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VIRTUAL REALITY AND PATRONAGE OF HOSPITALITY SECTOR IN PORT HARCOURT

        Dike, Lawrence Bekwele&Anthony ChuksNwador

Department of Marketing,

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni Port Harcourt

ABSTRACT

This study investigated Virtual Reality and Patronage of Hospitality Sector in Port Harcourt.  One Hundred and Forty manager staff of hospitality sector staff in Port Harcourt were studied.  Out of the 140 questionnaires distributed, 120 copies representing 91% were duly completed and returned upon which the analysis as done.  The four research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation, while the four hypotheses were tested using the Pearson Product Correlation Coefficient (PPMC).  The reliability testing was done using SPSS version 23 Crumbach Alpha at .95>.71 indicating that the instrument were highly reliable.  The 40 items questionnaire instrument was validated by a senior lecturer in the department of Marketing, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.  The findings showed that Hypothesis one p-value of .671>.05 which implies that virtual reality has no influence on hospitality patronage in Port Harcourt hypothesis 2 p-value of .041<.05 which implies that Customer virtual experience affect purchase intention of hospitality patronage in Port Harcourt. Hypothesis 3 p-value of .447>.05 which implies that customer virtual presence does not affect service quality of hospital patronage in Port Harcourt. Hypothesis 4 p-value of .012<.05 implying that there is customer virtual perception influences repeat purchase of hospital patronage in Port Harcourt.  The study recommended that Since  virtual reality has no influence on hospitality patronage in Port Harcourt, practitioners should lay more emphasy and effort in ensuring greater awareness of the new technology. Customer virtual experience affect purchase intention of hospitality patronage in Port Harcourt, the management of hospitality homes should therefore invest in virtual reality as it will influence purchase intention of customers. Customer virtual presence does not affect service quality of hospital patronage in Port Harcourt, management of hospitality homes should engender more presence of virtual presence. Customer virtual perception influences repeat purchase of hospital patronage in Port Harcourt, virtual perception should therefore be made attractive to tourists and for hospitality patronage in Port Harcourt.

Key Words: Virtual Reality, Patronage, Hospitality Sector, Port Harcourt


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TIME SERIES MODELING OF NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE INDEX (NSEI) AND USD/NGN EXCHANGE RATES

Amala Isabella S; Davies Iyai& E. H. Etuk

Department of Mathematics

Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study performed time series modeling of  and  Exchange rates. Monthly data spanning from January 2007 to December 2018 was used. Data was sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin. The models employed were  model,  model and Granger Causality test. Both series were stationary at first difference. The All Share Index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange suggests ARIMA a white noise process, and at such,  model was adopted, while USD/NGN exchange rate suggested  model, but residual were conditionally heteroskedastic, hence  model was also adopted and estimated and they Granger Cause each other.

Keywords: Exchange rate, Stock Price, ARMA Model, GARCH (1,1) Model, Granger Causality Test.


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THE PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND VENTURE CREATION AMONG GRADUATES OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN PLATEAU STATE NIGERIA

Nanfa Nimvyap1, Miba’amWalwai Benjamin1, Lekmak Felix2

1Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Plateau State University Bokkos.

2Graduate Student, University of Jos

Email:nnimvyap@gmail.com, mibaam@gmail.com, felixlekmak@yahoo.com

 

ABSTRACT

The problems of rising social vices and poverty is associated with the increase in unemployment especially among the youths in Nigeria, more youths graduate from tertiary institutions of learning only to face limited employment opportunities that are difficult to secure. One of the solutions to the problems of graduates’ unemployment in Nigeria is the promotion of entrepreneurship and venture creation among students in tertiary institutions with a view to prepare them to be job creators and not job seekers after graduation. Entrepreneurship can help reduce increasing rate of employment if encourage in the right way. The study seeks to find out the prospect and challenges of entrepreneurship and venture creation among graduates of tertiary institutions in Nigeria with Plateau state as a case study. Using the survey method of data collection, sample size of 800 questionnaires were administered, 720 were retrieved and 620 valid questionnaires were analysed after sorting. The questionnaire combined multiple choice closed and opened ended questions. A multistage sampling was adopted where the state is stratified into three senatorial zones, 4 Local Government Areas (LGA) from each of the senatorial zones were identified and graduates of tertiary institution were thereafter randomly selected. The study adopted the descriptive and evaluation methods of data analysis to analyse data gathered. Findings revealed that entrepreneurship opportunities exist in Plateau State and that more graduates are willing to venture into business creation provided there is an enabling environment. The findings also found that entrepreneurship and venture creation in Plateau state is faced with a lot of challenges among which include challenging environment for entrepreneurship practice and venture creation, limited access to start-up capital for intending graduates, unfavourable government policies, inadequate infrastructures especially in the rural areas among other challenges. The study recommendsentrepreneurship education be sustained in all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, creating enabling environment by policy makers to encourage new start-up business and small and medium enterprises, access to reasonable interest loan in financial institutions that is less stringent and infrastructures should be provided in the rural areas among other recommendations.

