Search

Iron-impregnated filter paper (Fe-Pi) was evaluated as phosphorus (P) extractant in four soils of Ogun state, southwest Nigeria in a screenhouse experiment. The experiments lasted for 8 weeks. Soil P contents were extracted at 0, 4, and 8 weeks after the incorporation of amendments (cattle manure, poultry manure, and wood ash) using Fe-Pi, Bray-1, Bray-2, Mehlich-1, Hunter, and Olsen extractant. Agronomic variables were taken fortnightly from grown maize plants and later harvested at 8 weeks, residual effects of the treatments were also evaluated. Maize dry matter weight (DMW) and P uptake were also measured. Results indicated that a linear relationship existed among the extractants with significant coefficient at p ≤.001. Fe-Pi established a strong relationship with the conventional extractants in the following order: Bray-1 (R2 = 0.99) > Bray-2 (R2 = 0.98) > Hunter (R2 = 0.96) > Mehlich-1 (R2 = 0.86) > Olsen (R2 = 0.82). Fe-Pi had a significant relationship with P uptake and DMW. Phosphorus uptakes under the animal manure amendments were statistically higher than uptake in control and woodash amended soils. Therefore, the study concluded that Fe-Pi was a good predictor of plant available P and had significant relationship with Bray-1, thus it could be considered for the estimation of soil available P in soils of southwest Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extant studies have focused on exploring the research output of universities in Nigeria, but the measure of the quality of research output using citations per paper (CPP) from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus is scarcely discussed. This paper investigated the quality of papers published by the top 76 universities in Nigeria. Five hypotheses on CPP were tested using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. These hypotheses tested whether CPP is the same or different i) across six geo-political regions (GPRs), ii) between the two major regions, iii) across three university funding types, iv) in Scopus and WoS, and v) if these two databases are correlated. Results using these two databases indicated that no significant median differences were detected among universities across the six GPRs, between northern and southern Nigeria, and between the three funding types (federal, state, and private). Moreover, no significant median differences in CPP between Scopus and WoS were detected, and CPP in both databases was highly positively correlated (0.879; p = 0.05). A comparison of the mean CPP of Nigeria (5.90) from Scopus with 57 other African countries ranked it 47th despite being ranked third in terms of volume of published articles. Policy prescriptions are made on the implications of using CPP for practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This project is focused on the study of some quality characteristics of robust tissue paper a product of Epesok Paper Mills using statistical quality control techniques. Three important quality characteristics are Ph, Basic weight (g/m2) and Absorbency (mm) which are all variable measures. The data used for the study is a secondary data collected from the daily laboratory records of Epesok paper Mills Company of Nigeria for a period of seven (7) months. Control chart was used to monitor the performance of each of the quality characteristics. Also correlation analysis was carried out to determine possible correlation been pairs of the quality characteristics. The results shows that each of the characteristics monitored were statistically under control. Also the results of the correlation analysis confirm significant correlations among some quality characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gender-transformative approaches (GTAs) have been successfully carried out to address harmful gender norms and power imbalances to promote more gender equitability. However, to improve the health and wellbeing of young people, it is necessary to involve household heads by positively transforming their beliefs on gender equity and norms. Methods: This study was cross-sectional quantitative research undertaken in six local government areas in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study population consisted of household heads in households with young people aged 15-24 years. Data were collected for 15 days using paper and electronic copies of the questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed using Stata. Results: The results showed that 46.32% of male and 62.81% of female heads of households disagreed with the statement "a good woman never questions her husband's opinions, even if she is not sure she agrees with them." Female heads of households aged 50years and below with an odds ratio of 0.47 (p-value= 0.02) suggest they were 0.47 times more likely to have a positive attitude toward the rights and privileges of young girls. Male heads of households aged 50years and below with an odds ratio of 1.05 (p-value= 0.84) suggest that they were 1.05 times more likely to have a positive attitude toward the rights and privileges of young girls. Conclusion: This paper provides new knowledge on the gender norm attitude of male and female heads of households on the rights, privileges, and equity promotion of young boys and young girls, as well as its associated factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The instructor-led CPR training method has been used for over 4 decades. However, nurses' knowledge and skills are still low. Instructor-led CPR training is an extremely capital-intensive programme that requires more time, workforce, and space, thus serving as an impediment to effective learning among the prospective nurses' trainees. Self-directed training method is suggested to improve the knowledge and skills of CPR among healthcare practitioners due to the low cost and flexibility. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of self-directed method in improving nurses' knowledge and skill retention from baseline to post-test, one, three-, and six months. Method: A two-arm double-blinded randomised controlled trial will be conducted in two referral hospitals. The control group training consists of a one-day session taught by AHA-certified instructors, whereas the intervention group training entails participants learning on computers in a simulation lab for seven days. A generalised estimated equation model will be used for statistical analysis. Discussion: Through the self-directed training method, participants will have significantly better knowledge and skills of CPR compared to the conversational training method across the time points. Self-directed training method is a simple, cost-effective and flexible method, which can facilitate the training of more nurses in the acquisition and retention of knowledge and skills, especially for those who prefer to learn at their own pace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social workers, especially in the Global North/developed countries such as the United States of America, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have been actively involved in implementing social programs to improve the psychosocial, health, and wellbeing of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this is not the case in the Global South/developing countries like Nigeria, Ghana, etc. This concept paper aims to describe the current state of Nigerian social workers' role in developing and implementing social programs for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify action plans for further strengthening their involvement. