Information needs and access of Members of Vigilante in Adamawa State, North -East Nigeria

ABSTRACT The study investigated the Information needs and access of Members of Vigilante in Adamawa state, North-eastern Nigeria, one of the three states bedeviled by the Boko Haram insurgency. Quantitative research methodology and Cross-sectional survey design was applied for the study. The population of the study comprised of One Thousand Four Hundred Members (1400) drawn from Nineteen (19) local governments areas in the state. Krejcie and Morgan Table (1970) was used to draw (302) members as sample of the population, while Walpole’s (1982) formula for proportions was used in arriving at a sample for each stratum (i.e. each local government area). In collecting data, a total of Three Hundred and Two (302) copies of questionnaires were administered, and Two Hundred and Forty 240 copies (79.47%) were returned and found useful. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The outcome of the study revealed that the information needs of members were daily mainly work related and from informal sources, as there were no public libraries/information centers in 17 local governments’ areas of the state. The outcome of the research also revealed barriers to information access to include general lack of formal information infrastructure such as libraries/information centers, poor and unreliable informal information sources, as well as lack of training on information literacy skills for members of Vigilante. It is recommended that there is a need for those involved in vigilante information delivery to continuously examine and identify evolving information needs of members of vigilante in order to meet such needs. Government should resuscitate the dying public libraries in all the local government areas of Adamawa state to provide information services. Libraries should organize training on information literacy and other information use skills for members of vigilante, because if this is done, it will enhance and improve information access across communities in Adamawa state. Finally, information resources be repackaged in order to take care of challenges of proximity to sources of information, language barrier and other challenges faced by members of vigilante

Forensic Accounting and Incidence of Fraud Detection: Evidence from Nigeria

The study described and explained forensic accounting and the incidence of fraud detection in Nigeria. The objectives of this study were to identify personal skills requirements and, assess the types of investigative techniques used in forensic accounting. A literature review was conducted to set up the conceptual and theoretical framework for the study. A quantitative approach was used by administering a structured questionnaire. A total of 101 investigators from Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were used as sample for the study. We employed Jarque Bera statistics to conduct the analysis using the E views software. There is a significant relationship between forensic accounting personal skills; investigative techniques and fraud detection in Nigeria. The scope of the study was only in Nigeria and all samples were drawn from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The study concluded despite all fraudulent activities, forensic accounting is proffering solutions for fraud prevention and detection in Nigeria.  It was recommended for practitioners to engage in further training on forensic accounting personal skills and techniques

A review on emerging pathogenesis of COVID-19 and points of concern for research communities in Nigeria

Background: COVID-19 remains an emerging pandemic that continuously poses an alarming threat and challenge to economic, social and well-being of the people throughout the world. It also remains an evolving disease which complete pathogenesis that translates into clinical features is only just emerging by each second of the day. There have been observations about the emerging trends of the disease in Nigeria like in any other country in the world where there is outbreak. This study examined from evidence-based literature the emerging pathogenesis of COVID-19 and important points of concern of the disease in Nigeria.Materials and Methods: The paper reviewed published articles in PubMed and Google Scholar using search terms „COVID-19” and “SARS-CoV-2”, as well as searched for general COVID-19 information on internet.Results: The result summarized literature on emerging pathogenesis of COVID-19 and important points of concern as well as research questions as to the peculiar trends of the disease in Nigeria.Conclusion: Pathogenesis of COVID-19 remains an emerging knowledge and there are many important research questions that need to be scientifically answered for a successful containment of COVID-19 in Nigeria. It is recommended that all members of intellectual research communities should join the fight against COVID-19 pandemic

A REVIEW ON EMERGING PATHOGENESIS OF COVID-19 AND POINTS OF CONCERN FOR RESEARCH COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA

Background: COVID-19 remains an emerging pandemic that continuously poses an alarming threat and challenge to economic, social and wellbeing of the people throughout the world. It also remains an evolving disease which complete pathogenesis that translates into clinical features is only just emerging by each second of the day. There have been observations about the emerging trends of the disease in Nigeria like in any other country in the world where there is outbreak. This study examined from evidence-based literature the emerging pathogenesis of COVID-19 and important points of concern of the disease in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The paper reviewed published articles in PubMed and Google Scholar using search terms ‘COVID-19” and “SARS-CoV-2”, as well as searched for general COVID-19 information on internet. Results: The result summarized literature on emerging pathogenesis of COVID-19 and important points of concern as well as research questions as to the peculiar trends of the disease in Nigeria. Conclusion: Pathogenesis of COVID-19 remains an emerging knowledge and there are many important research questions that need to be scientifically answered for a successful containment of COVID-19 in Nigeria. It is recommended that all members of intellectual research communities should join the fight against COVID-19 pandemic

