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This paper includes a MAPLE® code giving numerical solution of two
dimensional Schrödinger equation in a functional space. The Galerkin
method has been used to get the approximate solution. The results have
been examined with numerical examples. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated to obtain
an efficient computation tool for numerical examinations of two
dimensional Schrödinger Equation. Arts and Education » International Journal of Mathematical Research » Month: 01-2017 Issue: 1
Serum Lipid Profile and Leptin Levels in Asthmatic Libyan Children
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research
Aim:To study lipid profile and leptin levels in non-obese Libyan
children with asthma.. Materials and Methods:70 Libyan children from
Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benghazi University,
Benghazi, Libya were included for the present study (from 2013 to 2014).
Group I formed the normal control group (N: 30 Children) and Group II
is 40 Libyan children with asthma. Their age group varied from 4 to 12
years old. Serum lipid profile and leptin were measured by routine
standard methods. Results and discussion: The Libyan children with
asthma showed an increase in serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol,
VLDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Serum Leptin levels
did not show marked changes between the two groups. The presence of
hypercholesterolemia could be a triggering factor for generation of
proinflammatory response in these children. Though leptin levels did not
show marked response further studies may be necessary to study the role
of leptin in obese asthmatic Libyan children. Contribution/ Originality
This paper tries to bring out the relationship between serum leptin and
lipid levels in non-obese asthmatic Libyan children and relate it to
serum leptin level. Medical Sciences » International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research » Month: 08-2016 Issue: 8
Profile of Physiotherapist Educators in Anglophone West African Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background: In the last two decades, physiotherapy profession in many
countries has transitioned their entry-level education to a Master’s or
doctoral degree levels. Given these changes, there is a new need to
discern the profile of physiotherapist educators in different
countries. Objectives: This cross-sectional study was designed to
investigate the profile of the physiotherapist lecturers from Anglophone
West African countries and to compare the data with their USA
counterparts. Methods: The Head of Department of all the physiotherapy
programs in West African universities (N = 14) completed a questionnaire
that sought information on the University’s debut date and ownership,
faculty gender, educational qualification and academic rank. Results:
The vast majority (93%) of the physiotherapy programs surveyed are
located in public universities. There were 126 lecturers employed in the
programs surveyed (average of 9 lecturers per program). In Nigeria, 72%
of the lecturers were men, but in Ghana there was an equal (50:50)
split between men and women. Fifty-nine percent (59%) of the lecturers
in Nigeria had a Ph.D. and 32% were with MS degree. Thirty-four percent
(34%) were a Senior lecturer, 19% Lecturer I, 10% Associate
Professor/Reader and 10% Professor. More Nigerian lecturers attained
higher (p<.05) educational qualification and academic rank than their
Ghanaian peers. Conclusions: In Nigeria, the physiotherapy faculty
workforce is dominated by men. The educational qualification and
academic rank of the faculty in Nigeria is at par with their
counterparts from the USA. The findings in this study have implication
for faculty exchange/employment, and program development in West Africa. Contribution/ Originality
This comparative study is the first empirically-based investigation of
the physiotherapist lecturers from Anglophone West African countries. Medical Sciences » International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research » Month: 09-2016 Issue: 9
Among lipoma of oral cavity, fibrolipoma is one of the rare
histopathological variant. Intraoral lipomas are rare lesions which may
be discovered during routine dental examinations since they present as
slow growing, painless and asymptomatic masses. For definite diagnosis
histopathological examination plays a significant role in providing
successful treatment and preventing any malignant transformation.
Prognosis is generally good as recurrence is very rare. Here we present a
case of oral fibrolipoma of buccal mucosa. Contribution/ Originality
This case report is one of the rare presentation of lipoma. So more
cases should be documented to make dental professionals aware of its
features. Medical Sciences » International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research » Month: 10-2016 Issue: 10
The Superinfection of Dermoid Cysts in Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Wilson Onuigbo, Timothy Nwabunike, Joseph Ojukwu
Journal: International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research
Mature cystic teratoma of the ovary may be complicated by torsion,
rupture, and malignant change, but is rarely complicated by infection.
