Statistical Package For Social Sciences Research Articles

Evaluation of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio as Inflammatory Marker in Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 and 4

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem because of the significant morbidity and mortality which is mostly due to chronic inflammation and proteinuria. Early detection of inflammation and its proper management can prevent further CKD progression and complications. This study aims to observe the association of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with inflammatory markers in chronic kidney disease stage 3 and 4. In this study, a total of 100 adult patients of CKD stage-3 and 4 were included as study subjects and patient with acute illness, known case of malignancy, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease were excluded from the study. From each patient all the relevant history, clinical and laboratory findings were recorded in the data collection sheet. Study subjects were divided into two groups according to NLR value; those who have NLR 0- 3 were in group normal NLR and subjects with NLR >3 in group high NLR. Then markers of inflammation ESR, CRP and serum albumin were compared between these groups. Statistical analysis was done by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.0. The mean ESR of male and female patients was higher in high NLR subjects than normal NLR subjects. The mean CRP was higher in high NLR subjects than normal NLR subjects. The mean serum albumin was lower in high NLR subjects than normal NLR subjects. The difference of mean ESR, CRP was statistically significant between high NLR and normal NLR subjects but difference of mean serum albumin was not statistically significant. The study findings suggest that high NLR is significantly associated with of inflammatory markers-ESR, CRP. Hence, it can be concluded that NLR could be used as an indicator of inflammation in CKD. Mugda Med Coll J. 2024; 7(1): 4-8

Influence of Public Participation on Implementation of County Government Projects: Case of Makueni County, Kenya

Projects are the foundation of local development in any nation that is developing. Despite the significance of county government projects to society, the majority of these initiatives have delayed, failed, or otherwise fallen short of their goals. The study aimed at assessing the influence of public participation on implementation of county government projects: case of Makueni County, Kenya. The study was guided by following specific objectives; to determine the influence of public participation in project identification process, budget preparation process, governance process and monitoring and evaluation process on implementation of Makueni county projects. A descriptive research design was used for this study. There were 330 project personnel working on projects throughout all Makueni County constituencies and this formed the study population. Thus, the target population was the project committee members, executive project management consultant members and technical officers involved in implementation of the projects for the last at least three years at Makueni sub-counties. Using a stratified random sampling procedure, 99 respondents (30% of the population) were chosen from the target population. The study used primary methods in data collection using questionnaires. Content analysis method was used to examine the qualitative data from the open-ended questions. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used to interpret the quantitative data from the closed-ended questions. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, percentages, standard deviation, and arithmetic mean, were used to examine the results. Inferential analysis was used in determination of the relationship between the variables. The results of the analysis were subsequently shown in charts and tables. The coefficient results show results that budget preparation process and governance process have a significant positive influence on project implementation, with standardized coefficients of 0.555 and 0.761, respectively. Meanwhile, monitoring and evaluation has a significant negative influence on project implementation with a standardized coefficient of -0.479. Project identification pross, on the other hand, does not have a statistically significant impact on project implementation.

Influence of Talent Management and Organisational Performance on Employee Retention among First Bank Employees in Osogbo, Osun State

Background: This study investigated the influence of talent management and organisational performance on Employee Retention in First Bank Plc, Osun State, Nigeria. Objectives: The study was meant to achieve the following objectives: assess the influence of talent management on employee retention among employees of First Bank Plc, Osun State, Nigeria; determine the influence of organisational performance on employee retention among employees; assess the influence of talent planning on employee retention among employees; investigate the influence of workplace culture on employee retention among employees; assess the influence of talent recruitment and retention on employee retention among employees; determine the influence of talent development on employee retention among employees; investigate the influence of talent development on employee retention among employees; determine the influence of professional advancement and rewarding the employees on employee retention. Methods: The study was a survey in which an Ex-post facto design was employed. A total of 100 bank employees took part in the study. A questionnaire format was used to collect data in the study. Collected data were subjected to both Descriptive and Inferential statistics, with the adoption of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: The results revealed there was a significant influence of talent management on employee retention in First Bank Plc [t(98)=6.73, p<.01]; there was a significant influence of organisational performance on employee retention in First Bank Plc [t(98)=8.65, p<.01]; there was a significant influence of talent planning on employee retention in First Bank Plc [t (98)=4.15, p<.01]; there was a significant influence of workplace culture on employee retention in First Bank Plc [t(98)=3.74, p<.01]; there was a significant influence of talent recruitment on employee retention in First Bank Plc [t (98) =3.75, p<.01]; there was a significant influence of talent development on employee retention in First Bank Plc [t (98) =8.87, p<.01]. Conclusion: Hence, it is concluded that talent management and organisational performance significantly influence employee retention. It was recommended that management teams of Banks ensure that outstanding performance is awarded in the organisations, and employee participation and engagement should be emphasised for talent management to be successfully implemented.

