Application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the promotion of Kashim Ibrahim Libraries’ products and services

This study investigated the Application of ICTs in the Promotion of Kashim Ibrahim libraries’ products and services. It was structured to achieve three objectives. Survey research method was adopted for the study. A total of 172 registered library customers and 3 marketing related staff were drawn as sample size. Questionnaire, site visits and observations were used to collect data for the study. The data collated were presented and analyzed using frequency distribution tables and percentages. The study found among others that out of the available means of promotion at the discretion of Kashim Ibrahim Library. Paper based/hardcopy outputs (posters, fliers and banners) were the most frequently employed. The study concluded that Kashim Ibrahim Library apply ICTs in the course of Promoting products and service. This is geared towards paper based or hardcopy emergence as output which can be enhanced by adopting the recommended Electronic Information Promotion Model (EIPM). The model directs output towards reduced printing which cuts promotion costs, saves time and provides cleaner projection for a more enhanced patronage.Keywords: Marketing, Promotion, ICTs, Libraries, Products and Service

Perceptions of sexual behavior and knowledge on sexually transmitted infections among the undergraduate students of a university in north western Nigeria.

One of the greatest challenges that face Nigerians is the spread of Human Immunodefiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Sexually active youths in Nigeria are at high-risk of HIV infection. Many youths engaged in behaviors that place them at risk for HIV infections and other STIs. Objective: To determine the perceptions of sexual behavior and knowledge of STIs among undergraduate students of A.B.U Zaria. Method: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out on undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. A structured self administered questionnaire was used to collect data by systematic random sampling technique. Focus group discussions were also held. Data from questionnaires were analyzed by use of computer software, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 16.0 and ones from focus group discussions by content analysis. Result: The mean age of respondents was 25.5yrs ( 5.4). Ratio of males to female respondents was 2:1. Three hundred and thirteen questionnaires were returned filled out of the 320 distributed giving response rate of 97.8 per cent. Most of the respondents 98.4 per cent knew about some of the causes of STIs by name. About 10.2 per cent actually had an experience of at least an STI while 8.0 per cent took treatment for it. However, discussants revealed that sexual intercourse among the students in ABU, Zaria was very rampant. Students had perception that some of their colleagues might have been infected with HIV or other STDs (89.5%) and some of them saw that as curse (15.0%). Protective measures taken against STIs included abstinence from sex (67.7%), cut down number of sex partners (19.2%), use condoms all the time and sometimes (26.2% and 5.4%, respectively), screened for HIV infection (22.0%), stopped patronizing barbing saloons that do not sterilize their instruments (36.7%), had been careful where to take injections (43.8%) etc. About 8.6 per cent practice casual sex for certain reasons as pleasure (6.4%), financial (2.2%). Conclusion: There is an urgent need to increase the proportion of the students in particular and public in general who have correct knowledge about STIs, promote, positive perceptions and behavior as well as skills to protect themselves adequately

Evaluation of iron ore deposit using 2D resistivity imaging and induced polarization technique at Fakarau Potiskum, Northeastern Nigeria

2D Electric resistivity imaging and Induced polarization (IP) techniques were used to evaluate Iron Ore deposit at Potiskum area of Yobe State, Northeastern Nigeria. The area lies between latitudes 110 40' 00'' and 110 50' 00'' N, and longitude 110 00' 00'' and 110 10' 00'' E. The survey was targeted at determining resistivity and chargeability values that are associated with the iron ore deposit. The dipole-dipole array was used for 2D resistivity and induced polarization imaging. Data processing and interpretation were done using RES2DINV software. This research had characterized the study area into two portions: the alluvium deposit that is highly enriched of iron ore and alluvium deposit with disseminated iron ore. The portion of the iron rich alluvium, characterized by low resistivity and chargeability of 32 Ωm to 734 Ωm and 0.403 msec to 3.400 msec are inferred as alluvium that is highly enrich with iron ore, while the portion that are respectively characterized by resistivity and chargeability values of 734 Ωm to 1418 Ωm and 1.90 msec to 6.40 msec are inferred as alluvium with disseminated iron ore. It can be concluded that the occurrence of iron ore deposit is probably more at northeast part of the survey area. The iron ore deposit strikes in the Northeast-Southwest direction

Effect of Moisture Content on some Engineering properties of Groundnut Pods and Kernels