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify Nigerian social workers' role in developing and implementing social programs for older adults during COVID-19. Our review reflected that social workers are rarely involved in developing and implementing social programs; when involved, their involvement is on a consultation basis, which limits their active involvement in multidisciplinary team of COVID-19 prevention and vaccination ad hoc committees in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood is versatile, inexhaustible and renewable. These made the wood an outstanding material used in different domain such as raw material for production of pulp, paper and fibre based products. In Nigeria, one of the problems in pulp and paper industry is inadequate supply of long fibre for paper production. Also, overexploitation of materials having desirable fibre characteristic was observed. Therefore, there is need to research into lesser known wood species so as to ascertain its suitability for paper making. This study presents the potential of Aningeria robusta wood as source for adequate fibres for paper making. Samples of 20x20x20mm were collected from the three trees of Aningeria robusta wood at different position; base (10%), middle (50%) and top (90%) along the merchantable height and prepared into slivers of 3mmx10mm for examination of the fibre characteristics. Thereafter, it was macerated and viewed under microscope. Further morphological indices were calculate accordingly. The mean fibre length, fibre diameter, lumen, cell wall thickness (CWT), slenderness, flexural ratio and runkel ratio were 1.55mm, 11.71µm, 8.78µm, 1.46, 132.12, and 75.07 respectively. Variation of indices along sampling heights were not significant except for CWT. A. robusta has shown good properties and could be added to already known wood species suitable for paper making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research is the property of Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Most educators' inability to provide learning contents that suit different learning styles has caused a lot of problems in terms of performance. Thus, to cater to students' preferences in terms of access to learning contents, the distance learning regulatory body in Nigeria emphasized that course materials should be developed in mixed-media formats. This study was carried out to compare the effects of printed, video, and Moodle-based courseware on educational technology students' achievement, retention, and satisfaction in a distance learning course. A quasi-experimental design was employed for the study involving 108 participants from three experimental groups. The learning content and instruments, subjected to validation and reliability tests, where values of 0.78 and 0.86 were obtained using the Pearson product moment correlation and Cronbach's alpha for achievement and satisfaction inventory, respectively, were administered within a four-week period. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicated that the printed, video, and Moodle-based courseware formats improved students' achievement with mean gain scores of 47.92, 40.89, and 43.03, respectively. A significant difference was observed in the achievement (F [subscript (2,104)] = 8.67, p < 0.05), retention (F [subscript (2,104)] = 29.406, p < 0.05), and satisfaction scores (F [subscript (2,104)] = 5.662, p < 0.05) of the three groups. Open and distance learning administrators in Nigeria are recommended to produce and deploy printed, video, and Moodle-based formats of courseware to meet different students' learning preferences.

The study investigated the perceived role of digital theological library and term paper counselling in undergraduate religious education students' academic success in the federal universities in southeast Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. A structured questionnaire developed by the researchers was used for data collection. 166 undergraduate religious education students were chosen as respondents in this research. The results showed that items on the perceived role of digital theological library and term paper counselling were all accepted by the students as means of achieving academic success. There was a significant difference in the perceived role of the digital theological library in achieving academic success among religious education students by the university. There was a significant difference in the perceived role of term paper counselling in achieving academic success among religious education students based on university. There was also a significant difference in the perceived role of university librarians in achieving academic success among religious education students based on university. The researchers noted that these findings have implications for university librarians across the universities and it was recommended that the use of digital theological libraries for academic purposes and term paper counselling should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated religious education students' awareness and use of theological commons for term paper writing and research in the federal universities in southeast Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to investigate 96 male students and 86 female students. The statistical analysis was done using an independent t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of this study showed that there is no significant difference in the awareness of theological commons among religious education students for term paper writing and research by gender. The finding of this study also showed that there is a gender difference in the use of theological commons for term paper writing and research among religious education students. It was recommended that there should be seminars and workshops to intensify the use of theological commons among the students for term paper writing and improved research skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This replication study tests the repeatability of the study conducted by Adelaja and George (2019a) on the relation between Boko Haram related events of armed conflict and agricultural land use decisions. For the computational reproduction of the original results, we used the same datasets and the same methodological approach. Yet, our findings substantially deviate from the results in the original study. To test the robustness of our own results, we applied comprehensive robustness checks, such as using a different measure for armed conflict, including an additional