Psychological Contract and Organizational Commitment amongst Academic Staff in Nigerian Private Universities

The study investigated the relationship between psychological contract PC and organizational commitment OC in selected private universities in Nigeria The study took four dimensions of psychological contract transitional orientation relational orientation the perceived balance of obligations and stage of development of the contract with three measures of organizational commitment affective normative and continuance whereby five private universities Obong University Arthur Javis University Rhema University Gregory university and Ritman University were studied The quasi-experimental design used for the study with a population of four hundred and seventy-seven 477 with a sample size of 218 was determined using the Taro Yamane s formula A well-structured questionnaire was adopted as the tool for sampling in the field to obtain data using the simple random sampling method In testing the hypothesis the Spearman rank-order correlations coefficient rho was the statistical instrument used to test the relationship between dependent and independent variable

Estimation of trip generation rates for residential land use in Uyo, Nigeria

Change in trip rates affects a transportation system and could lead to the redesign of the transport infrastructure in order to satisfy the new demand. This study estimates trip generation rates for residential land use in Uyo using cross classification method. Five (5) residential estates were considered and household survey carried out to collect trip data from 500 households on purpose and mode of travel through household interview and their response recorded in questionnaire. Four independent variables (household size, household income, car ownership, number of employed persons) were used for the study based on the prevailing conditions of theresidential land use. Cross-classification trip rates were developed from the most significant variables; household size, household income and car ownership. The analysis indicated that work trip produced the highest reported trip rates of 29.6% followed by religious trip of 24.7%. Similarly, private car trips contributed 42.8% of trips made by mode of travel as the highest trip. It was found that household size is the strongest socio-economic variable that influence trip generation in residential land use in Uyo. The cross-classification trip rates developed in this study could provide basis for the estimation of trip generation in residential land use in Uyo. Keywords: Trip generation; analysis of variance, ANOVA; cross classification&nbsp

Upper Elementary Literacy Teachers’ Culturally Relevant Teaching Strategies

In a mideastern US school district, culturally and linguistically diverse elementary students were not meeting proficiency on the state reading assessments. Elementary teachers in the district were expected to use culturally relevant teaching (CRT) strategies during literacy instruction to help engage and motivate culturally and linguistically diverse students. The purpose of this qualitative bounded multiple-case study was to understand Grade 3-5 teachers’ knowledge of, planning for, and use of CRT strategies during literacy instruction. Ladson-Billings’s theory of culturally relevant pedagogy guided this study. Three research questions were posed to examine what teachers knew about CRT strategies, how they planned for reading instruction using CRT strategies, and how they used CRT strategies during literacy instruction. A purposeful sample of 12 Grade 3-5 teachers, with at least 3 years of literacy teaching experience, volunteered and participated in semistructured interviews and document review. Data were analyzed through coding and theme development. Teachers were inclusive of students’ cultural backgrounds, interests, and learning needs and focused on helping students develop and increase reading outcomes in a collaborative learning environment. Based on the findings, a 3-day professional development was designed to support teachers in strengthening their knowledge, planning, and use of CRT reflective practices, community involvement, and socio-political topics. This endeavor could contribute to positive social change when district personnel develop training to increase teachers’ cultural competence and CRT practices to improve culturally and linguistically diverse students’ reading engagement and literacy learning for increased reading achievement

Iron status of pregnant women in rural and urban communities of Cross River State, south-south Nigeria

Anaemia in pregnancy is a major public health problem in Nigeria. Iron deficiency is one of the major causes of anaemia in pregnancy. Inadequate iron intake during pregnancy can be dangerous to both baby and mother. Iron status of pregnant women was assessed in two rural and one urban communities in Cross River State Nigeria. Packed cell volume, haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, red cell count, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor and soluble transferrin receptor/ferritin ratio were measured in plasma/serum of 170 pregnant women within the age range of 15-45 years. Seventy participants were from antenatal clinic of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar (urban community), 50 from St Joseph Hospital Ikot Ene (rural community) in Akpabuyo Local Government Area and the remaining 50 from University of Calabar Teaching Hospital extension clinic in Okoyong (rural community), Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River state. The prevalence of anaemia, iron deficiency, iron depletion and iron deficiency anaemia were found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) among pregnant women from the two rural communities when compared to the urban community. it was also observed that the prevalence of anaemia, iron deficiency, iron depletion and iron deficiency anaemia were significantly higher (p<0.05) among pregnant women from Akpabuyo 38(76.00%), 20(40.00%), 23(46.0%) , 16(32.00%) respectively followed by Okoyong 24(48.0%), 20(40.0%), 16(32.0%), 6(12.0) and then those from Calabar 14(20%),  12(17.90%) , 14(20.0%). The mean haemoglobin and haematocrit were  significantly reduced (p<0.01) in pregnant women from the two rural communities. Serum iron, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation showed no significant difference while total iron binding capacity and soluble transferrin receptor significantly (p<0.01) increased among pregnant women from Okoyong when compared to those from Calabar. It was also shown that pregnant women in their third trimesters and multigravidae had the highest prevalence of iron depletion and iron deficiency anaemia while prevalence of iron deficiency and anaemia were higher in  primigravidae and the pregnant women in their second trimester. In conclusion, this study has shown that the prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency anaemia are higher among pregnant women in the rural communities when compared to those in the urban areas.Keywords: Anaemia, Iron deficiency, Iron status, Okoyong, Akpabuyo, Calaba

