Web storage technology platform usage by faculty members in the faculty of education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

This paper examined Web Storage Technology Platform usage by Faculty Members in the Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Two (2) objectives were identified for this paper which are; to identify the types of WST Platform the Faculty Members are aware of, to find out the extent to which Faculty Members utilise WST Platforms in the Faculty of Education, A.B.U., Zaria. Quantitative research methodology was employed and cross-sectional survey research design was used for this study. The population of the study is the whole 175 Faculty Members in the Faculty of Education, A. B.U., Zaria, excluding staff on sabbatical and staff on study leave. Self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, percentage, mean and standard deviation) was used to analyse the data collected from the respondents. This study discovered that, google cloud (google docs, gmail) was the most common WST Platform that Faculty Members are aware of. The study also revealed that Faculty Members most commonly utilise Google cloud (google docs, gmail) as the type of WST Platform in the Faculty of Education A.B.U., Zaria and partially utilise drop box. The researcher recommended that; the University management should put more efforts through the ICT Department/unit in creating awareness on different type of WST Platforms available for Faculty Members to utilise. Also, WST Platform service providers should provide more concise, clear and understandable steps to facilitate the high use of the platforms for academic activities. Keywords: Web Storage Technology Platform, Awareness, Usage, Faculty Members&nbsp

Information management for civil service staff recruitment in Taraba State, Nigeria

This research examined Information Management for Civil Service Staff Recruitment in Taraba State, Nigeria. . In line with this, three (3) research questions were drawn to guide the study. The study adopted descriptive survey design. Questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data which were presented in tables and analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. A total of one hundred and thirty six (136) copies of questionnaire were distributed to the Staff of the Taraba State Civil Service Commission. One hundred and twenty eight (128) copies of the questionnaire were duly completed, returned, examined and found useful for analysis. Findings revealed the type of recruitment procedure being adopted by the Taraba State Civil Service and how information for staff recruitment is being acquired. The study revealed among others that the Taraba State Civil Service uses manual recruitment procedure for the recruitment of its staff. Types of recruitment procedures such as placement of job advertisement, receiving incoming applications, sorting and registering of incoming applications, arranging interviews with the shortlisted applicants were the types of recruitment procedures being often adopted by the Taraba State Civil Service. To address the situation, the research recommends among others that, there is need to automate the recruitment procedure of the Taraba State Civil Service to help reduce cost and time for both the state government and the applicants.Key Words: Information Management, Civil Service, Staff Recruitment

The Influence of Human Resource Management Practices on Employees Job Performance in Federal University Libraries in Nigeria

The study assessed, from survey, the influence of human resource management practice as it relates to employees’ job performance in some Federal university libraries in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Stratified random sampling technique was employed to come up with six universities from each of the six zones. The researchers administered 7 copies of questionnaire each in the study areas to elicit data on the employees’ job performance. A total of 42 copies of questionnaire were administered and retrieved (100% response rate). The data collected were analysed descriptively and inferentially. The null hypothesis was tested using Kruskal Wallis statistical method. The descriptive analysis result showed that majority of the libraries studied reported that human resources management practices influenced their employees’ job performance. Inferentially, the human resources management practices have significantly influenced their staff performances. The study recommended that Federal University libraries should operate uniform human resources management practices policy enhance staff productivity, effectiveness and efficiency in their work places. Keywords: Human resources, human resource management, human resource management practices, university library, job performance DOI: 10.7176/IKM/10-4-07 Publication date: July 31st 202

EFFECT OF PHARMING ATTACKS ONTHE FUNCTIONALITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY WEBSITES IN NORTHERN STATES OF NIGERIA