Characterization and Evaluation of Gum Arabic Coated Sand as Proppants for Hydraulic Fracturing Applications

Luwa sand was characterized and used to design a proppant for reservoir stimulation/hydraulic fracturing applications. This involves describing the sand in terms of its physicochemical properties, including Sieve analysis, proppant sphericity and roundness measurement, acid solubility measurement, turbidity test, bulk density measurement, proppant crush-resistance test and loss on ignition test (LOI). Additional tests on hardness and elemental (XRF) were also conducted. X-ray fluorescence analysis of the sand indicates that the sand contains higher percentages of Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) than Silicon oxide (SiO2). The hardness test on the Mohs scale confirmed the sand materials as topaz, i.e. not purely corundum (a crystalline form of aluminium oxide) or purely quartz with a hardness value of 8. This value is more complex than silicon oxide, with a hardness value of 7, and less than corundum, with a hardness value of 9. The Luwa sand is uniformly graded; more than 90% of the sand falls within the specified particle range of 20/40 mesh size. The 20/40 mesh-designed proppant shows favourable qualities for consideration as a proppant. However, the sand exhibits low crush resistance at pressures of 3000 psi and, therefore, cannot be applied in reservoirs with closure stress of up to 3000 psi. Because of the low crush strength of Luwa sand, gum Arabic resin was used to coat the sand for improved mechanical and chemical stability. The new resin-coated sand was further tested for crush resistance and acid solubility. The result shows a significant improvement in the crush resistance above 3000 psi with less than 5% fines generated. Generally, the uncoated sand produces less than 10% fines at stresses less than 3000 psi and is considered to have a 2 K value, while the resin-coated proppant generates 10% fines above 6000 psi. The resin coated can be classified as having a 5K value and can be applied in reservoirs with closure stress of up to 5000 psi or less

Evaluation of Emergency Obstetric Care Services in Primary Health Care Facilities in Niger State: A Mixed Methods Study

Background: Primary health care (PHC) is built on the principles of equity in the distribution of quality health care, active community participation in health care programmes and emphasis on prevention of illnesses rather than cure. The main objectives of maternal health services in the primary health care programme are to ensure that every expectant mother maintains good health throughout the maternity cycle. Aim: The main aim of this study is to evaluate the provision of emergency obstetrics care (EmOC) in Primary Health Care facilities. Materials and Methods: Utilizing the mixed research design, data were collected from 887 women, 69 male participants and 24 healthcare providers across 24 PHC facilities in Niger State selected through the multistage sampling technique using the questionnaire, focus group discussion, indepth interview and facility assessment. Ethical approval and all necessary permission were obtained from the Niger State Primary Health Care Agency, stakeholders and the participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and transcription. Results: Findings from the study revealed that prolonged/obstructed labour, hypertension in pregnancy, bleeding in pregnancy, anaemia, retained placenta and breech presentation of the baby during childbirth were among the maternal health problems occurring in the study locations. Also, there were no facilities for the provision of EmOC services in the PHC facilities. Conclusion: Although prolonged/obstructed labour, hypertension in pregnancy, bleeding in pregnancy, anaemia, postpartum haemorrhage and retained placenta were among the frequently occurring maternal health problems, EmOC services were not provided in almost all the PHC facilities visited. It is therefore recommended that efforts should be made to improve the state of the PHC facilities.&nbsp

Effect of Micro Economic Factors on Residential Property Value in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

The research aims to assess the microeconomic factors affecting residential property values in Birnin Kebbi. Property serves as an asset for any individual, as real estate is one of life\u27s primary goals. Besides the need to eat and drink, property also plays a crucial role in daily life. Property values are influenced by various factors, which can be either microeconomic or macroeconomic in nature, or both. Many microeconomic variables are related to property attributes and buyer demographic profiles. To achieve this aim, two objectives were formulated: (i) to examine the types of property and microeconomic factors affecting property values in the study area, and (ii) to assess the effect of microeconomic factors on residential property values. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used for data collection. Out of 377 questionnaires administered, 321 were retrieved. Simple random sampling and stratified random sampling methods were employed. Quantitative methods were used for data analysis, and all data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Likert scale. The study found that physical characteristics of residential properties, such as types of materials used, building design, room sizes, parking spaces, building age, and landscape, significantly influence property values. Additionally, the types of finishes (roofs, walls, ceilings, and floors), infrastructural facilities, and social amenities (number of toilets, electricity fittings, waste disposal and sewage, potable water supply, and various sanitation facilities) also play a role. The effects of microeconomic variables on property values in the study area include insecurity, increased traffic, property price changes, nuisances, environmental quality, property demand, and time consumption. The study recommends that prospective property developers ensure the use of standard building finishes to maximize returns on their investment in property value. Additionally, the government should introduce policies to ease difficulties in importing housing materials and promote the manufacture of local ones

