Asia-Africa Journal of Academic Research and Review

Students' Wildlife Values (Ecosystem Services) Awareness in Mudumu South Complex, Zambezi Region, Namibia

Johannes Nangolo — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Youth, the country's future, must be informed of wildlife values to follow in the present generation's conservation efforts. This research assessed learners' wildlife-based ecosystem service knowledge in Wuparo and Balyerwa community conservancies. The knowledge and awareness procedures that introduce wildlife resources and their benefits shape learners' lifelong wildlife attitudes, values, and behaviours. The target population was students and teachers (control group) were randomly selected from eight indiscriminately selected schools in the two randomly selected conservancies to complete questionnaires. Students knew wildlife offers ecological services. They also recognise temporary services' concrete advantages over other ecosystem services. Awareness did not correlate with gender (P = 0.259), age (P = 0.374), or education (P = 0.129). Awareness and education correlated positively (R2 = 0.9995). The availability of wildlife-related courses, school location, absence of environmental clubs, and misunderstanding about wildlife influenced learner awareness. Supporting young natural resources education and environmental and wildlife groups may help wildlife and environmental conservation.

Comparative Effect of Brain-Based Learning and Collaborative Instructional Models on Students’ Skills Performance in Motor Vehicle Technology in Public Technical Colleges in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abidiak Abidiak Nduononwi — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

This study was conducted to determine the comparative effect of brain-based learning and collaborative instructional models on students’ skills performance in Motor Vehicle Technology (MVT) in Public Technical Colleges in Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria. The selected skills for the purpose of this study include partial engine overhaul, schedule vehicle maintenance, and maintenance of epicyclic gearing systems. Three specific objectives, three research questions and three corresponding null hypotheses were raised to guide the study. The study adopted quasi-experimental design (pre-test - post-test group design). The study was conducted in the nine public technical colleges in Akwa Iborn State. The population for the study comprised 297 Senior Technical Two (ST2) students offering motor vehicle technology as a vocation in the nine Public technical colleges. Simple random sampling technique was used to select two out of the nine public technical colleges. The sample that actually participated in the study consisted of 100 ST2 students from the two selected technical colleges at intact class level. A researcher-developed instrument tagged Motor Vehicle Skills Performance Test (MVSPT) was used to gather data for the study. The data obtained from the instrument were analysed using mean to answer research questions and analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to test the null hypotheses at 0.005 level of significance. The findings revealed that students exposed to brain- based learning and collaborative instructional models significantly differed in their performance in MVT. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that efficient acquisition of creativity and psychoproductive skills in MVT skills programme could certainly be improved by the use of brain-based learning instructional model. On the bases of the conclusion of the study, it is recommended among others that MVT instructors and teachers should adopt brain-based learning model of instruction in conjunction with collaborative instructional model in the teaching of MVT skills programme.

Bridging the Gap: Aligning Professional Development with Teacher Needs in Namibia

Amutenya John — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

This study delves into the diverse perspectives held by teachers within Ongha Circuit, Namibia, regarding professional development initiatives. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined a descriptive survey with in-depth interviews and document analysis. Data was collected from 20 purposefully selected teachers across five randomly chosen schools within the circuit, focusing on those with prior exposure to professional development activities. The analysis revealed a spectrum of teacher views, feelings, and attitudes towards professional development, alongside suggestions for optimizing its impact on learner outcomes. Notably, the study underscores the need for a well-structured and systematic approach to staff development, ensuring the consolidation of newly acquired knowledge and the sustainability of positive changes in teaching practices. This shift towards a more tailored and impactful professional development system holds the potential to significantly enhance the educational experience for students within the Ongha Circuit.

