Frequency Counts Research Articles

WHOLE-CLASS AUTOMATIC PROMOTION IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL AND PUPILS’ LITERACY ACHIEVEMENT

The present study had two research questions to investigate whole-class promotion in primary school and pupils’ achievement in literacy. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design. The target population was composed of all teachers and pupils in primary schools in Fako Division, in Cameroon, while the accessible population was made up of all Classes Four (Grade 4), Five and Six pupils, and 60 teachers, selected using purposive sampling techniques. The instruments for data collection were a structured questionnaire and an interview guide. The descriptive statistical tools used were frequency count, percentages, and multiple response sets while Spearman’s rho test was used in testing the study's hypotheses. The findings of the study indicated that teachers’ use of alternative resources has a significant effect on pupils’ literacy achievement (P= 0.030, < 0.05). Findings also indicated that remedial teaching has a significant effect on pupils’ literacy achievement (P= 0.036, < 0.05). Some recommendations included both trainees and qualified teachers to receive more training regarding alternative resources and remedial teaching.

Are bone targeted agents still useful in times of immunotherapy? The SAKK 80/19 BTA pilot study

BackgroundPatients with bone metastases from solid tumors often have additional treatment with bone targeted agents (BTAs) to avoid symptomatic skeletal events (SSEs) such as clinically significant pathological fracture leading toradiation therapy or surgery to the bone, spinal cord compression, or hypercalcemia. The absolute value of BTA treatment in the era of immunotherapy (IO) is unknown. MethodsPatients with bone metastases treated with immunotherapy within the Alpine Tumor Immunology Registry were compared based on whether they received an additional BTA such as denosumab or zoledronic acid. The primary endpoint was time to first SSE. Continuous data were summarized as median and range, categorical data using frequency counts and percentages. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to describe and visualize the effect of categorical variables. ResultsOne hundred and ninety-seven patients with bone metastases and treatment with immunotherapy such as nivolumab (48 %), pembrolizumab (40 %), atezolizumab (12 %), ipilimumab (9 %) and other immunotherapy (5 %) were included. The most frequent tumor types were lung cancer (50 %), malignant melanoma (11 %), renal cell cancer (10 %) and bladder cancer (9 %), respectively. One hundred and twenty-two patients (62 %) received a BTA treatment (91 % denosumab). The median treatment duration of a BTA was 178 days (min: 1 day, max: 2010 days). Out of the 197 patients, 47 (24 %) experienced at least one SSE, 100 (51 %) had bone pain. Ten of the 122 patients (8 %) receiving a BTA developed osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). The percentage of patients without an SSE at fixed time points was higher if treated with a BTA (e.g., at 6 months, 92 % [95 % CI: 84 % - 96 %] versus 88 % [95 % CI: 77 % - 94 %]), but no significant difference in time to first SSE (HR 0.69; 95 % CI 0.34–1.39, log-rank p = 0.29) or time to first bone pain (HR: 0.85; 95 % CI: 0.51–1.43, p = 0.54) between these two groups could be detected. There were differences in OS between patients treated with a BTA and patients not treated with a BTA (HR: 1.46; 95 % CI: 1.01–2.10, p = 0.043). ConclusionNo significant difference in time to first SSE or bone pain was observed between patients who have received a BTA or not when treated with immunotherapy. Based on these retrospective results the indication of BTAs to reduce SSEs in cancer patients under treatment with immunotherapy needs further evaluation.

The Usage of Android Phone and the Academic Performance of the Grade 10 Students in Jose Abad Santos National High School

The study aimed to determine the impact of Android phones on the academic performance of Grade 10 students in Jose Abad Santos National High School. The study employed a descriptive-correlational research design. Were 182 respondents selected using a stratified random sampling technique who responded to the adapted survey guide questionnaire? The frequency count and percentage, mean, and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient were the statistical tools used. Most respondents were 17-18 years old, female, used Vivo android phone, and had average socio-economic status. The usage of Android phones occasionally used by the respondents, in particular in the cognitive aspect. The average grade of the Grade 10 students in the first grading period of the school year 2022-2023 was 83.09 indicating that their academic performance was approaching proficiency level—a significant relationship was found between the usage of Android phones and academic performance of the Grade 10 students. Moreover, the findings indicated that there was a significant relationship between the Android phone and academic performance of the Grade 10 students particularly their cognitive aspects in which the students develop their mental skills and acquisition of knowledge.

