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THRESHOLDS ON ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS OF GULLY EROSION IN KEREKE DRAINAGE BASIN OF THE BENUE TROUGH
Get PDFGully erosion is one of the serious environmental problems in the Kereke drainage basin, which has resulted in the destruction of farmlands, buildings among others. This study therefore established threshold values of environmental factors and develop predictive models for assessing gully characteristics in the Kereke drainage basin of the Benue trough. The systematic sampling procedure was used to select thirty-two settlements in the study area as catchment areas for data collection. Data on vegetation, soil, relief, gully characteristics were collected from direct field measurement, information on rainfall was sourced from NIMET office Makurdi and data on Kereke morphometric parameters and land use/land cover was sourced from Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission of the study area using GIS software, principles and techniques. Percentages and means were used to depict variations in the data set. Bivariate linear regression model and stepwise regression model were used to develop predictive models for assessing gully characteristics in the Kereke drainage basin. Findings of the study shows that the critical thresholds of 69% for vegetation cover, 5cm for depth of litter cover, 2o for valley slope angle, 71m for elevation above sea level, 0.3% for soil organic matter, 1.2gcm-3 for soil buck density and 38% for soil porosity are essential for gully initiation in the area. Also, models such as Y = 1.77 + 0.61x1 + 0.02x2 for gully intensity, Y = -0.06 +0.08x1 -0.97x2 – 0.05x3 + 0.01x4 + 0.20x5 for gully depth, Y = 21.13 – 2.43x1 + 0.12x2 + 0.01x3 for gully width and Y = 14.66 + 2.13x1 + 1.23x2 for gully length, are useful for predicting gully characteristics in the Kereke drainage basin. The significant factors of gully erosion in the study area are vegetation, soil erodibility, relief, runoff capacity, rainfall energy, drainage dissection, soil water holding capacity and human activities. It is therefore recommended that soil management should be encouraged especially shifting cultivation and fallowing system, to improving bulk density and vegetal cover for controlled gully initiation in the study area.SEL
MONETARY POLICY AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY
Get PDFThis study titled “Monetary policy and the performance of the Nigerian economy” premised that the essence of monetary control is to curve real demand in the economy. The research believed the scant, if any knowledge on impact of monetary policy on disaggregated economic growth, and on government demand was a problem. The study took the objective therefore to find the impact of monetary policy on the Hicksian growth disaggregates of investment, consumption, government and net export demand. Employing the exploratory research methodology, the research anchored on the theories of CC-LM and Tailor Rule. Variables in dimensions of monetary policy considered interest rate, broad money supply, exchange rate, bank credit and inflation. Secondary data on these variables were collected from National Bureau of Statistics, International Financial Statistics, but more from The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Statistical Bulletin of various years. This data was analysed using Structural Vector Autoregression (SVAR) framework. Result of the analysis found monetary policy impact on the performance of the Nigerian economy in the short run and in the long run. Short run monetary policy shocks to economic growth disaggregates fades away for long run equilibrium at various speeds. Also, different monetary policy channels impact on the growth sectors in various negative and positive directions and dimensions. The corroboration of variance decomposition with impulse response function established that exchange rate leads transmission of monetary policy effects to the real private sector in Nigeria. Conversely, credit leads the monetary policy impulses to curve real public sector demand. The study accordingly concludes that, led by exchange rate, monetary policy significantly impacts on the performance of the Nigerian economy. Hence, it recommends exchange rate in front of the monetary policy mix to achieve targets in the Nigerian economy.SEL
THE INFLUENCE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON STAFF PERFORMANCE IN FEDERAL AND STATE UNIVERSITIES IN THE NORTH-CENTRAL ZONE OF NIGERIA
No full textThis study investigated the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Staff Job Performance in Public Universities in the North Central Zone Nigeria. The purpose of study was to ascertain the influence of internet services, animations, use of laptop, electronic mails. e-learning, audio-visual sound and e-library on staff job performance. Seven research questions were raised to guide the study, while seven hypotheses were also formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The design of the study was the descriptive survey design. The population of the study was all the 13,784 academic staff and non-academic senior administrative staff in both the Federal and State Universities in the study area. The sample of the study consisted of 1,379 University staff. Nine hundred and seventy one respondents came from the Federal Universities, while 408 were from states-owned Universities through proportionate, stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a researcher-made structured questionnaire title, "Information and Communication Technology and Staff Questionnaire (ICTSQ)". And an Interview Schedule (IS). The ICTSQ was subjected to a reliability analysis using Cronbach Alpha which yielded a reliability co-efficient of 0.77. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions while chi-square (X2) test of goodness was used to test the hypotheses. Data collected from the interview schedule was analysed using simple percentages. The findings of the study showed that internet services had significant influence on staff job performance. There was also a significance influence of the use of animations on staff job performance. Another finding indicated that use of laptop had significant influence on staff job performance. Further finding showed that use of e-mail had significant influence on staff job performance. There was also a significant influence on E-learning practices on staff job performance. Another finding showed that there was significant influence of provision of e-library on staff job performance. Another finding indicated that use of audio-visual projectors had significant influence on staff job performance. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that Governing councils of all the Universities in the North Central Zone of Nigeria should ensure that there is adequate provision and utilization of ICT facilities in all Departments and Faculties as well as all the critical administrative organizations. Faculties in collaboration with the University Management should continually organize training workshops and seminars for staff to update their ICT skills for effective job performance
EVALUATION OF CHANGING PUBLIC SPACE UTILISATION IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Get PDFThe symbiotic relationship between society and public space is well documented in literature; however, society is not static, this presupposes as is shown in literature that the use of public space is also changing, how the dynamic nature of society is affecting the use and the dimensions of change being experienced in public spaces in Makurdi-a town in the developing world, is unclear in literature. This study evaluates the dimensions of change in the use of public space from 1976 -2018. Specific objectives set in achieving this aim include an examination of the spatial organisation and condition of public spaces during the study period, since perception guides the use of space, the study also analysed the changing perception of public space and examined the nature of change being experienced in public space as well as interrogated the relationship between indicators of social change such as Demography, Technology, Education and Economics on the use of public space. Two hypotheses were tested; the first null hypothesis tested stated that there is no variation in the use of public spaces in Makurdi while the second hypothesis tested the presupposition that the changing use of public space is not related to changing dynamics of society in Makurdi. To achieve the aims of the study the most commonly available public space of parks and streets out of the other types of public spaces were isolated as units for interrogation. A sample of all public neighbourhood parks in Makurdi was isolated using map analysis along with the perimeter streets adjourning the parks totalling 20 in number. Data was disaggregated based on current users of parks and those who used the parks at an earlier period. The respondents found currently using public spaces provided information on current usage of public space and respondents aged > 60 years old provided information on how public space was used in the past. Data was obtained from respondents using the instrument of questionnaires, while the physical features of parks and streets were observed and measured. Key informant interviews were carried out with ministries and government offices that have oversight function on public spaces in Makurdi. The data was subjected to statistical tests using factor analysis, two way ANOVA, MANOVA and Multiple Regression analysis to test the variation from 1976-2018 and relationships between changing use of public spaces and changing society. Findings showed a significant variation in the nature of utilisation of public spaces from 1976-2018 among respondents (F(19,1002)=3.945: Wilk’s Lambda=.824 partial Eta Squared=.063,p<0.01).Specifically it showed a slightly significant variation in the use of Parks in terms of Abandonment F(6,356)=6.430,p<.05;eta squared=.098) or 9.8% and Segregation (F(6,356)=2.805,p<.05;eta squared=.045) or 4.5% but no significant variation in contests. On Streets the study showed no variation from 1976-2018 in terms of abandonment or contest but an average variation of 3.5% for segregation. Results of multiple regressions showed a significant relationship between factors of social change and changing nature of use in public space (R = .346 = R2 = .119 (F (10, 389) = 5.279, t = 14.317, p < .01). Factors such as demography, economy and education independently and jointly contributed to change in the use of public space. The study recommended a revitalisation of existing parks; as well as the provision of a well distributed network of public spaces; in neighbourhoods that have none, the design of these parks should address issues of insecurity and quality which are negatively perceived and the design process should incorporate public participation and inputs from other allied professionals
EFFICACY OF GROUP REHABILITATION THERAPY ON PSYCHO-SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT OF PERSONS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Get PDFThis study investigated the efficacy of group rehabilitation therapy on psycho-social adjustment of persons with hearing impairment in Benue State. Five research questions and five hypotheses guided the study. A quasi-experimental design based on non-equivalent control group design was used for the study. A total of 40 hearing impaired (male 20, females 20) students participated in the study. The respondents were selected through purposive sampling technique. The researcher used a self-developed instrument, tagged “Group Rehabilitation Therapy Efficacy Questionnaire (GRTEQ)”. The instrument was subjected to face and content validity. The reliability of the instrument was tested with Cronbach Alpha which yielded a reliability coefficient index of 0.97. The researcher and three recruited and trained research assistants administered the instrument designed for collection of data for the study. Means and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while t-test statistic was used to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that group rehabilitation therapy has a significant effect on persons with hearing impairment, sense of belonging, sense of social security, tolerance, interpersonal interaction and self-esteem. The study concluded that Group Rehabilitation Therapy (GRT) is effective in treating persons with hearing impairment in Benue State. It was recommended, among others, that professional therapists, counsellors as well as other related professionals like social welfare, workers should assist persons with hearing impairment during therapeutic and counselling sessions or workshops using Group Rehabilitation Therapy and its principles against maladjusted acts or behaviours of persons with hearing impairment.SEL
