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The performance of agricultural science students is consistently low as seen in their external examinations. This could be attributed to the poor teaching methods, materials and techniques applied in teaching the subject. This study determined the multimedia application effects on the academic achievement of Agricultural science students. It adopted a mixed-method design. All the students and teachers of Agricultural science in secondary schools in Enugu State, Nigeria formed the population but six schools with 583 students and teachers of agriculture formed the sample. Students' Academic Achievement Test in Agricultural Science (SAATAS) and Convenience Teaching Method Questionnaire (CTMQ) were used to collect data. Mean, ANCOVA and Friedman's test were used for data analyses. Results indicated that students instructed using multimedia significantly performed higher than the students instructed using the conventional teaching method. The performance of males was not different from that of the females. The interaction between the teaching media and gender had a non-significant effect on the academic achievement of students. Moreover, teachers adopted note-taking, lecture, demonstration and project methods but did not use multimedia in teaching. Teachers of agriculture accepted that inconsistent power supply, poor network connectivity, and non-availability of computers, among others, were the problems hindering them from using multimedia in teaching.

The study uses numerical weather prediction models to predict the occurrence of heavy convective rainfall associated with the passage of the African Easterly Wave (AEW) during the period 23–26 August 2017 over Nigeria. Fraction skill score (FSS) and method for object‐based diagnostic evaluation (MODE) verification techniques were applied to verify how well the models predict the high‐impact event and to demonstrate how these tools can support operational forecasting. Ensemble model forecasts at a convective scale from UK Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) and a one‐way nested weather research and forecasting (WRF) model were compared with the integrated multisatellite retrievals for global precipitation measurement (IMERG GPM). The purpose is to examine skills of improved model resolution and ensemble in reproducing rainfall forecasts on useful scales and how the skill varies with spatial scale. WRF 2 and 6 km model forecasts show comparable skill at smaller grid scales. The skill of MetUM improves dramatically when the verification statistics are applied to the ensemble mean of the binary fields of the individual member forecast. The object‐based analysis reveals a similar structure as observed, although displaced eastwards. Most improvement occurred for heavier rainfall events associated with the passage of the AEW. WRF 6 km compares reasonably well with WRF 2 km in terms of shape and structure of rainfall underscoring the ability of the model to reasonably represent convection at 6 km horizontal resolution. The ensemble members in MetUM explicitly reproduce convection at 4 km resolution but are displaced at about 166 km behind observed rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical activity (PA) is associated with numerous health benefits among children and youth. However, few studies have examined how active transportation (AT) and device-based measures of PA vary within and between countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Purpose: This cross-sectional study sought to investigate the prevalence and correlates of AT and device-measured PA among children living in urban, peri-urban and rural areas in three African countries representing Eastern, Western and Southern regions of Africa. Methods: 3,205 participants (53.3% girls; 46.7% boys) aged 10–12 years were recruited in Kenya, Nigeria and Mozambique. Data were collected using a child questionnaire, a parent/guardian questionnaire and PiezoRx® pedometers. ANCOVA and binary logistic regression analyses were used to examine the correlates of AT and PA while controlling for gender, age, parent education and vehicle ownership. Results: Participants accumulated an average of 45.6±23.5 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and 11,215±4,273 steps/day. Kenyan and Mozambican children were significantly more active than their Nigerian counterparts (p<0.001). Only 23% met the MVPA guidelines of 60 min/day. 65.1% of participants engaged in AT to school (and 67.8% for the trip back home) with no gender differences. Living in a rural area, lower parent education, lower vehicle ownership and higher motorcycle ownership were associated with higher odds of AT. Other correlates of AT were country-specific. Girls accumulated less daily MVPA than boys in all countries. MVPA was positively associated with living in less urbanized areas in Nigeria and Mozambique. In Kenya, lower parental education and AT were associated with higher MVPA. Nigerian children's daily MVPA decreased with age and the number of parent-perceived barriers to AT. Conclusions: Majority of children engaged in AT, but still failed to meet MVPA recommendations. Most correlates of AT and PA were country-specific, suggesting that strategies to encourage both behaviours should be informed by local evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infected diabetic foot ulcer (IDFU) is a public health issue and the leading cause of non-traumatic limb amputation. Very few published data on IDFU exist in most West African countries. Objective: The study investigated the aetiology and antibacterial drug resistance burden of IDFU in tertiary hospitals in Osun state, Nigeria, between July 2016 and April 2017. Methods: Isolates were cultured from tissue biopsies or aspirates collected from patients with IDFU. Bacterial identification, antibiotic susceptibility testing and phenotypic detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemase production were done by established protocols. Specific resistance genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Results: There were 218 microorganisms isolated from 93 IDFUs, comprising 129 (59.2%) Gram-negative bacilli (GNB), 59 (27.1%) Gram-positive cocci and 29 (13.3%) anaerobic bacteria. The top five facultative anaerobic bacteria isolated were: Staphylococcus aureus (34; 15.6%), Escherichia coli (23; 10.