Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SALMONELLA INFECTION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF IMO STATE UNIVERSITY OWERRI, NIGERIA

Studies on Salmonella infection among undergraduate students of Imo State University Owerri, Nigeria was carried out to determine proportion and relationships between infections of Salmonella infection with demographic characteristic and toilet hygiene practice. This was done using a noninvasive standard bacteriological technique involving stool culture and biochemical identification of isolates. Chi square analysis and Spearmans correlation were used to test for independence and degree of relationship. Percentage was used to determine proportion. The result showed Salmonella infection had a proportion of 36.89%. The predominant Salmonella species isolated was Salmonella typhimnrium. The disease showed a dependence (P>0.05) on toilet hygiene and demographic characteristics of the students (p<0.05). Females had more proportion of the disease than males. Infection of Salmonella increased with higher class level of the students. There was a higher proportion of Salmonella infection among the 18-21 years age range. Improved pit was found to be associated with low proportion of disease. Water cistern with manual lever was associated with Salmonella infection whereas hand washing in addition to use of hand sanitizers showed association with low proportion of Salmonella infection. It is therefore necessary to provide awareness on the harmful effects of enteric pathogens as well as encourage early diagnosis. Non-invasive method of diagnosis can be used for mass screening for salmonellosis especially in Nigeria where invasive methods are not widely accepted. The provision of basic amenities, cafeterias that offer affordable services and meet adequate hygiene, in school premises should not be neglected.
A Survey of Job Satisfaction of Employees at Higher Learning Institutions in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract The study investigated job satisfaction among employees of higher education institutions. One hundred and fifty academic and non-academic staff (male=75; female=75; age range: 24 to 54) participated in the study. A group-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study found that few (69) employees were satisfied with their jobs. Of these, more female than male and younger than older employees reported that they were satisfied with their jobs. In addition, job satisfaction decreased with a rise in academic qualifications. Further research should investigate the nature and magnitude of the influence of gender, age and educational level on job satisfaction among employees.
Evaluating snow weak-layer failure parameters through inverse finite element modelling of shaking-platform experiments

Abstract. Snowpack weak layers may fail due to excess stresses of various natures, caused by snowfall, skiers, explosions or strong ground motion due to earthquakes, and lead to snow avalanches. This research presents a numerical model describing the failure of "sandwich" snow samples subjected to shaking. The finite element model treats weak layers as interfaces with variable mechanical parameters. This approach is validated by reproducing cyclic loading snow fracture experiments. The model evaluation revealed that the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion, governed by cohesion and friction angle, was adequate to describe the experiments. The model showed the complex, non-homogeneous stress evolution within the snow samples and especially the importance of tension on fracture initiation at the edges of the weak layer, caused by dynamic stresses due to shaking. Accordingly, a simplified analytical solution, ignoring the inhomogeneity of tangential and normal stresses along the failure plane, may incorrectly estimate the shear strength of the weak layers. The values for "best fit" cohesion and friction angle were ≈1.6 kPa and 22.5–60°. These may constitute valuable first approximations in mechanical models used for avalanche forecasting.
Impact of partially treated sewage effluent on the water quality of recipient Epie Creek Niger Delta, Nigeria using Malaysian Water Quality Index (WQI)

Impact of partially treated sewage effluent on the water quality of recipient Epie Creek in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria was investigated experimentally by analysing the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of the surface water samples collected at four (4) sampling stations: at the effluent discharge point (fall out) (SS2), 500 m upstream (SS1), 500m downstream (SS3) and 1000m (SS4) downstream respectively from the point of discharge. Sampling was carried out weekly between June 2009 and May 2010 (48 weeks). Measured parameters of the water samples and the corresponding results are: pH (5.60 – 6.80), turbidity (21.5 – 34.7 NTU), electrical conductivity (34.7 – 82.1 iS/cm), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (12.4 -36.7 mg/l), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (17.3 – 53.2 mg/l), total suspended solids (TSS) (17.70- 45.8 mg/l), dissolved oxygen (DO) (3.73 – 5.20 mg/l), total dissolved solids (TDS) (57.3 – 187.0 mg/l), total phosphate (0.73 – 1.73 mg/l), ammoniacal nitrogen (AN) (4.10 – 5.0 mg/l) and total fecal coliform count (TFCC) (2,120 – 20,800 cfu/ml). The water quality at each of the sampling points was also assessed using Malaysian Water Quality Index (WQI) and results show that, the water quality of Epie Creek defined at the sampling stations belongs to Class IV with values that ranged between 31.0 and 51.9. Empirically, the water quality can be described as fairly polluted. This means that the water quality across the sampling points is poor indicating that most parameters have deteriorated.
The Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Self-Regulation and “Time Off ”: Evaluations and Reflections on the Development of a Blended Course

