Perceived Social Support, Perceived Stress as Correlates of Stress Symptomatology among University Students

The study sought to correlate Perceived Social Support and Perceived Stress with Stress symptomatology. 160 undergraduate students of drawn from a privately owned Nigerian university participated in the study. The participants ranged between 14 and 19 years in age (=16.26, SD = 1.68). The hypotheses were that significant correlations would be found between perceived stress and stress symptomatology, and between perceived social support and stress symptomatology. Perceived social support was measured using the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet & Farley, 1988), perceived stress with Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, and stress symptomology with the SCL-90. Significant correlations (r = -.13, ρ< .05) was found between Perceived Social Support (PSS) and Stress symptomatology, and between Perceived Stress and Stress symptomatology (r = .39, p<.000). Males evinced a significantly higher mean stress compared to females. The findings are consistent with those of earlier studies that found negative associations between perceived social support and stress, as well as with the cognitive theory that perception of threat is actually related to the experience of threat. Key Words: stress symptomatology, perceived social support, perceived stress, cognitive, University students

Econometric Analysis of Factors Influencing Fuel Wood Demand in Rural and Peri-Urban Farm Households of Kogi State

This study was designed to determine variables influencing fuelwood demand in rural areas of Kogi State. Eighty households were randomly sampled from all the Agricultural Zones of the state. A 2SLS method was then used for estimation of the coefficients of the simultaneous equation model. The most significant determinants of fuelwood demand in the study area are the price of fuelwood, kerosene’s price, household size and personal incomes of the household heads. In light of this study’s findings, recommendations included reduction of kerosene prices, investment in renewable energy, cooking gas and electricity and use of agricultural extension agents to educate farmers on sustainable farming

Quality assessment on some soaps sold in Nigeria

Fifteen soaps were purchased from the main market in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT, Nigeria. The soaps are Sunlight, MP3, Canoe, 4B, Glide, Lux, Joy, Imperial leather, Premier, Eva Classique, Dettol, Safeguard, Tetmosol, Septol and Premier cool. The qualities of soaps were assessed based on the following parameters; free caustic alkali, volatile matter, matter insoluble in alcohol(MIA), total fatty matter(TFM), pH, cleaning properties, washing properties and foam/lathering properties. The results obtained showed that all the soaps analyzed are good quality soaps safe for the skin.Keywords: soaps, quality assessment, free alkali, pH, total fatty matte

Serological Survey of Dengue Virus Immunoglobulin M Among Febrile Patients in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

The purposes of this research were to determine the prevalence of dengue virus in the study population, to determine the relationship between the occurrence of dengue virus IgM and potential risk factors and to determine the association between the occurrence of dengue virus and some symptoms. In this study, blood specimen were collected from 340 subjects with febrile complaints attending hospitals in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria and who gave their consent to participate. Serological determination of dengue virus IgM was carried out using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Structured questionnaires were also administered to obtain data on demographic, risk factors,  and symptoms of illness. A total of 6 subjects were positive for dengue virus IgM giving a prevalence of 1.8%. There was no statistically significant association between the occurrence of dengue virus IgM and potential risk factors, demographic factors and symptoms of the illness. The occurrence of dengue virus in the study population was confirmed

Assessment of the Perception of Librarians on Gender Stereotype as Correlate of Job Performance in Academic Libraries in Delta State

Gender matters all over the world and in almost all areas of life. Librarianship is no exception. There exists obvious gender stereotypes in libraries all over the world. However, there is no empirical evidence that ascertains whether these gender stereotypes affect the job performances of librarians. This study therefore assesses the perception of librarians on gender stereotype as a correlate of job performance of librarians in academic libraries in Delta State. A structured questionnaire was used to survey 95 librarians in academic libraries in the State. Data were analyzed using percentages, descriptive statistics and Pearson moment correlation. Findings include that gender stereotypes exist to a low extent in these libraries and its influences have some negative sides on the job performances of librarians. However, it was found that there is no significant correlation between gender stereotypes and the job performance of librarians. Hence, recommendations were made