The Extent of Implementation and Influence of Boys and Girls Brigade Philippines (BGBP) Programs

This study examines the extent of implementation and influence of the Boys and Girls Brigade Philippines (BGBP) programs. Its objectives are twofold: first, to assess the extent of implementation of its programs and determine their impact on its recipients; and second, to introduce a quality program for other institutions to adopt in addressing current societal challenges and preparing students for the VUCA world. The research employs a descriptive comparative design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. The quantitative data analysis used mean scores, frequency count, Kruskal-Wallis H Test, and Post-Hoc Analysis (Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner Pairwise Comparison). Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study involved 144 respondents, including administrators, teachers, students, and alumni of BGBP. Key findings reveal that all the BGBP programs are highly implemented. Also, all the BGBP programs are highly influential. There is a highly significant difference in the perception of administrators, teachers, and students on the implementation and influence of the programs. The program offers numerous benefits, such as spiritual growth, learning to live and lead for Christ, and developing leadership skills. Challenges faced include leadership issues, financial constraints, inconsistency in implementation, students’ attitudes, and parental support. To enhance the program, recommendations include strengthening the set standard, elevating the mentoring system, reinforcing parental involvement, and seeking financial support. Additionally, policymakers and curriculum makers may consider adopting BGBP as a benchmark, as it addresses current challenges and prepares students for the rapidly changing world.

LIFESTYLE AND BEHAVIOR, NUTRITIONAL STATUS, AND DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN RELATION TO THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

This study investigated the relationship between lifestyle and behavior, nutritional status, depression symptoms, and academic achievement of junior and senior high school students in selected secondary schools in the Division of Malaybalay City. The descriptive-correlational research design was employed. Data were gathered from 580 students chosen using total random sampling and were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency counts and percentage, Pearson-product moment correlation, and multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that in lifestyle and behavior, students’ physical activity involved 3 to 4 times of physical exercise per week. Their sleep patterns showed that they felt sleepy only 1 to 2 times weekly during their activities. Their screen time usage averaged 2 to 3 hours for different electronics, with mobile phones or smartphones more often used at over 3 hours. Moreover, the students’ nutritional status through their dietary behavior in terms of food choice revealed that they often put importance on choosing their foods. The diversity of their daily diet included vegetables, starches (e.g., rice and rice products) and meat/fish often, and fruits, milk, fats, sugar and beverage occasionally. The students’ anthropometric measurements had an average weight of 95.90 lbs. and an average height of 178.65 cm. The depression symptoms experienced by the students were borderline to moderate depression levels. The study also found that the students’ academic achievement was very satisfactory. Furthermore, correlation and regression analyses showed that the variables, sleep patterns and depression symptoms, negatively and significantly impact students’ academic achievement. Therefore, less frequency of daytime sleepiness and fewer depression symptoms could increase academic performance. Hence, these findings have implications for students’ academic success and well-being, especially in improving their sleep quality and supporting effective interventions for depression. KEYWORDS: Lifestyle and behavior, nutritional status, depression symptoms, academic achievement

Knowledge and the Extent of Integration of Climate Change and Adaptation at Universities in Kenya

Purpose: This study investigated levels of awareness on climate change in five public universities in Kenya. The study aimed at assessing levels of knowledge on climate change issues among lecturers and students and documenting levels of access to information on climate change among lecturers and students. Methodology: The study adopted a survey design. The population for the study consisted of 200 hundred undergraduates and lecturers. Data was analysed using both descriptive (frequency counts, percentages, means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) and presented in forms of charts and graphs. Findings: The results showed that teaching staff and students possessed high level of awareness on the concept of climate change, have access to the sources of information and factors of personal experience, public sources and education greatly influence their awareness. There was a statistically significant association between years teaching at the University (Chi-Sq. = 72.844, DF = 3, P-Value = 0.000) and integration of climate change in the courses taught. However, we found no association between gender (Chi-Sq. = 2.534, DF = 1, P-Value = 0.111) and University (Chi-Sq. = 1.279, DF = 4, P-Value = 0.865) where a lecturer was teaching in terms of integration of climate change in the courses taught. Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice and Policy: These findings indicate the teaching staff and students in Kenya have a widespread awareness of climate change and its immediate threat to human society, while knowledge of how to deal with the challenge due to climate change is still limited. Almost half the respondents believed climate change would result in impacts on human life. Nevertheless, the teaching staff and students need regular capacity development on climate change effects and in turn upscale the knowledge to the wider society.

