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This study determines the effectiveness of a non-digital picture concept programme to treat cognitive deficits in pupils with dyslexia. Using a sample of 38 primary two pupils (aged 7-9 years) in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, a Picture Concept Activity and the traditional method of repetitive passage drill were administered for eight weeks and results were compared. Standard cognitive and reading measures were used and data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show that the experimental participants performed higher than the control group on the overall reading and cognitive proficiency performances. Improved cognitive proficiency was associated with improved reading tasks.

Background: Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects children of school-going age and exists in all cultures and backgrounds. Dyslexic children are deficient in phonological awareness, which makes the children to fail to attain the skills of reading, writing and spelling commensurate with their intellectual abilities. Inadequate knowledge about the nature of dyslexia by primary school teachers results in poor categorisation of at-risk children. Aim: This study sought to achieve two objectives. The first was to develop and validate the Teachers Awareness Questionnaire (TAQ), while the second goal was to use the validated TAQ to assess primary school teachers' level of awareness about dyslexia. Setting: Primary school teachers in Nsukka and nearby rural communities filled the TAQ and the Scale of Knowledge and belief about Developmental Dyslexia. Nsukka is called the university town and it is a slow-paced environment that is devoid of the usual hustle and bustle of most major towns in Nigeria. Methods: The cross-sectional design was employed to gather data for the measurement process. Data were analysed using bivariate correlations and descriptive statistics. Results: The TAQ has good internal consistency (r = 0.77) and an adequate convergent validity (r = 0.74, p < 0.01). Results also reveal that primary school teachers possessed low level of awareness about dyslexia. Conclusion: The study findings show that primary school teachers in Nigeria lack the requisite knowledge about dyslexia. The study suggests psycho-education for primary school teachers to empower them with information about the condition. Contribution: This study measured primary school teachers' level of awareness about dyslexia. The results showed that primary school teachers' awareness about dyslexia is poor, and this suggests that the use of labels (e.g., dullard) by some primary school teachers to describe their pupils may be incorrect. The study recommend to School Management Boards to take action to improve the teachers level of awareness about dyslexia, which would promote early identification of dyslexic pupils and possible intervention.

This study explores the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) teachers' pedagogical practices and how such practices can help the teachers' use of relevant guiding pedagogical principles in practice in Nigerian TVET system to facilitate quality learning. Employing a three-tiered ethnographic case study approach, we learned how 24 TVET teachers from purposively selected six Nigerian public universities used guiding pedagogical principles in practice to facilitate quality student learning. Focusing on five guiding pedagogical principles in practice identified from the thematic analysis, we analysed different pedagogical practices that teachers can adopt to facilitate quality TVET learning which include demonstration of learning, problem-based learning, seeing learners as knowers, active learning, and questioning. Drawing upon the thematic analysis, participants made recommendations for the continuous professional development of TVET teachers to enable them to improve in their use of the guiding pedagogical principles in practice to facilitate quality learning and graduate outcomes.

This study focuses on identifying the most effective instructional methods of work placement learning (WPL) delivery that industry-based instructors can adopt to enhance students' learning experiences. Employing interview and focus group methods, the authors learned from 39 participants, including 21 higher education students who had undertaken WPL in various industries and 18 industry-based instructors who have been providing placement learning tasks (instructions) to students. Focusing on the four most effective methods identified from the thematic analysis -- namely, exploration, elaboration, engagement and evaluation (operationalised as the 4E instructional methods) -- the authors analyse how the 4E instructional methods contribute to facilitating students' learning experience during work placements. Drawing on experiential learning theory and the findings of the study, recommendations are offered for the adoption of the 4E instructional methods for the effective delivery of WPL tasks to facilitate students' work-related knowledge, skills and attitudes for their future career development and employability.