Comparison of Biomotor Fitness Variables between Basketball and Volleyball Players in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the biomotor fitness variables between basketball and volleyball players in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. This study adopted an ex post facto research design. Methodology: The population for this were all volleyball and basketball players, from which a sample size of 10 participants from each team were selected. To test for balance, a stork stand test was carried out, vertical jump test was used to test for power, an Illinois Agility Test (IAT) was used to test for agility, a 30m sprint/dash was used to assess the speed of the participants, and timed push-up test for muscular endurance. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used for data analysis. Results & Discussion: The findings revealed a 0.13 percent difference in power which was no statistically significant difference (p>.05, p=0.987). There was 30.8 percent in balance which was statistically significant (p<05, p=0.037). A 1.4 percent difference in agility was not deemed statistically significant (p>.05, p=0.827). Volleyball players' performed 13.1% better in muscle endurance test, though not considered statistically significant (p>.05, p=0.142). Conclusion & Recommendation: Based on the findings from the study, it was evident that biomotor fitness variables among volleyball and basketball players in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education was virtually the same as the players demonstrated no significant difference in most biomotor variables such as speed, agility, power and muscular endurance. While being a jack of all trade (sports) makes one better than a master of none, in sports there is need for proper focus on a specific sports niche. Thus, coaches and trainers of volleyball and basketball players should help both category of players concentrate their efforts on a specific sport so as to achieve maximum biomotor fitness required for maximal performance in a specific sport.

Pattern of Testicular Atrophy in Bilateral Orchidectomy Specimens from Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer

Introduction: One of the palliative treatment modalities for advanced prostate cancer (Pca) is bilateral Orchidectomy. Histopathological analysis of submitted Orchidectomy specimens may display normal to various grades of testicular atrophy. Advancing age may be related to testicular atrophy as well as pre-treatment with luteinizing hormone releasing hormone agonist [LHRH(a)], drugs and chronic illnesses. We retrospectively examined results of Orchidectomy specimens submitted for histopathological analysis. Materials and Methods: Bilateral orchidectomy specimen results of twenty seven (27) patients diagnosed with Pca were retrospectively studied. Their clinical information and ancillary laboratory results were retrieved. Of the 27 patients, two (7.4%) patients had no prior treatments for Pca, while twenty patients (74.1%) and five patients (18.5%) had prior exposure to anti-androgens and LHRH(a) respectively. In the histo-analysis, the specimens were graded from normal to various degrees of atrophy. Data collated were analyzed using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. Results: The mean age of all patients was 68.52±7.266 years, ranging from 51-87 years. Mean PSA was 59.811+38.84ng/ml, while mean Gleason score was 8.30+8.69. On the whole, 3 patients (11.1%) had normal testes, 16 patients (59.3%) and 8 patients (29.6%) respectively had mild and moderate grades of testicular atrophy. Age correlated positively with the grades of atrophy. Conclusion: Degree of testicular atrophy is widely noted to correlate with age and depends less on pre-treatment in the setting of advanced prostate cancer.

Sustainable Management Practices of Sio-River Wetland, Nambale Sub-County, Busia County

Wetlands are vital resources on the earth's surface and their roles and functions cannot be underestimated. The unique nature of the wetlands is recognized both at global and local levels. The objective of this study is to examine the sustainable management of the Sio-River Wetland in Nambale Sub-County. There is scanty research done to examine and document the sustainable management of the wetlands for the residents of Nambale Sub-County hence the need for study. To underscore the objective, a mixed research approach coupled with cross-sectional research design was used. Questionnaires, observation, interview guides, Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing were used in data collection. Questionnaires were administered to 400 inhabitants through cluster, simple random and purposive sampling. Qualitative data was thematically analysed while quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Ver.21). Results showed that human activities, more so, agriculture degrade the wetlands by 80%. It, therefore, concluded that there was no balance between human activities and sustainable management of Sio-River Wetland due to the irresponsibility of the local community, inadequate policies and laws and lack of integrated approach in management. In this aspect, this study recommends rehabilitation and restoration of fragile ecosystems, allocation of funds for research and development and adoption of an integrated approach in wetland management to enhance the sustainability of wetlands in Nambale Sub-County and other parts of the world. The study recommends participatory management of wetland resources and additional knowledge in the field of Sustainable Management of Rivers and Wetland Ecosystems

