Assessing eLearning systems success in Nigeria: an application of the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model

Aim/Purpose: This study is based on the DeLone and McLean's Information Systems Success (D & M ISS) model, which was modified to determine the success factors re-sponsible for the acceptance of an e-learning system called Canvas by students of a Nigerian University. Background: The adoption of eLearning has been under studied within the context of devel-oping countries. There have been calls in the literature for further research from a developing country perspective. This study attempts to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the factors responsible for students' adoption of eLearning in a Nigerian University. Methodology: The study was built on the premise that system quality (SQ), service quality (ServQ) and information quality (IQ) are determinants of behavioral intention to use Canvas and user satisfaction of Canvas, both of which in turn influence the actual usage of Canvas. Responses from 366 students were analyzed with AMOS 22 using structural equation model (SEM) to test the relationships be-tween the constructs of the proposed model. Contribution: The study contributes to the research gap about the paucity of studies in the adoption of eLearning in developing countries that have placed emphasis on the use of eLearning systems or on the software quality attributes of the sys-tems under investigation. Findings: The results partially supported the effect of the quality antecedents on behav-ioral intention and user satisfaction of students. There was full support for the relationship between behavioral intention and user satisfaction of students on their actual usage of Canvas. Recommendations for Practitioners: The level of significance of the constructs identified in the study will guide the formulation of strategies and methods that could further enhance the adoption of eLearning systems in developing countries, specifically Nigeria. Recommendation for Researchers: Theoretically, the study contributes to the body of knowledge on eLearning adoption by empirically validating the DeLone and McLean model in a different context, specifically sub-Saharan Africa. Future Research: Future research could investigate the factors that influence instructors' behav-ioral intentions to use eLearning applications and also the effect that the in-structors have on students' adoption of eLearning

Nutritional Composition and Growth Performance of Fish Meal Supplemented with Sesame indicum (Beni Seed) in the Diets of Clarias gariepinus

This study analyzed the chemical compositions, growth performance and nutrient efficiency of fish meal supplemented with varying percentage of S. indicum). A total of 150 of C. gariepinus fingerlings were grouped into 6 tanks with 20 C. gariepinus per tank. Each tank of fish was served with prepared fish meals supplemented with various levels of beniseed (S. indicum), namely, DT1 (commercial diet), stand as the control group, DT2 (0% beniseed with 100% soya bean meal, DT3 (25% beniseed with 75% soya bean meal, DT4 (50% beniseed with 50% soya bean, DT5 (75% beniseed with 25% soya bean and DT6 (100% beniseed with 0% soya bean, individually. Chemical compositions of each experimental diet and fish carcass were determined and the feed utilization by fishes was equally monitored and calculated. Higher levels of moisture content (7.42%), crude fiber (4.24%), total ash (3.16%), crude protein and fat (29.21 and 30.01%) and carbohydrate (27.21%) were established for the dietary group (DT6) as compared to other dietary groups. In contrast, the fish carcass moisture, crude fiber, and total ash contents were high in fish fed DT4 and DT2 compared to others. Elevated calcium (760.7 and 763.6 mg/100g), phosphorus (683.4 and 685.1 mg/100g), sodium (302.4 and 303.4 mg/100g), potassium (820.6 and 825 mg/100g) and iron (32.67 and 37.31 mg/100g) contents were noted in DT5 and DT6 than the other diets. The fish carcass fed DT6 were richer in calcium (803 mg/100g), phosphorus (5023 mg/100g), sodium (492 mg/100g), potassium (6313 mg/100g) and iron (5.12 mg/100g) than the others. C. gariepinus fed DT6 recorded high weight gains (45.64 mg) while fish DT4 had a value of length gain (1.80 cm). Higher significant values were observed for SGR (54.33%), PER (2.47%), FI (2.85%) and SR (80.23%) as feed utilization in fish fed DT6. However, experimental diets (DT5 and DT6) with 75 and 100% S. indicum inclusion look promising and would enhance adequate growth performance and nutrient utilization of C. gariepinus, which may be used for the development of the product in various food industries. Keywords: C. gariepinus, fish meal, feed efficiency, growth performance, S. indicum

Capital Structure and Profitability of Deposit Money Banks: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria

The banking sector consolidation exercise that took place in Nigeria in 2005 did not only reduce the number of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) but diversified their capital structure and adjusted their regulatory capital requirements. Given these developments, it is imperative that the DMBs determine the most optimal financing mix which minimises the cost of financing as well as maximises returns. This study empirically examined the impact of capital structure (owners’ funds and borrowed funds) on bank profitability in Nigeria. Applying autoregressive distributed lag model on a sample of 13 DMBs from 2005 through 2014, the study found that about 83 per cent of total assets employed by the DMBs are not financed by owners, confirming the hypothesis that banks are highly levered institutions. Consistent with the agency and static trade-off theories of capital structure and earlier empirical findings in Nigeria, the results further found evidence of a positive and significant influence of both owners’ and borrowed funds on profitability. However, borrowed funds was found to be more prevalent in enhancing the performance of DMBs during the study period. Following these findings therefore, the study recommends that DMBs should study and understand the dynamics of capital structure to enable them make optimal capital mix decision. In addition, since debt is more critical in boosting profitability of banks in Nigeria, DMBs should employ more debt than equity in financing real investment with positive net present values. The management and board of directors of DMBs should incentivise lenders and depositors so as to enhance easy access to funds other than shareholders’. Additional incentives on depositors’ and creditors’ funds such as increase in their returns are capable of attracting more funds from the investing public to create assets. Key Words: Capital Structure, Owners’ Funds, Borrowed Funds, Gross Earnings, Deposit Money Banks, Nigeri

Money, Exchange Rate, Prices and Output in Nigeria: A Test of the P-Star Model

The search for robust model to predict inflation within a QTM framework gave birth to P-star model which has attracted less attention of researchers and practitioners in Nigeria. This study applied the methodology to high frequency Nigerian data from 1995M1 to 2018M6 to determine the validity of the model for Nigeria using error correction model (ECM). The result supports the working of the model but with slight modification. The modification centres on the incorporation of foreign price gap, (open economy view of inflation), reserve money (Friedmanic/monetarist view), price per litre of petroleum motor spirit (PMS) and output gap (Structuralist view). With this modification, P-star model proved to be a viable inflation forecasting alternative model for Nigeria. Consequently, the Central Bank of Nigeria is advised to consider adopting this modified version of the model to forecast inflation for Nigeria at least as a complimentary model to be used side-by-side with the existing forecasting model of the Bank. This will no doubt enhance the efficacy of the monetary policy of the Bank as such policies will be predicated on sufficient information, particularly on the future path of inflation

Employee Commitment and Retention among Medical Doctors and Nurses in University Teaching Hospitals in North-Western Nigeria

Employee commitment and retention are two axioms associated with productivity and stability of employment in organizations. This concept is much more important in the health sector. This study investigates the relationships between each dimension of employee commitment and retention as well as determines their combined influence on retention among doctors and nurses in University Teaching Hospitals in North-Western Nigeria. The study uses cross sectional survey data collected in 2015 from 441 respondents drawn through multi-stage sampling technique. The data was analysed using correlation and regression techniques. The results, in line with multidimensional theory of commitment, indicate that employee commitment dimensions (affective, continuance and normative) are significantly related to retention. Contrary to findings of some previous studies, however, normative commitment is more prevalent in affecting retention than affective commitment. The study, therefore, recommends that management should foster and sustain high levels of affective and normative commitments among employees. Critical working tools should also be made readily available and the overall working environment be made conducive in order to enhance their commitment and retention. Key Words: Employee Commitment, Retention, Management, Teaching Hospitals, Nigeria

Factors influencing Consumer Preference for Fresh Beef in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

A total of 90 Household heads (15 from each of the six electoral wards of Sokoto metropolis) were randomly selected and interviewed to identify factors that affect preference for fresh beef and to determine the nature of the relationship. Factors identified were; household size, educational level, occupation, expenditure on beef, and expenditure on beef substitutes. A quadratic regression model was found to best explain the relationship between preference and the factors identified. Household size, level of education and expenditure on beef substitutes were significantly related to preference for fresh beef (P<0.01), However, occupation and expenditure on beef did not influence preference (P>0.05). As expected expenditure on beef substitutes tends to decrease preference for beef. Beef has been found to be preferred over other sources of meats.Keywords: Consumer, Preference, fresh beef, Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeri

Experimental study on the analysis of nanocellulose treated water in Yola metropolis, Nigeria

In this study, cellulose from sugarcane bagasse and wood pulp were converted to nanocellulose and utilized to treat water from different sources within Yola Metropolis to study the efficacy of both methods. From the analysed water parameters, both nanocellulose materials were effective in treating contaminated water. They showed the capability of reducing the concentrations of the various tested parameters such as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Nitrate, Chloride, and Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). Interestingly, analysis of the heavy metal concentrations before and after water treatment with the nanocellulose, showed very significant reduction of the heavy metals. This is encouraging as we explore more efficient methods of water treatment, in order to tackle rising cases of lead and other heavy metal poisoning in Nigeria due to illegal mining activities and deregulated industrial activities. Dans cette recherche, la cellulose de la bagasse de canne à sucre et de la pulpe de bois a été converties en nanocellulose et utilisées pour l’épuration d’eau de différentes sources au sein de Yola Metropolis afin d’étudier l’efficacité des deux méthodes. D’après les paramètres d’eau analysés avec les deux types de nanocelluloses étaient efficaces dans le traitement de l’eau contaminée. Ils ont considérablement réduit les concentrations des différents contaminants testés tels que le TDS, le nitrate, le chlorure et le NTU. En effet, l’analyse de la concentration en métaux lourds avant et après le traitement de l’eau avec la nanocellulose a montré une réduction très significative des métaux lourds. C’est une bonne chose car nous explorons des méthodes plus efficaces de traitement de l’eau, pour lutter contre l’augmentation des cas d’empoisonnement au plomb et à d’autres métaux lourds au Nigeria en raison d’activités minières illégales et d’activités industrielles non réglementées

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in a 2-year old Nigerian female mongrel dog

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Examining the profound effects of COVID19 on mental health: A comprehensive systematic review on anxiety and depression

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to humanity, economically and in health and wellbeing. The associated limited social isolation and lifestyle changes has increased the risk for mental health services, especially among vulnerable people. This highlights the need for mental health services, burden that already stretch the health systems. This review presents an exposition on COVID-19 and mental health, and ways to minimise, and possibly prevent, their effect on the psychological well-being of those people. We searched four databases (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES) using specific search terms and eligibility criteria. Of the 33 included studies, 31 were quantitative, and one qualitative and mixed method each. The studies were analysed using thematic narrative synthesis that resulted in three main themes: (a) the internal and external influences on COVID-19 behaviour, (b) the impact of COVID-19 on health and well-being and (c) the coping strategies used. Since COVID-19 will exist for the foreseeable future, understanding its impact on health and mental well-being and the coping techniques to be adopted are important now than ever. This study contributes to such an understanding along with suggestions regarding ways to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on mental health using context-appropriate strategies

Psychoactive substance use in a sample of community outreach participants; prevalence, correlates and ease of incorporating care

Background: The misuse of licit and illicit substances has continued to constitute a profound effect and harm across various societies. This study examined the nature of substance use, abuse and dependence in a community setting in Jos, Plateau State and the ease of carrying out screening, brief intervention and referral for substance use problems.Methods: Data for this study was gathered through a community-based medical outreach with a total of 1170 residence (M=36.97, SD=15.33), within the research area in participation. A cross-sectional research design was used to examine the prevalence and correlates of psychoactive substance consumption (excluding alcohol).Results: Analysis revealed that tobacco 51%, marijuana 22%, opioids 15%, sedatives 6%, and amphetamine 2%, were the current most significant substances used within the population. The ASSIST and MINI diagnostic criteria noted a significant rate of substance abuse and dependence (p<0.05) for tobacco, marijuana, amphetamine, inhalants, sedatives, hallucinogens, and opioid. Brief intervention based on the FRAMES techniques as employed in this study, was used in a total of 211 participants among whom 36 further received counseling for substance abuse and 60 were referred for specialized drug treatment therapy due to substance dependence. Gender, living environment, employment status and occupation were significant predictors of substance use across the participants. Specifically, male, participants who have stable accommodation, those with regular employment and students were found to be the group with the most significant rates of substance and substance use disorders.Conclusions: This study concludes among others, that the ASSIST, MINI and Brief Intervention were indeed effective for substance-related diagnosis in community-based medical programs and can be effectively incorporated into routine services with adequate planning, training and execution