Inclusive education pertains to efforts directed towards overcoming the barriers that hinder students' learning and success regardless of their social background, ability, disability, sex, and other conditions. Documented evidence on the implementation of inclusive education showed a link in teachers' and administrators' training needs. This study is conducted to provide empirical evidence on the type of training and support needed for teachers and administrators in secondary schools to reduce restricted environments and enhance achievement of students with special needs. Teachers in this study are those who already teach in the public secondary schools in South East Nigeria while administrators are principals who administratively manage both the human and material resources in the secondary schools. A cross-sectional survey research design using Cluster sampling was adopted in investigating perceptions of 305 teachers and 45 administrators who are currently teaching in secondary schools in the South East Nigeria. Two instruments were used for data collection. The instrument for data collection for the quantitative analysis was a questionnaire designed by the researchers titled Inclusive Education Training Needs Assessment Questionnaire (IETNA_Q) for teachers and administrators. The qualitative method was Inclusive Education Training Needs Interview Schedule (IETN_IS). Four research questions guided the study. One null hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance was used to probe further on the study. In order to address the research questions, quantitative methodology was adopted using percentages, mean, standard deviation and t-test for independent sample statistical techniques, while qualitative data obtained were analyzed for the purpose of identifying themes that emerged from the interview data and was used in the discussions of findings. The results show that, generally, teachers understand the concept of inclusive education more than the administrators do. A significant difference was in the mean responses of teachers (M= 86.90, SD= 14.09) and the administrators (M= 79.76, SD = 14.09); t = (348) = 3.175, p =0.002 in managing instruction. However, based on the findings, the researchers recommend that periodical training should be given to both teachers and administrators. The training will enable teachers to be more committed in an inclusive education class while administrators will gain more knowledge and skills to manage inclusive education.

Palliative care has evolved to be an integral part of comprehensive cancer care with the goal of early intervention to improve quality of life and patient outcomes. The NCCN Guidelines for Palliative Care provide recommendations to help the primary oncology team promote the best quality of life possible throughout the illness trajectory for each patient with cancer. The NCCN Palliative Care Panel meets annually to evaluate and update recommendations based on panel members' clinical expertise and emerging scientific data. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the panel's recent discussions and highlights updates on the importance of fostering adaptive coping strategies for patients and families, and on the role of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions to optimize symptom management.

The NCCN Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening describe various colorectal screening modalities as well as recommended screening schedules for patients at average or increased risk of developing sporadic CRC. They are intended to aid physicians with clinical decision-making regarding CRC screening for patients without defined genetic syndromes. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on select recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines, including a section on primary and secondary CRC prevention, and provide context for the panel's recommendations regarding the age to initiate screening in average risk individuals and follow-up for low-risk adenomas.

This report describes rapid changes to instructional materials, assessment, and technology use in a flipped college-level organic chemistry course in response to the sudden COVID-19 campus closures and midsemester transition to remote learning. The instructors modified in-class instructional materials to accommodate students' preference for text-based over audiovisual engagement in the remote environment. The pros and cons of three approaches to administering remote organic chemistry exams are presented. Issues related to equitable incorporation of technology and maintaining academic integrity are discussed.

The study identifies technical training skills needs of youth for sustainable job security in rice production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This study was carried out in secondary schools in three educational zones in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Ebonyi state is one of the states in the southeast geopolitical zone in Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. Target population was 317 made up of 300 registered rice farmers, 5 Agricultural education lecturers and 12 Agricultural extension agents. Sample for the study was 267. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents. Four research questions guided the study. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire developed by the researchers. Three experts validate the instrument, one expert from Measurement and Evaluation, Department of science education and two from Agricultural education option, in Technology Vocational Education in the same Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. The Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient was used to test the internal consistency of the item statement and the reliability co-efficient of 0.78 was found. Instruments were administered to respondents. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, result revealed that table 2, 3 and 4 all the items statement were needed with 2.50 and above while table 1 item 10 and 11 statements were not needed with mean score below 2.50. Among the recommendations made was that the technical training skills identified should be used in train youth for maximum rice production in Ebonyi State.