Multiple Taxation And Business Survival in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study investigated the relationship between multiple taxation and business survival in Awka, Anambra state. The specific objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of existing tax policies in fostering a conducive environment for business survival and to analyze the coping strategies businesses employ in response to multiple taxations. A survey research design was employed on a population of 330 from 11 small-scale entrepreneurs in Awka Anambra State. Taro Yamane’s formula was used to obtain a sample size of 319. This study employed primary data gathered through structured questionnaires distributed to managers/owners of 319 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Awka, Anambra State. The hypotheses were tested using the Chi-squared test with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences V.22. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between the effectiveness of existing tax policies and multiple taxations (p-value = 0.000); there is a significant relationship between multiple taxations and coping strategies employed by businesses (p-value = 0.000). The study therefore recommends that the Anambra State Government should streamline and harmonize tax collection processes across different agencies to minimize duplication and reduce the financial burden on businesses, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for business growth and investment.

The Influence of Product Packaging on Students’ Purchasing Intention

In today's highly competitive market, the packaging of a product is a very important factor in influencing the purchasing decisions of potential buyers. There was an increase in the overall level of competition that existed between the various packaged items. This is due to the fact that the product packaging has a considerable impact on the intention of the buyer to make a purchase. The purpose of this study is to investigate, among students at one of the institutions in Malaysia, the influence that product packaging has on the intention to make a purchase of the product. A quantitative approach was used and a total of 331 respondents who were randomly selected from the populations. This paper used various types of analysis, including descriptive analysis, frequency analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis, were utilised. All analyses were developed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The findings demonstrate that all hypotheses were accepted. According to the findings, the colour of the product packaging, the type of material used in the packaging, the design of the packaging, the size and shape of the packaging, and the purchaser's purpose to make a purchase all play a role in the consumer's decision to make a purchase.

Relationship between Financial Risk Exposure and Non-Performing Loans of Commercial Banks in Kenya

Currently, there is a financial crisis affecting commercial banks in Kenya occasioned by high levels of loan loss provision as a result of Non-Performing Loans. The past decade has seen the collapse of major banks like Chase Bank among others. This trend on Non-Performing Loans of the institutions requires urgent measures to reverse failure to which the entire sector is likely to collapse, and customers would lose a significant amount of their deposits. This study sought to investigate the effect of credit risk and liquidity risk on non-performing loans (NPLs) of commercial banks in Kenya and appraise the moderating effect of firm age on the relationship between financial risk exposure on non-performing loans of commercial banks in Kenya. The study was underpinned by liquidity preference theory. The examination adopted a positivist paradigm guided by explanatory research design. The study targeted 40 commercial banks as the unit of analysis while branch managers, operations and risk managers were the units of observation drawn from the banks adding to 120 respondents and census was used. The study collected both primary data using structured questionnaire on the independent variable and secondary data from publications by Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and respective banks and the same was analyzed through the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26 in a descriptive and inferential manner. The study established that credit risk (p<0.05) and liquidity risk (p<0.05) were all found to have significant effect on NPLs of commercial banks in Kenya and significantly moderated by their sizes. It was concluded that financial risk exposure has significant effect on NPLs of commercial banks in Kenya. It was recommended that finance manages working in commercial banks in Kenya to balance the investment in short term and long-term assets to maintain operational liquidity levels for better management of liquidity risks. Credit managers working for commercial banks in Kenya need to review the existing credit risk management efforts and mechanisms to minimize exposure to NPLs.

