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This study examined the influence of employee engagement on organisational productivity among Hotel employees in Edo State, Nigeria. Employee engagement is widely recognised as a critical factor that drives efficiency, innovation, and goal achievement within organisations by fostering employees’ emotional and intellectual commitment to their work. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the extent to which job autonomy influences organisational productivity, assess the impact of career development opportunities on organisational productivity, examine the role of feedback and communication in enhancing organisational productivity and investigate the effect of team collaboration on organisational productivity. A survey research design was adopted and structured questionnaires were administered to 134 employees drawn from six selected Hotels in Edo State using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that job autonomy (B = 0.310, p = 0.000), career development (B = 0.274, p = 0.000), and feedback and communication (B = 0.212, p = 0.001) had positive and statistically significant effects on organisational productivity, while team collaboration (B = 0.083, p = 0.205) exhibited a positive but statistically insignificant effect. The regression model (R² = 0.354, F = 17.662, p = 0.000) indicated that the independent variables collectively explained about 35.4% of the variation in organisational productivity, suggesting a moderate overall model fit. The study concludes that employee engagement dimensions particularly job autonomy, career development, and effective feedback and communication are significant determinants of organisational productivity in the hospitality sector. It recommends that Hotel management should strengthen employee development programmes, enhance communication systems, and promote decision-making autonomy to foster higher performance and sustained organisational growth.

This study examines the relative impact of remittance and foreign direct investment on Nigeria economic growth for the period 1981-2023. Real gross domestic product growth (RGDPG) is taken as proxy for Nigeria’s Economic growth. The study utilizes the Auto-regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique to investigate the relative impact of remittances and foreign direct investment on Nigeria’s economic growth for both the short and long run term. The long-run ARDL coefficient estimates reveal that remittances is the only variable with statistically significant positive effect on Nigeria’s economic growth with a coefficient estimate of 0.3204 implying a unit rise in remittance leading to 0.32 percent increase in real GDP growth (RGDP). Conversely, FDI, gross capital formation (GCF) and exchange rate exhibited statistically insignificant long-run effects in the estimated model. The result indicates that remittance have a strong and positive long-run influence on Nigeria’s economic growth, suggesting that sustained in flows of remittances funds contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth trajectory. Foreign directs investment (FDI), Gross Capital Formation (GFC) and exchange rate are statistically insignificant, suggesting that their long-term impacts on Nigeria’s GDP growth are weak or unstable within the examined period. On the overall, policy makers are to ensure continuous improvement on remittances channels as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth and tackle factors responsible for instability in FDI such as political instability, insecurity, insurgency, volatile business environment amongst others as both remittances and FDI are critical to the long-term Nigeria’s economic growth process.

Lithium-ion batteries have completely changed our world, powering everything from the smartphones in our pockets to electric cars and solar power grids. However, these batteries have a major flaw: they are highly sensitive and can easily get damaged, fail early, or even catch fire if they get too hot, overcharge, or drain too deeply. Traditional battery systems usually react only after a problem has already happened, which is not safe enough for modern technology. The main goal of this project was to design and test a Smart Management System (SMS) that acts as an intelligent brain for lithium-ion battery packs, actively keeping them safe, helping them last longer, and making them work more efficiently. To achieve this, the project used MATLAB and Simulink software to build a detailed, realistic model of a lithium-ion battery pack. Inside this virtual setup, special control logic was built to constantly track individual battery cell voltages, current, and the overall State of Charge (how much energy is left) in real time. Safety boundaries were explicitly programmed into the system to flag an error the moment voltage crossed unsafe limits—specifically setting an upper overvoltage limit of 16.6 V and a lower under-voltage limit of 11.2 V. The simulation was run under different lifelike work situations and heavy loads to see how well the smart system would respond to sudden changes. The results clearly showed that the system works exactly as planned. The moment an unsafe voltage limit was crossed, the smart system reacted immediately, flagging the error and stabilizing the voltage safely within its target boundaries to prevent any damage to the battery cells. The system also smoothly tracked the steady drop in the battery's energy capacity as it discharged over time. Ultimately, this project proves that using an intelligent, software-based management system is a highly reliable and affordable way to protect modern energy systems before moving on to building expensive physical hardware.

