OTHER COMMUNITIES

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.ui.edu.ng/handle/123456789/1

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 460

The 5ws: the epidemiologist's quest
(Ibadan University Press, 2017) Fawole, O. I.
ACCESS TO, AND UTILISATION OF GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AMONG SUBSCRIBERS IN IBADAN
(2014) MICAH, D. J.
The deregulation of the telecommunications sector in 2000 led to increased use of the Global System for Mobile Telecommunications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Despite the perceived benefits associated with the utilisation of these services, problems of quality of services, infrastructural constraints and other challenges in the sector have remained largely uninvestigated. The study was conducted to examine access and the quality of services offered by the GSM providers in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. A synthesis of neoliberal and rational choice theories provided the analytical framework. The research design was a cross-sectional survey. Multistage sampling consisting purposive, simple random, and cluster sampling techniques were used to select locations and respondents. A sample of 1600 respondents were selected consisting 800 GSM subscribers from Ibadan Main City (MC) and the Less City (LC) respectively using Cochran's sample size determination. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on socio-demographic characteristics, perceptions on quality of services, and levels of access and utilisation. Quality of service was classified as poor, moderate and good. Access and utilisation were classified as high, moderate and low. Also, 34 In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with service providers and subscribers to elicit information on business operations and challenges in the sector. In addition, four Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with regulators in the sector comprising Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Consumer Protection Council (CPC). Quantitative data were analysed at univariate and bivariate levels using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test at p? 0.05 and Correlation). Qualitative data were content analysed. Respondents' age was 29.6±9.3 years, 54.4% were females, 80.4% earned less than N50,000 monthly and 72.9% had secondary education and above. Respondents from MC (62.0%) and LC (71.8%) perceived quality of GSM services as poor due to incessant call drops (82.4%), network disruption (78.9%), and poor call set-up (79.5%). Conversely, 55.4% from MC and 60.0% from LC perceived deregulation as beneficial. Access to GSM services in MC as perceived was rated high (38.6%), moderate (54.6%) and low (6.8%) and also in LC rated high (29.6%), moderate (57.4%) and low (13.0%). Respondents from MC (69.0%) and from LC (66.6%) perceived utilisation of GSM as high. GSM was utilised for multi-purposes which included connecting families and friends (94.0%), source of income (84.6%) and internet services (82.8%). High tariffs (89.0%) and indiscriminate erection of masts (65.7%) were mentioned as major challenges by the subscribers. There was positive association between location and perception of quality of services (r= 0.69); between age and perception on quality of GSM services (r=0.46); between income and level of utilisation of GSM (r= 0.56); location and level of utilisation of GSM (r= 0.95); level of utilisation of GSM and building of social networks (r= 0.89); perception of deregulation and level of access (r= 0.21); perception of deregulation and utilisation of GSM (r= 0.92). Respondents from MC (66.4%) and LC (69.6%) rated NCC as efficient, notwithstanding that the regulatory agency was fraught with inactions. Findings from IDIs indicated that infrastructure inadequacies, government�s inconsistent policies, vandalisation of base stations, heavy import duties and multiple taxations limited the capacity of GSM providers to offer quality services and lower tariffs. Findings from KIIs identified unauthorised product promotions, arbitrary charges and problem of infrastructure as challenges affecting quality of services offered by GSM operators in the sector. There was substantial access and utilisation of Global System for Mobile Telecommunications, but the quality of services was considered poor in the study areas. There is need for improvement of infrastructure, security of base station and strict enforcement of laws by the regulatory bodies in order to improve the quality of services rendered by the operators.
Accessibility and retrieval of national information in Nigerian university libraries
(African Educational Research Network, 2011-06) Ola, C. O.; Oseghale, O.
This paper sets out to examine the accessibility, retrieval and use of Publications Ordinance (PO) materials in Nigerian university libraries using Kenneth Dike Library (KDL) as a case study. The survey research design was adopted and a structured questionnaire was distributed to 400 users comprising students, staff and external users. The records of the use of PO materials between October 2009 and September 2010 were also perused. Result shows that majority of users are aware of the availability and importance of legal deposits collection in the library but have difficulty in retrieving the materials due to inability to have direct physical contact with the materials. The study therefore proffers that Nigerian university libraries should, as a matter of urgency, organize PO collections and adopt a harmonized library management system in order to enhance users’ access and retrieval of the materials.