P-782 Are pregnancy complications associated with the method of conception in female same-sex couples? Results of a retrospective, matched cohort study comparing ROPA and IUI

Abstract Study question Are pregnancies in female same-sex couples at a higher risk when using reception of oocytes from partner (ROPA) compared to those following intrauterine insemination (IUI)? Summary answer In female same-sex couples, pregnancies following ROPA demonstrated a higher incidence of preterm birth and first-trimester bleeding. What is known already Reception of Oocytes from PArtner (ROPA) enables both partners to contribute biologically to the desired pregnancy. However, oocyte donation, often performed in case of (premature) ovarian failure, is associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/preeclampsia. Female same-sex couples typically comprising healthy, young women without underlying subfertility problems, are a priori at low absolute risk for pregnancy complications. Few studies have investigated the incidence of pregnancy complications and/or obstetrical outcomes in this specific group of women. Further insights and formal data could guide clinicians and patients in making informed decisions regarding the preferred method of conception. Study design, size, duration A retrospective, single-center, matched cohort study was performed including 577 unique female same-sex couples using donor semen who became pregnant after reproductive treatment (88 pregnancies following ROPA and 489 following IUI). None of the patients who opted for ROPA had (failed) IUI before. The study covered the period from January 2015 to January 2023. Participants/materials, setting, methods Pregnancies following ROPA were matched with pregnancies following IUI for age (+/-4 years), BMI (+/-4 kg/m2), parity (nulliparous vs multiparous) and date of embryo transfer/IUI (+/-1year) in a 1:1 ratio. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v26.0 was used for statistical analysis. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to evaluate the normal distribution of continuous variables. Normally distributed data were analyzed with the student t-test and categorical variables were analyzed with the chi-square test. Main results and the role of chance After matching, 154 pregnancies (77 ROPA versus 77 IUI) were eligible for the study. Age (mean age 31.4±4.0 for ROPA versus 31.2±4.3 years for IUI, p = 0.48) and BMI (24.5±3.9 kg/m2 versus 25.2±4.4 kg/m2, for respectively ROPA versus IUI, p = 0.32) were comparable between groups after matching. Two ROPA pregnancies were excluded from further analysis due to elective termination of pregnancy (radiusaplasia and trisomy 21). Both groups experienced two stillbirths (two unexplained mors in utero, one chorioamnionitis and one intrapartum death). No significant difference in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) (10.7% (8/75) versus 13.7% (10/73) for ROPA and IUI respectively, p = 0.53) or preeclampsia rates (11.0% (8/73) and 6.7% (5/75) for ROPA and IUI respectively, p = 0.33) was observed. ROPA-associated preeclampsia cases were often preterm (<37weeks’ gestation) compared to IUI (5/8 versus 1/5). ROPA pregnancies had a higher incidence of preterm birth (15.1% vs 1.3%,p<0.002) and first trimester bleeding was significantly more frequent (12.3% vs 0%,p<0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in neonatal weight, fetal structural malformations and cesarean section delivery rates. Limitations, reasons for caution The study is limited by its retrospective design and inherent bias. Despite reducing the sample size, matching enhanced study robustness. Recognized risk factors for hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, like the use of donor sperm, may mitigate differences associated with conception methods in this population. Wider implications of the findings The study points out potentially increased obstetrical risks following ROPA. These data are crucial to counsel and guide female same-sex couples in their decision regarding the method of conception. The risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, specifically preterm preeclampsia, associated with ROPA warrants further attention, urging larger prospective studies. Trial registration number not applicable

The Impact of Rail Transport Infrastructure on Residential Property Rental Values in Kubwa, Abuja, Nigeria

On a global scale, numerous research studies have been embarked upon to show the level of relationship between transport facilities and residential rental values. This study dwelt on the various aspects of rail infrastructure and how it impacts on residential rental values. To accomplish the aim, questionnaires were distributed to head of households and practicing Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Kubwa, Nigeria. Physical observation also aided the researcher in data gathering. Data were interpreted using tables and percentage while Karl Pearson product moment correlation with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences was employed for data analysis. From the correlation analysis the result revealed that the value of r (Pearson correlation) is 0.751 which indicates strong relationship. The p-value (.001) was less than 0.05 significant level. It was confirmed that the rail transport infrastructure has significant impact on residential rental values in Kubwa, Abuja. This translates to growth in rental values. The study recommended government initiatives on the rail system which directly increases the quantity of optimum rail lines of high-frequency metro lines resulting to a substantial increase in real estate values. This study has provided firsthand information and guide for property investors, estate surveyors, built environment professionals as well as government agencies on the importance of rail infrastructure and the various ways it can positively or negatively affect rental values.