Effect of moisture content on some engineering properties of groundnut pods and kernels were investigated. Two groundnut varieties were used namely; Manipintar and Ex-Dakar. The properties investigated were principal dimensions, porosity, bulk density, true density, angle of repose and static coefficient of friction as dependent variables while moisture content is the independent variable. At an increasing moisture content of 7.3 – 25.2 % d.b., the mean length, thickness, width, geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter and surface area for Ex-Dakar pods were 30.6 - 33.46, 12.55 - 14.89, 12.8 - 14.03, 16.88 – 18.71, 18.61 - 20.75 mm and 904.86 – 1099.73 cm2, respectively. The corresponding mean values for the Manipintar pods were 18.60 – 30.89, 11.62 – 15.01, 11.72 – 14.05, 13.63 – 18.68, 13.98 - 19.98 mm and 583.78 – 1095.80 cm2, respectively. However, for Ex-Dakar kernels, the mean length, thickness, width, geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter and surface area recorded within moisture range of 8.5 – 28.1 % were 12.92 – 13.01, 8.81 – 9.35, 10.73 – 11.71, 10.72 – 11.14, 10.82 – 11.36 mm and 360.96 – 389.68 cm2, respectively. Similarly, mean values for the Manipintar kernels were 18.60 – 30.89, 11.62 – 15.01, 11.72 – 14.05, 8.97 – 11.03, 9.19 – 11.38 mm, and 252.89 – 382.16 cm2, respectively. The porosity for Ex-Dakar pods increases from 30.23 – 61.77 % and from 11.65 – 18.63 % for the kernels, from 31.37 – 59.41 % and 11.65 – 33.82 % for Manipintar pods and kernels. True density increases from 0.35 – 0.72 and 0.84 – 1.13 g/cm3 for Ex-Dakar pods and kernels, from 0.39 – 0.62 and 0.98 – 1.29 g/cm3 for Manipintar pods and kernels. However, the bulk density shows a decrease from 0.33 – 0.24 and 0.92 – 0.55 g/cm3 for Ex-Dakar pods and kernels, and from 0.53 – 0.21 and 1.12 – 0.75 g/cm3 for Manipintar pods and kernels. Angle of repose increases from 25.1 – 28.9o and 24.7 – 27.1o for Ex-Dakar pods and kernels, and for Manipintar pod and kernels, it increases from 26.3 – 29.5o and 25.0 – 29.0o. The mean static coefficient of friction on plywood, galvanize sheet and glass increased at varying moisture content for both pods and kernels. The establishment of these parameters would serve as reference that is required to achieve the desired results in successful design and operation of groundnut processing equipment

Probabilistic Durability Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Members with Corroded Reinforcing Steel

The reliability of the structural performance of any given structure is affected by both in-service loading and material deterioration due to environmental attack. In this paper, probabilistic assessment of reinforced concrete members exposed to chlorine ingress was undertaken. A simply supported reinforced concrete slab was specifically used for the investigation. The mathematical models of capacity loss of reinforcing steel under corrosion, developed elsewhere, were incorporated in the analysis. The uncertainties in structural resistance and the applied loading were fully accommodated using probabilistic method. Limit state function for the flexural capacity of the slab was developed and evaluated using first order reliability method (FORM). The entire process was implemented through a developed program using MATLAB

Comparison of cardiovascular responses following self-selected maximal effort in forward, backward and sideways walking

Humans learned to walk forward in the course of evolution, while sideways and backward walking are considered to be novel tasks. This study compared the cardiovascular parameters during forward, backward and sideways walking of students in a Nigerian University. Fifty apparently healthy young adult students (25.6±2.0 years) were purposively recruited to participate in the study. Participants had their anthropometric characteristics (weight and height) and cardiovascular parameters (heart rate [HR], systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], mean arterial pressure [MAP], pulse pressure (PP) and rate pressure product (RPP), and rate of perceived exertion [RPE]) determined at baseline. Participants’ HR, SBP, DBP, MAP and RPE responses after a 100 meter walk at the subject’s self-selected maximum speed during the different modes of walking were compared using multiple analysis of variance. Significantly higher DBP, MAP (P<0.05) and RPE (P<0.01) for sideways walking compared to backward walking, higher (P<0.01) HR, SBP and RPE for both sideways walkingand backward walking compared to forward walking, and higher (P<0.01) HR, SBP, DBP, MAP and RPE for sideways walking compared to forward walking were found. We also found higher (P<0.01) HR, SBP and RPE for backward walking compared to the corresponding values during forward walking. Overall, findings of heightened cardiovascular responses suggest higher energy expenditure in sideways walking compared to forward and backward walking. We hypothesize that the differential plane of motion and the more prevalent static muscle workin sideways walking may be responsible for the apparently more strenuous nature of sideways walking compared to the other modes.Keywords: Cardiovascular; Energy expenditure; Ambulation; Walking; Motor patter