Non-Technical Skills Needed for the Current and Next-Generation Agricultural Workforce

This study highlights the need to recognize and train agricultural workers in essential non-technical skills to enhance workforce effectiveness and sustainability within the agriculture sector. Focused on the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia, the research involved initial semi-structured interviews with three agricultural training managers to identify relevant non-technical skills for food and fibre workplaces. Representatives from twenty Gippsland food and fibre businesses were then surveyed to rate these identified skills across different workforce segments: (a) seasonal workers, (b) entry-level workers, (c) supervisors, and (d) managers. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, means, and standard deviations, were used to analyze the responses. Employer ratings for skill needs were weighted against the number of workers employed in each workforce segment. Key non-technical skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and cross-cultural competence were found to be in high demand, particularly among seasonal and entry-level workers. However, there is a significant gap between the importance of these skills and their prioritization in accredited training programs. Addressing this gap is crucial for investing in a skilled and adaptable agricultural sector that is competitive and sustainable. The theoretical understandings derived from this study’s results warrant further research and replication in diverse commodity sectors and locations within Australia and internationally.

Poverty (Number 1 Goal of the SDG) of Disabled People through Disability Studies and Ability Studies Lenses: A Scoping Review

According to the World Bank, the world will not meet the SDG of ending extreme poverty in 2030. Disabled people live disproportionally below the poverty line. Many societal developments and discussions can influence the poverty level of disabled people. This study aimed to better understand the academic engagement with the poverty of disabled people in general and in Canada. To fulfill this aim, we performed a scoping review of academic abstracts obtained from SCOPUS, the 70 databases of EBSCO-HOST, and Web of Science. We performed a frequency count and a content analysis of abstracts containing the terms “poverty” or “impoverish*” or “socioeconomic” or “SES” or “income”. We ascertained how the abstracts engaged with the poverty of disabled people in general and in Canada and in conjunction with keywords linked to a select set of societal developments and discussions we saw as impacting poverty and being impacted by poverty. We also looked at the use of concepts coined to discuss ability judgments and social problems with being occupied, two areas that impact the poverty of disabled people. We found that disabled people were mentioned in 0.86% of the abstracts using the term “poverty” in general and 4.1% (88 abstracts) for Canada. For the terms “impoverish*”, “socioeconomic”, “SES”, and “income”, the numbers were 3.15% in general and 0.94% for Canada. The poverty of disabled people who also belong to other marginalized groups was rarely covered. Our qualitative content analysis revealed that many of the hit-count positive abstracts did not cover the poverty of disabled people. We found 22 relevant abstracts that covered the poverty of disabled people in conjunction with technologies, eight in conjunction with accessibility not already mentioned under technology, eight with intersectionality, seven with “activis*” or advocacy, three with sustainability, two with climate change, and none for burnout or ally. The occupation and ability judgment-focused concepts were rarely or not at all employed to discuss the poverty of disabled people. Our findings suggest many gaps in the coverage of the poverty of disabled people that need to be fixed.

A pilot survey on the identification of different deformities and prevalence of cracked eggs in commercial layers’ farms in Ogbomoso metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria

