Studies on the Predisposing Factors of Protein Energy Malnutrition Among Pregnant Women in a Nigerian Community

Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries and affects mostly infants, young children, pregnant and lactating mothers. This study was carried on some of the factors that predispose pregnant women to PEM and hence identify groups at greater risk. A total of 1387 pregnant women (910 in the urban area and 477 in the rural areas) were recruited for the study. Anthropometric indices of weight, height and Body Mass Index (BMI) of the pregnant women were measured and semi structured questionnaires were used to elicit information on possible predisposing factors such as age, level of education, parity, child spacing etc. Results obtained showed that the mean weight and height of the rural pregnant women, were significantly (p<0.0001) lower than those of the urban pregnant women. The mean BMI of the rural subjects, was also significantly (p< 0.0027) lower than that of the urban subjects. Analysis of the effect of age showed that the younger age category (24 years and below) had significantly (p<0.0001) lower mean BMI and higher prevalence of PEM while the effect of level of education showed significantly (p<0006) lower mean BMI and higher PEM prevalence among the less educated (no formal and primary education). Those with parity of two, one and primipara showed significantly (p<0.0175) lower mean BMI while child spacing did not have any significant effect on both mean BMI and prevalence of PEM. The implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations made on how to tackle the problem

The Prevalence of Antibiotic and Toothpaste Sensitivity Found in Oral Streptococcal Isolates in Healthy Individuals in the Okada Community of Nigeria

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antibiotic, and toothpaste sensitivity of oral streptococcal isolates in healthy individuals in the Okada community of Nigeria. Methods: Oral samples were collected from 230 volunteers and were subjected to standard microbiological tests. Antibacterial sensitivity tests were carried out on the streptococcal isolates that were obtained using a disk diffusion technique, and eight kinds of toothpaste (A-H) were screened for their antibacterial effects on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Results: The prevalence of oral streptococci found in this study was 26.1% and the predominant species was S. salivarius (13.9%). S. salivarius was highly resistant to cloxacillin (100%) and Augmentin (96.9%), whilst resistance to gentamicin and erythromycin was low at 21.9% and 3.1% respectively. S. mutans were completely sensitive to gentamicin whilst resistance to erythromycin was 33.3%. The entire Streptococcus species showed the lowest resistance to erythromycin (20.0%), followed by gentamicin (31.7%). At 100 mg/mL all toothpaste samples had antibacterial effects on S. mutans. At 50 mg/mL all samples except toothpastes G and H inhibited the bacterium. Toothpastes A and E had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration of 25 mg/mL. Conclusions: Toothpastes A and E were the most effective toothpastes of the eight assessed in this study

A Qualitative Assessment of Screening Behavior for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among African American Women in Milwaukee Using the Integrated Behavioral Model

Sexually transmitted diseases remain a notable public health problem in the United States. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people have a sexually transmitted disease in the country. African Americans are disproportionately affected. The situation locally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin mirrors this national trend. African American women are especially vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases. This situation is further complicated by the fact that some of the more common sexually transmitted diseases may be present without symptoms. It is imperative that women seek testing to enable them to identify and effectively combat sexually transmitted diseases. As such, there is need to explore and understand some of the contextual factors that influence African American women’s decision to seek testing for sexually transmitted diseases in Milwaukee. The Integrated Behavioral Model was used as a framework to guide this study. The study involved conducting a series of twenty-two semi-structured interviews that yielded qualitative data related to attitude, norms, personal agency, and environmental factors linked to testing for sexually transmitted diseases among a community based sample of African American women. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate the interview transcripts to develop an understanding of the importance of these factors to women as they engage in the preventive health behavior of testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Through this study, seven main themes were identified as important factors to women’s decision to test for STDs. The themes include personal factors, racial issues, physician-related factors, testing issues, transportation, personal network, and community resources. The findings of this study help to illuminate some of the challenges African American women face in seeking STD testing. These factors can be targeted for future STD health promotion interventions in urban metropolitan areas

Construction Site Sedimentary Pollution in a Watershed

In the study of sediment pollution on and near a construction site, it is necessary to remember that sediment movement and deposition are part of the natural environment before the intervention of construction. As with many hydrologic problems, most sedimentation problems have visual impacts for relatively short periods, because they are rainstorm-related. Perhaps the most serious sedimentation problem is general deterioration of the total environment, a condition usually not recognized by the public. This research presents an analytical evaluation of five construction sites. The analytical framework categorized the life cycle of construction sites into three stages in order to facilitate a sampling method; these are phase one- the beginning; phase two- the middle and phase three- the end. Each stage generates pollution due to the construction materials used. Soil samples were collected from the construction sites at different stages of construction procedures at strategic locations on the site within two days after a rainfall event. The soil samples were then analyzed to determine how much of the construction materials, (i.e., pollutants), mica, bitumen and paint each contained. The primary objective of the research is assessing how much of these construction materials, pollutants, remain on the sites after construction activities one year later. The results from the construction sites indicate integration of runoff processes and sedimentary pollution, which enhance the determination that; sediments from construction sites were sources of pollution to watersheds. In addition, the (pollutants) mica, bitumen and paint were present in soil samples from the construction sites during and after construction one year later. The distribution and migration pattern of pollutants diminish from the sources toward the stream outfall

