bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information and Communication Technology and Research Productivity of Librarians in Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State
Authors: Lawal Wasiu Olayade , Olawale Gabriel Sola 
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to identify the impacts of Information and Communication Technology on research productivity of librarians in BOWEN University Library, Iwo, Osun State from 2017 - 2019. The study adopted a survey method. The population of the study consisted of 10 librarians. Questionnaire was adopted as research instrument to collect data from the 10 librarians in the Library through a total enumeration method. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical method. Findings revealed that the research productivity of the librarians was low. However, they made use of ICT’s for their research activities with attendant impacts. Major impacts were noticed in the area of data gathering procedures, and also collaborative research and improvement of quality and quantity of literature search and data analysis. The study recommends among others that librarians should endeavour to publish more research papers encouraged to receive trainings and necessary skills on the use of new technologies for research purpose.
Keywords: Research, Librarians, Bowen University, Research productivity, ICT
Implications of Poor Management of Students’ Academic Records in Nigerian Universities
Authors: Mabera Shehu Umar 
Published: August 2020

This study assessed students’ perceived implications of poor management of students’ academic records in Nigerian universities. The study followed the single case study and was conducted at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). The population of the study comprised of 5905 final year students from eleven faculties of the University in 2018/2019 session. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 361respondents. 320 representing 85% responded. The data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation to find answers to the research questions. From the analyses it was established that delays in decision making, in graduating students, as well as loosing opportunities by the students were identified as part of the implications of poor management of the students’ academic records. The managements of the UDUS should consider the findings of the study and address these malaises for proper record management and the associated benefits.
Keywords: Students’ Records, Academic Record, Poor Records Management, University
Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of Nurses at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port-Harcourt
Authors: March Mandu A. , Vaikosen Hannah A. , Akporoghene Enye A. 
Published: August 2020

The study investigated information needs and seeking behaviour of nurses at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt. It adopted a descriptive research survey. The population of the study was 352 nurses at RSUTH from which a sample 100 was drawn. Self-structured questionnaire was used. The questionnaire included a four point likert scale (4-1). Out of 100 copies of the questionnaire administered, 94 were found valid for analysis. Data was analysed using simple percentages and mean score. The findings of the study showed that nurses needed information on drugs therapy, diagnostic, patients’ management and personal development. The factors that motivated their information seeking include working environment, patients’ care, professionalism and personal development. To satisfy their curiosity, they consulted different sources of information including colleagues, internet and textbook. It also showed that nurses had a negative perception about library and information services in meeting their information needs. Inadequate information resources in the library, inadequate information retrieval skills and closed access were some of the challenges they faced when seeking for their information needs. However, they suggested training of nurses and provision of standard library for the nurses. It was recommended among other things that the library should be well equipped to meet the information needs of the nurses also the nurses should acquire information retrieval skills to enable them access information resources on the internet and databases.
Keywords: Information needs, Information seeking behaviour, Nurses, Rivers, Health information
Caractérisation du sol du site dégradé de Sakey koira Tegui au Niger pour un meilleur reboisement avec<i>Acacia senegal</i>
Authors: Halidou Djabri Hassimiou , Abdou Maman Manssour , Mayaki Zoubeirou Alzouma 
Published: August 2020

La dégradation des sols résultants des facteurs climatiques et anthropiques constitue l’un des problèmes majeurs de l’agriculture au Niger. En réponse à ce phénomène, les agroécosystèmes s’adaptent à travers la mise en oeuvre des techniques de gestion intégrée des eaux et des sols dont notamment le reboisement des terres dégradées. C’est ainsi que cette étude a été menée avec pour objectif de caractériser le sol dégradé du site de Sakey koira Tegui en vue d’un meilleur reboisement avec Acacia senegal. A cet effet, des profils pédologiques ont été ouverts et décrits suivant la topo-séquence du site. Des échantillons de sol ont été prélevés au niveau de chaque profil et analysés au laboratoire. Les résultats ont montré que la texture de sols est de type sableuse (72,32%) et limoneuse (45%). Quant aux caractéristiques chimiques des sols, le pH est acide variant de 5,1 à 5,53 sur l’ensemble des horizons avec une conductivité électrique de l’ordre de 13, 00 à 33, 00 μs/cm. Ces résultats montrent que ce sol de faible fertilité chimique, avec une prédominance sableuse pourrait être récupéré et reboisé avec Acacia senegal, sol de prédilection de cette espèce.
Mots clés : caractéristiques chimiques, textures, terres dégradées, Acacia senegal, Niger.