This research was conducted within Ogbomoso town, Oyo State, to identify the different types of cracks and deformed eggs common in the study area. It highlighted the socio-economic characteristics of the commercial layer farmers, flock characteristics, feed and feeding, veterinary service, cracks and deformed eggs incidence, causes of deformed eggs, and measures to minimize them. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered on 40 identified commercial layer farms that were randomly selected. Data analyses were carried out using frequency counts, pie charts, and percentages. The result of the study indicated that the majority (90%) of the respondents were male with a few (10%) females, and the majority (90%) were Christian with 10% Muslims. The entire respondents attained tertiary education. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the studied farm used veterinary services on their farm and 25% did not. All (100%) of the farms studied experience one type of cracks/deformed eggs or the other. The most common cracks and deformed eggs observed in this research were gross cracks (15.52%), blood spots (13.79), and thin shells (12.93%) while mottled crack (0.86%) was the least experienced crack. The causes of cracks and deformed eggs as indicated by the farmers showed that cracks and deformed eggs were majorly caused by birds’ cages (23.2%), birds (20.3%), and vermin (15.9%), and few were caused by diseases, hormonal changes and during the process of eggs transportation. The major means of controlling cracks and deformed eggs observed in this research were proper handling of the eggs (22.7%), disease prevention (19.7%), and control of rats (19.7%) while the least control measure suggested was the use of antibiotics. Gross crack which resulted in a large hold and broken membrane is the most common egg crack in the farms. The results of this research show that all the farms studied experience cracks and deformed eggs on their farms and different approaches are being used to minimize the effect therefore, farmers need to minimize the occurrence in other to reduce the loss of money through it.

An exploration of frontline health professional's current understanding of non-fatal strangulation.

To explore frontline health professionals' current understanding of non-fatal strangulation and their need for and support for a comprehensive education and screening package to support health delivery. A descriptive mixed-method approach was chosen to analyse responses to an anonymous, online survey consisting of ten Likert scale, open-ended and five demographic questions. 103 frontline health professionals (nurses, doctors, paramedics, midwives) participated in this study. Content analysis of the Likert scale and open-ended questions describing the subjective experiences and perceptions of the participants was undertaken along with percentage and frequency counts of the rated Likert responses. The findings identified that 51.1% of health professionals do not ask about strangulation routinely and that 59% of health professionals reported receiving no formal education or professional development on NFS to enhance their knowledge or inform clinical practice. No health professionals identified mild traumatic brain injury as a consequence or sign of strangulation, nor did they identify an understanding that 50% of people may have no visible injuries after being strangled. Health professionals also do not routinely document the different agencies referred to or involved in supporting the person who experienced NFS. Findings suggest that frontline health professionals lack the confidence, skills and education needed to meet medical obligations to their patients and to fulfil their duty to 'do no harm'. Frontline health professionals would welcome a comprehensive education and screening package to guide recognition and response to non-fatal strangulation in their clinical settings. WHERE AND ON WHOM WILL THE RESEARCH HAVE AN IMPACT?: The purpose of the study was to understand and explore health professionals' knowledge about non-fatal strangulation so that improved education around better screening, and management of trauma-focused care to people who have been subjected to non-fatal strangulation could occur. This review contains no patient or public contribution since it examines health professionals' knowledge of identifying non-fatal strangulation and the screening and assessment tools used in clinical practice.

Farmers’ perceived rating and usability attributes of agricultural mobile phone apps

Cassava crop is in the forefront among the arable crops mostly cultivated in Nigeria. It is a crop that International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have invested more efforts to develop mobile digital solutions for farmers to address some of the agronomic issues threatening its productivity. The ultimate aim of the digital solution is to bring innovations closer to farmers as well as to bring about the transformation needed to achieve food security in Africa. However, farmers’ (users) quality rating and usability of agricultural mobile apps remains uncertain thereby, creating knowledge gap. Feedbacks of users are critical to inform developers of the apps about necessary modifications. This study therefore examined the usability attributes of Agricultural Mobile Phone Applications (AMPAs) among cassava farmers in South-west Nigeria using users-centered approach. Because of the selected crop, apps evaluated in this study were Akilimo App, Airtel 4-21 call App and IITA herbicide calculator App. Akilimo App is an advisory tool that provides site-specific recommendations to cassava farmers in order to increase their cassava-based cropping systems; Airtel 4-2-1 call App provides a voice-based tutorial on cassava production, weather, education, rice amongst others by simply dialing 4-2-1 on any mobile phone with an Airtel sim card; while IITA herbicide is a mobile application developed to prevent herbicide abuse, such as over-dosing and/or under-dosing. Four hundred and ten (410) cassava farmers were recruited as respondents for the study. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, means and standard deviation. As the major contribution, it was shown for the first time, how users (farmers) rated the three Apps in terms of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information quality, and subjective quality while usability of the Apps were rated for efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, learnability, memorability, cognitive load, accuracy and error. Similarly, pattern of usage, benefits of usage and constraints to usage of the Apps were further investigated.

