Transformative Learning versus Informative Learning in Facilitating Mission Studies

https://place.asburyseminary.edu/firstfruitspapers/1036/thumbnail.jp

DOES ASSET OWNERSHIP REDUCE CHRONIC POVERTY?

Assets play an important role in the understanding of chronic poverty. This study was conducted in southern Nigeria to quantitatively assess the poverty level of households with respect to ownership of assets. Using the multistage sampling technique, primary data were obtained from 150 households with the aid of questionnaire. Data were subjected to analyses using the Foster Greer Thorbecke weighted poverty index and stochastic dominance analysis. Results indicate that poverty incidence, depth and severity was lower for households who own certain assets as land, houses, cars, motorcycles and sewing machines. The δ-value of the difference in the two sub-groups’ poverty incidences is significant (P < 0.01). Findings reveal that asset portfolio of majority of households was substantially low as more than 70 percent owned assets valued less than N100,000. Results of stochastic dominance analysis reveal that there was first order stochastic dominance. Result underscores the need to focus on poverty reduction policies that will increase the asset portfolio of rural households who are mostly dependent in farming for their income and food supplie

Characterization of aroma-active compounds in black sapote (Diospyros digyna Jacq.)

The volatile compounds of black sapote fruit were isolated by simultaneous distillation-solvent extraction and analysed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 32 volatile constituents were detected, which represented 4.57 mg kg−1 of the fruit. The composition of volatile constituents of the fruit included 9 terpene compounds (49.1% of the total volatile composition), 11 ketones (9%), 5 aldehydes (29.2%), 4 alcohols (3.6%), 2 esters (8.2%) and a paraffin (0.8%). Major compounds were (Z)-b-ocimene (26.6% of the total volatile composition), (E)-cinnamaldehyde (25.5%) and limonene (17.0%). By application of odour activity values, seven constituents were considered as aroma-active volatiles, from which the most important were (E)-cinnamaldehyde, 3-methylbutanal, limonene, (Z)-β-ocimene, linalool, methyl (E)-cinnamate, and β-caryophyllene

Economic Benefits and Constraints in Management of Thrift Co-operatives in Public Organizations.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of thrift cooperatives in poverty reduction and grassroots micro-credit empowerment of its members. Five research questions framed the study viz, what is: the level of marketing facilities offered to thrift cooperatives members, the ease of accessibility and repayment terms of loans obtained. Others include ascertaining regularity in payment of thrifts and dividends to co-operators (at the specified periods) and the challenges (or problems) facing management of cooperatives in public organizations? Copies of five point Likert scaled research questionnaire highlighting clusters of questions were administered to a random sample of respondents. Qualitative data collected were based on the respondents’ ratings on the following clusters: Regularity in Thrift Payments, Marketing Facilities Granted to Members, Loan Accessibility by Members, Ease of Loan Repayment, Level of Dividend Payments, and Challenges Facing Management of Societies. Applying a Factor Analysis technique in analysing the sample data, we found that: provision of consumer goods at affordable prices, capital formation opportunities in form of thrifts, loans, shares and dividend payments attract and sustain membership of thrift societies. However, lack of: trust, transparent and innovative management techniques challenge administration of these societies in public organizations. Policy implications of the findings were discussed. Keywords: Thrift, credit, loan, co-operative, micro-finance, welfare, factor analysis

Perubahan Kadar Kolesterol Total Dan Trigliserida Pada Kelinci New Zealand White Yang Diberi Ekstrak Beras Hitam (Oriza Sativa L.)

: High cholesterol levels in blood can lead to various diseases, including coronary heart disease. Black rice (Oryza sativa L.) contains more anthocyanin in layers of alueron than in white rice. Cardioprotective effect of rice has been emerged since several decades ago. This was a true experimental study with a pre-posttest control group design. Samples were New Zealand White male rabbits aged 3 months. Group 1 was fed standard meal; group 2 was fed with high-fat diet; group 3 was fed with high-fat diet plus black rice extract; and group 4 were fed with high-fat diet plus atorvastatin. Data were analyzed and presented descriptively. The results showed that total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the group fed with black rice extract decreased by 5 mg/dl and 4 mg/dl respectively. Decreased total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were also found in the group fed with standard meal and the group given atorvastatin. Meanwhile, the group fed with high-fat diet showed increased levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride high enough. Conclusion: There were decreased levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in rabbits fed with black rice extract

EFFECTS OF NUTRITION ON HAEMATOLOGY OF RABBITS: A REVIEW

This review examined the effects of nutrition on haematology of rabbits. The physiology of farm animals is influenced by several factors, one of which is nutrition. The nutritional status of an animal is dependent on dietary intake and effectiveness of metabolic processes. Dietary contents affect blood profile of farm animals. Haematological studies represent a useful process in the investigation of the extent of damage to the blood. Examination of blood provides the opportunity to clinically investigate the physiological, nutritional and pathological status of an animal. And changes in haematological parameters are often used to determine stresses due to nutrition. Reports by different researchers indicated that different diets fed to rabbits had different effects on haematological parameters, some of which were detrimental while others improved their haematological indices as they remained within the normal range of values for rabbits

