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A computer-based simulation is a viable approach for integrating the basics of science and technology in Junior Secondary. This study examined the impact of PhET on students' academic performance as well as students' motivation toward Basic Science and Technology. The study also investigates how PhET influence students' attitudes toward Basic Science and Technology. The study adopted the pre-test, post-test, and non-equivalent control group design. We randomly selected the study population from junior secondary two (JSII) students in private and public schools who are studying Basic Science and Technology. Quantitative data were collected and analyzed using a statistical approach such as the mean, standard deviation, and t-test. Students' post-test academic performance improved significantly (t160 = 36.28, p < 0.05) as a result of teaching Basic Science and Technology with PhET. According to the findings PhET had a substantial effect on the motivation of Basic Science and Technology students (t160 = 29.32, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the results demonstrated that PhET affected students' attitudes toward Basic Science and Technology (t160 = 65.36, p < 0.05). This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence to support the integration of PhET in the teaching of Basic Science and Technology in Nigeria and other similar contexts. The findings suggest that PhET can be an effective pedagogical tool for improving learning outcomes in science and technology education, particularly in developing countries where resources and infrastructure may be limited.

With the push to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) from kindergarten to twelfth-grade levels comes a need for equipped teachers. However, there needs to be more initiative in professional learning opportunities, which demands the required effort to ensure teachers learn the AI content they will be teaching. To design an effective professional development program, understanding teachers' existing knowledge, interest and disposition towards AI is crucial to devise strategies that could best support the teachers. As a result, this study aims to investigate in-service teachers' perspectives of teaching AI in schools from the perspective of planned behavior theory. Using a 7-factor scale of AI Anxiety, AI Readiness, AI Relevance, Attitude towards using AI, AI for Social Good, Confidence in AI and Behavioral Intention. This study sampled 159 in-service teachers in Namibia. The teachers' responses were analyzed with SmartPLS using Structural Equation Modelling and various Multigroup Analysis techniques. This study found that teachers' behavioral intention to teach AI depends on a combination of factors, including the relevance of AI, attitude towards using AI, the use of AI for social good and confidence. Meanwhile, AI Anxiety and readiness could not be linked to the intention to teach AI. We discussed our findings, highlighted the study implication, and suggested future directions.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer mortality rates are high in Nigeria. While prostate cancer is highly curable with early detection and effective multidisciplinary management, the quality of care is suboptimal in this setting. Sustainable delivery of high-quality care for patients with localized prostate cancer is needed to save more lives. To inform future interventions to improve care, this study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators that influence prostate cancer detection and management in Nigeria. METHODS: Six focus group discussions (FGDs), stratified by stakeholders were conducted with a purposive sample of prostate cancer patients (n = 19), caregivers (n = 15), and healthcare providers (n = 18), in two academic tertiary hospitals in northern and southern Nigeria. A discussion guide organized based on the socio-ecological model was used. FGDs were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the framework technique. RESULTS: Barriers and facilitators were identified at the individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels. Barriers to detection included limited knowledge and misperceptions among patients, caregivers, and community-based non-specialist healthcare providers, and limitations of centralized opportunistic screening; while facilitators included the potential for religious institutions to encourage positive health-seeking behaviour. Barriers to management included non-uniformity in clinical guideline usage, treatment abandonment amidst concerns about treatment and survival, absence of patient interaction platforms and follow-up support systems, difficulty in navigating service areas, low health insurance coverage and limited financial resource of patients. Facilitators of management included the availability of resource stratified guidelines for prostate cancer management and the availability of patient peers, caregivers, nurses, and medical social workers to provide correct medical information and support patient-centred services. Participants also provided suggestions that could help improve prostate cancer detection and management in Nigeria. CONCLUSION: This study identified multiple determinants affecting the detection and management of localized prostate cancer. These findings will inform the refinement of implementation strategies to improve the quality of prostate cancer care in Nigeria.

