Total Enumeration Technique Research Articles

Influence of motivational factors on utilisation of Internet health information resources by resident doctors in Nigeria

Purpose – This study aims to determine the influence of motivational factors: perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived enjoyment (PEJ) and perceived usefulness (PU) on utilisation of Internet health information resources among resident doctors in tertiary health-care institutions in Nigeria. The Internet has become a major source of health information for practitioners and the general public. Despite the availability of health information resources on the Internet, some resources are underutilised. There are numerous studies on Internet use among health-care workers; however, there is a dearth of information on motivational factors influencing utilisation of Internet health information resources among resident doctors in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive survey design was used. Total enumeration technique was adopted to cover 1,280 resident doctors in 13 tertiary health-care institutions in southwestern Nigeria. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire has four sections covering the demographic profile of the respondents, PEU, PEJ and PU. Four hypotheses were tested at the p < 0.0 1 level of significance. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings – There were more males (69.0 per cent) than females (31 per cent); respondents mean age was 34 years. The result revealed that PEU(r = 0.181, p < 0.01), PEJ(r = 0.166, p < 0.01) and PU(r = 0.121, p < 0.01) have significant relationship with utilisation of Internet health information resources by the respondents. Also, PEU, PEJ and PU collectively (F = 15.366, df = 3; 897, p < 0.01) have significant influence on utilisation of Internet health information resources of the respondents. Individually, PEU (B = 0.864, df = 897, t = 3.90, p < 0.01) and PEJ (B = 0.349, df = 897, t = 3.060, p [lt] 0.01) were found to have significant influence on utilisation while PU (B = 0.232, df = 897, t = 1.328, p > 0.01) does not significantly influence the utilisation of Internet health information resource of the respondents. Research limitations/implications – One major implication of this study is that system designers and web content developers should design programs and websites that are compatible with the user’s abilities. Medical librarians have a role to play in providing quality health content that is easy to navigate and pleasurable to use. Both the institutions and the government have a role to play in providing information and communication technology facilities to enable doctors access relevant health information resources easily. Practical implications – Introduction of information literacy training in the residency programme or inclusion as a component of the continuing professional development will enable resident doctors to know relevant online searching tools and search techniques for accessing health information resources which will be useful to their work. This will in turn increase their PU of Internet resources. Health sciences librarians (medical librarians) in the various institutions/centres have a role to play in training resident doctors on how to access, retrieve and evaluate online health information. Librarians should also train resident doctors on how to search evidence-based Medicine resources such as the Cochrane Library and PubMed Clinical Queries and Critical Appraisal of the medical literature to make informed decision in the management of their patients and for research purposes. They should be trained on how to organise bibliographic references using reference manager tools such as Endnote, Zotero or Mendeley. Social implications – The social implication of this findings is that systems that are easy to use should be designed, so that doctors will be able to access relevant information for research and patient care for better health outcomes. The easier and enjoyable the system is to use, the more resident doctors will access and use health information resources to improve their service and save more lives. Originality/value – This study examined three motivational factors (PEU, PEJ and PU) that influence the utilisation of Internet health information resources by resident doctors in tertiary health-care institutions in Nigeria. The result revealed that collectively PEU, PEJ and PU have significant relationship with the utilisation of Internet health information resources, but PEU and PEJ are the main drivers of use of Internet health information resources among the resident doctors studied. This study adds to the literature of motivational factors influencing utilisation of Internet health information resources by resident doctors in southwestern Nigeria. This paper is original because, to the best of our knowledge, there is no other study on motivational factors influencing Internet use among resident doctors in Nigeria.

Innovation capability of managers in Nigerian large-scale manufacturing companies