This paper investigates ‘the effects of pharming attacks on the functionalities of the University websites in Northern States of Nigeria. Two research objectives were stated: to find out the types of pharming attacks University websites are exposed to; and to identify the effects of pharming attacks on functionalities of the websites of the Universities in Northern States of Nigeria. The literature was reviewed based on research questions raised. Quantitative research methodology was adopted in the study. Multistage sampling technique (i.e. purposive, stratification, cluster, proportionate and simple random sampling) was used to select 9 Universities (3 each Federal, State and Private) with 127 ICT personnel which comprised of the Directors, the staff of the Software Development Units and the staff of the Networks Infrastructure and Security Units from a population of 61 Universities with 713 ICT personnel of the Universities in Northern States of Nigeria. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The data collected were presented and analysed using mean, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages. The study found that human factors attacks, local host and local networks attacks, domain configuration attack and domain registration attack among others were the types of pharming attacks University websites in Northern States of Nigeria are exposed to; and pharming attacks do affect the functionalities of the websites of the Universities studied by causing existing administrative settings to be incorrectly configured, poisoning an entire Domain Name System server, manipulating legitimate website’s traffic and hijacking search result. Other effects include making communication system to become vulnerable, loss of confidence by stakeholders, tarnishing institution image and tricking unsuspecting individuals into revealing sensitive data among others. The paper concludes that if security safeguards are not adequate, pharmers run little risk of getting caught. They can attack a system using techniques the designers never even considered. The study recommended that Policy statements should be enforced to reduce the effects of pharming attacks on the websites of the Universities. The authorities of the Universities should also provide insurance covers for their ICT technologies and trust worthy Internet Service Providers should be maintained. &nbsp

Assessment of millet-groundnut intercropping systems efficiency in Jigawa and Kano states.

Open access Journal; Published online: 30 June 2016In this study, an intercropping experiment consisting of millet and groundnut was established at Dutse (Jigawa) and Minjibir (Kano) to compare the efficiencies of intercropping systems. Two intercropping systems (2:2 and 2:4; millet to groundnut ratio) were studied in terms of aggressivity, competitive ratio, actual yield loss and intercropping advantage. The treatments were studied under split-split plot design that was replicated four times. The results shows that aggressivity was determined by crop arrangement not by component crop and that the rate of increase in millet aggressivity was proportional to rate at which groundnut aggressivity was reduced. Intercropping advantage was higher and positive under 2:4 system at both trial locations; this implies that the system have a better economic feasibility. Under the same system at Dutse, competitive ratio was higher (1.18); indicating that the crops have a fairly comparative ability for resources competition, in contrast, the reverse was the case at Dutse 2:2 with higher competitive ration difference value of 1.05 compared to 0.69 at 2:4

Utilization of media resources for information service delivery in Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria

This study examines the Utilization of Media Resources for Information Service Delivery in Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria. Survey research method was adopted for this study; the population of the study comprised the users of media resources. The findings indicated that video cassette, disc, newspapers, digital camera, tape recorder television and Internet resources were the types of media resources available for information services delivery. It is recommended that electronic resources should be installed in the library for effective information service delivery

Compliance with Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) code of ethics for library and information services provision by Liberians in University Libraries in Kaduna State

The study investigates compliance with the LRCN Code of Ethics for library and Information service provisions by librarians in University Libraries in  Kaduna state, Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to examine the level of the librarians’ compliance with the LRCN code of ethics and the extent to study complying with the LRCN code of ethics influence library and information service provision in university libraries in Kaduna state. The population of the study was 23 Librarians. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Twenty three copies of questionnaire were administered, completed and returned. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation and bar charts were used to answer the research questions. ANOVA statistics was used to test hypothesis 1 while linear regression was used to test hypothesis 2 at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that most librarians do not comply with the LRCN code of ethics. The finding of the null hypothesis 1 indicated that the differences that exist were statistically significant. Hence, the hypothesis was retained. Hypothesis 2 was on the influence of complying with the LRCN code of ethics on library and information services provision indicated. Statistical significant and therefore the hypothesis was rejected. The study recommends that LRCN should intensify the promotion, monitoring, enforcement and punishment for those who do not comply with the LRCN code of ethics.&nbsp

Utilisation of Information Security Mechanisms for Combating Pharming on University Websites in Northern Regionsof Nigeria