Assessment of Effects of Adopted Sustainable Soil Fertility Management Practices on Arabica Coffee Yields among Smallholder Farmers in Ibanda Municipality

This study aimed at assessing the effects of adopted sustainable soil fertility management practices on Arabica Coffee yields and quality among smallholder farmers in Ibanda Municipality. The guiding objectives of the study were to find out the effect of sustainable soil fertility management practices in Arabica Coffee farming, Arabica coffee yields and quality and the relationship between the sustainable soil fertility management practices and Arabica Coffee yields and quality. Data was collected using a farmer questionnaire and interview guide for extension staff and coffee dealers. It was analysed descriptively using frequency counts and percentages while relationships between sustainable soil fertility management practices and Arabica Coffee yields were analysed using Pearson correlation. The findings show that mulching and composting were the most adopted soil fertility management practices among the Arabica coffee farmers in Kagongo division. The study also found that there was a significant relationship between Arabica coffee yields and farmers' adoption of mulching and composting. The study concluded that the adoption of mulching and compositing improved coffee quality and yields. Therefore, the study recommended up-scaling extension services and giving farmers credit so that they adopt sustainable soil fertility management practices for better Arabica coffee yields and quality

An Overview of Teachers’ Development and Secondary School Effectiveness in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The study examined teachers’ development and secondary school effectiveness in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study sought to establish the relationship between teachers’ development training and secondary school effectiveness in Ekiti State. Descriptive research design of survey type was adopted in the study. The population of the study comprised all the teaching staff (teachers and principals) numbered 5,908 in public secondary schools in Ekiti State. The total number of public secondary schools in Ekiti State was 202. The sample of the study was made up of 240 teachers and 24 principals selected from 24 public secondary schools in each of the three senatorial districts in Ekiti State. Multistage sampling procedures which involved simple random sampling and stratified random sampling techniques were used to select sample of the study. The instruments tagged Teachers’ Development Training Questionnaire (TDTQ) and Secondary School Effectiveness Questionnaire (SSEQ) were used to collect data. The instruments were validated and found reliable with the reliability coefficient of 0.84 and 0.86 respectively. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages scores, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions and Pearson’s Moment Correlation was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between teachers’ development and secondary school effectiveness in Ekiti State. Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, it was recommended that regular and relevant teachers’ development programmes should be organized for secondary school teachers in order to ensure continuous quality education delivery and secondary school effectiveness.

Spatiotemporal evolution and driving factors of vegetation net ecosystem productivity in Henan Province over the past 20 years

Net ecosystem productivity (NEP) is a crucial parameter for assessing the carbon cycle dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. This study analyzed the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics and future trends of NEP in Henan Province over the past 20 years based on MOD17A3HGF, meteorological, and land-use data, employing the frequency counting method, trend test, Hurst index, and the center of gravity model. Various areas of changes in vegetation carbon sequestration were explored, and the driving factors were quantitatively assessed through correlation analysis, Sankey diagrams, and Geodetector. The results demonstrate that: 1) Continuous temporal changes in NEP in Henan, with annual average values fluctuating between 272.84 and 451.39 gC·m-2·a1, exhibiting an overall upward trend. 2) Spatially, there is a distinct distribution of NEP, concentrating more in the south and less in the north. While the study area generally experiences a dominant gradual enhancement of vegetation carbon sequestration capacity, the middle and north of Zhengzhou City exhibit a significant decline, which is expected to persist in the future. The migration of the centers of gravity of NEP over the past 20 years is characterized by stage-specific differentiation. 3) Among the various land cover types, forests have the strongest carbon sequestration capacity; however, cropland emerges as the province’s main source of NEP due to its extensive size. 4) The driving factors for spatial differentiation in NEP exhibit some temporal variability. Overall, climate factors and atmospheric pollution exert stronger influences, with the interactive explanatory power of the two-factor interaction being higher than that of the single factor. The results of this study can serve as a scientific theoretical basis for ecological policy-making and sustainable development in Henan Province.

