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Abstract

The study was conducted in Benue State, Nigeria to assess prospects of rural youths participation in family farming. Data were collected from a sample of eighty (80) respondents using questionnaire/interview schedule. Frequency, percentage, mean score, standard deviation and factor analysis were used for analyzing data. Majority (75%) of the respondents were males, not married (63.70%), about 99% had formal education, having a mean age of 24 years. Major activities engaged by rural youths in family farming were clearing of farm lands (M = 2.62), harvesting of crops (M = 2.61), irrigating of farm lands (M = 2.39), staking of crops (M = 2.35), sorting/grading of farm produce (M = 2.35), gathering of fruits (M = 2.34) and applying fertilizer to crops (M = 2.33). Results also indicate prospects of rural youths participation in family farming which include proper farm record keeping (M = 2.66), increase in household food security (M = 2.60), increase in farm labour (M = 2.58), provision of market information for sales of farm produce (M = 2.58), increase in household income (M = 2.55), proper preservation of seeds and seedling/planting materials (M = 2.54), increase on the use of modern farming techniques (M = 2.53), increase in farm yields (M = 2.50, among others. The study thus recommends that rural youths should be supported to remain in family farming through adequate provision of labour-saving technologies and modern farm implements to ease operations and ensure optimum productivity. It also highlights that efforts of service providers are needed in providing youths in rural areas with necessary infrastructure such as electricity in order to discourage them from migrating to urban areas.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature to indicate that rural youths in family farming were mostly engaged in clearing of farm lands, harvesting of crops, irrigating of farm lands, staking of crops, sorting/grading of farm produce, among others. They should be provided with necessary farm inputs for optimum productivity.

Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 09-2017 Issue: 3

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Abstract

The study examine the perceived impact of corporate social responsibility in the Nigerian commercial banks in order to investigate the two constructs of independent and dependent variable one study objective was formulated as (i) To investigate if internal CSR practices have influence on employees’ performance in the Nigerian banks. A qualitative method was adopted for the study because flexibility in data gathering was essential to understand the internal CSR practices of the banks. The sample population for the interviews was directors and executives of CSR from the main six banks operating in Nigeria based on their per-capital shares and nationwide presence.  The interview questions were opened ended in nature and structured based on the findings of literature on internal CSR and divided into sections. The Nvivo9 software was used to conduct the analysis of the data collected. The finding revealed that ta number of factors could contribute to the level at which internal CSR influence employee’s performance.
Contribution/ Originality


Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 05-2017 Issue: 5

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The objective of this paper is to briefly review house allocation problems. We first give the definition and the aim of the mechanism design theory. Next we discuss its applications to markets with no monetary transfer, such as house allocation, kidney exchange and school choice. We review the literature for (i) house allocation problems, (ii) house allocation problems with existing tenants, and (iii) house allocation problems with existing tenants and newcomers.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is to review important studies about the house allocation problems. It covers three different versions of these problems, standard house allocation problems, with existing tenants, and with existing tenants and newcomers.

Economics » Games Review » Month: 06-2017 Issue: 1

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Abstract

This study appraises the spatial problems and prospects of fertilizer use in agriculture on the Environment in Mbieri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. Structured questionnaires were sampled in  each villages randomly selected from the seven autonomous communities of Amaike-Mbieri, Awo Mbieri, Ezi-Mbieri, Ihitte Isi-Mbieri, Obazu Mbieri, Obi-Mbieri and Umueze-Mbieri for collection of data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools of tables, charts and graphs. The outcome showed that 71.2% of the farmers do not have University Education. All the kinds of fertilizer in use in the study area contain Nitrogen with NPK 20-10-10 the most sought-after. Findings show that 54% of the farmers prefer the application of fertilizer NPK for replenishing lost soil nutrients while, 60% of the Farmers in the study area use surface broadcast method in application of fertilizer NPK on their farms. However, it was observed from this research that majority of this nitrogen compounds are washed down through surface runoffs causing pollution and eutrophication of the Ecosystems and water bodies. Government should set up research centre for Fertilizer use in Agriculture where farmers can be equipped with adequate knowledge of the best way to use fertilizer NPK while sustaining the environment
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature on the improper use of fertilizer. The study uses new estimation methodology of sampling questionnaire to villages observed to be most involved in Agriculture. This originates new formula that there is unbalanced use of fertilizer for agriculture.

