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The performance of agricultural science students is consistently low as seen in their external examinations. This could be attributed to the poor teaching methods, materials and techniques applied in teaching the subject. This study determined the multimedia application effects on the academic achievement of Agricultural science students. It adopted a mixed-method design. All the students and teachers of Agricultural science in secondary schools in Enugu State, Nigeria formed the population but six schools with 583 students and teachers of agriculture formed the sample. Students' Academic Achievement Test in Agricultural Science (SAATAS) and Convenience Teaching Method Questionnaire (CTMQ) were used to collect data. Mean, ANCOVA and Friedman's test were used for data analyses. Results indicated that students instructed using multimedia significantly performed higher than the students instructed using the conventional teaching method. The performance of males was not different from that of the females. The interaction between the teaching media and gender had a non-significant effect on the academic achievement of students. Moreover, teachers adopted note-taking, lecture, demonstration and project methods but did not use multimedia in teaching. Teachers of agriculture accepted that inconsistent power supply, poor network connectivity, and non-availability of computers, among others, were the problems hindering them from using multimedia in teaching.

Abstract Background Falls are a common problem experienced by people living with HIV yet predictive models specific to this population remain underdeveloped. We aimed to identify, assess and stratify the predictive strength of various physiological, behavioral, and HIV-specific factors associated with falls among people living with HIV and inform a predictive model for fall prevention. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to explore predictors of falls in people living with HIV. Data was sourced, screened, extracted, and analyzed by two independent reviewers from eight databases up to January 2nd, 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol. Evidence quality and bias were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) and the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT), respectively. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using random-effects models to establish associations between predictors and falls risk. We applied established criteria (Bradford Hill’s criteria, Rothman’s and Nweke’s viewpoints) to stratify risk factors and create a weighted predictive algorithm. Results This review included 12 studies on falls/balance dysfunction in 117,638 participants (54,513 people living with HIV), with varying ages (45–50 years), sample sizes (32 − 26,373), study durations (6 months to 15 years), disease stages (CD4 + counts 347.2 cells/mm³ to ≥ 500 cells/µL) and fall definitions (self-reported histories to real-time reporting). Some predictors of falls in people living with HIV including depression, cannabis use, cognitive impairment/neurocognitive adverse effects (NCAE), hypertension, and stavudine—showed perfect risk responsiveness (Ri = 1), indicating their strong association with falls. Notably, cannabis use demonstrated the highest risk weight (Rw = 3.0, p

Abstract Robotics holds the potential to streamline the execution of repetitive and dangerous tasks, which are difficult or impossible for a human operator. However, in complex scenarios, such as nuclear waste management or disaster response, full automation often proves unfeasible due to the diverse and intricate nature of tasks, coupled with the unpredictable hazards, and is typically prevented by stringent regulatory frameworks. Consequently, the predominant approach to managing activities in such settings remains human teleoperation. Teleoperation can be demanding, especially in high-stress situations, and involves a complex blend of both cognitive and physical workload. We present an experiment to explore a range of physiological and performance-related metrics for workload assessment during robotic teleoperation. Thirty-five participants performed a teleoperation task, during which we manipulated cognitive and physical workload conditions. We recorded multiple metrics, including brain activity using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, galvanic skin responses, cardiovascular responses, subjective workload ratings, task and robot performance data. Our results suggest that robotic teleoperation performance may be the most robust metric for distinguishing between different levels of workload experienced during teleoperation, with most physiological measures becoming insignificant to distinguish high cognitive workload.

Background: Preeclampsia is currently defined as multisystem progressive disorder characterized by the new onset of hypertension and proteinuria or the new onset of hypertension and significant end-organ dysfunction with or without proteinuria, typically presenting in the second half of pregnancy (after twenty weeks) or postpartum in a previously normotensive woman without proteinuria and resolves within six weeks postpartum Despite numerous theories, the aetiology of preeclampsia has not been fully elucidated. It is postulated that the rise in blood pressure is a manifestation of more than one patho-physiological condition. One of these conditions is related to abnormal renal function and probably impairment of urinary calcium excretion. Objective: This study compared urinary calcium levels in women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and normotensive pregnant women at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study that enrolled 100 preeclamptic pregnant women and their matched normotensive counterparts carried out at the antenatal clinic and the labour ward of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. The urinary calcium level was analysed with spot urine using Orthocresolphthaleincomplexone (CPC) method (Fortress Diagnostics Limited United Kingdom, Product code BXC0291A). Results: The mean urinary calcium levels in women with preeclampsia (2.44±1.45mmol/L) was significantly lower than that of normotensive pregnant women (4.43±1.84mmol/L) (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the mean urinary calcium levels in participants with mild preeclampsia (2.49±1.54mmol/l) compared to those with severe preeclampsia (2.42±1.42mmol/L), (p = 1.000). Conclusion: The study revealed a significantly lower level of urinary calcium in women with preeclampsia compared with that of their healthy normotensive counterparts. However, the study did not reveal any significant difference in the urinary calcium level in participants with mild and severe preeclampsia.

