Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Heamatological and Serum Biochemical Estimates of Weaner Pigs Fed Enzyme Supplemented Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) Chaff Based Diets
No full textThis study was carried out at the piggery unit of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State to evaluate the haematological and serum biochemical estimates of weaner pigs fed graded levels of tigernut chaff enzyme based diets. Sundried tigernut chaff (waste from tigernut processing) was collected from reputable tiger nut milk processors at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, sun-dried for 5-7 days for the determination of proximate composition. Four experimental diets were formulated such that tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) chaff treated with multi-enzyme notably Growin ACT was included at 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% dietary levels coded (T1), (T2), (T3) and (T4) respectively. Data obtained from the study was subjected to the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using general linear model of SPSS version. Results of the study showed that pigs fed enzyme supplemented tigernut chaff based diets showed significant (P<0.05) improvement in haematological parameters notably Hb, RBC, WBC, and PCV, with increasing dietary level of TNC while serum biochemical values such as albumin, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transferase (SGOT), Serum glutamic pyruvic transferase (SGPT) and creatinine reduced, as the dietary levels of TNC increased in the diets. In view of the above results, enzyme-supplemented tigernut chaff should be included in the ration of weaner pigs as a partial replacement for maize at 15% level for optimum haematological and serum biochemical profile, increased productivity and maximum economic benefits so as to make animal protein available at a reduced cost
Physical Properties and Mineral Content of Bread Produced from Wheat, Malted Mung Bean, and Watermelon Rind Flour Composites
No full textThis study was carried out to evaluate the physical properties and mineral content of breads produced from of wheat, malted mung bean and watermelon rind composite flours. Mung bean seeds were soaked for 24 h, washed, drained, germinated for 72 h, oven-dried in a tray dryer (Model EU850D, UK) at 60oC for 18 h occasionally stirring grains at intervals of 30 min and then milled into flour. The watermelon rind was sliced, washed, oven-dried and milled into flour and then sieved. Both flours were blended with wheat flour in varying proportions (100:0; 90:5: 5; 80:10:10; 70:15:15; 60:20:20 and 50:25:25) to produce bread. The physical properties and mineral content and of the bread samples were determined using standard methods. The physical properties of the bread samples showed that the loaf volume, specific volume, height, and oven spring decreased, while the weight increased significantly (p<0.05) with increased substitution of mung bean and watermelon rind flours. The study, therefore, showed that the mineral contents and the weight of the bread samples could be enhanced by the addition of mung bean and watermelon rind flours to wheat flour at different substitution levels in the production of bread samples. The mineral composition of the bread loaves were calcium (77.01-97.77), magnesium (48.89-114.74), phosphorous (41.11-97.76), potassium (62.67-94.21), iron (2.18-2.78), while sodium content ranged from 1.62 to 2.25mg/100g. The result showed that the bread loaves produced from the composite flours increased in weight and all the minerals evaluated with an increase in the substitution of malted mung bean and watermelon rind flours
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA: 2001 - 2022
No full textThis research work examined the effect of exchange rate fluctuation on the economic growth in Nigeria. In specific term, the effect of exchange rate fluctuation on nominal GDP, inflation, and balance of payment was ascertained. The study employed Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression and the Granger Causality test. The ordinary least square regression method was used to examine the nature of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. On the other hand, the Granger Causality test examines the effect of one variable on another. . This study used secondary time series data from 2001 to 2022. Data on exchange rate, inflation rate, balance of payment, and real gross domestic product were sourced from CBN Statistical Bulletin. The result revealed that exchange rate fluctuation has a positive and significant relationship with nominal GDP and it also has a significant impact on nominal GDP; exchange rate fluctuation has a positive and insignificant relationship with inflation rate in Nigeria; and exchange rate fluctuation has a negative and significant relationship with balance of payment in Nigeria and both variables have significant impact on each other. However, inflation rate is not significantly impacted by exchange rate fluctuations in Nigeria. The monetary authority should adopt exchange rate policies that regulate the movements of the nominal exchange rate in line with the prevailing target for economic growth. Exchange rate depreciations should also be backed up by other stabilization policies to ensure that it has a positive impact on the Nigerian economy. The monetary authorities should unify the foreign exchange market rates to ensure that inflationary targeting is more accurately attained through exchange rate policies and other monetary policies. Such policies could include raising interest rates, unifying exchange rates across all windows, and the adequate supply of forex backed-up with restrictions on its use.