Prevalence of HIV infection among newly admitted students in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the associated acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) have remained a serious scourge and a major public health concern, affecting millions in sub-Saharan Africa despite awareness campaigns, preventive measures and promotion of antiretroviral regimens. This study determined the prevalence of HIV among newly admitted students of Ebonyi State University as a measure of the impact of awareness campaign towards prevention of HIV transmission.Methods: Newly admitted students of Ebonyi State University totalling 2,736 who voluntarily enrolled for the study were screened for HIV infection using the national HIV testing algorithm after information relating to their personal lifestyle, knowledge of safer sex and preventive measures have been obtained with the use of a client intake form.Results: Of the 2,736 subjects screened, 6 were positive for HIV, giving a prevalence rate of 0.22%, with prevalence rate of 0.29% (4 of 1344) in females and 0.14% (2 of 1392) in males (X2=0.2041, p=0.6514). The positive subjects were spread across age groups 15-19 years (1), 20-24 years (4) and 25-29 years (1). Males and females who have had sex were 801 and 579 out of which 239 and 209 respectively acknowledged to have had unprotected sex within three months of the study.Conclusion: The low HIV prevalence rate of 0.22% among school age and young adults in this study may indicate that awareness and safe sex campaigns in Ebonyi State have positive impact in HIV prevention amongst these groups of people.Keywords: HIV, students, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria, prevalence, campaig

Short Communication: Open Access Ectoparasitic infestations of cats and dogs in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria: brief communication for ‘One Health’ approach to control of potential zoonoses

Background: Cats and dogs are important companion animals that paradoxically pose risks of zoonotic infections to their owners. This study determined the ectoparasitic infestations of cats and dogs in a semi-rural setting of Ebonyi State, so as to establish the prevalence of the ectoparasites among the companion animals for creation of public health awareness relevant to prevention of zoonoses in the area. Methods: One hundred dogs and 21 cats from Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, were examined for ectoparasitic infestations, using standard parasitological techniques. Systematic random sampling technique was employed in the study. Parasites were identified with standard identification guides. Data were analysed using aspects of Bush infection statistics and Chi-square. Statistical significance was established at p<0.05. Results: Out of the 100 dogs examined, 80 (80%), 8 (8%), 6 (6%), 2 (2%) and 4 (4%) were infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis and Sarcoptes scabiei respectively. A significant association was observed between R. sanguineus and the dogs (X2=100.00; p=0.000). Six (28.6%) of the 21 cats examined were infested with C. felis, with significant statistical association (X2=21.000; p=0.000) and 2 (9.5%) were infested with Otodectes cynotis but no significant association (X2=5.526; p=0.063). Conclusion: Based on the observed prevalence of ectoparasites among the animals, collaborative efforts of the medical and veterinary personnel are solicited in the spirit of ‘one health’ in order to protect the health of the pets and those of their owners. Keywords: Ectoparasitism, Cats, Dogs, Ebonyi State, Zoonose

Prevalence and Types of Anaemia in Malaria Infected Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria

