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The economic performance of CEMAC countries is severely poor, when compared to other communities of the same region. It is on the bases of this background, that this paper purports to empirically investigate the potential key drivers of economic performance in the CEMAC zone. Specifically, the study attempts to scrutinise the effect of: (a) educational expenditure, (b) gross physical capital formation, (c) public health expenditures, and (d) private health expenditure on economic performance. To ascertain these objectives, data is sourced from the World Bank Development Indicators (WDI) of 2017 and used is made of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The Panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE) regression model was employed to test the objectives, due to its capacity to produce appropriate standard error estimates with very insignificant loss of efficiency. The empirical findings, among others suggested that, all forms of investments included in the model, significantly influenced the economic performance of countries in the CEMAC sub-region. Specifically, the results showed that educational expenditure and gross physical capital formation positively influence economic performance in the CEMAC zone. Intriguingly, public and private health expenditures negatively influence economic performance in the said zone. The policy implications of these findings suggest that, emphasis should be laid on increasing investment on government’s educational expenditure and gross physical capital formation in the CEMAC zone, if economic performance must be revived. Contribution/ Originality
This study uses panel corrected standard errors approach, to scrutinize the causal relationship between the CEMAC economic performance and variables like educational expenditure, gross physical capital formation and public and private health expenditures. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 06-2018 Issue: 6
Firm-Level Investment Decisions Under Uncertainty and Irreversibility in Zimbabwes Private Firms
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
Zimbabwe’s business operating environment is abounding with both micro and macro uncertainties that regularly impact on firm-level investment decisions. Under uncertainty and irreversibility private firms are forced to integrate into their investment appraisals and decisions some expectations regarding future product demand and prices, likely returns on fixed capital investment, expected margins, cost of capital expectations and cash flow projections. These important issues are not known with definitive assurance and hence, making investment decisions under uncertainty a challenging task for Zimbabwe’s private firms. The study examined investment under uncertainty and irreversibility in Zimbabwe’s private firms using a polychotomous regression model with the three investment decision outcomes; “invest now”, “do not invest now” and “defer investment”. The major findings are that; (1) liquidity constraints, firm size and credit constraints significantly influence the probability of investing now irrespective of uncertainties in the economy. (2) Poor public infrastructure, political uncertainty, inconsistent application of the indigenization laws and absence of laws that protect private property rights increase the probability of private firms’ deferring investment decisions under uncertainty and investment irreversibility. The paper recommends that policy makers should reduce macro uncertainties in the financial sector that affect firm-level investment decisions, adopt policies that enhance productivity of public infrastructure and must observe national and international laws that safeguard investor property rights. Contribution/ Originality
The study is one of the few studies that used a polychotomous probabilistic distribution function to investigate investment decisions of Zimbabwe’s private firms given the presence of uncertainty and investment irreversibility. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 06-2018 Issue: 6
Development and Performance Analysis of Bisection Method-Based Optimal Path Length Algorithm for Terrestrial Microwave Link
In this paper, Bisection method-based algorithm for the computation of optimal path length of terrestrial microwave link is presented. Also, performance analysis of the algorithm is presented in terms of the convergence cycle of the algorithm. The impact of various link parameters on the convergence cycle of the algorithm is also presented. Mathlab program was used to carry out sample numerical computation for a microwave link having the following parameters: frequency (f) = 12 GHz, transmit power (PT) = 10dBm, transmitter antenna gain (GT) = 35 dBi, receiver antenna gain (GR) = 35 dBi, fade margin (fms) =20dB, receiver sensitivity (PS) = -80dBm, Rain Zone = N, point refractivity gradient (dN1) = -400, link percentage outage (p0) = 0.01% . The results showed that the Bisection algorithm converged at the 17th cycle. It was found from the analysis that the convergence cycle of the algorithm varied linearly with frequency, decreasing with frequency from a value of 17 at frequency of 12 GHz to 15 at a frequency of 45 GHz. On the other hand, the convergence cycle varied nonlinearly with percentage availability of the link. Also, for a given frequency and link percentage availability the convergence cycle increased with increase in rain rate. The result of the research is very essential for microwave link designers to determine the optimal path length for effective link performance under different link configurations and locations. Contribution/ Originality