survey wave of the GHS panel data, and applying two different timewise merging procedures. The results of the robustness checks were very sensitive to changes in the underlying data. Hence, we question the internal validity of the study's findings and argue that there is most likely a more general mismatch between the data, the methodology and the research questions. The bottom-line of this study is not that there are computable differences between Adelaja and George (2019a) and our estimations, but rather that caution should be taken in deriving policy implications from Adelaja and George (2019a) as their results lack internal validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examined the challenges of maintenance of paper based archival information materials and strategies for enhancement in academic libraries in South East, Nigeria which doubled as the objectives of the study. Descriptive survey research method was used for the study. The population consisted of 277 library staff in academic libraries of government owned institutions. Questionnaire and structured interview guide was used to collect data which was analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Mean scores and standard deviation were used to analyze data generated for the two research questions while ttest was used for the hypothesis. Real limits of numbers were used to determine the bench mark. The major findings of the study showed the challenges involved in maintenance of archival materials to include inadequate funding and tropical climate that breeds insects. The strategies involved in archival maintenance practices include: recruiting adequate personnel in libraries, provision of maintenance policies, adequate funding of libraries for proper maintenance of archives, proper control of insect by the use of insecticides and adequate training of maintenance personnel. The hypothesis tested revealed that there is no significant difference in the mean ratings between the male and female library staff in respect to strategies for maintenance practices of paper based archival paper materials in the academic libraries. The paper recommended that the library administrators should engage qualified and competent staff on the field of Library and Information Science and ICT to ensure adequate maintenance of archival materials in academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in demand for wood and wood products, there is need to find alternative sources for the production of pulp and paper. Non wood plants have attracted interest due to their short growth cycles, moderate irrigation and fertilizer requirements and low lignin content. This study aimed at investigating the fibre characteristics of Agave sisalana for pulp and paper production. Leaves were collected from three sisal plant stands in Oyo State, Nigeria. The plant whorl was divided systematically into bottom, middle and top from which five leaves were randomly collected from each whorl position. The fibres of the leaves were extracted from which 2cm of fibres were taken from three positions on the leaf (top, middle and base). Extracted fibres were macerated and 3375 fibres were measured. The result shows that the fibre length of sisal increased with increasing length of the leaves from base to top with a mean value of 1.68mm. The fibre diameter and cell wall thickness averaged 16.98µm and 2.32µm respectively decreasing from the stem base to the top. The slenderness ratio averaged 99.4 while the coefficient of flexibility averaged 72.61. The highest value of the runkel ratio of Agave sisalana was 0.42. The fibres from sisal (Agave sisalana) leaves possess good fibre dimensions and derived values which will make it suitable for the production of high quality paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses importance of maintenance of archival paper materials for the academic institutions where they are located and for posterity in Nigeria. It mentions archival maintenance practices for paper based archival materials has been under researched in era of global access to information online; and also mentions archival maintenance practices requires controlling of environment to elongate archival paper based materials.

Evolution is one recurrent phenomenon that affects almost every facet of human endeavour. Libraries have had their own share in many ways. The green library concept, although, a relatively new-sprung initiative, have not been given full attention. The understanding of librarians, and the levels of adoption of the green library concept in Nigeria is reported herein. The descriptive survey approach was used. Results showed that librarians have the right perception about the concept, and have implemented or currently translating their policies, practices, and services in compliance with environmental sustainability objectives. However, much more needs to be done as the libraries also have not sufficiently engaged in climate change sensitization activities with patrons or their immediate community. The libraries do not collect rain water, recycle paper or reduce the use of plastics as stipulated. In implementing the initiative, low awareness, poor funding, lack of collaboration with environmental agencies among others have bedeviled their efforts. The establishment of a Nigerian Green Building Council (NGBC) for building standardisation with the support of the Nigerian Library Association is thus recommended for on-thespot redesigning of already built antique libraries. It is also pertinent to begin inspiring green architectural projects especially for newly proposed library buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of electronic and paper-based standardized nursing care plans (SNCPs) use on quality of nurses’ documentation. METHODS: Using quasi-experimental design, two wards were grouped into electronic and paper-based wards. Nurses were trained to use electronic- and paperbased SNCPs for care-planning and documentation. Data was collected before, 3, and 6 months postintervention and analyzed with SPSS version 20. FINDINGS: There was improvement in documentation quality in the two wards after introducing SNCPs with higher quality scores in the electronic ward postintervention. CONCLUSION: Providing SNCPs in electronic and paper formats is critical to improving nursing documentation. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Adequate training and support for nurses are needed for successful implementation of SNCPs in electronic health records (EHRs) in developing nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the past, the construction sector faced a low technological development level. Recently, studies have shown that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies play a significant role in construction project performance. But how prepared are the developing countries' construction consultants, a focus in Nigeria, in embracing the 4IR technologies in construction administration is yet to receive in-depth research. Thus, this paper aims to examine how Nigerian construction consultants are prepared to embrace 4IR technologies in pre- and post-construction activities. Design/methodology/approach: To evaluate the perceptions of construction consultants, the study conducted a virtual interview. The participants were asked the following key questions: What technologies that are currently linked with the 4IR and used by construction consultants in the industry? What factors may hinder the strategic application of 4IR by the construction consultants? What initiatives may be necessary to overcome the perceived encumbrances faced by the construction consultants? Twelve semi-structured interviews from selected construction consultants were engaged and collated data analysed via a thematic approach. Findings: The paper identifies digital software used by construction consultants that have a link with 4IR technologies. From the ten emerged hindrances, cost of adopting the technologies, unwillingness on the part of stakeholders to adopt, inadequate standards and reference architectures and absence of awareness were ranked high as the factors hindering construction consultants from using 4IR technologies. Initiatives that can overcome the perceived encumbrances are examined in detail. Research limitations/implications: This study is restricted to construction consultants in Nigeria, and only 12 participants were engaged, but these do not affect the strength of the results. Thus, this study recommends a mixed-methods approach for future research with broader coverage. Practical implications: The Government should intervene via subsidy regime and overhaul the academic curriculum to reflect the current trend of practices regarding technologies. Also, there should be vigorous enlightenment and pragmatic sensitisation of construction stakeholders and knowledge training of practitioners, among others, were suggested. As part of this paper's implications, a perception-based model was developed to promote 4IR technologies for construction consultants in the Nigerian construction sector. This model encourages the construction consultants to embrace 4IR technologies for better service delivery, project performance and client satisfaction. Originality/value: This paper appraised 4IR technologies' role in the construction sector, focusing on the preparedness of the construction consultants in Nigeria. Also, the study identified the issues and proffer initiatives to improve 4IR usage by construction consultants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There are lapses in Nigeria's data ecosystems with the consequences of imprecise and inaccurate data on humanitarian crises limiting accurate interventions. Therefore, we examined the data targeting processes in the humanitarian sector of Northeast Nigeria and the ethical concerns that arise when such data is collected and used to advance understanding and improve humanitarian protection systems. Methods: The fieldwork was done in two phases in Maiduguri Borno, North-East Nigeria, between 2021 and 2022. This period was selected because it was the climax of IDP camps in the Northeastern part of the country. Maiduguri was selected for the study because it is the capital of Borno state which is the epicenter of insurgency and internal displacements in Nigeria. Hence, a lot of the most vibrant IDP camps in Nigeria were in Maiduguri for care and security reasons. Fifty in-depth interviews were conducted among the displaced persons across five camps. We also interviewed twenty stakeholders and practitioners working with IDPs to understand Nigeria's data-based humanitarian contexts of internal displacement. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim by a language expert. The data were coded, and content analyzed to provide context and explore significant operational and ethical issues in data-driven humanitarian protection. Results: There are discrepancies in the definition of vulnerability in data gathering, putting into question how targeting is carried out to identify vulnerable people and its implications for exclusion. Different data banks and reliability issues across institutions and actors make room for a multiplicity of data and problematic synergy relative to data and ethics. Inconsistent ethical systems guide data gathering and utilization in IDP camps; for instance, there are ineffective norms of recording and securing informed consent during data gathering. States, partners, and IDP camps confront debilitating capacity gaps and equipment deficits that make updated data gathering, storing, retrieval, and utilization. Paper and digital data storage processes were often used with restricted access to only a few key stakeholders. There is vast data expropriation without standard recourse to justice and beneficence as ethical procedures in the humanitarian data space of northeastern Nigeria as a microcosm of Sub-Saharan African realities. Conclusion: There are enormous implications for effective and efficient targeting processes and outcomes, strategic inclusion, and ethical practices in conflict management, humanitarian interventions, and internal displacement in sub-Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the chemical and microbiological quality of effluent collected from two important industries in Nigeria, the Nigerian Fertilizer company and Star Paper Mill. Growth of representative organisms in the fertilizer factory effluent; Nitrate utilization assay results.

This research study aims to find out the research productivity of Nigerian and Indian authors to the library philosophy and practice from 2008 to 2013. The present study also finds the frequency of productivity, author collaboration, papers length, most cited papers, and most references as well as most productive authors. The present research finds the 226 research articles have been contributed by Nigerian authors and 193 papers have been contributed by Indian authors. The highest number of papers has been written by Nigerian authors was 76 in 2010 and from the Indian 60 papers were contributed in 2013. This present study identifies those 114 single authors from Nigeria and 80 from India. 