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20; 9.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (19; 8.7%) and Citrobacter spp. (19; 8.7%). The most common anaerobes were Bacteroides spp. (7; 3.2%) and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (6; 2.8%). Seventy-four IDFUs (80%) were infected by multidrug-resistant bacteria, predominantly methicillin-resistant S. aureus and GNB producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases, mainly of the CTX-M variety. Only 4 (3.1%) GNB produced carbapenemases encoded predominantly by bla VIM. Factors associated with presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria were peripheral neuropathy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.05, p = 0.04) and duration of foot infection of more than 1 month (AOR = 7.63, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Multidrug-resistant facultative anaerobic bacteria are overrepresented as agents of IDFU. A relatively low proportion of the aetiological agents were anaerobic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does collective action have an enhancing effect on gender inclusiveness in the agrarian change matrix? This was investigated among 800 cassava-based smallholder households in a cross-sectional survey in Nigeria. Agrarian change was viewed as a function of access to productive resources (land, other assets), processes (Value addition and Nonfarm employment) and outcomes (income) in the study areas. Findings revealed that collective action was able to improve access to resources (land and assets) needed to drive the processes of agrarian change among male and female farmers. The study recommends strengthening institutions for collective action to drive positive and inclusive agrarian changes. [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.

Purpose: The paper examines Social Media (SM) and Smart Phone (SP) usage among undergraduates in Nigeria universities in relation to their academic activities. Design: Four research questions guided the study and the research design adopted was a descriptive research design. Cluster sampling technique was used to draw respective samples of 300 which include second year students and above from the selected universities. Questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data which was analyzed using frequencies and percentages in pie charts and bar chart in addition to mean scores. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that SM and SP affect the academic activities of undergraduates as they utilize them mainly for receiving and sending text messages, updating their profiles and performing team projects. However, they cause distractions to the addicted users and inappropriate contents can be posted by undergraduates. The strategies to enhance use of SM and SP for academic activities include: provision of adequate power supply, acquisition of computers and internet skills by students, increasing internet bandwidth among others. Practical Implication: SM and SP enhance learning even outside the classroom and they change students' concepts about studying with modern technology. Originality: The originality of this work lies on the clear identification of how the use of SM and SP impacted on the academic activities of undergraduates in Nigeria. Social Media and Smart Phone give quicker access to information and promotes information sharing among undergraduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents observed changes in climate extremes using daily precipitation and temperature data over 24 stations, covering the three climatic zones (Guinea coast, Savannah and Sahel) of Nigeria for the period 1971–2013. The data were homogenized with Expert Team on Climate Change Detection Indices (ETCCDI) RHtests version 4 software. RClimDex version 1.0 software was used to calculate 17 of the ETCCDI recommended precipitation and temperature extreme indices. The spatio‐temporal variation in the observed trends was analysed over each of the climatic zone. Results show a significant increase in the frequencies of warm spell, warm days and nights and decreasing cold spell, cold days and nights over the three climatic zones. A significant increase in annual total precipitation was found in some stations across the Guinea coast and Sahel zones. Changes in consecutive dry days and consecutive wet days are non‐significant in most stations. Also, a significant increase in extremely wet days was observed in a few stations across the three climatic zones. The implication of the observed warming could, however, result in thermal discomfort of lives in areas with significant positive trends. This could also exert pressure on the economy's power sector, as energy demand for cooling will increase. The increase in total annual precipitation will potentially be favourable for hydropower generation and increase the availability of the potable water supply for both industrial and domestic uses in the country. However, the increase in consecutive dry days and the decrease in consecutive wet days are dangerous for agricultural practices and, hence, food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper employed the simultaneous equation model using the three-stage least squares technique to analyse the impact of money supply, government expenditure and exchange rate on industrial