The Use of Geographic Information Systems for Display of University of Calabar Use Statistics and Functional Areas.

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study is to present University of Calabar statistics and functional areas using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The process of using a GIS is faceted and involves different methods of presentation. Being that University of Calabar Library has not yet been geo-mapped, author traced in-use statistics in the different divisions for a 3-years period especially to show that the library, in whatever format is useful for Information services. The summed in –use statistics gave a total data for study in all the functional areas. Analysis was presented using three different types of GIS charts------ Lines with markers charts, Radar charts, and a 3-D 100% stacked column chart. The findings revealed that library use data can be represented using a GIS. In addition, when data is accurate, whatever GIS design used for presentation and visualization will be accurate, most times self-explanatory and easy to understand. There is little published research to date on the capabilities and applications of GIS in this area of the world. This research provides a practical application-base overview. The paper therefore recommends that library Management in collaboration with the parent institution should arrange for the training of librarians in GIS usage. This would be important to boost contemporary Librarianship in this aspect

KNOWLEDGE AND USERS’ PREFERENCES OF CONTEMPORARY MARKETING STRATEGIES USED IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES

Purpose: This study investigated knowledge and users’ preferences of contemporary marketing strategies used in academic libraries. It is a user study innovation characterized by granting users’ with the information appropriate for better library usage and their feedback to analyze how what is presented to them makes an impact towards their attainment of academic goals. Methodology: This study carried out in University of Calabar Library adopted survey research design on a population of 1804 registered users. A simple random sampling technique was adopted in selecting 600 undergraduate and postgraduate registered users. Accordingly, 600 copies of questionnaire were distributed in the reader services units, which comprised Social Sciences, Medical, Africana, Humanities, Law, Reference as well as Science and Technology/Annex Divisions of the library. Questionnaire was distributed with a condition that only registered users who use the library often (at least thrice a week) were eligible to respond. Only 428 usable copies were returned and these were analyzed for the study. Findings: Study revealed users’ knowledge of marketing strategies in the following sequence Digital media marketing 423(98.83%), Awareness services marketing 377(88.08%) and Conducive environment marketing 224(52.34%). The result of preferences showed Digital media marketing as most preferred with 421(98.36%), Awareness services marketing had 398 (92.99%) respondents and Conducive environment marketing 204(47.66%). On the challenges, two respondents (5&34) frankly indicated their lack of understanding for the term conducive environment. This has a great implication for the result altogether but other respondents revealed their challenges with regards to inappropriate time fixed for library use of e-library, epileptic power supply, low bandwidth, that causes the network to show while pages were unable to open and staff negative attitude. Suggestions were given to encourage the publications of local news and magazines, which would help to intimate users of issues relating to library use among others. Originality: This article offer valuable insight on the users’ knowledge and preferences of contemporary marketing strategies in academic libraries. This indicate that, it is only when users’ are given what they desire, that they could be said to be satisfied. Classification: Research paper Keywords: Information, librarians’ empathy, Knowledge, users’ preferences, Contemporar

The effect of industrial air – borne pollutants on the durability of galvanized iron roofs in the tropical humid region of Nigeria

This paper examines the influence of atmospheric pollutants on one widely used building material, the galvanized iron roofing sheets, in the highly polluted region of Niger Delta of Nigeria. The study involved the atmospheric exposure of cut pieces of galvanized iron sheets to determine the influence of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (all by-products of gas flaring) in a humid tropical environment. The pollutants were in the mean concentrations of 0.09 – 0.68mg/l (SO2), 0.01- 0.35mg/l (NO2) and 7.22 – 20.653g/m3 (aerosol). The readings of concentration of the pollutants were recorded and multiple regression analysis was performed on the data. After one year of exposure of the specimens, it was discovered that corrosion was enhanced by the presence of these pollutants. Examination of the partial coefficients of the pollutant revealed that, nitrogen dioxide (r = 0.460) and particulate matter (aerosols) (r = 0.569) were found to correlate positively with corrosion in a multi-pollutant situation. However, it was found that sulphur dioxide (r =-0.213) did not positively contribute to corrosion impact, contrary to established results from temperate regions. It is recommended that the Nigerian Government should legislate to stop gas flaring in the region.KEYWORDS: Gully erosion, threshold, Ikpa river, coastal plains, morphometry, intrinsic factor

Combating Rising Insecurity Challenges in Nigeria: An Alternative Approach

A Nigerian student studying abroad recently averred that his school abroad nearly disallowed him from returning to Nigeria owing to the security situation of the country. The security situation in the country appears to be deteriorating at the dawn of each day with the citizens of the country in a quagmire as the government is yet to demonstrate her ability to nip this terrible situation in the bud. Kidnapping, armed robbery, boko haram insurgency, land border/communal clashes, farmer—herder conflicts and in recent times, the activities of bandits have become reoccurring headlines. The government and her security agencies have fought these challenges with considerable successes but leaving much to be desired. This paper adopting a qualitative research methodology which is thematic and analytical and also using and interpreting both primary and secondary sources interrogates the security challenges that are prevalent in present day Nigeria and proffers alternative approaches apart from the use of force in tackling them. The paper finds that the various security challenges bedeviling the country have an adverse effect on every sector of the country and her image amongst community of nations. The paper submits that the war against insecurity in Nigeria can be won if the Nigerian government takes into consideration beyond lip service the issues of provision of jobs, investing in quality education, technology advancement and diversifying the nation’s economy through harnessing the myriads of other mineral resources available in the country.

