Examination Malpractices and Roles of Librarians in Nigeria

Examination is a driving force for determining the future of schooling and learning. The future of education is being endangered by examination malpractices which seem to have defied solutions, as all measures applied so far have been faulted by fraudsters. The purpose of this paper therefore is to bring to light the various ways and means by which Librarians in Nigeria could enhance a seamless transition from academic dishonesty/misconduct to honest work that leads to great success. The paper thus discusses examination malpractices in its various dimensions. The devastating effects of examination malpractices on students’ educational growth and development, educational institutions and the society as a whole were also highlighted. The roles of libraries and librarians in curbing this societal menace are also discussed while recommendations for its alleviation, if not totally elimination from the Nigerian educational system are proffered from a librarian’s point of view. Keywords: Academic Dishonesty, Examination Malpractices, Roles of Nigerian Librarians

Use of Information Technology Resources: A Case Study of Osun State University Library, Nigeria.

The Study examined the use of Information Technology Resources in Osun State University Library. It investigated the resources used for the information technology and evaluates the availability, the accessibility and readiness of Osun State University Library Professional staff in using information technology in rendering services to the staff and the students of the University. The Study revealed that, despite the fact  that the information technology has been put in place in the library to perform certain library routines, majority of the professional librarians were not using CD-ROM to enrich their work as well as encouraging the users i.e., staff, student and the researchers to use the CD-ROM for their research work. The study also revealed that the internet connectivity in the library is very slow,  not encouraging and that there was problem of power outage. The study recommended that a breed of experts and continuous training programme to handle and operate the latest technology in libraries is a dire need, provision of fiber and dedicated internet for the library with a back-up internet plan should be provided. Also standby generating set and Inverter should be provided for the smooth running of the University Library. Keywords: Framework, Information Technology, University Library, Readiness Assessmen

Ethnobotanical study of plants used for treating intestinal worms in Ibadan, Nigeria

Poverty and poor sanitation in sub-Saharan Africa are the main reasons for parasitic infection prevalence. Medicinal herbs have been sources of natural and cheaper remedies for the treatment of many parasitic infections, including intestinal parasites. The study aimed to document medicinal herbs used in treating intestinal worm infections in the Ibadan metropolis through an ethnobotanical survey. The three main traditional herb markets, Oje, Oja Oba and Iwo Road, in Ibadan city, were purposively selected for the survey. The respondents, who were mainly herb sellers, were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The information obtained included demographic information, names of plants used in the treatment of worms, plant parts, dosage and method of preparation. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and the Relative Frequency Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) of the mentioned plants were calculated. The survey revealed 45 plants that are used in the treatment of intestinal worms in Ibadan. These plants belong to 31 families. The most frequently mentioned plants with their RFCs were Cryptolepis sanguinoleta (Lindl.) Schltr (0.39) and Aristolochia albida Duch (0.39) while most of the plants belong to the Families Apocynaceae and Euphorbiaceae. The roots (25%) and the leaves (18.75%) were the most commonly used plant parts. Most of the plants were indicated to be used singly while some were used in combinations of two or more. The study has revealed the medicinal plants that are used against intestinal parasites. Thus, bioassay studies to confirm the claims should be carried out to establish the activities of these plants

Evaluation of viability of lactic acid bacteria in a Nigerian commercial yogurt and its antagonistic effects on selected strains of diarrheagenic Eschericia coli

Background: Yogurt is one of the most popular fermented milk products worldwide and has gained widespread consumer acceptance as a healthy food supplements. It provides an array of nutrients in significant amount in relation to its energy, fat contents and other health benefits. The micro organism in the final product must be viable and abundant enough to confer health benefits to consumers.Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the viability of lactic acid bacteria in selected yoghurt at refrigerated and room temperature storage conditions and antimicrobial properties of the selected yoghurt against diarrheagenic E.coli.Methods: The viability of LAB was assessed in Quincy yogurt for one month using pour plate method at refrigerated and room temperature storage conditions. The antimicrobial activities of LAB in the yoghurt against 6 diarrheagenic E.coli strains were assessed by coculture method at lower (104 cfu/ml) and higher (2.1 x 106 to 1.64 x 108 cfu/ml) pathogen concentrations.Results: The viable count of LAB in yoghurt decline from 5.3 log10 cfu/ml to 4.2 log10 cfu/ml and 5.3 log10 cfu/ml to 4.4 log10 cfu/ml for room temperature and refrigeration respectively. No E. coli strain survived in yoghurt samples after incubation for 24 hours at lower pathogen concentration while reductions of 2 log to total inhibition were observed at higher pathogen concentration.Conclusion: This study reports interesting high antimicrobial properties of yoghurt against diarrheagenic E. coli strains. Storage of the tested yogurt at room temperature still retained relatively high log count of lactic acid bacteria over 1 month period, however, storage at refrigerated temperature retained higher quantities of lactic acid bacteria..Keywords: Yogurt, Diarrhea, Probiotics, Intestinal Pathogens, Storage

The European controversy in the Conservative party 1988-1994.