116 papers from Nigerian authors those range 6-10 pages while 57 from India. The total numbers of references were used by Nigerian authors those were 4140 while Indian was used 3243 references from 2008 to 2013. The most productive authors S.Thanuskodi from India who wrote 09 papers and Dike Agah from Nigeria have contributed only 5 papers. The most cited papers were retrieved from Nigerian author with 197 citations while 82 citations were received from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrastructures are mostly built on unsaturated soil in the tropical region such as Nigeria, yet soil investigations and designs are based on saturated soil mechanics owing to difficulties associated with soil suction measurements using direct methods such as pressure plate extractor, triaxial testing equipment for testing unsaturated soil, etc. Soil water characteristic curve is an important parameter for estimating unsaturated soil property function. This research considered an indirect method (filter paper) of laboratory soil suction measurement (which is relatively simple, fast and inexpensive) and predictive correlation equations for estimating soil water characteristic curve from index properties of soil for four unsaturated tropical soils of Nigeria, three predictive correlation equations were used in this research namely; Navid et al model (2012), Zapata et al model (2000) and Witczak model (2006), the soil water characteristic curve constant parameters computed from these models were fitted through either Van Genuchten model (1980) or Fredlund & Xing model (1994). Results of air entry values of soils from experimental work and predictive correlation equations were in close range which indicated that in spite of the difficulties experienced in performing laboratory suction test, the predictive correlation equations such as the ones used in this research were found to be proper for estimating soil water characteristic curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health education goes a long way in changing people's behavior towards health matters. One of the major roles of health education is the creation of awareness on the "dos" and "don'ts" that pertains to health matters. In northern Nigeria ("north"), many people, particularly in the rural areas, engage in the use of Sakkiya in the treatment of their body swellings. Sakkiya care has been reported repeatedly in the literature to have associated lethal risks on the health of those treated with it. Sakkiya is an act of using a hot pointed metallic tip to puncture a body swelling, with the purpose of achieving a cure. Furthermore, studies had recommended the need for the introduction of community Sakkiya education programs in northern Nigeria to enlightened people on the risks associated with Sakkiya and also inform them about better treatment options. This paper proposes a systematic approach to adopt in organizing an effective community Sakkiya education in the "north". The approach devised in this study was adapted from the Community Action Model (CAM) developed by the Brazilian educationist named Paulo Freire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: E‐cigarettes will continue to be a public health issue in Nigeria. To curb the growing menace of the e‐cigarette use in Nigeria through evidence‐based approach, it is crucial to first map the empirical research landscape of e‐cigarettes in Nigeria. No known study has mapped the existing empirical evidence and gaps concerning e‐cigarettes in Nigeria; hence, this scoping review was conducted. Methods: This scoping review adopted the research design by Arksey and O'Malley. Four databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL Complete, and APA PsycINFO) were searched to retrieve literature on e‐cigarettes in Nigeria. With the aid of Rayyan web application, all retrieved literature were deduplicated and screened based on the review's eligibility criteria. Only those peer‐reviewed journal papers meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Relevant data from the included papers were charted, collated, and summarized. Results: A total of six papers were included in this review. The reviewed papers reported a lifetime prevalence of e‐cigarette use (or vaping) ranging from 5.8% to 19.8%, with a current e‐cigarette use prevalence of 11.8%, among different population groups in Nigeria. The major determinants of e‐cigarette use, as reported in these articles, include being a youth, having a health condition, severe anxiety, tobacco use, peer influence, and current alcohol use. Dry mouth and oral lesions (gingival inflammation and oral ulcers) were also identified to be the medical conditions associated with e‐cigarette use in Nigeria. Lastly, one of the included papers identified a lack of clear regulation on e‐cigarettes in Nigeria. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for more scientific investigations on the sociodemographic, economic, health, and regulatory landscape of e‐cigarettes in Nigeria, as robust empirical evidence is needed for the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of evidence‐based policies and interventions on e‐cigarettes control and regulation in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper as a consumer product offers a undisputed benefits to human society, and it has been proven to be critical in driving most sensitive needs of mankind—principally in areas of security, education, sanitation, and communication—and thus has been produced and consumed worldwide. Its sustainable production and usage is one topic that has featured prominently in many discussion fronts and more often than not ends with recommendations for an alternative source of raw material, improvement in production procedures, and ecological concerns. Paper use is an ecological concern that has triggered many paper intervention actions around the world such as the Paper Task Force in USA, Sustainable Paper Alliance in China, and Paper and Beyond in Europe. In Nigeria, however, challenges associated with paper production, consumption, and economic prospects have not been adequately tackled. This is conspicuously evident in the huge volume of paper products imported annually into the country as a result of unsustainable local production. The cumulative impact of these issues reflect negatively on the Nigeria's paper industry and spread indirectly to the entire country's economy in terms of high capital freight spent on importation, volatile product price, and loss of employment opportunities. This work sought to review the challenges and opportunities associated with raw material sources, energy and water consumption, environmental pollution, paper consumption, and disposal of used paper products in Nigeria. The current review also advocated for wastepaper as a variant of raw material with a sustainable potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health information systems are crucial to provide data for decision-making and demand for data is constantly growing. However, the link between data and decisions is not always rational or linear and the management of data ends up overloading frontline health workers, which may compromise quality of healthcare delivery. Despite limited evidence, there is an increasing push for the digitalization of health information systems, which poses enormous challenges, particularly in remote, rural settings in low- and middle-income countries. Paper-based tools will continue to be used in combination with digital solutions and this calls for efforts to make them more responsive to local needs. Paper-based Health Information Systems in Comprehensive Care (PHISICC) is a transdisciplinary, multi-country research initiative to create and test innovative paper-based health information systems in three sub-Saharan African countries.Methods/design: The PHISICC initiative is being carried out in remote, rural settings in Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique and Nigeria through partnership with ministries