Credit Utilization Patterns among Women Agro-Processors in Ghana: Analyzing Socio-Economic Influences and Implications for Microfinance Institutions

Afua Kofi — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Limited access to finance has been a major obstacle for small-scale women agro-processors in underdeveloped nations. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have been praised for offering customized financial solutions for small-scale firms. Nevertheless, the use of borrowed funds from Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall welfare of female borrowers. This article summarizes the results of a research that investigated the variables that influence the use of credit by women involved in agro-processing in the Northern Region of Ghana. The research is based on the life cycle hypothesis, which posits a connection between productivity and certain socioeconomic factors, such as age. Data was collected from 402 women agro-processors in two districts of the Northern Region of Ghana using a descriptive survey approach. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The majority (60%) of women agro-processors questioned allocate a significant portion of their borrowed funds towards their agro-processing enterprises. Additionally, they allocate a significant portion (about 13%) of their investments towards other enterprises, as well as a considerable amount (15.4%) towards household spending. Approximately 12% of agro-processors obtained loans for the purpose of lending to others. The research also discovered a notable correlation between women's socio-economic attributes, such as the size of their households, religious affiliation, geographical location, their role as household heads, literacy level, and their use of credit. It is advisable for MFIs to provide training on loan use and financial management as part of their social intermediation efforts.

Enhancing Service Quality in Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies: A Case Study of two Districts, Tanzania

Rehema Ally — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

In both the corporate and public service sectors, offering high-quality services has grown in importance. Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS), as public companies, are required to give excellent services to its members. This research aims to examine service quality and farmer satisfaction with the service offered by AMCOS in Kilombero and Mvomero districts, Tanzania. The research particularly examined the quality of services given by AMCOS in relation to member satisfaction. Lastly, the research examined the degree of members’ satisfaction with the services given by AMCOS. The study utilised a cross-sectional research strategy wherein 189 members of AMCOS were interviewed. Data processing and analysis were guided by the servqual Model. Through the approach, five aspects (tangible, dependability, responsiveness assurance, and empathy) were examined to determine the gap that exists between perception and expectation of the service supplied by AMCOS. The results indicated that Tangible was the most inadequate dimension of service quality supplied by AMCOS, and the total service quality or customer satisfaction score was 54%, suggesting that more needs to be done to enhance the quality of services. On the degree of satisfaction, the majority of the members were less happy with the services supplied. Conclusively; AMCOS in the research region provided a variety of services, but social services were lacking. The discrepancy between expectation and perception is negative, meaning that members of AMCOS anticipated more than what was given by their organisation. The report advises that AMCOS executives focus on the weaknesses to enhance service quality for their members so as to boost the customer satisfaction index.

Economic Implications of Cryptocurrency Adoption: Challenges and Prospects

Nseabasi Peter Essien, Iniobong Uwem Okon — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The emergence of blockchain technologies seems to experience rapid growth and generated lots of activities around the globe, where people use cryptocurrencies for transactions and as investments. Nigeria's cryptocurrency market is surging due to the devaluation of the naira and has caused local currency to depreciate. Cryptocurrencies are part of a broader wave of technology that facilitate peer-to-peer (P2P) commerce and personalization of market products. The technology creates money without central banks and facilitates payment without financial institutions. This paper explores the economic implications of cryptocurrency adoption. The study highlights the strengths and limitations of both traditional financial systems and decentralized alternatives in an overview. This paper also sheds light on the potential economic implications, challenges, and prospects associated with cryptocurrency adoption. The paper serves to inform policymakers, researchers, and market participants in understanding and navigating the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies and their role within the broader economy.

Development of Software System for Hardware Maintenance Apprenticeship in Uyo Metropolis

George Etuk, Nseabasi P. Essien — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The study was Development of Software System for Hardware Maintenance Apprenticeship in Uyo Metropolis. The purpose of the study was to design and determine the perception of hardware maintenance technician on the efficiency of the developed software system for hardware maintenance apprenticeship on Motherboard, keyboard, monitor, Power Pack, and Hard disk. The descriptive survey design was used for the study, waterfall software design model was adopted for the development process. Visual Basic code was use as programming language, MS Access for database and window operating system. In order to achieve the objectives, five research questions with corresponding null hypotheses were raised to provide direction for the study. The researcher developed instrument tagged: hardware software system for hardware maintenance Questionnaire that was used for data collection. The population of the study consisted 280 Technicians drawn from computer maintenance shops in Uyo metropolis. A sample size of 162 respondents consisting of technicians and apprentice were selected using a simple random technique. Means and standard Deviation were used to answer the research question while T-test Analysis was used to test the Null Hypotheses at 0.5 level of significance using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS).The findings of the study showed that The perceptions of maintenance technician on the efficiency on the developed software system for hardware maintenance apprenticeship on motherboard, keyboard, monitor, power pack and hard disk were very high. It was recommended that the developed software system should be integrated into school curriculum for Universities and Training Centers. Workshops should be organized by skill acquisition agencies for the use of the software system to enhance skill development.