The thesis will focus on the divisions which emerged within the Conservative parliamentary party after the acceleration of European integration in the late 1980s. The thesis uses an analytical typology to show how the conflict over European integration led to a realignment of the Conservative parliamentary party and a split within the Thatcherite grouping. This typology is developed as a result of identifying the key ideological dynamics at work in the European dispute. These dynamics have given birth to distinct groupings within the party: - Thatcherite Nationalists, Neo-Liberal Integrationists and Interventionist Integrationists. A key factor in the Thatcherite Nationalists' hostility to Europe is the centrality of nationhood in the Conservative ideological tradition. From the late nineteenth century onwards, Tory leaders used nationhood as the basis for their party's survival in industrial Britain. The key aspect of nationhood ideology is the emphasis placed by Tory leaders on Britain's global ambition and identity. The Tory European groupings are divided on the question of whether Britain. should pursue an Atlanticist or Europeanist foreign policy. The thesis will show that foreign policy developments over the last forty years have widened the divide between the Tory groupings on this issue. The Thatcherite Nationalists' hostility to European integration intensified once the integrationist dynamics within the European Union became apparent. These dynamics were incompatible with the concept of a Europe of free trading nation states. The Nationalists became committed to reversing these integrationist developments. The Thatcherite Nationalists and the Neo-Liberal Integrationists differ fundamentally on the issue of the single currency. The Nationalists believe that monetary union can never command popular legitimacy. The Integrationists argue that monetary union is a more effective means of attaining traditional Thatcherite objectives of price stability and sound finance

Awareness and Usage of Open Access among University Lecturers in Nigeria

The study examined the level of awareness and usage of Open Access among lecturers in the Faculties of Arts and Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria. A questionnaire designed by the researchers was employed to collect data for the study. The study revealed that lecturers had high level of awareness of Open Access and used them for conducting and publishing their scholarly works; however their level of awareness of Open Access content were higher than their actual use of the contents. The study further revealed that some lecturers used some open access contents, such as, e-journals, e-dictionaries and e-encyclopedias daily, weekly, monthly and whenever the need arises while some others like e-handbooks, e-guides and e-technical reports were not used at all. It further revealed that Open Access journals were the most utilised of all the Open Access contents surveyed amongst ot her findings. Many recommendations were proffered amongst which were sensitisation of faculty about benefits, challenges and policies guiding Open Access use through information literacy training provided by academic librarians and that academic staff should made themselves available for information literacy training programmes so as to make wise and effective use of Open Access to enhance their academic status. Keywords: Awareness and Usage of Electronic Resources; Open Access Scholarly Communication, Nigerian Universities, Nigerian Lecturers’ Use of Electronic Resources; Scholarly Publishing

Cervical cancer screening and practice in low resource countries: Nigeria as a case study

Cervical cancer is the most common female genital tract malignancy in Nigeria and majority of the patients present with advanced disease. It is a preventable cancer as there are well‑defined treatable premalignant phases. The objective of the study is to review the burden of cervical cancer, its screening modalities, and practice of screening and treatment in low resource countries with emphasis on Nigeria. This is a review involving internet and literature search. While developed countries have recorded significant reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer owing to organizedscreening programs, treatment of premalignant cervical lesions, and follow‑up of treated cases, developing countries including Nigeria are yet to optimally utilize screening services due to lack of organized population‑based screening programs with only pockets of screening services which are at best opportunistic. This has not reduced the incidence of cancer because only a fraction of the target population is covered. Apart from this, loss to follow‑up is rampant. The level of awareness of cervical cancer and its preventive strategies are low among the population and policymakers in Nigeria. There is no organized screening program, and the few services available are only opportunistic with little or no impact. Development of cervical cancer screening policy and institution of organized screening program targeted at covering ≥80% of population at risk is fundamental. There is also a need for widespread education of the populace on the burden of cervical cancer and the public health importance of the disease using the mass media, counseling at antenatal clinics, and the involvement of men will contribute immensely to reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. Decentralization of services by incorporation of cervical screening and treatment in primary health care programs will ensure adequate rural‑urban coverage.Keywords: Cervical cancer screening; human papillomavirus, low resource countries; Nigeria; premalignant diseas

The forensic relevance of sexual fantasy: internal mental models, self-Representation and personality

