Paul University Awka

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how knowledge is created, validated, and disseminated in higher education. This paper synthesizes recent empirical and policy literature (2023 – 2025) to examine how AI tools—from large-language-model (LLM) chatbots such as ChatGPT to domain-specific research assistants like Elicit—are reshaping the research lifecycle in universities. We review adoption trends, map functional use-cases, analyse reported benefits and challenges, and propose a governance framework grounded in UNESCO’s 2025 guidance on generative AI. Findings indicate that AI already augments literature discovery, data analysis, scientific writing, reproducibility checks, and research management; however, concerns over academic integrity, bias, data security, and cognitive deskilling persist. We conclude that strategic investment in human-centred AI, faculty–student capacity-building, and robust ethical oversight will determine whether tertiary institutions leverage AI as a catalyst for scholarly innovation or encounter new inequities.

Purpose: This study explores how mindfulness practice influences coaches’ experiences of countertransference, from the perspective of the coach. Method: It uses thematic analysis to analyse the data. Nine coaches participated in the study, all of whom had three or more years of coaching and mindfulness experience and a theoretical understanding of countertransference. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Results: Results indicated that mindfulness practice had an impact on coaches’ experience of countertransference when working with a client; in particular, enhanced somatic cognisance, awareness, and self-regulation capabilities. Three themes with related subthemes emerged from the key findings: somatic significance, coaching with full awareness, and self-regulation strategies, all of which appear to support coaches’ ability to identify and manage countertransference. Discussion: Findings are explored and discussed in the context of countertransference and mindfulness with reference to existing theoretical and empirical studies. Theories on embodiment, self-reflection, self-regulation and therapeutical presence are considered useful frameworks through which to interpret findings. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are noted. Conclusion: Mindfulness practice can contribute to the personal and professional development of the coach thereby impacting the coach’s capacity to recognise and productively manage the experience of countertransference, which can strengthen the coaching alliance.

BackgroundDisproportionate breast cancer burdens and poor outcomes in LMICS fuel global inequalities. Targeting teenage high schoolers has been mooted as a viable solution to the poor awareness compounding this. A Harvard-endorsed initiative to achieve this, in what was a global first, is evaluated in this paper.MethodA 12-month, pre-and-post-tests quasi-experimental study of three randomly-selected schools in Southeast Nigeria. Exposure to breast cancer awareness teachings with integrated engagement-enhancing measures was the intervention.ResultsCompared to 81.3% at baseline, breast cancer awareness was unchanged after one month (OR-1.10; CI 0.96–1.26) but significantly rose to 92.1% at the 12-month mark (OR 0.37; CI 0.26–0.52). Knowledge of breast self-examination (BSE), used to assess behavioural change, increased steadily. Levels at the baseline were 62.0% and 85.0% lower than that at one (OR 0.38; CI 0.34–0.42) and 12 months (OR 0.15; CI 0.12–0.19), respectively.In general, non-specific breast cancer knowledge did not improve over 12 months, but specifics related to early symptoms and risk factors, did. While, over the 12 months, ‘knowledge’ of preventive behaviours was not consistently improved relative to baseline, its actual ‘practice’ increased at both the one (+ 13.5%) and twelve (+ 17.3%) month marks, even though it’s correct timing only improved after 12 months (+ 6.9%; p = < 0.01) and not at one month (+ 0.8%; p = 0.17).Prolonged intervention (at 12 months) allowed males to match females on a few knowledge parameters.ConclusionTargeting high schools with breast awareness interventions that have engagement-enhancement measures appears impactful. Such outcomes may hold the key to stemming the inequalities in LMICs.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41043-025-00943-x.

