University Teaching Research Articles

Evaluation of Digital Technology Integration into University Teaching Acceptance in the Context of Green and Sustainable Development

Evaluation of Digital Technology Integration into University Teaching Acceptance in the Context of Green and Sustainable Development

A Comparative Study of the Rate of Helicobacter pylori infection Using Three Diagnostic Techniques among Patients in Rivers State

Background: Approximately 89% of gastric cancers are attributable to H. pylori infection, however, only 1 in 5 patients survive longer than 5 years after diagnosis. Evidence has shown that screening and eradication of H. pylori in young adults would be cost-effective and could prevent 1 gastric cancer in every 4 to 6 cases. Diagnostic tests used to detect Helicobacter pylori are either invasive or noninvasive methods. These tests have varying sensitivity and specificity, having about 90% accuracy in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in clinical practice. Aim: This study aims at detecting Helicobacter pylori using antibody-antigen, stool antigen and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to compare the infection rate among the different diagnostic techniques. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. The participants included attendants to tertiary and private hospitals in Port Harcourt metropolis for medical treatment. Blood and stool samples were collected from one hundred and eighty (180) subjects aged 1 to 60 years and above. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Ethics Committee. Convenience sampling technique was deployed. Samples were collected from subjects who consented to the study. All samples collected were analyzed in Medical Microbiology Laboratory, Rivers State Teaching Hospital and subsequently, molecular analysis was carried out. Results: The blood antibodies test (serology) method shows a greater number of positive cases (43.9%) than stool antigen method (8.3%). Also, out of the 75% stool antigen positive samples, subjected to more specific PCR, only 25% were positive. There was a significant difference (p-value of <0.001) in sensitivity between antigen and serology, there was also a significant difference (p-value of <0.025) between antigen and PCR result outcomes. Conclusion: The study has shown that there is a notable variation in the diagnosis of H pylori among the laboratory techniques used.

THE IMPACT OF PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SKILLS ON PATIENT OUTCOMES IN ZARIA

Paediatric emergencies represent a critical challenge in Nigeria, where approximately 2,300 children under the age of five die daily, predominantly from preventable and treatable conditions such as pneumonia, malaria, and diarrheal diseases. Mortality rates are disproportionately higher in rural areas, where primary health care (PHC) centers often serve as the only point of access to medical services. The effectiveness of these centers is largely dependent on the emergency management skills of their healthcare workers. Despite their importance, there has been limited research on how the skills of PHC workers in managing paediatric emergencies impact patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the proficiency of healthcare workers in primary healthcare centers in Zaria in managing common paediatric emergencies. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 139 health workers selected through a multi-stage sampling technique in Sabon Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas. Data collection was carried out using a pre-tested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, and associations were tested using the chi-square test, with results presented in tables and charts. The findings revealed a significant deficiency in the emergency management skills of healthcare workers. A majority of respondents demonstrated inadequate skills in handling paediatric emergencies, with 66 (48.5%) exhibiting very poor competency in the management of common paediatric emergencies, and 32 (23.5%) displaying poor competency. Only a small fraction, 4 (2.9%) of respondents, demonstrated excellent skills in emergency management. Similarly, 46.7% of the respondents had very poor skills in the treatment of common paediatric emergencies, while only 3.0% exhibited excellent treatment skills. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the level of academic qualification and emergency management skills (p < 0.05). The results underscore the critical need to enhance the skill levels of healthcare workers in PHCs through continuous professional development. This could be achieved through collaborative efforts between the Department of Paediatrics at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and the Primary Health Care Departments of Zaria and Sabon Gari local governments, focusing on regular training and workshops. Improving the skills of healthcare workers in managing paediatric emergencies is essential for reducing child mortality and improving health outcomes in the region.

Epidemiology and outcomes of critically ill patients in the emergency department of a tertiary teaching hospital in Rwanda.