Energy & Environmental Sciences » Review of Environment and Earth Sciences » Month: 12-2017 Issue: 2

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Abstract

This study aims to explore the possibility to use rubber particles derived from discarded tire as aggregates for replacing fine and coarse natural aggregates to produce cement concrete towards resource recovery and environmental protection in Vietnam. The experimental results showed that the workability of fresh rubberized concrete was improved when replacing natural fine aggregate (sand) with fine rubber particles (2.5-5 mm) at the replacing proportions of 30-50% by volume, and when replacing natural coarse aggregate (crushed stone) with coarse rubber particles (5-20 mm) at the replacing proportions of 10-30% by volume. With respect to the mechanical properties of hardened rubberized concrete, a larger reduction in the compressive and flexural strengths was generally found when the replacing proportions increased and when coarse aggregate rather than fine aggregate was replaced by rubber particles at all replacing proportions. However, the study results also indicated that using fine rubber particles for replacing fine natural aggregate at the low replacing proportion (up to 10%) might not cause the significant effect on the compressive and flexural strength of rubberized concrete.
Contribution/ Originality
This is the first ever study in Vietnam to investigate the potential for using rubber particles derived from discarded tires to replace natural aggregates in producing cement concrete towards resource recovery and environmental protection in Vietnam.

Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 06-2017 Issue: 2

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Abstract

One of the most important tasks of educationists from preschool centers in Malaysia is to prepare the young child for global readiness. This study involved (N=529) preschool children in Malaysia. The main objective was to gauge the level of global readiness of children aged (5-6 years old) according to several dimensions of global readiness namely (a) diversity and multiculturalism (b) use of ICT (c) communication and multiple language ability (d) problem solving and (e) environmental awareness. Responses to the Global Readiness Scales were recorded and analyzed using One Way ANOVA. The main findings indicated that (a) a generally high level of global readiness in diversity dimension (b) high level of global readiness was found in usage of ICT and problem solving dimension (c) moderate level of global readiness were found on communication and environmental awareness (d) all types of preschool scored high level of global readiness except in Islamic based preschool which scored moderate (e) significance differences were found according to the types of preschools in all dimensions except cause and effect. The findings suggest that (a) there is need to conduct qualitative study on the implementation of global readiness in the preschool centers (b) there is the need to develop global readiness curriculum modules to be integrated effectively in teacher training (c) a cross-cultural comparative study should be conducted across preschools at the regional and international level to gain wider perspective on the implementation of global readiness.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the few studies which studied the effect of early childhood education on the global readiness of preschool children in Malaysia. Hopefully this study will create greater awareness among curriculum developers on global readiness as well as enhance teacher’s knowledge and competencies on global readiness.

Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 08-2017 Issue: 8

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Abstract

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a comprehensive development strategy that not only causes to economic and social environment in two countries but also has potential of incorporation with other sub-regions of Asia. It is like a game changer project which could transform the fate of Pakistan. It helps to improve the trade, infrastructure, and enhance regional connectivity. Despite these opportunities there exist several internal and external challenges for the government of Pakistan to implement this multidimensional project. The study is organized to analyze some internal and external challenges for Pakistan that are associated with the implementation of CPEC project.
Contribution/ Originality


Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 05-2017 Issue: 5

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Abstract

This study appraised government feeding programme on increased school enrollment, attendance, retention and completion among secondary school students in Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria. Descriptive survey method was the research design adopted for this study. The target population for this study comprised day public secondary schools in Maiduguri, Borno state, with a total population of nine thousand three hundred and thirty eight (9,338) students. The sample of 934 students was selected using simple and stratified random sampling techniques. A self- developed questionnaire was the instrument of data collection. The response mode for the instrument was a modified four points Likert type scale. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts, and percentage scores was used to answer the research question, while Chi-square test was also used to analyze the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that the school feeding programme improved the nutritional health status of the students. The findings recommended that Federal Government should assign Ministry of Finance to perform monitoring and evaluation functions, allocate more funds and logistics and give up-to-date records to the state government to make sure the feeding programme achieve an optimal level of the desired objectives. Appraisal tools other than questionnaires should be employed when appraising the students cognitive capabilities in order to ensure effective outcome and reporting. Borno State government Donor agencies, and stakeholders in education should increase funding and make sure the schools have constant supply of food through committed food distribution channels. Individual targeting should be used as a mechanism to motivate enrollment in school or more regular attendance. The target group should be families with children who are not in school or who are frequently absent.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature of Home-grown school feeding programme. This study uses new estimation methodology of descriptive survey method in selecting sample of 934 students was selected using simple and stratified random sampling techniques. This study originates new formula on Descriptive statistics of frequency counts, and percentage scores was used to answer the research question, while Chi-square test was also used to analyze the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the trend of school feed feeding programmes existing in public secondary schools. The paper contributes the first logical analysis using a self-developed questionnaire and response mode for the instrument was a modified four (4) points Likert type scale with a response mode of strongly agree, agree, disagree and strongly disagree. The paper's primary contribution is finding that The  Federal Government should assign Ministry of Finance to perform monitoring and evaluation functions, allocate more funds and logistics and give up-to-date records to the state government to make sure the feeding programme achieve an optimal level of the desired objectives. Other types of appraisal tools other than questionnaires should be employed when appraising the students cognitive capabilities in order to ensure effective outcome and reporting. This study documents that Borno State government Donor agencies, and stakeholders in education should increase funding and make sure the schools have constant supply of food through committed food distribution channels to ensure the children do not go hungry and this will have more positive impact on the students’ comprehensive preparedness to actively participate in the learning process. Individual targeting should be used as a mechanism to motivate enrollment in school or more regular attendance. The target group should be families with children who are not in school or who are frequently absent.

Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 09-2017 Issue: 9

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Abstract

Determining the relationship between percentage resection and development of short bowel syndrome is important as it provides information on the expected outcome of the resection carried out which will enable the surgeon to prepare adequately to manage such patients. Ten adult Nigerian indigenous dogs with mean body weight 11.2 kg were used in this study. The animals were premedicated with atropine (0.04mg/kg) and xylazine (1mg/kg) intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone sodium (10mg/kg) intravenously. The abdominal cavity was entered through the ventral midline incision. Three animals each were subjected to 50% and 60% small intestinal resection while four animals were subjected to 70% small intestinal resection. The animals subjected to 50% and 60% intestinal resection did not manifest signs of short bowel syndrome. However, the animals subjected to 70% small intestinal resection manifested clinical signs attributable to short bowel syndrome. The animals subjected to 50% and 60% small intestinal resection had remnant small intestinal tract of up to 100cm while dogs that underwent 70% resection had remnant small intestinal bowel length of less than 100 cm. It is therefore, concluded that 70% small intestinal length resection is the minimum that can produce short bowel syndrome in Nigerian dogs and animals with remnant small bowel length of less than 100 cm after undergoing resection will come down with short bowel syndrome.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the crown-rump length, total small intestinal length and the percentage small intestinal resection that will result in short bowel syndrome in Nigerian dogs.

Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Veterinary Sciences Research » Month: 03-2017 Issue: 1

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This paper presents a summary of the results of a study on the use of a local admixture Ipomoea asarifolia (‘Ajara’) on the compressive strength and weight of specimens made from both cement stabilized and unstabilized lateritic soils. The effect of Ipomoea asarifolia extractions on the strength characteristic of lateritic blocks was investigated. Three mix proportions of cement:  laterite of 0:1, 1:2 and 1:4 using lateritic soils from four different locations from around Ife while using six concentration levels of extracted liquid of Ipomoea asarifolia (0; 20; 40; 60; 80 and 100%) in fresh water as the mixing “water” (fluid). Ipomoea asarifolia specimen was analyzed to determine constituent chemical composition and their effect in reaction with other materials. Sieve analysis of the lateritic of the lateritic soil mix was carried out while a total of 132 – 100 mm cubes size were tested using a 1570 kN Avery-Denison Compression Testing Machine.
Contribution/ Originality


Energy & Environmental Sciences » Review of Energy Technologies and Policy Research » Month: 06-2017 Issue: 1