Key words: Entrepreneurship, Venture Creation, Graduates, Tertiary Institutions.


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CERVICAL CANCER EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH WEST, NIGERIA

Obalase, Stephen Babatunde

University Health Centre

Federal University of Technology, Akure

E-mail: obalase@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT:The need for quick and timely intervention to prevent  cervical cancer prevalence  among   the risk  population  and  to reduce incidence and mortality rate due to cervical cancer is one of the object of Health promotion.The standard practice  to reduce the frequency and mortality of cervical cancer is to screen the target population , ensure vaccination and  to ensure prompt intervention.This descriptive survey determined cervical cancer education for sustainable development in South West, Nigeria. The sample for this study comprises of 600 respondents selected through multi stage sampling technique in South West, Nigeria. The variables studied include : knowledge of cervical cancer prevention, attitude towards screening  vaccination and cultural heritage.The research instrument used was a  self structured questionnaire, while   student t- test, correlation analysis and  ANOVA were used to test the formulated hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance.The result revealed that all identified variables significantly influence the cervical cancer prevention .It is therefore recommended that cervical cancer education should be included in the school curriculum and all reproductive activities in the clinical setting  to enhance early reporting ,reduce morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer

Key words: Cervical cancer, Education, Sustainable development, Vaccination, Screening.


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THE YIELD, SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS AND FATTY ACID CONTENT OF OILS EXTRACTED FROM AFRICAN OIL BEAN (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) SEEDS AT DIFFERENT MATURATION STAGES

1Duru, F. C., 1Ohaegbulam, P.O. and 2Ezeji, C.C.

1Department of Food Technology, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State

2Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri,

Email: durufaustina@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The yield, sensory characteristics and fatty acid content of oils extracted from African oil bean seeds at different maturation periods were investigated in this study.The seeds harvested from one-month development, two months’development and exploded seeds were extracted, ground, dried and analyzed for the titratable acidity; and crude oil was extracted from the dried ground seed flour. The oil yield from raw seeds increased with periods of seed development, being 8.86% at one month, 27.8% at two months and 39.2% at full maturity (exploded seed). The one month and two month developed seed yield a brown-coloured oil while the exploded seed oil was yellow in colour;both oils were bland in flavour and the physical state ranged from semi – liquid to liquid at room temperature. The titratable acidity values was higher (0.185% lactic acid) in exploded seed. The fatty acid, 11 – Octadecenoic acid were found at levels  14% in all the seed oils; 9,12 – Octadecadienoic acid were also  14% in one month and two months seed oil, while, 9,12 – Octadecadienoic acid were up to 13% in exploded seed oil.

Keywords: African oil bean seed oil, Sensory characteristics, Fatty acid.


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INFLUENCE OF AGE AND PARITY ON HEALTH STATUS OF MOTHERS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC INUNIVERSITY OF UYO TEACHING HOSPITAL, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Roseline E. Mfon&J. O. Okafor

Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State

E-mail: roselinemfon22@g.mail.com

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the health status of mothers attending antenatal clinic inUniversity of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) with respect to age and parity. Two research questions and hypotheses were postulated. Cross-sectional research design was adopted. The population consisted of 517pregnant mothers, who attended antenatal clinic in UUTH.A sample of 258 pregnant mothers was drawn for the study using systematic random sampling technique. “Mothers’ Health Status Inventory (MHSI)” was used for data collection. The MHSI was validated by three experts. It was subjected to reliability test using Cronbach Alpha. The result yielded a reliability index of .81. Data from 258 completed copies of MHSI were used for analysis.Frequencies and percentages were used to answer research questions, whileChi-square was used to test hypotheses. Results revealedthat 36.9% of mothers below 20 years of age had poor health status. They were affected by excessive vomiting (78.6%), fatigue (71.4%), loss of appetite (64.3%), itching (57.1%), headache (57.1%) and heartburn (57.1%). Similarly, 35.9% of mothers with parity 5+ had poor health status. They suffered from fatigue (72.5%), vomiting (62.5%), backache (62.5%), oedema (60.0%), headache (60.0%), and cramps (52.5%).  There were significant differences in the health status of mothers attending antenatal clinic in UUTH with respect to theirages and parity. These findings call for intervention in order to promote the health status of mothers.


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COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT TWO ANTI-MALARIA DRUGS (CHLOROQUINE AND ARTEQUIN) ON SOME SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN RATS

1Ugwu P. I, 1Obiechina M. C, 1Anyaehie U.S. B, 2Ofem O. E&3Elendu, U. M

1Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.

