57 research outputs found
The conventional versus a constructionist Scratch programming and first-year students' achievements in higher education classes: experimental data.
No full textGlobally, learning or teaching the first programming (popularly called CS1) remains a significant educational challenge. Indicators such as CS1 students' engagement, failure and attrition rates, and lack of diversity, continue to show the need for innovating the learning or teaching of novice computer science students. To ease initiating novices to programming, Scratch, a visual programming language, has become a staple of K-12 CS1 classes.
As outcomes of a research project aiming to explore a constructionist Scratch pedagogy with novice CS students in higher education, we present these datasets. In the research lasting two successive academic sessions, we conducted two quasi-experimental studies involving four intact CS1 classes in selected public polytechnic in the north central Nigeria. In each study, we randomly assigned the classes to the experimental and control groups, constituting the constructionist Scratch and the conventional CS1 classes, respectively.
Instruments for collecting data include a student profile questionnaire, a pretest, and posttest. Sequel to ethical clearance and permission from the selected schools, we conducted each study during the first semester of each academic session, in the first seven to eight weeks. During the first to second week, we administered students who consented to take part with the questionnaire and the pretest. Learning or teaching in the two classes lasted six weeks. Then both classes took the posttest. An independent CS educator who is not part of this research marked all the achievement tests, following a rubric prepared by the first author. To strengthen the research design and the possibility of arriving at valid causal evidence, we employed a Coarsened Exact Matching (CEM) algorithm to generate matched samples of experimental and control data, which we used in the analysis.
Data presented here includes the raw, unmatched and matched experimental datasets from both studies. A researcher can make use of the data:
To explore if some background variables not addressed in the original research may moderate CS1 students' achievements. For instance, their prior achievements in mathematics, physics, or English.
To uncover some interesting patterns using machine learning algorithms.
To validate the outcome of the original experiment by using the unmatched, matched or newly generated matched samples.
The authors welcome further research collaborations in using the data or the accompanying research instruments.
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Book Review: African Philosophy: Reflections on Yoruba Metaphysics and Jurisprudence
No full textBook Title: African Philosophy: Reflections on Yoruba Metaphysics and JurisprudenceBook Author: Oladele Abiodun BalogunPublisher: Xcel Publishers. Pages: 387. Year of Publication: 201
Heavy Metals and Proximate Composition of Forest Leafy Vegetables in Oil Producing Area of Nigeria
No full textThis work investigated heavy metals content of Forest Leafy Vegetables (FLVs) consumed in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Fresh samples of eight commonly consumed FLV species were obtained from two major markets in Port Harcourt. FLVs were dried, digested and analysed with flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) for heavy metals. Proximate analysis of FLVs was carried out using standard method of AOAC. Concentrations of Iron (Fe) ranged from 4.69ppm (Heinsia crinata) - 8.97ppm (Gongronema latifolia), Manganese was highest in Liasanthera africana (6.03ppm) and lowest in O.gratissimum (0.45ppm) while Magnesium levels ranged from 0.609 – 1.630ppm. P.guineense accumulate highest Pb (1.004ppm) compared to Ocimum basilicum Pb (0.380ppm). Copper was highest in H.crinata (1.165ppm) and lowest in O.gratissimum (0.218ppm). O. gratissimum had lowest Cadmium (0.022ppm), Arsenic (0.003ppm), Mercury (0.002ppm) and Zinc (0.044ppm). P.guineense contains highest concentration of Chromium (3.792ppm) while H. crinata possess the lowest (0.409ppm). Nickel was highest in O.bassilicum (0.665ppm) and least in G.latifolia (0.388ppm). FLVs were rich in crude protein, fat and crude fibre. O.bassilicum (21.00%) was the richest in crude protein while H.crinata has the lowest level (11.55%). Crude fibre content of the FLVs range from 11.0% to 14.0% while fat content varied between 2.4% for O. bassilicum and 4.0% for H. crinata. FLVs sourced from natural forests in crude oil exploration areas in Nigeria is safe for consumption, since heavy metals of FLVs samples were less than maximum limits recommended by FAO/WHO. Proximate analyses showed that the FLVs possess useful nutritional contents required for healthy growth.Key Words: Forest leafy vegetables, Heavy metals, Proximate composition, Nigeri
Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) indices of Pseudomonas and Klebsiella species isolates in Lagos University Teaching Hospital
No full textBackground/Objectives: Pseudomonas and Klebsiella infections are important nosocomial infections because of the attendant significant morbidity, mortality and socio-economic impact. These infections are difficult to treat due to the innate and acquired resistance mediated by the organisms’ genome and other transferable genetic elements. We determined the multiple antibiotic resistance indices of Pseudomonas spp and Klebsiella spp isolated from clinical specimens in Lagos University Teaching Hospital.Methods: 110 clinical isolates were evaluated using MicrobactTM 24E (Oxoid, UK) and Pseudomonas and Klebsiella species isolates were 34 and 21 respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the Pseudomonas and Klebsiella isolates were determined by Kirby-Bauer’s disc diffusion method and results interpreted by CLSI interpretative values. Multiple Antibiotic Resistance index (MAR) were calculated.Results: MAR index of the Pseudomonas and Klebsiella samples was 0.4, as 31 (91.2%) and 14 (66.7%) of Pseudomonas spp and Klebsiella spp respectively were multi drug resistant. Isolates of Pseudomonas spp demonstrated the highest level of resistance to Ceftazidime (79.4%), Cefixime (76.5%), Cedipime (50%) and Piperacillin (44.1%); while that of Klebsiella spp were carbenicillin (76.4%), pipericillin (71.4%), cefixime (52.4%) and cefradoxil (42.9%) respectively. There was a low levelof resistance to quinolones and aminoglycosides.Conclusion: The MAR index shows increase in the rates of resistance among these organisms thus making antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance and testing more crucial in selecting empiric regimen or definitive treatment.KEY WORDS: Lagos, multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR), antimicrobial susceptibility, Pseudomonas and Klebsiella spp
Farmers demographic characteristics, awareness and perception of the relevance of livestock technologies in Oyo State
No full textThis paper analyses the perception of the relevance of livestock production technologies by farmers in Oyo state. A multistage sampling was employed and 120 respondents were used for the study. Percentages and chi-square analysis were employed to analyze the data. Findings revealed that majority of livestock farmers (62.5%) recorded a low perception score. Chi-square analysis of demographic characteristics showed that level of education, farm size, and age have significant relationship with perception of livestock technologies (X2 = 13.6 p < 0.05, X2 = 29.02 p < 0.05 and X2 = 22.07 p <0.05 respectively) while gender has no significant relationship with perception of livestock technologies (X2 = 0.75 p > 0.05). The study concludes that livestock technologies would be more result-oriented if adequate consideration is given to the demographic characteristics and perception of farmers among others which will in turn help the farmer in making decision to adopt. Keywords: Demography, livestock, technology, awareness, relevanc
Removal of Pb and Zn from Soil using cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i>) and maize (<i>Zea mays</i>) Plants
No full textThis study investigated the potential of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and maize (Zea mays) plants to remove Pb and Zn from soil. The crops were exposed to three concentrations (100, 150 and 200 mgkg-1) of each metal salts during the study. When the plants were treated with lead nitrate at a concentration of 150 mgkg-1, the amount and percentage of Pb removed and accumulated within plants’ tissues were 65.68 m mgkg-1g/kg (44.79%) and 78.93 mgkg-1 (53.0%) for cowpea and maize with bioconcentration factors 0.80 and 0.78 respectively. However, when the plants were assisted they had greater bioconcentration factors. Farmyard manure enhanced metal uptake by cowpea and maize significantly than EDTA. Maize extracted more Pb into its roots and translocated to shoots when assisted with EDTA than cowpea. Maize was able to translocate more Pb while cowpea translocated more Zn through the vascular system, thereby acting as phytoextractors for the different metals respectively
Adolescent and adult cleft lip and palate, in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