Anxiety, manifesting through emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms, is primarily triggered by factors like fear of the results, procedural demands (such as having to lie still), and environmental stressors (loud noises). The framework proposed that these triggers can be counteracted by a comprehensive patient centered radiology (PCR) approach, which includes Effective Communication (like the AIDET framework), Patient Education, ensuring Physical Comfort, and Redesigning Radiology Processes to manage waiting times. Using an analytical cross-sectional design involving 113 MRI patients, the findings confirmed that anxiety is highly prevalent, with 68.1% of patients reporting distress upon learning they needed the scan. The most potent anxiety triggers identified were worry about scan results (82.3%), fear of lying still (74.4%), and anxiety over loud noises (66.4%). Crucially, the study uncovered significant deficits in the delivery of patient-centered care: nearly 40% of patients felt the procedure was not clearly explained, and over 43% reported insufficient emotional support. This lack of structured PCR directly impacted the patient experience, leading to only moderate overall satisfaction. The study concluded that while technical quality may be high, the absence of systematic, human-centric protocols intensifies anxiety. It strongly recommends that MRI facilities implement and enforce structured communication tools and integrate emotional support and efficient wait-time management to reduce patient anxiety, enhance compliance, and ultimately improve the quality of diagnostic imaging

This study investigated the impact of microfinance on small business development in Nigeria, using a case study of Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) Microfinance Bank in Benin City, Edo State. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are critical drivers of economic growth, employment generation, and poverty reduction in Nigeria, yet they consistently face severe challenges accessing traditional credit. The main objective of this study was to assess how LAPO Microfinance Bank’s credit facilities, savings mobilization, and business advisory services influence the growth, operational capacity, and survival of small businesses in Benin City. The research adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised small business owners in Benin City who are active beneficiaries of LAPO Microfinance Bank's financial services. A structured questionnaire was utilized to gather primary data from a sampled size of respondents, selected via simple random sampling techniques. Data collected were analyzed using both descriptive statistics (mean, frequencies, and percentages) and inferential statistics (Multiple Linear Regression or Chi-Square analysis) via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The empirical findings revealed that access to micro-credit from LAPO Microfinance Bank has a positive and significant impact on the business expansion, asset acquisition, and sales volume of small enterprises in the region. Furthermore, the study established that LAPO’s group-lending methodology and flexible repayment structures effectively mitigated traditional collateral bottlenecks, making capital more accessible to the active poor and female entrepreneurs. However, challenges such as high interest rates, short loan repayment moratoriums, and insufficient loan amounts relative to inflation were identified as limiting factors affecting the long-term sustainability of these businesses. Based on these findings, the study concludes that microfinance institutions are pivotal to grassroots economic development, but their impact can be enhanced through policy adjustments. Consequently, it is recommended that LAPO Microfinance Bank review its interest rates and extend repayment periods to reduce financial strain on borrowers. Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should provide specialized intervention funds to microfinance banks to enable them to offer cheaper, more sustainable long-term credit to small businesses.

Music in Nigeria has long served as more than entertainment, it functions as a vehicle for resistance, awareness, and social reflection. This study explores how Nigerian Musicians as Eedris Abudakareem and Falz use their music as platforms for social commentary. Through a literary analysis of selected songs: Abdukareem’s “Country Hard”, “Tell Ur Papa”, ”Jaja jaga” by , and Falz “ E no finish ” , “Talk” “Wehdone Sir”, and “This Is Nigeria” . The research investigates how these critique issues such as corruption, bad governance, poverty, inequality and youth disillusionment .This study situates Nigerian popular music within the broader framework of literature and cultural resistance, highlighting its role in shaping public consciousness and challenging societal norms.

Coliform bacteria contamination in river water is a significant public health concern, as it often indicates the presence of fecal pollution, which may harbor pathogenic microorganisms. Coliform bacteria, especially Escherichia coli, are commonly used as indicator organisms for water quality assessment due to their presence in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and, therefore, in their waste. This study was aimed at assessing the physicochemical and coliform bacteria in Ikpoba river in Benin City, Edo state. The physicochemical result obtained in this study showed that pH was at 5.0, as against the WHO limit of 6.5-8.5 thus making the water dangerous for consumption by humans and aquatic lives. The electronic conductivity of the water was recorded at 62, against the WHO limit of 1500, this was below the permissible limit. turbidity was at 6.37. Copper, zinc, chromium and cadmium result in this study were 8.73, 26.45, 3.95, 0.042 respectively. The coliform bacteria count obtained in this study showed that the bacteria count ranged at 4.7 X 10 4± 2.00 cfu/ml -7.7 X 10 4± 1.00 cfu/ml for all sections of the river. Using the standard microbial method which include cultural, morphological and biochemical characterization, the isolates obtained in this study were Escherichia coli, Citrobacter sp, Enterobacter sp, Serratia sp and Klebsiella sp. The presence of coliform bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Serratia, and Klebsiella in river water can have serious health and ecological effects. The presence of coliform bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Serratia, and Klebsiella, along with heavy metals in river water, poses a multifaceted threat to both human health and aquatic ecosystems.