Status of Handover Practice of Postoperative Patient from Operating Room to Postanaesthesia Care Unit in Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute Operating Theatre Recovery Room

Background: Postoperative period is a time of significant physiological flux, patient recover from the acute derangements resulting from anaesthesia and surgery. On arrival at PACU, the patient is re-evaluated by the anaesthesia provider gives a handover to the responsible PAC provider. Incomplete handover increase risk of morbidity and mortality to patients. Objective: Study assessed the handover practice of postoperative patient from operating room to post-anaesthesia care unit in Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute operating theatre recovery room. Methodology: This was a hospital based cross-sectional observational study which was conducted at Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute Hospital located at Upanga. Handover conducted by Anaesthetic Provider to PACU nurse in the Recovery rooms were Observed and information communicated were marked using SBAR handover checklist. Then anaesthetic providers and PACU nurse were surveyed to know which item in the checklist was relevant to be communicated during handover. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS version 23). Results: 319 PACU handover were observed. 17.5% of the handover were completed and rated as Good, 50.8% were satisfactory and 31.7% poorly completed. Most communicated items were Vital Sign 90.6%, Operation Underwent 86.8% and Type of anaesthesia 85.9% and the least was ASA 24.5%. Items providers thought should be communicated were Name of the patient (0.954), Age and Gender (0.938), Type of Anaesthesia (0.925). Among the Anaesthetic Provider Cadre Physician Providers provided Good and Satisfactory handover compared to Nurse Provider. Conclusion: Majority of the handover were satisfactorily completed, with Vital Sign, type of anaesthesia and Operation underwent being the most communicated items in checklist.

Assuring the Sustainability and Growth of Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Enterprises in Botswana: An Exploratory Study

This paper explored the factors that impact the sustainability and growth of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in Botswana. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to survey 348 owners/managers of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in the South Eastern District of Botswana. Descriptive and inferential statistics were generated from the gathered data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Version 27.0). findings revealed that entrepreneurial factors, firm-specific factors and exogenous factors impacted the growth and sustainability of manufacturing firms in Botswana. In addition, government policies and guidelines, innovation and creativity, human capital development, access to finance, financial management skills and managerial skills were also confirmed as significantly contributing to the growth and sustainability of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises in Botswana. Key recommendations derived from these findings include the need for policymakers in the government of Botswana and private sector partners to upskill owners/managers of manufacturing enterprises on business planning, financial management, financial literacy, quality management, and market research skills. Furthermore, efforts should be accelerated to promote products manufactured in Botswana to regional and global markets.

Practice of Low Flow Anaesthesia and Volatile Agents Choices among Anaesthesia Providers at Muhimbili National Hospital and Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute

With the availability of modern workstations and heightened awareness of the Health services cost and environmental effects of waste anaesthesia gases, anaesthesia providers worldwide are practicing low flow anaesthesia. In most developing countries Low Flow Anaesthesia is still underutilized due to lack of monitoring equipments and sufficient knowledge. Tanzania appears to have a paucity of studies on the prevailing practice pattern of fresh gas flow. Objective; The study aimed at assessing the practice of low flow anaesthesia and volatile agents choices among anaesthesia providers at Muhimbili national hospital and Muhimbili orthopaedic institute. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of 8 months involving 158 anaesthesia providers. A Structured questionnaire was used to collect data which included demographic, practice setting of Low Flow Anaesthesia, Workstations, scavenging, monitoring equipments, Volatile agents routinely used and preferred Agent. Data were analysed using the IBM Statistical package for social science’s version 23.0. Result: Prevalence of Low flow anaesthesia was 27.2%, however, only 6% used the fresh gas flow of 1l/min – 500mls/min. All anaesthesia providers had workstations and only 2.3% displayed Minimum Alveolar concentration (MAC), 79.1% worked in theatre with functioning scavenging systems, 55.8% used capnography, 6.9% monitored inspiratory Oxygen and none of anaesthesia providers used Bispectral and Agent Analyzers. Isoflurane was the most routinely used inhalational agents (100%) followed by Sevoflurane (69%), then Halothane (32%). Desflurane still not available in these hospitals. Conclusion: Low flow anaesthesia is seldom practiced in our locality despite having strong evidence of attractive advantages in medical practice and ergonomics.