English Title: Soil characterization of the degraded site of Sakey koira Tegui in Niger for better reforestation with Acacia senegalSoil degradation resulting from climatic and anthropogenic factors is one of the major problems of agriculture in Niger. In response to this phenomenon, agro-ecosystems are adapting through the implementation of integrated water and soil management techniques, including reforestation of degraded land. Thus, this study was conducted with the objective of characterizing the degraded soil of the Sakey koira Tegui site for better reforestation with Acacia senegal. To this end, soil profiles were opened and described according to the topo-sequence of the site. Soil samples were taken from each profile and analysed in the laboratory. The results showed that the soil texture is sandy (72.32%) and silty (45%). As for the chemical characteristics of the soils, the pH is acidic ranging from 5.1 to 5.53 over all horizons with an electrical conductivity of 13.00 to 33.00 μs/cm. These results show that this soil of low chemical fertility, with a sandy predominance, could be recovered and reforested with Acacia senegal, the soil of predilection of this species.Keywords: Chemical characteristics, textures, degraded soils, Acacia senegal, Niger.
Farmers’ preferences and perception influencing decision to grow bio-fortified provitamin A cassava
Authors: Chidiebere-Mark Nneka M. , Anyanwu Gods’power C. 
Published: August 2020

The study analysed farmers’ preferences and perception influencing decision to grow biofortified provitamin A cassava. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers in the study area; identified sources of information on biofortified provitamin A cassava; ascertained farmers’ perception of the key attributes of biofortified provitamin A cassava; ascertained farmers’ preference for biofortified provitamin A cassava; analysed sio-economic determinants of willingness to grow bio-fortified provitamin A cassava, and, constraints that hinder farmers’ decision to grow bio-fortified provitamin A cassava. It was hypothesized that the socio-economic characteristics of farmers significantly influence the decision to grow bio-fortified provitamin A cassava. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to elicit data from 90 cassava farmers in the study area. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result revealed that farmers in the study area were mostly female, married, with a mean age of 50 years, mean years of formal education of 12 years, farming experience of 6 years and a mean household size of 6 persons. The sources of information on bio-fortified provitamin A cassava include agricultural extension agents, farmer groups and radio. The result also showed that farmers perceived bio-fortified provitamin A cassava to be able to make yellow Garri (Cassava granules); have low sugar content. The farmers preferred bio-fortified provitamin A cassava because of its low sugar content, ability to make yellow cassava granules (Garri) which makes it attractive for selling, and contain vitamin A which is necessary to reduce blindness. Poor access to information, poor access to bio-fortified provitamin A cassava stem, and high moisture content were some of the major constraints that affect the decision to grow bio-fortified provitamin A cassava by farmers’ in the study area. The study recommends that farmers should be given easy access to bio-fortified provitamin A cassava stems and extension agents should make more visits to cassava farmers to enlighten them on the benefits of growing biofortified provitamin A cassava.
Keywords: Cassava, Biofortified, provitamin A, Farmers, Imo State
Performance of laying hens fed graded levels of dried yellow cocoyam corm meal (<I>Xanthosoma sagittifolium</I>) as partial replacement for maize
Authors: Okonkwo V.N. 
Published: August 2020