ASSOCIATION MAPPING OF GENE REGIONS FOR DROUGHT TOLERANCE AND AGRONOMIC TRAITS IN SORGHUM

Genetic improvement of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) for drought tolerance and grain yield is challenging because of the complex nature of these traits. To make this process more tractable, studies were conducted to investigate the genetic architecture of these traits by employing a novel multi-parent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population. The population was formed from 19 founder lines through ten generations of random mating, aided by genetic male sterility (GMS) system. This was followed by seven cycles of self-pollination through single seed descent (SSD) to form 1000 MAGIC lines. Two hundred of these were genotyped using a high throughput genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) platform

Effect of Financial Leverage on Firms’ Financial Performance: A Study of Listed Companies in Agricultural Sector.

Explaining the role of financial leverage in firm performance is one of the primary objectives of contemporary researches and this role remains a questionable subject which has continued to attract the attention of many researchers. This work examined the effect of financial leverage on firm financial performance of listed Agricultural firm in Nigeria. seven (7) firms in Nigeria for the period of five (5) years (2011-2015).The specific objectives of this work were aimed at determining the extent to which debt ratio, debt equity ratio, interest coverage ratio, and asset tangibility ratio affect the firm’s financial performance of listed Agricultural firms in Nigeria. This work employed four (4) financial leverage ratios for the independent variables which include debt ratio (DR), debt equity ratio (DER), interest coverage ratio (ICR), and asset tangibility ratio (TANG) in determining their effect on firm performance proxy by Earnings per Share (EPS) as dependent variable. research questions and hypotheses were formulated in line with the objectives of the study. The data were obtained from the financial statement of the listed firms on the Nigerian stock Exchange (NSE). The ex-post facto research design was used while descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regressions were employed for the analysis. The results and findings revealed that debt ratio and Interest coverage ratio have negative influence on earning per share and are statistically significant in driving the financial performance of agricultural firms in Nigeria, while debt equity ratio and asset tangibility are statistically insignificant in driving the financial performance of agricultural firms in Nigeria. We therefore recommend that manager’s priority should be Interest coverage and debt ratio for improvement on financial performance of Agricultural firm in Nigeria. Key Words, Financial Leverage, Capital Structure, Debt to Equity Ratio, Gearings, Interest coverage rati

EXAMINATION OF THE IMPLICATION OF INFORMATION PROCESSING ON THE LIBRARY USERS LEARNING COMPREHENSION/SATISFACTION.

The paper looked at Information Processing Theory\u27s implications for the Library users’ learning satisfaction. The study discussed the nature of information and asserted that the dissemination of information empowers learning since the world is increasingly becoming information-based. It looked at information processing as the standard for understanding and satisfactory learning against memorization, leading to poor academic performance as it does not allow what the learner has learned to be part of him. The study also discussed that the instructor, facilitator, teacher, lecturer, and users have a role to play in processing information that improves learning. What remains essential is the fact that users of information must be equipped with the skills, services the library renders to its users to ensure they are satisfied and methods that allow them to continually be relevant and viable in the face of changes that could be uncertain and enormous. For an enhancing success story to be recorded, issues that pertain to educational backwardness like strikes incidences that encourage ad-hoc teaching and learning should be addressed properly as this is a very significant militating factor on the scheduling of educational programs. The discussion concluded by presenting the human mind as having the capability to aid understanding, storage, and retrieval of learning materials, which are properly processed by the learners (library users’). Data were obtained by administration of 600 copies of questionnaire to final year students at the social Science library of the Readers Services while preparing for their Examination after resumption from COVID-19 pandemic crises/ ASUU strike. Accordingly, 600 questionnaire copies were distributed to final year students of Accounting, Banking & Finance, Economics, Education, Geography, and Sociology. Only 467 usable copies were returned and analyzed for this descriptive survey study. The study revealed that out of the 467 respondents, 229 (49.03%) were males, and 238 (50.96%) were females. Results of the study revealed that respondents were aware of Information processing theory. From table 3 (objective 2), respondents have applied it to their studies without knowing the name as it exists; thus, the disagreement indicated that some students applied it differently from the ones listed in the study options. The study also revealed that they have benefited from it. The study concludes that users’ who applied this theory to their learning were satisfied when compared with previous methods. It was recommended that more research be carried out in this regard to allow respondents to point out other ways in which they have applied this information processing theory