This study applies Bisection algorithm to determine the optimal path length of line of site wireless communication link. The Bisection method presented in this paper is simpler and easier to be applied in more situations than the Newton Raphson method. Used in Emenyi, et al. [1]. Computer Sciences » Review of Computer Engineering Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1
Development of Facilitated Participatory Spatial Information System for Selected Urban Management Services
In this paper, the development of a web based spatial information system for selected urban management services in Akwa Ibom state is presented. The selected urban management services include; disaster management, waste management, land administration and land transportation information hub. Participatory evolutionary software development methodology was used in the system development and the system was implemented using Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) for the web interface, PHP Hypertext preprocessor (PHP) for the server side scripting , MySQL for the database, Google map API (Application Programming Interface) for the maps and Apache as the web server. The web application was hosted locally using WAMP server and tested with some dataset obtained in the case study area. Relevant screenshots of the webpages are also presented. The web application presented in this paper can be used to facilitate participatory urban service in any given city or state. Contribution/ Originality
This study originates requisite flowcharts and accompanying web applications for online management of selected urban services. Notably, the software designs are based on the prevailing technical and socioeconomic conditions in the case study area (Akwa Ibom State Nigeria). Computer Sciences » Review of Computer Engineering Research » Month: 06-2018 Issue: 2
Stanford University Interim Propagation Loss Model for a Gmelina Arborea Tree-Lined Road
In this paper, the extended Stanford University Interim (ESUI) path loss model was evaluated and optimized based on empirically measured path loss obtained along a suburban road lined with Gmelina Arborea trees. The study was for a 1800 MHz cellular network located in Orlu Imo state. The field measurement was conducted in August which is in the rainy season with the entire trees blossom with their green leaves. G-NetTrack Lite 8.0 Adroid app installed on a Samsung Galaxy S8 mobile phone was then used to capture and log the received signal strength (RSSI) in dB, the geo-coordinates of the measurement points as well as the particulars of the 3G network base station. Two datasets were captured and one f the dataset was used for the model optimization while the other dataset was used for validation of the model. For the training dataset, un-tuned ESUI model had a root mean square error (RMSE) of 46.82 dB and maximum absolute prediction error of 46.64 dB whereas the RMSE-tuned ESUI model had a RMSE of 4.094dB and maximum absolute prediction error of 3.41dB. Similarly, for the validation dataset, the un-tuned ESUI model had a RMSE of 48.37dB and maximum absolute prediction error of 48.19 dB whereas the RMSE-tuned ESUI model had a RMSE of 4.39 dB and maximum absolute prediction error of 3.0 dB. In all, the tuned ESUI model was derived and it gave good path loss prediction performance for both the training and the validation datasets. Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is the derivation of a root mean square error-based optimized extended Stanford University Interim (ESUI) path loss model for a suburban road lined with Gmelina Arborea trees. Computer Sciences » Review of Computer Engineering Research » Month: 06-2018 Issue: 2
Cost Efficiency of Bioenergy Industry and its Economic Determinants in EU-28: A Tobit Model Based on DEA Efficiency Scores
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability
This study looks at how increasing efficiency drives the production of the bioenergy in the European Union (EU-28) region. The paper used the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) statistical approach to use the cost efficiency (CE) rate of the bio-energy industry of the EU-28 region as a dependent variable of this study in the first stage of analysis. The study’s second stage analysis used the Tobit Model to investigate the impact of economic determinants on the CE of the bioenergy industry in the EU-28 region during the period between 1990 to 2013. The results of the second stage panel regression using Tobit model for the EU-28 region during 1990-2013 shows that CE has positive and significant correlations with capital cost (lnCI) and labour cost (lnLI). The results also show that cost efficiency and real interest rate (lnRIR).have a negative and significant relationship. The study showed that gross domestic product (lnGDP) and CE have a positive and significant relationship in the time specific model, but not in the country specific model. In addition, there is significant and positive correlations between CE and both the Interaction Dummy Country factor (Dum_CP) and the Country Dummy factor (Dum). The estimation also showed insignificant correlations between CE and both the Interaction Dummy Time factor (Dum_CP) and the Time Dummy factor (Dum). Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature in investigating the CE of the bioenergy industry in the EU-28 region. This study uses new estimation methodologies such as the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Tobit Model to investigate the impact of economic determinants on the CE of the bioenergy industry in the EU28 region during the period between 1990 and 2013. Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 02-2019 Issue: 2
Establishing Shipping Service Complex Standard Framework: Experience from Shanghai
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability
This paper introduced the experience of Shanghai in building the waterfront urban complex with industrial characteristics. In order to ensure the logic and scientific rationality, this paper developed the standard system on the concept of system engineering, based on which a three-dimensional space was proposed for the Shanghai Shipping Service Complex (SSC). Fundamental elements such as technology, management, economy and environment are analyzed and further classified, thus ensuring the systematicness and scientificity of the standard. The framework of standard system was then established through further elaborating the initial structure with four aspects as shipping service, building technology, environment friendly and sustainable management. Contribution/ Originality
This paper is a pioneer research in the standard establishment for urban complex. The primary contribution is proposing a framework and design logic in forming the standard system of the complex, providing reference for similar waterfront reconstruction projects. Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 04-2018 Issue: 4
Social, Economical and Environmental Issues of Floriculture Sector Development in Ethiopia
The floriculture sector is a new agricultural industry in Ethiopia. However, together with associated industries the sector created job opportunities for thousands of people especially women and generates huge amount of foreign exchange earnings to the country. However, it’s social and environmental issues associated with the development of the sector are not yet well documented. The present review was therefore initiated with the objective to summarize and the sector development and document the issues raised associated with its development in the country. According to the review results the floriculture industry is suffering from insufficient infrastructure system necessary for further development of the industry which should be solved with the respective stakeholders. Moreover, the industry is accused from negative environmental and social impacts which may have negative impacts for future development of the industry. Continuous awareness trainings on health and safety issues through respective stakeholders and regular monitoring in the implementation of guidelines and roles regarding environmental protection is recommended to sustain the further improvement of the industry in Ethiopia. Contribution/ Originality
Using time series data of agriculture in Shandong Province during the period from 2000 to 2015, this paper sets up an assessment system of intensive utilization of cultivated land, which has 4 criteria(input intensity, utilization intensity, output effectiveness and sustainability) consisting of 9 indices, comprehensively estimates the level of intensive use of agricultural land with entropy method, and empirically analyzes the impact of intensive utilization of cultivated land on grain yields through the use of a multivariable linear regression model. The results are shown as follows: (1) The level of intensive utilization of cultivated land in Shandong Province has been fluctuating upwards but not significantly progressing. (2) Grain yield per hectare is positively correlated with output effectiveness and utilization intensity, and the contribution of output effectiveness to grain yield per hectare is more than the other. (3) grain yield per hectare is negatively correlated with input intensity and sustainability. Therefore, in the long-term, cultivated land management strategy should be planned to improve the input intensity, to emphasis on the sustainability of farm land and to promote the consciousness of cultivated land protection in order to increase the productivity of grain yields. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature by supplementing existing research related to Shandong Province cultivated land, few of which have been conducted on the relationship of grain yield and intensive utilization of arable land. Hence, the current research constitutes an original contribution in this field. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 12-2018 Issue: 4