Yellow cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), a tropical root crop is presently underutilized as energy feedstuff in poultry diets. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of dried cocoyam corm meal as partial replacement for maize on egg laying and haematological parameters of layer hens. Fifty-six (56) days feeding trial was conducted using one hundred and twenty (120) Isa brown layer hens of twenty weeks (20 weeks) old. Sample of the cocoyam corm meal used for this study was analyzed in the laboratory to determine its proximate nutrient composition. Results showed moisture content 79%, ash 4%, fat 1.1%, fibre 5.5%, carbohydrate 24%, protein 8.05% and energy 3160.05kcal/kg DM. The cocoyam corm meal was used to formulate layer hens’ diets: T1, T2, T3, and T4 at 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% inclusion levels respectively. The experimental layer hens were divided into four treatment groups of thirty (30) hens each which was further replicated three times, ten (10) birds per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each group of the experimental birds was subjected to one of the experimental diets for the period of 56 days and drinking water was also provided regularly. At the expiration of the experiment, three (3) birds were selected from each group for haematological parameters evaluation. Average daily feed and total feed intake showed no significant (P>0.05) difference though T4 was higher (P<0.05) among the treatments and T1 was the least (P<0.05). Total body weight gained was significantly (P<0.05) higher at T4. T2 was significantly (P<0.05) the lowest among other treatments. T1 had a significant (P<0.05) highest hen day egg production followed by T2 and T3 which were statistically the same (P>0.05) while T4 had the lowest (P<0.05) among the treatments. T2 had the heaviest (P<0.05) egg weight of 65.40g while T1 had the lowest (P<0.05) (61.76g) though still within the same category of large in USDA (2000) egg weight rating. Feed efficiency of feed/g egg weight was higher at T2 (1.27). T4 (1.38) had the lowest (P<0.05) feed conversion efficiency with no significance (P>0.05) difference among values obtained from other treatments. T1 had the highest pack cell volume (P<0.05). Red blood cell, count, haemoglobin and white blood cell count values which did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the values of T2, followed by T3. Results obtained in the haematological parameters evaluated showed significant difference (P<0.05) recorded in some values; T3 had the highest haemoglobin (20.46 pg) followed by T4 (20.34 pg), T1 had the least (19.80 pg) but still within the recommended range for layer hens for optimal performance. It is concluded that dried cocoyam corm meal (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is an ideal ingredient in layer hens diets up to 15% inclusion level for good performance.
Key words: Egg production, growth, haematology, proximate composition.
Economic analysis of the effect of flood disaster on food security of arable farming households in Southern Guinea Savanna Zone, Nigeria
Authors: Jonathan A. , Owolabi M.T. , Olatunji I.B. , Duntoye B.T. , Henshaw E.E. 
Published: August 2020

The study assessed the economic analysis of the effect of flood disaster on food security of arable farming households in southern guinea savanna zone, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 farmers who experienced and didn’t experience flooding in Kwara and Niger States from whom data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, food security index and logistics regression model. This revealed that majority of the farming household heads in the study area were predominantly young people, who were still in their active age and had at least secondary education. Also, the food security result shows that majority of the farming households who experienced flood were not food secure. The regression result shows that the coefficients which were significant were years of schooling, household size, off farm income, household expenditure and flooding. The adaptation practices adopted against flooding by households includes seasonal migration, diversification of livelihood, terracing and early harvesting. The study recommends that climatic information especially the seasonal rainfall prediction annual reports be made available early enough to farmers in the flood plain areas to reduce the effect of food insecurity.
Keywords: Flood, Food Security, Logistic Regression and Mitigate
Determination of importance value indices of some plant species using closest individual sampling techniques
Authors: Ezulike F.O. , Ukpaka C.G. , Chinyere B.C. 
Published: August 2020

