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This mathematics classroom based experimental study determined the relative effectiveness of formative assessment techniques on students' academic achievement in Mathematics. Factorial research design was adopted for the study involving 100 students from 2 co-educational secondary schools drawn through multistage sampling procedure. Mathematics Achievement Test was the instrument used for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was established using Kudder Richardson (KR[subscript 20]) formula and a reliability coefficient of 0.92 was obtained. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the muddiest point formative assessment technique proved to be more effective in improving students' academic achievement in Mathematics than the think-pair-share technique. The findings also showed that the mean achievement scores of male and female students in Mathematics are not statistically significant. The muddiest point technique should be employed regularly by teachers for classroom assessment of the students since it is more effective in improving students' academic achievement in Mathematics.

Background: Potassium is one of the most abundant cations in the human body. Increased plasma potassium concentration (hyperkalemia) is one of the most common electrolyte abnormalities in contemporary clinical practice. Moderate and severe hyperkalemia are potentially life-threatening conditions and constitute medical emergencies. Measured hyperkalemia may be true hyperkalemia or false hyperkalemia (pseudohyperkalemia). Pseudohyperkalemia is due to false elevation of measured potassium concentration in vitro and it is a fairly common source of preanalytical error of potassium determination in the clinical laboratory. OBJECTIVE: To review the general and recent concepts/mechanisms that underlie the phenomenon of pseudohyperkalemia in contemporary clinical practice. Methods: An up-to-date review of available literature and selected references on the phenomenon of pseudohyperkalemia, its causes, variants, mechanisms, clinical implications, identification, management, and prevention. Conclusion: Pseudohyperkalemia is a fairly common preanalytical error of potassium measurement in the clinical laboratory and a potential cause of misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment of hyperkalemia. Exclusion of pseudohyperkalemia before the diagnosis of hyperkalemia (true hyperkalemia) is highly recommended.

In recent years, research on normatively positive social tipping dynamics in response to the climate crisis has produced invaluable insights. In contrast, relatively little attention has been given to the potentially negative social tipping processes that might unfold due to an increasingly destabilized Earth system and to how they might in turn reinforce social and ecological destabilization dynamics and/or impede positive social change. In this paper, we discuss selected potential negative social tipping processes (anomie, radicalization and polarization, displacement, conflict, and financial destabilization) linked to Earth system destabilization. We draw on related research to understand the drivers and likelihood of these negative tipping dynamics, their potential effects on human societies and the Earth system, and the potential for cascading interactions (e.g. food insecurity and displacement) contributing to systemic risks. This first attempt to provide an explorative conceptualization and empirical account of potential negative social tipping dynamics linked to Earth system destabilization is intended to motivate further research into an under-studied area that is nonetheless crucial for our ability to respond to the climate crisis and for ensuring that positive social tipping dynamics are not averted by negative ones.

Background: Much of the activities for the prevention and management of diarrhoea should occur or be initiated at home. In addition, management is guided by clinical and metabolic state. This work was designed to examine some pre- hospital management practices and the metabolic state of children with diarrhoea in Calabar, Nigeria. Methodology: Prospective study of the pre-presentation management, clinical and metabolic states of children with diarrhoea presenting at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar from April to November 2016. History was used to determine pre- presentation management while blood glucose and electrolytes were determined before initiation of treatment. Results: Forty-four children aged 4 – 13years, mean 18.65 ± 17.37months were recruited into the study. Forty (90.91%) had acute watery diarrhoea and 4 (9.09%) had dysentery. Of these, 72.27%had oral electrolyte solutions at home and nine (20.45%) zinc. Twelve (27.27%) had mild, 26 (45.4%) moderate and 3 (6.82%) severe dehydration. Twenty (63.64%) had metabolic acidosis, 18(40.91%) hyponatraemia and 18(40.9%) azotaemia suggesting Acute Kidney Injury. Two (4.50%) had hypoglycaemia while 16(36.30%) had hypozincaemia. Conclusion: A majority of children with diarrhoea have oral electrolytes solution before presentation in the hospital and all had continued feeding. There is a high proportion with hyponatremia and more than a third hadazotaemia. Modality of treatment at home did not seem to affect these parameters, perhaps because all subjects had continued feeding. Further studies on the appropriateness of low osmolarity ORS in this environment and renal function of children with diarrhoeaare recommended.

