THE ROLE OF ICT IN PROVIDING QUALITY INFORMATION SERVICES TO LIBRARY USERS/CLIENTELES IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Researches into libraries, (most especially academic libraries) have shown that inadequate levels of Information and Communication Technology literacy is one of the major problems facing libraries in Nigeria at this time of digital revolution. In as much as internet is designed to serve the information needs of every individual in the society has eventually given room to effective utilisation of library information resources. The world-wide network has made interaction online to be more efficient in terms of information accessibility, communication and sharing of information resources. This paper delves into the principles behind ICT, provision of immeasurable information, technology in relation to information for the development of a modern library of today and beyond. Furthermore, the paper made some valuable recommendation to all in having a befitting library development.  Article visualizations

REVIEW OF ACADEMIC LIBRARY INFORMATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES: EVIDENCE FROM OSUN STATE UNIVERSITY, NIGERIA

Generally, the library is referred to as the knowledge hub of higher education institutions, saddled with the responsibility of supporting the teaching, research, and community engagement function in the university. These libraries are conceived to enable them genuinely handle the information needs of library clientele. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the human traffic to the physical library shrinks which brings more responsibility to the library personnel who works from home to make the library resources available to users at their various locations. The emerging responsibility motivated this study which investigated the appraisal of academic library information resources and human resources in Sola Akinrinade Central Library of Osun State University in Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. A sample of three hundred and forty-five respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Two hundred and seventy-five copies were returned. Findings from the study revealed that available information resources and human resources in the academic library do not meet the accredited academic library standards. Similarly, the academic library is not sufficiently and adequately funded which has grossly affected the provision of the available information and human resources. The researchers recommend that recruitment of professional librarians and other library support staff; provision of quantity and quality information resources, and integration of academic library in the plan of higher institutions among other measures would improve the relevance of library and human resources in higher institutions of learning

AVAILABILITY, ACCESS POINTS AND USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES BY SCIENCE STUDENTS IN SELECTED PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the availability, access points and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by science students in selected private secondary schools in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The descriptive survey design was used and four (4) research questions guided the study. Data was collected from one hundred and fifty six (156) science students from six (6) private secondary schools in Ibadan with the use of questionnaire. The data analysis was done with the use of SPSS. Findings revealed the ICT facilities that were made available to include: computers 125 (80.1%), scanning machine 120 (76.9%), interactive white board 118(75.6%), CD-ROMS 117(75.0%), Internet 116(74.4%), mobile phone 114(73.1%), television 102(65.4%), radio 102(65.4%). Most of the respondents frequently used interactive white board for learning 101(64.7%), television 98(62.8%), and mobile phone 98(62.8%). Similarly, the science students had access to television at school, home and cyber café. There was access to interactive white board at school and home. Similarly, most of the respondents had access to Internet and computers at home and cyber café. However, the challenges faced by the science students on use of ICT facilities in Ibadan Township were: fear of using ICT tools, time constrains, complexity of operating ICT tools and lack of electricity to power the tool(s). The study recommends that teachers should train science students on use of ICT; secondary school management/authorities should adequately supply sufficient ICT teaching equipment to schools; science students should have personal laptop and modem

AN APPRAISAL OF OSUN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FROM 2007-2012

In most academic institutions, particularly in the third world countries, adequate attention is not paid to the library. This study, therefore, focuses on the growth and development of library infrastructure, using Osun State University, Osogbo as a case study. With the adoption of participatory observation method, the research points out the evolution of libraries in Nigeria. It also interrogates the infrastructural growth and development of a multi-campus university. The findings include the efforts of both the state government and the university authorities as regards effective running of the libraries in the libraries in the six- campuses. The study concludes that library is the heart of every academic institution and must be given serious attention

Early Changes in Plasmodium falciparum Asexual and Sexual Populations in Children with Acute Infections Following Treatment with Artemisinin-Based Combination Drugs