Diskosi za kisiasa hufanya kazi kubwa katika kujenga na kuidhinisha utambulisho wa mwanasiasa, utambulisho wa kikundi chake na uanachama wake. Kupitia lugha, wanasiasa utambulisho wa mwanasiasa na ushirika wao kwa kikundi unaweza kugunduliwa kupitia upeaji wa kiutambulisho. Peo ya utambulisho hukuza imani na ukubalifu wa mzungumzaji kwa wasikilizaji wake. Upeaji wa utambulisho, hutegemea uteuzi na utumiaji wa leksia maalumu. Utafiti huu umechunguza upeaji wa kiutambulisho katika diskosi za wabunge wanawake kutoka Bunge la Taifa nchini Kenya. Lengo la utafiti huu lilikuwa kuchunguza leksia zilizotumika katika upeaji wa utambulisho kwenye diskosi za wabunge wanawake. Utafiti huu uliongozwa na nadharia ya Uchanganuzi wa Peo na mtazamo wa Uchanganuzi Hakiki-Makinifu wa Usemi. Nadharia hizi zilitumika kutathmini namna leksia zilizotumika kujenga utambulisho wa jinsia kuhusiana na mamlaka. Chanzo cha data katika utafiti huu; ni video kutoka mtandao wa YouTube ambazo zilikuwa na hotuba zilizowasilishwa kwa umma na wabunge wanawake 169, waliochaguliwa na wananchi katika bunge la 11, 12 na 13 la taifa la Kenya, zilihifadhiwa. Wasailiwa hao ni wanawake 111 wanaowakilisha kaunti pamoja na wanawake 58 waliochaguliwa kuwakilisha maeneobunge mbalimbali katika Bunge la Taifa. Mbinu ya utafiti iliyotumika kukusanywa data ilikuwa utazamaji na usikilizaji wa sauti ninga kutoka kwa mtandao ya YouTube. Utafiti huu umebaini kuwa, matumizi ya kiisimu ya leksia kwenye diskosi za wabunge wanawake hujenga utambulisho kuhusiana na mamlaka, kuambatana mamahitaji ya kibinafsi na kikundi. Leksia katika diskosi za wabunge wanawake, zilitambulisha wanawake katika kiwango cha kibinafsi, kieneo na kimakundi. Kwa hivyo, upeaji wa utambulisho ulidhihirisha migao wa kibinafsi, kimaeneo, kimahusiano, kiutendaji na kimakundi katika ujenzi wa utambulisho wa wanawake.

Assessment of the concentrations of toxic heavy metals of public health importance in Nworie River water samples in Owerri Imo State South East Nigeria. Aim of the study was to ascertain the variability in contamination by selected toxic heavy metals of public health importance in different parts of Nworie River and to compare the concentrations with WHO standards. The study design was analytical. The sampling sites were carefully selected to include upstream and downstream regions water samples were randomly collected from 20 cm below the water surface with 500 ml polypropylene plastic bottles. Two Samples were collected from each of the four strategic sampling points from Nworie River at Egbeada sampling point 1, Alvan/Fmc sampling point 2, Umezuruike Hospital sampling point 3, and Akanchawa sampling point 4.The Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to locate the coordinates of the sampling points. The samples were collected and labelled for easy identification and were deposited in an icebox to maintain the temperature of the samples. AAS model: FS 240 Varian Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer connected to Nitrous oxidant and Acetylene gases was used for sample analysis. The results revealed that toxic heavy metals of public health importance were present in Nworie River at the following ranges of concentrations: (Hg (0.016 to 0.021), Cd (0.011 to 0.023), As (0.003 to 0.056), Cr (0.006 to 0.064), Ni (0.00 to 0.005), and Pb (0.041 to 0.082) mg/l, respectively. The presence at elevated levels of toxic heavy metals of public health importance, when compared to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for surface water, which include mercury, arsenic, chromium, and lead, in the Nworie River poses significant public health hazards. Urgent action is required to identify and mitigate the sources of contamination and protect the well-being of the communities and ecosystems that depend on this water resource. Conduct a comprehensive source identification study to determine the origin of heavy metal contamination in the Nworie River. Take immediate action to address the high levels of mercury, arsenic, chromium, and lead. This may include implementing pollution control measures and potentially treating the water to remove or reduce these contaminants. Key words; toxic heavy metals, surface water, Nworie River, concentration.