Abstract Objective Prior research has found that plant‐based diets (PBDs) are rated as acceptable and have similar levels of adherence as compared to other therapeutic dietary approaches; however, previous studies were mostly among white populations. Plant‐based diets can produce clinically meaningful weight loss, but outcomes may vary by level of adherence. The goal of this study was to examine the differences in weight and lipids among participants in the Nutritious Eating with Soul study based on adherence to their diet assignment. Methods African American adults (n = 159; 79% female) with overweight or obesity (mean BMI 36.9 ± 6.9 kg/m2) were recruited to participate in a 24‐month intervention. Participants were randomized to a plant‐based vegan (n = 77) or a low‐fat omnivorous (n = 82) diet, both emphasizing soul food cuisine. Participants attended nutrition classes and had dietary intake/adherence (three 24‐h recalls; adherence score 1–5), body weight, lipids, and other secondary outcomes assessed at baseline, 6‐, 12‐, and 24 months. Participants who met at least half of the adherence criteria (≥2.5 out of 5) were categorized as adherents. Results At 24 months, adherent vegans lost 5% of their body weight, non‐adherent vegans lost −0.005%, adherent omnivores lost −0.03%, and non‐adherent omnivores lost −0.02%. Adherent vegans lost more weight (kg) than all other participants at both 6‐ (−3.32 ± 0.92 (−5.14, −1.49), p

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancy remains a global concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Sub-Saharan African nations, including Zambia, bear a disproportionate burden of adolescent pregnancies, contributing to high rates of maternal and child mortality. Despite efforts to improve antenatal care (ANC) services, utilization rates remain suboptimal, especially among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Objective: To explore the barriers and facilitators to ANC services among AGYW and how these factors might differ by age and HIV status. Design: This qualitative study employs a combination of in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to gather comprehensive insights into the experiences of AGYW regarding ANC services. The study design follows a socio-ecological framework (SEF) to identify multiple levels of influence on ANC utilization. Methods: We conducted 40 IDIs with AGYW aged 15–24; and 2 FGDs with caregivers of AGYW ( n = 16). IDIs explored AGYWs barriers and facilitators to accessing and utilizing healthcare services during pregnancy, as well as social support and HIV treatment and prevention. FGD topics included social support, barriers and facilitators to ANC, and HIV services. We developed a codebook based on the SEF and coded transcripts using Dedoose software. Results: Results showed that early pregnancy knowledge did not always translate to AGYW seeking ANC services right away or within the first trimester. More than half of the AGYW did not initiate ANC until well into the second trimester. Factors including lack of motivation, denial of pregnancy, desires to terminate pregnancies, social norms, policies, clinic environment, and financial constraints contributed to delays in ANC initiation. Social support from family, partners, peers, and the community were crucial motivators for early ANC. Lastly, challenges to ANC continuation included lack of transportation, long clinic waiting times, perceived provider indifference, and stigma at both community and clinic levels. Conclusion: In conclusion, gaining insights from qualitative data is essential for comprehensively understanding the barriers and challenges to accessing ANC among this specific age group. By identifying and addressing these barriers while enhancing facilitators, effective programs can be developed and implemented to improve the health and well-being of young mothers and their children.

Biosurfactants possess essential properties that make them highly indispensable in many industries, such as waste management, food, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, due to their surface-active and wetting abilities. The search for microorganisms capable of producing this extensively utilized biomolecule is increasing daily. In this study, abattoir soil collected from Awka metropolis, Anambra State, was screened for biosurfactant-producing bacteria using mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with engine oil. Three bacterial isolates (NJ1, NJ2, and NJ3) were obtained from MSM agar. These isolates were subjected to four biosurfactant screening assays: haemolysis test, drop collapse test, oil spreading test, and emulsification index (E24). The results indicated that all three isolates showed alpha-haemolytic activity, and drop collapse positive reactions. Notably, NJ3 exhibited complete collapse reaction (+++) in the drop collapse test. Additionally, in the oil spreading test, NJ3 demonstrated the highest displacement of engine oil (10 mm), followed by NJ2 (7 mm) and NJ1 (5 mm). The determination of E24 using kerosene for all isolates revealed that NJ1 exhibited the highest E24 at 13%, while NJ2 and NJ3 had E24 of 2.56% and 2.50%, respectively. Morphological characterization, Gram’s staining, and biochemical analyses performed on the isolates, identified NJ1 and NJ3 as members of Streptomyces spp., while NJ2 was identified as Bacillus sp. These findings suggest that abattoir soil could be a potential source of biosurfactant-producing bacteria. Biosurfactants possess essential properties that make them highly indispensable in many industries, such as waste management, food, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, due to their surface-active and wetting abilities. The search for microorganisms capable of producing this extensively utilised biomolecule is increasing daily. In this study, abattoir soil collected from Awka metropolis, Anambra State, was screened for biosurfactant-producing bacteria using mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with engine oil. Three bacterial isolates (NJ1, NJ2, and NJ3) were obtained from MSM agar. These isolates were subjected to four biosurfactant screening assays: haemolysis test, drop collapse test, oil spreading test, and emulsification index (E24). The results indicated that all three isolates showed alpha-haemolytic activity and drop collapse positive reactions. Notably, NJ3 exhibited a complete collapse reaction (+++) in the drop collapse test. Additionally, in the oil spreading test, NJ3 demonstrated the highest displacement of engine oil (10 mm), followed by NJ2 (7 mm) and NJ1 (5 mm). The determination of E24 using kerosene for all isolates revealed that NJ1 exhibited the highest E24 at 13%, while NJ2 and NJ3 had E24 of 2.56% and 2.50%, respectively. Morphological characterisation, Gram staining, and biochemical analyses performed on the isolates identified NJ1 and NJ3 as members of Streptomyces spp., while NJ2 was identified as Bacillus sp. These findings suggest that abattoir soil could be a potential source of biosurfactant-producing bacteria. Keywords: Biosurfactant, Abattoir, Oil Spreading, Screening, Streptomyces spp