Here we report two cases. One was associated with subumbilical hernia
operation, and the other followed appendectomy. In all probability, the
complication was due to nosocomial infection in this developing
community. This is of forensic importance. Contribution/ Originality
TN and WO operated. WO took care of the literature. Medical Sciences » International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research » Month: 11-2016 Issue: 11
Empirical and Practical Implementation Methodology for Clinical Integration of E-Health Iot Technology
Research Article
Author(s):
Abel Garai
Journal: International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research
This paper structures empirical and practical implementation
methodologies for clinical integration of eHealth IoT smart device
technology embedded in Cloud service architecture. The results and
findings of this two-year research program are summarized from
mathematical, system architectural and software engineering perspective.
The research takes place in the European Union, in Hungary. The program
is the manifestation of the trilateral industry-university
collaboration of the University of Debrecen Faculty of Informatics,
T-Systems Healthcare Competence Center Central and Eastern Europe and
Semmelweis University 2nd Pediatric Clinic Department of Pulmonology.
The paper presents the mathematical model for the system architecture
optimization. Selected system-architectural solution plans are mapped
into directed graphs and converted into adjacency and availability
matrices for optimization. Adequate technologies are collected and
identified for the research based on industry megatrends. The experiment
establishes multidirectional interoperability among eHealth smart
devices, telemedicine instruments and clinical information systems. The
Open Telemedicine Interoperability Hub, interoperability core module,
was developed and embedded into Cloud service architecture. This module
transposes and transmits the captured bio-sensory data stream from the
eHealth IoT smart-devices and from the telemedicine instrument into the
clinical information system. Dominant international healthcare
interoperability standards are reviewed and selected for the research.
The research program defined different interoperability levels and
mapped these against the open systems interconnection model layers. The
international interoperability standard, Health Level Seven, was
selected for the research. The research explicitly tested
interoperability among eHealth consumer electronic sensor-enabled
smart-device, spirometer telemedicine instrument and cloud-based
hospital information test system. The research proved that universal
interoperability between IoT eHealth smart devices and clinical
information system technology is from technical perspective absolutely
possible. The paper describes the lessons learned, drawbacks and
achievements of this research program. An insight is also given into the
forthcoming research phase. Contribution/ Originality
The paper contributes the first logical analysis for clinical
integration of the eHealth IoT technology. This study uses new
determination method for mathematically optimized healthcare service
architecture. The research originates new mathematic formula for
healthcare systems integration. The paper’s primary contribution is
validating the empirical results in real clinical environment. Medical Sciences » International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research » Month: 12-2016 Issue: 12
The Right to Dignity and Consensus in the Psychiatric Health Treatment
Research Article
Author(s):
Milena Marinic
Journal: International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research
Theoretical frameworks: Health workers in practice obtain the informed
consent of the patient where there is an invasion of privacy. Health
data are processed without consent, health treatment is carried out
without informed consent, and is taken to the patient the possibility of
an appeal, does not receive information about what to do and where to
seek help, if necessary. Methods: Based on the long-term observation of
conduct of healthcare workers, the analysis of legal acts and synthesis
of statutory provisions for informed consent based arguments. Results
Health workers against health interventions with greater impact on
privacy and the integrity of the body does not obtain informed consent,
offer a preprinted form. The patient is given an explanation focus,
which is the duty doctor. Interpretation duty is not subject recording
in health documentation which makes it impossible to trace back.