Theresearcherinvestigatedonthe"InfluenceofArtificiallntelligencetoolson theacademicperformance of UndergraduatesinuniversityofBenin"Itaimed atfindingouttheextent undergraduatesbeenexposedtoArtificial,The positiveroles AltoolplayinenhancingtheacademicperformanceofUNIBEN studentandtowhatextent Artificialintellttyyourligencetoolshavenegatively affectedundergraduateofuniversityofbenin.Theresearcheradoptedthe Technologicalacceptancemodel(TAM).Thefindingsofthestudyrevealthat Artificiallntelligenceaffectsstudentsthinkingcapacitypositivelyand negatively.Findingsalsorevealthatstudentswhouseartificialintelligence performverywellitheiracademics.Findingsalsorevealthatstudentswill ratherallowartificialintelligencetothinkandmakethingseasierforthem ratherthanthanthinkforthemselves.Theresearcheralsoconcludedthat educationalinstitutions shouldenlightenStudentsbygivingthemproper orientationonhowtheycanuseAImoreproductively,sothattheproblemof weaponisingthetoolforcheatingandotherincessantactivitieswillbe addressed.

Background/Purpose of the study: Football-related injuries remain prevalent among professional players, particularly in the lower limbs, where inappropriate footwear and lack of orthotic use contribute significantly to performance decline and increased injury risk. This study investigated the influence of footwear and orthotics usage on sports engagement among male professional footballers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It addressed the gap in empirical data regarding equipment choices and their biomechanical implications for injury prevention and sustained performance in low-resource football settings. Methods: A cross-sectional analytic design was adopted, involving 91 male professional footballers from clubs registered with the Nigerian Professional Football League and National Nationwide League. Data were collected using standardized instruments, including the Footwear Assessment Tool, Orthotic Satisfaction Survey, and the Sport Engagement Scale. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, while chi-square was used to determine associations between footwear and orthotic usage, players’ demographics, and sports engagement, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that most participants (63%) used firm-ground football boots designed for natural grass surfaces, with 68% reporting limited access to high-quality footwear due to cost and availability constraints. Among 91 male footballers, 59.3% wore shoes with 0–2.5 cm heels and 64.8% semi-curved lasts. Good shoe fit was reported by 67%, and 30.8% used orthoses, 80% of which reduced pain. Significant associations (p < 0.05) existed between shoe age, upper/outsole materials, and training persistence; lateral midsole hardness affected enthusiasm and immersion. Conclusion: The study concluded that appropriate footwear and orthotic usage positively influenced performance, comfort, and injury prevention among male professional footballers in Benin City. It recommended increased awareness, access to affordable orthotic devices, and inclusion of podiatric assessments in sports medicine programs to enhance player safety and career longevity in Nigeria’s professional football landscape.

This paper examine the level of application of information and communication technology for academic activities by the undergraduate of the university of Benin. Survey method was adopted to carefully collect data from 402 respondents in the University of Benin through three stages using the simple random, stratified and simple sampling procedure. The study anchored on the technological determinism and diffusion of innovation theories. The rationale behind the study is to find out whether students have access to ICT tools and the impact it have on students, ascertaining the most commonly use ICT gadgets and the challenges encountered in utilising such tools and to determine the usage expertises. Findings show that undergraduate students of UNIBEN have access to ICTs gadgets especially smart phones which remains the most commonly accessible ICTs, however data subscription, and poor Internet connection remain the highest hindrances to the operation of ICT as it was discovered that many could not access or possess the necessary ICT of their choices such as laptops due to financial hindrances and this have a negative effect on the academic performance of undergraduate students of UNIBEN academically and socially. Findings also reveal that Internet remains the most visited students zoom when preparing for exams whereas ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) also gained momentum through the Internet as few or average percentage still leverage on textbooks and handouts materials. However, it was discovered that the university lacks proper infrastructure specifically loaded with ICTs gadget. Those that answers the availability of ICTs in their department express clear responses of it ineffectiveness. Findings also show that students, though have good operational intelligence, expertise of ICTs tools, yet, lacks good and balanced managerial intelligence as students spent much time on social media, gratifying self for pleasure. This affects the academic performance in no little measures. To this end, the study recommend that institutions should pay more attention to the development of ICT and flow with ICT trends. Also, free WiFi should be made available to aid Internet connectivity and more ICTs infrastructure should be considered with urgent response and attention. In conclusion, ICT user must take precautions measure to guide against addition to social media and the internet as this will have negative influence in their academics.