 
USER EXPERIENCE AND E-LOYALTY IN THE NIGERIA\u27S E-COMMERCE SECTOR: A STUDY OF JUMIA IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA.
No full textAs computerized commerce proceeds to advance, businesses are compelled to grasp and use these stages to remain competitive in a progressively online-centric commercial center. This study sought to look at user experience and e-loyalty in the e-commerce industry especially as it pertains to jumia company in Lagos State, Nigeria. the research survey method was adopted in this study. The population of the state was infinite hence a sample of 139 respondents was determined using Cochran formula for sample size determination. While the Convenience sample technique was used for this study. Primary Data was collected and analyzed using valid and reliable questionnaire with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25. The findings of the study indicated structure and navigation has positive significant impact on E-loyalty (p = 0.000 < 0.05, β = 0.978), speed and performance has positive significant impact on e-loyalty (p = 0.000 < 0.05, β = 0.992), The study concluded that ease of use significantly impacts e-loyalty p = 0.000 < 0.05, β = 0.994). The study recommended that management of Jumia should prioritize creating a well-organized structure with intuitive navigation, invest in a robust technology infrastructure to ensure fast load times and high performance, and focus on simplifying the user interface (UI) and making processes easier. 
GAINING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY THROUGH EFFICIENT CUSTOMER SERVICE
No full textThis study was carried out to establish how service providers in the hospitality industry, which is highly characterized by service homogeneity and intense competition, can gain competitive advantage over rivals through the practice of excellent customer service. The theoretical framework adopted for the study was the Service-Dominant (S- D) logic theory. The study established that unlike products, which because of advances in technology, have assumed commodity status, it is not so with customer service, which is largely intangible and therefore difficult to imitate; implying that service differentiation based on it is a sure bet in gaining competitive advantage over rivals in the hospitality industry. Having established that excellent customer service influences customer perception in the industry and that “your perception by your customers is your reality”, the paper identified customer expectations in the industry and made specific recommendations on the customer service measures to take when interacting with customers; with being available, friendly, respectful, helpful and attentive as well as not only meeting but exceeding customer expectations by ensuring that value promised is value delivered as essentials. When this is the case, the resultant benefits would include but not limited to: repeat patronage, thus harvesting from the customer’s life –time value (CLV) , positive word-of-mouth (W.O.M) from satisfied customers, which encourages trial patronage from new customers and excellent reviews in the social media which are conditions necessary for the sustenance of operations, growth and profitability. As poor customer service has been credited with accounting for about 68% of the reasons why customers defect, to gain competitive advantage in the hospitality industry, a strong culture of customer service excellence should as a matter of necessity be adopted by hospitality services providers. 