Web-Based Advanced Traveller Information System for Minna Metropolis, Nigeria

Advanced Traveller Information System (ATIS) is used to provide accurate, integrated and comprehensive travel and traffic information to road users. The information helps in both pre-trip and en-route decision making. This study developed a web-based ATIS for Minna metropolis in Nigeria. The information provided is from both primary and secondary sources. The developed ATIS provides information on route guidance, available intercity transport services and hotels in the metropolis. It also allows users to determine both weather and traffic flow conditions. A component of the system makes provision for electronic fare payment and booking of trips and hotel accommodation. The deployment of the ATIS is a source of static and dynamic information

Effects of Synthetic (Carbofuran) and non Synthetic insecticides on Maize Growth and Yield in Stem Borers Infested Zones of Cross River State, Nigeria.

Field experiment was conducted in the early and late planting season of 2009 and 2010 at Akampa and Bekwarra to evaluate the effects of carbofuran, a synthetic insecticide, Neem and Gmelina seed powder on maize agronomic characters in maize stem borer endermic zones. The treatments consisted of 2 levels carbofuran (1.0 and 1.5kga.i/ha) and 2 levels each of neem and Gmelina arborea seed powder (20 and 30kg/ha). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Data collected included stem borer population per plant, plant heights at six (6) and eight (8) weeks after planting, and grain yield. Carbofuran and Neem seed powder significantly increased plant height and yield while Gmelina seed powder application significantly  (P?0.05) reduced maize growth and yield. The treatments significantly reduced borer population compared with control. It is possible that the neem powder at 30kg/ha may be used as a boost to maize development outside its insecticidal properties on maize used by resource poor farmers. Key words: Agronomic characters, Carbofuran, Gmelina, Neem, powder, Stem borers

Determination of gross alpha and beta radioactivity concentration along Jakara waste water canal, Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

This research undertook an assessment of the radioactivity level along the Jakara waste water canal. Six soil samples and five water samples were taken for gross alpha and beta activity concentration using the gas–flow–proportional counter (IN20). Results for gross alpha activity concentration for the soil samples range from 4.597E-03 Bq/g to 1.425E-02 Bq/g, while that of gross beta activity for soil has the range from 3.341E+01 Bq/g to 8.092E+01 Bq/g. In the same vein, results for gross alpha activity concentration for the water samples have the range from 6.035E-03 Bq/L to 1.433E+00 Bq/L while the value for the gross beta activity concentration ranges from 5.038E+00 Bq/L to 2.853E+01 Bq/L for the same water samples. These results show that the alpha and beta activity concentration in the analysed samples are higher than the minimum permissible concentration by World Health Organisation (WHO, 2003). This may pose health risk because the waste water is used by people to irrigate vegetables along the waste water canal. Keywords: Background Radiation, Activity Concentration, Gross Alpha, Gross Bet

Prevalence and determinants of hypertension in an agrarian rural community in southeast Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is a cardiovascular disease of increasing global burden with prevalence in Nigeria ranging from 8% to 46.4%. Aim: To determine the prevalence and determinants of hypertension in Igbeagu, a rural community in South‑Eastern Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: Consenting residents aged 18 years and above participated in this survey. A structured questionnaire was administered on the participants in their native dialect. Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric parameters of the participants were measured using standard techniques. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic BP of ≥ 90 mmHg. Results: Two hundred and sixty‑seven participants had their BP and data completed satisfactorily. Sixty‑two persons were hypertensive, giving a prevalence rate of 23.2% (62/267). Age, consumption of red meat, body mass index (BMI), and the number of children in the family were associated with hypertension. Regression analysis showed that only BMI and age were independent risk factors for hypertension. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of hypertension in this study and their associated risk factors were in agreement with studies done previously in Nigeria, the association between number of children in the family and hypertension is yet to be understood. Efforts are needed to curb the high prevalence of hypertension in this community.Keywords: Body mass index, Hypertension, Prevalence, Rural communit