Background: Manufacturing companies in Nigeria operate in a turbulent business environment and managers therein need quality information to operate with keen market competition. Information seeking behavior and use as well as knowledge sharing are critical ingredients to enhance innovation capability of managers in business organisations like manufacturing companies for survival.Objectives: This study examines the contributions of information-seeking behaviour, information utilation and knowledge sharing to the prediction of the innovation capability of managers in large-scale manufacturing companies in Nigeria with special reference to the food, beverages and tobacco companies.Method: A total enumeration technique was used to administer copies of a questionnaire to a population of 400 managers in 12 food, beverages and tobacco companies that are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Of these, 357 responded. The response rate achieved was 89.3%.Results: The study found that there were significant multiple relationships between information-seeking behaviour, information utilisation, knowledge sharing and the innovation capability of the respondents. It was also found that information-seeking behaviour, information utilisation and knowledge sharing jointly and individually predict the innovation capability of the respondents. In addition, information-seeking behaviour contributed 22.18%, information utilisation contributed 44.12%, and knowledge sharing contributed 40.88% to the prediction of innovation capability of managers in food, beverages and tobacco companies in Nigeria. The study equally found that, apart from the traditional ways of sharing knowledge in organisations, social media technology such as Facebook and Twitter, amongst others, are new ways of sharing knowledge in large-scale manufacturing companies in Nigeria.Conclusion: The study recommends that managers in these companies should be encouraged to seek for more information, make more intensive use of information and share knowledge in order to improve their innovation capability.

Assessment of Knowledge of Primary School teachers Regarding Malnutrition Among Children

Children are the most important segments for a nation for the optimal physical, mental, emotional development of its future worthy citizens. The Present study aimed to assess the knowledge of Primary school teachers regarding malnutrition among children in selected schools of Ambala, Haryana and to determine the association of knowledge of primary school teachers with selected sample characteristics. The research approach was non-experimental with Descriptive Survey Design. The final data was collected in the month of March after getting formal permission from principals of schools of Ambala Haryana. Total enumeration Technique was used for primary school teachers. The data was collected from 50 primary school teachers by structured knowledge questionnaire. The 30 items having minimum rating score of 0 and maximum rating score of 30. Analysis was done in accordance with study. Tool was validated from seven experts and tools were found reliable. Major Findings of the Study revealed that Majority 20 (40%) of primary school teachers were from the age group 26-30 years , 36(72%) of primary school teachers were females , 28 (56%) had completed their education with B.ED ,35 (70%) were married ,31(62%) of primary school teachers were had experience less than 5year, 45(90%) of primary school teachers did not come across child with malnutrition . There is significant association of level of knowledge of primary school teachers with educational status. Maximum 28(56%) Primary school teachers were having good knowledge regarding malnutrition while 17(34%) were having average knowledge malnutrition followed by 6(10%) were in category of very good and no were having below average. Primary school teachers had good knowledge in the area of sign and symptoms of malnutrition(73%), causes of malnutrition(72%), introduction and definition of malnutrition(69%)and treatment of malnutrition(61%), while average knowledge in prevention of malnutrition(59%) and risk factors of malnutrition(51%).

Influence of Spatial Comfort and Environmental Workplace Ergonomics on Job Satisfaction of Librarians in the Federal and State University Libraries in Southern Nigeria

This study examined the influence of spatial comfort and environmental workplace ergonomics on the job satisfaction of librarians in the Federal and State University libraries in Southern Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design. The total enumeration technique was used to survey the 500 librarians from the 37 federal and state universities libraries in Southern Nigeria. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected. The findings revealed that there was a positive relationship between ergonomics (spatial comfort and environmental workplace factors) and job satisfaction. It was recommended that ergonomic measures be introduced and implemented in the design of spatial comfort and environmental workplace factors in the libraries for a greater job satisfaction of the library workforce in Nigerian University libraries.

Organisational Factors Associated with Electronic Health Information Management Systems Success in two Nigerian Teaching Hospitals

Background and Purpose: Electronic Health Information Management Systems (EHIMS) are seen as crucial in public health institutions today, as they enhance quality care delivery. Efforts at implementing this system in public health institutions of developing countries have usually been fraught with failure, thus preventing it from delivering its intended benefits. One reason adduced to be responsible for failure is that more attention is given towards technological factors at the expense of organisational factors. Hence, this paper examined the relationship between organisational factors and EHIMS success in Nigerian Teaching Hospitals. Methods: A correlational survey research design was adopted, while the study’s population comprised 212 health information management (HIM) personnel in two south-western public teaching hospitals in Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was used to cover the 212 personnel who served as respondents. A self-developed instrument titled “EHIMS Success Organisational Factors” was used for data collection, while simple correlation analysis was used in analysing the collected data. Results: It was revealed that a positive relationship exists between all the identified organisational factors and EHIMS success; organisational structure (r = 0.443, p < 0.05); top management support (r = 0.613, p < 0.05); leadership style (r = 0.645, p < 0.05); users’ training (r = 0.521, p < 0.05); financial resources availability (r = 0.331, p < 0.05); and users’ involvement in system design (r = 0.633, p < 0.05). Conclusions: It was concluded that an understanding of the identified organisational factors are crucial in attaining successful implementation of EHIMS in Nigeria Teaching Hospitals. Keywords: Electronic health information management system, Organisational factors, Information system success, Teaching hospitals, Nigeria

