36 research outputs found
Retraction notice to “MPPT efficiency enhancement of a grid connected solar PV system using Finite Control set model predictive controller” [Heliyon 10 (2024) e27663]
No full textThis article has been retracted: please see Elsevier policy on article withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/article-withdrawal).This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-In-Chief.An investigation conducted on behalf of the journal by Elsevier's Research Integrity & Publishing Ethics team found a significant increase of citations to papers published by the author, Ayodeji Olalekan Salau, between the original submission and the revised version of this article. In summary, zero papers by the author were cited in the original version of the article. This increased to ten papers in the revised version of the article. The investigation also found phrases that make some passages in the article difficult to parse. The authors were requested to explain the use of these passages of text but were unable to do so. The Editor has lost confidence in the findings of the article and has determined that it should be retracted.The authors disagree with the retraction and dispute the grounds for it
Effect of the school principal in creating an inclusive school culture during times of change and challenge, The
No full textThis qualitative case study examined the leadership styles that five selected school principals in southwestern Manitoba, Canada, utilize to encourage and sustain an inclusive school culture. These principals found ways to successfully embrace difficult issues and challenging people while sustaining a positive culture and building a school community that supported diversity and embraced change. The framework that undergirded this study—the critical, inclusive praxis—reinforced that the school principal was charged with the responsibility of transforming the school through reflective, critical, and dialogical action. The author engaged in an interaction (i.e., interview) with these principals to learn about their lived experiences, particularly their patterns of behaviour related to their leadership approaches within a critical inclusive praxis. The study’s conclusions confirmed that through collaboration and dialogue, by building positive relationships in safe and caring environments where there is concern for others and a supportive approach, all the while still adopting a growth mindset, these school principals built positive cultures where stakeholders felt valued, safe, respected, and included. This research deepens our collective understanding of how principals negotiate the political dynamics within their schools and vary leadership styles to encourage and sustain an inclusive school culture.Includes bibliographical references (pages 183-194).
"Master's thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education.
Effect of impression material, tray space and attachment on cast accuracy
No full textAt King Saud University's College of Dentistry, final impressions for removable partial dentures are made using polysulfide rubber, fast-set and regular set irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials. Custom trays used are either single-spaced or double spaced. Further, impression material attachment to the tray could be through tray perforations or the use of adhesives. Literature to support each one of these methods separately to obtain an "accurate impression" is available. There is, however, a dearth on literature reporting on the influence of these combined variables. The purpose of this investigation was to simultaneously study the influence of impression material type, tray space and method of tray attachment on the accuracy of the resulting cast dimensions. A factorial experimental design was used. One master model representing a Kennedy Class 111 Modification 2 partial edentulous arch was used. Three reference points A, B, and C were placed on the master cast and reproduced on all experimental casts. Ten combined variables of tray space (2), impression material (3), and method of tray attachment (2) were usedCorresponding Author:
Dr. Ayodeji Idowu, College of
Dentistry, King Saud University, PO Box 60169, Riyadh, 11545, K.S.A
A Feminist Evaluation of Lola Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives
No full textFeminism came into use in English Language as a concept for evaluating the politics of equal rights for women in 1890’s. Ogundipe-Leslie (222) notes that the word feminism is derived from the Latin word ‘femina’, which means all things that are related to ‘woman’. Before 1890’s however; there had been occasions of feminist protests in some places in Europe, for example, the 18th century document by Mary Astell ‘Some Reflections upon Marriage’ (1700) and Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) are written documents of feminist protests. What can actually be regarded as feminist literary criticism, however, started in the West in late nineteenth century with the works of writers and critics such as Virginia Woolf who wrote A Room of One’s Own (1929), Simon de Beauvoir, Second Sex (1974), Elaine Showalter, A Literature of Their Own. British Women Novelists from Bronte to Lessing (1977), Eva Figes, Patriarchal Attitudes (1970), Kate Millett, Sexual Politics (1969), Betty Friedan, The Feminine Mystique (1963), Germaine Greer, The Female Eunuch (1970).