Adequacy of academic journals in Nigeian university libraries during economic gloom:the Kenneth Dike library experience
(2000-12) Ola, C. O.; Adeyemi, B. M.
This paper discussed the adequacy of academic journals in Nigerian University libraries during economic gloom using the Kenneth Dike library (KDL) experience. It addresses the problem by looking specifically at the library allocations for books and journals from 1981/82 to 1989/90 session as well as the number of journal titles acquired annually vis-a-vis the number of registered readers in the library duirng the period. It was discovered that the library could no longer effectively support academic activities. As the number of registered readers increased, the number of journals acquired decreased. The library could hardly afford to maintain subsciption in existing journals not to mention adding new titles to the collection. It is therefore advocated that prioprity journals should be given first attention when allocating funds. University library administratos should evovle co- operative acquisitons. Avenues of getting aid from international organisations should be explored while the opportunities presented by internet should be utilized to enhance document delivery.
Administration in Kenneth Dike Library: 1948-2011
(Ibadan University Press, 2018) Oyelude, A. A.; Fabunmi, B. A.
ADSORPTION OF SOME TOXIC METAL IONS ONTO WEST AFRICAN BOXWOOD (Naucleadiderrichii, MERRILL) SEED EPICARP DOPED WITH NANOPARTICLES
(2014) OMOROGIE, M. O.
The quest to protect the environment from toxic metal ions pollution has led to the development of simple, cheap, adaptable and environmentally friendly techniques for the removal of these pollutants from wastewaters. Biosorbents which are biodegradable and locally available have been used for the removal of toxic metal ions from wastewaters. However, there are no reports on the use of Naucleadiderrichii Seed Epicarp(NDSE) and its nanoparticles-doped derivatives. Hence, this study was aimed at investigating the adsorption capacities of NDSE and its nanoparticles-doped derivatives for some toxic metal ions from simulated wastewaters. Identified NDSE were collected from Forest Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan. They were oven dried at 60�2 �C, pulverised, sieved to 450 �m and stored in airtight plastics at room temperature. The MnO2, mesoporous SiO2, graphene oxide and TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal, liquid templating, chemical oxidation and sol-gel methods respectively. Thereafter, NDSE was doped with the nanoparticles to give NDSE-MnO2 (NMD), NDSE-Mesoporous SiO2 (NMS), NDSE-Graphene Oxide/Mesoporous SiO2 (NGM) and NDSE-TiO2 (NTD). The nanoparticles, native and nanoparticles-doped adsorbents were characterised by various techniques including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and surface area/porosity analysis. Adsorption studies were carried out using 20-500 mg of adsorbents to remove 20-100 mg/L toxic metals solution containing Cr(III), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions for 0.5-180 min (agitation time), 125 rpm (agitation speed) at 303-333 K. The supernatants from the mixtures were analysed for toxic metal ions adsorbed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer. The native and nanoparticles-doped adsorbents had varying surface morphologies. The nanoparticles were 10-100 nm with large surface areas, while the nanoparticles-doped adsorbents were 10-200 �m with greater surface areas than that of the native adsorbent. The removal of Cr(III), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions per unit weight by the native and nanoparticles-doped adsorbents decreased with increase in adsorbent dose from 20 to 500 mg and were in the order NGM>NMS>NTD>NDSE>NMD. Adsorption of Cr(III), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions on the five adsorbents increased with time from 0.5-180 min, initial metal ion concentration from 20 to 100 mg/L and temperature from 303 to 333 K. The ?H�, ?G� and ?S� values for the removal of Cr(III), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions by NDSE indicated reactions that were endothermic and spontaneous with decrease in entropy. Those of Cr(III), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions on NMS and NGM were endothermic and spontaneous with increase in entropy. Those of NMD and NTD were endothermic and non spontaneous with decrease in entropy. The highest and lowest adsorptions respectively were 8.0�0.02 mg/g of Pb(II) ion on NGM and 3.1�0.02 mg/g of Cr(III) ion on NMD at 20 mg/L. Naucleadiderrichii seed epicarp doped with graphene oxide/mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles adsorbed toxic metal ions more than the other adsorbents. The Naucleadiderrichii seed epicarp doped with MnO2 nanoparticles adsorbed lesser than the native adsorbent.