POSLOVNO OKRUŽENJE I POTENCIJALI MALIH I SREDNJE VELIKIH PODUZEĆA U NIGERIJI

Friendly environment enhances enterprise and management practice. This study analysed potentials of SMEs in relation to business environment of Lagos State; to contribute to environment-enterprise policy mechanism and regulatory framework of the State and Nigeria, industry and management practice. With World Bank’s sample size model, and relevant criteria, 228 SMEs were drawn via convenience technique. Multifactor business environment-enterprise questionnaire (MBEEQ), akin to assessment tools of various agencies and institutions, was used to elicit cross-sectional survey responses. A system of simultaneous equations model (SSEM) was used to investigate environmental effects on the SMEs. Findings: legal-regulatory frameworks, policy stance and socio-cultural factors reduced potentials, competition aided innovation and growth; on aggregate, the environment significantly enhanced SMEs’ potentials. Recommendations: legal-regulatory and policy reformation towards SME-friendly environment, and SMEs should leverage on opportunities in the environment.Okruženje naklonjeno poduzetnicima poboljšava poduzetnički i menadžerski duh. Ova studija analizirala je potencijale malih i srednjih poduzeća u odnosu na poslovno okruženje pokrajine Lagos te kako poboljšati mehanizam politike odnosa okoline i poduzeća i pravnog okvira države Nigerije vezano za industrijsku i menadžersku praksu. Koristeći primjereni model uzoraka Svjetske banke i relevantne kriterije 228 malih i srednjih poduzeća odabrano je za istraživanje. Ispitivanje višestrukih čimbenika koji utječu na poslovno okruženje poduzeća provedeno je uz pomoć procjena različitih agencija i institucija, kako bi se dobili odgovarajući profili odgovora. Korišten je model simultanih jednadžbi, kako bi se istražili utjecaji okruženja na mala i srednje velika poduzeća. Rezultati su pokazali da pravni okvir i kulturno-socijalni čimbenici smanjuju potencijale, da je konkurencija inicirala inovativnost i rast, te da je okruženje u cijelosti utjecalo na potencijale malih i srednjih poduzeća. Preporuča se promijeniti pravni okvir i politiku, koji bi bili više naklonjeni malim i srednjim poduzećima, a poduzeća bi trebala više koristiti mogućnosti, koje im pruža okolina

ICT and Stock Market Nexus in Africa: Evidence from Nigeria and South Africa

Several studies have examined ICT in relation to stock market development, economic growth and development and other macroeconomic variables. Most of the studies have been on the developed and emerging economies. Studies have been relatively scanty for the developing economies, especially Sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, knowledge gap has been identified in the literature for the African Continent. Pooled data were used in this paper &nbsp;to spur further studies on financial markets in Africa. This paper employed data on functional models adapted from Gompertz curve model for technology diffusion to investigate the effects of ICT on market outcomes of two leading stock exchange markets in Africa during the 1995-2015 periods. Results showed mixed effects of most ICT metrics and moderating variables in the study. Specifically, the effect of mobile telephone on all market indicators was positive and significant. Further, aggregate effect of the ICT proxies and moderating variables on all market indices was statistically significant. The ICT proxies accounted for positive dynamics in market outcomes, market operations and, thus, sine quo non to growth and development of the markets and financial sectors in the Continent. Therefore, more investments in ICT wares and innovation by the stock exchanges and financial sectors in Africa were recommended

Digital Access Tools and Provision of Open Educational Resources by Librarians in Academic Libraries in Rivers State

The purpose of the study was to determine digital access tools and provision of open educational resources by librarians in academic libraries in Rivers State. Three objectives, three research questions and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a correlational research survey design. The population of the study was Seventy-Five (75) librarians comprising all the state government owned academic libraries in Rivers State. Census sampling technique was used to select all the respondents. Online questionnaire titled Digital Access Tools and Provision of Open Educational Resources Questionnaire (DATPOERQ) was used for data collection. A total of Sixty-Six (66) responses were recorded and found valid for analysis. The data was analysed using the simple linear regression statistical tool. The study revealed that there is a significant relationship between digital access tools (library website, institutional repository and databases) and the provision of open educational resources in academic libraries in Rivers State. The study recommended that academic libraries in Rivers state should link their websites including social media websites to other academic library websites and form a consortium so that users that have access to their libraries and could also harvest the online resources provided by other libraries

Challenges of Marketing Information Resources and Services in University Libraries in Bayelsa State Nigeria