It took a long time for feminist criticism to take root in Africa. It actually started emerging in the 1980s and flourished in the 1990s. A few feminist critics from the West had written about the works of Flora Nwapa and Buchi Emecheta, who are among the first generation of female writers. Such Western feminist critics include: Sabine Jell Bahlsen, The Concept of mammy water in Flora Nwapa’s Novels (1995), Brenda F. Berrian, The Reinvention of Woman through Conversation and Humour in Flora Nwapa’s One is Enough (1990), Katherine Frank, Women without Men (1987), Kenneth Little, The Sociology of Urban Woman’s Image in African Literature (1980). It was however, not until African women critics, most of whom were Nigerians, came into the field of criticism that the women writers received the attention they deserved. Among the prominent feminist critics that changed the face of Nigerian literary criticism in the 20th century by analysing the works of women writers were Chikwenye Okonjo-Ogunyemi author of African Wo/man Palava, (1995), Helen Chukwuma, editor of Feminism in African Literature, (1994), Molara Ogundipe, author of Recreating ourselves, African Women and Critical Transformations, (1994), Catherine Acholonu, author of Motherism: The Afrocentric Alternative to Feminism, (1995), Akachi Ezeigbo, author of Gender Issues in Nigeria: a Feminist Perspective (1996), Mary E. Modupe Kolawole, author of Womanism and African Consciousness (1997), Mabel Evwierhoma, author of Female Empowerment and Dramatic Creativity in Nigeria (2000), Obioma Nnaemeka, author of “Nego-Feminism: Theorizing, Practicing and Pruning Africa’s Way” (2004). The challenge of putting women writers on the platform of criticism was taken up by these critics. Some of the women writers whose works have been critiqued by feminist scholars include Flora Nwapa (Efuru, 1966), Buchi Emecheta (The Joys of Motherhood, 1979), Tess Onwueme (The Reign of Wazobia,1988), Zaynab Alkali (The Stillborn, 1984), Ifeoma Okoye (Behind the Cloud, 1982).
This study examines Lola Shoneyin’s debut novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, using Akachi Ezeigbo’s snail-sense feminism, a recent model of indigenous feminist theory as a viable model for solving women’s problems orchestrated by patriarchy. Snail-sense feminism complements other contemporary African feminist variants that deemphasise the controversies that have deterred the progress of improvement in the integrity of the woman. According to Maduka (109), each feminist writer has used literary work to expose, and analyse the significance of the ‘quest for female identity in Nigeria/Africa’
Advances in Sustainable Geotechnical Engineering: A Review of Bio-mediated Soil Stabilisation, Cellular Confinement Systems, and Waste-Based Soil Improvements
No full textThe growing demand for sustainable infrastructure has accelerated the evolution of environmentally responsible practices in geotechnical engineering. Traditional soil improvement techniques, particularly those dependent on cement and lime, are associated with high carbon emissions, significant energy consumption, and long-term ecological consequences. In response, a new generation of green technologies has emerged, aiming to enhance soil performance while minimising environmental costs. This review explores three innovative approaches to sustainable ground improvement: bio-mediated soil stabilisation with a focus on Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP), Cellular Confinement Systems (CCS), and waste-based soil improvement techniques. Bio-mediated methods offer biologically driven alternatives to chemical binders by promoting calcite precipitation, which strengthens soil and reduces erosion with a relatively low carbon footprint. CCS systems increase mechanical stability by redistributing loads through a geocellular matrix, often composed of recyclable or biodegradable materials. Waste-based improvements leverage industrial, agricultural, and construction-derived by-products such as fly ash, rice husk ash, and recycled concrete aggregates to enhance soil properties while advancing circular economy goals and reducing dependence on virgin resources. A comparative assessment highlights that each technique exhibits distinct advantages and limitations in terms of performance, environmental impact, scalability, and field applicability. Key challenges include regulatory uncertainty, material variability, and questions about long-term durability. Future directions point toward hybrid approaches that integrate multiple methods, AI-enabled monitoring systems to optimise treatment outcomes, and supportive policies that encourage widespread implementation. Taken together, these advancements mark a significant transition toward more resilient, efficient, and sustainable geotechnical engineering practices
EFFECT OF VALUE ADDITION ON FARM INCOME OF SWEET POTATO BASED FARMERS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
No full textAbstract