ABSTRACT Introduction Posterior plagiocephaly (PC) and brachycephaly (BC) are common cranial deformities in infancy. Cranial orthosis is a therapeutic option to correct them. This study aimed to measure the performance of a 3D-printed custom-made helmet (MyCRO Band, Ottobock) and assess the satisfaction of parents. Materials and Methods The research is composed by a retrospective clinical data collection from 17 orthotic centers and a prospective online survey completed by the parents of the infants treated with the helmet. Primary outcomes were cranial deformity indices measured by the orthotist with a structured-light 3D scanner at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Data collection, analysis, and treatment were conducted by a Contract Research Organization (Voisin Consulting Life Science) independent from the sponsor and the investigators. Results Overall, 409 infants were recruited. Mean age at treatment start was 6.6 months and mean treatment duration was 19.4 weeks. Of the 362 evaluable patients with 3D head scans available, 46.4% had a diagnosis of PC, 31.8% a combined diagnosis of PC/BC, and 21.8% a diagnosis of BC. Cranial deformity indices significantly decreased during treatment, irrespective of the diagnosis. Most of the patients decreased at least 1 severity level, respectively, in 100%, 82.3%, and 75.7% of infants with PC, BC, and PC/BC. The success rate was significantly higher in infants with PC and those with severe deformities at baseline. Eighty-eight percent of parents were satisfied with the treatment. The most commonly reported side effect was skin redness. Conclusions The results of this real-life study confirm that orthotic treatment of positional cranial deformities with MyCRO Band is effective and safe. Clinical relevance Understanding the impact of 3D-printed helmet on effectiveness, parent’s satisfaction and side effects is critical for clinicians evaluating the benefit of introducing new digital processes and technologies into clinical practice.

This study examines the recent cult-related killings in Awka Metropolis between 2022 and 2024 and their implications for society. The research highlights the rise in violent activities associated with various cult groups, analyzing their causes, patterns, and socio-economic effects. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, the study explores factors such as youth unemployment, peer influence, drug abuse, and political manipulation as key drivers of cultism. Data were gathered from security reports, eyewitness accounts, and community surveys to assess the frequency and nature of these killings. Findings reveal an alarming increase in cult-related violence, leading to loss of lives, heightened insecurity, disruption of businesses, and psychological trauma among residents. Additionally, the study evaluates the response of law enforcement agencies and the effectiveness of government policies in curbing cult-related violence. The paper concludes by recommending proactive measures such as community policing, public awareness campaigns, employment opportunities for youths, and strict law enforcement to mitigate the menace. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on urban security and the need for collaborative efforts in addressing cultism in Nigerian society.

In the landscape of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within the manufacturing sector, achieving sustainable growth amidst increasing competition and evolving market demands presents a significant challenge. This abstract delves into the pivotal role of digital transformation, project management, and capture management in fostering sustainable growth for SME manufacturers. Digital transformation has emerged as a transformative force, offering SME manufacturers unprecedented opportunities to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and expand their market reach. Through the adoption of advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud computing, SMEs can streamline operations, improve product quality, and swiftly adapt to changing consumer preferences. Moreover, effective project management plays a crucial role in driving sustainable growth by ensuring timely delivery of products, cost optimization, and resource utilization. By implementing robust project management methodologies such as Agile or Lean, SME manufacturers can mitigate risks, enhance collaboration, and accelerate innovation, thereby gaining a competitive edge in the market. Furthermore, capture management, encompassing the identification, qualification, and pursuit of business opportunities, is instrumental in securing long-term growth for SME manufacturers. By strategically identifying target markets, understanding customer needs, and developing tailored solutions, SMEs can effectively capitalize on emerging opportunities and strengthen their market position. However, harnessing the synergies between digital transformation, project management, and capture management requires a comprehensive strategic approach. SME manufacturers must invest in cultivating a culture of innovation, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and nurturing talent equipped with the requisite digital and managerial skills. Driving sustainable growth in SME manufacturing necessitates a holistic approach that integrates digital transformation, project management, and capture management strategies. By embracing technological advancements, optimizing operational processes, and seizing market opportunities, SME manufacturers can embark on a trajectory of sustained success in the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing.

Descriptive study to assess the level of depression among alcoholic patients admitted in de addiction center. To assess the level of knowledge on the adverse effects of alcohol. To evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on adverse effects of alcoholism. To correlate the posttest level of knowledge on adverse effects of alcoholism with their selected demographic variables. Design: one group pretest and posttest design. Setting: study is conducted in the deaddiction center. Sample: 60 adults were selected for the study. Outcome measures: level of knowledge assessed with the questionnaire. intervention: structured teaching programme is given to the samples that were selected. Result: after giving the health education to the adult's posttest mean score was 1.55 and its standard deviation is 0.6872. In the post test there was prefect correlation between the religion, number of friends with alcoholism, no of alcoholics in the family and duration of alcoholism. Conclusion the result supported that structured teaching programme is very suitable and practicable intervention to reduce the use of alcohol among the adults.