Background: University libraries in Nigeria are confronting the issue of underutilization of their resources and services, which can be ascribed to weak marketing efforts. Purpose: This study aimed at examining the challenges of marketing information resources and services in university libraries in Bayelsa State Nigeria. Method: A descriptive survey design was used for the investigation. The study population included 52 librarians from four university libraries in Bayelsa State. A total enumeration sample strategy was used to collect data via an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to 52 librarians, and 47 responded, yielding a 90% response rate. The data were analysed using frequency counts and simple percentages. Results: The results of the study show that all university libraries in Bayelsa State use a variety of marketing techniques to advertise their information resources and services, including library orientation, user education, social media platforms, exhibitions, and displays. Effective marketing efforts in these libraries were, however, hampered by issues like insufficient budget, poor Internet connectivity, a lack of marketing policies, and the absence of a specialized marketing staff. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that university libraries should be supported by adequate funding, improve Internet connectivity, establish a dedicated marketing department or team, collaborate with academic departments and faculty, gather user feedback, and invest in professional development opportunities to enhance marketing efforts. Keywords: Challenges of Marketing; Information Resources and Services; University Libraries; Bayelsa State &nbsp; Abstrak Latar Belakang: Perpustakaan universitas di Nigeria menghadapi masalah kurangnya pemanfaatan sumber daya dan layanan mereka, yang dapat dianggap berasal dari upaya pemasaran yang lemah. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji tantangan sumber daya dan layanan informasi pemasaran di perpustakaan universitas di Bayelsa State Nigeria. Metode: Sebuah desain survei deskriptif digunakan untuk penyelidikan. Populasi penelitian termasuk 52 pustakawan dari empat perpustakaan universitas di Bayelsa State. Strategi sampel pencacahan total digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data melalui kuesioner online. Kuesioner dibagikan kepada 52 pustakawan, dan 47 menjawab, menghasilkan tingkat respon 90%. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan perhitungan frekuensi dan persentase sederhana. Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa semua perpustakaan universitas di Bayelsa State menggunakan berbagai teknik pemasaran untuk mengiklankan sumber informasi dan layanan mereka, termasuk orientasi perpustakaan, pendidikan pengguna, platform media sosial, pameran, dan pajangan. Namun, upaya pemasaran yang efektif di perpustakaan ini terhambat oleh masalah seperti anggaran yang tidak mencukupi, konektivitas Internet yang buruk, kurangnya kebijakan pemasaran, dan tidak adanya staf pemasaran khusus. Kesimpulan: Berdasarkan temuan, para peneliti menyimpulkan bahwa perpustakaan universitas harus didukung oleh pendanaan yang memadai, meningkatkan konektivitas Internet, membentuk departemen atau tim pemasaran khusus, berkolaborasi dengan departemen akademik dan fakultas, mengumpulkan umpan balik pengguna, dan berinvestasi dalam peluang pengembangan profesional untuk meningkatkan upaya pemasaran. Kata kunci: Tantangan Pemasaran; Sumber Daya Informasi dan layanan; Perpustakaan Universitas; Negara Bagian Bayels

Collection Development Policy and User Satisfaction in University Libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria

The main purpose of the study was to examine the influence of Collection Development Policy and User Satisfaction in University Libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria. Three research questions and three research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design using questionnaire as major instrument for eliciting data. The questionnaire titled (CDPIUSUL) was used for this purpose. A total number of 65 staff constituted the population. The population was purposively adopted because of the smaller size, comprising of 33 for Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and 32 for Rivers State University (RSU) respectively. All copies of questionnaire, distributed were completed and returned. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer research questions while independent t-test was used to test the null hypotheses. The study revealed that there is a significant influence of collection development policies on users’ satisfaction based on knowledge of collection development policy, availability of current resources and evaluation of collection development policy. Based on the findings, it was recommended that librarians should always make use of the CDP to guide in the selection of relevant materials to ensure users’ satisfaction. University authorities should ensure that there is regular evaluation of collections development policies to guide weeding in the libraries and Government should partner with the University management to always donate and acquire current information resources to the libraries in order to enhance users’ satisfaction

Evaluation of the chemical composition of two Nigerian medicinal plants

Nigerian medicinal plants (Aspilia africana and Bryophyllum pinnatum) were analyzed for their chemical composition, vitamins and minerals. The results revealed the presence of bioactive constituents comprising alkaloids (1.24 to 1.48 mg/100 g), saponins (1.46 to 1.72 mg/100 g), flavonoids (1.46 to 1.86 mg/100 g), phenols (0.06 mg/100g) and tannins (0.04 to 0.5 mg/100g). The medicinal plants contained ascorbic acid (26.42 to 44.03 mg/100 g), riboflavin (0.20 to 0.42 mg/100 g), thiamine (0.11 to 0.18 mg/100 g), and niacin (0.02 to 0.09 mg/100 g). These herbs are good sources of minerals such as Ca, P, K, Mg, Na, Fe and Zn. The importance of these chemical constituents is discussed with respect to the role of these herbs in ethnomedicine in Nigeria.Keywords: Aspillia africana, Bryophyllum pinnatum, bioactive compounds, ethnomedicin