output; and the effect of industrial output on economic growth in Nigeria. The study used annual data covering 1981 to 2017. It was found that industrial output affects economic growth positively in Nigeria, just as exchange rate has a positive significant impact on industrial output. The study recommends that fiscal policies should be formulated with a clear-cut view to addressing the industrial needs of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a study of evaluation of online reference services (ORS). The paper focuses on the librarians' perception of the evaluation of online reference services of academic libraries in Nigeria. The study was guided by the following four objectives: to find out the extent of application of online reference services in academic libraries in Nigeria; to examine the benefits of using ORS in academic libraries in Nigeria, to identify the challenges associated with the use of ORS, and profer solutions for ameliorating the challenges faced by these academic libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey design which was employed to derived responses from 198 librarians. Data were collected from the population using questionnaire. The statistical packages for social sciences(SPSS) was used to extract data while the data were presented with the help of 4-point Likert scale, mean and standard deviation. The result revealed that e-mail services ranked 1st in the overall application of ORS. Lack of ICT infrastructure to support ORS ranked first as reason for non-application of ORS. Most noted benefit is that it provides more alternatives and flexibility to users. Challenges include: lack of proper training on use of ICT infrastructure among libraries and lack of funds to support ORS.Recommendations were made at the end of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serum ferritin is considered to be one of the most important tools in the measurement of iron balance in steady-state sickle cell disease. Increased gastrointestinal absorption of iron has been reported in sickle cell disease because of the associated chronic hemolysis, and it is also thought that repeated red cell transfusion consequent to chronic hemolysis and anemia causes excessive iron levels. The aim of this study was to determine overall and gender-specific mean ferritin levels in patients with steady-state sickle cell disease in order to establish the prevalence of iron deficiency and overload. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in homozygous patients with sickle cell disease attending the sickle cell clinic at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. A 5 mL blood sample was collected in plain bottles from consenting participants during steady-state periods. The serum was separated and analyzed for ferritin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Another 5 mL sample was collected for a full blood count, done on the same day of collection, to determine red blood cell indices, ie, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. The Pearson Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. The differences were considered to be statistically significant when P was ,0.05. Results: In total, 103 patients were recruited for this study and comprised 58 women (56.40%) and 45 men (43.70%). The overall mean ferritin concentration was 93.72 ± 92.24 ng/mL. The mean ferritin concentration in the women was 92.00 ± 88.07 ng/mL and in men was 96.41 ± 99.80 ng/mL. Only eight (7.76%) of the 103 patients had a serum ferritin level , 15 ng/mL, while two subjects (1.94%) had a serum a ferritin level . 300 ng/mL. Ninety-three subjects (90.29%) had serum ferritin within the normal reference range of 15-300 ng/mL. Conclusion: In this study, 90% of subjects with sickle cell disease had normal iron stores; serum ferritin was higher in men than in women, and iron deficiency was more common than overload in the disease [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examined the extent and patterns of use of electronic information sources (EIS) by students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered on 600 student users of the cybercafés on the university campus. Results from the study showed that 52.3 % of the respondents agreed that EIS provides reliable access to information resources, whilst 92.5 % of them rated the Internet as their most preferred EIS. The main barriers to the effective use of EIS by the students included finance, inadequate skill and epileptic power supply. The study recommends user training and adequate infrastructure within the university, including more cybercafés, to facilitate access by the students to EIS on the university campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria recently resurfaced as a democratic experiment after the death of General Sani Abacha, one of the most brutal dictators in the many years of military rule that overran the country. The new democratic dispensation brought Nigeria back into positive global attention after it was viewed for many years as a pariah State, noted often for gross human rights violations. The current democratic arrangement is anchored on a new constitution, which came into effect on May 29, 1999, the day the new civilian government began its life. Foremost in the minds of those who fought in the Nigerian civil war was the underlying message in the slogan, "to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done." In the same vein, the last name of the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who led the civil war against Biafra, became an acronym that emphasized the desire for the unity of Nigeria, "Go On With One Nigeria." More than 22 years after the civil war there still arise constant reminders of the fragile unity that exists in the country, such as the ethnic and religious unrest that negatively marks the diversity of the Nigerian State.