AFFINITY AND REACTIVITY STUDIES OF THE REACTION OF HUMAN (Homo sapiens) AND CAT (Felis catus) HAEMOGLOBINS WITH 5,5´-DITHIOBIS(2-NITROBENZOATE)
(2014-04) Olatunde, A. M.
Some haemoglobins have high oxygen affinity (high-affinity) while others have low oxygen affinity (low-affinity) as exemplified in human and cat haemoglobins respectively. High-affinity haemoglobins bind organic phosphates strongly and this lowers their oxygen affinities and their CysF9[93]? sulphydryl reactivities. Low-affinity haemoglobins on the other hand, bind organic phosphates weakly, and their oxygen affinities are hardly affected. Consequently, an assumption which is yet to be verified is that the reactivity of their CysF9[93]? is not affected by organic phosphates. Furthermore, the reaction of 5,5´- dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoate) - DTNB - with CysF9[93]? of haemoglobins in the relaxed quaternary conformation has been found to be reversible but this is yet to be determined in the tense quaternary conformation. This research was therefore aimed at studying the effect of organic phosphate-binding on low-affinity cat haemoglobins and the reversibility of the reaction of DTNB with human deoxyhaemoglobin. The major and minor haemoglobins in cat haemolysate were separated on a column of carboxymethylcellulose. Human oxyhaemoglobin was isolated from blood using standard laboratory techniques. Solutions of deoxyhaemoglobin were prepared by passing humidified nitrogen gas over an aliquot of oxyhaemoglobin. Pseudo-first order kinetics of the reaction of DTNB with the CysF9[93]? sulphydryl of human and cat haemoglobins were studied at 25°C. The DTNB concentration was varied while that of the sulphydryl was kept constant. The second order rate constants, kF, were obtained from linear plots of the pseudo-first order rate constant, kobs, versus the DTNB concentration. Equilibrium experiments were performed by adding 3 cm3 of a 50 ?mol (haem) dm-3 haemoglobin solution into varying volumes of a stock 29 mmol dm-3 DTNB solution inside test tubes. The mixtures were equilibrated at 25°C for 6 to 8 hours. The absorbances of these mixtures were measured at 412 nm, using a UV-visible spectrophotometer, and substituted into an equation derived to determine the equilibrium constant, Kequ, of the reaction. All experiments were carried out between pH 5.6 and 9.0 for both the stripped and inositol hexakisphosphate (inositol-P6)-bound haemoglobin. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The percentages of major and minor haemoglobins in cat haemolysate were 60.0 ± 4.0 and 40.0 ± 4.0 respectively. Plots of kobs at constant pH against the DTNB concentration were linear. The plots had positive intercepts for deoxyhaemoglobin, indicating that its reaction with DTNB is reversible. Stripped human oxyhaemoglobin gave a bell-shaped pH-dependence profile for kF, with a maximum value of 31.9 ± 0.6 mol-1dm3s-1 at pH 7.1. In the presence of inositol-P6, kF decreased. In contrast, cat haemoglobins gave simple pH-dependence profiles. Inositol-P6 increased kF by about two-fold throughout the experimental pH range. The Kequ increased in the presence of inositol-P6 for both cat haemoglobins and human deoxyhaemoglobin. This is an indication of increased affinity for DTNB in both haemoglobins. The affinity of deoxyhaemoglobin for DTNB was also higher compared to that of oxyhaemoglobin. The CysF9[93]? of low-affinity cat haemoglobins had their reactivities increased by inositol hexakisphosphate. The reaction of 5,5´-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoate) with haemoglobin was reversible in the tense quaternary structure.
Africa and cancer: preparing for the next epidemic
(2012) Adewole, I. F.
Agricultural research in Nigeria: the roles of institutional libraries
(Bowker,part of reed business information ltd. Windsor court, east grinstead house east grinstead, west sussex RH19 1XA,UK, 2001-06) Ekpenyong, G. D.
Investigates the problems of agricultural research libraries vis-à-vis their effects on the advancement of agricultural research in Nigeria. Proffers solutions in the form of modern electronic information facilities like electronic networking, e-mail and internet access. A method of working is suggested in which research institutes and universities in southwest Nigeria can each selectively develop a database information system on agricultural research, all of which are coordinated through a local area network. This will facilities access to information possessed by other such institutions. The advantages of the model are numberous: reduction of the cost information acquisition, reduction in the duplication of reserch efforts and greater productivity by agricultural research scientist.