Relationship Marketing Strategies and Operational Performance of Mobile Phone Distribution Companies in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Effiong Edet Asuquo, Comfort Idongesit Charles, Etuk, Otobong Udo — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

This study was undertaken to determine how relationship marketing strategies relate to the level of operational performance of mobile phone distribution companies in Akwa Ibom State. To guide the study two specific objectives were raised, two research questions were answered and two research hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. Correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 622 staff of registered mobile phone distribution companies in Akwa Ibom State. Taro Yamane sampling formula was used to determine the sample size of 319 respondents. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted to select the respondents of the study. This involved cluster sampling, proportionate sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The researcher developed a 20 item structured questionnaire for data collection. The questionnaire items were validated by three experts, two from Department of Business Education and one from Test and Measurement Unit of Educational Foundation all from University of Uyo, Uyo. Cronbach Alpha statistical tool were used in determining the reliability of the instruments and correlation coefficient indices of .95 and .94 were obtained which showed that the instruments were reliable. Data were analyzed using Simple Linear Regression for answering research questions and testing the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of the study indicate that effective communication with customers and service quality relates to the level of operational performance of mobile phone distribution companies in Akwa Ibom State. It was recommended that business managers should regularly organize seminar to oriented sales person on the importance of relationship marketing strategies to the company’s success which can be used in attracting new customers or as a defensive strategy of maintaining existing customers, thereby improving the level of operational performance of the company. Also, business owners should endeavor to provide quality service as this is a key to improved sales and business profitability which also result in increased customer satisfaction.

Bridging Minds and Machines: Exploring the Symbiosis of Artificial Intelligence and Cybernetics

Nseabasi P. Essien , Etim Bassey Ani, Ismail Salisu — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The merging of AI and Cybernetics gives rise to ethical concerns, particularly in relation to the responsible utilization of AI-driven technologies. As these two fields become more intertwined, the risk of cyber attacks and security breaches grows. Successfully navigating these challenges and addressing potential problems associated with the partnership of AI and Cybernetics has proven essential to unlock the full potential of these technologies for the betterment of society while minimizing their drawbacks. This intricate study explores the synergy between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybernetics, representing a profound convergence of human creativity and scientific exploration. It marks the onset of an era characterized by an unparalleled connection between the human intellect and machines. This amalgamation is underpinned by sophisticated AI algorithms, neural networks, and brain-computer interfaces that facilitate seamless communication and control between humans and machines. The research delves into the historical development of AI and Cybernetics, illuminating their separate evolutionary paths and how they have now redefined human-machine interaction. The study also tackles the ethical and societal implications of this partnership, including concerns related to privacy, security, and the responsible use of AI. In essence, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the fusion of AI and Cybernetics, highlighting its capacity to reshape technology, human capabilities, and human-machine interaction. It underscores the necessity of a profound understanding of ethical considerations and responsible AI development to ensure that this partnership serves as a positive force for change in our increasingly interconnected world.

Broiler growth performance and carcass production as affected by feeding larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)

Ndapewa Matheus — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) may substitute soy bean meal in chicken diets at cheap cost. The feed intake, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of broilers given a diet with different BSFLM levels were studied. In a totally randomised design, 60 day-old ROSS 308 broiler chicks fed a beginning commercial diet for three weeks were assigned to one of the three broiler grower dietary treatments. The control broiler grower diet (T1) had no BSFLM, T2 had 5%, and T3 had 10% replacing soybean meal. With a substantial difference (p < 0.05) in feed intake, the control had the greatest intake followed by 5% BSFLM inclusion. A substantial difference (p < 0.05) in ultimate live weight was observed, with the 5% BSFLM treatment having the greatest and the control the lowest. The addition of BSFLM significantly (p < 0.05) affected carcass and thigh weight, with the greatest mean for 5% BSFLM inclusion and the lowest for the control treatment. The slaughter weight, wings, drumstick, and breast muscles did not alter between treatments (p > 0.05). The research found that 5% BSFLM improved broiler chicken development, carcass production, and characteristics.