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This study investigates the potential of interactive English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning tools powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance digital competence among higher education students. The primary aim is to detail the learning process in several aspects: Interactive EFL Learning Based on AI, its impact and implications, and Students' Digital Competence. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing qualitative interviews and classroom observation. A sample of 80 students from three different universities participated in using AI-powered EFL tools (ChatGPT) over a semester. The study employed intervention assessments to measure changes in digital competence and English writing proficiency. Additionally, student feedback was collected through structured interviews and observation to explore their experiences and perceptions. The collected data were processed and analyzed using manual coding techniques by compiling every response and organizing the summary.The results indicate that AI-based EFL tools significantly improve students' digital competence, including their ability to use technology effectively for writing tasks. Students demonstrated enhanced engagement, better language skills, and increased confidence in using digital tools for academic purposes. However, challenges such as technological anxiety and varying levels of tool effectiveness were also identified. This study highlights AI's efficacy in enhancing digital competence within the EFL environment, adding to the expanding corpus of research on the topic. The results offer important insights for educators and policymakers aiming to improve English language education using innovative AI-based approaches.
 

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A field trial was carried out during the rainy season of 2015 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria to determine the effectiveness of maize Zea mays L. as an intercrop in managing the pests of okra Abelmoschus esculentum L. There were five treatments namely 1: 1, 2: 1, 3: 1 (okra to maize intercrop ratios), farmers’ practice (random intercrop) and control plot (sole okra). The treatments were assigned one to a plot and arranged in randomized complete block design with four replications. Data were taken on number of days to 50% seedling emergence, 50% flowering and 50% fruiting, number of holes in the leaf damage, number of fruits, weight of undamaged fruits, weight of damaged fruit and population density of insect pests. The sole okra had the highest leaf damage and number of insect pests. Podagrica uniforma Jacoby (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was the most important insect pest of okra in terms of population density. Okra intercropped with maize in the ratio of 1:1 was the most effective intercrop system in insect pest management. The intercrop pattern should be promoted while random intercrop pattern practiced by farmers should be discouraged.

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The effect of infestation and damage by Larger grain borer (LGB), Prostephanus truncatus (Horns) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) on nutrient content of some dried processed root and tuber crops (cassava, yam, sweet potato and cocoyam) were investigated in the laboratory at 25-30 ºC and 70-90% R.H. Thirty five grams each of the chips from two varieties of sweet potato, cassava, cocoyam and a variety of yam were separately placed in a 950 ml sized glass jar. The Test Host Crops (THC) were artificially infested with one, two and three pairs of adult LGB. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with each treatment replicated three times and kept for 90 days. Data were taken on final population of adult LGB, weight of powder and percentage weight loss. Data on proximate analysis of LGB-infested THC after 90 days was also collected. The response of roots and tubers to infestation by LGB on the THC was significantly different. Percentage loss in quantity of root and tuber crops after 90 days of infestation showed that THC infested with two pairs of the insect had higher weight loss of the crops. The THC infested with two pairs of LGB had higher moisture content and least crude protein was recorded on the THC infested with one pair of LGB while the ones infested with three pairs of LGB had higher crude fat content. Uninfested THC had higher carbohydrate content. The findings of this study show that LGB is a serious threat to stored roots and tubers and to food security. The nutritional value of root and tuber crops was adversely affected by infestation of LGB in storage.

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Males of the subgenus Eofoersteria Mathot (Hym., Mymaridae, Camptoptera Foerster) are diagnosed, described, and illustrated for the first time, based on examination of specimens from Tamil Nadu and from photographs of the male paratype of Camptoptera matcheta Subba Rao from Karnataka. New distributional records of C. (Eofoersteria) manipurensis (Rehmat & Anis) from Karnataka and Kerala states of India are documented.

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This study aimed to assess the insecticidal properties from leaf extracts of Chromolaena odorata L. and Leonotis nepetifolia (L) R.Br. on the third instar larvae of tobacco leaf-eating Spodoptera litura (F.). Leaves of both plant species were extracted with three solvents, acetone, methanol, and water, then tested for ovicidal, antifeedant, and larvicidal activity at 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, and 7%. The methanol extract (5%) of C. odorata was found more active for ovicidal (73.33 ± 0.57%), antifeedant (82.45 ± 0.16%), and larvicidal (68.33 ± 0.05%) activities against S. litura. Similar results were noted from methanol extract (5%) of L. nepetifolia for ovicidal (71.33 ± 0.41%), antifeedant (71.77 ± 0.73%), and larvicidal (73.33 ± 0.08) activities. Phytochemical screening revealed a significant amount of alkaloids and phenolics in methanolic leaf extracts of both plants. Besides, thirty-one bioactive compounds from the methanolic extract of C. odorata and sixteen compounds from L. nepetifolia were identified by GC-MS analysis. The recorded compounds are phenols, fatty acids, esters, and essential oils with insecticidal properties. The insecticidal compounds detected from GC-MS and quantitative phytochemical analysis might be attributed to the high insecticidal potential (Ovicidal, antifeedant and larvicidal) of C. odorata and L. nepetifolia. Therefore extensive research on C. odorata and L. nepetifolia is needed in phytopesticide development against Spodoptera litura.


 

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English proficiency as the content knowledge for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers determines their instructional quality. However, previous studies have not focused on the significance of this knowledge in support of Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) on technology adoption in teaching. Therefore, this study aims at finding out the correlation between TPACK and technology applications, and how technology applications link to teachers’ English proficiency levels. The study adopted a quantitative method, and the data were collected using two questionnaires in Likert scale, one for TPACK and another for technology application. Teachers’ English proficiency levels are determined using the content knowledge dimension of TPACK. The questionnaires were completed online by 74 English pre-service teacher graduates who had participated in a national teacher certification program involving real teaching practice. The data were analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient to determine the correlation between TPACK dimensions and technology adoption and ordinal logistic regression analysis to find out the effect of teachers’ English proficiency levels on technology applications. The results show that most TPACK dimensions correlate to technology applications with the level of correlations between 0.26 (weak) and 0.47 (moderate). English proficiency has been found to affect technology applications only among teachers who regularly used technology in teaching. Teachers with high English proficiency used technology in teaching 3.06 times more frequently than those whose English proficiency was low. Therefore, it is recommended that English proficiency development be inscluded in teacher professional development to ensure that teachers use technology in teaching 

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Present study examines whether there is any beneficial effect of magnetized water application on seedling emergence of maize seeds. Water from various sources like tap water, saline water (1,500 ppm), canal water, and sewerage water was treated magnetically by passing it through 235 mT magnetic fields at 3 lpm flow rate. Seeds were soaked in water for 24 hours and planted in sand culture. Number of seedling emerged were counted on daily basis while growth data was measured 15 days after planting. Emergence indicators like Emergence Index (EI), Emergence Rate Index (ERI) and Mean Emergence Time (MET) were used to evaluate the germination of maize seed. Results of the present study revealed that application of magnetized water promoted the germination of maize seeds. Emergence index and emergence rate index values increased from 5.50 to 8.92 and 10.06 to 12.84 and the mean emergence time was reduced 17.90% for magnetized sewerage water in contrast to non-magnetized. Magnetized water treatment showed faster and heavier growth in all water types. Overall, the maximum increase in length and weight of emerged seedlings was noted with magnetized sewerage water. Since the results are based on limited laboratory scale study, further testing of magnetized water application in irrigated environment is suggested before making any concrete recommendations.