ALIENATION AND ECOACTIVISM IN SELECTED WORKS ON THE NIGER DELTA CRISIS
(2014) FEGHABO, C. C.
The discourse of alienation, provoked by environmental despoliation due to the activities of multinational oil companies in the Niger Delta region, is aptly captured in literary works. Previous studies on literary texts about the Niger Delta crisis have identified the negative socio-economic and political impacts of oil exploitation as responsible for the ecoactivism in the Niger Delta, neglecting the role of alienation or erosion of self in the fueling of the crisis. This study, therefore, examines the indicators of erosion of self as projected in selected prose texts on the Niger Delta crisis. This is with a view to establishing how the literary writers connect ecoactivism to the erosion of self. Karl Marx's and Marilyn Nissim-Sabat's postulations on alienation as well as Lawrence Buell's theory on practical commitment to the environment were adopted based on their concern with alienation and ecoactivism, and as implicated in the Niger Delta crisis. Six prose works: Saro-Wiwa's A Month and a Day (AMAD), a memoir; Okpewho's Tide (T); Ojaide's The Activist (TA); Egbuson's Love My Planet (LMP); Agary's Yellow-Yellow (YY) and Habila's Oil on Water (OOW) were chosen. Their selection was based on the shared experiential knowledge of all but one of the writers, and the themes of alienation and ecoactivism, which are common to them. These texts were subjected to literary analysis. Three indicators of alienation or erosion of self-consciousness and two indicators of ecoactivism are differently portrayed in the six texts. Alienation is unveiled through the following: pictures of degraded ecosystem; internal division; presentation of the people as victims as well as protagonists. Ecoactivism is illustrated through ecoterrorism; and non-violent eco-campaign. All the six texts, employing pathos, capture the feeling of alienation of the people of Niger Delta through appalling pictures of the degraded environment as a result of the activities of multinational oil companies. Saro-Wiwa's (AMAD), Okpewho's T, Ojaide's TA, Egbuson's LMP and Habila's OOW illustrate the people's erosion of self as a result of divisions among them, due to financial inducements from the Nigerian state and the multinational oil companies. Okpewho's T, Saro-Wiwa's AMAD, Ojaide's TA and Egbuson's LMP, through antithetical pictures, capture the people's loss of self by presenting them as victims of internal/external exploitation as well as protagonists against internal/external foes. Three of the texts, namely: Ojaide's TA, Egbuson's LMP and Habila's OOW present violence/ecoterrorism against the perceived internal/ external foes of the people as a means of preserving the environment. Saro-Wiwa's AMAD, Okpewho's T and Agary's YY reveal urgent non-violent eco-campaign in the area. Ecological degradation and internal divisions are linked by the six texts to the oil and gas exploration activities of the multinational oil companies and these generate a sense of alienation that leads to intense ecoactivism in the area. Three indicators of erosion of self, which connect with ecoterrorism and non-violent eco-campaign, are manifest in the selected texts through the use of pathos and antithesis. These reveal the writers' construction of self as a contingence on ecoactivism in the Niger Delta crisis.
ANAEMIA PREVENTION AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH USE OF IRON SUPPLEMENT AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGERIA
(2015) NWANKPA, R. O.