Anaemia is a very common condition during pregnancy. This is particularly so in developing countries where the level of intake of iron rich foods is low; malaria and other intestinal parasites are common. This study was conducted to determine the proportion of pregnant women with malaria parasitaemia and anaemia at booking and also to classify the anaemia using morphologic criteria. A total of 414 pregnant women attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital in Nigeria antenatal clinic were used as the subjects while 250 age-matched non-pregnant women served as controls. Full blood count was carried out using full automatic cell counter while malaria parasite was determined by thick film method. The prevalence of anemia (61.1%) and malaria parasite (70.1%) was significantly (p <0.05) higher among the pregnant women than in the non-pregnant women (38.3% and 60.8%). Anaemia and malaria parasite was found to be higher in the primigravidae than in the multigravidae. Primigravidae were more susceptible to the parasite especially Plasmodium falciparum with mean parasite density of 2112.50 ± 420.90 (parasite/µl) than the multigravidae with parasite density of 446.70 ± 296.90 (parasite/µl). Malaria parasite density increased significantly (p>0.05) with gestational age but anaemia was found to be slightly higher in the second trimester (65.8%) than in the first trimester (40.8%) and third trimester (64.5%). Normocytic normochromic anemia was found to be the most prevalent form of anemia in both pregnant and non-pregnant women while microcytic hypochromic anemia and macrocytic normochromic anemia were found to be significantly (p<0.05) higher among the pregnant women than in the non-pregnant women There was a negative correlation between haemglobin and malaria parsite density in both pregnant and non-pregnant women (r = -0.1964,-0.5041). The results showed that malaria infection caused by P. falciparum had serious effect on pregnant women living in the study area.  Malaria in pregnancy should  be recognized as a global priority in health care services and early malaria prophylaxis among pregnant women in this environment should be encouraged. Keywords: Malaria, Pregnancy, Anaemi

An Empirical Analysis of Agricultural Production: The Sway of Economic Growth in Nigeria

The study examined the impact of agricultural output on economic growth in Nigeria from 1985 to 2015 The econometrics methods of Ordinary Least Squares Cointegration and Granger causality test were employed as the main analytical techniques The Co-integration results revealed that there exists a long-run relationship between the variables The short run regression result revealed that Commercial Banks credit to the agricultural sector and the interest rate has a significant relationship with economic growth in Nigeria during the period of study While agricultural output has no significant relationship with economic growth in Nigeria during the studied period The study therefore concluded that suitable or effective agricultural output enhancement policy should be put in place by the government There should be appropriate interest rate policies that would bring about the stability of the economy and economic growth Without agricultural produce to keep the people alive as well as lubricating our machines with agricultural oil there can be no growth Everything is sustained by agriculture and without it there shall be no true living Also conscious efforts should be made by the monetary authorities with the emphasis on funding agriculture in order to increase economic growth in Nigeria This can be achieved if the government avoids mismanagement and diversifies the econom

Assessment of the causes of infant mortality in uyo local government area, akwa ibom state

This study assessed infant mortality in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State with the aim of investigating the causes of infant mortality and examining the contribution of the health professionals in curbing infant mortality in the study area. To achieve these objectives, structured questionnaires were employed. Through the use of the structured questionnaires, data were obtained through systematic random sampling of 399 households along three major zones selected for the study in Uyo Local Government. The hypothesis for the study was tested with regression model using the multiple factors Regression Analysis. The results indicated that non-parental factors such as hereditary neonatal disorders and premature birth are the driving causes of infant mortality in the study area. The study also indicated that the contributions of health professionals are positively felt in the study area. The study concludes that infant mortality is due to preventable non-parental factors. The study recommended that the action to ensure access to quality care and ensuring that no mother or new born dies from a preventable cause must be an urgent priority for every Government. &nbsp

X-Linked G6PD Deficiency Protects Hemizygous Males but Not Heterozygous Females against Severe Malaria

BACKGROUND: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is important in the control of oxidant stress in erythrocytes, the host cells for Plasmodium falciparum. Mutations in this enzyme produce X-linked deficiency states associated with protection against malaria, notably in Africa where the A− form of G6PD deficiency is widespread. Some reports have proposed that heterozygous females with mosaic populations of normal and deficient erythrocytes (due to random X chromosome inactivation) have malaria resistance similar to or greater than hemizygous males with populations of uniformly deficient erythrocytes. These proposals are paradoxical, and they are not consistent with currently hypothesized mechanisms of protection. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted large case-control studies of the A− form of G6PD deficiency in cases of severe or uncomplicated malaria among two ethnic populations of rural Mali, West Africa, where malaria is hyperendemic. Our results indicate that the uniform state of G6PD deficiency in hemizygous male children conferred significant protection against severe, life-threatening malaria, and that it may have likewise protected homozygous female children. No such protection was evident from the mosaic state of G6PD deficiency in heterozygous females. We also found no significant differences in the parasite densities of males and females with differences in G6PD status. Pooled odds ratios from meta-analysis of our data and data from a previous study confirmed highly significant protection against severe malaria in hemizygous males but not in heterozygous females. Among the different forms of severe malaria, protection was principally evident against cerebral malaria, the most frequent form of life-threatening malaria in these studies. CONCLUSIONS: The A− form of G6PD deficiency in Africa is under strong natural selection from the preferential protection it provides to hemizygous males against life-threatening malaria. Little or no such protection is present among heterozygous females. Although these conclusions are consistent with data from at least one previous study, they have not heretofore been realized to our knowledge, and they therefore give fresh perspectives on malaria protection by G6PD deficiency as an X-linked trait