of health and research institutions. We began with research syntheses to acquire the most up-to-date knowledge on health information systems. These were coupled with fieldwork in the three countries to understand the current design, patterns and contexts of use, and healthcare worker perspectives. Frontline health workers, with designers and researchers, used co-creation methods to produce the new PHISICC tools. This suite of tools is being tested in the three countries in three cluster-randomized controlled trials. Throughout the project, we have engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and have maintained the highest scientific standards to ensure that results are relevant to the realities in the three countries.Discussion: We have deployed a comprehensive research approach to ensure the robustness and future policy uptake of findings. Besides the innovative PHISICC paper-based tools, our process is in itself innovative. Rather than emphasizing the technical dimensions of data management, we focused instead on frontline health workers' data use and decision-making. By tackling the whole scope of primary healthcare areas rather than a subset of them, we have developed an entirely new design and visual language for a suite of tools across healthcare areas. The initiative is being tested in remote, rural areas where the most vulnerable live. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Africa Spectrum is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research study aims to find out the research productivity of Nigerian authors and Pakistani authors to the library philosophy and practice from 2008 to 2013. The present research finds the 226 research articles have been contributed by Nigerian authors and 67 papers have been contributed by Pakistani authors. The highest number of papers has been written by Nigerian authors was 76 in 2010 and from Pakistan 18 papers were contributed in 2013. This present study identifies those 114 single authors from Nigeria and 18 from Pakistan. 116 papers form Nigerian author those range 6-10 pages while 18 from Pakistan. The total numbers of references were used by Nigerian authors those were 4140 while Pakistan was used 1506 references from 2008 to 2013. The most productive authors Rubina Bhatti from Pakistan who wrote 18 papers and Dike Agah from Nigeria has contributed only 5 papers. The most cited papers were retrieved from Nigerian author with 197 citations while 91 citations were received from Pakistan were top-cited research papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the TAD of Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. In this study, rainwater samples were collected monthly in a polyethylene container attached to a funnel for a period of twelve (12) months at 40 designated sites (residential, industrial, and traffic-related areas). The rainwater samples were filtered, the masses of TAD on the filter paper were determined gravimetrically, and atmospheric deposition rates were calculated. Meteorological data were measured at a monitoring site at the Department of Meteorology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. From the results obtained in this study, it was observed that deposition rated ranged between 5 and 427 μg/m². The average temperatures, wind speed, relative humidity, rainfall and wind direction for the periods were 25.00oC, 0.63 mph, 83.74%, 0.03mm and 117.43oC (2015) and 26.2 oC, 0.74mph, 81.89%, 0.92mm, 118.32o (2016). There were relationships between TAD and meteorological parameters. The results showed that TAD in many parts of the studied areas exceeded the World Health Organization guideline standards (350 μg/m²). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Education, being a process of teaching and learning is evaluated through examination at the end of the learning period. Examination not only serves as a feedback for the trainer to ascertain the level of knowledge acquisition but also serves as a measure of knowledge retention by the trainee. Any misconduct or irregularity distorts this feedback mechanism and gives a false outcome of the learning process. This paper examines the causes and forms of examination malpractice in Nigeria, the consequences on the national development, previous efforts made at curbing it and recommended ways of eradicating examination malpractice in the country. Relevant journals and conference papers consulted, and the writers' personal experiences during examination invigilation were the sources of data used in the paper. It is discovered that the perennial lack of political will on the part of government to enforce the Decree 20 of 1984 and now, Examination Malpractice Act 33 of 1999 has caused the examination misconduct to remain on the increase in Nigeria. This paper recommends strongly that the Examination Malpractice Act of 1999 should be amended to incorporate that section of Decree 20 of 1984 which stipulated twenty-one years imprisonment without option of a fine for a convicted culprit. And the Act should be diligently enforced no matter whose ox is gored.

In Nigeria, white and yellow gingers (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) are abundantly available, however, the nutritional composition of turmeric and yellow ginger effects had only been extensively investigated; there is the paucity of information on the nutritional benefits of white ginger. Therefore, this study investigated the nutritional potential of white ginger powder compared to turmeric and yellow ginger powder. Fresh yellow and white ginger and local turmeric were separately procured from the local market within Makurdi town, Benue State, Nigeria. The fresh rhizomes were washed in water to remove adhering soil and chopped into smaller pieces using sharp knives. It was sun-dried on a flat and clean concrete floor to save moisture content. The samples were ground using a hammer mill to obtain a powder of ginger and turmeric. 10 g of the milled samples each were extracted in 20 mL of absolute ethanol for 72 hours at room temperature on a flask shaker and filtered with Whatman No. 1 filter paper. The filtrates obtained were used to screen for the secondary metabolites constituents of the two samples. The result obtained for proximate analysis showed that white ginger powder contained a significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of crude fibre and ash with the least value of nitrogen-free extract compared to yellow ginger and turmeric. Phytochemical properties of the extracts of the powder of yellow and white ginger and turmeric indicate the presence of saponins, tannins, oxalate, flavonoid, alkaloids and phytates with the significant (p<0.05) higher values recorded on white ginger though at the minimal level. Significant (p<0.05) higher value of calcium and phosphorus recorded for all the materials may qualify their potential source of the desired mineral in poultry diet. It is concluded that yellow and white ginger and local turmeric possesses nutritional qualities that can make them suitable feed additive in the