Changes in both the landscape of education and digital technology are giving rise to interesting, innovative, and potentially effective pedagogical possibilities. As educators of the 21 st century, we are witnessing continuous changes in the way we teach as well as the way students learn. This study is a part of an ongoing research program aimed at evaluating the pedagogical effectiveness of blended teaching. More specifically, this paper aims to describe some of our reflections as we developed, delivered, and carried out an evaluation of a university course taught using a blended format. Undergraduate students (n=109) in a fourth-year capstone course participated in this study. We report on the students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the delivery method of the course, while focusing on the struggles they encountered, including difficulties keeping up with the course content, particularly on the weeks where the lecture was online, as well as a struggle to stay organized and connected with their peers and their assignments. Self-regulation turned out to be a major determinant of success in this type of course. We conclude with suggestions to improve students’ social and academic experiences as they navigate learning in a digital world. étudiants de premier cycle (n=109) inscrits dans un tout dernier cours de quatrième année ont participé à cette étude. Nous présentons un rapport sur la manière dont les étudiants ont perçu l’efficacité de la méthode employée pour enseigner ce cours, tout en mettant l’accent sur les problèmes qu’ils ont rencontrés, y compris les difficultés à faire face au contenu du cours, en particulier durant les semaines où les cours magistraux étaient présentés en ligne, ainsi que sur leurs difficultés à rester organisés et connectés avec leurs camarades de classe et avec leurs devoirs. Il s’avère que l’autorégulation est un élément important pour la réussite de ce type de cours. Pour conclure, nous présentons des suggestions pour améliorer l’expérience sociale et académique des étudiants dans leur parcours de l’apprentissage au sein d’un monde numérique.
Work-family conflict and work engagement among mothers: Conscientiousness and neuroticism as moderators

Orientation: The study investigates factors that impact work-family conflict and work engagement among working mothers. Research purpose: The job demand-resources model is utilised to investigate the moderating role of conscientiousness and neuroticism on the relationship between work-family conflict and work engagement. Motivation for the study: Working mothers are challenged to establish a balance between work and family life. The resulting work-family conflict can negatively affect well-being. It is thus necessary to explore personal factors that relate to work-family conflict, particularly in the South African context. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample ( N = 267) was comprised of working mothers from several organisations. Data was gathered using the work-to-family conflict questionnaire, the Basic Traits Inventory and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. Main findings: The results indicated that work-family conflict negatively predicts work engagement. Conscientiousness positively predicts work engagement, and neuroticism negatively predicts work engagement. A significant interaction effect was found for conscientiousness but not for neuroticism. The findings showed that for participants with high levels of conscientiousness, work engagement decreases significantly more with an increase in work-family conflict than for participants with low levels of conscientiousness. Practical/Managerial implications: Organisations should consider those individuals who have high levels of conscientiousness and low levels of neuroticism in the selection and placement of employees. In addition, organisations have a responsibility to provide conscientious women, particularly mothers, with adequate support to ensure that work-family conflict does not adversely impact their levels of work engagement.
Predictors of wellbeing experienced by Australian police officers

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the Demand-Control-Support (DCS) model as well as the psychological contract model (PCM) to predict the wellbeing experienced by 2,566 Australian police officers. While the level of explained variance attributed to the PCM was substantially less than the DCS, measures of contract breach and organisational fairness still captured significant portions of intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction. Overall, the results of this study suggest that both the DCS and the PCM should figure prominently in strategies aimed at reducing or preventing police stress.
PREDICTORS OF ADHERENCE TOWARD CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION OF UNDER FIVE CHILDREN

ABSTRACT Introduction : Vaccine preventable diseases are occuring despite high immunization coverage. Hence, the predictors of adherence toward childhood immunization are important to be identified. A cross-sectional study conducted to determine the predictors of adherence toward different vaccines of childhood immunization among mothers of under five children. Materials and Methods : Recruitment of 320 respondents into the study was via systematic random sampling technique. Validated self administered questionnaires and proforma were used as the study instruments. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Multiple logistic regression conducted for the analysis of predictors. Result: Response rate of 98.1% was obtained from 314 respondents. Adherence (completeness) towards childhood immunization and adherence (timeliness) towards different vaccines were 98.09% and 56.5% - 97.1% respectively. The predictor of adherence (completeness) was household income category of RM2000 to RM2999 ( p =0.047). The predictors of adherence towards vaccine timeliness were; employed mothers towards BCG vaccine ( p =0.011), third and onwards born children towards Hepatitis B dose one vaccine, ( p =0.049), 25 year old and above mothers towards Hepatitis B dose two vaccine ( p =0.038) and household income of RM5000 and more towards MMR dose one vaccine, ( p =0.044). Conclusion: High adherence (completeness) towards childhood immunization relatively differs with the lower adherence (timeliness) towards different vaccines and its doses. Household income was the predictor for adherence (completeness). Predictors of vaccine timeliness included; mother’s employment status for BCG vaccine, birth order for Hepatitis B dose one vaccine, maternal age for Hepatitis B dose two vaccine, and household income for MMR dose one vaccine. Keywords: Predictor, adherence, childhood immunization, under five children
The Impact of the PICK a Partner Relationship Education Program on Single Army Soldiers

