Division of Labour and Job Specialization as Catalysts for Better Job Performance among the Staff of a Nigerian University Library

This study brought into fore some salient discoveries about the strength and weaknesses of division of labour and job specialization on the overall job performance of the staff of a Nigerian university library. A descriptive survey method was adopted to elicit information from the respondents. A questionnaire was designed with 30 structured questions including the demography of the respondents. Fifty (50) copies of questionnaires were distributed among the library staff of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and forty five (45) were returned. Forty two (42) out of these were found usable. This study finds that majority of respondents agree that job specialization makes their work easier and faster, enhances their job performance and they are fully satisfied with their present area of specialization, while a sizable number were dissatisfied because their training does not correspond with their present posting. The study also finds that library and information centres still cannot do without division of labour and job specialization even with the emergence of ICT infusion into library and information services provision. The respondents also preferred the present division of labour although a paltry number disagreed. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study and conclusions drawn

Hazard estimation from Radiofrequency Radiation in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital from nearby GSM Base-Stations

Increasing competition between GSM service providers and several calls for improvement of their quality of service from members of the public has led to proliferation of base station (BTS) masts in Nigeria. Consequently, there is an increase in the risk of radiation hazard due to exposure of the public to radiofrequency radiation from the BTS antennae. This study is aimed at estimating the radiation hazard due to electric field intensity from BTSs.Electric field intensity measurements due to different GSM Operators were taken at thirty sites in the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands. The maximum instantaneous electricfield intensities of 301.05 ± 63.8

Phytochemical, Proximate Analysis and Mineral Composition of Aqueous Crude Extract of Ficus Asperifolia Miq

To determine the chemical constituents, proximate, phytochemical analysis and mineral composition of the crude aqueous extract of the leaves of Ficus asperifolia. The extracts were subjected to proximate and phytochemical screening. The mineral contents were determined using standard biochemical methods and equipment. Phytochemical studies carried out on aqueous extract of Ficus asperifolia leaves showed the presence of alkaloid, saponin, phenol, tannin, cardiac glycoside, steroid, cardenolides and phlobatannins while terpenes, flavonoids, anthraquinones and chalcones were not detected. Analyses showed that the sample has high level of Carbohydrate (42.64%), moderate amount of Crude Fibre and Protein (18.41 and 14.73%), respectively and little amount of Ash content (9.78%) and Crude Fat (3.16%). Also a considerable level (11.29%) of moisture was shown. This composition shows that the sample could be a good source of Carbohydrate, Dietary Fibre and Protein. Sodium and Potassium content (0.185±0.002 and 0.367±0.007%), respectively indicates the tendency of Ficus asperifolia to be able to regulate or control the osmotic balance of the body fluid as well as body pH. Ficus asperifolia is also found to be rich in Phosphorus (0.349±0.002%) and Calcium (0.203±0.002%), which is essential for bone formation. Magnesium, (0.428±0.003%) is also present, which could help to lower the blood pressure. Antioxidant minerals Zinc (64.45±0.15 mg/kg), Iron (7.00±0.20 mg/kg), Copper (13.35±0.15 mg/kg) and Selenium (0.0027±0.01 mg/kg) are also present. Our findings therefore, suggest that there is an indication that Ficus asperifolia contains important phytochemicals, proximate and mineral compounds that may be linked to its beneficial effects on health

Chemical composition of Senecio biafrae leaf

This study examined the proximate, mineral, fatty acid, amino acid and vitamin compositions of Senecio biafrae leaves grown mostly in western part of Nigeria. From the results, Senecio biafrae leaves were found to be a good source of protein (14.26±2.01%) and fiber (15.78±0.13%) by using AOAC method. The observed minerals content carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer were: sodium, iron, potassium, aluminum, calcium, zinc, selenium, magnesium and cobalt. The leaves also has essential fatty acid by using gas chromatograph technique (Linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids), indispensable amino acid (threonine, valine, isoleucine, leucne, tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and histidine) which was determined by using gas chromatography technique and vitamins such as vitamins E, C, K, A and vitamin B complex was detected by using both AOAC and gas chromatography technique.. Therefore, Senecio biafrae can be considered as a useful source of essential nutrients for both animals and livestock

Chemical Composition And Nutritional Evaluation Of Leea Guineensis Seed

The proximate composition, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids profile of Leea guineensis seeds were investigated. The results of the proximate analysis revealed that Leea guineensis seeds have crude protein of 22.30 ±0.45% , crude fiber of 14.38±1.20% and ash of 6.96 ±0.16%. The results also shows that Leea guineensis seeds is a good sources of dietary minerals especially potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and copper. Fatty acids profile of the seeds revealed that the seed lipids contained higher concentration of linoleic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid. Also, amino acids profile of Leea guineensis seeds showed that it essential amino acids such as threonine, valine, isoleucine, leucne, tyrosine, phenylalanine and histidine. Leea guineensis seed is therefore considered to be a good source of essential nutrients that would be useful for both animal and human being

Determinants of sweet potato value addition among smallholder farming households in Kwara state, Nigeria

Sweet potato is an important food security promoted crop in Nigeria. The recognition of its relative health benefits has resulted in fresh consumption as well as the utilization of processed products such as sweet potato chips, fries and pre-cut, flour, and pureed sweet potatoes. This study examined the determinants of sweet potato value addition among smallholder farmers in Kwara. A multi- stage sampling techniques was used to obtain information from 163 small holder farmers in Offa and Oyun local government areas of Kwara state. Descriptive statistics and Heckman two-stage model were used to analyse the data. The results indicate that 44% of the respondents were involved mainly in slicing and sun-drying; 39% took part in slicing, sun-drying and grinding into flour, while the main value adding activity of 15% of them was slicing and frying into chips. The results of the Heckman two-stage model showed that training and quantity of sweet potato harvested significantly increased farmers’ decision to add value by 0.494 units and 0.003 units respectively. Furthermore, membership of association extension visits and access to credit significantly increased farmers’ level of value addition to sweet potato by 1.301units, 0.821 units and 15.350 units respectively. Also, household size decreased the level of value addition by 2.174 units. For sweet potato farmers to be fully involved in value addition of their produce, loan packages, increase in extension outreaches, training and sensitization on birth control measures are necessary policy options.Key words: Sweet potato, value addition, Heckman two-stage model, Kwara State, Nigeri

TECHNOLOGICAL TRAINING NEEDS OF SMALL SCALE OIL- PALM PROCESSORS IN NIGERIA

The study assessed the technological training needs of small scale oil palm processors in Osun State, Nigeria. A well-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 140 oil palm processors. The data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, ranking and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to test the hypothesis. The study revealed that, 98.6% of the respondents use both modern and traditional method of processing and majority of the oil palm processors (87.1%) store their oil palm in rubber containers. Water related challenges, inadequate fund, unstable pricing of products and lack of government support and in appropriate government policy are very severe constraints to their production. The result also revealed that oil palm processors require training for stripping (8.01), digestion (8.71), mixing (7.88), skimming (7.43), and clarification (7.56) during oil palm processing. Accessing loans and grants, marketing information, appropriate policy for price control amongst others are the most important needs area for extension advice in the study area. The test of hypothesis of the study revealed that a significant relationship exist between age, educational level and experience and the extension needs of the respondents(P= 0.020, 0.012:<0.05, 0.002:0.01 ), while no significant relationship exist between the household size and the extension needs of oil palm processors(P=0.842). The study therefore concludes that, oil palm processors require training as well as advice and technical assistance in a number of areas in order to increase their efficiency. It was thus recommended that Extension Programme should be focused on the need areas of oil palm processor