The introduction of Emergency Medicine in Rwanda in 2015 has been associated with a mortality reduction in patients presenting to Kigali University Teaching Hospital (KUTH). In the context of increasing numbers of critically ill patients presenting to Emergency Departments (ED) globally, the aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of critically ill patients, the critical care interventions performed, and the outcomes of critically ill patients presenting to the KUTH ED with the goal of informing future research into the root causes of mortality of critically ill ED patients and of identifying high yield topics for didactic and procedural training. A descriptive observational prospective cohort pilot study analyzed all patients ≥15 years who presented to KUTH between April and June 2022 with modified South African Triage Scores of Red with alarm, Red without alarm, and Orange. Of 320 patients, 66.9% were male and median age was 40 years. Patients were triaged as Orange (65.3%), Red without alarm (22.8%), and Red with alarm (11.9%). Presentations were categorized as: medical emergencies (48.0%), traumatic injury (44.5%), and surgical emergencies (7.6%). Median length of stay was 31h (IQR 28, 56) and boarding was 23h (IQR 8, 48). Overall mortality was 12.2% and highest among medical emergencies (16.5%, p = 0.048) and increased significantly with triage color: Red with alarm (47.4%), Red without alarm (16.4%), and Orange (4.3%, p < 0.0001). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (10.3%), endotracheal intubation (8.8%), and vasopressor administration (3.1%) were the most frequent critical interventions performed. Survival after cardiac arrest was 9.1% and 32.1% after intubation. Mortality was associated with the following interventions: CPR, intubation, and use of vasopressors (p < 0.05). This pilot study identified the most common critical care interventions performed and a high mortality among patients who required these interventions in the ED of a tertiary teaching hospital in Rwanda. These findings will inform didactics and procedural training for emergency care providers. Future research should focus on the root causes of mortality in these specific patient populations and identify areas of system strengthening to reduce mortality.

What’s Your Problem? Writing Effective Research Questions for Quality Publications

Research questions play a central role in papers, indicating the phenomenon or problem that is being addressed, and clearly stating what is being investigated. Indeed, the presence of research questions within a research article is an established quality indicator, and research questions form the basis of determining hypotheses, methodology, methods, and how interpretations and analysis of outcomes are undertaken. Given the key purpose of a research article is to communicate the phenomenon or problem that is being addressed, research questions play a central role in clearly stating what is being investigated. The Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice (JUTLP) seeks to publish high quality research papers which offer impactful guidance for teaching and learning practice in higher education. In this editorial, we explore what research questions are, how they are used, their key characteristics, different types of questions, and how to write them. We also make practical recommendations for authors, reviewers, and editors in how to use research questions, what to look out for when reviewing manuscripts and making decisions, and how to best support authors in producing quality publications by ensuring impactful research questions are included.

THE ROLE OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN THE PERSISTENCE OF MEASLES IMMUNITY AMONG CHILDREN: A MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The persistence of measles immunity in children is influenced by multiple factors, including nutritional status. This study aimed to assess the role of body mass index (BMI) as a proxy for nutritional status in the persistence of measles immunity, alongside other socio-demographic factors, in a pediatric population. &lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted on 200 children (2-15 years) attending the University Teaching Children's Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Immunity retention was measured through IgG serology. BMI represented nutritional status, and the analysis adjusted for key variables such as HIV status, breastfeeding history, sex, and education level. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the association between nutritional status and immunity persistence. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Children categorized as well-nourished had significantly lower odds of waning immunity (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.16–0.83, p = 0.016). However, for children with over or under malnutrition, the association was not statistically significant (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.03–1.62, p = 0.140). Additionally, HIV-positive status was associated with decreased immunity retention (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.14–0.56, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Breastfeeding was positively associated with immunity persistence (OR = 3.34, 95% CI = 1.53–7.29, p = 0.003), while other socio-demographic factors such as sex and education level showed no significant effect. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Nutritional status, as measured by BMI, plays a significant role in the persistence of measles immunity among children, with over- and under-nourished children being associated with lower immunity retention. These findings suggest that nutritional interventions may be necessary to improve vaccine efficacy, particularly in populations with high rates of malnutrition or obesity. The results also highlight the need for further investigation into the mechanisms linking nutritional status to immune response and the development of targeted public health strategies to optimize measles immunization outcomes in children.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0722/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Research on the Reform and Innovation of College Music Teaching Based on Collaborative Filtering Algorithm