poultry diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are associated with high and rising burden of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is among the leading causes of NCD-related deaths worldwide and is a foremost public health problem in Nigeria. As part of National policy, Nigeria has committed to implement the World Health Organization (WHO) Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease interventions for primary care. Implementing the intervention requires the availability of essential elements, including guidelines, trained staff, health management information systems (HMIS), equipment, and medications, in primary healthcare centers (PHCs). This study assessed the availability of the DM component of the WHO package, and the readiness of the health workers in these PHCs to implement a DM screening, evaluation, and management program to inform future adoption and implementation. Methods: This cross-sectional formative assessment adapted the WHO Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool to survey 30 PHCs selected by multistage sampling for readiness to deliver DM diagnosis and care in Abuja, Nigeria, between August and October 2021. The SARA tool was adapted to focus on DM services and the availability and readiness indicator scores were calculated based on the proportion of PHCs with available DM care services, minimum staff requirement, diagnostic tests, equipment, medications, and national guidelines/protocols for DM care within the defined SARA domain. Results: All 30 PHCs reported the availability of at least two full-time staff (median [interquartile range] = 5 [4–9]), which were mostly community health extension workers (median [interquartile range]) = 3 [1–4]. At least one staff member was recently trained in DM care in 11 PHCs (36%). The study also reported high availability of paper-based HMIS (100%), and DM screening services using a glucometer (87%), but low availability of DM job aids (27%), treatment (23%), and national guidelines/protocols (0%). Conclusion: This formative assessment of PHCs' readiness to implement a DM screening, evaluation, and management program in Abuja demonstrated readiness to integrate DM care into PHCs regarding equipment, paper-based HMIS, and nonphysician health workers' availability. However, strategies are needed to promote DM health workforce training, provide DM management guidelines, and supply essential DM medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose- The purpose of this paper is to analyze bibliometrics and visualization of Library Philosophy and Practice (LPP). Design/methodology/approach-Scopus citation database was used to gather the data. Using advanced search in the database, bibliographic data of the articles published in the journal over the past twenty years were extracted. Then, the analysis was performed using bibliometric indicators and some applications, such as Microsoft Excel and VOS viewer. Findings- The data indicated that the process of publications (R²=0.69) and citations received by papers (R²=0.85) was ascending. The paper of W. Fang (2007), "Using Google analytics for improving library website content and design: A case study", is the most highly cited paper of LPP. Bhatti, R. (19 papers), Nigeria (549 papers), University of Ibadan (78 papers) are the most productive and influential authors, universities, and countries in LPP, respectively. Keyword clustering of published papers indicates that the most frequent keywords can fall into five clusters and the first and most important cluster is "bibliometrics study". In addition, the analysis of references of LPP articles showed that "Library Philosophy and Practice" "Scientometrics", and "The Electronic Library" are the top journals, Aina, I., Wilson, T.D.O., and Mahmood, K. are the top authors cited in LPP. Practical implications- The bibliometrics analysis and LPP visualization can be a useful for either library and information science (LIS) scholars or the people interested in bibliometric studies; therefore, they can use it as a pattern to review other journals. Originality/value- This study suggests a general outlook for the performance of an international LIS journal using bibliometric indicators and visualization. The results of this study will be beneficial for all the LIS authors and researchers around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the first meta-analysis of yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir) production studies in Nigeria, with a special emphasis on technical efficiency. The focus was on published studies in journal papers and conferences. For the meta-analysis of production function, a total of 40 studies were included for ware yam and 3 for seed yam, for technical efficiency a total of 23 ware yam and 3 seed yam studies were included and for the farm budget meta-analysis, a total of 22 ware yam and 6 seed yam studies were included. The "peak" years of publication of the ware yam studies were from 2012 to 2014. The bulk of the studies took place in the major yam-growing states, such as Ekiti, Benue, and Kogi. Technical efficiency of yam production varied between and within each of the studies, with an average technical efficiency across studies of between 0.6 and 0.8. The studies highlight the importance of knowledge; it is not just about the quantity of inputs applied but how they are used that matters. The paper notes that meta-analyses of studies designed to explore the factors influencing production of agricultural crops in Nigeria are relatively sparse in number, yet given the importance of agriculture in the country, both for the livelihoods of millions of people, and export, then more such analyses are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prime purpose of this study is to find out the research productivity of three regions Nigeria, Pakistan, and India. The bibliometric quantification was used to analyze the data. The present research identifies the importance of this online journal. The study discloses frequency of publication growth, author's collaborations, papers length, and most cited papers, most productive authors, and total references used. Design/methodology/approach The survey method was used to find out the full-text research articles on the online database of LPP. The Google scholar was used to retrieve the citations. All the collected data has been analyzed using MS excel and other electronic devices. Findings The results of this study indicate that in the year 2008 to 2013. The contribution of Nigerian authors is more than the other two nations that are 226 while Indian comes 2nd with 193 research papers and Pakistan comes 3rd with 67 research articles from the studied period in the wellknown journal of Library and information science field that is LPP. The present study revealed the majority of the research articles were single authors from Nigeria 114, Pakistan 18, and India 80. The study results show that the majority of the paper length in the range of 6-10 Nigerian 116, Pakistan 34, and India 70 respectively. The