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction represents a promising path to utilize CO2 as a feedstock for generating valuable products such as fuels and chemicals. Faradaic efficiencies near 100% have been achieved for certain CO2 reduction products such as CO, but the electrolyzer outlet streams usually contain large fractions of unreacted CO2, dropping the product concentrations below 1% in many cases. The system disclosed here recycles the unreacted CO2 together with the products and flows them back into the CO2 reduction reactor, enabling much higher CO2 conversion rates without dropping the gas flow rate. However, simple recirculation is shown to accumulate significant amounts of hydrogen, impeding effective CO2 reduction. In this looped system, an electrochemical H2 pump is placed in series with the CO2 reactor, which effectively removes all the H2 from the recycled gas stream, increasing the concentrations of carbon-containing products. The system was initially tested with a CO-generating catalyst and CO concentrations above 70% were achieved in the recycled gas stream, compared to a maximum CO concentration of 8% in single-pass configuration. Results with a CO2 reactor targeting ethylene as the main product show that ethylene concentrations of at least 10% can be achieved, which is roughly 20 times higher compared to a single-pass system.

Abstract The study aimed to perform a literature review to identify the trends, impacts, and challenges associated with the integration of microlearning and social media. A total of seven academic databases were used as sources for searching: Scopus, Web of Science, ACM, EBSCOhost, PubMed, ProQuest, and IEEE. A combination of keywords related to microlearning and social media was employed during the search process. No specific date limit was imposed, but only materials published in English were considered for inclusion. A total of 2312 articles were identified in the first phase of the search. Sixteen articles were selected during phase two after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The reviewed studies encompassed various fields, including computing, programming, language, nursing, surgery, and radiology. Additionally, multiple social media platforms were identified, such as podcasts, chatbots, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, MP3, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and Sina Weibo. The results indicate that the integration of microlearning and social media has the potential to enhance learning outcomes positively. These outcomes include increased learner satisfaction, expanded reach, improved learner engagement, and enhanced learning effectiveness. Additionally, the review highlights that the most significant benefits of combining microlearning with social media are increased reach and enhanced learner engagement.

This study examines the negative effects of social media addiction on the reading habits of second language learners at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. It is anchored on two theories: the Uses and Gratification theory and the Time Displacement theory. These theories were exploited in assessing the effects of addiction to the use of social media on the reading habits of second-language users. The quantitative method for data collection and analysis was adopted. A questionnaire was administered to 525 respondents to ascertain the level of their addiction to social media and reading habits. The study shows that students are seriously addicted to social media, spending 3-4 hours on non-academic matters, which affects their reading habits seriously. Based on the above discoveries, it is recommended that compulsory orientations should be organised on when, how, and what social media should be used for.

Abstract The easy access to Internet through increased availability and ownership of Internet-enabled facilities such as smart/android phones and communication data by adolescents have increased their vulnerability to problem gambling (PG). There is therefore need to understand the relationship between PG and some psychological and situational factors that have the capacity to influence its development and severity. The present study is a test of a moderated mediation model in which the effect of quality of life (QoL) on PG was mediated by escape, and this mediation effect was further moderated by gambling craving (GAC). Participants (N = 197: 83% male, M age = 24.05 years, SD age = 7.23 years) online gamblers took part in the survey and responded to the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), GQoL scale, Gambling Outcome Expectancies Scale-Escape (GOES-E), and the GAC scale. PROCESS macro analysis result reveals a significant moderated mediation effect of the escape-PG path by GAC. The findings provide support for escape as a potential pathway through which the QoL-PG association may thrive, and this support was further influenced by GAC. This is a significant contribution to the QoL-PG literature. However, we emphasize the need for further investigation of GAC as a criterion for PG.