No full textIntroduction: Congenital cleft lip and palate (CLP) defects usually present in childhood, especially in places with available and affordable care. In Nigeria, their incidence is low but late presentation in Adult life have been reported. This article aims at reviewing adolescent and adult CLP patients in our center, with the advent of free and available care, and to documentthe patterns and management outcomes of these patients as an addition to existing literature on the subject of adult CLP. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of adolescent and adult CLP patients managed from May 2006 to April 2010. Demographic data as well as clinical information were retrieved from the hospital records and include the type of cleft deformity, surgical intervention prior to presentation, the type of surgery performed and postoperative outcomes. Some pertinent clinical photos were also reviewed. Results: Adolescent and adults constituted 24% of the 137 patients, their age ranged from 13 to 76 years, with a mean, median and modal age of 28, 22 and 20 years respectively. Unilateral cleft of primary palate was commonest with female preponderance. Most never had surgery, others desired revision surgery or secondary procedures. Theoutcomes were satisfactory in the 37 procedures performed on 33 patients.Conclusion: A relatively high ratio of adolescent and adult clefts is observed. Most of them have never had surgical intervention. Some had failed surgical intervention prior to presentation. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved despite late intervention but failed initial intervention was associated with poorer outcomes
Utilization of allanblackia floribunda for rural livelihood sustenance in rivers state, Nigeria
No full textAllanblackia floribundaOliv. (Clusiaceae) is valued for food, medicine, timber and soap making across tropical African regions. This study was carried out in five local government areas in Rivers State; Eleme, Emohua, ObioAkpor, Ndoni and Oyigbo to evaluate indigenous uses of the plant. The five local government areas were selected using random sampling technique. One community was randomly selected in each local government area; Eneka, Ebubu, Obukegi, Ubimini and Mgboji. Also, 20 households were randomly selected further in each community. The results showed that A. floribunda is used as food [oil (26.90%), condiment (15.97%)], medicine for treating [malaria (17.30%), stomach ache (65.65%), head ache (1.60%), body pain (4.00%) and infertility (4.13%)], timber [construction (13.35%), building (52.65%), pole (13.35%)]. It was also observed that there are some factors that predispose the species to endangeredness/extinction such as urbanization (19.18%), shifting cultivation (8.80%), logging (33.26%), bush burning (21.10%), oil spillage (7.82%). The respondents expressed willingness to support conservation strategies for A. floribunda such as seedling provision by agencies/government, domestication of seedlings and appropriate policy with adequate implementation by government. If the strategies listed above are adopted the species will be preserved and prevented from being extinct.Keywords: Allanblanchia, Conservation, Ethnobotany, Rural dwellers, Rivers Stat
IMPROVING THE TRANSIENT STABILITY OF NIGERIAN 330KV TRANSMISSION NETWORK USING STATIC VAR COMPENSATION PART I: THE BASE STUDY
No full textIn this paper, the base study for improving the transient stability of Nigerian 330kV transmission network using Static Var Compensation (SVC) is conducted with the focus of developing indices that can appropriately size and locate SVC within the network. The study is performed using commercially available software Dig SILENT Power Factory. The overloaded lines which could excite instability in the network are identified. Fixed capacitor thyristor controlled reactor is used to model the SVC and is appropriately sized and located within the network. Transient stability of the network is analysed by determining the critical clearing time of the acute generators when a balanced three phase fault is applied to the middle of the critical lines within the network using step-by step technique. Some of the key results reveal that the lines: Jebba- Osogbo, Shiroro-Kaduna, Benin-Sapele and Benin-Onitsha are the critical lines within the network. The Critical Clearing Times (CCTs) of the acute generators when 3-phase fault is applied at Jebba- Osogbo and Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines are 380ms and 480ms, respectively. However, generators located at Afam and Sapele that are close to Benin-Sapele and Benin-Onitsha transmission line, respectively are always losing synchronism to 3-phasefault of any duration. Appropriately sized SVCs with values 124Mvar, 73Mvar, 62Mvar and 110Mvar located at Osogbo, Kaduna and Benin compensated the network and increase the CCTs to 470ms, 500ms, 220ms and 120ms, respectively. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v35i1.2
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