14 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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Does pyrolysis temperature determine soil phosphorus bioavailability and uptake on peri-urban cropland amended with poultry litter biochar?
No full textPyrolysis temperature is a key factor that determines the characteristics of biochar and nutrient availability. However, little is known about how pyrolysis temperature affects phosphorus (P) bioavailability and uptake as well as the underlying mechanism when poultry litter biochar (PB), or its combination with NPK, is applied as a soil amendment on peri-urban cropland. To determine the influence of low and high pyrolysis temperatures on PB and its impact on P bioavailability, uptake and maize yield, we set up a randomized block design field study with the following treatments: (i) No amendment (CK), (ii) NPK mineral fertilization, (iii) biochar pyrolyzed at 300 degrees C (PB300), (iv) biochar pyrolyzed at 600 degrees C (PB600), (v) PB300 + NPK, and (vi) PB600 + NPK. Our results demonstrate that differences in pyrolysis temperatures (300 degrees C) - low and (600 degrees C) - high at which PB was pyrolyzed had no controlling influence on P bioavailability, uptake, soil microbial biomass P, alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity, mycorrhizal fungi components (spores, colonization, glomalin, mycelium density), and maize yield. Similarly, regardless of pyrolysis temperature differences, the combination of PB with NPK (PB300 + NPK and PB600 + NPK) significantly (p < 0.05) increased soil P availability by 24% and 13%, uptake 46% and 42%, soil microbial biomass P 63% and 60%, C 8% and 2%, alkaline phosphatase 58% and 37%, and maize yield 37% and 36%, respectively, compared with NPK. PB + NPK, regardless of pyrolysis temperature, retained more P from total P input, which indicates that PB could be a veritable soil amendment technology for mitigating P leaching and enhancing P use efficiency and recycling on peri-urban croplands
Biochar and neem seed cake co-amendment effects on soil nitrogen cycling and NH3 volatilization in contrasting soils
No full textAbstract In a 28-day incubation study, ball milling technologies were applied to enhance the sorptive and functional properties of pristine biochar. The effect of ball-milled (BM) biochar, neem seed cake, and their co-amendment was evaluated on nitrification, ammonia (NH3) volatilization, and the abundance of nitrifying microbial communities in three contrasting tropical soils of different pH (acidic, neutral, and alkaline). The amendments were applied at 2% dry w/w to soils fertilized with ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). Results showed that in neutral and alkaline soils, the co-amendment led to a 40% and 64% increase in NH3 volatilization, respectively, compared to control due to significant ammonium (NH4 +) retention and temporary nitrification inhibition. Conversely, in acidic soil, BM biochar and neem seed cake amplified nitrification by 23% and 62%, respectively, compared to sole amendments, while neem seed cake increased NH3 volatilization by 56% compared to BM biochar + neem seed cake due to NH4 + retention, altered soil pH, and changes in nitrifying microbial community. The abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and complete ammonia oxidizers (Comammox) was altered by changes in soil pH and N availability modulated by BM biochar and neem seed cake. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between soil organic matter (SOM), NH4 +, and NO3 − on the abundance of nitrifying microorganisms. The study affirms the efficacy of BM biochar-neem seed cake co-amendment on nitrification inhibition but indicates potential N losses by NH3 volatilization depending on soil type, highlighting the need for soil type-specific management strategies to optimize N retention while minimizing environmental impacts
Inhibition and Compressive-Strength Performance of Na₂Cr₂O₇ and C₁₀H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈.2H₂O in Steel-Reinforced Concrete in Corrosive Environments
No full textThis paper studied corrosion-inhibition and compressive-strength performances of NaThe accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author
An investigative and evaluative study of factors affecting quality of agricultural and farm information services in Kerala
No full textAgriculture is not only a country’s backbone of food, livelihood and ecological security systems, but is also the very soul of its sovereignty. In Kerala population density is high and land is scarce. To achieve sustainable advancement in quality of human life, meeting the domestic food requirement is to be given foremost priority in development plans. As the area of cultivation cannot be increased and growth of population cannot be controlled growth in food production is to be achieved by qualitative improvement in farming. This requires improvements in material inputs, farming techniques, storage technology and research. Effective integration of these factors is tied closely to adequate information flow, which can be ensured only by an efficient information system for agricultural education, research, extension and development. So evaluation and improvement of existing information services is very crucial for sustainable agricultural growth. The study evaluates the existing information resources, facilities, services, possibilities for resource sharing, accessibility of external sources, and the factors that affect the quality and efficiency of information services in agricultural sector. Coverage is limited to the State of Kerala. Sample consist 105 institutions of different levels, and information users consisting of 426 scientists and 220 farmers. Different sets of questionnaires and interview schedule were used to elicit information. The study found that agricultural research conducted at various institutions in the region at huge public expense has generated knowledge for improving production. Along with these huge collections of acquired content is also stored in the sector. But when a farmer, an extension worker, a scientist or an administrator needs information it is not easily accessible. The study found that agricultural sector fails to effectively bank on information resources available due to the lack of an information system and network. Recommends an Agricultural and Farm Information System for Kerala. Suggests a model plan for a computer communication network for resource sharing between the agricultural institutions in the State, which will also ensure, smooth flow of results of research down to the grassroots level to achieve maximum productivity in agriculture