The purpose of the study is to identify the skills required by secondary school Graduates for breeding and rearing Giant African Land Snail (GALS) in Ebonyi State. Three research questions guided the study. The design was descriptive survey. The total population was 254 agricultural science Teachers in junior and senior secondary schools in Ebonyi State. PRS, (2014). A random sampling techniques was used by balloting and replacement to collect sample size of one hundred and fifty four (154) Agricultural Science Teachers in the study area. Structural questionnaire was developed by the researchers for data collection. The instrument has four point rating scale of strongly required, required, not required and very not required (SR, R, NR, VNR) .The instrument was validated by three experts one in measurement and evaluation in the department of science education and two in Technology and Vocational Education (Agric Education) unit in the same Faculty of Education in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. Mean and standard deviation was used for answering research questions. Any item with mean score of 2.50 and above are regarded as required skills while mean score below 2.50 are regarded as not required skills. The study revealed that all the item statements had mean score of 2.50 and above. It implied that the identified skills were good enough for snail breeding and rearing by secondary schools Graduate. It show that skills in housing, in feeding, in routine management and disease control are the bases for breeding and rearing of Giant African Land Snail GALS. Among the recommendations made was that, improved stocks, housing material, feeding stuff and financial assistant should be given to the secondary school graduated by the government. While technical assistant from experienced rural snail farmers and agricultural science teachers should be given to secondary school graduate for snail breeding and rearing as young farmers.

This study was designed to investigate the extent of utilizing electrical equipment in poultry production in the rural areas of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted for the study. Three research questions guided the study. The population for the study was 46 respondents comprising 16 Extension agents and 30 Poultry farmers. There was no sampling because of small population of the respondents. The instrument was validated by 3 experts, two in Vocational Agricultural Education unit of Technology and Vocational Education Department and one in measurement and evaluation of science Education Department, in the same faculty and university. Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of the instrument was 0.82 which was good enough for the study. The instrument was administered to the respondents with the help of three research assistants in the three agricultural zones in the state. The data collected were analyzed using mean score and standard deviations. The study revealed (1) That 13 out of 18 electrical equipment items assessed are available in the poultry farms while 5 out of 18 electrical incubating equipment were not available. (2) That all the electrical watering and brooding equipment for poultry production were affordable. (3)That all the electrical feeding equipment was adequate for poultry production in all the farms as stated by the respondents among the recommendation made was that poultry farmers need to form cooperative society in order to procure necessary electrical equipment in their farms.

This study was designed to assess the agricultural engineering knowledge and competencies acquired by the senior secondary students for farm mechanization in technical colleges in Ebonyi state of Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted for the study. Three research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study was 1,858 comprising of 174 teachers and 1,684 final year students. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 370 as sample for the study. A structured questionnaire with 21 items was employed for the study. The instrument was face validated by 3 experts. Two of the experts from the Department of Technology and Vocational education while one specialist from measurement evaluation, all from Ebonyi State University; and the reliability coefficient of 0.183 was obtained using Cronbach alpha technique to determine the internal consistency of the instrument. The data collected were analyzed using weighted mean and standard deviation for the research questions white t-test statistics was used to test for the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significant. The result of the analysis of the data reveals that the students have the knowledge in recognizing and identifying tillage machines, tools and equipment but do not have the competencies in the use of tillage, planting, weeding and harvesting farm machines tools and equipment except the use of simple farm tools like hoe, spade and sickle. The result of the hypotheses showed that there was no significant difference in the opinions of the teachers and the students on the knowledge and the competencies acquired by the senior secondary students in agricultural engineering for farm mechanization. It was recommended among others that the teachers should expose the students more on the practical use of the tillage, planting, weeding and harvesting farm machines, tools and equipment.

MIDA boronates (N-methylimidodiacetic boronic acid esters) serve as an increasingly general platform for small-molecule construction based on building blocks, largely because of the dramatic and general rate differences with which they are hydrolysed under various basic conditions. Yet the mechanistic underpinnings of these rate differences have remained unclear, which has hindered efforts to address the current limitations of this chemistry. Here we show that there are two distinct mechanisms for this hydrolysis: one is base mediated and the other neutral. The former can proceed more than three orders of magnitude faster than the latter, and involves a rate-limiting attack by a hydroxide at a MIDA carbonyl carbon. The alternative 'neutral' hydrolysis does not require an exogenous acid or base and involves rate-limiting B-N bond cleavage by a small water cluster, (H2O)n. The two mechanisms can operate in parallel, and their relative rates are readily quantified by 18O incorporation. Whether hydrolysis is 'fast' or 'slow' is dictated by the pH, the water activity and the mass-transfer rates between phases. These findings stand to enable, in a rational way, an even more effective and widespread utilization of MIDA boronates in synthesis.

