Cataloguing and classification in the era of artificial intelligence: Benefits, and challenges from the perspective of cataloguing librarians in Oyo State, Nigeria

Goal: This study has examined cataloguing and classification in the era of artificial intelligence, benefits, and challenges from the perspective of cataloguing librarians in Oyo state, Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted a purely qualitative method using interviews for data collection. The target population was the cataloguing and classification librarians in academic libraries in Southwest Nigeria. The sample comprised 21 cataloguing and classification librarians working in the cataloguing and classification section of 10 university libraries in Southwest Nigeria. Four research questions were developed and answered. Findings/Results: The findings revealed that cataloguing librarians are aware of the application of artificial intelligence for cataloguing and classification. Artificial intelligence enhances automatic cataloguing and classification using optical character recognition, assists in undertaking stressful work that humans may struggle to do; completes tasks faster than a human being and enables libraries to provide accurate cataloguing and classification services with fewer errors; saving time and money, assisting libraries to create metadata for digital resources and allowing cataloguing to increase the speed of metadata generation. The challenges associated with the application of AI to cataloguing and classification practices from the perspective of cataloguing and classification librarians are funding, irregular power supply and inadequate skilled personnel to handle AI. Currently, there is no strategic plan in place for the implementation of AI for cataloguing and classification in academic libraries in Nigeria. Originality and Values: Based on the findings, the study recommends that a strategic plan should be initiated in all academic libraries in Nigeria to allow the real-life practice of using AI for cataloguing and classification

An evaluation of intra-operative and post-operative blood loss in total knee arthroplasty at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Lagos

Background: Total knee replacement is a rewarding and reliable procedure, producing a lasting relief to severe knee pains. However, significant blood loss usually in the post-operative period may be a challenge, necessitating prompt restoration of circulating blood volume to minimize morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate blood loss after total knee replacementPatients and Methods: A prospective study of blood loss after Total Knee Arthroplasty in 53 patients in the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Lagos. Consecutive patients with established indications, presenting for total knee arthroplasty were recruited into the study after obtaining their consent.Results: The mean intra-operative blood loss was 342.4 mls, with a range of 50 - 1500 mls. The mean post-operative blood loss and total blood loss were 603.6 mls and 940.3 mls respectively, showing a strong positive correlation (r = 0.884, p < 0.01). The average pre-operative and post-operative haemoglobin concentration were 12.5 ± 1.2 g/dl and 9.8 ± 0.9 g/dl, respectively. The mean haemoglobin loss was 2.6 ± 1.2 g/dl (r = 0.46, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Post-operative blood loss as measured by suction drainage, is a good predictor of total blood loss, showing a strong and positive correlation.Keywords: Total Knee Arthroplasty, Blood loss, Tourniquet, Surgical time

Comparative analysis of the profitability of rice production systems in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study describes the socioeconomic characteristics of rice farmers, identifies the production system used by the farmers, compares the profitability of rice production systems, identifies the factors influencing the choice of production systems among the farmers as well as the constraints to rice production systems. A three-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 120 rice farmers on whom a set structured questionnaire was administered. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression model. Results show that 48.3%, 35% and 16.7% of the farmers cultivate rice using the upland, lowland and the combined production systems respectively. The findings also reveal variability in yield, profit and income across the rice production systems. The gross margins for lowland, upland and combined rice production systems were N65,735.73, N67,900.89 and N78,015.57 per hectare respectively. The factors that influenced the choice of upland production system relative to combined production system were age, household size, farming years and extension visits while the factors that influenced the choice for combined rice production system relative to lowland rice production system was income. Inadequate finance to purchase inputs, problem of pests and diseases, and unfavorable climatic conditions are the constraints faced by rice farmers in the upland, lowland and combined production systems. The combined production systems had the highest return per hectare. Therefore, the study recommends that farmers should be encouraged to choose the combined rice production system for optimum profitability of rice production