Roles of Extension Services in Adoption of Agroforestry Practices among Farmers in South West Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
The study examined the roles of extension in the adoption of agroforestry practices in South west Nigeria, with a view to providing data on the practices of agroforestry in the area. It highlighted the extent of agroforestry, the ownership and management of agroforestry practices, the utilization and sustainability of the practices, as well as the challenges faced by farmers practicing agroforestry. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 200 agroforestry farmers. A large proportion (82%) of the respondents are married and the mean age was 52years. Majority (81.5%) of them had formal education while 92% are involved in farming as their primary occupation. 39.5% of the respondents are involved in the practice of shelter belt and wind breaks, 35% are involved in improved fallow, 24% in Taungya, 22% in fuel wood production, 16% in the practice of Alley cropping, 10% in Tree on range land, while 7% and 2.5% are into home garden and apiculture respectively. About half (54.5%) of respondents had no contact with extension services, access to extension service in the study area as rated by farmers is an indication of low extension agent to farmer ratio. The result of Pearson moment correlation coefficient showed that there was no significant relationship between extension contacts and sustainable adoption of agroforestry practices (r = 0.12, p = 0.07). Contribution/ Originality
The study examined the roles of extension services in the adoption and utilization of agroforestry practices by farmers. It discussed the various agroforestry practices available, the acceptability and perception of the farmers. The study also revealed the lack of proper extension services needed for successful implementation of any adoption process. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1
Assessing the National Sanitation Policy in Rwanda
Populated cities in Rwanda rely on decentralized wastewater management systems due to the absence of central sewerage systems and the limited finances for sanitation infrastructures. This paper studied the influence of the national sanitation policy and the best available technologies in addressing and reinforcing decentralized wastewater treatment practices in Kigali city such as on-site and off-site sanitation systems. Different sanitation and wastewater management related policies were reviewed with emphasis on densely populated cities. The paper highlighted the need for a sustainable sanitation policy focusing on the safe disposal of the wastewaters and the proper connection to protect the ecosystem and to improve the status of the sanitation services in Rwanda. It was also noted that policies cannot be implemented without a real intervention of the local authorities in monitoring, advising and putting practical guidelines for individuals and communities before and after constructing their treatment systems. Contribution/ Originality
This paper highlighted and reviewed the social and environmental problems related to the wastewater management practices in Kigali city, which has had negative impacts on human health and the ecosystem. The message to be delivered: Connecting every household to an improved sanitation system to meet the MDGs doesn’t make any sense if the collected wastewaters were not treated and managed properly after the collection. Therefore, the paper reviewed and suggested some interventions to be included in the national sanitation policy of Rwanda trying to approach sustainable sanitation principles for the country sake before achieving any other global goals. Energy & Environmental Sciences » Review of Environment and Earth Sciences » Month: 06-2018 Issue: 2
Monitoring of surface soil quality parameters of the Sitalakshya River, Bangladesh
The present study was carried out to monitor and assess the surface soil quality parameters of the Sitalakshya River, Bangladesh. The soil samples were collected from Kanchpur Bridge and Atlapur during rainy and winter season. Soil texture is an important tool that aids in organic matter retention, minerals dispersal, microbial biomass, and other soil properties. The soil of the study area was recorded sandy loam and loam. The concentrations of soil parameters ranged for EC: 65.7 ?S/cm-99.83 ?S/cm; pH: 6.67-6.97; organic matter: 0.43%-0.66%; and organic carbon: 0.23%-0.35% in the soil of the Sitalakshya River. Most of the parameters showed no substantial variations in respect of sites and seasons (p>0.05) except electrical conductivity and pH (p<0.05). Statistical analysis like correlation matrix exposed the close relationship between organic matter and organic carbon. The soil of the Sitalakshya River has low nutrient contents that are not enough for the plants and organisms. Rapid industrialization and the huge establishment of brickfields are the major factors behind this less productive ecosystem. The river must be protected from further deterioration by taking fruitful management plan. This preliminary study will be a useful tool in the conservation plan. This will also help the future researchers who want to work on the river. Contribution/ Originality