The study examined the effect of value addition on farm income of sweet potato-based farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling technique was employed to select 145 respondents. Structured questionnaire coupled with interview schedule were used to collect primary data. Multiple regression was used to analyze the effect of different value addition activities on income received from sweet potatoes. Also, marginal effects were obtained to analyze the effect of each independent variable separately on income. Findings revealed that farmers who engages in value adding activities had higher income than those that sell at farm gate. In addition, farmer marketing groups had a stronger bargaining power in the market compared to farmers selling individually. The study concluded that the major factors influencing farm income of sweet potato based farmers are; access to trainings, family size, farm size and the stages of value addition. It was recommended that the ministry of agriculture through the ADPs should work more closely with the research and training institutes in the country to sensitize farmers on the need to form more farmer groups or join the different developmental programmes of government. Through these groups, useful information about trainings on new vine varieties, value addition, prices and limitless market opportunities are disseminated.
Keywords: Value addition, Income, Sweet potato, Marginal effect, Trainin
EFFECT OF VALUE ADDITION ON FARM INCOME OF SWEET POTATO BASED FARMERS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
No full textAbstract
The study examined the effect of value addition on farm income of sweet potato-based farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling technique was employed to select 145 respondents. Structured questionnaire coupled with interview schedule were used to collect primary data. Multiple regression was used to analyze the effect of different value addition activities on income received from sweet potatoes. Also, marginal effects were obtained to analyze the effect of each independent variable separately on income. Findings revealed that farmers who engages in value adding activities had higher income than those that sell at farm gate. In addition, farmer marketing groups had a stronger bargaining power in the market compared to farmers selling individually. The study concluded that the major factors influencing farm income of sweet potato based farmers are; access to trainings, family size, farm size and the stages of value addition. It was recommended that the ministry of agriculture through the ADPs should work more closely with the research and training institutes in the country to sensitize farmers on the need to form more farmer groups or join the different developmental programmes of government. Through these groups, useful information about trainings on new vine varieties, value addition, prices and limitless market opportunities are disseminated.
Keywords: Value addition, Income, Sweet potato, Marginal effect, Trainin
Art Forms in Crisis: The Role of Songs and Visual Artworks Created in Response to the #EndSARS Protests in Nigeria
No full textThis article identifies the place, role and relevance of art during the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria in 2020 and seeks to embark on a critical analysis of selected songs and visual artworks that were created either as a form of solidarity with the movement or as alternative means of expressing the demands of the #EndSARS protesters. The basic assumption here is that conflicts have a broad degree of influence on the overall psyche of a community, leading to significant social changes and global effects. The article looks at the role of art in a variety of crisis situations connected to the #EndSARS protests. Based on several sampling systems, the author selected songs and visual artworks from nationally and internationally notable artists from Nigeria and the diaspora, such as Chike, Dice Ailes, Laolu Senbanjo, and Ayodeji Adegoroye to show how these artists and their work have shaped the socio-political climate of Nigeria and to analyze what psychological and creative impact this art has had on individuals during and after the protests. This article identifies the place, role and relevance of art during the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria in 2020 and seeks to embark on a critical analysis of selected songs and visual artworks that were created either as a form of solidarity with the movement or as alternative means of expressing the demands of the #EndSARS protesters. The basic assumption here is that conflicts have a broad degree of influence on the overall psyche of a community, leading to significant social changes and global effects. The article looks at the role of art in a variety of crisis situations connected to the #EndSARS protests. Based on several sampling systems, the author selected songs and visual artworks from nationally and internationally notable artists from Nigeria and the diaspora, such as Chike, Dice Ailes, Laolu Senbanjo, and Ayodeji Adegoroye to show how these artists and their work have shaped the socio-political climate of Nigeria and to analyze what psychological and creative impact this art has had on individuals during and after the protests.This article identifies the place, role and relevance of art during