2Department of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar,

3Department of Physiology, Imo State University, Owerri

Correspondence: Email: princewill.ugwu@unn.edu.ng

ABSTRACT

Artemisinin combination therapies (ACT) have replaced the old drugs (like chloroquine) used as first line treatment for malaria. This current study aimed to investigate the comparative effects of chloroquine (an old drug) and artequin (an ACT drug) on serum biochemical indices in rats. Thirty-six (36) Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 2 batches. Each batch had 3 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 was control, groups 2 and 3 respectively received artequin (1.6mg/100g bwt) and chloroquine (0.875mg/100g bwt) orally and once daily. Administration lasted for 3 and 7 days for batches 1 and 2 respectively. The biochemical analysis of the serum was carried out using standard methods.Results obtained on both days 3and 7 showed that serum total protein and globulin concentrations in the artequin group was significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to control. The alkaline phosphatase concentration in the artequin group on day 7 was significantly (p>0.05) higher compared to control. In conclusion, administration of artequin and chloroquine at their recommended doses and duration is relatively safe. Prolonged administration of artequin could predispose to low serum proteins and globulin with accompanied elevations in ALP levels while chloroquine could increase AST level signifying hepatocellular damage.

Key Words:Anti-malaria drug, chloroquine, artequin, liver enzymes, proteins


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SARIMA MODELLING OF DAILY LABORATORY CONFIRMED CASES OF CORONAVIRUS IN NIGERIA Ette Harrison Etuk Department of Mathematics Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria Email: ettetuk@yahoo.com, ettehetuk@gmail.com, etuk.ette@ust.edu.ng

ABSTRACT

This study is an attempt to model daily confirmed cases of coronavirus in Nigeria. A time plot of the series shows an upward trend with some seasonality. It is tested for unit test and is shown to be non-stationary. Its difference shows evidence of stationarity. The correlogram of the difference shows significant spikes at the partial autocorrelation function at lags 1 and 12 and at its autocorrelation function at lags 1 and 13, with the lag 13 spike surrounded by spikes of comparable lengths in the same direction. This suggests an autoregressive fit of lags 1 and 12 and a moving average fit of lags 1, 13 and 14. A fit of the model shows that only the moving average lags are significant. A more specific SARIMA(0, 1, 1)x(0, 0, 1)13 model is fitted to the series. This shows that the series may be regarded as a SARIMA(0, 1, 1)x(0, 0, 1)13 case.

Key Words: Covid-19 pandemic, SARIMA modelling


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THE INFLUENCE OF OFFICE AUTOMATION ON SECRETARIES JOB PERFOMANCE IN GOVERNMENT MINISTRY IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA Kuteyi Raymond Kayode & Fasoranti Temitayo Victor Department of Sociology Federal University, Oye-Ekiti Email: rayskuti@yahoo.com, temitayofash@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

ICT has enhanced the proficiency of secretaries on their jobs by enabling them to process accurate and relevant information within the shortest possible time. The advent of ICT has dramatically changed the roles and effectiveness of secretaries in government offices; hence there is need for availability of ICT resources/equipment in government offices as well as acquisition of requisite skills and competencies by the secretaries. Structured questionnaire was the only instrument used for data collection and 96 copies of this questionnaire were administered in six government ministries in Ondo state. With the population of 84 secretaries, no sampling was drawn due to the small number. The mean statistics and standard deviation were used to analyze the ICT resources available for the secretaries and the skills acquired by them Items with mean score of 2.50 and above on the 4-point response scale were accepted while those below 2.50 do not qualify to be accepted. The regression analysis at 0.50 level of significance were  used to analyse the effects of office automation on secretary personal quality,interpersonal skills, job related skills, and professional behaviour. The researcher recommended among others that government ministries should procure the latest model of ICT facilities to enhance secretarial functions and create opportunity for training and re-training of the secretaries to be abreast with the new changes and advancement.


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EDUCATIONAL FACTOR AND RURAL WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: EVIDENCE FROM CHIKUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT, KADUNA STATE Saheed, Zakaree S. & Yakubu, Abarshi J Department of Economics Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, Kaduna State Nigeria Email: zakss_1@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT: This study examines issues of educational factor and on rural women empowerment in Chikun local government area of Kaduna State. A sample size of 400 was selected for the study using multistage sampling technique. The major instrument of data collection used for the study was structured questionnaire. With the aid of SPSS, the data were analysed using the descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The result reveqls that all educational factors include formal and informal education acquisition, ICT knowledge, and basic business management skills have positive impact on the effectiveness of government’s rural women empowerment programme in the study area. However, the effect of inadequate education acquisition and poor basic business management skill are statistically insignificant in explaining the effectiveness of government’s rural women empowerment programme in the study area. The study therefore recommends that Federal and State Ministries of Education in collaboration with National Orientation Agency and major media should promote sensitization programmes for women and girl child education especially in the rural areas, most importantly in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The local government authorities in the rural areas should promote establishment of skill acquisition and vocational centres for women in the rural areas, such that it will promote not only skills acquisition but ability to read, write and manage small business enterprises.

Key words: Rural Women, Education, Empowerment, Barriers