This study examined the usefulness of interactive visual multimedia in improving business capabilities and financial management competencies of women vegetable farmers. The researchers utilized a quasi-experimental design and assigned participants to a training group (n = 270) and a no-training group (n-270). The result of the study showed a significant main effect of interactive visual multimedia and business capabilities and financial management competencies of women vegetable farmers. Additional results showed no interactive effect of cultivation characteristics such as the source of labour, farm size, years of cultivation and the season for vegetable cultivation. However, there was a significant contributing role of reason for the cultivation of vegetables. Women farmers who cultivate for commercial purposes were more influenced by the training than those who cultivate for consumption. Nonetheless, the training influenced 54% of those who cultivate vegetables for consumption to indicate their intention to commence commercial cultivation. When asked to indicate the pedagogical agents that influence the learning of business and financial management capabilities, 76% indicated a combination of co-learners and tutors. The researchers highlighted the implications of these results on empowerment and made suggestions on how to empower women farmers through skill acquisition using interactive learning engagements.

We created ZIF-67, Gd₂O₃/ZIF-67, and Gd₂O₃/ZIF-67 materials for energy storage. The nanomaterial was synthesized using the direct combination method, specifically the mix-and-wait technique. We used various electrochemical techniques, such as stability tests, galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), to evaluate these nanocomposites. Characterization techniques, such as FE-SEM and XRD were utilized. The ZIF-67 structural analysis and its Gd-doped variants show clear diffraction peaks at specific angles, suggesting the existence of crystalline phases related to the (110), (200), (211), and (220) planes. The lattice constants for ZIF-67, Gd0.01/ZIF-67, and Gd0.02/ZIF-67 are (6.930, 6.511, and 4.620) Å, showing a decrease in lattice parameters with the addition of gadolinium. The decrease in lattice constants reinforces the idea of structural contraction caused by gadolinium ion substitution. ZIF-67 possesses a regular arrangement of cobalt ions and imidazole linkers, resulting in a well-defined crystalline structure. High surface area and porosity are achieved due to the presence of uniform octahedral particles in the surface morphology. ZIF-67 has a specific capacitance of 255.20 F/g, while Gd0.01/ZIF-67 and Gd0.02/ZIF-67 have specific capacitances of 587.50 F/g and 593.75 F/g, respectively. ZIF-67 has a bandgap energy of 2.77 eV, making it a semiconductor. Gd0.01/ZIF-67 and Gd0.02/ZIF-67 exhibit improved electrical conductivity due to the presence of gadolinium (Gd), as indicated by their reduced bandgaps of 2.27 eV and 1.76 eV, respectively.

In this study, we synthesized ZIF-8, ZIF-67, Gd₀.₀₁/ZIF-8, & Gd₀.₀₁/ZIF-67 electrodes using the direct combination technique. Both electrodes are being used for energy storage devices. We extensively evaluated these nanocomposites using a variety of electrochemical methods, including retention analysis, galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). ZIF-8 exhibits a wide band gap of approximately 2.58 ​eV, suggesting its main absorption is of UV light. The peaks in the absorbance spectrum vary slightly in wavelength due to the presence of different metal centers. Peaks between 1400 and 1600 ​cm⁻1 indicate C–N stretching vibrations from the imidazolate linkers. Peaks between 1600 and 1700 ​cm⁻1 are associated with CC stretching vibrations. ZIF-8 exhibits well-defined peaks in its XRD pattern, indicating a high level of crystallinity. Peaks can be observed at specific 2θ values, typically at 22.09°, 26.62°, 38.49°, and 47.27°, which correspond to the (110), (200), (211), and (220) planes. The calculated specific capacitances for ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 are 223.95 and 255.20 ​F/g. For Gd0.01/ZIF-8, & Gd0.01/ZIF-67 specific capacitances are 575.00 and 587.50 ​F/g. The ZIF-8, ZIF-67, Gd0.01/ZIF-8, & Gd0.01/ZIF-67 electrodes exhibited specific capacitances of (78.30, 192.59, 342.57, and 1164) F/g at current densities of 1 A/g from the GCD calculation. The retention plot of ZIF-8, ZIF-67, Gd0.01/ZIF-8, & Gd0.01/ZIF-67 electrode shows efficiency of 71 ​%, 71 ​%, 105 ​% and 75 ​%, respectively, indicating their suitability for supercapacitor applications.

