Influence of ICT on Reference Services in Selected University Libraries in South-West Nigeria

In university libraries in South-west Nigeria, the use of ICT at the reference section is becoming rampant especially at the reference section. However, research assessing the impact of ICT on reference collections and services in the Nigeria University’s libraries context has been ignored. In the light of this, this study examines the impact of ICT on reference collections and services in selected university libraries in south-west Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 10 universities libraries out of the 21 university libraries in the South West Nigeria. Interview and questionnaire were used as data collection instrument. Collected data was analyzed using the percentage and frequency count. A total of 200 copies of questionnaire were administered. The respondents were given the questionnaire at the reference section of the selected University libraries. Four research questions were answered by the study. These are: i. What are the impacts of traditional reference collections and services on users of selected academic libraries? ii. What are the impacts of digital reference collections and services on users of selected academic libraries? And, iii. What are the challenges of ICT on reference collections and services in the selected academic libraries? The results revealed that a total number of six out of the ten Universities examined in this research have adopted ICT at their reference section and library users in the provision of reference services are satisfied with the services offered at the reference section than those that have not adopted ICT. The study also revealed that the adoption of ICT at the reference section of academic libraries in South-west Nigeria has some associated challenges. The challenges revealed by the study are: electricity problem, incomplete automation, reduced patronage (because of the availability of search engines), changing technology, high cost of ICT equipment as well as ICT illiteracy on the part of the library users. Despite the challenges faced by the staff and students in the adoption of ICT at the reference section of academic libraries, it was found that librarians/ library staff are foreseeing a bright future in ICT adoption for reference collection and services. The study recommends that more electronic resources should be provided at the reference section

Enzyme immobilisation on amino-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes : structural and biocatalytic characterisation

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is to investigate the structure and function of enzymes immobilised on nanomaterials. This work will allow better understanding of enzyme-nanomaterial interactions, as well as designing functional protein-nanomaterial conjugates. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were functionalised with amino groups to improve solubility and biocompatibility. The pristine and functionalised forms of MWNTs were characterised with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis was done to examine the degree of the functionalisation process. An immobilised biocatalyst was prepared on functionalised nanomaterial by covalent binding. Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase was used as a model enzyme. The structural change of the immobilised and free lipases were characterised with transmission electron Microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Circular dichroism spectroscopy. Biochemical characterisation of immobilised enzyme showed broader pH and thermal optima compared to soluble form. Reusability of the immobilised enzyme for hydrolysis of long chain esters was demonstrated up to ten cycles. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Lipase immobilised on MWNTs has exhibited significantly improved thermal stability. The exploration of advanced nanomaterial for enzyme immobilisation support using sophisticated techniques makes nanobiocatalyst of potential interest for biosensor applications

Efficacy of Major Plant Extracts/Molecules on Field Insect Pests

Insect pests are considered the major hurdle in enhancing the production and productivity of any farming system. The use of conventional synthetic pesticides has led to the emergence of pesticide-resistant insects, environmental pollution, and negative effects on natural enemies, which have caused an ecological imbalance of the predator-prey ratio and human health hazards; therefore, eco-friendly alternative strategies are required. The plant kingdom, a rich repertoire of secondary metabolites, can be tapped as an alternative for insect pest management strategies. A number of plants have been documented to have insecticidal properties against various orders of insects in vitro by acting as antifeedants, repellents, sterilant and oviposition deterrents, etc. However, only a few plant compounds are applicable at the field level or presently commercialised. Here, we have provided an overview of the broad-spectrum insecticidal activity of plant compounds from neem, Annona, Pongamia, and Jatropha. Additionally, the impact of medicinal plants, herbs, spices, and essential oils has been reviewed briefl

Clinical Spectrum of Benign Breast Diseases In Osogbo, Nigeria.

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The Acceptance and the Perception of Mastectomy by Males whose Spouses are Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in South Western, Nigeria: Are male spouses an obstacle?

Of several modalities of treatments available for breast cancers, mastectomy is the most dramatic and traumatic. This is because it involves the removal of an organ of a woman's sexuality and with the attendant risk of marital disharmony. This study investigated the perception and the acceptance of mastectomy among male spouses of female patients with breast cancers. We prospectively recruited 108 participants from two teaching hospitals and a private hospital in South Western, Nigeria. The study recruited spouses of female patients newly diagnosed with breast cancers that were yet to have surgery. Relevant data were obtained through interview of the participants by the authors. The mean age of participants in the study was 44.34(±5.7) years. Less than half (48.1%) of the participants accepted the procedure for their female spouses prior to counseling which rose up to 84.3% after counseling. The main reason for declining mastectomy was disfigurement. Age greater than 65 years (p=0.0274), previous knowledge of mastectomy (p=0.0107) and counseling (p<0.001) were associated with higher acceptance rate while educational status, religion and social class showed no statistical significant difference. Spouses of patients with locally advanced diseases accepted mastectomy more readily for their female partners as compared to those with early and metastatic diseases (p<0.001). About 79% of those who accepted the procedure prior to counseling would exhibit negative behavior toward their partners. Majority of male spouses of females with breast cancers would not readily accept mastectomy for their female spouses and would have negative perception of their partners after mastectomy. We thus recommend that health care workers should involve men in breast cancer related education.Keywords: Acceptance, mastectomy, male spouse, female breast cancer and obstacl