Anaemia is a public health problem affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide and at least 50% of pregnant women in Africa. Nigeria has a relatively high prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy despite ameliorating measures including use of iron supplementation as prophylaxis. This study was conducted to assess anaemia prevention practice and factors associated with use of iron supplements among pregnant women in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.Six primary health centers were randomly selected from ten primary health centers in Ibadan North L.G.A. A total of 450 consenting pregnant women were interviewed from the six selected primary health centers based on the proportion of pregnant women that attended antenatal clinic in each PHC. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire which included knowledge score of 0-30 categorized into good (70-100 %) and poor (0-69 %.) and also practice score of 15-75 categorized into poor (15-33) and good (34-75). Among the practice scores, compliance to prescription was checked using a compliance score of 3-15 of the total score categorized into low (3-9) and high (10-15). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and t-tests, and logistic regression were used for data analysis at 5% level of significance.The mean age of the respondents was 26.7'4.6years. Majority (93.8%) were Yoruba, self-employed (79.1%) and Muslims (58.0%). Many (79.3%) had secondary education and (80%) earned less than N20, 000 monthly while few (4.0%) were unemployed. Most (65.3%) had 2 or more children (Multigravidas) while (34.7%) just had first pregnancy (primigravidas). Majority (84.7%) of respondents had good knowledge of anaemia prevention with a mean ('S.D) knowledge score of 23.5 ' 5.5. The unemployed were less (OR: 0.10; CI= 0.03-0.40, p-value 0.001) likely to have good knowledge of anaemia prevention than the employed while respondents with primary and secondary education were about five (OR: 4.70; CI= 1.05-21.11, p-value 0.044) and six times respectively (OR: 6.15; CI=1.49-25.45, p-value 0.012) more likely to have good knowledge of anaemia prevention than those without any formal education. The unemployed were less likely to have good anaemia prevention practices than the employed (OR: 0.04; CI = 0.003-0.46, p-value 0.010) and those with 2 or more children (multigravidas) were about five times more likely to have good anaemia prevention practices than the primigravidae (OR: 5.01; CI= 1.56-16.09, p-value 0.007). Although majority of the respondents (93.3%) used iron supplements, compliance to prescription (57.3%) was relatively low. Respondents with secondary and tertiary education were about seven (OR: 6.65; CI= 1.15-38.57, p-value 0.035) and 24 times respectively (OR: 24.33; CI=2.06-287.9, p-value 0.011) more likely to use iron supplements than those without any formal education. And respondent with 2 or children (multigravidas) were about three times (OR: 3.10; CI=1.08-8.84, p-value 0.035) more likely to use Iron-Folic acid supplements than the primigravidae.Socio-economic factors were determinants of anaemia prevention practice among pregnant women. There is therefore need for timely economic empowerment and educational interventions to address these challenges.
The anaemias: a peep through the looking glass of genes
(2004) Falusi, A. G.
ANALGESIC, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-CONVULSANT ACTIVITIES OF STEM BARKEXTRACT OF ERYTHROPHLEUMIVORENSE(A CHEV) IN RATS AND MICE
(2014) WAKEEL, O. K.
Erythrophleumivorense isused in traditional medicine for the treatment of convulsion, swellings, body pain and as emetic agents. There is a dearth of scientific information in support of the traditional claims. This study was therefore designed to investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant properties of the methanol extract and fractions ofErythrophleumivorense. Fresh Stem bark of E. ivorense was air dried,ground to powdery form and was extracted using 75% methanol. Crude Methanol Extract (CME, 50g) was fractionated, using ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and n-hexane to yield Ethyl Acetate Fraction (EAF), Dichloromethane Fraction (DCF), and n-Hexane Fraction (HF). Four hundred and eighty male Swiss albino mice (20-25 g) were divided into six experimental groups of twenty animals each for CME and the three fractions. Animals in each group were randomly divided into four treatment groups. Group 1 received 2% DMSO (10mL/kg) (control) while CME or fractions (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) was given to groups 2-4intraperitoneally. Animals were pretreated thirty minutes before injection of acetic acid, formalin or placed in hot plate and picrotoxin, leptazol, strychnine for evaluation of analgesic and anticonvulsant activities respectively. Twenty male Wistar rats (180-200 g) were used for anti-inflammatory study and were randomly divided into four treatment groups. Group 1 received 2% DMSO (10mL/kg) while CME or fraction (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) was given to groups 2-4. All animals were pretreated intraperitoneally thirty minutes before induction of acute inflammation with subplantal injection of carrageenan (0.1ml).Thereafter, the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring the oedema size of the right hind paw using cotton thread method.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic and ANOVA at p=0.05. The CME (20mg/kg), EAF (20mg/kg)and DCF (20mg/kg)caused significant reductionin the number of writhes of acetic acid-induced writhing (3.8±0.4, 3.6±0.2 and 11.9±0.4 respectively) compared with control (37.7±2.6). In hot plate test, CME (7.0±0.5) and EAF (6.6±0.4) significantly prolonged the reaction time (seconds) to noxious heat, while DCF (2.8±0.4) and HF (2.6±0.5) did not significantly change the responses compared with control (2.2 ±0.2). The CME (35.6±0.4, 67.0±0.8) and EAF (35.2±0.4, 74.2±0.7), but not HF (55.5±0.4, 146.0±0.9) significantlyreduced duration of paw licks (seconds) in boththe neurogenic and inflammatory phases of formalin-induced paw licks compared with control (56.0±0.5, 148.0 ± 0.3), while DCF produced significant reduction in duration of paw licks in inflammatory (53.0±0.3) but not the neurogenic (55.5±0.4) pain induced by formalin when compared with the control. The CME and EAF significantly (p<0.05) delayed the onset, shortened duration of action and offered protection against picrotoxin and leptazol-induced convulsions. However, CME and its fractions did not protect strychnine-induced convulsions. The CME, EAF and DCFat 5, 10, 20mg/kg significantly reduced paw oedema size with percentage inhibitions of(25.0, 41.7, 58.3), (46.7, 46.7, 60.0) and (0.0, 9.1, 54.5) respectively compared with control. The crude methanol extract, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions exhibited analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant activities. These support ethnomedicinal uses of the plant in the management of pain and convulsive disorders.
