Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is a federal government-owned university that is located in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The university was founded in 1961 and classes commenced in October 1962 as the "University of Ife" by the regional government of Western Nigeria, which was led by Samuel Ladoke Akintola, and was renamed "Obafemi Awolowo University" on 12 May 1987 in honour of Obafemi Awolowo (1909–1987), the first premier of the Western Region of Nigeria, whose idea the university was.
Purpose This study aims to find out the role of big data in the field of library and information science by considering the opportunities and challenges. Design/methodology/approach This study, which was conducted on a desk, examined the rise and significance of big data in the field of library and information science in Nigeria. Also, systematic literature review is done, exploring blogs and wikis to gather data on the use of big data. Findings This study emphasizes that as data is the primary component in the creation of information, professionals in the fields of library and information science must develop the knowledge and abilities necessary to support big data analysis. It was determined that offering and facilitating big data analysis would guarantee our place as a priceless and crucial resource in the digital workplace. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study will be one of its kind to examine the role of big data in the field of library and information science profession. Furthermore, the results of the study will expose librarians and information professionals on the opportunities and challenges inherent in the use of big data technologies.
Access to agricultural credit has long been recognized as a critical determinant of farm productivity, particularly for smallholder farmers in developing countries. In Nigeria, however, restricted access to formal credit remains a significant barrier to achieving improved agricultural performance. This study examines the effect of agricultural credit access on tomato yield among smallholder farmers, with particular attention to correcting for potential selection bias associated with credit participation. Primary data were collected using a multistage sampling technique across major tomato-producing areas in Southwestern Nigeria. Descriptive statistics and the Endogenous Treatment Regression (ETR) model were employed to analyze the data. The ETR approach accounts for non-random selection into credit access by first modeling credit participation using a Probit regression, followed by a second-stage linear regression estimating the effect on tomato yield. Key explanatory variables included demographic characteristics, market access, extension services, and cooperative membership. The first-stage Probit regression revealed that age, age squared, farming experience, distance to market, access to extension services, and cooperative membership significantly influenced farmers’ likelihood of accessing credit. In the second stage, the ESR estimates showed that gender, age, age squared, farming experience, number of young dependents, market access, extension services, cooperative membership, and credit access significantly affected tomato yield. The Average Treatment Effect (ATE) of credit access on yield was 8.229, while the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) was 8.728—both statistically significant at the 1
The global demand for kidney replacement therapy (KRT) continues to increase, yet access remains limited in many low- and middle-income countries. Thailand has been recognized for integrating a sustainable KRT delivery model into its Universal Health Coverage scheme through a peritoneal dialysis–first (‘PD-First’) policy adopted in 2008. In 2022, the policy was revised to allow individuals to choose between hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis as their first-line treatment. The intention was to improve patient choice and avoid high out-of-pocket costs, but the policy produced unintended consequences for the health system and patients. A Commission was convened to first assess the impact of the policy change and provide policy recommendations to the Thai government and, second, provide lessons for countries working to expand equitable access to KRT within national universal health coverage frameworks. Drawing on empirical data, the Commission—composed of Thai and international multidisciplinary experts—employed a structured deliberative process to inform policy interventions. The process and findings underscore the importance of participatory policymaking, underpinned by evidence and a systematic process, and monitoring and evaluation in managing complex policy transitions. This Commission aims to resolve the current dialysis policy challenges in Thailand and generate lessons for the global kidney community by drawing on empirical evidence, systems thinking and multidisciplinary expertise to generate policy goals and recommendations.
Infectious diseases remain a major public health burden in Nigeria, straining limited health resources. Effective response requires intersectoral collaboration, engaging sectors like health, education, water, and sanitation, to address underlying determinants and promote sustainable prevention strategies, especially in the face of complex, systemic health challenges. This review critically examines intersectoral collaboration for infectious disease prevention and control in Nigeria, emphasising the need for a coordinated, adaptive, and sustainable approach involving all sectors. This review adopted a narrative approach, retrieving relevant research articles from PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journal (DOAJ) and Google Scholar. Websites of the World Health Organisation and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Federal Ministries of Health, and Information (Nigeria), were consulted for relevant reports on infectious diseases prevention and control in Nigeria. The initial search yielded 146 records out of which 51 were considered eligible and included in the review. The review adopted system theory, which offered an analytical framework to facilitate the understanding of the interrelated roles and dynamics between sectors. Findings reveal that intersectoral collaboration in Nigeria is hindered by fragmented governance, poor coordination, inadequate funding, and policy misalignment. However, enabling factors include shared goals, donor support, and crisis-driven collaboration. Systems Theory highlights the interconnectedness of sectors and the importance of adaptive feedback loops, reinforcing the need for integrated strategies to strengthen collaborative responses to infectious disease challenges in Nigeria. It was concluded that strengthening intersectoral collaboration through policy reforms, sustained funding, and community engagement is essential for Nigeria’s infectious disease control. Applying systems thinking fosters resilient, coordinated actions that improve long-term health outcomes across sectors.
The derivatives of potential field data are essential for source edge detection and depth estimation. A recently introduced vertical derivative method, named β-VDR, has received remarkable recognition in the literature due to its robust vertical derivative approximation. In this study, we compacted the β-VDR formula and extended the method to horizontal derivative calculation to reduce its theoretical computational cost and improve its robustness for edge detection and depth estimation from profile and gridded potential field data. We demonstrated the superior performance of our generalized method through 2D and 3D synthetic tests and showed its applicability on real data.