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, collaborative filtering (CF) algorithms are becoming increasingly widely used in the field of education. This paper aims to explore the application of CF algorithms in the reform and innovation of music teaching in universities, in order to improve teaching effectiveness and students’ learning experience. First, this paper analyzes the problems existing in current music teaching in universities, such as single teaching methods and low student participation. In order to complete the research on the extension of online music systems in music teaching, this paper reused the post filtering paradigm of contextual information and redesigned the two-stage process of the hybrid algorithm. After the initial screening of CF, the algorithm extracts recommendation results with contextual bias based on tag information. Then, based on the improved algorithm, an online music teaching system was implemented. Applying hybrid algorithm intelligent algorithms to university music teaching can not only improve the personalization and interactivity of teaching, but also promote the cultivation of students’ creativity and critical thinking abilities. The experimental results show that the music teaching system using hybrid intelligent algorithms significantly improves students’ learning participation, with an average participation rate increased by 30% compared to traditional teaching methods. At the same time, students’ learning outcomes have also significantly improved, with an average score increase of 15% in music theory exams. And in the assessment of creativity and critical thinking ability, students show stronger thinking activity and innovation ability. In addition, system feedback indicates that over 90% of students are satisfied with the teaching system, believing that it enhances the fun and interactivity of learning.

The neoliberal coloniality of EMI in Hong Kong higher education: insights from online stancetaking

Abstract While the implementation of English-medium instruction (EMI) in many elite universities is established as common sense, it is fraught with challenges and contradictions. In post-colonial multilingual contexts such as Hong Kong, we argue that EMI is sustained by neoliberal coloniality, whereby its status as an enduring legacy of the hegemonic colonial order is maintained by contemporary neoliberal imperatives. From a stancetaking perspective we examine how members of the public take up stances on EMI on an online forum, in response to an initial thread openly criticising its use on a social work programme at a Hong Kong university. Our analysis of 480 posts shows a range of stances with regard to three recurrent themes, namely practicality, flexibility and fairness. The findings indicate that EMI attracted strong affective rejection from some due to perceived impracticality and inflexibility in its implementation, as well as issues of inclusion in relation to students’ different linguistic repertoires. Conversely, they also reveal deeply entrenched ideologies supporting the use of EMI, most notably for its purported practicality and promised benefits. We conclude by reflecting on the value of stancetaking in understanding ideology and the specific ideological and practical implications of EMI in Hong Kong.

Prevalence of Malaria Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi

Malaria is a major health problem affecting people in the tropics and sub-tropical regions of the world. This cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out to determine the prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women attending a tertiary hospital in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 100 venous blood samples were collected from pregnant women into EDTA tubes and examined using field-stained thick and thin films for identification of malaria parasites. Demographic information such as age, trimester and insecticide-treated nets usage was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. The chi-square test was used to determine the difference among the variables studied and P≤ 0.05 were considered significant. Out of the 100 blood samples examined, 27 were infected and had an overall prevalence of 27%. Women within the age bracket of 31-35 years had the highest prevalence rate 11(36.7%) while no infection was recorded in the 41-45 years age group 0(0.0%). Pregnant women in their first trimester had the highest infection prevalence of 13(35.1%) while those in their third trimester had the least prevalence of 5(17.9%). In relation to ITN’s usage, pregnant women who don’t normally sleep under ITNs had the highest infection prevalence 23(31.5%) while those who usually sleep under ITNS had the least prevalence rate 4(14.8%). It is pertinent to periodically check the malaria infection status of pregnant women attending antenatal services. Prophylactic treatment should be routinely administered to avoid pregnancy complications due to malaria infection.