Analysis of differences in private returns to education among Nigerian workers
(Faculty of Education, Kampala International University College, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, 2012-11) Fabunmi, B. A.; Babalola, J. B.
This study investigated the extent to which demographic factors were responsible for the variations in private returns to education among Nigerian workers. Data were collected using the 2005 Labour Market Survey of the National Manpower Board covering 19,888 Nigerian workers: 7,032 were with no formal education, 4,910 with primary school certificate, 4,873 with secondary school certificate and 3,073 with first degree. Occupations were categorised into agriculture, information management, commerce and industry, education, health and safety, .science and technology, legal and security, and others. Sectors of employment were grouped into private and public. 2 research questions were answered. Data were analysed using multiple regression at 0.05 level of significant. The findings revealed that all the independent variables significantly correlated with workers' earnings. They also accounted for the variance in workers' earnings. Work experience, level of education and sector of employment predicted earning differentials. Based on these findings, it was recommended that employers of labour should ensure that workers' remunerations are commensurate with their level of education so as to minimize earning differentials.
Analysis of graduate students' access and utilization of e-learning technology in a Nigerian university
(Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), 2008) Fabunmi, M.; Fabunmi, B. A.; Ewart, E. A.
Nigeria is a third world country where access and utilization of e-learning technology arc generally low. This study investigated through empirical methods the extent to which a randomly selected sample of 406 graduate students had access to and utilized the c-learning technology. It adopted the survey research design, using a checklist type of questionnaire with a reliability co-efficient of 0.86. Percentages, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression were used for data analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that graduate students had adequate access to available c- learning technologies, but their literacy and utilization rates were very low. The incorporation of application of c-learning technologies to the curricula was recommended, with the view that this will compel learners to improve both their literacy and utilization levels.
ANTICANCER, ANTIOXIDANT AND IMMUNO-MODULATORY EFFECTS OF ACACIA HONEY IN SOME CANCER CELL LINES
(2014) MUHAMMAD, A.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Cancer curative properties of honey have been documented. However, there is dearth of information on the exact mechanism of anticancer effect of honey. This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant, immuno-modulatory and anticancer properties of "Acacia Honey" (AH). The AH used was obtained from Achida, Sokoto State, Nigeria and authenticated by pollen grain analysis. Antioxidant and immuno-modulatory properties of 0.125-2.5 % (v/v) AH and its dichloromethane, ethylacetate and aqueous fractions were investigated in blood, neutrophils and macrophages by luminol and lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence methods. The AH cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects on lymphocytes were evaluated by cytochalasin B- blocked micronucleus and mitotic index assays, respectively. Anti-proliferative effects of 0.5-10 % (v/v) AH on NIH/3T3, PC-3 and NCI-H460 cells were conducted using MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethyl Thiazole-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide), mitotic index and fluorescence-activated cell sorting methods. Cell cycle analysis and expressions of TNF-?, IL-1? and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) were done by flow cytometry and ELISA. Expressions of p53 and bcl-2 genes were done using real-time PCR. Male Wistar rats (112-200g) were randomly assigned to four groups of five (5) animals treated orally with distilled water (control), AH 20 % (v/v), Sodium Arsenite (SA) (5 mg/kg body weight), AH and SA daily for one week. The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCEs) was determined by microscopy. Levels of serum and tissue (brain and liver) lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined by spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and LSD at p = 0.05. In blood, neutrophils and macrophages, fractions of AH caused pro-oxidant effect while the unfractionated sample elicited antioxidant effect with IC50 of < 0.25, 0.20 and < 0.125 % respectively. The cytotoxicity index for control was 0.00 ± 0.00. In 0.5 %, 1.0 %, 