Knowledge, Attitude and Performance of IMNCI Trained Nursing Personnel: An Evaluative Survey

A cross-sectional survey of nursing personnel's knowledge, attitude and their consultations with sick children under 5y of age, at specified levels of health care in terms of IMNCI guidelines, was conducted at six community health centers (CHC) of a selected district of Haryana, India. Total enumeration technique was used to assess knowledge and attitude of 183 IMNCI trained nursing personnel towards the training programme using a pretested structured questionnaire. Total 236 consultations of sick children presenting to the facilities made by conveniently selected 65 nursing personnel were also observed. Majority of nursing personnel had good knowledge 94 (51.4%) and excellent attitude 98 (53.55%) scores related to IMNCI programme. Nursing personnel performed best in assessing sick children (2mo-5y) in areas of fever (89.7%, CI 96.9-79.7), cough (89.2%, CI 96.7-81.6), and identifying treatment (89.1%, CI 96.7-83.7). Their performance in identifying classifications related to diarrhea (74.1%, CI 84.7-62.8), malnutrition (67.2%, CI 78.6-59.0), anemia (77.3%, CI 87.5-70.0), immunization (78.9% CI 88.8-71.8) and feeding problem (75.9%, CI 86.3-66.9) was relatively less. Similarly, in assessing young infants (0-2mo) performance of nursing personnel was best in the areas of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) (88.1%, CI 99.1-87.3), and identifying the treatment (86.7%, CI 94.9-80.2) and low in dehydration (70.8%, CI81.8-52.6), feeding problem (50.5%, CI 62.7-40.9), feeding assessment (50.6%, CI 62.8-39.8), and immunization (70%, CI 81.1-61.2). IMNCI trained nursing personnel have good knowledge and attitude towards child care and their performance can be improved further with drills, exercises and supervised practices.

Information use on Decision-making Process of Administrative Staff of Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Information is vital in decision making; and bad decisions most of the times are as a result of lack of adequate information. This research examined the administrative staff’s use of information in their decision making process in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The descriptive survey, total enumeration technique, and a well-structured questionnaire were used to obtain data. Most of the administrative staff members were fully aware of how the use of information aids in administrative decisions. The most frequently consulted information sources were internal memo, minutes of meeting, schedules of meeting, past conference papers and dictionaries. The reasons for administrative staff’s use of information were according to confronting issues like scheduling appointments, calling up meetings, and recruiting new staff. The use of mobile phones by administrative staff should be encouraged since the administrators could receive messages anywhere and at any point in time to make both individual and administrative decisions.

Alternative format preferences among secondary school visually impaired students in Nigeria

Persons with visual impairment have consistently shown a preference for one alternative reading format over another, often because of factors outside their control. This study adopted survey research design to investigate alternative format preferences among secondary school visually impaired students, focusing on Southwestern Nigeria. Using total enumeration technique, data were gathered from 123 students from six purposively selected secondary schools through the use of a questionnaire and an interview schedule with reliability scores (α = 0.77) and (α = 0.75) respectively. Interviews were carried out with 104 (84.5%) visually impaired students. The study found that talking books/audio recordings were the most preferred format (53%) – 51% for blind and 55% for partially sighted students respectively. Reasons for talking book preference include ease of understanding and playback, time savings, teacher’s ineptitude, difficulty and volume of Braille materials. The study recommends collaboration of libraries and other stakeholders in improving talking book collectieons, provision of digital talking books, Braille literacy and a national strategy for training of Braille teachers and Braillists.