Attitudes of Instructors Toward the Use and Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Online Higher Education

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes and perceptions of instructors toward the use and implication of artificial intelligence (AI) in online higher education spanning bachelor’s through doctorate level classroom instruction. 104 online higher education instructors were recruited through LinkedIn and the Colorado Technical University Teaching &amp; Learning Center to complete a survey. Nonparametric statistical analysis was used to assess close-ended question responses and open-ended question responses were categorized. A significant difference in instructors’ concern for being displaced by AI in the next 2 years compared to the next 5 to 10 years was found at the bachelor’s level (p=0.04846). At the doctorate level, support for the use of AI in higher education was moderately correlated with concerns for being displaced by AI (rho=0.493, p=0.01058). Support for the use of AI in higher education by the instructor was moderately correlated with support for use of AI in the classroom by students (rho= 0.58199, p&lt;0.001). Instructor support for allowing students to use AI in the classroom was not found to be dependent on the perception of the university employer providing instructors with the policies, procedures, and training to appropriately and ethically adapt to AI in the higher education classroom (p=0.7336). However, most participants recommended that the university develop strong policies regarding the use of AI. The findings indicate a positive preference toward the use of AI by both faculty and students, with some significant exceptions. Support and research toward adopting AI in the classroom are recommended.

P01 Adult-onset chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis – case series of four adult patients in Liverpool University Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust

Abstract Introduction Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a rare inflammatory bone disorder. Classically known as a childhood disorder and diagnosis of exclusion, it characteristically presents with relapsing sterile bone inflammation affecting the metaphysis of lung tubular bones, shoulder girdle, clavicle, vertebral column or bony pelvis. Links with autoimmune conditions have been suggested. Evidence of adult-onset cases (age &amp;gt;18 at diagnosis) remains sparse and sporadic, with mostly individual case reports on searches. We present a case series of four patients with adult-onset CRMO in Liverpool, with varying responses to bisphosphonate treatment and no clinical features of SAPHO. Case description We list four cases of adult patients with CRMO. Case 1: 53-year-old female presented in 2023 with a 10 year history of on-off chest pain isolated to her sternum, and back pain since 2021. MRI confirmation of bone marrow oedema. Bone biopsy normal. Treated with zoledronate. MRI following treatment suggested some improvement but patient remained in pain. Case 2: 24-year-old female presented in 2019 to services with a 10 year history of worsening back pain. Medical background of asthma, type 1 diabetes mellitus, primary biliary cirrhosis and psoriasis. MRI suggestive of persistent pre-sacral soft tissue and sacral oedema since 2015. ANA, Anti-CCP, ENA and dsDNA were negative. Bone biopsy done was positive for inflammation. Pain improved with pamidronate. Case 3: 31-year-old male presented in 2022 with 14 years of relapsing pains and swelling in left clavicle and improvement with NSAIDs. Initially presented via orthopaedic services who arranged an MRI scan that demonstrated oedema of his left clavicle. Received zoledronate infusion with improvement in pain. Case 4: 45-year old-female presented in 2024 with eight year history of chronic right hip and right sacroiliac joint pain. Persistent lower back pain, central right sided with radiation down right knee to her knee. Examination showed tenderness over her lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints. PET-CT done showed avid uptake in L3/4, with subtle lucencies in left frontal bone, right femur and right sacrum. Treated as CRMO with pamidronate with a positive response. All patients received bisphosphonate therapy and varied response to treatment was seen. Two of the four patients had an excellent response with complete resolution of symptoms. One patient has had initial positive response to treatment with resolution of pain but is still planned for more bisphosphonate cycles. One patient had no response to treatment. Discussion Current literature searches describe CRMO mostly in the paediatric populace, with peak incidence aged 10. Most cases of CRMO are diagnoses of exclusion, hence leading to diagnostic delays as differentials such as malignancy, infection, and histiocytosis are first excluded. The Bristol review study suggested a mean time of 15 months to diagnosis in the paediatric populace. We highlight here our findings that CRMO can also present within the adult populace. Typically in adults when similar symptoms arise, SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) is considered as a differential. Our patients, whilst having features on imaging suggestive of bone inflammation, did not have any features of SAPHO syndrome. Our findings are corroborated by the Eurofever International Registry study that enrolled 485 patients and showed adult-onset disease in 6.3% of their cohort, accounting for 31 cases. Our patients were all treated with bisphosphonate therapies. Currently, bisphosphonate therapies are often agreed as a first line treatment approach. Some reports exist of beneficial effects in the use of corticosteroids, DMARDS - particularly sulfasalazine and methotrexate - and biologic treatments (anti-TNF agents), though no common consensus guideline for treatment of CRMO within the UK exist at the moment to our knowledge. We feel the varied clinical response of our patients highlights a need for more research to be targeted towards this area. Key learning points Learning points are as follows: • Few cases of adult-onset CRMO are reported in the UK. Most are single site case reports or case series of paediatric patients. • This cases series is the largest adult-onset cohort in Europe from a single hospital site. • Bisphosphonates are used first line - typically pamidronate. • Corticosteroids, DMARDs (SLZ/MTX) and biologic treatments (anti-TNF agents) have been reported to be effective in some single case reports. • Additional research is required for a national consensus guideline for the treatment of CRMO, including additional management options for those patients that fail first line treatment (bisphosphonate).