The Western literary drama has established itself as an axiomatic model against which other performative activities seem to be evaluated. This tends to undermine the fact that drama has roots in a 'nonliterary performative' religious festival of the Greeks. If tragedy/comedy evolved from a different religious/ritual activity, it follows that such practices have the potential to evolve into more literary forms. As rainmaking in Africa constitutes one such ritual performative activity, this research aims to explore the essence of rainmaking (life preservation) in selected Igbo communities as a potential underlying literary model that can be explored to create further literary forms (beyond tragedy and comedy) within African dramatic/performance genres. Data are collected through in-depth interviews with rainmakers while the theoretical orientation is drawn from Northrop Frye's theory of modes. The study concludes that rainmaking in Igbo society embodies preliterary potential, which can inform more literary forms beyond tragedy/comedy., Life itself was first, the greatest, of The arts, and for it all the other arts Seemed to be but a preparation. (Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Grey) INTRODUCTION [...]

Background: Although researchers admit that digital media platforms have had a significant impact on different aspects of life, limited studies have compared how digital media platforms have impacted research in different areas. Objective: This study aimed to determine the impact of digital media on research in communication, fine and applied arts, music, political science, and law. Methodology: The researchers used a descriptive survey for the study. The sample size was 250 participants from the five disciplines examined. The questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics like mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics like multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were also used, and the results were presented in tables. Results: The researchers found that digital media platforms have affected researchers in the five disciplines examined. Digital media has affected research, including research idea generation, sampling, literature review, data collection and analysis. Comparatively, digital media have affected data collection in communication and sampling more, affected data analysis in political science more when compared with other disciplines and affected literature review in law more than the other disciplines examined. Conclusion: Digital media platforms have significantly affected research in communication, music, fine and applied arts, political science and law. Unique contribution: This study has suggested a model for understanding the impact of digital media in research. This empirical evidence could guide future debates on the role of digital media in research in the five disciplines and other disciplines, generally. Key Recommendation: Further studies should explore the impact of digital media in research in other disciplines and evaluate the contributing role of the level of education in participants' responses.

The major impact of mastectomy is on the self-image and the mental status of patients, which may negatively affect their quality of life. External breast prosthesis (EBP) gives the woman a better shape as it takes the shape of the lost breast. This improves her confidence, looks and general disposition. We assessed EBP awareness among mastectomy patients, its availability and affordability in the Eastern region of Nigeria. The survey was conducted among mastectomy patients attending clinics at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Federal Medical Centre Owerri and Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, all in South East Nigeria. A total of 32 mastectomy patients filled out questionnaires designed to obtain relevant data on knowledge of existence, availability and affordability of EBP in three big cities in South Eastern Nigeria. Data were analysed using the Statistical Analysis Software Version 8.2. Result showed only half (50%) of the participants were aware of the existence of EBP. Out of 32 patients, 23 (71.9%) were not using EBP and only 9 (28.1%) were currently using EBP. The majority of the participants (85.7%) do not know where and how to get EBP and therefore do not have access to EBP, while 4.8% cannot afford EBP. Contribution: There is poor awareness of the existence of EBP among breast cancer survivors. Consequently, there is poor usage of this device which otherwise, would help to restore self esteem in this population. The study exposed the need for awareness creation on the existence of EBP.

Sida linifolia L. is a valuable plant of West Tropical Africa with several folklore claims and growing evidence of its bioactivity, including its pain-relieving potential; however, scientific validation of these claims is still limited. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and analgesic potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of the hydro-alcoholic extract of S. linifolia leaves (SEAL). Gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques were used to determine the phytochemistry of SEAL. Formalin and acetic acid models were employed to determine the analgesic properties of SEAL. The result of GC-FID analysis revealed varying concentrations of lunamarine, naringenin, ephedrine, catechins, cardiac glycosides, flavanones, kaempferol, flavones, phytate, rutin, steroids, tannins, oxalate, flavan-3-ols, sapogenins, cyanogenic glycosides, anthocyanin, and proanthocyanidins in SEAL. In addition, varying concentrations of polyphenolics, such as phenylacetic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, and naringenin were detected in SEAL via HPLC analysis. The LD50 study showed that SEAL was safe up to 5000 mg/kg body weight per oral (p.o.) in Swiss mice. Pretreatment with oral doses (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg bw) of SEAL significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited all phases of formalin-induced hind paw licking and acetic acid-induced writhing syndrome in mice compared to positive control and was on par with aspirin (100 mg/kg bw p.o.). The observed bioactivity of SEAL could be anchored to its phytoconstituents. Therefore, the plant leaf fraction represents a good source of bioactive compounds with immense potential for exploration in therapeutic research.