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) may influence malaria transmission but the early changes in parasite populations have not been frequently evaluated. The changes in Plasmodium falciparum asexual and sexual populations in the first 16 h following treatment with artemether-lumefantrine (AL) or artesunate-amodiaquine (AA) were evaluated in 443 children with acute infections. The effects of gametocyte density on gametocyte sex ratio (GSR) were characterized in another cohort of 52 children treated with AL and AA. Stages of asexual and sexual parasites in peripheral blood were determined morphologically. In 167 children there were significant increases in peripheral asexual parasitemia at 1 h, and in 15 of these, an insignificant increase in gametocytemia at 1 h, followed thereafter by a precipitous and significant fall in all patients. Time-course of GSR showed a female-male-female-biased cycle at 0 h, 4 h, and 8 h. Pre-treatment GSR and time-course of GSR post-treatment were independent of density in the additional cohort of 52 gametocyte carriers treated with AL or AA. Population changes were similar in AL- and AAtreated children. Treatment with AL or AA is associated with early increases in asexual and sexual parasites and is closely followed by rapid elimination of these parasites

Sustainability and Landscapes: An Assessment of Landscape Designs in selected Anglican Churches in Ibadan

It is quite paramount to understand the need and importance of sustainability and landscapes. In the designs and patterns of landscapes, approaches to identify and quantify landscape sustainability must be utilized. In religious environments including churches, landscapes differ, with varying adoptions of landscape elements. The aim of this study is to assess the sustainability of landscape designs in three selected Anglican churches in Ibadan. The methodology employed was qualitative approach, and data was collected from primary sources. The study revealed the levels of importance that have been placed on landscape design in these case studies for varying reasons. Hence it is recommended that there is a need for a rejuvenated sustainable landscape design strategy that would be incorporated from the beginning in the wholistic design of a church

A Simple Dose Regimen of Artesunate and Amodiaquine Based on Age or Body Weight Range for Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria in Children: Comparison of Therapeutic Efficacy With Standard Dose Regimen of Artesunate and Amodiaquine and Artemether–Lumefantrine

A new dose regimen of artesunate and amodiaquine (NDRAA) based on age or body weight range was compared with standard dose regimen of artesunate and amodiaquine (SDRAA) calculated according to body weight and with fixed-dose artesunate–amodiaquine (FDAA) and artemether–lumefantrine (AL) in 304 children afflicted by malaria aged 15 years or younger. In initial comparison (n = 208), children on NDRAA received 1–3 times amodiaquine per kilogram of body weight and 1–1.5 times of artesunate per kilogram of body weight compared with those receiving SDRAA. Parasite but not fever clearance was significantly faster in children who received NDRAA (19.4 ± 8.4 hours vs. 24.6 ± 15.5 hours, P = 0.003). Polymerase chain reaction–uncorrected cure rates on days 28–42 were also significantly higher in children who received NDRAA (P < 0.02 in all cases). Therapeutic responses in children younger than 5 years (n = 96) treated with NDRAA, FDAA, and AL were similar. Changes in hematocrit values and reported adverse events after commencing therapy were similar in those who received NDRAA and SDRAA. All drug regimens were well tolerated. NDRAA based on age or body weight range is simple, is therapeutically superior to SDRAA calculated according to body weight, and is as efficacious as AL in children younger than 5 years

A high performance liquid chromatographic assay of Mefloquine in saliva after a single oral dose in healthy adult Africans

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mefloquine-artesunate is a formulation of artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) recommended by the World Health Organization and historically the first ACT used clinically. The use of ACT demands constant monitoring of therapeutic efficacies and drug levels, in order to ensure that optimum drug exposure is achieved and detect reduced susceptibility to these drugs. Quantification of anti-malarial drugs in biological fluids other than blood would provide a more readily applicable method of therapeutic drug monitoring in developing endemic countries. Efforts in this study were devoted to the development of a simple, field applicable, non-invasive method for assay of mefloquine in saliva.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A high performance liquid chromatographic method with UV detection at 220 nm for assaying mefloquine in saliva was developed and validated by comparing mefloquine concentrations in saliva and plasma samples from four healthy volunteers who received single oral dose of mefloquine. Verapamil was used as internal standard. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Hypersil ODS column.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Extraction recoveries of mefloquine in plasma or saliva were 76-86% or 83-93% respectively. Limit of quantification of mefloquine was 20 ng/ml. Agreement between salivary and plasma mefloquine concentrations was satisfactory (r = 0.88, <it>p </it>< 0.001). Saliva:plasma concentrations ratio was 0.42.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Disposition of mefloquine in saliva paralleled that in plasma, making salivary quantification of mefloquine potentially useful in therapeutic drug monitoring.</p