Prescription Practices and Usage of Antimicrobials in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Rwanda: A Call for Antimicrobial Stewardship

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem that results in high morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials is a major driver of AMR. This study aimed to evaluate the rate and quality of antimicrobial prescription and use at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), a tertiary-referral teaching hospital. Methodology: A point prevalence survey (PPS) of antimicrobial prescription was conducted using the Global PPS tool, including a healthcare-acquired infection (HAI) module. Results: On the day of the PPS, 39.3% (145/369) of inpatients were prescribed at least one antimicrobial. Out of the 259 prescribed antimicrobials, 232 (89.6%) were antibacterials, of which 151 (65.1%) belonged to the watch group of the WHO AWaRe classification. The top three antibiotics prescribed were cefotaxime (87; 37.5%), parenteral metronidazole (31; 13.4%), and meropenem (23; 9.9%). Stop or review dates for the prescribed antimicrobials were documented in 27/259 prescriptions (10.4%). Surgical prophylaxis (SP) was prescribed for longer than one day in 83.3% of 61 patients. Samples for culture were sent for 27.1% (63/232) of all the patients prescribed antibiotics. Conclusion: This PPS demonstrates multiple indicators of the poor use of antimicrobials, including the high prevalence usage of watch antibiotics and prolonged surgical prophylaxis and other poor-quality indicators. Thus, there is an urgent need for intervention to improve antimicrobial stewardship.

The Impact of General Education Satisfaction on Core Competencies in the Cyber University Teaching and Learning Environment

The objective of this study is to identify the characteristics of students at Cyber universities and to empirically analyze the impact of their satisfaction with general education on core competencies. A survey was conducted with 1,196 students from S Cyber University in the metropolitan area, with the objective of assessing their satisfaction level with general education and core competencies. The study employed a variety of analytical techniques, including correlation analysis, descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, simple and multiple linear regression analysis, to verify the relationships between general education satisfaction and core competencies.&lt;/br&gt;The findings revealed that significant differences in some core competencies were identified based on gender, transfer status, and whether students had been enrolled for more than two semesters, underscoring the necessity for tailored educational programs that consider demographic factors and learning experiences. Secondly, the results of the simple linear regression analysis indicated that student satisfaction with general education had a significant positive impact on all core competencies, with the strongest effect observed on the communication and cooperation competency. Thirdly, the results of the multiple linear regression analysis indicated that satisfaction with general education had a significant positive impact on all core competencies. Additionally, factors such as enrollment for more than a year, gender, and age group had a significant positive effect on some core competencies.&lt;/br&gt;Based on the findings, the study emphasizes the crucial role of general education in enhancing core competencies within the Cyber university learning environment. It also proposes the development of tailored educational programs aimed at improving specific competencies, such as global citizenship. Moreover, the study confirms that even in remote learning environments, general education plays a key role in promoting interaction and cooperation among students. This suggests that enhancing the quality of general education can maximize students' learning experiences and contribute to the achievement of Cyber universities' educational goals.