2.0 % and 4 % (v/v) AH treated, cytotoxicity index were 5.66 ± 0.02, 4.50 ± 0.01, -1.22 ± 0.00 and - 4.79 ± 0.03 respectively. The mitotic, nuclear division and cytokinesis-block proliferation indices for the controls were 7.35 ± 0.64, 1.40 ± 0.02 and 1.38±0.01 respectively. These indices increased proportionately with increase in AH concentration. The AH exhibits cytotoxic effects on NIH/3T3, PC-3 and NCI-H460 cells with IC50 of 3.7, 1.9 and 7.5 % (v/v) respectively. Treatment with 2.0 %, 4.0 % and 8 % (v/v) AH significantly decreased PSA levels (430.0 ± 10.0, 425.1 ± 15.0, 420.1 ± 20.0 pg/mL respectively) relative to control (530.0 ± 0.01 pg/mL) in PC-3 cells. The AH (2.0 %, 4.0 % and at 8.0 % (v/v)) significantly and dose-dependently arrested G0/G1 in NCI-H460 and PC-3 cells. The AH significantly decreased TNF-?, p53, bcl-2 expressions while IL-1? was elevated in the cells. The SA significantly increased LPO (serum, brain and liver) and mPCEs levels while co-treatment with AH significantly decreased these levels with increased GSH, CAT and SOD. Acacia honey shows anticancer property by eliciting cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on cancer cells via activation of apoptotic pathways and antioxidant activity.
ANTIDIABETIC PROPERTIES OF MUCUNA PRURIENS L. (D.C.) SEED EXTRACT AND ITS TABLET FORMULATIONS
(2012) MAJEKODUNMI, S. O.
Diabetes mellitus and its complications continue to be one of the highest causes of morbidity and mortality in recent times. Although many drugs are commercially available for use in the management of diabetes, their side effects and high costs underscore the need for new drugs. Mucunapruriens(L.) DC. (Fabaceae)is among the plants used in the management of diabetes in the tropics. The antidiabetic and ameliorative effects of the seed ethanolic extract of M.pruriens on alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar rats were evaluated. Antidiabetic activity of the formulated M. pruriens tablets was also investigated in rabbits. Preliminary phytochemical screening of M. pruriens was done using standard methods. The effects of oral administration of the extractat doses 5.0-100.0 mg/kg body weight (bw) and glibenclamide (5.0 mg/kg bw) as standard drug were studied in alloxan-induced (120 mg/kg, i.p) diabetic rats (eight groups of six rats each, plasma glucose>450.0 mg/dL). Biochemical parameters were evaluated by spectroscopy and acute toxicity tests carried out based on mortality rate of Swiss albino mice. Tablets were formulated using direct compression and wet granulation methods. Mechanical properties of the tablets were assessed using crushing strength, friability and the crushing strength-friability ratio while drug release properties were evaluated by determining disintegration and dissolution times. The in vivo release properties of selected tablet formulations in diabetic rabbits were assessed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regression and ANOVA. The seed of M. pruriens contained alkaloids, saponins, steroids and phenols. The administration of 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 30.0, 40, 50.0, and 100.0 mg/kg of the crude ethanol extract of MP led to 18.6%, 24.9%, 30.8%, 41.4%, 49.7%, 53.1% and 55.4% reduction, respectively in blood glucose level eight hours after administration, while glibenclamide resulted in 59.7% reduction. Chronic administration of the extract also resulted in significant (p<0.001) dose-dependent reduction in the blood glucose level and the alleviation of body weight loss associated with diabetes. Acute toxicity tests showed that no death was recorded after administration of the extract (0.5 –32.0 g/kg). Significantly (p<0.05) elevated levels of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase with concomitant decrease in total protein level were observed in diabetic rats when compared with control rats. The values of these biochemical parameters were restored to normal levels by M. pruriens extract or glibenclamide after 12 weeks of treatment. Mucunapruriens tablets prepared by wet granulation exhibited higher mechanical and drug release properties than tablets prepared by direct compression (p<0.05). The tablet properties depended on the type and concentration of binders and excipients employed in the formulations. Tablets prepared by direct compression showed better reduction in the blood glucose level, compared to those prepared by wet granulation. There was a direct correlation between drug released from the tablets in vitro and its antidiabetic activity in vivo in rabbits (r2 = 0.995). Theethanolic extract of the seed of Mucunapruriens and its tablet formulations showed significant antidiabetic activity. In addition, M. pruriens displayed both hepatoprotective and cholesterol reducing properties in diabetic rats.