Discussions Health professionals legislature requires compliance with
legal rules, education in terms of knowledge of the law, it does not
reach a satisfactory level. Health workers do not know the laws, and the
patient's rights not exercised. In order to ensure the legal
documentation is necessary to inform all health professionals with the
laws and knowledge documentation. Contribution/ Originality
Introduction: King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) is a tertiary health
care hospital in western Saudi Arabia. We present the profile of eye
patients visiting this institution and their perceived barriers for the
access to eye care. Methodology: This case series type of study was
conducted between January and June 2014. Close-ended questions were used
to collect the responses of patients. Results: Our series had 165 eye
patients. The proportion of male and female population in the study area
was 57:43. The sex ratio of eye patient was 59:41. Sixty patients (37%)
needed more than one-hour car-drive to reach hospital. Majority of eye
patients were referred from Al-Noor specialist hospital 53(32%) and
Hiraa General Hospital 40 (24%) of Makkah. Conclusion: Eye patients of
KAMC reside mainly in Makkah. Female gender was not while distance was a
barrier for accessing tertiary eye care. The workload in eye unit of
KAMC was low. Contribution/ Originality
This study documents that there are barriers to access Tertiary Eye care in Western Saudi Arabia. Medical Sciences » International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research » Month: 01-2017 Issue: 1
Multi-User Searchable Encryption Scheme with User Revocation
Research Article
Author(s):
Chia-Chi Wu, Iuon-Chang Lin, Ya-Hui Liu
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research
We improve the previous method to add the function of user revocation in
searchable encryption scheme. When document owner doesn’t want to share
someone he had shared, he can revoke the user who can’t retrieve the
specific document. More importantly, the revocation process must not
affect other authorized users, the scheme has to keep a low maintenance
cost. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature are to provide a
searchable keyword encryption scheme and the document owner can
dynamically authorize a user to retrieve documents or revoke the
authorization. The maintenance cost of the revocation process is low. Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 04-2016 Issue: 4
Efficiency of Plastic Fibres Waste on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Mortars in Hot-Dry Conditions
Research Article
Author(s):
Khadra Bendjillali, Mohamed Chemrouk
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research
This experimental study was aimed at evaluating the effect of plastic
fibres waste on the physical and mechanical performances of mortars
prepared and conserved under hot-dry conditions. The used fibres are
recycled polypropylene fibres coming from industrial waste. Two dosages
of fibres are used 0.5 and 1 % by weight. The results showed that the
exposition of mortars to hot-dry conditions reduces their long-term
mechanical strength and increases their shrinkage. Under hot-dry
conditions, the reinforcement of mortars by plastic fibres waste has a
positive effect on their flexural and compressive strength. The
shrinkage of mortars conserved under these conditions is reduced by the
addition of plastic fibres waste. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to enrich the fibres mortars researches. For
technico-economical and environmental interests, we used local materials
coming from natural and industrial waste, such as the sand and fibres.
It is one of very few studies which have investigated the effect of
hot-dry conditions on the properties of mortars. Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 04-2016 Issue: 4
The Effect of Impulse Denoising on Geometric Based Hyperspectral Unmixing
Research Article
Author(s):
Bilal KOCAKUSAKLAR, Nihan KAHRAMAN
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research
Hyperspectral unmixing is a process to find number of spectral component
(called endmember), estimation of endmember signatures and their
abundance fractions in each pixel on the scene. Geometric based
algorithms are developed for hyperspectral unmixing problem in the
literature. The distribution of spectra (points in n-dimensional
scatterplot) can be used to estimate endmember signatures geometrically.
Impulse denoising before unmixing process can help getting better
results for endmember extraction. For this reason, General Prior
Algorithm (GAP) is used before unmixing process. Experiments using real
data demonstrate that this preprocessing step provided better results
for endmember estimation. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes better estimation of endmember signatures on
geometric based unmixing algorithms by applying spatio-spectral
correlation for impulse denoising. Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 05-2016 Issue: 5
Moving Target Tracking in Infrared Image Sequences Based on Differential Kernel Covariance Descriptor
Forward looking infrared (FLIR) imaging has been used in many areas of
research and everyday life, but it has been mostly employed in military
and security domains. In these fields, remote infrared target tracking
is a crucial element for surveillance. However, long-range captured IR
image sequences generally have poor contrast, variable illumination, and
high background clutter. These challenges make target tracking
difficult. This paper suggests a technique for target tracking in
different ranges in challenging FLIR image sequences, based on
Differential Kernel Covariance Descriptor (DKCD). This new method
diminishes rotation and illumination variation effects. The proposed
technique calculates the differential kernel matrix of reference target
by using various statistical and spatial features such as first and
second derivatives, location information, and the intensity value of
pixels. Later, the differential covariance matrix is constructed by
using different pixel features and applying the appropriate kernel
function to the matrix. Thanks to the kernel functions, the algorithm
redefines the target's differential spatial features in Hilbert space.