In this paper, analysis of the effect of variations in refractivity gradient on line of sight percentage clearance and single knife edge diffraction loss is presented. Relevant, mathematical expressions and approaches for the analyses are presented. Sample path profile data of terrestrial line of sight (LOS) microwave communication links operating at C-band 5.5 GHz frequency and Ku-band 11 GHz frequency with 15 Km path length are used in the study to demonstrate the application of the ideas presented in this paper. The results showed that the critical point of minimum LOS percentage clearance occurred at a distance of 8.89 Km from the transmitter. Based on the results regression models were derived for relating the refractivity gradient to the effective earth K-factor, earth bulge, LOS percentage clearance and single knife edge LOS percentage clearance. The implication of the result is that, given that for any location the refractivity gradient varies with the primary atmospheric parameters like temperature, pressure and relative humidity, the amount of diffraction loss posed to the signal in the atmosphere will be varying at different rates depending on the prevailing values of the atmospheric parameters upon which refractivity gradient depends. Also, apart from the reference refractivity gradient of 39.25 N units/km, different frequencies will experience different amount of diffraction loss. The specific impact of the refractivity gradient on different frequencies depends on whether the prevailing refractivity gradient is above or below the reference refractivity gradient of 39.25 N units/km. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the effect of variations in refractivity gradient on line of sight percentage clearance and single knife edge diffraction loss. The ideas presented can easily be used to study the effect of variations in atmospheric parameters on wireless signal quality. Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1
Gross Morphology and Morphometric Studies of Digestive Tract of Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Four (4) adult barn owls were captured from Gamji Village of Bakura local government and transported in a cage to the College of Agriculture and Animal Science Bakura, Zamfara State, Nigeria, for morphology and morphometry of the digestive tracts. All the segments of the digestive tract (Esophagus, Liver, Crop, Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum, Colon, Caecum, Colorectum, and Cloaca) were present, however the crop was found to be absent. This studies will provide valuable information for anatomist and other scientist working in the management and nutrition of this species, which will further help in the maintenance of this important bird in captivity or free life. Further investigation in the histology of these segments is recommended. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature, the gross features of the gastrointestinal tract of the barn owl, which will further assist in the feeding and management of this bird in captivity or free life. Agricultural Sciences » Animal Review » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1
Interrogating the Dilemma of Foreign Aid as a Tool for Economic Development in Latin America in the 20th Century
The paper examines the dilemma of foreign aid as an invaluable tool for the economic development of Latin American region up till the 1990s. The study employed the narrative and analytical historical methods of research and analysis. Data was generated through library search. It was critically analysed employing the qualitative technique of content analysis of historical documents. The study notes that some advanced countries like USA, Canada, and Australia pumped and has still been pumping vast amount of money as aid to the region since the 1930s. Some goals of the aid regime were to: stimulate improved standard of living of citizens of Latin American states; alleviate poverty; promote rural infrastructural development and; enhance economic growth and sustainable development. Ironically, however, the paper records that all the Latin American states had to show for the huge inflow of foreign aid have been unparalleled level of corruption; huge foreign debt profile, significant level of illiteracy; political instability; incessant regime change; endemic conflicts; low level of domestic savings and significant impoverishment of women population, among others, with the possible exception to Cuba. It concludes that leaders of Latin American states should institute economic policies that are domestic-savings dependent and shun corruption to ostensibly promote sustainable development in the nearest future. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that the huge inflow of foreign aid into Latin American states has neither translated into an improved standard of living for average citizens nor succeeded to stimulate sustainable economic development in the region over the years. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 12-2018 Issue: 4
