Academic success predictors for architecture students at Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria

Academic success, linked to socioeconomic advancement and key positive indicators inlife has largely been investigated along STEM courses especially in Nigeria. In this study, academic success was predicted at two levels: second class lower (2.2) and second class upper (2.1) degreesusing 244 questionnaires from architecture undergraduates at Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) Wudilto test the hypothesis that other factors apart from motivation predict high academic success. Results from Binary Logistic Regression models indicate that achieving a 2.1 degree largely depends on personal attributes, notably how efficiently a student manages time/schedules, some degree of independence as well as conducive learning environments (classrooms, accommodation, external lighting, power supply, worship places and general cleanliness)and not necessarily motivation. This lends credence to Walberg’s Theory of Educational Productivity. Overall, mode of entry was the only significant predictor for academic success for both 2.2 (p=0.007, Exp(β)=1.990) and 2.1 (p=0.016, Exp(β)=1.361) class of degree models. This implies that candidates admitted through avenues other than UTME/ JAMB such as Direct Entry have higher chances of graduating with a 2.1 class of degree. Prospective candidates are encouraged to pursue advanced level qualifications prior to admission into architecture as this substantially increases the probability of graduating with a high class of degree.

A Sound Prediction: EEG-Based Neural Synchrony Predicts Online Music Streams

Neuroforecasting predicts population-wide choices based on neural data of individuals and can be used, for example, in neuromarketing to estimate campaign successes. To deliver true value, the brain activity metrics should deliver predictive value above and beyond traditional stated preferences. Evidence from movie trailer research has proposed neural synchrony, which compares the similarity of brain responses across participants and has shown to be a promising tool in neuroforecasting for movie popularity. The music industry might also benefit from these increasingly accurate success predictors, but only one study has been forecasting music popularity, using functional magnetic resonance imaging measures. Current research validates the strength of neural synchrony as a predictive measure for popularity of music, making use of electroencephalogram to capture moment-to-moment neural similarity between respondents while they listen to music. Neural synchrony is demonstrated to be a significant predictor for public appreciation on Spotify 3 weeks and 10 months after the release of the albums, especially when combined with the release of a single. On an individual level, other brain measures were shown to relate to individual subjective likeability ratings, including Frontal Alpha Asymmetry and engagement when combined with the factors artist and single release. Our results show the predictive value of brain activity measures outperforms stated preferences. Especially, neural synchrony carries high predictive value for the popularity on Spotify, providing the music industry with an essential asset for efficient decision making and investments, in addition to other practical implications that include neuromarketing and advertising industries.

Pneumologische Rehabilitation bei ILD: Unmittelbar effektive Verbesserung der Lebensqualität, aber wie sieht es langfristig aus?

<b>Background and aim:</b> Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) have been reported. The aim of this large multicenter study was to identify the success predictors of pulmonary rehabilitation in a real-life setting. <b>Methods:</b> Data of 240 in-patients (110 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 106 ILD other than IPF and 24 undetermined ILD) undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation in a 10-year period were retrospectively evaluated. Six minute walking distance (6MWT), body weight-walking distance product tests, dyspnoea and arterial blood gases were assessed at admission and discharge. Differences in post rehabilitation changes in outcome measures as function of baseline characteristics were evaluated. <b>Results:</b>After rehabilitation, patients showed improvements in all outcome measures (p &#x3c; 0.05), regardless of the underlying diagnosis or disease severity. Patients needing oxygen therapy at rest showed reduced benefits. Baseline 6MWD inversely correlated with its changes at discharge. Non-significant greater benefits after rehabilitation were found in IPF patients under antifibrotic therapy. In a subset of 50 patients assessed on average 10.3 ± 3.5 months after discharge, the benefits in 6MWD were not maintained (312.9 ± 139.4, 369.7 ± 122.5 and 310.8 ± 139.6 m at admission, discharge and follow up respectively: <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001). <b>Conclusion:</b> Pulmonary rehabilitation may improve dyspnoea, exercise capacity and fatigue in patients with ILD of different aethiologies and level of severity. The long-term effects need to be established.