DETERMINATION OF SELECTED PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN SOME FOODSTUFFS SOLD IN FOUR MARKETS IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS BENUE STATE NIGERIA USING GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY
Get PDFResidues of dichlorvos and organochlorine pesticides were determined in Oryza sativa, Glycine max, Vigna unguiculata, Zea mays (White and Yellow) samples purchased from four markets (Modern, Wadata, Wurukum and Northbank) in Makurdi metropolis, using gas chromatography mass spectrometric technique following solvent extraction. The residues of organochlorine pesticides were detected in all (100 percent) of the food samples at varying concentrations ranging from heptachlor epoxide not detected to endrin aldehyde concentration in Oryza sativa. The concentration of endrin aldehyde was highest in Oryza sativa with range from 7.17 (MMR1) – 13.34 mg/kg (NBMR1). The concentration of endosulfan I was highest in Glycine max with range from 0.11 (MSB1) - 15.08 mg/kg (NBSB1). Endrin aldehyde concentration was highest in Vigna unguiculata with range from 3.01 (NBWB1) - 7.15 mg/kg (WKWB1). γ – HCH concentration was highest in Zea mays (white corn) with range from 0.20 (WWC1) – 2.77 mg/kg (NBWC1) and endosulfan I concentration was highest in Zea mays (Yellow corn) with range from 0.57 (NBYC1) - 1.16 mg/kg (WKYC1) from the first sampling. The determined concentrations exceeded the Maximum Residues Limits (MRL) set by World Health Organisation (WHO) and Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). The concentration of organochlorine pesticides in the food samples investigated across the markets from the second visit show endrin aldehyde concentration was highest in Oryza sativa with range from 2.37 (WMR2) – 5.63 mg/kg (MMR2). Also, endrin aldehyde concentration was highest in Glycine max with range from 2.73 (NBSB2) – 8.80 mg/kg (WSB2). The concentration of endrin aldehyde was highest in Vigna unguiculata with range from 3.80 (MWB2) – 4.78 mg/kg (NBWB2). The concentration of endrin aldehyde in Zea mays (white corn) ranges from 2.46 (WKWC2) - 4.78 mg/kg (MWC2). Endrin ketone concentration was highest in Zea mays (Yellow corn) with range from 0.72 (WCYC2) - 1.24 mg/kg (NBYC2). These concentrations were above the set limits. The concentration of dichlorvos in Oryza sativa range from 0.01 (WMR2) - 0.02 mg/kg (NBMR2). The concentration of dichlorvos in Glycine max range from 0.01 (NBSB1) – 0.05 (WSB2). Dichlorvos concentration in Vigna unguiculata range from 0.01 (WWB1) - 0.06 (WWB2). Dichlorvos concentration in Zea mays (white corn) range from 0.01 (WWC1) – 0.04 mg/kg (MWC2) while, dichlorvos concentration in Zea mays (Yellow corn) range from 0.001 (NBYC2) – 0.02 mg/kg (WKYC2). Only the dichlorvos concentration in NBYC2 was below the MRLs (0.01 mg/kg). The concentration of the OCPs and dichlorvos from the two visits were not significantly different (p 0.05). There is need for the Federal Government to review the policy and mandate of the regulatory body in Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) to include screening and certification of all foods before allowed into the markets.TETFUN
PERCIEVED ORGANIZATIONAL JUSTICE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EMPOWERMENT AS PREDICTORS OF WORK ENGAGEMENT AMONG BANK EMPLOYEES IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS.
Get PDFThe aim of the study was to examine perceived organizational justice and psychological empowerment as predictors of work engagement among bank employees in Makurdi Metropolis. Cross – sectional survey design was employed for the study and three hundred and six (306) participants were sampled across selected banks in Makurdi. This comprises of males 185(60.5%) and females 111(36.3%) with age range of 20years to 56years. A set of self -report questionnaires was used for data collection comprising perceived organizational justice, psychological empowerment and work engagement scales. Three hypotheses were generated and tested using standard multiple regression and hierarchical multiple regression. Perceived organizational justices jointly and significantly predicted overall work engagement (R2 = .301, p0.05. Further, results shows that jointly organizational justices predicted vigor work engagement significantly (R2 = .254, p0.05. In line with hypothesis one, perceived organizational justices jointly and significantly predicted dedication engagement (R2=.282, p0.05. Consistent with hypothesis one also, perceived organizational justices jointly and significantly predicted absorption engagement (R2=.185, p0.05). Consistent with hypothesis two, perceived psychological empowerment variables jointly and significantly predicted overall work engagement (R2=.344, p0.05). Consistent with hypothesis two, perceived psychological empowerment predicted vigor engagement (R2=.270, p0.05).Perceived psychological empowerment jointly and significantly predicted dedication (R2=.321, p0.05). Perceived psychological empowerment variables jointly and significantly predicted absorption engagement (R2=.181; p0.05).Perceived organizational justice and psychological empowerment jointly and significantly predicted overall work engagement (R2=.305; p<0.05).The two predictor variables significantly predicted vigor and dedication engagement. This is consistent with hypothesis three.
