Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sorghum production in Nigeria: opportunities, constraints, and recommendations

ABSTRACT Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) production has considerable socio-economic values in sub-Saharan Africa for food security and to serve the increased industrial demands due to high population pressure and climate change. However, the production and productivity of the crop are yet to be expounded in Nigeria for economic gains. Therefore, the objective of this study was to present the current opportunities and constraints to sorghum production in Nigeria. A participatory rural appraisal (PRA) study was conducted in three selected sorghum growing zones in northern Nigeria involving 250 farmers. Socio-economic data were collected through surveys and focus group discussions. Sorghum was cultivated mainly by males (80%) who had grade 6-12 level of education (31.3%), with the productive age of 21-45 years (75.7%) and a household family size of below five members (52.3%). Low yielding landrace varieties such as Kaura (37.4%) and Fara-fara (29.3%) were the most widely cultivated types across the study zones due to their good grain quality. The major farmers' preferred traits from a sorghum variety were high yield, drought tolerance and Striga resistance. The study recommends integrated sorghum technology development incorporating the described preferences of the farmers for sustainable production and economic gains of the crop.
Evaluation of the Application of e-Learning Methodologies to the Education of Engineering

XI RESUMO XIII RESUME XV LIST OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS IN USE XVII LIST OF TABLES XIX LIST OF FIGURES XXI CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Field of Study and Intended Stakeholders 2 1.3 Background and motivation of the researcher 3 1.4 Statement of the problem and research questions 4 1.5 Impact expectations of the study 5 1.6 Structure of the study 6 1.7 Publications related with the research study 6 CHAPTER 2 RELATED WORK 9 2.
The effect of technology acceptance on undergraduate students' usage of WebCT as a collaborative tool

The purpose of this research study was to use the Technology Acceptance Model (Pan, 2003) for re-examination of the relationships between students’ attitude toward the use of WebCT and the relevance of the actual usage in light of social presence and sociability. By using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) developed by F. Davis (1989), this study focused on variables such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy, subjective norms, attitude and actual use of WebCT to account for the effect towards the achievement in the exam which is an outcome variable. The data were collected over three different time periods during the spring semester of 2007 to find how these results changed over time. The participants were the students who enrolled in the business marketing course (Principle of marketing) at the University of Central Florida in spring, 2007. The course was divided to three sections: on-campus, video-streaming and online classes. Although there were three different delivery methods, there was only one instructor and they used same material for all sections so the results were used to compare the differences from three classes. The study was conducted by using instruments to measure perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy, subjective norms, actual use, attitude, sociability, social presence and an additional demographic instrument. Path analysis in SAS and repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS v15.0 for Windows were used to analyze the data. The results suggest that the hypothesized extended model was a good fit. The model did indicate that students’ attitude toward WebCT were determinants of the exam grades. The findings of path analysis indicated that the research did support TAM. Perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, subjective norms and computer self-efficacy all affected to students’ attitude
OK google: what’s the answer? characteristics of students who searched the internet during an online chemistry examination

Abstract Restrictions on movement during the COVID-19 pandemic led to assessment being conducted online, which gave students opportunities to use internet search engines during examinations. We found that in some cases internet searches resulted in characteristic incorrect responses, and around one third of students entered these answers to examination questions in a foundation chemistry unit. Classification of those students allowed us to analyse their performance on other assessment tasks and we found that students who used an internet search and input incorrect results performed worse across all assessment tasks. Use of online proctoring and an academic honesty module in subsequent semesters reduced the percentage of students entering incorrect answers found though internet searches. We explored the relationship between students’ prior knowledge, investment in content and self-efficacy with the use of internet searches during their examination. We found significant correlations with prior knowledge and investment, but not with self-efficacy. Our data calls for better authentication of online assessment, because in most cases internet searches give correct responses and so it is impossible to be sure that a student has generated the response. We propose guidelines to reduce the use of search engines during examinations. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2022. 2048356 .
Factors associated with the family reintegration stability for children with a residential care experience in Ghana