Assessment of the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Agricultural Extension Service Delivery among Farmers in Yobe State, Nigeria

The study assessed the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agricultural extension services delivery among farmers in Yobe state, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the ICTs available to the farmers in the study area, ascertain the level of access to ICTs among the farmers in the study area and identify, determine the use of ICTs among the farmers in the study area, identify the constraints to the use of ICTs among the farmers in the study area. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 130 respondents for the study. The target populations were obtained from the sampling frame of all contact farmers in the state Agricultural Zones. Both Primary and secondary data were used in the study. Primary data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and interview schedule, while secondary data were obtained from records of YOSADP, articles, and publications. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, and Likert scale. The analysis results revealed that mobile phones, radio, internet, and television were the most available and accessible ICT tools used by the sampled respondents in the study area. The severity of the constraints to the use of ICT facilities among the respondents shows lack of electricity supply as the 1st ranked impediment among others (WMS of 3.6), followed by lack of funds and high illiteracy level (WMS of 3.2) each and inadequate access to ICT gadgets (WMS of 3.1). In conclusion, there was low usage of ICT facilities in the study area, and the respondents had low knowledge of useful information, as imposed by some constraining factors. Overcoming these challenges would ensure increased use of ICTs for agricultural activities in the study area. Recommendations such as awareness/sensitization on the use of ICT facilities such as the internet and computer to enable farmers utilize the tools effectively for agricultural information transfer and retrieval, dissemination of agricultural-related information through radio and television programs, as well as mobile phones, would be recommended for agricultural development, the use of renewable energy such as solar panels in the utilization of ICT tools particularly in rural areas and enactment of new government policy for the incorporation of ICT gadgets in extension services delivery to farmers to increase their confidence, competence and skills in using ICTs.

Influence of School-climate on Science Students’ Performance in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

This study investigated the Influence of School-climate on Science Students’ Performance in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study with a focus on Senior Secondary School II Science Students, which necessitated the use of questionnaires for data collection. The instrument was validated and tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha statistic with 0.82 reliability value. Result formats were also used for collecting the average scores of 250 participating science students in science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Further Mathematics) from the school authorities concerned. Data collected was analyzed using frequency counts, Mean and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Findings from the study showed that, school-climate influences the academic performance of science students in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria leading to the need to enhance proper constructs for better performance in science subjects. The study concluded that conducive school-climates play significant roles in the performance of science students, which invariably implies that improved students’ performance can be achieved when school authorities pay deliberate attention to improving school-climate conditions. It was recommended among others that, schools should endeavor to create conducive environment such as provision of basic facilities, clear and effective communication channels and a cordial teacher-students relationship to facilitate learning and to improve students’ academic performance in science subjects.

Components Of User Education Programmes For Undergraduates In Universities

This study investigates the key components of user education programs offered to undergraduate students at universities in Cross River State, Nigeria, with the goal of enhancing their academic and research skills. These programs are crucial for developing the necessary information literacy among students, and understanding their specific implementation in Cross River State is significant for fostering academic success. However, the effectiveness of these programs in meeting the students' needs has not been thoroughly evaluated. The research addresses the questions: What are the components of user education programs provided to undergraduate students at universities in Cross River State, Nigeria, and are these students satisfied with their use? This area has been under-researched due to a lack of focus on the unique educational context of this region. Using a survey research design, the study sampled 285 out of a total population of 987 third-year undergraduate students, selected through proportionate stratified random sampling using the Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected using questionnaires administered personally by the researcher with assistance from two research aides and analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency counts and percentages. The findings indicated that the user education programs include components such as information literacy, digital literacy, research skills, library usage, and academic writing skills. Most students reported satisfaction with the programs. The study recommends enhancing these programs with more practical sessions and additional resources to improve the student learning experience.