Awareness on Air Pollution and Risk Preparedness among Residents in Kigali City of Rwanda
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy
The rapid human population growth, industrialization, urbanization, agricultural expansion and other development activities are gradually polluting the quality of air with severe effects on the human health and environment as well. This is particularly, exacerbated by lack information sharing which limits the risk assessment, and community approach to identify the key sources and the mitigation or adaptation strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of air pollution risk awareness in order to enhance its preparedness and adaptation in Kigali City of Rwanda. The authors conducted an interview with 225 respondents randomly selected among the residents in May 2018. The results indicated that the primary air pollution sources are automobile highlighted by 45 percent of respondents, followed by stationery sources at 36 percent. However, the air pollution risk related information is mainly provided at television (50%), owned by 32 percent in contrast of radio possessed by 49% of residents, but used at low extent (36%). This consequently, leads to health problems, acid rain and natural resources depletion as stated by the informants. Accordingly, the air pollution risk awareness is at low level, as respondents highlighted that the related education/training is delivered at low extent (9.3 percent), despite its role in risk awareness and preparedness among the community. While the car free day (32.4%) and forestland expansion (42%) are practiced at large extent than education. The relevant community air pollution risk awareness and reduction measures are suggested. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the awareness on air pollution and the degree of preparedness to the risk in Kigali city of Rwanda. Thus, its findings will help policy makers to better set up air pollution abatement measures under consideration of the residents’ wellness. Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1
Assessment of Genetic Diversity at the Heamoglobin Locus in Selected West African Dwarf Goat Populations in Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: The International Journal of Biotechnology
Blood samples were collected from 40 (forty) goats in Kwande Local Government Area, of Benue State, Nigeria. Blood samples collected were subjected to electrophoresis to study haemoglobin polymorphism and its distribution in West African Dwarf goat populations in Kwande. Data on Haemoglobin genotypes were subjected to sample variance (S2) population genetics simulation software for the analysis. Three heamoglobin genotypes (HbAA, HbAB and HbBB) were observed in the West African dwarf goat populations. The haemoglobin gynotypes (HbAA, HbAB and HbBB) were controlled by two co-dominant haemoglobin alleles HbA and HbB. The genotypic frequencies were 0.24, 0.57 and 0.19 for HbAA, HbAB and HbBB respectively. Genotypic frequencies at the haemoglobin locus in West African Dwarf goat were in hardy-weinberg equilibrium. The gene frequencies of HbA and HbB observed were 0.52 and 0.48 respectively with HbA being the most frequent. The low allelic variation may have occur when populations are separated but only for a short time, that the processes of genetic drift and mutation that leads to differentiations of allelic frequencies at selected loci are yet to occur. As the amount of time in which two isolated populations increases, the differences in allelic frequencies will also increase until each population is completely fixed for a number of alleles. These factors may have accounted for the low variation in the heamoglobin allelic frequencies observed in this study. There was also gene-controlled diversity at the haemoglobin locus in the WAD goat populations with heterozygosity (He) value of 0.49, which indicated a moderate level of genetic diversity at the haemoglobin locus in WAD goat populations in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Contribution/ Originality
The study indicated that the populations of the West African dwarf goat were separated for a short time, that the processes of genetic drift and mutation that leads to differentiation of allelic frequencies at selected loci are yet to occur and that no population of the West African dwarf goat is fixed in heamoglobin allelic frequencies. Biological Sciences » The International Journal of Biotechnology » Month: 01-2019 Issue: 1
Assessment of Heamoglobin Polymorphism as A Potential Protein Marker in Selection for Genetic Improvement of the West African Dwarf Goat Population in Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: The International Journal of Biotechnology