study showed the total references were calculated 4140 from Nigeria, 1506 Pakistan, and 3243 from Indian. The most cited paper was retrieved by a Nigerian paper that is 197 citations. The analyzed data shows the most productive authors were Rubina Bhatti from Pakistan with 18 research papers. This study contributes to the existing literature of three-nation contributions to the Library Philosophy and practice throughout the year. This is the first study of three-nation research productivity in the well-known online journal library philosophy and practice. Limitations of the study The present study was limited to the well-known LIS Journal and research articles specifically published at online journal library philosophy and practice. This study is purely limited to the research productivity of Nigerian, Pakistani, and Indian authors to the Library Philosophy and Practice from 2008 to 2013. Practical implications Despite its limitations, the findings of the study will help the LIS professionals of three nations and as well as other parts of the LIS professionals to provide more information about their research productivity of a particular journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to determine the variation in the anatomical properties of the two most prominent species (R. racemosa and R. harrisonii) in Nigerian mangrove forest ecosystem. This was done with the aim of assessing their suitability for pulp and paper manufacturing. The trees samples were obtained from Stubbs Creek forest reserve, in Delta State. The diameter of all the tree samples was between 10 and 30 cm. After harvesting, the wood samples were collected from the sapwood and heartwood sections (radial direction) and at 10, 50 and 90% of the trees' height (the longitudinal positions). The mean fibre length values obtained were 1.767, 1.547 for sapwood and Heartwood of R. racemosa, while that of R harrisonii were 1.794 and 1.634 for sapwood and heartwood respectively. The mean fibre diameters of these two species were, 36.92 and 35.25 for the sapwood and heartwood of R racemosa and 34.307 and 34.090 for the sap wood and heart wood of R. harrisonii respectively. The Runkel ratio means for R. racemosa were 0.94 and 0.96 for sap and heartwood respective, while the values for R. harrisonii were 0.96 and 0.99 for sapwood and heartwood respectively. The results of this work indicate that the anatomical properties of these two species compared favourably with other species like Gmelina arborea, Pinus caribaea and Eucalyptus popularly grown for pulp and paper in Nigeria. The values indicate the suitability of this mangrove genus for pulp and paper production in a place where there is shortage of wood material for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kenneth Dike Library and the Nigeria National Archives are especially rich in ancient collections, particularly those unique to southwestern Nigeria, home to many people of the Yoruba extraction. These facilities house print and non-print materials such as personal notes and written collections of prominent persons, old manuscripts, ancient and modern maps, journals, and old Yoruba newspapers. Many of these print materials, especially the newspapers, are deteriorating. In a bid to prolong shelflife, access to these old materials is limited. As newspapers serve as gateways to the past, this restricted access can impact the research experience of users. The paper begins by presenting the project framework, which was designed before the project began. It goes on to detail the nuances involved in the several stages of the digitisation process and considers the aftermath of digitising the papers in terms of ownership, storage, backup, and access. This project revealed two things: first, though digitisation solves the problem of access and preservation, it is still necessary to preserve the original materials to prevent loss due to technical issues. Second, funding, and international partnership work hand in hand with digitisation, as it is a capital-intensive activity. Last, the paper contributes to the ongoing debates on the cultural, and socio-political discourses entwined with the technical processes of digitisation. The highlighted project was sponsored by the European Research Council (ERC) in collaboration with local partners. The website, https://yorubaprints.wordpress.com/yoruba-erc-project/ raises awareness for the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines digital finance usage in the UK, US, India and Nigeria. Using data from the global financial development indicators, the findings reveal that the UK and US have higher digital finance usage than India and Nigeria. The US has higher credit card usage compared to the UK while the UK has higher debit card usage compared to the US. Also, Nigeria has higher debit card usage than India. The findings also show that higher debit card usage is correlated with higher domestic credit to the private sector in the US and Nigeria. Higher credit card usage is correlated with lower domestic credit to the private sector, lower private credit by deposit money banks, and fewer remittances to the UK. The implication of the findings is that policy makers in developing countries should develop the digital finance and payment systems in their countries to close up the wide gap in digital finance adoption between developing and developed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: With the background knowledge that auditing of Medical Records (MR) for adequacy and completeness is necessary if it is to be useful and reliable in continuing patient care; protection of the legal interest of the patient, physicians, and the Hospital; and meeting requirements for researches, we scrutinized theatre records of our hospital to identify routine omissions or deficiencies, and correctable errors in our MR system. METHOD: Obstetrics and Gynaecological post operation theatre records between January 2006 and December 2008 were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed for details that included: hospital number; Patients age; diagnosis; surgery performed; types and modes of anesthesia; date of surgery; patients' ward; Anesthetists names; surgeons and attending nurses names, and abbreviations used with SPSS 15.0 for Windows. RESULTS: Hardly were any of the 1270 surgeries during the study period documented without an omission or an abbreviation. Hospital numbers and patients' age were not documented in 21.8% (n=277) and 59.1% (n=750) respectively. Diagnoses and surgeries were recorded with varying abbreviations in about 96% of instances. Surgical team names were mostly abbreviated or initials only given. CONCLUSION: To improve the quality of Paper-based Medical Record, regular auditing, training and good orientation of medical personnel for good record practices, and discouraging large volume record book to reduce paper damages and sheet loss from handling are necessary else what we record toady may neither be useful nor available tomorrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]