the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria in 2020 and seeks to embark on a critical analysis of selected songs and visual artworks that were created either as a form of solidarity with the movement or as alternative means of expressing the demands of the #EndSARS protesters. The basic assumption here is that conflicts have a broad degree of influence on the overall psyche of a community, leading to significant social changes and global effects. The article looks at the role of art in a variety of crisis situations connected to the #EndSARS protests. Based on several sampling systems, the author selected songs and visual artworks from nationally and internationally notable artists from Nigeria and the diaspora, such as Chike, Dice Ailes, Laolu Senbanjo, and Ayodeji Adegoroye to show how these artists and their work have shaped the socio-political climate of Nigeria and to analyze what psychological and creative impact this art has had on individuals during and after the protests. This article identifies the place, role and relevance of art during the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria in 2020 and seeks to embark on a critical analysis of selected songs and visual artworks that were created either as a form of solidarity with the movement or as alternative means of expressing the demands of the #EndSARS protesters. The basic assumption here is that conflicts have a broad degree of influence on the overall psyche of a community, leading to significant social changes and global effects. The article looks at the role of art in a variety of crisis situations connected to the #EndSARS protests. Based on several sampling systems, the author selected songs and visual artworks from nationally and internationally notable artists from Nigeria and the diaspora, such as Chike, Dice Ailes, Laolu Senbanjo, and Ayodeji Adegoroye to show how these artists and their work have shaped the socio-political climate of Nigeria and to analyze what psychological and creative impact this art has had on individuals during and after the protests
Investigation of Gentrifying Neighborhoods and Residents’ Health in East and Southeast Austin, Texas
No full textThis study examines the role of urban gentrification on residents’ health and wellbeing. The author adopts the World Health Organization definition of health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” By definition, gentrification is the movement of the higher-income population into lower-income neighborhoods, thus increasing property values, tax, and rents leading to the voluntary and involuntary displacement of low-income longtime residents. Gentrification has been a hot topic in the city of Austin for over two decades. The city of Austin, mainly East Austin, is known for its vibrant social and cultural lifestyle. It is home to live music, restaurants and cultural food, and historical landmarks. Despite its current diversity, most of those who have long resided in East Austin are people of color (POC), including Black/African Americans (AA) in the northern part and Hispanics in the south. Historically, East Austin has witnessed structural segregation, mostly leading to economic disinvestment in these minority neighborhoods principally due to the 1928 City Zoning policy. Due to urbanization, migration, globalization, and various local and national segregationist policies, the spatial and demographic characteristics of East Austin have dramatically changed in the past two or three decades. The historical covenants and conventions exposed the neighborhoods to uncontrolled mixed land uses, which permit industries' siting near residential areas. Consequently, different opposing bodies, including PODER (People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources), have moved against urban policy resulting in gentrification and other detrimental effects on residents—displacement. In this dissertation, the author assesses gentrification subjectively based on residents’ level of perception of neighborhood change and thus developed a perceived gentrification scale from five items.
Based on the post-positivist worldview, this study adopts a mixed-method research method to achieve the two research objectives: (1) to quantitatively examine the probable impact of gentrification on residents' health, and (2) to qualitatively explore the meaning, concerns, perception of neighborhood effect on health, and strategies or coping mechanisms adopted by residents in the gentrifying environments to weather the impacts of gentrification. The mixed method includes a mixture of quantitative analyses of the perception of gentrification on health based on survey data, oral historic interview, and a one-on-one online interview to understand the effect of gentrification on residents’ health. Specifically, the quantitative aspect examined the relationship between the perception of gentrification, self-rated health, mental health, and chronic health conditions (CHCs). On the other hand, the qualitative aspect was used to deeply explore and understand participants' opinions for meaning, symbol, belief, self and community identity, and sense of commitment to their neighborhood.