This study was conducted to determine the Important Value Indices (IVI) of some plants in the University farm. Eighty plant stands belonging to three families (Musaceae, Caricaceae and Arecaceae) were identified. Their frequency and coverage percentage were measured within the sampling plot. Data obtained were subjected to Chi-square analysis to test for significance at 5% level of significance. The results indicated that the mean richness of Caricaceae, Arecaceae and Musaceae species in the study area were 3, 2 and 6, respectively. The highest (p<0.05) Floral Value Index of 90.52 was recorded in plantain group while the least value (22.40) was recoreded in coconut. The relative density ranged from 7.5 to 45 for the genus Cocos l. and Musa l. The highest Relative Frequency (46.03 %) was recorded for Musa l. and the least in Cocos l respectively. The Important Value Indices ranged between 20 and 152 which indicated that Igbariam had a very rich Agricultural soil for Economic plant development particularly for the families of Musaceae. The Musaceae showed the maximum IVI, hence the most important family among the studied plant species in the Agricultural farm plot. Thus, it is concluded that Musaceae, particularly plantain, should be given special consideration in prioritizing species for crop production in the study area.
Keywords: importance value index, family importance value, plant, species, Musaceae
Influence of physico-chemical characteristics on the primary productivity of Nworie River, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ukagwu J.I. , Anyanwu D.C. , Ohaturonye S. , Offor J.I. 
Published: August 2020

A twelve-month study was conducted to examine the influence of physico-chemical parameters on the primary production of Nworie River to assess its suitability for fish culture. Water samples were collected from three stations along the river course and examined for various parameters. Data collected were analyzed using multivariate analysis, stepwise linear regression and spearman correlation while Tukey’s honestly significant difference was used to separate the means. Results showed that water temperature was significantly different (p<0.05) at all stations and were within normal range for fish culture. Similar observation was made in, the levels of conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrogen-nitrate, free carbon dioxide, depth, chlorine, hardness and primary productivity. The levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) and phosphate-phosphorus were not significant (p>0.05) but within normal range for fish culture. Alkalinity and pH showed significant differences (p<0.05) in all stations during the study. In Station 1, alkalinity and pH levels were 8.06±1.9mg/l and 5.4±0.3mg/l respectively. Heavy metal concentrations recorded revealed that the levels of Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), and Zinc (Zn) were significantly different (p<0.05) in all stations and were within permissible limit for fish culture while the level of lead (6.72±0.78 – 7.540.36mg/l) was not. The regression analysis revealed that variables in DO, TDS, free CO2, Cd, and depth influenced primary productivity and were both positively and negatively correlated at 5% and 1% probability levels respectively. The authors thus concluded that Nworie River may not support aquaculture development until some ecological situations are remedied.
Keywords: Physico-chemical parameters, Aquaculture development, Nworie River, Fish culture
Evaluation of milt quality of <I>Clarias anguillaris</I> (Linnaeus, 1758) Broodstock fed varying inclusion levels of wild hibiscus <I>Azanza garckeana </I>pulp meal
Authors: Ochokwu I.J. , Nwabunike M.O. , Udeh G.N. 
Published: August 2020

Feeding trial was carried out to evaluate sperm quality of Clarias anguillaris broodstock fed varying inclusion levels of goron tula, Azanza garckeana pulp meal. The fish (mean weight 500g) were randomly distributed in concrete tanks (2 x 2 x 1.2m) at nine fish/tank in triplicates. Five isonitrogenous diets (40% CP) were formulated with the pulp meal incorporated at the rate of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% of the diet. Fish were fed at 3% of body weight for 56days. At the end of the feeding trial, results showed that dietary A. garckeana significantly (p<0.05) improved the milt quality of C. anguillaris. The broodfish fed 20% A. garckeana inclusion level had the highest (p<0.05) milt volume, sperm motility duration, testes lobe lengths, and whole sperm count while the least values of these variables were observed in group fed with the control diet (0% inclusion level). The findings conclusively revealed that increase in the level of A. garckeana pulp meal in the diet resulted into increase in sperm quality of C. anguillaris. Thus, the pulp meal can be freely utilized in catfish production in terms of sperm quality for mass fingerling production.
Keywords: A. garckeana, Clarias anguillaris, sperm count, motility duration, milt volume.
Percentage preference/proximate composition of some plants species used as livestock feed in Idemili South, Anambra State
Authors: Adawai C.H. , Ukpaka C.G. , Chinyere B.C. 
Published: August 2020