The document is a conference report on LILAC 2024, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Information Literacy Group. The conference focused on significant issues such as the connection between information literacy and employability skills, faculty development through information literacy, collaborative design of literacy programs, and the use of photovoice to understand international students' practices. Keynote speeches addressed topics like artificial intelligence in academic integrity and learning through playful and compassionate approaches. The report highlights the impact of the conference on the author's understanding of information literacy and its application in teaching, learning, and job roles. [Extracted from the article]

Most if not all UK universities and many in other parts of the world support their student learning via a virtual learning environment (VLE). Online resources are going to be increasingly important to students as the internet is very much part of their lives. However, the VLE will require ongoing investment to keep pace with technological developments and student expectations, and at a time when public funding of UK universities is being cut. One funding method could be from advertising on the VLE. This study investigates students' attitudes towards advertising being included within a university's VLE learning system. A 10-item questionnaire was randomly administered to students enrolled on undergraduate business and management courses at two universities. The study reveals that students show positive attitudes towards advertising included on a VLE. The findings also indicate that students do not view internet advertising on a VLE as intrusive, and may well be receptive towards the advertisements. These findings have implications for understanding students' attitude towards a VLE and also to the future (if any) of advertising on VLEs within the higher education sector. (Contains 5 figures.)

• Midwives adapt to crises by modifying their practices, scopes, and roles, and creating their own guidelines and resources. • Midwives' adaptations vary based on their training background and level of integration within the health system. • Research on the sources consulted by midwives to enhance their response to natural disasters remains sparse. • Data originates mostly from the global north, or is led by northern researchers, and centers on hospital-based childbirth. • There is an absence of research identifying which populations benefit from midwives' responses during disruptive times. Limited research has examined and synthesized the adaptation of midwives and midwife-led interventions during crises. Evidence suggests that midwives are essential to respond to sexual and reproductive health care needs during disruptive times, and that they adapt to continue to provide their services during those circumstances. To map the adaptations of midwives when providing care during crises globally. Secondary objectives include identifying which midwives adapted, what services were adapted and how, and the demographic receiving care. Scoping review using Levac's modifications of Arksey and O'Malley's methods. Publications and grey literature, in English and Spanish, with no limitations based on study design or date were included. Data was extracted and mapped using Wheaton and Maciver's Adaptation framework. We identified 3329 records, of which forty-two were included. Midwives' prior training impacted adaptation. Midwives adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, epidemics, natural disasters, and World War II. They adapted in hospital and community settings around the provision of antenatal, labor and birth, postpartum, and contraceptive care. However, no specific data identified population demographics. Midwifery adaptations related to their practice, role, and scope of practice. The limited available evidence identified the challenges, creativity, and mutual aid activities midwives have undertaken to ensure the provision of their services. Evidence is highly concentrated around maternal health services. Further high-quality research is needed to provide a deeper understanding of how midwifery-led care can adapt to guide sustainable responses to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services during crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer incidence and mortality in Nigeria are increasing at an alarming rate, especially among Nigerian men. Despite the numerous public health campaigns and education on the importance of early cancer detection in Nigeria, there exist high rate of fatal/advanced stage cancer diagnoses among Nigerian men, even among affluent Nigerian men. However, there is limited information on patterns of cancer screening and psychosocial predictors of early cancer detection behaviors among Nigerian men. In this cross-sectional study, we examined demographic and psychosocial factors influencing early cancer detection behaviors among Nigerian men. Participants (N = 143; Mage = 44.73) responded to survey assessing: masculinity, attachment styles, current and future cancer detection behaviors, and sociodemographic characteristics. We found that among the participants studied, education, masculinity and anxious attachment were significantly associated with current cancer detection behaviors. Additionally, education and anxious attachment were significantly associated with future cancer detection behaviors. Our finding