A novel meroterpenoid cabagranin D was isolated with related neolignans cabagranins A–C from the leaves of Piper cabagranum (Costa Rica). Cabagranins A–C represent the first examples of 3,3′-neolignans isolated from the plant genus Piper, and the meroterpenoid cabagranin D displays an unprecedented Diels–Alder conjugate of an unsubstituted phenylpropenone and α-phellandrene. Details of the full structural elucidation of these compounds and a discussion of their potential biosynthetic relationships are presented.

Growing evidence of resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to methicillin (MRSA) is worrying. Domestic pigs are potential asymptomatic carriers of S. aureus, including strains resistant to methicillin, which poses a serious threat to meat consumers. This study was therefore aimed at assessing the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in nasal swaps of selected pigs. This study investigated one hundred and fifty (150) nasal swabs of pigs from fifteen (15) selected pig farms (PGF) within Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, to assess their levels of exposure to S. aureus and MRSA carriage. Isolation, characterization, and identification of S. aureus and MRSA were done using Mannitol Salt Agar (Oxoid, UK) and Mannitol Salt Agar supplemented with 4µg/ml oxacillin, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were done using disc diffusion protocols, while presence of MRSA mecA genes was characterised using PCR. Thirty percent (30 %) of 150 analyzed swabs were positive for S. aureus, of which 13 (28.9 %) contained MRSA. MRSA were found in nasal swabs of animals from 9 different farms. All 13 (100%) MRSA isolates contained the mecA gene and were resistant to penicillin, 5 (38.5 %) were resistant to vancomycin and were characterized by multidrug resistance. The results of this study show that 38.5 % of examined pigs were infected with MRSA posing a serious threat to humans. These findings highlight the significant threat posed by MRSA in pigs, raising concerns for human health and emphasizing the importance of effective surveillance and control measures in livestock production to mitigate the transmission of antibiotic-resistant pathogens to consumers. Therefore, it was concluded that the MRSA was detected in pig from 9 different farms, indicating a widespread distribution.

Spinel LiMn2O4 offers a potentially attractive alternative to the commercialized LiCoO2 because of its low cost, non-toxicity, good rate performance and superior safety, but experiences severe capacity fading as a result of Jahn-Teller cubic phase transition to unstable tetragonal phase especially when operated at elevated temperature (>55oC). Among the various techniques carried out to overcome these setbacks is doping with cations to raise the oxidation state of Mn thereby decreasing the amount of unstable Mn3+. This study focuses on the investigation of the structural and electronic properties of Cu2+ doped LiMn2O4 using ab-initio computational method. The structural properties of both un-doped LiMn2O4 and Cu2+ doped LiMn2O4 were collectively obtained using both generalized gradient approximation (GGA) employing pseudo-potentials, plane wave basis sets and XcryDen. From the electronic properties of undoped LiMn2O4, it was revealed that in LiMn2O4, only Mn3+ ions contribute to conduction, even though Mn3+ ions and Mn4+ ions exist together. Increasing the number of Mn3+ brings it a unique challenge of instability. Due to this instability, avoiding the Mn3+ state of manganese prevents Jahn-teller distortion, resulting in a reduced phase transition. Based on the results from the first-principles calculation of Cu2+ doped LiMn2O4, the Cu valence in doped spinel LiCu0.25Mn0.75O4 is Cu2+ at a fully lithiated state. When half of the Li ions are extracted, the Cu2+ ions oxidized to Cu3+ ions. Since Cu2+ is a di-valent element, the dopant act as electrochemically active centres for valence change, leaving two trivalent ions to only take on +4 oxidation states stably, thus increasing Mn-O bonding strength which ultimately suppressed Jahn-Teller distortions. However, previous studies show that Cu2+ substitution shrinks the lattice because the ionic radius of Cu2+ is smaller than that of the host Mn3+ ions, thereby the reversible capacity of Cu-doped spinel may be reduced as Cu ions can only provide one electron per ion.