Practitioners working within forensic environments will be acutely aware of the diverse risks, complex treatment needs and unique responsivity issues found within the multifaceted marginal group of sexual offenders. Deviant sexual fantasy (DSF) is considered to be important in the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders. Despite the recent growth in research, conclusions remain inconsistent on the significance of fantasy in offending behaviour. Furthermore, the underlying structural components of fantasy remain relatively unexplored. The aim of this thesis was to explore the forensic relevance of the fantasy phenomenon predominantly related to sexual offending populations. This was done by investigating the cognitive components of fantasy in regards to the intersection between fantasy, cognition, personality and self-representation (the latter constructs being considered as reflections of individual internal mental models). Chapter one provided a context to the thesis by presenting an argument that fantasy is forensically relevant in terms of implicit beliefs (offence supportive), cognitions (cognitive distortions, offence supportive beliefs) and personality organisation and functioning (e.g. coping mechanisms). Chapter two detailed a literature review following a systematic approach, exploring the role of fantasy within sexual offending behaviour. Sixteen studies were included in the review. An associative relationship was found between offence supportive fantasy and sex offending behaviour. Personality (among others) was identified as one of the moderating factors within this relationship. However, key methodological limitations with the included studies were discussed. Chapter three utilised a case study approach to consider the complexities of assessment and treatment for a medium risk internet sexual offender (ST). This chapter explored ST’s vulnerabilities in depth (low self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties, emotional dysregulation, rigid cognitive style) and provided a comprehensive assessment and formulation of risk (fantasy experiences reinforce offence supportive attitudes and cognitive distortions). Results suggested that fantasy could be mapped onto personality, organisation and functioning. ST’s fantasy life was considered a latent variable that only became an acute and dynamic risk factor when combined with his distorted attitudes. Chapter four detailed a critique of the MCMI-III. Specific emphasis was placed on assessing the utility of the measure within forensic settings and how this could supplement assessment of fantasy experiences. The tool was found to be psychometrically stable, however it was suggested that use with a sex offender population is approached with caution. Chapter five investigated associations between personality, fantasy proneness and sexual fantasies, in addition to exploring the function and structural components of sexual fantasy. An anonymous electronic questionnaire (containing several psychometric questionnaires e.g. IPIP-50, WSFQ, CEQ) was presented online for a period of 12 weeks. 259 males participated in the study. Links to fantasy proneness, certain personality markers (e.g. agreeableness, intellect/imagination) and early abusive experiences were found. Static fantasy experiences were associated with conscientiousness. Behavioural expression of fantasy was associated with extraversion. ‘Vividness’ of sexual fantasy was explained by the following themes: 1) Boundaries of imagination 2) Context 3) Structure of fantasy and, 4) Fantasy-Reality distinction. Finally, chapter six provides a conclusion to the thesis by summarising the main findings, with particular emphasis on how findings relate more directly to the fantasy phenomenon. The main suppositions and recommendations are as follows: • Fantasies prime self-other associations. Thus, indirect measures of fantasy may be useful and allow the cognitive mapping of fantasy. • A tiered definition of offence related fantasy is recommended pertaining to frequency, vividness, level of intrusion and the risk relevance. • Control (and disintegration of), coping and cognitive capabilities are implicated as important concepts for fantasy prone individuals. To a certain point, offence related fantasy may act as a protective factor for some individuals, until the fantasy can no longer satiate their needs. • The temporal ordering of fantasy function is important in determining risk relevance pertaining to protective factors (emotional regulation), risk inducing factors (priming offender identity) and high risk situations. • Fantasy generation is a skill; the more involvement an individual has with their internal world the more adept they will be at generating complex fantasy experiences and, in turn, the more enmeshed fantasy and reality can become. • Grounding techniques and acceptance commitment therapy may be a useful treatment recommendation for individuals that experience offence related fantasy. Discussion is augmented within contemporary theoretical perspectives in order to consider clinical implications. Limitations of the current thesis and recommendations for future research are also outlined

Use of Smart Phone among Para-Professional Librarians in Olabisi Onabanjo University Library, Nigeria

This study attempted to investigate how para-professional librarians (Library Officers cadre and only Assistant Library Officers) in Olabisi Onabanjo University (O.O.U) Library, Nigeria used smart phone to embrace academic library services. A questionnaire and an interview schedule were used to collect data for the study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The study revealed that all the library paraprofessional staff had and used smart phones for personal, official and library services, but the use for library services and routines (across the items for library services) were on a lower side. The study further revealed that gender of para-professional librarians does not influence smart phone use amongst other findings. The study thus recommended provision of good telecommunication facilities, integration of full mobile library applications and services into academic library functions and services and training of library staff for effective deployment of phone use for library services amongst others. Keywords: Library Services, Mobile Phones Use, Nigerian Para-Professional Librarians, Smart Phone Use, Smart Phone Use for Library Services, New Media