There is limited evidence on family reintegration for children who have been in residential care within the African context. The goal of this study is to find out what factors impact reintegrated institutionalized children’s desire to remain with their biological parents or extended family. The dataset included records for 659 interviewed children and their guardians. However, the analyses were limited to 408 cases with complete data on the dependent and independent variables. Most of the children in the study (73%) preferred to remain with their relatives. The age of the child, length of time spent in residential care, and having a case file, were all factors linked to the children’s wish to stay with their family. Based on the findings of the study, social workers should do a full assessment and documentation to decide if reintegration is appropriate, prepare the child and family, and give follow-up assistance to ensure stable reintegration. Social workers must also link reunified families to long-term support such as enrollment on the Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty social protection program, and they should monitor placements to improve the stability of the reintegration.
Living at the limit in the Pyrenees: Peripheral and endemic plants are rare but underrepresented in protection lists

Mountains shelter high biological diversity and constitute both important barriers and confluence areas for species. They often contain species whose populations occur at their range limit (peripheral species), which according to the “Centre‐Periphery” hypothesis (CPH) are expected to occur in marginal environments, exhibit low abundance and consequently high vulnerability. Our study investigates this hypothesis for the flora of the Pyrenees, a biogeographical crossroads containing a large proportion of the total European plant diversity.
Assessing the quality of novel Aeolus winds for NWP applications at NCMRWF

This study illustrates the validation of Aeolus Horizontal Line‐Of‐Sight (HLOS) winds, both Rayleigh‐clear and Mie‐cloudy, using in situ satellite wind (Atmospheric Motion Vectors, AMVs) observations, and NWP equivalents for three months, June–August 2020, covering the Indian summer monsoon season. Estimated errors in the Mie‐cloudy (Rayleigh‐clear) winds are clustered around 0.5–4 m·s−1 (3–8 m·s−1), and the differences between Aeolus Mie‐cloudy (Rayleigh‐clear) and sonde winds are within ±5 m·s−1 (± 8 m·s−1), but the systematic error is close to zero over the Northern Hemisphere where there are more sonde reports. Validation shows the quality of Mie‐cloudy winds is better than Rayleigh‐clear winds. Though the comparison against the observations like sonde (radiosonde and pilot balloons together) and aircraft indicate the quality of the Aeolus winds, their sparse spatial and temporal coverage limits the validation. Validation of Aeolus winds against AMVs provides similar results but with a better and nearly complete picture of the quality and quantity, with more information over the data‐sparse and remote regions. Statistical scores suggest the characteristics of the Aeolus winds at different vertical levels and geographical regions remain the same irrespective of the validation reference datasets. The Indian summer monsoon features like Low‐Level Jet (LLJ) and Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ) are well represented in the Aeolus winds. This study also investigated the impact of the Aeolus HLOS winds over the Indian region through the collocated radiosonde and ALADIN wind profile assimilation experiments. Observing System Experiments (OSEs) suggest assimilation of Aeolus winds produced marginal improvement in the simulation of north Indian Ocean cyclones.
Mesospheric Nitric Oxide Transport in WACCM

Energetic particle precipitation (EPP) causes ionization of the main constituents of the Earth's atmosphere which leads to the production of nitric oxide (NO) throughout the polar mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). Due to the long lifetime of NO during winter, it can also be transported deeper into the atmosphere by the mesospheric residual circulation (the indirect EEP effect). This study investigates the mesospheric indirect NO response to EEP using Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) version 6. In comparison to observations from the instrument Solar Occultation For Ice Experiment (SOFIE) on the AIM (Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere) satellite, a wintertime underestimation is found in the modeled mesospheric NO amount. WACCM's temperature profile is found to be vertically shifted compared to observations by SOFIE and by The Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry instrument on the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics Dynamics satellite (SABER). The discrepancies in NO are therefore attributed to the model's ability to simulate the dynamics responsible for the indirect EEP effect. The drivers of this transport are investigated by sensitivity runs of WACCM's gravity wave forcing. Changing the amplitude of the non‐orographic gravity waves and the Prandtl number improves the modeled vertical distribution of NO and temperature in the MLT region.
The Protective Effect of Anethole against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion: The Role of the TLR2,4/MYD88/NFκB Pathway