Digital Literacy Skills of Undergraduate Students of Library and Information Science on the Utilization of Electronic Information Resources in Two Federal Universities in Nigeria

This study examined digital literacy skills of undergraduate students of Library and Information Science on the Utilization of Electronic Information Resources in Two Federal Universities in Nigeria. Five (5) objectives were framed to guide the study. The descriptive survey design was adopted. The population of the study was 250 final year students comprising 182 and 68 students from the Departments of Library and Information Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, (MOUAU) and University of Uyo (UNIUYO) from the 2015/2016 session, respectively. The accidental (aka convenience) sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents for the study. Data were collected using the structured questionnaire from 122 respondents who completed and returned their questionnaire. This yields 93.33% response rates. The Data generated were analysed using the descriptive statistics to determine the frequency counts and mean scores in accordance with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS Version 23) model. Findings of the study reveals that the electronic information resources available for the students in the two universities are: e-dictionaries, e-encyclopedias, Internet search engines (Google, Wikipedia, etc.), e-newspapers, e-research reports, online databases, e-journals, e-books, and CD-ROMs databases. It also shows that the digital literacy skills of the students include: electronic mailing skills; Internet surfing skills; social networking (social media) skills); basic computer operations skills (e.g. type-setting, formatting, printing, etc.; electronic search and retrieval skills and skills for accessing electronic resources via diverse search engines. The findings further shows that the students acquire digital literacy skills through: digital technology training programmes/practical sessions in their universities; formal lectures as part of course works; self-sponsored IT training programmes; trial and error; and assistance from friends. On the uses of digital literacy skills by the students, the finding reveals that digital literacy skills are used for: typesetting, formatting, and printing of documents; downloading of e-resources for academic works; sending of assignments and term-papers online for assessment by lecturers and social networking. The findings reveals that factors facing digital literacy skills of the students are: epileptic electricity supply; high cost of digital skill training programmes; inaccessibility to internet facilities; inadequate digital facilities, lack of conducive digital literacy learning environment; and poor teaching methods by IT lecturers. It recommends that university-based library schools should design and implement digital literacy programmes to educate and train undergraduate students to develop knowledge and practical skills on the use of digital technologies

Strategic Information Access Tools for Dissemination of Information in Academic Libraries in a Digital Era in Nigeria.

This study examines strategic information access tools for dissemination of information in academic libraries in a digital era in Nigeria, using the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Library, Abia State, as a case study. The study was guided by four (4) specific research objectives. The descriptive survey design was adopted with a population of forty-six (46) library staff; comprising academic librarians, para-professional staff and library assistants. The complete census sampling technique was used due to the size of the population. A-4 point structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions was adopted to generate data for the study, and out of the forty-six (46) copies of the questionnaire distributed, 43 copies representing 96% were completed and retrieved with valid information. The data collected were analysed using the descriptive statistics to determine the mean scores and frequency counts in accordance with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS Version 23). The criterion mean of 2.50 was used to ascertain the level of agreement or disagreement in each case. The finding reveals that strategic information access tools for dissemination of information in academic libraries in a digital era include: library catalogue, indexes, abstracts, bibliographies, Internet search engines, online databases/CD-ROMs, etc. It also reveals that strategic information access tools assist in the acquisition of information resources, the speed of disseminating information, promote accuracy in the dissemination of information, enhances effective management of information resources, and facilitates convenience in the dissemination of information. The findings also points out that inadequate trained staff to handle technical services, lack of current digital information access tools such as: OPAC, MARC 21, Dublin Core, etc., inadequate computers and related ICT facilities, epileptic power supply, poor Internet connectivity, etc. are the problems confronting strategic information access tools for dissemination of information. Based on the findings of this study, some measures such as: adequate training of staff on technical services, including ICT training on how to handle web-based access tools; provision of adequate funding to academic libraries, provision of adequate functional computers and related facilities, provision of effective internet connectivity, provision of constant power supply in academic libraries, etc., were recommended. Finally, this study concludes that academic libraries and librarians need to rise up to their responsibilities by ensuring that strategic information access tools are not only acquired but effectively put to use, through improved skills, in order to enhance timely dissemination of information to users

The reptiles of Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania an updated checklist with some aspects of biogeography

The Mkomazi National Park (MNP) is a protected area representing three major biomes, yet it remains poorly known from a herpetological perspective. Intensive surveys for reptiles were carried out in the MNP during dry and wet seasons in 2018, with the main focus of updating the existing data and assessing the influence of the three biomes on the park’s species composition. Various methods were used to document 55 species, most of which were found during the dry season. The checklist of reptiles of MNP is now updated to 73 species, 97% of which are typical of the Somalia-Maasai biome, equivalent to 54% of all Somalia-Maasai biome species in Tanzania. The MNP was found to be the most discordant in species composition from the contiguous Pare and Usambara Mountains, the latter two areas harbouring Afromontane forest-dependent species. We recommend surveys at Kinondu, Ibaya and Maji Kununua hills and foothills along the West Usambara and South Pare Mountains in order to confirm Afromontane species in MNP. Keywords: Herpetofauna, inventory, Somalia-Maasai, biodiversity, conservatio