Antiplasmodial Efficacy Of Methanolic Root And Leaf Extracts Of Morinda lucida

Development of antimalarial drugs from medicinal plants continues to be a very appealing option. Morindalucida, commonly known as “Ugigo” by the Ebira people in Kogi State North-Central Nigeria, is used in the treatment of malaria, fever, amongst other ailments. Therapeutic effects of the methanolic root extract and a combination of extracts of the leaf and root parts were evaluated in Plasmodium bergheiinfection in mice. Percentage suppression of parasitaemia for the methanolic root extract was 56.30, 59.84, 67.72 and 81.80% for doses of 100, 200, 400mg/kg body weight of the extract, and 5mg/kg chloroquine respectively. The mean survival period in days were 15.00 ± 0.70, 18.75 ± 0.5, 19.75 ± 1.39, 23.25 ± 1.38 and 8.75 ± 1.25, for 100, 200, 400mg/kg body weight of the extract, 5mg/kg chloroquine, and the untreated control respectively. Effective dose dependent inhibitions of parasitaemia were also observed in the curative test. In the combination study, it was observed that, the antimalarial activity for leaf and root was slightly more, compared to that of each of the extracts, as seen in parasite inhibition, after 5days of treatment (26.00, 20.00, 25.28, 21.35, 27.00, 19.50, 8.5 and 85.00), for 100, 200mg/kg leaf extract alone, 100 and 200mg/kg root extract alone, 50, 100mg/kg leaf and root extracts, 5mg/kg chloroquine and control groups respectively. It is concluded that the methanolic root and leaf extracts of Morindalucida are potentially useful for the development of antimalarial drug. Key words: Antimalaria, Percentage suppression, Morinda lucida, Plasmodium berghei, Parasitaemi

Estimation of public radiological dose from mining activities in some selected cities in Nigeria

Mining activities is one of the most significant sources of radiation exposure from long-lived naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs), and have resulted in unjustifiable public exposure doses which contravene radiation protection standards. As a result, estimating the extent of such exposure is essential for keeping the recommended public dose limit. This study therefore aims at estimating the public radiation dose around mining areas and its environs in some selected cities across Nigeria. Data on measured activity concentration of NORMs radionuclides comprising of U-238, Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 from soil round mining areas in some selected cities in Nigeria were extracted from previous literatures and are used for public dose estimation using RESRAD computer code. From the calculated mean activity concentration, the results from each mining locations shows the maximum dose are lower than International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), commended public dosage boundary of 1 mSv/yr with highest dose of 0.91 mSv/yr from Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 over the period of 47.9 years reported from Gura Top mining site in Jos, Plateau State, while the lowest dose of 0.09 mSv/yr each over the period of 14.06 and 20.27 years occurred at Itagunmodi and Arufu sites for U-238, Th-232 and K-40. The highest dose recorded in Gura Top was due to numerous mining activities in the region. According to the ICRP, there is no safe level of radiation exposure. Therefore, there is need for competent authorities to conduct periodic assessment of radiation exposure from mining sites to ensure that all exposure emanating as a result of such activities are kept below the prescribed dose limit in accordance to the principle of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), thereby ensuring public protection from unjustified radiation exposure

Subjective reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and sociodemographic predictors of vaccination in Nigeria: an online survey

The purpose of this study was to examine the subjective reasons for hesitancy to receive COVID-19 vaccination and the sociodemographic factors associated with vaccination uptake. An online social media survey was conducted among the general Nigerian population using a self-developed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression with crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p value of less than 0.05. A total of 576 participants with a mean age of 31.86 years participated in the study. 28% (n = 158) received one or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Teachers were significantly less likely than health professionals to be vaccinated (AOR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.16–0.69). In addition, unemployed people (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–0.89) were less likely to be vaccinated than government employees, and those of intermediate socioeconomic status (AOR = 0.47 95% CI 0.26–0.88) were less likely to be vaccinated than were those of high socioeconomic status. Five main themes emerged regarding participants’ subjective reasons for hesitating to receive the COVID-19 vaccine: fear related to vaccine content (e.g., efficacy), negative effects on the body (e.g., blood clots), distrust of the system/government (e.g., politics), psychological concerns (e.g., anxiety), and misconceptions. Sociodemographic variables and vaccine misconceptions were found to play an important role in COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Nigeria