The study presents an interactive descriptive tool (MONRATE) for calculating and predicting reinfection rates and time of Ascaris lumbricoides following mass chemotherapy. The implementation was based on the theoretical equation published by Hayashi in 1977, for time-prevalence: Y=G [1-(1-X)N-R] as modified by Jong-Yil in 1983. Using the Psuedo-Code of the MONRATE tool, the calculated monthly reinfection rates (X) for the LGAs are (names are locations in Nigeria in a region predominately populated by the Yoruba speaking tribes of Nigeria whose traditional occupations are agriculture and commerce): Ewekoro (1.6 %), Odeda (2.3 %), Ado-odo/Otta (2.3 %), Ogun Waterside (3.8 %) and Obafemi/Owode (4.2 %). The mathematical mean of 'X' values in the study areas for Ogun State was 2.84. The calculated reinfection time (N months) for the LGAs are varied such as Ado-odo/Otta (12.7), Ogun Waterside (21.8), Obafemi/Owode (22.92), Odeda (25.45), and Ewekoro (25.9). The mean value for N in Ogun State was 21.75. The results obtained from MONRATE were compared with those obtained using the mathematical equation and found to be the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between insufficient financial resources and psychological health has been extensively studied and established in various contexts. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the potential impact of the Nigerian naira currency redesign policy on the psychological well-being of Nigerians. This policy, which aimed to demonetize the economy and promote economic stability, involved changes to the physical appearance of some naira denominations (200, 500 and 1000). Understanding the effects of this policy on psychological health is essential for evaluating its overall societal impact and identifying potential areas for improvement in future currency redesign initiatives., Methods: The study is a cross-sectional mixed-methods study involving 2237 respondents across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Utilizing the simple random, snowball and convenience sampling technique, social media platforms (Facebook and WhatsApp) were used to recruit respondents. Variables were analyzed at descriptive and inferential levels. The qualitative component comprised seven (7) in-depth interviews with participants across the geo-political zones., Results: The perceptions of respondents towards the policy were diverse across different demographic groups. It was widely perceived that the timing of the policy was inappropriate, considering the challenges faced in utilizing online payment platforms and the significant inaccessibility of cash. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that demographic variables played a role in explaining systematic variations in the experience of financial scarcity and its effect on psychological health during the cash crunch that ensued as a result of the Nigerian naira currency redesign policy., Conclusions: This study identified a significant association between the psychological inventory of financial scarcity and psychological well-being among residents in Nigeria during the cash crunch resulting from the Naira redesign policy. The findings suggest that the financial scarcity experienced by Nigerians due to the policy had a substantial impact on individuals' psychological well-being. We recommend that a holistic approach be undertaken by policymakers to ensure that policy actions not only address economic objectives but also safeguard the mental health and overall well-being of the population., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Studies have shown that a good number of students admitted into Agricultural Science Education program in Nigerian universities exhibit irrational career interest which affects their perceptions, feelings, and academic behaviors. This study, therefore, explored the effect of rational emotive career education on irrational career beliefs among students enrolled in agricultural education program in federal universities in Enugu state. Three null hypotheses guided the study., Method: Of the population (N = 79 students) targeted for the study and who underwent a screening exercise, 61 students were recruited as participants/sample size for the study. Sequence allocation software was used to assign 31 students into experimental groups and 30 into waitlisted control group. Participants in the intervention group received a rational emotive career education program that lasted for 12 sessions while those in waitlisted group did not receive the intervention. The participants in both groups were assessed at three points (Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3) using rational and irrational belief scale. A repeated measure (ANOVA) and partial eta square statistical tools were used to analyze the data collected., Result: This study result showed that rational emotive career education significantly reduced irrational career beliefs among students enrolled in Agricultural Science Education program exposed to intervention group compared to those in waitlisted control group. It also showed that there was time × group interaction for irrational career beliefs. The follow-up assessment indicated that the efficacy of rational emotive career education was sustained overtime., Conclusion: This study concluded that rational emotive career education is beneficial in reducing irrational career beliefs of university students enrolled in Agricultural Science Education program. Recommendations were also made in line with the results., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Objectives: This study was carried out to determine a point prevalence of drug resistance and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) among members of the family Enterobacteriaceae., Methods: Consecutive clinically significant non-repetitive isolates obtained from both hospitalized patients and outpatients' samples were studied. The isolates were identified using VITEK 2 while susceptibility testing was performed against 16 antibiotics using the E-test strips. Phenotypic production of ESBL was detected by E-test ESBL method. Positive isolates were confirmed by PCR., Results: Of a total of 102 isolates studied, 43 (42.2%) were Escherichia coli and 32 (31.4%) Klebsiella pneumoniae. These isolates demonstrated remarkable high rates of resistance to the β-lactam antibiotics, except the carbapenems and piperacillin-tazobactam. Fifty-two (51%) were resistant to ≥ 3 classes of drugs and 29 (28.4%) to ≥ 5 drugs. Thirty-eight (37.3%) were ESBL producers. Of these, 21 (55.3%) were E. coli and 12 (31.6%) K. pneumoniae. Thus, the overall prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli was 20.6% and K. pneumoniae 11.8%., Conclusions: This study showed an alarmingly high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in invasive Enterobacteriaceae isolates and a high prevalence of ESBL producers in the study center. Antibiotic stewardship and other preventive strategies are recommended to reduce the high rate of resistant bacteria in this hospital., (Copyright © 2013 King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)