In the first chapter, I present the statement of problem and justification for carrying out the research. Chapter Two of the dissertation examines Austin's historical background and some of the policies that facilitated gentrification in East Austin. This research understands self-rated health and CHCs from different theoretical lenses, including the political ecology of health (PEH), subculturalist, social determinants of health (SDOH), and life course theory (LCT). Discussion of the theoretical perspectives is included in Chapter three of this dissertation. In Chapter Four, I presented the research methodology and described the systematic processes of data collection. In chapters 5-8, I present the results from the quantitative analysis and the qualitative interpretation of the interviews. The overall conclusions and discussion of my findings are presented in Chapter nine.
In Chapter Five, I show that perceived gentrification among community members was significantly associated with ‘poor/low’ self-rated mental health and high reports of ‘good/high’ self-rated physical health and self-rated general health. Longtime residents reported lower/poorer self-rated general and physical health compared to recent residents. In contrast, longtime residents surprisingly reported higher/good self-rated mental health than recent residents. Similarly, older residents in gentrifying neighborhoods rated their mental health better than middle-aged residents. I also found that the three types of self-rated health significantly varied by socioeconomic status (e.g., educational attainment), but I did not find any significant difference by race/ethnicity.
Chapter Six used a triangulation method including univariate, bivariate correlation, and multiple linear regression implemented through the structural equation model to examine the complex pathways to three health outcomes—measured stress, self-rated mental health, and depression symptoms. Bivariate Pearson’s correlation indicated a significant positive association between gentrification scores and mental health symptoms and stress. However, the direct association between gentrification and depression disappeared in the causal/path model. In support of the weathering hypothesis, which posits that repeated exposure to stressor without any intervention deteriorates health, I found that objectively measured stress was directly related to symptoms of depression among residents in the study area.
In Chapter Seven, I employed non-linear techniques suitable for Poisson distribution to estimate the association between gentrification and reports of chronic health conditions, a count variable. First, I found a significant positive association between the perceived gentrification score and CHCs in all three probability models—Poisson, Negative Binomial (default), and Negative Binomial estimated with maximum likelihood (NB-MLE). Second, there was a significant positive association between historical childhood health and CHCs supporting the life course theory. An additional investigation based on mediation analysis to explore the indirect effect of gentrification through access to socioeconomic resources and historical health conditions explained 54% and 11% variation in the report of CHCs, respectively.
Chapter Eight qualitatively explores the perceived impact of gentrification on residents’ health and wellbeing using information from key informant interview (KII) and in-depth interviews (IDI). Several themes related to environmental stress and weak neighborhood interest emerged deductively, while other themes emerged inductively. Regarding the perspective of gentrification on health, many participants discussed how gentrification could contribute to psychological/mental stress that could eventually lead to physiological health symptoms. Almost every participant indicated that they had previously been involved in one community or neighborhood organization—formal or informal. Nevertheless, participants raised concerns about eroding social capital due to gentrification and the displacement of the minority population in East Austin. Despite acknowledging increased diversity, participants had a sense of loss in neighborhood activism compared to when the neighborhoods were less diverse. A frequently expressed way residents resist or have been able to remain in their neighborhood was through employment and family support. The majority of the participants had never done anything politically to resist gentrification.
The findings add to the understanding of the effect of gentrification on residents in Austin. It is crucial to make policymakers and other stakeholders aware of urban renewal policies' deleterious impact leading to gentrification. The study will also help foster strategies that will compensate and mitigate against the persistent implications of (re)development programs on citizens, particularly those who may be actively witnessing gentrification, the owner-residents. Finally, the research also contributes to the health impact assessment (HIA) and social injustice related to urban renewal programs in Austin, Texas, and beyond.Geography and Environmental Studie