Abstract Background Prostate cancer mortality rates are high in Nigeria. While prostate cancer is highly curable with early detection and effective multidisciplinary management, the quality of care is suboptimal in this setting. Sustainable delivery of high-quality care for patients with localized prostate cancer is needed to save more lives. To inform future interventions to improve care, this study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators that influence prostate cancer detection and management in Nigeria. Methods Six focus group discussions (FGDs), stratified by stakeholders were conducted with a purposive sample of prostate cancer patients (n = 19), caregivers (n = 15), and healthcare providers (n = 18), in two academic tertiary hospitals in northern and southern Nigeria. A discussion guide organized based on the socio-ecological model was used. FGDs were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the framework technique. Results Barriers and facilitators were identified at the individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels. Barriers to detection included limited knowledge and misperceptions among patients, caregivers, and community-based non-specialist healthcare providers, and limitations of centralized opportunistic screening; while facilitators included the potential for religious institutions to encourage positive health-seeking behaviour. Barriers to management included non-uniformity in clinical guideline usage, treatment abandonment amidst concerns about treatment and survival, absence of patient interaction platforms and follow-up support systems, difficulty in navigating service areas, low health insurance coverage and limited financial resource of patients. Facilitators of management included the availability of resource stratified guidelines for prostate cancer management and the availability of patient peers, caregivers, nurses, and medical social workers to provide correct medical information and support patient-centred services. Participants also provided suggestions that could help improve prostate cancer detection and management in Nigeria. Conclusion This study identified multiple determinants affecting the detection and management of localized prostate cancer. These findings will inform the refinement of implementation strategies to improve the quality of prostate cancer care in Nigeria.

Background: Menorrhagia affects 18 million women globally aged 30–55 years and poses a significant health concern. This study assessed the coagulation profile of pregnant women with bleeding problems who were screened for von Willebrand Disease (VWD). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 pregnant women from the Odumegwu Ojukwu University and Enugu State University Teaching Hospitals. Forty-five age-matched nonpregnant women served as controls. Blood samples were collected for coagulation studies, complete blood counts, and measurement of von Willebrand factor parameters. Data were collected from January 2021 to August 2022, and bleeding severity was assessed using the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis-Bleeding Assessment Tool. Categorical variables are represented as frequencies and percentages. The Kruskal–Wallis test and descriptive statistics were performed for continuous variables. Dunn’s multiple comparison test was performed for the groups, whereas the Mann–Whitney U test was used for the two groups. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Postpartum hemorrhage (38%) was the most prevalent symptom. Levels of VWF: Ag, FVIII, and VWF:CB increased as pregnancy progressed but were significantly lower in pregnant women with a history of bleeding. A low FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratio (

Many empirical studies have shown that educational games and recent technologies impact education and increase learning effectiveness, students' motivation and engagement. The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the usability of Imikode, a virtual reality (VR) game that was developed to introduce the concepts of object-oriented programming to novices. The improved version of the Imikode VR game consists of three features: An artificial intelligence component designed to provide real-time error feedback to users, an intelligent agent that guides and teaches users how to play the game and finally, the integration of multiple game play that gives learners more opportunities to explore the VR environment for greater immersive learning experience. This study adopted a survey approach and recruited first-year computer science students to measure learner satisfaction with educational virtual reality games and examined the correlations among the attributes of the Usefulness, Satisfaction and Ease of Use questionnaire of usage of Imikode. The results showed that the students were satisfied with Imikode and perceived the virtual reality educational game as very useful for learning object-oriented programming concepts. In addition, there was a correlation among the questionnaire variables, which means that researchers can use the instrument for future usability studies in the context. We further proffered some design recommendations for building software tools.