Approaches to retrospective conversion of catalogue records of libraries
(2001-06) Ola, C. O.; Eguavoen, E. O. L
This paper discusses the precedents to retrospective conversion. It looks at the genesis and development of machine readable format. Emphasis is placed on thorough planning which should spell out the focus of the exercise; make provision for the right calibre of staff, provide the necessary funds; weigh and evaluate options; and ensure management involvement in monitoring the project. The options to retrospective conversion are detailed and the methods for carrying out the exercise are specified
Arabic, the muslim prayer and beyond
(Ibadan University Press, 1999) Malik, S. H. A.
ASSESSMENT OF DETRIMENTAL HEALTH EFFECT OF RADIATION ASSOCIATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY EXAMINATIONS AT FOUR CENTRES IN NIGERIA
(2011) AKINLADE, B. I.
Radiation exposure during diagnostic X-ray examinations has been widely reported as one of the sources of cancer induction. Information on X-ray machine and exposure parameters are crucial to risk assessment, which in turn are important for optimization of radiation protection measures. The documentation of radiation risk in Nigeria is sparse and hence the effectiveness of radiation protection measures at diagnostic centres has not been well established. This work was aimed at measuring effective dose received by patients during diagnostic x-ray examinations and estimating the associated risk. Between the years 2004 and 2006, the beam output of x-ray machines at four diagnostic centres with adequate regulatory activities were measured with non-invasive x-ray meter. These centres include University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Twotees Diagnostic Centre (TDC) Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) Ile-Ife and National Hospital Abuja (NHA). Field sizes, focus to skin distance (FSD), tube filtration, operating potential (kVp) and tube loading (mAs) were measured and used to calculate Dose Area Product (DAP) per patient. Data on age and examination type were recorded for 1034 patients which include 310(UCH), 276(TDC), 220(OAUTHC) and 228(NHA). These and calculated DAP were used to run Monte Carlo program to obtain effective dose. The risk of cancer was thereafter estimated using fatal cancer risk factor of 5 x 10-2 Sv-1. The results obtained were compared with the risk estimates recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). iv X-ray field sizes and FSD of the examinations considered ranged from 8 cm x 5 cm to 40 cm x 35 cm and 75 cm to 139 cm respectively. The tube filtrations (mmAl) at UCH, TDC, OAUTHC and NHA were 1.7, 2.7, 1.7 and 1.0 +1.0 mmCu respectively while the mean exposure parameters (kVp, mAs) were 69, 45; 76, 79; 100, 83; and 75, 28 respectively. Analysis of examination type showed that thoracic x-ray examination was the most common (74.0%). This was followed by head and neck (11.0%), pelvic (8.0%), lower limb (4.0%), abdomen (2.0%) and upper limb (1.0%). The mean age (years) of patients was 38±1 at UCH, 32±1 at TDC, 27±1 at OAUTHC and 28±1 at NHA. Examination procedures were the same in all centres except the use of anti-scatter grid for thoracic examination at OAUTHC. In all x-ray examinations, DAP (mGycm2) generally ranged from 70 to 38,155. The range of effective doses (mSv) at UCH, TDC, OAUTHC and NHA were 0.01–0.11, 0.01–0.17, 0.24–4.74 and 0.01–0.10 respectively while the corresponding estimated risks of cancer per million were 2–9, 2–22, 100–400 and 2-6. The values at OAUTHC were higher than ICRP risk estimates of 35 cancer cases per million. This was traceable to selection of high kVp with high mAs and insufficient tube filtration. Radiation risks associated with diagnostic X-ray examinations were within acceptable limit except at OAUTHC. For radiation risks to be within the recommended limit, the use of high kVp with low mAs and careful application of anti-scatter grid are encouraged. Keywords: Patient dose, Cancer risk assessment, Ionising radiation,