in the developing world. Attempts to harness the potentials of the societies have often failed due to the enormity of the problem of poverty. This study was conducted in four major fishing villages namely; Abule titun, Apojola, Imama Odo and Ibaro in order to investigate the occupational practices and the problems of rural artisanal fisherfolks in Oyam's Dam, area of Ogun State. Eighty respondents were randomly selected among the artisanal fisher folks for interview using interview guide. The findings revealed that 43.8% of the fisherfolks are within active range of 31-40 years while 30% are within 21-30 years range. Also 31% had no formal education indicating a relatively high level of illiteracy among the fisherfolks while majority of the respondents practice fishing activities using paddle and canoe. It was similarly discovered from the study that the most pressing problems of the fisherfolks is the lack of basic social amenities like electricity, potable water, access roads, hospitals and markets. It is therefore recommended that basic social infrastructures be provided for the artisanal fishing communities in order to improve their social welfare, standard of living and the capacity to have a sustainable fishing occupation in the interest of food security and poverty alleviatio

Assessment of temporal data for hospital admissions for asthma patients in comparison with ambient nitrogen dioxide levels in Guernsey, Channel Islands

There are some significant parallels between the environment in the island of Guernsey and that of coastal and island environments in Scotland. Although Guernsey enjoys milder temperatures in the summer months, the winter season experiences stormy weather fronts from the Atlantic and heavy rainfall.This research examines the temporal variation in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in Guernsey and the hospital admissions of pre-existing asthmatics. Whilst air quality in Guernsey is generally good, the levels of NO2 exceed Scottish standards in several locations.The evidence indicates that people suffering from asthma have exacerbation of their symptoms if exposed to elevated levels of NO2, although this research has never been carried out in Guernsey before.For the first time in Guernsey, this research has examined NO2 levels in correlation with asthma patient admissions to hospital. The data showed a temporal correlation between NO2 levels and the number of hospital admissions. Statistical analysis of the data shows a direct correlation for both these variables.The relationships established should aid our understanding and serve as a base for directing future studies in this research area of improving health outcomes for asthmatics, and the respiratory health of the wider population