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1 – 10 of 138Dubem Ikediashi, Godfrey Udo and Maureen Ofoegbu
This study aims to evaluate the performance of buildings in the University of Uyo using the post-occupancy evaluation (POE) technique.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the performance of buildings in the University of Uyo using the post-occupancy evaluation (POE) technique.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative questionnaire survey is adopted in which 333 copies of a validated questionnaire are administered to academic, administrative and maintenance staff and some students who occupy four buildings used for the survey. However, 124 valid responses are received giving a response rate of 37per cent. Data collected are analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools while the Kruskal Wallis chi-square (χ2) test is used to analyse hypotheses postulated for the study.
Findings
Findings reveal that the General Administration (GA) building has high ratings in five technical performance criteria of ambient level of sound in offices, the integrity of materials used for walls, and correctness of stair risers, threads in the building quality of lighting and quantity of lighting. Findings on the functional performance of GA building show that cleaning, friendliness, parking space, landscaping and indoor climate are the top five rated. Findings also reveal that lack of awareness about POE is a top-rated barrier, followed by a lack of orientation of stakeholders and a lack of adequately trained staff.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the body of knowledge on POE, particularly in universities by conducting an empirical evaluation of both technical and functional performance of the University of Uyo buildings. Besides, it establishes a set of factors that significantly hinder the implementation of POEs in universities. From a practice perspective, it provides valid feedback on which universities can build upon to improve conditions of their facilities and ultimately bolster the conducive environment for teaching and learning.
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Patience Usoro Usip, Edward N. Udo and Ini J. Umoeka
The purpose of this paper is to apply the earlier enhanced personal profile ontology (e-PPO) developed by the authors as a case study for the appraisal of the lecturers in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to apply the earlier enhanced personal profile ontology (e-PPO) developed by the authors as a case study for the appraisal of the lecturers in the department of computer science, University of Uyo, Uyo for the purposes of promotions. The developed e-PPO was a sample smart résumé for the selection of the best among three personnel using linguistic variables and formal rules representing the combination of the criteria and subcriteria was illustrated which was used to allocate competent personnel for software requirement engineering tasks. The need for the use of the smart resume for appraisal purposes was pointed out in the conference paper, calling for the applicant’s data to be inputted into the enhanced personal profile ontology (e-PPO) for personnel appraisa.
Design/methodology/approach
Appraisal is a regular review of employees’ performances and their overall contribution to the organization they are working for. The availability of a web application for personnel appraisal requires PPO which includes both static and dynamic features. Personal profile is often modified for several purposes calling for augmentation and annotation when needs arise. Resume is one resulting extract from personal profile and often contain slightly different information based on needs. The urgent preparation of resume may introduce bias and incorrect information for the sole aim of projecting the personnel as being qualified for the available job. Religious and gender biases may sometimes be observed during appointments of new personnel, which may not be the case during appraisals for promotions or reassignment of tasks because such biases become insignificant given the fact that job targets and the skills needed are already set and the appraisals passes through several phases that are not determined by a single individual. This work therefore applied the earlier developed e-PPO for appraisal of the academic staff of the department of computer science, university of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria. A mixed approach of existing ontologies like Methontology and Neon have been followed in the creation of the e-PPO, which is a constraint-based semantic data model tested using Protégé inbuilt reasoner with its updated plugins. Upon application of e-PPO on personnel appraisals, promotion and selection of employee for specific assignments in any organization is possible using the smart resume.
Findings
The use of the smart resume reduces the numerous task that would have been taken up by the human resource team, thereby reducing the processing time for the appraisals. The appraisal task is done void of biases of any kind such as gender and religion.
Originality/value
This work is an extension of the original work done by the authors.
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Moses M. Solomon, Saviour A. Umoren, Aniekemeabasi U. Israel and Idongesit G. Etim
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of polypropylene glycol (PPG), as a corrosion inhibitor for aluminium corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution at 303-333 K and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of polypropylene glycol (PPG), as a corrosion inhibitor for aluminium corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution at 303-333 K and the effect of addition of iodide ions on the corrosion inhibition efficacy of PPG.
Design/methodology/approach
The corrosion inhibition performance of PPG alone and on addition of iodide ions in the acid medium was evaluated using weight loss and electrochemical [electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarisation resistance (LPR) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP)] methods as well as surface analysis approach at 303-333 K. The morphology of the corroding aluminium surface without and with the additives was visualised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The trend of inhibition efficiency with temperature was used to propose the mechanism of inhibition and type of adsorption.