Global Warming Impacts on Southeast Australian Coastally Trapped Southerly Wind Changes

Coastally trapped southerly wind changes are prominent during southeast Australia’s warm season (spring and summer). These abrupt, often gale force, wind changes are known locally as Southerly Busters (SBs) when their wind speeds reach 15 m/s. They move northwards along the coast, often producing very large temperature drops. SBs exceeding 21 m/s are severe SBs (SSBs). SBs have both positive and negative impacts. They bring relief from oppressively hot days but can cause destructive wind damage, worsen existing bushfires, and endanger aviation and marine activities. This study assesses the impacts of global warming (GW) and associated climate change on SBs and SSBs, using observational data from 1970 to 2022. Statistical analyses determine significant trends in annual frequency counts of SBs and SSBs, particularly during the accelerated GW period from the early–mid-1990s. It was found that the annual combined count of SBs and SSBs had increased, with SSBs dominating from 1970 to 1995, but SB frequencies exceeded SSBs from 1996 to 2023. The ascendency of SB frequencies over SSBs since 1996 is explained by the impact of GW on changes in global and local circulation patterns. Case studies exemplify how these circulation changes have increased annual frequencies of SBs, SSBs, and their combined total.

Determinants of climate change awareness and the incidence across farming systems and agroecological zones in Sierra Leone

Farmers' awareness and the incidence of climate change are crucial inputs to effectively scale up interventions to mitigate the effects of climate change. This is because incidence leads to awareness due to observation of occurrences. The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of climate change awareness and incidence across farming systems and agroecological zones in Sierra Leone. An ex-post-facto research design was applied, while a multistage sampling procedure was used to select 865 smallholder farmers across agroecological zones and farming systems. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire subjected to face validity and split-half reliability tests. This data analyzed frequency counts, percentages, multiple regression, and principal component analysis. The results show that farmers in the coastal plain, savannah woodland, and transitional rainforest had greater awareness and incidence of climate change across the crop, livestock, and fishery farming systems. The significant determinants of awareness and incidence of climate change among farmers are the adoption of crop smart practices (t = 4.192; p < 0.01); information needs on water smart practices (t = −5.581; p < 0.01); adoption of nutrient smart practices (t = 10.592; p < 0.01); adoption of energy/carbon smart practices (t = 3.206; p < 0.01); adoption of livestock smart practices (t = 3.608; p < 0.01); information needs on weather smart practices (t = 3.505; p < 0.01); incidence of climate change (t = 16.282; p < 0.01); and constraints on nutrient smart practices (t = −2.669; p < 0.01). The Principal Component analysis identified four factors, namely Factor 1 (Impact), Factor 2 (Occurrence), Factor 3 (Evidence), and Factor 4 (Threat), and accounted for 14.96%, 8.27%, 6.41%, 3.50% of the variance, respectively, with a cumulative variance of 33.14%. The study concludes that farmers are aware of the incidence of climate change and are adopting different techniques in response to the different climate changes observed. This study also recommends the identification of specific climate change adaptations and the scaling of interventions for adaptation and mitigation.

Utilization of ICT Resources in Teaching Chemistry in Senior Secondary Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria

Chemistry deals with the composition, properties, and uses of matter, the interaction between different matter, and the relationship between matter and energy. The utilization of Information and communication technologies in educational institutions globally has facilitated the streamlining of instructional processes, thereby fostering national stability and economic sustainability. This study investigated teachers’ utilization of ICT resources in teaching chemistry in senior secondary schools based on teachers’ gender, educational qualification, and teaching experience. The study was a descriptive research of a survey type. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 250 chemistry teachers from Kwara state, Nigeria. Five research questions were generated and answered using frequency count, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using t-test and ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance. The instrument for data collection is a researcher-designed questionnaire titled Questionnaire on Utilization of ICT Resources (QUICT). Findings revealed that the available ICT resources were rarely utilized among chemistry teachers while most of the chemistry teachers do not utilize ICT resources for teaching chemistry. The study concludes that teachers’ gender, educational qualification, and teaching experience significantly influence the level of utilization of ICT resources in teaching senior school chemistry. The study recommended that the Government should ensure adequate funding to provide ICT resources in senior secondary schools as contained in the national policy on education. Chemistry teachers should endeavor to attend seminars, conferences, and workshops to update themselves on global best practices on the utilization of Information and Communication Technology resources in teaching chemistry.