Background: Anethole is the principle essential oil component of anise and fennel. Renal ischemia/reperfusion (RIR) is one of the utmost imperative reasons for acute kidney injury and often associated with high mortality rate. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of anethole on RIR status, exploring the involved mechanisms. Methods: RIR was accomplished by bilateral renal pedicle clamping for 45 min, after which the clamps were removed to achieve the reperfusion phase. Rats were randomized into five groups; Sham, Sham + anethole, RIR, and finally RIR + anethole (125 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg) groups. Animals were given anethole (in specified groups in doses) for 14 days before RIR. Results: RIR-experienced animals developed renal injury evidenced by diminished renal function and histopathological alteration. RIR induced severe oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic status within renal tissue. Pre-RIR management with anethole enhanced renal morphology and improved renal function. Anethole amplified GSH content and SOD, CAT, and GPx activities and lowered MDA. Anethole reduced gene and protein expression levels of HMGB1, TLR2, TLR4, MYD88, and NFκB. Anethole distinctly dropped TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MCP-1 levels, increased IL-10, and diminished caspase 3 and 9, reflecting its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions. Conclusion: Anethole displayed anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic actions against RIR-induced injury. Anethole exhibited renal protective actions, which could be through inhibiting the HMGB1/TLR2, 4/MYD88/NFκB pathway. These results could suggest anethole as a protective agent against RIR.
Preoperative Anxiety among Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Surgeries at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study during the Era of COVID-19 Vaccination

Anxiety in the perioperative period has significant impact on both the flow of surgery and the post-operative recovery process. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to determine the prevalence of preoperative anxiety among adult patients undergoing elective surgical procedures at a tertiary teaching hospital and the effect of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines on preoperative anxiety. We used the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) to assess patients’ anxiety toward surgery and their need for more information. Patients with APAIS about anesthesia and surgery (APAIS-A-T) total score <10 were considered as the low preoperative anxiety group, while patients with APAIS-A-T ≥11 were considered as the high preoperative anxiety group. The overall APAIS-A-T score of the 794 included patients was 8.5 ± 4.5. The mean APAIS-A-T score was 7.0 ± 3.8 among males and 9.6 ± 4.6 among female patients (p < 0.001). The APAIS-A-T score for those who had previously underwent surgery under anesthesia was 8.3 ± 4.4, compared to 9.5 ± 4.8 for those who had not (p = 0.002). No significant difference was found between those with a previous history of COVID-19 and those without (p = 0.105), nor between those who were vaccinated and those who were not (p = 0.550). Sixty-four (26.8%) highly anxious patients were afraid of becoming infected with COVID-19 during their hospital stay (p = 0.009). This fear of COVID-19 in-hospital transmission made 19 (7.9%) highly anxious patients and 36 (4.5%) of the total sample hesitant to undergo this surgery (p = 0.002). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that 30.1% of patients had high preoperative anxiety, with fear of pain after surgery being the most common factor related to anxiety on the day of surgery. Controlling the spread of COVID-19 can play a crucial role in decreasing preoperative anxiety during this pandemic.
The Role of External Linkages and Gatekeepers for the Renewal and Expansion of US Cities' Knowledge Base, 1990–2004

Breschi S. and Lenzi C. The role of external linkages and gatekeepers for the renewal and expansion of US cities’ knowledge base, 1990–2004, Regional Studies. This paper examines the role of external linkages and gatekeepers for the renewal and expansion of cities' knowledge base in US metropolitan co-invention networks. It is argued that the relative importance of direct external linkages and external relations mediated by gatekeepers varies according to specific local conditions. It is found that direct external relations, on average, contribute to broadening and rejuvenating the local knowledge base and outperform external links mediated by gatekeepers; the latter, however, are especially important in cities with a localized and specialized knowledge base, as they enable the trans-coding and absorption at the local level of externally sourced knowledge.
How is theory used in assessment and feedback research? A critical review

Abstract Assessment and feedback research constitutes its own ‘silo’ amidst the higher education research field. Theory has been cast as an important but absent aspect of higher education research. This may be a particular issue in empirical assessment research which often builds on the conceptualisation of assessment as objective measurement. So, how does theory feature in assessment and feedback research? We conduct a critical review of recent empirical articles (2020, N = 56) to understand how theory is engaged with in this field. We analyse the repertoire of theories and the mechanisms for putting these theories into practice. 21 studies drew explicitly on educational theory. Theories were most commonly used to explain and frame assessment. Critical theories were notably absent, and quantitative studies engaged with theory in a largely instrumental manner. We discuss the findings through the concept of reflexivity, conceptualising engagement with theory as a practice with both benefits and pitfalls. We therefore call for further reflexivity in the field of assessment and feedback research through deeper and interdisciplinary engagement with theories to avoid further siloing of the field.
Development of adhesive from polystyrene waste

