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The emergence of ChatGPT, an AI-powered language model, has sparked numerous debates and discussions. In educational research, scholars have raised significant questions regarding the potential, limitations, and ethical concerns around the use of this technology. While research on the application and implications of ChatGPT in academic settings exists, analysis of the perspectives of high-school students are limited. In this study, we use qualitative content analysis to explore the perspectives of high-school students regarding the integration or ban of ChatGPT in their schools through the lens of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2). Data was sourced from students' comments to a New York Times Learning Network article. Findings revealed that students' perceptions about integrating or banning ChatGPT in schools are influenced by their assessments of the technology's usefulness, personal experiences, societal technology trends, and ethical considerations. Our findings suggest that student perspectives in this study align with those of educators and policymakers while also possessing unique perspectives that cater to their specific needs and experiences. Implications emphasize the significance of an inclusive decision-making process around the integration of AI schools in educational contexts, including students alongside other stakeholders.

Opal Palmer Adisa is a familiar figure on the Caribbean-American literary scene with fourteen volumes of poetry and prose to her credit. She has been awarded the Caribbean-American Heritage Legacy [...]

To what extent could human bones identified in excavations since the 1960s in two major urban centers of medieval Nigeria bear witness - or not - to the passage of the plague pandemic in the second half of the 14th century? Our analysis is based on the bones of individuals found in a mass grave in Benin City in 1962-1963, the very partial remains of a child unearthed at the Oduduwa College II site in Ile-Ife in 2019, and on descriptions of human remains discovered during various archaeological projects in this central city of the Yoruba world. The stratigraphic position of the skeletons, the positioning of the bodies and the markings observed on certain bones are all elements that we take into account to feed our reflection on the plague and, more broadly, on mortuary practices in tropical Africa before the opening of Atlantic trade, and their consequences on archaeological deposits.

Abstract In this work, a heat transfer model is developed for thermally-driven material extrusion additive manufacturing of semicrystalline polymers that considers the heat generated during crystallization by coupling crystallization kinetics with heat transfer. The materials used in this work are Technomelt PA 6910, a semicrystalline hot melt adhesive with sub-ambient glass transition temperature (Tg) and slow crystallization, and PA 6/66, a traditional semicrystalline polyamide with a higher Tg and fast crystallization. The coupled model shows that the released heat during crystallization depends on material selection, with Technomelt PA 6910 and PA 6/66’s temperatures increased by less than 1 °C and up to 6.3 °C, respectively, due to enthalpy of crystallization. Increasing the layer time decreases the layer temperature as well as the initial crystallinity. However, its effect on final crystallinity in Technomelt PA 6910 is negligible due to continued crystallization of the material after printing. Experimental validation shows good agreement for Technomelt PA 6910, but consistently underpredicts PA 6/66 crystallinity. Increasing modeled environmental temperature leads to better agreement with experimental results for PA 6/66, suggesting that higher temperatures may have been experienced. Shear-induced crystallization may also be contributing to crystallinity in this material. The results from this model highlight the importance of and interrelationships between material and processing parameter selection and can aid in achieving quality prints from semicrystalline thermoplastics.

Abstract This research explores the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to assess the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete made from a blend of Banana Peel-Ash (BPA) and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA), using a sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3. Utilizing three AI methodologies—Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), and Gene Expression Programming (GEP)—the study aims to enhance prediction accuracy for the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete based on 104 datasets. By optimizing mix designs through varying proportions of BPA and SCBA, alkaline activator molarity, and aggregate-to-binder ratios, the research identified combinations that significantly enhance mechanical properties, demonstrating notable international relevance as it contributes to global efforts in sustainable construction by effectively utilizing industrial by-products. The experimental results demonstrated that increasing the molarity of the alkaline activator from 4 to 10 M significantly enhanced both the compressive and flexural strengths of the geopolymer concrete. Specifically, a mixture containing 52.5% SCBA and 47.5% BPA at a 10 M molarity achieved a maximum compressive strength of 33.17 MPa after 20 h of curing. In contrast, a mixture composed of 95% SCBA and 5% BPA at a 4 M molarity exhibited a substantially lower compressive strength of only 21.27 MPa. Additionally, the highest recorded flexural strength of 9.95 MPa (77.25% SCBA and 22.5 BPA) was observed at the 10 M molarity, while the flexural strength at 4 M was lowest, at 4.12 MPa (95% SCBA and 5% BPA). Microstructural analysis through Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (ED-SEM) revealed insights into the pore structure and elemental composition of the concrete, while Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) provided data on the material’s thermal stability and decomposition characteristics. Performance analysis of the AI models showed that the ANN model had an average MSE of 1.338, RMSE of 1.157, MAE of 3.104, and R2 of 0.989, while the ANFIS model outperformed with an MSE of 0.345, RMSE of 0.587, MAE of 1.409, and R2 of 0.998. The GEP model demonstrated an MSE of 1.233, RMSE of 1.110, MAE of 1.828, and R2 of 0.992, confirming that ANFIS is the most accurate model for predicting the mechanical and rheological properties of geopolymer concrete. This study highlights the potential of integrating AI with experimental data to optimize the formulation and performance of geopolymer concrete, advancing sustainable construction practices by effectively utilizing industrial by-products.