This process makes the descriptor non-linear. The predicted position of
the target is calculated with the nearest neighbor algorithm in the
candidate regions in the sub-frame. The performance of the suggested
single target tracking system is then tested on challenging real-life
video sequences. Contribution/ Originality
This paper proposes a new nonlinear descriptor which mainly uses kernel
covariance matrix based on difference of features. The technique
minimizes the effect of pose variation, illumination, size, and
background changes. Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 05-2016 Issue: 5
Improving Cloud System Performances by Adopting Nvram-Based Storage Systems
Research Article
Author(s):
Jisun Kim, Yunjoo Park, Sunhwa A. Nam, Hyunkyoung Choi, KyungWoon Cho, Hyokyung Bahn
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research
NVRAM is being considered as an additional memory/storage component of
future cloud computing systems. This paper investigates how much
performance improvement can be obtained if we add NVRAM as the
memory/storage media of cloud systems. As NVRAM is put on DDR slots, it
is byte-accessible and hence can be used as a memory medium like DRAM.
It can also be utilized as swap or journal devices if we use it as a
block I/O device. We first consider NVRAM as a storage cache, and then,
we measure the performance of systems that additionally use NVRAM as
memory, swap, and journal devices. We use two workloads, I/O and memory
intensive workloads. Our experiments show that using NVRAM as a journal
device performs the best in I/O-intensive workload as it performs
journaling I/O on NVRAM instead of slow storage. Using NVRAM as memory
or swap devices does not show good results in I/O-intensive workload.
However, in case of memory-intensive workload, NVRAM memory
significantly improves the performance, and NVRAM swap also gains a
certain level of improvement. We expect that our experiments will be
helpful in the design of NVRAM-based cloud systems for memory or I/O
intensive workload situations. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding the NVRAM’s effectiveness on
the performance of future cloud systems. Specifically, we show the
effectiveness of NVRAM if it is used as storage cache, main memory,
journal device, or swap device in the memory hierarchy of cloud
computing systems. Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 06-2016 Issue: 6
Structural Design of A Linear-Motion Type Semi-Active Damper by Finite Element Method
Research Article
Author(s):
Takahito ADACHI, Kenji TAKAHARA
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research
The purpose of this study is to design a structure of a linear-motion
type semi-active damper which can reduce the vibration caused by an
earthquake. This paper proposes the more effective structure of the
linear motion semi-active damper by magnetic-structure interaction
analysis of finite element method using ANSYS. The semi-active damper
has a simple structure that a linear mover, a magnet bar, reciprocates
in coils of a stator. The size of the coils and the size of the magnetic
material cover which can produce the maximum damping force are
simulated under the condition that the size of the mover is fixed. The
electromotive force is calculated based on the change of the produced
magnetic field according to the change of the given velocity of the
mover in a short time. The damping force is calculated according to the
electric current which the electromotive force supplies to the connected
resistance. By the simulations, more than 120 [N s/m] of the maximum
damping coefficient is acquired in the case that the coil is wound up
from 28.0[mm] of the inner diameter to 60.0 [mm] of the outer diameter. Contribution/ Originality
The purpose of this paper is to design a fuzzy control system for
generating hydrogen at a desired level by a reaction between water and
activated aluminum particles. The activated aluminum particles are
produced shredded aluminum sawdust. It is difficult to characterize the
reaction quantitatively because the characteristics of hydrogen
generating reaction vary as depending on the samples, the environment of
the reaction and so on. The experimental system consists of a fuel cell
(FC) of 100[W], a water tank, a reaction vessel, pressure sensors, a
water pump, a radiator and a one-chip microcomputer. The fuzzy control
system is designed to determine the quantum of water which is supplied
to the activated aluminum particles. The error forms a desired value of
the pressure of the reaction vessel and the change of the error are
chosen as the labels of the fuzzy membership functions. The proposed
fuzzy control system is applied to maintain the pressure of the reaction
vessel of the developed hydrogen generation system at a certain level.