Diagnosis and management of pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in resource-poor settings
No full textGlobally, Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) remains a common and lethal infection in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative people, particularly in developing countries where rates of PCP increase with rising GDP. Pneumocystis jirovecii cannot be cultured in routine clinical laboratories, and diagnosis relies on microscopy, histology, serological biomarkers and/or PCR[author: spell out] detection of Pneumocystis DNA; most of these methods are expensive and require proficiency training. Accessing lower respiratory tract specimens in young children is challenging and only PCR testing of nasopharyngeal aspirates is useful. Early diagnosis and treatment with high-dose co-trimoxazole is effective therapy; however, adverse reactions are common. Improved outcomes are associated with adding corticosteroid to treatment in those with moderate/severe PCP, although this has not been studied in resource-poor settings. This review discusses the comparative values of the available diagnostic techniques in relation to their suitability for use in resource-poor settings. We also address the non-availability of the alternative medications in these region
Essential in vitro diagnostics for advanced HIV and serious fungal diseases: International experts\u27 consensus recommendations
No full textAbstract are not provided by the author/publishe
Kolaviron attenuates diclofenac-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats
No full textThe beneficial effects of kolaviron, a natural biflavonoid from the seeds of Garcinia kola, have been attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study was designed to investigate the renoprotective effect of kolaviron in rat model of diclofenac (DFC)-induced acute renal failure. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups of five rats each as follows: a control group that received propylene glycol orally and treatment groups that received diclofenac, diclofenac followed by kolaviron at three different doses and kolaviron only. Diclofenac treated rats showed sluggishness, illness and anorexia. Their urine contained appreciable protein, glucose and ketone bodies. Histopathological examination of their kidneys revealed profound acute tubular necrosis. Diclofenac treatment significantly increased levels of plasma creatinine, urea, sodium, chloride, potassium ions, and increased renal tissue activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. Fractional excretion of sodium and potassium and renal tissue levels of reduced glutathione and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) decreased significantly in DFC treated groups. However, kolaviron administration significantly reduced toxic effect of DFC on PGE2 release, plasma levels of creatinine, urea, glucose, and electrolytes and significantly attenuated renal tubular and oxidative damages. Furthermore, the effects of DFC administration on food consumption, water intake, urine output and urine protein, glucose, ketone bodies and electrolytes, were significantly attenuated in animals treated with kolaviron. The results suggested that kolaviron ameliorated DFC-induced kidney injury in Wistar rats by decreasing renal oxidative damage and restoration of renal PGE2 release back to the basal levels.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author
The dynamics of oil and fiscal federalism : Challenges to governance and development in Nigeria
No full textThis thesis explores some of the major challenges to governance and development in Nigeria since independence. The focus of the thesis is on the dynamics of oil and
fiscal federalism, given that more than 90% of her revenue income accrues from oil, and on the continuing difficulties of securing from these revenues a satisfactory path
of economic and social development for Nigeria.
It examines more specifically how the productive application of the revenue streams obtained by Nigeria from its oil reserves has been severely undermined by the
politics of 'fiscal federalism', i.e. the manner in which taxation and public spending are divided up between the federal, state and local levels of government. It argues
that it is in the context of these fragmented and contested processes of oil revenue allocation and management that the origins of predation and corruption are located.
The main aim of the research is to discover whether and how reforms in the taxation and expenditure system could reduce predation, and direct the country's oil revenues
into productive channels within a development strategy that will benefit the people at large, rather than a small and corrupt elite.
The field research for this thesis was conducted at the federal and state levels of government, and assesses the problems associated with the contentious revenuesharing
system between the three tiers of government. It concludes that this dynamics of oil and fiscal federalism poses a major challenge, because it has ignored the
productive contributions of the federating units and based revenue allocation on predatory politically-motivated parameters. These have consequently led to
instability in the oil producing Niger Delta region, which constitutes a major challenge to the sustainability of oil production in Nigeria. This in tum has over the
years resulted in failure to achieve a satisfactory path of economic and social development for Nigeria
A review of empirical evidence on gender differences in nonland agricultural inputs, technology, and services in developing countries
No full textThis paper reviews existing microeconomic empirical literature on gender differences in use, access, and adoption of nonland agricultural inputs in developing countries. This review focuses on four key areas: (1) technological resources, (2) natural resources, (3) human resources, and (4) social and political capital. In general, there has been more empirical research on inorganic fertilizer, seed varieties, extension services, and group membership than on tools and mechanization, life-cycle effects, and political participation. Across input areas, generally men have higher input measures than women; however, this finding is often sensitive to the use of models that control for other background factors, as well as the type of gender indicator implemented in the analysis. We find few studies that meet our inclusion criteria outside Sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, future directions, opportunities, and recommendations for microeconomic gender analysis of nonland agricultural inputs are discussed.access to farm inputs, Agricultural inputs, Agriculture, assets, Developing countries, Gender, life-cycle effects, mechanization, Women,