Findings
Results obtained showed that PPG moderately retarded the corrosion of Al in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. Addition of KI to PPG is found to synergistically improve the inhibitive ability of PPG. From the variation of inhibition efficiency, K_ads, and E_a, with rise in temperature, physisorption mechanism is proposed for the adsorption of PPG and PPG + KI onto the Al surface in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. Polarisation results showed that PPG and PPG + KI acted as mixed type inhibitor. The adsorption of PPG and PPG + KI, respectively, onto the metal surface followed El-Awady et al. adsorption isotherm model. SEM and water contact angle analysis confirmed the adsorption of PPG and PPG + KI on Al surface.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to aqueous acid environment in aerated condition, and all tests were performed under static conditions.
Practical implications
The use of PPG as corrosion inhibitor for Al corrosion in acidic medium were reported for the first time. The results suggest that iodide ions could be used to enhance corrosion protection ability of PPG which could find practical application in corrosion control in aqueous acidic environment. The data obtained would form part of database on the synergistic effect of iodide ions addition to polymer to control acid-induced corrosion of metal.
Originality/value
The use of PPG as corrosion inhibitor for Al corrosion in acidic medium were reported for the first time. The results suggest that iodide ions could be used to enhance corrosion protection ability of PPG which could find practical application in corrosion control in aqueous acidic environment. The data obtained would form part of database on the synergistic effect of iodide ions addition to polymer to control acid-induced corrosion of metal.
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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and level of internet access and use by undergraduate students in three Nigerian universities as well as the electronic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and level of internet access and use by undergraduate students in three Nigerian universities as well as the electronic resources used by these students on the internet.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was the research method used for data collection. Questionnaires were distributed to undergraduate students in three public universities in Nigeria: University of Calabar, Calabar; University of Uyo, Uyo, and Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.
Findings
The findings of the study reveal that the internet is extensively used by undergraduate students in the surveyed universities. There is inequitable access to the internet, as students mostly rely on private/commercial internet cybercafés – both on and off campuses – for their access and use. Access to the internet in the university libraries, departments/faculties and university computer/ICT centers is grossly poor; this is due to lack of poor internet infrastructure and connectivity and non‐sustainable internet services in these universities. In spite of the extensive use of the internet, there exists a poor level of use of electronic resources such as the electronic journals and online databases which are essential for learning and research. The findings of the study have also revealed the need for effective user education on internet access and use in university libraries in Nigeria for optimal utilization of electronic information sources.
Originality/value
The paper will be useful for those in decision‐making roles as it reveals the need for the provision of relevant internet infrastructural facilities in Nigerian universities to enhance equitable and sustainable access to the internet by the students to support their academic activities.
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S.A. Umoren, I.B. Obot, L.E. Akpabio and S.E. Etuk
To investigate the adsorption behaviour and inhibitive effect of Vigna unguiculata (VU) extract (agricultural waste material) for aluminium corrosion in 0.5 M NaOH and H2SO4.
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the adsorption behaviour and inhibitive effect of Vigna unguiculata (VU) extract (agricultural waste material) for aluminium corrosion in 0.5 M NaOH and H2SO4.
Design/methodology/approach
The inhibitive effect of the plant extract was assessed using weight loss method at 30 and 60oC. The trend of inhibition efficiency with temperature was used to propose the mechanism of inhibition and type of adsorption.
Findings
VU extract effectively inhibited aluminium corrosion in both alkaline and acidic media. Inhibition efficiency (I %) of the extract increased with increase in concentration of the extract and temperature. Inhibitor adsorption characteristics were approximated by Freunlich and Temkin adsorption isotherms at all the concentrations and temperatures studied. The phenomenon of chemical adsorption is proposed from the activation parameters obtained.
Research limitations/implications
The mechanistic aspect of the corrosion inhibition can be better understood using electrochemical studies such as polarization and AC impedance spectra.
Practical implications
The findings may be useful in metal surface anodizing and metal coating.
Originality/value
This paper provides new information on the possible application of VU extract as eco‐friendly inhibitor. It has not been reported elsewhere.
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Ediomo-Ubong Nelson and Isidore Obot
The purpose of this paper is to discuss priorities for effective responses to illicit drugs in West Africa in a changing international policy environment.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss priorities for effective responses to illicit drugs in West Africa in a changing international policy environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper analyzes published research, technical papers and reports on drug use and policy responses in West Africa and opines on priorities for drug policy in the region within the post-United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) 2016 policy environment.
Findings
Drug use and related harms continue to increase in West African countries despite efforts to reduce drug trafficking and use through legal prohibition. The UNGASS 2016 outcome document enables flexibility in policy interpretation and implementation, which provides an opportunity for governments to prioritize national needs in drug policy. West African countries should prioritize and support research and data collection, prevention, treatment and harm reduction and sustainable livelihoods.