Alternative Formats Availability and its Utilisation by Visually Impaired Students in Nigerian Secondary Schools

Visually impaired students need alternative format in braille, talking books and large prints to function like sighted students. Because few materials get converted into these formats, the availability and consequent use of alternative format for study and leisure by visually impaired students has been of concern. This study reveals the availability and use of alternative formats by visually impaired students in Nigerian Secondary Schools. The study is a survery and it purposively focused on southwestern, Nigeria. Using total enumeration technique, data were collected 123 students from six purposively selected secondary schools in southwestern Nigeria. A questionnaire having two rating scales on availability and utilisation of alternative format with reliability scores of á = 0.77 and á = 0.73 respectively were used. 104 (84.5%) of the instrument was correctly admistered. The study found, that braille (77%), talking books/tape recordings( 65.4%) are not readily availabile while large prints (96.2%) are not available. Braille is the most requently used on dailly basis (91.3%) followed by talking books (34. 6%) while large prints are not used. There was no significant positive relationships between alternative formats availability and its utilisation in the selected libraries. The study recommends increased transcription of information materials into alternative formats for the students, adequate funding from government and donors and the building of a balanced collection of alternative formats in the school libraries.

A mixed integer linear programming formulation of the maximum betweenness problem

This paper considers the maximum betweenness problem. A new mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation is presented and validity of this formulation is given. Experimental results are performed on randomly generated instances from the literature. The results of CPLEX solver, based on the proposed MILP formulation, are compared with results obtained by total enumeration technique. The results show that CPLEX optimally solves instances of up to 30 elements and 60 triples in a short period of time.

Relationship between Perceived Self-Efficacy and Information Literacy among Library and Information Science Undergraduates in a Nigerian University of Education.

Information Literacy is a critical input in today’s learning environment and indeed for lifelong learning. Information literacy could be contingent upon an intrinsic element such as self-efficacy belief. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and information literacy among library and information science (LIS) undergraduates in Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu – Ode Nigeria (TASUED). Ex-post facto research design was adopted. Using total enumeration technique, data were gathered from all the 108 LIS undergraduates in TASUED using an instrument tagged Self-efficacy and Information literacy questionnaire (SILQ) with reliability values: (a = 0.78) information literacy and (a = 0.75) self-efficacy. All questionnaires were returned, however 100 (93%) were found usable. The study found out that respondents had high self-efficacy beliefs on more items on the scale; the level of information literacy was high in eight of the fifteen indicators on the scale. Perceived self-efficacy had a significant relationship with information literacy (r=0.329; p

Acreage and production estimation of mango orchards using Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite data

In order to exploit the potential of remote sensing in the field of horticulture, a study was initiated to estimate acreage and production of mango orchards using Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite data. The data from linear imaging self scanning (LISS) II of IRS 1B and IRS 1C LISS III data covering the study area have been used. The boundary mask as well as sample segment approaches were tried for acreage estimation. Available yield data and meteorological and growth parameter data were collected to develop an agro-meteorological model. The study has clearly demonstrated the usefulness of LISS II and LISS III data for identifying and estimating mango orchard acreage. It was observed that use of LISS III is better compared to LISS II as the spatial resolution has improved the classification using maximum likelihood algorithm. The study also indicated that the condition of orchards could also be assessed to some extent. Total enumeration technique using summer season data gave very accurate acreage estimates of mango. The sampling approach is also good for mango orchard acreage estimation which provided almost the same accuracy as total enumeration technique but by saving about 6–8 times the analysis time and cost. Due to non-availability of reliable data at different levels, it was difficult to develop any regional level single yield model. However, it was observed that an agro-meteorological data-based model could be developed by collecting such data for 3–4 years in selected orchards.

Impact of verification media and resuscitation on accuracy of the membrane filter total coliform enumeration technique.

Verification of membrane filter total coliform colonies was compared in lauryl tryptose broth, and m-LAC broth primary media and brilliant green-lactose-bile broth and EC broth secondary media. Verification in m-LAC broth yielded the greatest number of aerogenic isolates for both untreated surface water and drinking water samples. Verification in brilliant green-lactose-bile broth increased the number of false-negative reactions. At least 90% of the isolates aerogenic in primary verification media and anaerogenic in brilliant green-lactose-bile broth were representative of the coliform genera. The addition of a resuscitation step in the membrane filter technique did not yield greater numbers of verified coliforms per sample. Verification of both typical and atypical colonies in m-LAC broth resulted in a 10-fold increase in coliform numbers from untreated surface water. With drinking water, verification of both colony types resulted in an increase from less than 1 coliform per 100 ml to greater than 1/100 ml. A single-step verification in m-LAC broth is proposed as a more rapid and sensitive coliform verification procedure than the standard technique.