Cholera, an acute diarrheal infection from ingesting contaminated food or water, remains a significant public health threat in Nigeria, especially in areas lacking safe water and sanitation. Characterized by severe watery diarrhea, cholera can cause dehydration and death if untreated. Historical data shows cholera's endemic nature in Nigeria, with notable outbreaks since 1970, including major ones in 1991, 1999, 2010, 2018, and 2024. According to a descriptive study in Nigeria, the 1991 outbreak reported 59,478 cases and 7,654 deaths, with a Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 12.9%. In 2010, there were 41,787 cases and 1,716 deaths, with a CFR of 4.1% across 18 states, mainly affecting impoverished communities and children. The 2018 outbreak had 43,996 cases and 836 deaths, with a CFR of 2% in 20 states, a 240% increase from 2017. By mid-2024, there were 1,579 suspected cases and 54 deaths (CFR 3.4%) in 32 states. This paper evaluates cholera trends in Nigeria and proposes effective preventive and treatment strategies. Policy recommendations highlight the need for improved WASH infrastructure, enhanced surveillance, and rapid response mechanisms. Innovative approaches like case-area targeted interventions (CATI) and increased public health education are crucial for mitigating future outbreaks and achieving the goal of reducing cholera deaths by 90% by 2030.

Background: Although researchers admit that digital media platforms have had a significant impact on different aspects of life, limited studies have compared how digital media platforms have impacted research in different areas. Objective: This study aimed to determine the impact of digital media on research in communication, fine and applied arts, music, political science, and law. Methodology: The researchers used a descriptive survey for the study. The sample size was 250 participants from the five disciplines examined. The questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics like mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics like multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were also used, and the results were presented in tables. Results: The researchers found that digital media platforms have affected researchers in the five disciplines examined. Digital media has affected research, including research idea generation, sampling, literature review, data collection and analysis. Comparatively, digital media have affected data collection in communication and sampling more, affected data analysis in political science more when compared with other disciplines and affected literature review in law more than the other disciplines examined. Conclusion: Digital media platforms have significantly affected research in communication, music, fine and applied arts, political science and law. Unique contribution: This study has suggested a model for understanding the impact of digital media in research. This empirical evidence could guide future debates on the role of digital media in research in the five disciplines and other disciplines, generally. Key Recommendation: Further studies should explore the impact of digital media in research in other disciplines and evaluate the contributing role of the level of education in participants' responses.

Abstract Background Nanoparticle-based drugs are new inventions in the management of the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic, especially resistant forms of the virus in anatomical sanctuary sites and organs such as the testis. However, safety issues must be resolved to attain the optimal potential of newer nano-drug formulations. Aim The study investigated the toxicological potential of synthesized Tenofovir Nanoparticles (TDF-N) on testicular indices when used for the prevention and treatment of HIV. Methodology Fifteen male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats with weight ranging from 230 g to 250 g were randomly assigned into groups A (control, saline), B (TDF), and C (TDF-N). The testes were removed for sperm analysis and processed for H/E and PAS stains. Cell counts and cellular measurements; the diameter and the area of the testicular seminiferous tubules were measured using ImageJ and Leica software 2.0. Results A significant reduction (p