Compliance of High-rise Buildings Vertical Accessibility Components with Universal Design Strategies: A Case Study of Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria

In recent times, with the increase in population, land areas that can accommodate the traditional school design model are becoming difficult to come by in urban areas or expensive. Therefore, for urban schools to accommodate the increasing population, school designs have shifted from outward horizontal arrangements to upward vertical designs. Consequently, this study examined the compliance of vertical accessibility components in high-rise buildings in Covenant University, Ota in Nigeria, with universal design strategies, with a view to identifying areas for further improvements, towards contributing to ways of promoting social inclusion in educational environments. The research is a qualitative case study of a tertiary institution that investigated two high-rise buildings on the university campus. An observation guide developed for the study and a digital camera were used to collect primary field data. The data were content analysed and presented using descriptive approach with the aid of texts and pictures. The findings revealed that ramps, steps/staircases and lifts are the vertical accessibility components provided in the high-rise buildings, all of which were found to exhibit various levels of inconsistencies with universal design strategies. One of the key recommendations of the study is to retrofit the buildings with necessary accessible features where they are lacking or inappropriately provided, where possible. The study will be useful to researchers, students, educators, policy makers and building design professionals in addressing issues relating to universal design of the built environment, particularly as it relates to the provision of equitable vertical movement features in high-rise public buildings

Early variations in plasmodium falciparum dynamics in Nigerian children after treatment with two artemisinin-based combinations: implications on delayed parasite clearance

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Combination treatments, preferably containing an artemisinin derivative, are recommended to improve efficacy and prevent <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>drug resistance. Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate-amodiaquine (AA) are efficacious regimens that have been widely adopted in sub-Saharan Africa. However, most study designs ignore the effects of these regimens on peripheral parasitaemia in the first 24 hours of therapy. The study protocol was designed to evaluate more closely the early effects and the standard measures of efficacies of these two regimens.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In an open label, randomized controlled clinical trial, children aged 12 months to 132 months were randomized to receive AL (5-14 kg, one tablet; 15-24 kg, two tablets and 25-34 kg, three tablets twice daily) or artesunate (4 mg/kg daily) plus amodiaquine (10 mg/kg daily) for three days. Peripheral blood smears were made hourly in the first 4 hours, 8 h, 16 h, 24 h, and daily on days 2-7, and on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 for microscopic identification and quantification of <it>Plasmodium falciparum</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 193 children were randomized to receive either AL (97) or AA (96). In children that received both medications, early response of peripheral parasitaemia showed that 42% of children who received AL and 36.7% of those who received AA had an immediate rise in peripheral parasitaemia (0-4 h after treatment) followed by a rapid fall. The rise in parasitaemia was significant and seems to suggest a mobilization of asexual parasites from the deep tissues to the periphery. Days 3, 7, 14, 28, and 42 cure rates in the per protocol (PP) population were > 90% in both groups of children. Both drug combinations were well tolerated with minimal side effects.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The study showed the high efficacy of AL and AA in Nigerian children. In addition the study demonstrated the mobilisation of asexual parasites from the deep to the periphery in the early hours of commencing ACT treatment in a subset of patients in both study groups. It is unclear whether the early parasite dynamics discovered in this study play any role in the development of drug resistance and thus it is important to further evaluate this discovery. It may be useful for studies investigating delay in parasite clearance of artemisinin derivatives as a way of monitoring the development of resistance to artemisinin to assess the early effects of the drugs on the parasites.</p