Exploring the Functionality of Technology-driven CPR Training Methodologies Among Healthcare Practitioners: A Randomized Control Pilot Study.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in Malaysia has evolved from traditional to modern approaches, embracing technology for better outcomes. Smartphone-based training apps offer interactive learning with simulations and real-time feedback, improving cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills anytime, anywhere. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the smart-cardiopulmonary resuscitation application for healthcare practitioners. This randomized controlled pilot study was conducted with 30 healthcare practitioners at the University of Malaysia Sabah. Participants underwent a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Practical formal educational training program, and data were collected using a Basic Life Support questionnaire and skills assessment checklist sourced from the American Heart Association (2020). Data analysis was conducted utilizing repeated analysis of variance and the Cochran 'Q' test supported by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistical software. The control and intervention groups showed improved knowledge and skills from pre-to post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses; a significant increase was observed in the intervention group compared to the control group. The F-test indicated a significant time-group effect (F-stat (df) = 16.14 (2), p = 0.01). Cochran's 'Q' test also revealed significant changes in the proportion of healthcare practitioners passing their skills assessments over time (2 = 14.90, control 01). The smart-cardiopulmonary resuscitation application is convenient for refreshing cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills and maintaining proficiency. While it doesn't replace formal cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses, it saves healthcare practitioners and the community time and money. Both groups showed improved cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge and skills, with the intervention group using the smart-cardiopulmonary resuscitation application showing higher success rates after two months. Adopting smartphone-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation training with comprehensive content is recommended.

Effect of Differentiated Instructional Approach on Learners' Participation and Academic Achievement in Biology in Public Secondary Schools in Mbeere North Sub-County, Kenya

Secondary school education forms the academic foundation for the acquisition of knowledge in higher institutions. Science Education is the bedrock for technological advancement in Kenya and the world at large. Biology is a key science subject and forms the foundation of various fields; therefore, it is an essential discipline. The performance of students in Biology has generally been low for the last few years. The ordinary Conventional Instructional Approach used by teachers in increasingly diverse classrooms may have contributed to the minimal performance. This study aimed to assess the effect of the Differentiated Instructional Approach (DIA) on Learner Participation and Academic Achievement in Biology in Public Secondary Schools. Quasi-Experimental Research Design was used in particular, Solomon Four Control Group Design. The target population was 2405 form two Biology students. Purposive sampling was used to select 8 Co-educational County Secondary Schools with a sample size of 360 students. Simple random sampling was used to select and assign the participating schools to Experimental and Control groups. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data, while the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26 was used for data analysis. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in all three hypotheses, with the first objective giving (F117.220, p<0.05), the second objective giving (F 54.049, p ˂ 0.05) while the third objective gave (F 65.417, p < 0.05) significant values. The results indicated that learners subjected to the Differentiated Instructional Approach did better than those instructed using Conventional Teaching Approaches. The study also concluded that DIA improved learners' Participation and Academic Achievement. The findings of this study would be significant to curriculum developers, educators, administrators and will also contribute to the knowledge base for the Differentiated Instructional Approach, forming the basis for further research

Leveraging on the fourth industrial revolution by African accountants in the sustenance of SDGs and AU Agenda 2063

AbstractThe research sought to assess the use of 4IR technologies by the accountancy profession in Africa in the sustenance of SDGs and AU Agenda 2063. The investigation adopted a pragmatic approach, associated with mixed‐methodological approach. The target population for the study was 114,800 Professional Accountancy Organisations (PAOs) members from all 44 countries in Africa who were members of the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA). Online questionnaires and telephone interviews were administered to gather data. A total of 267 responses were received out of 114,800 members representing 0.23% of the population. Forty‐eight accountants were interviewed by telephone using the snowball sampling technique. Quantitative data gathered from online questionnaires was analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 and ATLAS.ti 9 was used to analyse responses from interviews. The study showed that accountants in Africa had heard about 4IR technologies, with the Internet of Things (IoT) mostly used and known by accountants. The study established that 4IR technologies improved the standard of living, reduced social marginalisation, eased manual work, improved agricultural productivity, reduced environmental pollution, improved health services, financial inclusion and knowledge sharing. These benefits are critical for achieving SDGs and the African Agenda 2063. Accountants are recommended to continuously train and retrain on new and trending technologies like computerised audits, big data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, bitcoin and its risks in the monetary systems, cyber security in the 4IR era, cloud computing and information management systems to sustain SDGs and AU Agenda 2063.

Does Critical Thinking Mediate the Relationship between Sustainability Knowledge and Tourism Students’ Ability to Make Sustainable Decisions?