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to develop a modified frailty index (MFI) to predict the risks of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods Data from the American College of Surgeons - National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were analyzed for patients who underwent revision THA from 2015 to 2020. An MFI was composed of the risk factors, including severe obesity (body mass index > 35), osteoporosis, non-independent function status prior to surgery, congestive heart failure within 30 days of surgery, hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin < 3.5), hypertension requiring medication, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pneumonia. The patients were assigned based on the MFI scores (MFI0, no risk factor; MFI1, 1–2 risk factors; MFI2, 3–4 risk factors; and MFI3, 5+ risk factors). Confidence intervals were set at 95% with a P value less than or equal to 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results A total of 17,868 patients (45% male, 55% female) were included and had an average age of 68.5 ± 11.5 years. Odds of any complication, when compared to MFI0, were 1.4 (95% CI [1.3, 1.6]) times greater for MFI1, 3.2 (95% CI [2.8, 3.6]) times greater for MFI2, and 10.8 (95% CI [5.8, 20.0]) times greater for MFI3 (P < 0.001). Odds of readmission, when compared to MFI0, were 1.4 (95% CI [1.3, 1.7]) times greater for MFI1, 2.5 (95% CI [2.1, 3.0]) times greater for MFI2, and 4.1 (95% CI [2.2, 7.8]) times greater for MFI3 (P < 0.001). Conclusion Increasing MFI scores correlate with increased odds of complication and readmission in patients who have undergone revision THA. This MFI may be used to predict the risks after revision THA.

Introduction. Early sexual initiation is the art of initiating sexual activity before age 15. This study aimed to identify the burden and predictors of early sexual initiation among school-­going adolescents in rural settlements in Rivers State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods. A cross-­sectional study was conducted among 420 school-­going senior secondary school adolescents of coeducational schools aged 15–19 from May 2023 to September 2023. A multi-­stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents from four senior secondary coeducational schools. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-­assisted questionnaire. Frequency tables were generated and Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of early sexual initiation at a 5% level of significance. Results. The mean age of respondents was 15.7 ± 0.8 years. The mean age at early sexual initiation was 12.2 ± 1.2 years. The burden of early sexual initiation and ever-had sex among the respondents was 46% and 54.8% respectively with poor academic performance, school dropout, STI infection, pregnancy, and HIV infection experienced as outcomes of first sexual initiation among the respondents. The statistically significant predictors of early sexual initiation were adolescents having worked for pay, currently working for pay, and adolescents’ age at first sexual partner (OR = 4.6; 95% CI = 1.6–12.7; P = 0.004, OR = 6.6; 95% CI = 1.9–23.7; P = 0.003 and OR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.3–7.2; P = 0.009). Conclusion. Sexuality education and programmes aimed at encouraging school-­going adolescents to delay first-sex initiation should be encouraged.

This study offers unique insights into the heterogeneous influence of energy consumption, economic growth, and financial development on environmental sustainability in Sub- Saharan African (SSA) countries. Basically, the scarcity of evidence on this issue, especially in the context of SSA, motivates this new assessment. Thus, on the basis of the annual panel series for 22 SSA countries over the period 1999-2019, the novel quantile-based method of moments (MM-QR), and system-generalisation method of moments (sysGMM) provide the following results. First, financial development significantly degrades the region’s environmental quality. Second, energy utilisation provides varying significant increasing effects. Whereas it largely increases carbon emissions at the upper quantiles, the influence at the middle and low quantiles is inconsequential. This highlights the fact that high levels of energy use in the region significantly increase carbon emissions, which in turn reduces the region’s environmental sustainability. Third, the empirical result confirms the inverted Uform hypothesis in the region. Policy options to enhance and maintain sustainable growth in the region without compromising environmental quality have been highlighted.

Background. Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab significantly improved efficacy compared with chemotherapy in patients with advanced endometrial cancer (aEC) regardless of microsatellite instability status or histologic subtype, who had disease progression following prior platinum-based therapy, in Study-309/KEYNOTE-775. The safety profile of the combination was generally consistent with that of each monotherapy drug and of the combination in patients with endometrial cancer and other solid tumors. Given the medical complexity of patients with aEC, this paper aims to characterize key adverse reactions (ARs) of the combination treatment and review management strategies, providing a guide for AR management to maximize anticancer benefits and minimize treatment discontinuation. Materials and methods. In Study-309/KEYNOTE-775, patients received lenvatinib (20 mg orally once daily) plus pembrolizumab (200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks) or chemotherapy (doxorubicin or paclitaxel). The incidence and median time to the first onset of ARs, dose modifications, and concomitant medications are described. Key ARs characterized include hypothyroidism, hypertension, fatigue, diarrhea, musculoskeletal disorders, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, stomatitis, weight decreased, proteinuria, and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome. Results. As expected, the most common any-grade key ARs included: hypothyroidism, hypertension, fatigue, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal disorders. Grades 3-4 key ARs with incidence ≥10% included: hypertension, fatigue, and weight decreased. Key ARs first occurred within approximately 3 months of treatment initiation. AR management strategies consistent with the prescribing information and the study protocol are discussed. Conclusion. Successful AR management strategies for lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab include education of the patient and entire treatment team, preventative measures and close monitoring, and judicious use of dose modifications and concomitant medications.