is best served for clinicians and public health professionals, especially those in the field of oncology in Sub-Saharan Africa. Also, the study may be used as a groundwork for future research and health intervention programs targeting men in Sub-Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper critically looks at the ethics of the information profession and the ways it has been influenced by the features of the World Wide Web (WWW): features such as interoperability, speed, ease of access, globalization, integrity of information and privacy. The ethical provisions of the library and information profession (LIP) provide for unhindered access, privacy of information, privacy of person, integrity of information, property rights, and accuracy of information. It also kicks against censorship. The tenets on which the library and information profession stands are the same tenets that the World Wide Web has influenced, making it look awkward for certain provisions and tenets of LIP to continue arresting attention and compliance. Library ethics provides for unhindered access, whereas unhindered access in the WWW would lead to users accessing pornographic sites, hacking restricted information, and carrying out correspondence inimical to security of nations. The above activities when carried out in the library environment would likely lead to legal and security issues for the library. The library profession protects the privacy of information and of individuals who own such information. The world of technology and the need to stay secured has provided the issue of monitoring. Thus organizations monitor users and staff to discover the activities they indulge in. Staffs are also monitored to know what they do with the organization's time. Through the WWW and certain software attached to information systems, hackers and the system operators access and steal information without being noticed, breaching privacy laws. Though the World Wide Web has made information accessible, it has brought in challenges which raise the need for review and standardization of librarians' ethics to suit the peculiarities of the World Wide Web. Recommendations are provided at the end of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directed banks operating in Nigeria to publish names of their debtor-customers who have abandoned their debt obligations. In doing so, some banks have been accused of publishing names of customers who are either not owing or whose debt obligations have since been offset. This situation raises serious legal issues pertaining to banks' implied duty of confidentiality and the contractual breach arising from that. In attempting to resolve the issues, this article acknowledges the regulatory authority of the CBN but identifies the fact that the observance of the limitations on the duty of secrecy is imperative and ought to be respected in the overall interest of the contractual relationship between banks and their customers. This article proffers suggestions that could help resolve the controversy and engender good banker-customer relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The banker customer relationship, being contractual, is fundamentally premised on the ability of a bank to fulfil its obligations to customers by honouring cheques validly drawn on customers' accounts. Failure to honour validly drawn cheques would amount to breach of contract and consequent liability for the bank. However, the onus of proof of wrongful dishonour of a validly drawn cheque lies on the customer. This is an onerous duty and its discharge would determine the extent of the bank's liability and quantum of damages likely to be awarded against it. This paper considers the banker s obligation to honour bills, the burden of proof in cases of wrongful dishonour of cheques and the consequent legal implications of such action. The paper argues that the current position of the law on proof of dishonour is rather hazy and confusing, in light of certain case law decisions of superior courts on the issue, especially in Nigeria, even in the face of some other decisions that clarify the issue. The paper posits that the haze has been cleared but need restatement by superior courts so as to clearly settle the rule on the issue and lay to rest any likely confusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to identify level of awareness/knowledge of rice farmers in South-eastern Nigeria about climate-change; identify adverse effects of climate-variability and change on rice production and determine adaptation strategies used by small holder rice farmers within study area. Multistage purposive and stratified sampling technique was used for the sample selection. Information from 360 respondents was got using Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA), Focus Group Discussions (FGD), and actual survey with questionnaires. Results showed that the rice farmers were aware of weather changes with grave effects on their rice farms. They reported changes in rainfall regime, intense sunshine, high temperature etc. Of special interest among the adaptation strategies by farmers are the use of inorganic fertilizers, improved rice varieties, cultivation of early maturing varieties, and proper preservation of rice seeds. This study recommends urgent measures to improve resilience of smallholder farmers in rural communities to enable them better adapt to climate-change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]