Misinformation and disinformation are receiving momentous global attention largely because of the risks they pose to almost every sector. Also, it deepening hate among ethnic groups, particularly, in Ghana and Nigeria. Lately, the most critical is the consistent manufactured lies in the semblance of news which have further threatened the fragile ethno-religious fabric in these two West African nations. In view of this, the study explores the intricate interconnection between misinformation, disinformation, and their impact on intensifying ethno-religious conflicts in Ghana and Nigeria. The propagation of inaccurate or deceptive information across various mediums has been observed to play a substantial role in exacerbating tensions, deepening divisions, and magnifying animosity among diverse ethnic communities. The primary objective of this research is to establish a wide-ranging comprehension of how misinformation and disinformation contribute to the escalation of ethno-religious conflicts, thereby shedding light on potential strategies to mitigate their detrimental consequences. Employing a qualitative approach of in-depth interview, the study uncovered the mechanisms through which misinformation and disinformation disseminate, shape perceptions, and contribute to the fragmentation of communities in Nigeria and Ghana unity. By highlighting these dynamics, the study seeks to offer valuable insights to policymakers, media professionals, and community leaders, enabling them to confront the predicament of misinformation and disinformation, ultimately cultivating a more unified and harmonious Nigerian and Ghanaian societies.

Purpose – This study examines consumer online purchase behaviour in the Nigerian fashion industry. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total useable sample size of 241 respondents contacted through on-site visitation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to test the influence of customer value on online purchase behaviour in the fashion industry. Findings – Consumer values are categorised into terminal (happiness, love and satisfaction) and instrumental (time-saving, price-saving discount, service convenience and merchandise assortment) values. The findings show that both values have significant influence on online consumer purchase behaviour, while fashion consciousness moderates the relationship between consumer values and online purchase behaviour. Practical implications – Online fashion retailers should focus on increasing the terminal and instrumental values of their products and making available goods that meet the needs of different generational cohorts in society. Originality/value – Studies have examined various factors, for example, consumer values that are determinants of consumer online purchase in the fashion industry; however, there has been limited focus on the nature of fashion and online purchasing in emerging markets, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract Background Despite recent advances in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), patients still experience suboptimal disease control largely due to medication non-adherence and inappropriate use of inhaler. This study evaluates the impact of pharmacist-led intervention in medication adherence and inhaler usage on asthma and COPD control among out-patients attending the premier tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Method A quasi-experimental study carried-out among eligible out-patients attending pulmonology clinic of University College Hospital, Ibadan. Baseline questionnaire explored medication adherence using a comprehensive-medication-adherence-assessment-scale (CMAAS-12) developed by the study co-investigators, use of pressurized-metered-dose (pMDI) and Diskus inhalers, as well as asthma/COPD control using validated asthma control test (ACT) and COPD assessment test (CAT). Subsequently, patients were allocated into control (n = 65) or intervention group (n = 65) using odd or even number. Intervention group received 2-month follow-up educational and/or cognitive-behavioural interventions to resolve identified adherence barriers, while control group continued with traditional care. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Wilcoxon-signed-ranked tests were used for analysis at p

Abstract Background Orofacial neoplasms in children and young adults may differ significantly from those observed in adults. Our aim was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of histologically diagnosed orofacial neoplasms among children and young adults in Nigeria. Methods This was a multicenter cross-sectional study across geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Annual reports of clinical information and surgical biopsies submitted at the Oral Pathology Laboratory, clinic day registries, surgical day case registries and operative theatre registries were retrieved from January 2008 to March 2024. The relevant demographic data were obtained for each patient. The study subjects were categorized by age into children, adolescents and young adults. Tissue involvement was classified as soft tissue involvement, bony involvement or both soft tissue and bony involvement. The site and behaviour of the lesions were subdivided according to the ICD-10 codes. Statistical analysis was performed via the R programming language. Results A total of 1889 cases were observed during the period under review, with a mean age of 15 years. Cases were more common in females (52%) and in young adults (47%). Most cases were benign neoplasms (85%), and bony affectation (54%) was slightly predominant. Odontogenic tumours (38%) and fibro-osseous lesions (20%) were the most common category of lesions observed, whereas salivary gland tumours (2.2%) and neoplasms of epithelial origin (2.5%) were the least common. Neoplasms in children involved mostly soft tissues, whereas those in adolescents and young adults had a preference for bone (p

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of macroalgae Chaetomorpha vieillardii as an in vitro candidate for bio-anthelmintic. Adult Worm Motility Test (AWMT) was conducted at concentration levels of 2 mg/mL, 4 mg/mL, and 6 mg/mL of C. vieillardii ethanol extract on 150 female H. contortus worms, randomly divided into 6 treatments with 5 replications, using a two way completely randomized factorial design. 0.9% sodium chloride was used as a negative control, and albendazole at 0.5 and 2 mg/mL served as positive controls. Worm motility observations were performed at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and subsequent time intervals until 100% of the worms were deceased. The identical treatment was applied to the egg hatching inhibiting test (EHIT) using a completely randomized design in a one-way pattern by observing the number of eggs at 0 and 24 hours. The results showed that the concentration level of C. vieillardii ethanol extract and the observation time significantly influenced (P