The Role of Information and Communiication Technology Combating Crime in Nigeria in The Post Covid 19 Era: A Study of the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command

The study seeks to examine the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on combating crime by the security forces in the wake of corona virus pandemic with special reference to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Within the framework of cybernetic theory, this study adopts the descriptive survey method to examine the relationship between the two variables under investigation. Multi stage sampling technique was used to draw a sample size of three hundred (300) participants for the study. Data were collected from the sampled population, and formulated hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) statistical tool. The finding of the study reveals that there is a significant relationship between the use of ICT and the effort by the police force to effectively combat crime in Nigeria. The study also discovers that the use of ICT in the fight against crime by the NPF is faced with some challenges, which includes among others; lack of infrastructure, lack of adequate training, uncooperative attitude of ICT service providers and lack of inter-agency cooperation. The paper in conclusion, recommends that the NPF should improve on the usage of ICT especially during this post COVID-19 era by providing a robust training program for her personnel on the usage of ICT in combating crime, the government should provide adequate infrastructure to enhance effective application of ICT in crime fighting and an effective collaboration between ICT service providers and the NPF in fighting crime in Nigeria

A Survey of Knowledge and Practice of Regenerative Endodontics Among Nigerian Dental Residents

The aim of this survey was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of regenerative endodontics among dental residents in selected Nigerian hospitals. A self-administered questionnaire was used for the survey. It consisted of three parts

Evaluation of pozzolanic reactivity of maize straw ash as a binder supplement in concrete

Cementitious materials, irrespective of their sources, play a vital role in cement hydration reaction in concrete. Hence, it is critical to understand how each supplement affects the early and later age properties of concrete. Maize Straw Ash (MSA), being a material with minimal consideration as a pozzolan for partial replacement of cement, was evaluated based on different researcher’s reports. A range of outcomes involving the use of maize straw ash as replacement materials in concrete were examined based on their impact on concrete in the early and later stages, and the findings were presented in addition to assisting in their future use. The impact of pozzolanic material on both mechanical and durability property were analysed, and how certain treatment methods influence the property of concrete in the early and later period. The data revealed that maize straw ash has comparable behaviour when given the same treatment technique before use, ability to increase strength over a long duration compared with other Agricultural waste (agro) materials, and likewise act as a void filler when concrete hardens to improve durability, with the usage of these materials for optimal strength not exceeding 20% replacement, shrinkage control not exceeding 30%, and 10–15% for good workability. At (500–800 °C calcination heat), the pozzolanic reaction produces good results

Interferon-gamma treatment kinetics among patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis

Introduction: Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is essential for defence against Mycobacterium tuberculosis; however, levels in patients with active tuberculosis (TB) and changes during treatment have not been documented in our tuberculosis patients in Nigeria, hence this study has been carried out. Objective: To determine variations, treatment kinetics, and predictive value of IFN-γ levels during treatment of active tuberculosis. Design: Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were recruited and subsequently followed up for 3 months during treatment with anti-TB. Peripheral blood was collected for IFN-γ assays, C-reactive protein and others followed by a Mantoux test. IFN-γ levels produced by stimulation with TB antigens were determined by ELISA and repeated measurement of IFN-γ were done at 1 and 3 months of anti-TB therapy. Chi Associations and correlations between IFN-γ were determined. Regression analysis was done to determine association between serial IFN-γ and treatment outcome. Results: We recruited 47 patients with active tuberculosis with a mean age of 34.8 ± 3.6 years and M:F ratio of 1.12:1. Six (11%) were HIV positive. The mean level of IFN-γ induced by TB antigens was 629 ± 114.1 pg/ml, higher for HIV-negative PTB patients compared with HIV-positive PTB patients, 609.78 ± 723.9 pg/ml and 87.88 ± 130.0 pg/ml, respectively, P-value = 0.000. The mean level of IFN-γ induced by TB antigen increased significantly from 629 ± 114.1 pg/ml to 1023.46 + 222.8 pg/ml, P-value = 0.03 and reduced to 272.3 ± 87.7 pg/ml by the third month on anti-TB drugs, P-value = 0.001. Negative correlation was observed between the mean of baseline and chest X-ray involvement, P = 0.03. There was no significant correlation between sputum smear grade with baseline and follow-up IFN-γ levels. Three-month IFN-γ level among cured patients were higher than those with treatment failure, regression analysis showed that it does not predict outcome. Conclusion: IFN-γ may be useful in early detection and monitoring response; however, large scale studies are needed

COVID-19 pandemic policing and public (non)compliant behaviour: dataset from Nigeria

Abstract Objectives The unprecedented nature of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown order projected to contain the pandemic and the global use of the police to enforce the order has necessitated the investigation of public (non-compliant) behavior and police intervention (misconduct). Given that the phases of easing the lockdown and reopening of the economy were already underway in Nigeria in September 2020, four months post-lockdown, this period was deemed suitable to collect the data. Data description The data consists of 30 participants’ (25 individuals and five police personnel) views regarding the reasons that exacerbated the violation and the ‘alleged’ unethical practices of police personnel while enforcing the lockdown. However, it benefits the broader scientific community in areas such as policing, disaster risk reduction, pandemic management and public administration. It is valuable in police reforms against unethical practices and gives clear policy directions to policymakers and authorities in managing future public health emergencies. Also, it is useful in understanding the public awareness about the pandemic and public (mis)trust and disposition towards the government authorities on the obedience to law and public health safety advisories to contain a pandemic