WHEN GRIT LEADS TO SUCCESS: THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION

Successful enterprise has been related to numerous characteristics including entrepreneurial orientation. The current study aims to examine the influence of individual entrepreneurial orientation and grit dimensions on entrepreneurial success. The potential mediating role of consistency of interest and perseverance of effort, on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and success, was also explored. Survey data were collected in Tripoli, Libya from entrepreneurs during the current economic downturn and crisis. The data from the usable 147 responses was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The statistical results revealed a significant relationship between the individual entrepreneurial orientation, consistency of interest, and perseverance of effort, with the dependent variable, entrepreneurial success. The dimensions of grit were also found to mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and success. The cross-sectional nature of the study and the smaller sample size make the findings difficult to generalize. Verification of the significance of success predictors can unravel concerns about the low rate of established and nascent businesses despite the presence of opportunities and positive perception of entrepreneurship. The study of grit dimensions as a mediator between the individual entrepreneurial orientation and success is unprecedented.

The outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty at six months

Purpose: To study the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) at six months and to determine factors that can predict the success of SLT. Study design: Prospective cohort study with convenience sampling. Material and methods: The patients were seen at the Glaucoma Clinic, Selayang Hospital from October 2017 to September 2018. Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), and ocular hypertension (OHT) of mild to moderate severity that needed further IOP reduction were recruited. Baseline characteristics were documented followed by water drinking test (WDT) and SLT. Follow-up was scheduled at one week, six weeks, three months, and six months. WDT was repeated at six months. Results: Eighteen eyes of 18 patients were recruited. IOP at baseline, 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months was 19.3 ± 3.7,16.7 ± 3.8,16.5 ± 2.7,16.6 ± 3.2 and 15.3 ± 3.8 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.05). The reduction of baseline IOP, peak IOP, and IOP fluctuation were 20.7%, 26.7%, and 31.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). The cumulative success at six months was 44%. The significant success predictors were mean deviation on Humphrey visual field and IOP one week post-SLT. Conclusions: SLT can be used to treat mild to moderate POAG, NTG, and OHT patients, either as first-line treatment or as an adjunct to medical therapy.

Predictors of Smoking Cessation Attempts and Success Following Motivation-Phase Interventions Among People Initially Unwilling to Quit Smoking

Introduction Most people who smoke cigarettes are not willing (ie, not ready) to make a quit attempt (QA) at any given time. Unfortunately, interventions intended to increase QAs and the success of QAs are only modestly effective. Identifying processes leading to QAs and quitting success could guide intervention development. Aims and Methods This is a secondary analysis of a randomized factorial trial of 6 weeks of motivation-phase interventions among primary care patients (N = 517) who were initially unwilling to quit but were willing to reduce their smoking. Using logistic regression, we controlled for treatment condition and tested whether baseline or change in smoking-related constructs after 6 weeks of treatment predicted (1) making an at least 24 h QA between weeks 6 and 26 and (2) quitting success at week 26 (7-day point-prevalence abstinence among those who made a QA). Predictors included cigarettes/day, time to first cigarette, motivation to quit, quitting self-efficacy, anticipated urges to smoke if quit, positive affect, negative affect, and time spent around others who smoke. Results In multivariable models that included all smoking-related constructs, changes in the following variables predicted initiating a QA above and beyond other variables: greater baseline time to first cigarette (odds ratio [OR] = 1.60), increases in time to first cigarette (OR = 1.27), and increases in quitting self-efficacy (OR = 1.14). Increased motivation to quit predicted conversion of a QA into quitting success at 26 weeks (OR = 1.36). Conclusion Predictors of making a QA differed from predictors of quitting success. Predictors of QAs and success could each serve as important treatment targets of motivation-phase interventions. Implications Motivation-phase interventions for people initially unwilling to quit smoking cigarettes may be improved by striving to increase their (1) time to first cigarette and quitting self-efficacy to promote QAs and (2) motivation to quit to promote quit success. Future experimental tests of such interventions are needed to identify causal determinants of QAs and quitting success.