This paper investigates the“utilisation of information security mechanisms for combating pharming on University Websites in Northern Regions of Nigeria”. Two objectives were formulated: to identify the “type of information security mechanisms employed for combating pharming on University Websites in Northern Regions of Nigeria”; and to determine the “effectiveness of the information security mechanisms employed for combating pharming on University Websites in Northern Regions of Nigeria”. Quantitative research methodology was used for the study. 9 Universities in Northern Regions of Nigeria with 127 ICT personnel were selected. The questionnaire was used as an instrument in collecting the data. Mean and standard deviationwere used to present and analyse the data collected in the study. The research found that “detectives, preventive and mitigative mechanisms” were the types of “mechanisms employed for combating pharming on Universities studied”; it was also found that “mitigative and detective information security mechanisms employed are more effective than preventive mechanisms in combating pharming on University studied”. The paper concludes that, if security safeguards are not adequate, pharmers affect the “functionality of University websites undetected”. They can attack websites using skills the software developers never imagined. The study recommended that to guarantee information effective information security, therefore, ICT personnel need to establish strong preventive measures and quality management practices that will protect data during collection, processing, and storage from pharmers

Compressive Strength of Concrete Using Different Curing Methods

The structural use of concrete depends largely on its strength, especially compressive strength.Various tests were carried out to ascertain the properties of concrete materials, whereas test performances ofthe concrete with different mix ratios at specific ages of curing were undertaken. The study determined thecompressive strength of concrete using different curing methods. Four different methods of curing (ponding,continuous wetting, open-air curing and sprinkling with water) were used. Seventy-two (72) cubes were castusing a mix ratio of 1:2:4 and 1:3:6 with 0.5 water cement ratio and with 0.6 waters cement ratio respectively.The compressive strengths were determined after 7 days, 14 days and at 28 days of curing. Findings showthat for 1:2:4 concrete, maximum of 28-day compressive was the highest for concrete cured by ponding andthe least was by sprinkling water. Further findings show that for 1:3:6 concrete, maximum of 28-daycompressive strength was obtained using ponding and the least was open air curing. Despite ponding methodproducing the highest compressive strength of concrete, it is practically impossible to cure cubes aboveground structural elements. Wet-covering method is recommended for structural elements, such as columns,beams and slabs in other to produce concreteof a required compressive strength

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of Balanites Aegyptiaca Root Bark Extracts: Influence of solvent

Communication in Physical Sciences 2020, 5(2):156-164 Author: A. Usman, Y. Mohammed, H. O. Muhammed, N. L. Usman and A. H. Zakari Received 24 April 2020/Accepted xx xx xxxx 2020 Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del is a medicinal plant used in Africa’s folk medicines to treat wide range of diseases. Phytochemical screening of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del root indicated the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and phenols.The ethanolic extract of the plant root had in addition carbohydrate, cardiac glycoside and steroids while n-hexane extract indicated the presence of anthraquinone, carbohydrates, cardiac glycoside, terpenoids and resins. The extracts were also evaluated for their free radical scavenging potential, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. The antioxidant activity was determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the total phenolic content was evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteau assay, while the total flavonoid content was assessed by the aluminium chloride colorimetric assay. The results obtained revealed that the ethanolic extract exhibited higher total antioxidant capacity in the range of 55.23±0.4 to 81.04±0.9% while concentrations in the aqueous extract ranged from 20.15±0.2 to 35.11±0.2% compared to 80 % of standard ascorbic acids. Estimated total phenolic content in aqueous and ethanolic extracts were 179.48±1.99 and 260.07±2.31 mg/gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g respectively. However, the total flavonoid content for aquoues and ethanolic extracts were 69.17±0.32 and 95.52±0.41 mg/ quercetin equivalent (QE)/g respectively. Total phenol and flavonoid were absent in normal hexane extract. The results obtained from the study indicated that the choice of solvent can influence the components that can be extracted from Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del root and that for optimum extracts to be obtained, the best solvent is ethanol