The study assessed percentage preference and proximate composition of some selected plant species in Idemili South Area of Anambra State. Plants were identified and collected for herbarium preparation. A total of 23 different species belonging to 16 families were identified. These consisted of 11 trees, 4 shrubs, 3 herbs and 3 grasses. These plants were harvested, processed and stored separately. A 25 gm portion of each plant was measured and administered to 3 matured goats per day. The feeding trial lasted for 23 days. The frequency and rate of consumption of each plant was determined using a stop watch. The results showed that Manihot esculenta representing 73.3 % was highly preferred plant by all the animals while Colocasia esculenta having 18.7 % was moderately preferred. Proximate composition of the fodder was determined using standard method and results revealed that protein content ranged from 5.85% in Tridax procumbens and 23.86% in Desmodium scorpiurus. Lipid content ranged between 1.31 % and 8.37 % for Carica papaya and Manihot esculenta respectively while crude fibre content ranged from 8.09 to 33.01% in Tridax procumbens and Pennisetum purpureum respectively. The highest ash content (11.28 %) was recorded in Colocasia esculenta while the least level (2.17 %) in Tridax procumbens. Also, moisture content was observed to be highest in Manihot esculenta (10.29 %) and least in Dialium guineensis, while carbohydrate contents ranged between 13.41 % and 67.82 % for Persea americana and Tridax procumbens respectively. It could be concluded that plant species under this study were found to be rich in essential nutrients but Vernonia amygdalina, Amaranthus spinosus, Manihot esculenta, Ficus elasticoides and Milicia excelsa were most preferred plant species by experimental animals.
Keywords: Plant species, goat, livestock feed, proximate composition, Idemili South Area
Food security: Review of fishery development in Nigeria
Authors: Onwuka C.N. , Ohaturuonye S.O. 
Published: August 2020

The importance of fish as food and animal protein for man and livestock, source of income and employment was discussed. The trend in fisheries development is x-rayed, with general characteristics of rural fisheries explained. The problems, constraints and likely solutions were highlighted. Recommendations were made for sustainable fisheries activities in Nigeria. Fisheries business is capable of increasing Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to solve substantially the country’s unemployment problems and support Federal Government’s agenda on food security for all Nigerians.
Keywords: Nigeria fishing industry, artisanal fishery, industrial fishery, aquaculture.
Comparative effects of ovaprim and pituitary hormone on the inducement, hatchability, survival and growth performance of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i>
Authors: Ikechukwu C.C. , Nsofor C.I. , Ikeogu C.F. , Ogbonnaya H.F. 
Published: August 2020

The effects of Ovaprim and catfish pituitary extracts on inducement, hatchability and growth of Clarias gariepinus were assessed. Fifteen broodfish, (9 males and 6 females) having mean weight of 1kg were procured and used for the study. All brood fish were selected by external morphological characteristics following standard procedures. The hatchlings were further raised for ten weeks for growth study. The water parameters monitored were dissolved oxygen (6.65mg/l), pH (7.3) and temperature (28ºC). The results showed that there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the mean fecundity of 29,852.67fish in Ovaprim and 26,230.00fish in pituitary extracts and hatchability rate (83.00% in Ovaprim and 81.67% in pituitary extracts). Survival rates of the fingerlings were 74.67% in Ovaprim and 76.67% in pituitary. However, significant changes (p<0.05) were observed in growth parameters such as weight gain, percentage weight gain and specific growth rates. From the results, Ovaprim is highly recommended to hatchery users considering the rate of fertilization, hatchability, survival, growth rate, low cost and availability.
Keywords: Pituitary extract, Ovaprim, hypophysation and Clarias gariepinus