Originality/value
The paper emphasizes the need for West African countries to seize the opportunity created by the ineffectiveness and weakening of the prohibition regime as well as new treaty flexibility following UNGASS 2016 to reform drug policies to prioritize regional and national needs.
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Nseabasi S. Akpan and Emmanuel M. Akpabio
The Niger Delta is a region in Nigeria endowed with enormous natural resources of which petroleum oil is the most exploited. This petroleum oil has been the engine of development…
Abstract
The Niger Delta is a region in Nigeria endowed with enormous natural resources of which petroleum oil is the most exploited. This petroleum oil has been the engine of development in Nigeria since 1958, providing more than 90 percent of total exports (CBN, 1981) and over 80 percent of Federal Government revenue. Despite this, the Niger Delta people remain poor and underdeveloped. Youth restiveness and violence is the order of the day. As a product of two separate youth forums, this paper recommends good governance, youth impact assessments, youth inclusion in decision‐making, as well as capacity building as a way out of this discord.
The purpose of this article is to explore decentralization as a management strategy in university library administration using University Libraries of Calabar, Uyo and Cross River…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to explore decentralization as a management strategy in university library administration using University Libraries of Calabar, Uyo and Cross River State University as case studies. It examines how effective the different levels of decentralization in a large establishment such as a university library can stabilize the management system and create cohesion, and harmony in spite of problems of communication, coordination and control.
Design/methodology/approach
These objectives are achieved through the descriptive survey methodology investigating the implications of a decentralized system of administration in a university library using the instrument of questionnaire.
Findings
The finding is that decentralization could make for efficient management in a large establishment such as a university library especially if enhanced by the new technologies.
Research limitations/implications
For further research, this paper suggests investigation into the implications of the assertion that no organization is totally centralized or totally decentralized.
Practical implications
The practical implication of this paper is the fact that there are both centralized and decentralized systems of functions, services and administration in most university libraries. Where a library is totally decentralized, the high executive has no more responsibilities and the library may collapse. Where it is totally centralized, subordinates are alienated and are remote from activities.
Originality/value
Provides the rather paradoxical vision of the internet as a centralized approach towards the enhancement of a decentralized system of administration.
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Raphael Ebiefung and Airen Adetimirin
This study aims to investigate the adherence to cyber ethics by undergraduates in public universities in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria when using electronic information resources…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the adherence to cyber ethics by undergraduates in public universities in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria when using electronic information resources (EIRs).
Design/methodology/approach
Descriptive survey research design was used for this study. A total of 7,771 undergraduates of University of Uyo (UNIUYO) and Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Nigeria constitute the study population. The sampling technique used for the study is the multistage technique. A sampling fraction of 5% was used to arrive at a sample size of 389.
Findings
This study revealed that in UNIUYO, more than four-fifths of the undergraduates – 55 (84.6%) in science, 55 (82.1%) in engineering and 61 (81.3%) in education – noted that they used the internet on a daily basis, and in AKSU, almost all the respondents in science (50, 90.9%) and about four-fifths in engineering (45, 80.4%) observed that they also used the internet on a daily basis for academic work. Adherence to cyber ethics guidelines was high at UNIUYO in education (44.2) and science (43.0) and at AKSU in engineering (42.9) and science (44.7).
Practical implications
The use of EIRs in universities has brought enormous changes, especially on how information are accessed and used by undergraduates. As EIRs have become important component in university libraries and continuously used by undergraduates for academic work, there is the possibility that frequent accessibility and utilization could increase the chances of unethical usage. This study is therefore significant in taming the tide of abuse and misuse of e-information resources in universities.
Originality/value
The correlation between adherence to ethics guidelines and the use of EIRs was positively significant at both UNIUYO (r = 0.139*; df = 206; p < 0.05) and AKSU (r = 0.136*; df = 168; p < 0.05). A high level of adherence to cyber ethics by the undergraduates can be encouraged and maintained through the formulation of cyber ethics policy in the universities by academic librarians.
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Jonathan Ogugua, Nancy Emerole and Fanny Egwim
Presents a summary of the proceedings of the 2007 National Conference/AGM of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Abstract
Purpose
Presents a summary of the proceedings of the 2007 National Conference/AGM of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Design/methodology/approach
Draws on the nine scholarly papers and speeches presented at the conference.
Findings
An appropriate curriculum should be designed for the training of librarians in Nigerian universities, as well as in the training of school library media specialists. Public‐Private Partnership (PPP) in library and information services should be encouraged; the use of ICT is beneficial to undergraduates; and consortium development in agricultural research institutes is also indispensable. The virtual library in Nigeria is also valuable, the challenges not withstanding, and library and information services to rural communities should also be encouraged.
Originality/value
An original paper that has great value for library and information practitioners, government and policy makers.
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