The complex and critical global issues of the 21st century resulting from the unsustainable growth of tourism and hospitality, like air, land, and water pollution, have exacerbated concerns over whether educational institutions equip future managers and employees with adequate skills to meet the new demands of the current era. These ever-growing global sustainability issues stemming from the sophisticated interactions between people and the planet have no simple answers. They require well-skilled critical thinkers disposed of analyticity and systematicity to consider them and make positive contributions through their sustainable decisions. Despite this recognition, there are limited studies of the tourism and hospitality industry focusing on this crucial topic, and it is unclear how sustainability knowledge may result in more sustainable decision-making abilities. Accordingly, the current study proposed a model that links tourism and hospitality students’ sustainability knowledge to their sustainable tourism decision-making, testing the mediating role of critical thinking. Applying a quantitative research design, the researchers used a self-administered online survey to collect data from 146 full-time tourism students in Northern Cyprus. The PROCESS plug-in for the statistical package for social sciences was used to test the hypotheses of this study. The result of this study revealed that sustainability knowledge and critical thinking play significant roles in students’ sense of sustainable tourism competency and their sustainable tourism decision-making power. This study discusses how critical thinking serves as a mediating factor between knowledge of environmental sustainability, perceived competency in sustainable tourism, and sustainable decision-making ability. This study offers a more nuanced view of critical thinking’s function in terms of converting knowledge into sustainable tourism practices.

Engaging students through activity-based bingo games in immunology course: Determining students’ perception and measuring its influence on academic performance

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate how well bingo game-based activities serve as instructional tools to enhance student learning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. The study sample size was 145 MD3 year college of medicine students for the academic year 2023–2024. The evaluation instruments included the participants’ exam grades, pre-test scores, post-test scores, and feedback. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative research methods to investigate how students perceived and interacted with the bingo game-based activity. The data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The association between exam and post-test scores was examined using the correlation coefficient and a straightforward regression analysis. The P value of less than 0.05 was deemed significant. RESULTS: The study comprised 145 students in total who completed all the tasks. The post-test scores (10.62 ± 1.73) showed a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.01) over the pre-test scores (6.3 ± 1.99). Most students (85–90%) thought that activities centered around bingo games were great tools for learning. Nine out of ten students said the game-based activity was engaging and enjoyable, that it inspired them to engage in group discussions, that it assisted them in identifying and concentrating on important topics, and that it improved their knowledge and helped them get ready for the final exam. Almost all the participants (>90%) suggested adding this exercise to the list of future topics. Overall, exam scores achieved by students for topics covered in the bingo-based activity (92.7 ± 4.96) were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than exam scores for topics not covered in the activity (83.75 ± 7.74). CONCLUSION: Bingo game is an effective learning strategy to promote students’ learning in the immunology course. Furthermore, utilizing bingo games as a formative assessment technique can significantly improve students’ learning and help them achieve higher scores on summative assessments.

Medication-Related Hospital Admission Among Patients Admitted to the Emergency Ward at the University of Gondar, North West Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study.

Medication-related hospital admission (MRHA) is hospitalization due to drug-related problems. MRHAs have been reported to be on the rise in recent decades. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of MRHA among patients visiting the emergency ward of the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1, 2022, to August 30, 2022 G.C. in the emergency ward at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. The AT-HARM 10 tool was used to collect data from participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data was entered into EpiData Manager 4.6.0.0 and was exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were presented using frequency and percentage. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with MRHAs with a 95% confidence level, and significance was declared at a p-value <0.05. The prevalence of MRHAs was 30.5% (95% CI = 27.7-36.4%). More than half (64.52%) of MRHAs were definitely preventable. The majority of MRHAs (48.39%) were severe. Non-compliance (41.12%), followed by untreated indication (26.61%) and adverse drug reaction (12.09%) were the most frequent causes of MRHAs. Renal impairment (AOR = 2.703, 95% CI: 1.29 to 5.663), chronic disease (AOR = 10.95, 95% CI: 4.691 to 25.559), history of traditional medication use (AOR = 2.089, 95% CI: 1.162 to 3.755), and history of hospitalization (AOR = 4.001, 95% CI: 1.98 to 8.089) were significantly associated with MRHAs. MRHAs were substantially prevalent. Most of the MRHAs were definitely preventable. Renal impairment, chronic disease, history of traditional medication use, and history of hospitalization were predictors of MRHAs. At the university hospital, health care providers should strive to prevent and manage MRHAs appropriately.