Background: This study aimed to develop adhesive from waste polystyrene, which has the capacity to both reduce environmental pollution and create wealth from waste. Methods: Polystyrene waste was obtained from waste heap “bola” around Jimeta metropolis, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The polystyrene waste was washed and dried. The washed waste was used to formulate adhesive using various solvents such as toluene, gasoline, blend of gasoline and toluene, and blend of gasoline and acetone. The formulated adhesives were characterized by study some physical properties of the formulated adhesive, such as; viscosity, bond strength, pH, solid content, moisture content and drying time. Results: The adhesive formulated from the blend of toluene and acetone gave the best performance from the physical properties. The adhesive from blend of toluene and acetone as solvent was then selected for application on different surfaces such as plastic, plywood, aluminum, glass and ceramic. The Bond strength of the selected adhesive was measured on these surfaces as follows; plastic (6.74 MPa), ceramics (5.9 MPa), glass (5.9 MPa), plywood (7.04 MPa) and aluminum sheet (0.76 MPa). The pH of the adhesive was 6.58, viscosity;467, drying time; 2.44minutes, solid content (% SC); 90.62 % and the moisture content (% MC) of the adhesive was 9.38 %. The adhesive on optimization, established that increase in concentration of polyvinyl acetate impact greatly on the bond strength of the adhesive. Glycerol was used as plasticizer that improved the flexibility of the adhesive but it raises the moisture content (% MC) of the adhesive. Conclusion: It was concluded that creation of wealth while reducing environmental pollution, through production of environmentally friendly adhesive from waste plastics, is a viable task. This research hereby introduces a new adhesive to the adhesive industry
Perception and Evaluation of (Modified) Wood by Older Adults from Slovenia and Norway

Many building users prefer wood over other building materials, but it is unclear how modi ﬁ ed wood is perceived compared with unmodi ﬁ ed wood. Additionally, it is unclear which material properties play a role in the general preference for wood, how tactile and tactile – visual perceptions of materials affect user preference for wood, and whether human preference for wood is consistent across countries and cultures with different wood use practices. One hundred older adults from Slovenia and Norway rated and ranked wooden materials (ie handrails) made of either unmodi ﬁ ed or modi ﬁ ed wood and a stainless steel control sample. The materials were rated on a semantic differential scale (capturing sensory and affective attributes) by each participant twice: ﬁ rst, while only touching the materials and then while simultaneously touching and seeing the materials. Finally, each participant ranked the handrails in order of preference. Wooden handrails were generally more preferred than the steel sample. Preference ratings and rankings of modi ﬁ ed wood were comparable to those of unmodi ﬁ ed wood. Results were relatively consistent across both countries. Materials rated as liked were perceived as somewhat less cold, less damp, more usual, less arti ﬁ cial, more expensive, and less unpleasant. The ratings were fairly consistent between the tactile and tactile – visual tasks. In some indoor applications, certain types of modi ﬁ ed wood could be used in place of unmodi ﬁ ed wood while meeting human aesthetical preferences. Speci ﬁ c visual and tactile properties can predict material preference and could be considered in the material design phase. The tactile experience is important in overall material perception and should not be overlooked. These ﬁ ndings seem to be stable across countries with different wood use practices.
Association of seasoning salt consumption with the risk of cardiovascular disease among postmenopausal rural women in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Background: High use of seasoning salt is considered as an important cause of the raised risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that has not yet been evaluated in postmenopausal women of Bangladesh. Hence, we attempted to investigate the association of seasoning salt consumption with the absolute risk for CVD in rural postmenopausal women in Bangladesh. In addition, we also assessed the distribution of various CVD risk factors by the consumption of seasoning salt among the study population. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 265 postmenopausal women aged 40–70 years from a rural primary healthcare center by convenience sampling. Of which, a total of 118 women were self-reported seasoning salt consumers. The risk of CVD was assessed by ‘Globorisk score’ and risk factors were assessed using the modified STEP-wise approach to surveillance questionnaire of the World Health Organization. Results: The consumption of seasoning salt was found very common among postmenopausal women who are comparatively aged ( ≥ 50 years), illiterate, housewives, and from low-income to lower-middle-income groups. No significant CVD risk difference (U=8,312, P=0.56) was found between the consumers and non-consumers of seasoning salt. On contrary to current knowledge, seasoning salt is found as a non-significant predictor (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.59–1.15, P=0.625) of absolute risk of CVD. The study found that the smokeless tobacco consumers use more seasoning salt than their counterparts (U=888, P<0.001). Conclusions: The study did not find any association of seasoning salt consumption with the risk of CVD. We recommended a population-based large-scale study to clarify this finding more precisely.