This study was conducted to ascertain the level of genetic diversity at the haemoglobin ( Hb) locus and to assess it potential as a protein marker assisted selection for genetic improvement of Nigerian West African Dwarf goat populations. Haemoglobin genotyping was performed on forty (40) West African Dwarf goat obtained from Okpokuu local government area of Benue state ,Nigeria, using cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Data on Haemoglobin genotypes were also subjected to chi-square test. Two co-dominant haemoglobin alleles HbA and HbB observed controlled three haemoglobin genotypes ( HbAA, HbAB and HbBB ). The genotypic frequencies were Hb AA 0.42, HbAB 0.50 and HbBB 0.08 for does populations, while that in the bucks population were HbAA 0.38, HbAB 0.44 and HbBB 0.19 respectively. The most frequent haemoglobin genotype observed in the study was HbAB . The heamoglobin genes (allelic) frequencies observed in this study were 0.64 and 0.36 for HbB and HbA respectively. The result of chi-square test were not significant (P>0.05), critical value was 3.84 at 1degree of freedom. which implies that the oberseved and the expected genotypic frequencies at the heamoglobin locus in west African dwarf goat populations in okpokwu local government area were in handy-Weinberg proportion. Since protein molecules are easily accesseble through electrophoresis, heamoglobin blood protein polymorphism can be use as a potential biochemical marker in selection for genetic improvement of the West African Dwarf goat populations among rural farming coomunities in Nigeria. Contribution/ Originality
Out of the blues, sexual molestation, especially rape and incest is suddenly on the increase in Nigeria. Presently, many Nigerians have lost their once cherished values of decency and responsibility, in view of several cases of adult males defiling young under-aged girls being widely reported daily in both the print and electronic media. Most times, these acts of betrayal of trust are perpetrated mostly by close neighbours, uncles, pastors, imams, teachers, fathers etc. Benefitting from documentary data accessed from the Internet/web and national newspapers, In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were conducted with some personnel of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and some victims, Key Informants techniques (KIIs) were used to elicit information from the Police and Courts for the study. The paper submits that sometimes, the victim is cajoled and deceitfully taken advantage of; oftentimes, it is forceful, violent rape that leaves the victim physically and psychologically bruised and scarred. In extreme cases, the victims – especially those who resist, lose their lives or are maimed for life. The study identifies that extant provisions in both the Criminal and Penal Codes in Nigeria, on child sexual abuse, are not stringent enough, while the Nigerian Child Rights Act (CRA) (2003) is yet to be enacted by many States of the Federation, and also the attending issue of delay in the Courts. The Police are equally hampered by lack of specialized training/skills and poor logistics for quick responses. The study strongly suggests that child sexual molestation can be significantly reduced through aggressive mass sensitization programmes; the formal punishment for sexually abusing a child should be quite severe and even to the very limit permitted by the law, to serve as an effective deterrent. Contribution/ Originality
The study investigated the effects of process-oriented instructional strategies on the spatial abilities of basic science students in Kogi state. Spatial ability contributes immensely to the understanding of science. 702 basic nine students, made up of 316 boys and 386 girls were used for the study. While the experimental group was taught topics in basic science using process-oriented instructional strategies, the control group was taught with lecture method. Variables such as gender and teaching strategies informed the direction of the investigation. Four null hypotheses were formulated and tested at the 0.05 level. Three research instruments; Spatial Ability Test (SAT), reliability 0.81, Basic Science Achievement Test I (BSAT I), reliability 0.87, and Basic Science Achievement Test II (BSAT II) with a reliability of 0.85 were used. Data analysis utilized percentages, frequencies, means, and t-test for independent samples. The results showed that no significant differences in basic science achievement between boys and girls taught by lecture method and those of process-oriented instructional strategies were found. Significant differences were found between the spatial abilities of girls taught by lecture and those taught by process-oriented instructional strategies and between boys taught by lecture and those taught by process-oriented instructional strategies. It was recommended that boys and girls could be taught together; thus solving the problem of space and materials/resources often expensive and relatively scarce in many Nigerian schools. Teachers should emphasize the process-oriented instructional strategies in science teaching Contribution/ Originality
The study found no significant gender difference in basic science achievement between the control and experimental groups. Boys and girls taught by process-oriented strategies performed better in spatial abilities than those of lecture. So, process-oriented instructional strategies should be encouraged among both sexes hence improving their participation in national development. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 12-2018 Issue: 4
Abstract