Educating singles on how to develop healthy, romantic relationships can be beneficial to their subsequent dating and marital satisfaction, and for army soldiers, their satisfaction with military life. A new relationship program, the Premarital Interpersonal Choices and Knowledge (PICK) program, was delivered to single army soldiers, and at the conclusion of the program participants demonstrated an increase in their understanding of the crucial areas to explore and discuss in a premarital relationship, gained a better understanding of how to pace their relationship, and exhibited more realistic attitudes and beliefs about marriage and mate selection.
Massive star formation in the GMC G345.5+1.0: spatial distribution of the dust emission

Context. Massive condensations in giant molecular clouds (GMCs) are linked to the formation of high mass stars, which are the principal source of heavy elements and UV radiation, playing an important role in the evolution of galaxies. Aims. We attemp to make a complete census of massive-star formation within all of GMC G345.5+1.0. This cloud is located one degree above the Galactic plane and at 1.8 kpc from the Sun, thus there is little superposition of dust along the line-of-sight, minimizing confusion effects in identifying individual clumps. Methods. We observed the 1.2 mm continuum emission across the whole GMC using the Swedish-ESO Submillimetre Telescope (SEST) Imaging Bolometer Array (SIMBA) mounted on the SEST. Observations have a spatial resolution of 0.2 pc and cover 1. ◦ 8 × 2. ◦ 2 in the sky with a noise of 20 mJy beam −1 . Results. We identify 201 clumps with diameters between 0.2 and 0.6 pc, masses between 3.0 and 1.3 × 10 3 M� , and densities between 5 × 10 3 and 4 × 10 5 cm −3 . The total mass of the clumps is 1.2 × 10 4 M� , thus the efficiency in forming these clumps, estimated as the ratio of the total clump mass to the total GMC mass, is ∼0.02. The clump mass distribution for masses between 10 and 10 3 M� is well-fitted by a power law dN/dM ∝ M −α , with a spectral mass index α of 1.7 ± 0.1. Given their mass distribution, clumps do not appear to be the direct progenitors of single stars. Comparing the 1.2 mm continuum emission with infrared images taken by the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) and by the Spitzer satellite, we find that at least ∼20% of the clumps are forming stars, and at most ∼80% are starless. Six massive-star forming regions (MSFRs) embedded in clumps and associated with IRAS point sources have mean densities of ∼10 5 cm −3 , luminosities >10 3 L� , and spectral energy distributions that can be modeled with two dust components at different mean temperatures of 28 ± 5 and 200 ± 10 K.
Pattern Of Trauma In Central India: An Epidemiological Study With Special Reference To Mode Of Injury

Research question: What are the various epidemiological factors related to trauma cases? Objectives: 1. To assess the prevalence of trauma coming to hospital 2. To know the various epidemiological factors related to trauma cases 3. To know cause and mode of injuryStudy design: Descriptive study.Setting: Study was performed in department of surgery Shyam Shah Medical College & Hospital, Rewa. Madhyapradesh, IndiaParticipants: 350 trauma victims reported in one year period.Study variables: Demographic characteristics of the victims, time, day and month of injury. Type of trauma, cause and mode etc.Statistical analysis: Proportions.Results: Out of total 3625 admissions, annual incidence of trauma was 22.78%. RTA was the commonest cause of injury (46.85%). Most common age group affected was 11-40 year age group (64.06%), with predominance of Male (79.4%) and rural population (72%). The commonest victims of trauma were Labourer (37.66%). Maximum cases of trauma occurred during summer (58.9%). Jeep was the most common vehicle involved (33.53%). In road traffic injury cases, frontal impact was the commonest mode (51.47%) most cases were unintentional injury (68%) and Alcohol intoxication was present in 11.07% of cases.
In-vitro Gas Production of Different Dietary Fibre Sources Incubated with Faecal Microflora to Test Applicability of Preventing DIOS in Patients Suffering from Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency - Studies in Minipigs Used as A Model for Humans

Patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF) often suffer from an exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (PEI) and have an increased risk for distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS). To ensure a high energy density in the diet to prevent malnutrition and meteorism in these patients the dietary fibre supply is low which might exacerbate constipation and DIOS. The aim of this study was to test the in-vitro gas production of different fibre concentrates incubated with porcine faecal microflora. To test whether PEI affects fermentation, faeces of pigs with experimentally induced PEI were used alongside healthy controls (C). Four fibre sources were tested in this study: Pure methylcellulose [MC], two lignocellulose products (FibreCell ® [FC] OptiCell ® [OC] and a pea fibre [PF]. The in-vitro gas production was continuously measured manometrically over 48 hours and recorded every minute using the ANKOM gas production system © . In-vitro gas production was highest when 1 g PF was used as substrate (127 ± 36.3 ml in C, 123 ± 47.9 ml in PEI pigs) while values were significantly lower (< 4 ml/g substrate) for all the other fibre sources tested. The PEI did not affect in-vitro gas production in this study. To conclude, the use of highly concentrated fibre sources (60 % crude fibre) might be an option to increase fibre supply in patients suffering from PEI in case of CF with no risk of bloating or meteorism and no need to markedly increase the amount of food intake. As in-vitro gas production differed remarkably between fibre sources the fibre used for dietary measures should be chosen carefully.
Harmful effects of nanoparticles on animals

Since several years nanoparticles (NPs) are produced by industries and used in several fields of activities. They are finally found in aquatic and terrestrial environments, where they are ingested by living organisms in which they accumulate, before being eliminated. In organisms, NPs represent foreign elements with their own physicochemical properties due to their small size. So NPs may interfere with the normal physiological mechanisms of the embryos, growing animals, and adults, and it is indispensable to understand their potentially direct or indirect harmful effects on living organisms. It has been already shown that NPs could be toxic to bacteria, algae, invertebrates, and vertebrates. In this review, several examples of recent studies are given. We will examine successively the effects of NPs on terrestrial and semiaquatic and aquatic vertebrate and invertebrate animals.
Learner Choice and Accommodation:Exploring Comments in Chinese EFL Learning Diaries

Our paper identifies three senses of accommodation—cognitive,critical,and communicative—that we see as relevant to pedagogical and scholarly efforts to understand the learning and teaching of second/foreign languages in classroom settings,including constraints that learners encounter and choices that learners make.We focus on an interesting three-way contrast between discourses that represent accommodation as a difficult and challenging aspect of learning,as a facile and complicit acceptance of existing values and practices,or as an extension of communicative repertoire when dealing with different interlocutors and audiences.We go on to situate these reflections against a close exploration of comments by a group of language learners,in which we trace and analyse dominant themes and evoked experiences of learners of English as a Foreign Language(EFL) in a Chinese university.Data for the study comprise 275 entries drawn from a set of 65 EFL learning diaries.Focusing upon some of the main concerns and aspirations expressed in their writing,our commentary on selected entries identifies and discursively explores choices that these learners report themselves as making within their learning situation,and suggests the value of a multifaceted account of accommodation in language learning.
The Economic Effects of Earnings Management Pre- and Post-SOX

Research suggests that following several high-profile accounting scandals and the passage of SOX legislation in 2002, firms substituted real earnings management strategies for accrual manipulation. However, the broader implications of this tradeoff from a public policy and financial oversight perspective are not well understood. Consistent with our expectations, we find that abnormal operating decisions are less informative about future ROA in the post-SOX period. We also find that the increase in real earnings management negatively impacts firm value, but investors appear slow to recognize and price the myopic behavior. We do not observe a corresponding increase in the quality of discretionary accruals after SOX, but market mispricing of abnormal accruals essentially disappears, consistent with greater investor scrutiny. Although the shift away from accrual manipulation to real earnings management should result in less distortion of underlying economic events, the net effect appears to be value destroying for the average firm. Data Availability: Data are publicly available from sources identified in the paper. JEL Classifications: G32; G38; M41; M48.
The reliability of the investment method of valuation in valuing income producing properties for mortgage in Nigeria : a case study of Calabar Metropolis

This study examined whether the investment method of valuation is reliable and appropriate in the valuation of income producing properties for mortgage purposes. A mortgage is a loan which is granted on which landed properties are used as collateral or security for the loan. For mortgages to be granted, the banks will require the services of estate surveyors and valuers to assess the value of the properties used as collateral for the loan. The question that always comes to bear is the method that appropriate in carrying such valuation. To achieve the aim of the study, a survey method was employed using questionnaire administered on respondent estate surveyors and valuers in Calabar metropolis. The study surveyed valuers opinions on the on the reliability of the investment method of valuation when valuing for mortgages and data collected through questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics to find the mean score, standard deviation and percentages. The findings from the study indicate that the investment method of valuation is the most reliable and applicable method in valuing income producing properties for mortgage purposes. The possible problems of the investment method were seen to include absence of data on sales, comparable evidence on rent, dearth of data on yield, lack of data bank etc. The study concluded by recommending the creation of a central property database and publication on quarterly, bi-annually or yearly, adopting/enforcement of international valuation standards, re-training of valuers through workshops or MCPD. The investment method of valuation when fully embraced and adopted by valuers rather than the cost or comparison method, will further help to reduce valuation variance and inaccuracy in Nigerian.