The developed hydrogen generation system is confirmed to provide
hydrogen to the FC by experiments under various conditions. Contribution/ Originality
This study analyzed productivity of farmland values in food crop
production in natural disasters prone areas of Imo State, Nigeria. The
study specifically determined farmland values, productivity of food
crop farmers by farmland values, and factors influencing food crop
farmers productivity in the different farmland values. Data were
collected with questionnaire from 280 proportionately and randomly
selected food crop farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics, farmland value model, productivity model, and multiple
regression techniques. Results showed that farmland suitability index
ranged from < 0.499 to 0.948 with a mean of 0.350.Majority (72.1%) of
the farmers cultivated on non-suitable farmlands, 22.9% of them
cultivated on marginally suitable farmlands while few (5%) of the
farmers cultivated on suitable farmlands, implying that majority of the
farmlands cultivated for food crop production in the study area are not
suitable. Food crop farmers’ productivity increases with suitability of
farmland and the productivity of farmland increases from 1.35 to 2.25
and 3.14 as farmland moves from non-suitable to marginally suitable and
suitable values respectively, thus making marginally suitable and
suitable farmlands about 48% and 133% higher in farmland productivity
than non-suitable farmlands. Farmland rent, quantity of fertilizer
applied, quantity of organic manure applied, education level, quality
of planting materials, and distance of farmland from farmer’s home have
significant influence on marginally suitable farmlands productivity.
Farm size, quantity of fertilizer applied, quantity of organic manure
applied, farming experience, and quality of planting materials
significantly influenced suitable farmlands productivity. Crop farmers
cultivating non-suitable farmland should explore measures to improve the
fertility of their farmlands or minimize wastage of production
resources through reduction in the size of farmlands, cultivated. Contribution/ Originality
This study documents productivity of farmland values in food crop
production in the natural disaster prone areas, using farmland value and
productivity models. The paper’s major contribution is finding that the
majority of farmlands cultivated by the farmers is non-suitable due to
the influence of natural disasters. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 06-2016 Issue: 2
Straw Composting with Biological Agent Inoculation and Application Biofertilizer to Increase Rice Production
Problems using straw directly include the contamination of germs on the
straw from the previous crop. Alternatives that can be done are giving
inoculant of biological decomposers The purpose of the research to test
isolates decomposer in the rate of straw decomposition in soil and to
test isolates biofertilizer on rice plants in soil treated straw
compost. Greenhouse experiment was conducted for selecting isolates and
formulations decomposer consortium and biological agents as well as the
selection and formulation of biological fertilizers isolates. This
experiment was consisted of treatments, i.e. incubation time composting
(1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks) and inoculant (formulation A containing microbes
T. harzianum, Bacillus subtililis, Cytophaga sp. and Bacillus
licheniformis; i2 = Formulation B containing microbes B. subtililis,
Cytophaga sp., and B. licheniformis, Streptomyces sp.) The field
experiment was conducted to determine the effect of straw compost and
biofertilizer inoculants (nitrogen fixation bacteria and phosphate
solubilizing bacteria) on rice. Research at this stage using split plot
experimental design was repeated three times. The main plot was the
doses of straw compost + biofertilizer consisting of 8 treatments (0;
2.5; 5.0; 7.5 t ha-1 without and with biofertilizer 400 g ha-1). The
subplot was doses of inorganic fertilizer N, P and K consisting of 5
levels (100%, 90%, 80%, 70% and 60% of recommendations dosages). The
results showed that the A formulation containing T. harzianum, B.
subtililis, Cytophaga sp. and B. Licheniformis whereas B formulation
contains B. subtililis, Cytophaga sp., and B. Licheniformis,
Streptomyces sp. B formulation capable of decomposing straw is better
than A formulation. Application of straw compost and biofertilizer (5,0
t ha-1 + 400 g ha-1) could increase the yield of rice to 13.3% and
substitute 20% of inorganic fertilizer (N, P and K). Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated to obtain
decomposers consortium formulation which can be effective to straw
composting and to study the effect of biofertilizer inoculants on rice
plants in soil treated with straw compost. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 09-2016 Issue: 3
Comparative Effect of Organic and In-Organic Fertilizer Treatment on the Growth and Tuberyeild of Sweet Potato (Ipomea Batata L)
The experiment was conducted at the teaching and Research farm of the
Federal University Wukari Taraba State, Nigeria to assess, evaluate and
compare the effect of organic fertilizers such as poultry manure, cow
dung, organic manure and in-organic fertilizers such as NPK and urea on
the growth and tuber yield of sweet potato. The recommended rates of cow
dung (10t/ha) poultry manure (10t/ha), organic manure (10t/ha)
NPK15:15:15 (400kg/ha) and urea (200kgN/ha) were applied as treatment to
sweet potato with a control at (0kg/ha). These were arranged in a
randomized complete block design with three replications. Measurement