It is then recommended that employers should consciously ensure distributive and interactional justices that is, in term of the input-output ratio of each employee. They should also provide necessary resources that leads to affective psychological work related state of mind
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSONALITY TRAITS, AGE AND ACCEPTANCE OF IMPENDING DEATH IN PATIENTS WITH PHYSICAL ILLNESSES
Get PDFThis study explored the relationship between personality traits, age and acceptance of impending death in patients with physical illnesses. A cross-sectional research design was used for a sample of 220 patients selected through a convenience sampling technique. The sample consisted of 111 male and 109 female participants. Participants completed the Big-five Personality Inventory and Death Attitude Profile−Revised questionnaire. Pearson correlation and MANOVA statistics were used for data analysis. Results shows a significant correlation between Extraversion trait with Approach acceptance of death (r(180) = .36; p.05); Conscientiousness trait and death acceptance (p>.05); neuroticism trait and death acceptance (p> .05). Hypothesis six shows a varied significant relationship between the young, middle and old age adult patients on the different types of death acceptance at (p. 05. These findings reveals that personality and age influence people feelings, thought and reaction towards impending death. Therefore, assessment of patients’ personality trait is essential for the purpose of indentifying and helping those with personality trait that is averse to death and dying by using appropriate therapeutic techniques
ATTACHMENT STYLES, STRESS AND AGE AS PREDICTORS OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AMONG COUPLES IN BENUE STATE
No full textThis study investigated attachment styles, stress and age as predictors of sexual dysfunction among couples in Benue State, Nigeria. The study employed an ex-post¬facto research design where 396 participants were randomly drawn from Makurdi, Otukpo and Kastin-ala local government area of Benue State through stratified, convenience and simple random sampling methods. Attachment Styles Scale, Standard Stress Scale, Biodata and Sexual Dysfunctions Scale were used for data collection. Four hypotheses were tested using multiple regression, simple regression and independent t-test analyses. Findings showed that Attachment Styles significantly predicted Sexual Dysfunction among couples (R = .349 = R2 = .122 (F (3,392) = 18.076, t = 6.715, p < .05). Stress significantly predicted Sexual Dysfunction among couples (R = .349 = R2 = .122 (F (3,392) = 18.076, t = 61.715, p < .05). There was a significant difference between young and old on sexual dysfunction (t (360) = -4.025, p <.05). There was a significant interactive effect of attachment styles, stress and age on sexual dysfunction among couples (R = .425 = R2 = .181 (F (5, 390) = 17.199, t = 3.184, p < .05). Based on these findings, it was concluded that attachment styles, stress and age are predictors of sexual dysfunctions among couples except close attachment style that has negative relationship with sexual dysfunction. It is recommended that communication skills should be encourage by therapist to encourage feelings of closeness among couples. Couples with the dysfunction are also encouraged to participate in dual sex therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and analytically oriented sex therapy
INFLUENCE OF PERSONALITY TRAITS, AND SOCIAL SUPPORT ON DRUG ADHERENCE TO ANTI-DIABETIC MEDICATION AMONG PATIENTS IN FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, MAKURDI.
Get PDFThe focus of this study was to assess the influence of personality traits and social support on drug adherence to anti-diabetic medication among patients in Federal Medical Centre Makurdi. Ex post factor research design was employed for the study and two hundred and sixty six (266) respondents made up of 140(52.6%) males and 126(47.4%) females were sampled among diabetic patient’s attending special out-patient clinic in Federal Medical Centre Makurdi. A set of questionnaire was used for data collection. It included scales measuring personality traits (Big five personality Inventory), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS). Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using Standard Multiple Regression. In line with hypothesis one, Personality traits did not significantly influence patient’s adherence to anti-diabetic medication. Hypothesis two also shows that, Social Support did not significantly influence patient’s adherence to anti-diabetic medication. Hypothesis three on joint influence equally showed that jointly, personality traits and social support did not significantly influence patient’s adherence to anti-diabetic medication. It was recommended that Clinical psychologist and members of the management team should examine every factor in the patient’s circumstance that could predict adherence behavior and emphasize on it through psycho-education. Since none of the dimensions of personality and social support have a significant influence on patient’s adherence behavior