Modulatory Effects of Honey on Gastric Acidity and Plasma Postprandial Bicarbonate in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Honey is a naturally occurring sweet substance of plant origin composed mainly of fructose, glucose, water, antioxidants and other constituents. Its enormous constituents confer it with medicinal and nutritive usefulness. Objectives: To assess the modulatory effects of honey on gastric acidity and plasma postprandial bicarbonate in wistar rats. Method: A total of 24 male wistar rats weighing 200-250g were divided into four groups of six rats each; Group I served as control, Group II received 50% Honey (10ml/kg), Group III received omeprazole (20mg/kg) and Group IV received a combination of Omeprazole and Honey. The pH of gastric effluents in each rat was measured 15, 30 and 45mins using a pH meter after administration of the respective substances in each group. Result and Discussion: Both honey and omeprazole respectively caused significant increases in the pH of gastric effluents, however, while that of honey was slow and steady, that of omeprazole was sharp and sustained. The 45-min pH level of omeprazole group was significantly higher than that of honey group. The combined group showed an initial sharp rise similar to omeprazole alone but gradually declined in the succeeding time interval. A combination of omeprazole and honey resulted in 27% reduction in the postprandial serum bicarbonate whereas omeprazole alone caused 41% reduction Conclusion: The present study concludes that honey modulated gastric pH to levels possibly favourable to gastric function by either a direct action of reducing gastric acidity or acting as an antacid or both. Honey therefore could be described as a buffer in omeprazole stimulated gastric acid inhibition and a potential antacid. Keywords: Honey, Gastric acidity, Gastric pH, bicarbonate

Training Cataloguers in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Era to Promote Research Best Practices in University of Calabar

This study investigated training Cataloguers in ICTs era to promote research best practices in University of Calabar. One hundred copies of questionnaire were purposively distributed to professionals and paraprofessionals in University of Calabar Library with an instruction that only those who had performed cataloguing and classification services should respond. On retrieval only 21 usable copies were found and analyzed for this study. Result from the study reveal that Cataloguers are very few in University of Calabar and among the few (21), 17 have already worked for up to 15years and above while only 4 have worked for 4years. Study reveal that Cataloguers mostly get training through personal efforts and only two cataloguers have received University sponsorship for cataloguing and classification. It is also revealed that Cataloguers have many skills to learn through training in ICTs.The challenges militating against their participation include; high cost of training, lack of organization sponsorship and poor implementation of Institution staff development policy. The paper thus recommends an urgent stepping up for training Cataloguers in ICTs based skills, because of the dearth of Cataloguers needed for the future of Librarianship. Also, since Cataloguers perform both academic and administrative duties, Institutional policy has to be revised to make room for this group to get training as at when due without bottlenecks. As this encouraged participation allows cataloguers to be abreast of current trends in cataloguing services, it will make for effective and efficient participation that would ultimately lead to applications that would promote research best practices. Keywords: Training, Cataloguers, ICTs, Academic library

INFORMATION: UNDERSTANDING THE ESSENTIALS OF SEGMENTATION FROM JOB PERFORMANCE TO USERS’ SATISFACTION.

This study was designed to trace the essentials of Segmentation from job performance to users’ satisfaction in academic libraries in three universities in Cross River State. In order to achieve this purpose, four research objectives were formulated to direct the study. A literature review was done on related variables. A survey research design was adopted, and a sample of 800 respondents was administered questionnaire in the following sequence: University of Calabar 400, University of Cross River State (former CRUTECH) 250 copies, and College of Health Technology150. Data were analyzed using tables and simple percentage calculations. It was found that users knew many segmentation strategies. Protuberant among them were; Segmentation enables users to identify their specialty789(100%) quickly, Resources are acquired, arranged, and directed to users based on disciplinary segments/professions789(100%), and during challenges, users can be sought for solutions as a group if they were shy individually764(06.83%). From objective 2, users agreed to study discipline/course 778(98.61%) and level of educational status789(100%), a mixture of psychographic and behavioral characteristics, were used for segmenting users in academic libraries. The results of the analysis in Objective 3 revealed that Segmentation enhances library use and access to information materials with general reading 657(83.27%), coursework/assignment/group discussion748(94.80%), personal development 604(76.55%), Exam preparation 724(91.76%), Globalization related 639(80.99), Health-related 568(71.86%), and Employment related 487(61.73%). Results from objective 4 showed that the critical steps in Segmentation that works better for academic libraries were only Need-based and segment identification: others were probably useable at companies or industrial sites. Finally, the study concluded that Segmentation was done to match users\u27 needs with library supply capabilities so that users can have satisfactio