were taken on the growth and tuber yield at harvest such as the length
of primary vein, number of secondary vein number of leaves, number of
tuber and tuber weight. Data collected were analyzed using (ANOVA) and
the significant means separated using Duncan multiple difference at 5%
probability level. The result revealed or showed that numbers of leaves
were significant in all the treatments. Application of urea fertilizer
produced the highest number of tuber per plant, while tuber weight was
not significantly different, but poultry manure application had the
higher mean value of (2.34kg). It was concluding that application of
poultry manure as organic fertilizer are better and can compare readily
with inorganic fertilizer (urea) in the production of sweet potato. Contribution/ Originality
Sweet potato is one of the most important field crop in the world and
many studies have been carried out on the growth, productivity and
nutritional properties including the effect of organic and inorganic
fertilizers applications.The study therefore compares the effectiveness
of available organic and inorganic fertilizer on the growth and tuber
yield of the crop. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 09-2016 Issue: 3
Performance of Multi-Purpose Cooperatives in the Shiselweni Region of Swaziland
A multi-purpose cooperative is a business that is a mixture of two or
more different types of cooperatives. The study examined the performance
of multi-purpose cooperatives in Swaziland. The objectives of the study
were to; establish the performance of multi-purpose-cooperatives,
identify factors influencing the performance of multi-purpose
cooperatives, and identify constraints faced by multi-purpose
cooperatives. A descriptive research design was used where quantitative
and qualitative methods were employed to collect and analyse data. The
target population was all registered and active multi-purpose
cooperatives in the Shiselweni region. A sample (n=120) was drawn using a
two-stage stratified random sampling procedure and it comprised of 80
cooperative members, 35 committee members and 5 cooperative officers who
were purposely selected. Face to face personal interviews were used to
collect the data. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). The study found that the performance
of multi-purpose cooperatives was influenced by gender and
accountability. The study further found that cooperative officers
educated and trained cooperative members once a year. Major constraints
included poor capital base, most members being too old to perform
cooperative activities, and poor record-keeping. The study concluded
that cooperatives were not performing well financially, since there were
making losses. It is recommended that cooperatives should ensure the
financial statements were prepared on time and audited. There is need to
encourage young farmers to join multi-purpose cooperative since most of
the farmers were old. The frequency of training provided to members
need to be improved. The study also recommends that other studies be
carried out to cover the whole of Swaziland in order to generalise the
findings. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to existing literature by analyzing the
performance of multipurpose Cooperatives. The study not only established
the performance of multi-purpose cooperatives, but also identified the
factors affecting the performance of multi-purpose cooperatives,
especially in Swaziland. The study used primary data, hence it is
original. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 12-2016 Issue: 4
Perception of Kogi State University Agricultural Students on Farming as a Career
Research Article
Author(s):
Saliu O.J., Onuche . U., Abubakar . H.
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
This study examined the perception of Kogi State University Agricultural
Students on farming as a career. Primary data were collected using
structured interview schedule to pick 150 students in the study area.
Stratified random sampling technique was used to pick 30 students from
each level (100-500). Data collected were analyzed using descriptive
statistics such as frequency count, percentage and mean score on a 3
point likert-type of scale. The result of the study indicated that a
large percentage (42.7%) of students were from household size of 4 to 6
which is fairly large for the needed labour force for agricultural
activities. Many (56%) of the students had no farming experience before
their enrolment into the university. The study further showed that most
of the students had negative attitude when they resumed in 100 level
mean score (X) (2.30) but are now greatly influenced by agricultural
education impacted by trained agricultural experts (X) (2.67). Students
Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) programme had also positively
changed the students attitude to farming (2.25). Most respondents (X)
(2.58) 86% showed willingness to engage in practical agricultural
enterprise if supplied with the necessary agricultural inputs. Also
willingness to embark on poultry farming had (X) (2.73), fish farming
had ms (2.49), cash crop farming had (X) (2.19) and arable crop farming
had (X) (2.12) which represented a popular perception among the
respondents. Piggery farming with (X) (1.47) and beekeeping with (X)
(1.33) had the least indication of interest by the students.
Implementation of government agricultural policies that will ensure
regular input and attractive market price could motivate agricultural
graduates to embrace farming as a career. Contribution/ Originality
Abstract