EXPLORING THE DIGITAL AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS REQUIRED BY MARKETING STUDENTS OF IGNATIUS AJURU UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION FOR EMPLOYABILITY
No full textThe rapid digitalization of business and the growing importance of entrepreneurship have reshaped employability requirements for university graduates, particularly in Marketing department. This study explored the digital and entrepreneurship skills required by Marketing students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, to enhance employability. Specifically, the study examined how social media marketing skills and entrepreneurial skills influence employability outcomes. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with 200 marketing students purposively sampled across different levels of study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Digital and Entrepreneurship Skills for Employability Index (DESEI) and analyzed using Spearman’s Rank Correlation at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between social media marketing skills and employability (r = 0.715, p < 0.05), as well as between entrepreneurial skills and employability (r = 0.702, p < 0.05). The results indicate that proficiency in social media marketing enhances students’ visibility, engagement, and adaptability in modern marketing contexts, while entrepreneurial skills equip them to identify opportunities, innovate, and achieve self-reliance. The study recommends integrating practical digital and entrepreneurship training into the Marketing curriculum, establishing institutional support structures such as incubation centers, and promoting experiential learning opportunities to better prepare graduates for the dynamic labor market
A Review of the Challenges and Prospects of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Gravimetric Geodesy
No full textGravimetric geodesy is a branch of geodesy that studies the strength, characteristics and effects of the Earth’s gravity field as well as its temporal variations in space and time. It also functions as a fundamental approach for understanding the gravitational field of the earth, along with its various applications in geophysical exploration, geoid determination and other geodetic pursuits. Traditionally, scholars have relied on mathematical and physical models, however, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL), novel and innovative methods for modern data capture architecture (payloads on satellite, UAS, and airplanes), processing, simulation, animation as well as managing extensive and complex gravity data have emerged. This paper aims to explore the transformative influence of AI on gravimetric geodesy,given its challenges and possible solutions and strategies. AI possesses the potential to significantly improve accuracy and efficiency in data processing; however, obstacles such as data quality, model interpretability and considerable computational demands may hinder its wider adoption. This study proposes several solutions, such as advanced data pre-processing and hybrid AI-geodesy models, alongside explainable AI frameworks and enhanced computational infrastructure. This paper therefore, recommends interdisciplinary collaboration to fully explore and exploit the potential of AI in gravimetric geodesy for sustainable applications in Nigeria and across the regions of the Earth. 
Vulnerability Mapping for Methane Emissions and Mitigation Strategies in Lokoja Metropolis
No full textMethane emissions is a potent contributor to climate change, and this is notably high in Lokoja, Nigeria, particularly in areas undergoing rapid urbanization, industrialization, and slum growth. The aim of this study is vulnerability mapping to show areas with likely sources of Methane emissions in Lokoja Metropolis. The objectives of the study include; mapping of susceptible areas and the sampling of measures to mitigate causes of global warming in the study area. The study leveraged on remote sensing data to identify the possible methane source areas and the administration of questionnaires to sample the sources and mitigation strategy of methane emission was deployed. The study generated a map highlighting potential methane emission hotspots. The findings pinpointed several areas like Felele, Sarki-noma, Adankolo, Ganaja and Kabawa, that exhibited slum-like characteristics that is contributing to methane emissions. To mitigate these emissions and foster sustainable development, the study recommended that there is the need for the Environmental sanitation agency to take proactive steps in ensuring that the environment is kept clean and free from pollution. More so, Planning Authorities should ensure that building plans are followed before, during and after construction especially laying emphasis on toilet provision to stop open defecation
Quantity Estimation of Underground Mass Deposit using Multi-Resolution Technique
No full textMulti-resolution analysis is a mathematical technique of analysing and interpreting discontinuities in transient signals. It is known for its efficiency in analysing gravity data. This study aims at computational estimation of the quantity of underground mineral deposit using multi-resolution technique with the objective of acquiring and processing the earth terrestrial gravimetric data using 2-Dimensional Wavelet Transform. The acquired data are gravity anomalies of points over an area of 64km2, sub-divided into square grids of 500m interval. These were analyzed using 2-Dimensional Discrete Wavelet Transform (2D-DWT). Also, they were decomposed and thresholded to separate the gravity anomalies into two components (regional and residual gravity anomalies). The Regional Residual Ratio (RRR) was estimated to be 52.6767dB with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 5.0074mgal. The quantity of the underground mineral deposit, as estimated using the Gauss\u27 theorem and multi-resolution analysis, was found to be 2.0786792 x 107 tonnes. The statistical test carried out, on the results obtained, showed that there is no significant difference between the results obtained from the technique used in this study and the gold standard results obtained from the combined Least Square Collocation and Fourier analysis techniques which produced RMSE and RRR of 6.0072mgal and 19.33dB respectively at 95% confidence level. Therefore, it can be inferred that the Multi-Resolution analysis technique, with lower RMSE, has been found to have produced better estimate of the quantity of underground mineral deposit