In the use of English programme of the general studies unit of Nigerian universities, computer based testing (CBT) has been introduced as a novel approach for writing examinations, as against the paper based test (PBT). For this reason, there is a need to ascertain students' perceptions of computer-based tests in the use of English Programme, as this will provide empirical evidence that will aid in the improvement of conduct of the examination, amidst the dearth of empir the CBT application across Nigerian universities. Thus, this study focused on examining what students think about this using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The participants of the study were 1,200 undergraduate students from a Nigerian university. A fifteen-item structured questionnaire titled: Students' Perception of CBT in the Use of English Programme was developed according to UTAUT to collect data in addition to a focus group discussion. The questionnaire, as well as the focus group discussion, were used to collect information on the student's perception of CBT, in relation to its: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions. A descriptive statistical analysis method was used to analyze the data collected with the help of the questionnaire, while qualitative analysis was used to analyze the data collected from the focus group discussion. The results of the study revealed that students have a very positive perception about the suitability of their use of English in a computer- based test, though they complained of challenges related to infrastructure. The findings of the study are significant to students, lecturers, Information Technology (IT) experts and curriculum planners, as this will help strengthen every areas of the use of CBT and aid in the improvement of its use by the students. Thus, addressing these challenges ensures that the results of such examination are reliable. It is recommended that studies such as assessment of students' readiness for computer-based tests and on the suitability of CBT in other units of the general studies programme such as Natural Science should be conducted in state owned universities in South East Nigeria.

The evolution of educational software applications has revolutionised teaching and learning methodologies in primary and secondary education over the past decade. This paper conducts a review of primary studies based on N = 21 papers published between 2013 and 2023, focusing on the diverse landscape of software applications designed for student learning, curriculum development, delivery, and assessment. Findings from this study showcases a range of software solutions ranging from assessment tools to tutoring applications. Distinctive features supporting various aspects of teaching and learning, including lesson planning, delivery, management, assessment, and self-directed learning, were also identified. Regarding the features of software solutions used in primary and secondary schools, some differences were identified in terms of complexity, interactivity, assessment methodologies, and the collaborative functionalities of these tools. While highlighting the potential benefits, findings from this study also showed that challenges such as deployment costs, user self-efficacy, and technology anxiety are influential factors affecting the adoption of these technologies in primary and secondary educational settings. The evidence presented in this study serves as a resource for educational leaders and practitioners, facilitating a deeper understanding of available educational tools and essential considerations in the design and adoption of future tools.

Recent studies have found potentials in the utilization of biodiesel from renewable energy sources to tackle environmental pollution associated with the release of exhausts from fossil diesel fuel engines. However, it's imperative to investigate the corrosion rate and nature of the engine components fuelled with the biodiesel. This study examines the corrosion rate and nature of aluminum coupon (AC) in fossil diesel fuel (DF) and biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil via transesterification reaction (WCOB) using weight loss and electrochemical measurements. Taguchi Orthogonal Array was used to study the influence of temperature, immersion time, agitation and WCOD/DF volume. Weight loss method revealed highest corrosion rates to be 0.0052 mm y−1 and 0.0381 mm y−1 for AC in DF and WCOB respectively. Corrosion rate increased with increase in immersion time and temperature. A shift in the corrosion potential from -0.192 V to -0.574 V; and -0.178 V to -0.516 V was revealed by potentiodynamic polarization curve for AC in WCOB and DF respectively. Nyquist plots exhibited relatively perfect semicircles of different diameters and similar shape. The developed mathematical models were effective for corrosion rate prediction. Minimum corrosion rates of 1.222 × 10−3 mm y−1 and 1.822 × 10−3 mm y−1 for AC in DF and WCOB are respectively feasible at optimum point. Presence of carbon and oxygen on AC surface; pits formation; and loss of Al ion into WCOB and DF after corrosion were noticed. In conclusion, the corrosion rate of AC in WCOB was higher than the DF counterpart.

This study investigates the application of floral motifs in a modular design framework for textile and garment production. The modular design philosophy allows for the construction of adaptable and useful clothes by assembling small, standardised pieces. While earlier research on modular fashion has focused chiefly on geometric shapes, this project looks into using floral patterns to improve the aesthetic and customisation potential of modular garments. The study used practice-based research methodologies, including studio activities to implement the modular textile and garment designs. The findings reveal how the floral motif modules can be separated and recomposed to meet the end user’s preferences, resulting in increased design flexibility, adaptability, and cost savings. The study recommends that fashion designers embrace modular design concepts, leading to higher quality, innovation, and cost-effectiveness for consumers by allowing for greater customisation and reconfiguration. This work adds to the expanding body of knowledge on modular techniques in textile and garment design.