Cash Waqf Acceptance Among Entrepreneurs in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Cash waqf was introduced as an alternative for individuals who do not have an immovable asset but rather have the cash to donate as waqf. It can be observed, however, that Muslims in Kano State narrow their perception of waqf only to be in the form of a kind but not in cash. It is to say that public awareness and understanding of cash waqf are insignificant. Therefore, this study aims to assess factors influencing the intention to accept cash waqf among entrepreneurs in the Kano metropolis with particular reference to Singer Market. The study employed partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and was theoretically guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Structured survey questionnaires were administered to 379 respondents whom were registered entrepreneurs in Singer Market based on a convenience non-probability sampling technique. Descriptive statistics using charts and tables were employed to analyze the demographic information, while data collected from the respondents were analyzed utilizing AMOS, version 21. The study uncovered that perceived behavioral control and religiosity significantly influenced the intention to accept cash waqf among entrepreneurs in Singer Market in Kano Metropolis, while awareness and attitude did not. This paper recommends that the management of the Kano State Zakat and Hubsi Commission (KSZHC) should establish sensitization programs to create awareness and promote cash waqf for the public to mobilize more potential waqf donors in the state

Sebaceous Carcinoma of Submandibular Gland Presenting with Upper Airway Obstruction: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) of the salivary gland is a very rare tumor occurring more in the parotid gland. It is extremely rare in the submandibular gland. Only four cases of submandibular gland SC have been reported worldwide in English literature. We present the first case of submandibular gland SC in our environment and the fifth to be reported in English literature. A 55‑year‑old male farmer presented to our facility with a 10-year history of progressive, painless left submandibular mass, which worsened 4 months before presentation, associated with dysphagia to solid, muffled voice, weight loss, and upper airway obstruction. He had emergency tracheostomy and biopsy of the left submandibular mass. Histopathological examination of the mass confirmed SC. He was referred for radiotherapy but said to have died few weeks later while still preparing to travel for the radiation therapy. The rarity of these cases made the clinicopathologic pattern to be poorly understood thus making the choice of treatment option difficult. More cases need to be reported in other to develop the best treatment modalities

The beneficial role of resveratrol on chlorpyrifos-induced cognitive impairment and lipid peroxidation biomarker in Swiss albino mice

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) has been associated with cognitive and psychomotor impairments in both humans and animals. This cognitive impairment has been linked to its enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating capacity. Therefore, antioxidant treatment may provide a novel therapeutic window for the management of these related impairments. The aim of this work was to evaluate the beneficial role of resveratrol on chlorpyrifos-induced cognitive impairment and lipid peroxidation biomarker in Swiss albino mice. Swiss albino mice were divided into (6) six groups of five each (n=5). Group I served as the control and were administered olive oil (2 ml/kg), group II received carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) 10 mg/kg, group III received resveratrol 30 mg/kg, group IV received chlorpyrifos (CPF) 3 mg/kg, group V received CPF (3 mg/kg) after the oral administration of resveratrol (30 mg/kg) and group VI received Vitamin E (Vit E) 100 mg/kg All administrations were done by oral gavage for a duration of 21 days. Cognitive function was assessed using Y-maze,and Novel object recognition tests and oxidative stress was evaluated using oxidative biomarkers techniques.The results obtained showed that resveratrol at dose 30 mg/kg significantly(p<0.05) improved cognitive impairment and significantly decreased (p<0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration when compared with the control. In conclusion, 30mg/kg resveratrol suppressed memory impairment, decreased malondialdehyde levels, increased catalase activity, superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels in our chlorpyrifos-induced cognitive impairment mice model.Keywords: cognition, chlorpyrifos, resveratrol, memor

Assessment of Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Supply Chain Activities in Kano State

The study focused on the handling system of orange in Yanlemo Market of Kano State. A field study was conducted with structural questionnaires that targeted the orange supplies, traders and agricultural equipment suppliers/fabricators. Result obtained reveals that the orange handling activity is dominated by male traders. Average of 2 to 5 bags of oranges are usually handled by about 53.3% of the respondents, while 8.3% handle more than 10 bags of the oranges daily. Dan Tivi was found to be the commonest orange variety in the study area. Some other varieties established in the study area are; Dan Nassarawa, Dan Ondo and Dan Delta representing about 8.3, 1.7 and 1.7% of the varieties handled in the study area respectively. The mode of transportation, sorting, and washing was found to be manual with a lot of challenges. The predominant manual handling of the orange established in the study area could be amongst the major reasons for the high losses usually recorded by the traders on a daily basis. Thus, useful suggestions that could be employed by researchers and policymakers to provide improvements in the supply chain activities to prevent such losses are presented.  Keywords— Orange, Assessment, Supply Chain, Handlin