A Practical Study on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Assisted College English Translation Teaching

With the advent of the digital age, it has become an inevitable trend to integrate advanced artificial intelligence technology with English translation teaching in colleges and universities. This paper aims to explore the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted English translation teaching in colleges and universities, analyze its advantages in improving teaching efficiency, promoting personalized learning, and providing intelligent tutoring, and put forward corresponding strategies and suggestions. Through specific cases, this paper demonstrates the actual application effect of AI in translation teaching and looks forward to the future development direction.

Development of a PID-Controlled Refrigeration System for Reduced Power Consumption

Refrigerator systems are used for food preservation as well as other applications. However, the cost of running the system is high due to rising fuel and electricity prices. Traditionally, these systems are controlled by On/Off controllers. This study proposes the use of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller algorithm to reduce costs for domestic and industrial refrigeration without negatively affecting the system performance. To accomplish this, a physical model was developed, comprising a domestic refrigerator, microcontroller, and MATLAB computer software for analysis. A mathematical model of second-order lead and second-order lag transfer function was also developed for a typical refrigerator system. The physical model was connected, and open-loop temperature-time response data was collected for system modeling. In addition, Data were collected from industries namely Fan Milk Industry and Benue State University Teaching Hospital Mortuary for a robust system analysis. All data sets were imported into MATLAB's system identification toolbox to estimate model parameters. The ultimate gains, frequency, and period were determined for each feedback closed-loop model, allowing the application of Ziegler-Nichols and Tyreus-Luyben PID tuning settings. The closed-loop models were then simulated in MATLAB to evaluate system performance. Simulation results showed that the Tyreus-Luyben model performed better, and offered better temperature response, less undershoot, and faster settling time than the Zeigler-Nichols method. Both PID models outperformed the traditional On/Off controller, with energy consumption reduced to less than one-third of the conventional method. The study concludes that PID controllers are a better alternative to On/Off systems when properly tuned.

Clinical profiles and outcomes of dengue fever in hospitalized patients: Insights from Purbanchal University Teaching Hospital

Background: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that poses a significant health threat, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aims to assess the risk factors and clinical outcomes of dengue fever in hospitalized patients. Methods: This prospective observational study included 110 patients admitted to Purbanchal University Teaching Hospital between May 2023 and July 2024. Patients were classified into three groups based on clinical and laboratory findings: Group I (Dengue without Warning Signs), Group II (Dengue with Warning Signs), and Group III (Severe Dengue). Clinical history and physical examination data were recorded, and various laboratory tests were conducted. Results: Of the 110 patients, 80.9% were classified as Group II, 15.4% as Group I, and 3.7% as Group III. The majority of patients were male, with a male-to-female ratio of 5:1. The mean age of patients in Groups I, II, and III was 29±6.45, 33.3±9.6, and 25±1.8 years, respectively. All patients experienced sudden onset fever, with varying patterns of fever. Common symptoms included headache (100%), myalgia (96%), and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Organomegaly was observed predominantly in Group III patients. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of recognizing clinical profiles and laboratory findings in diagnosing dengue early to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with severe forms of the disease.

Exploration of Strategies for Improving English Listening and Speaking Abilities of Students in Higher Vocational Colleges

This paper aims to explore strategies for improving English listening and speaking skills among students in higher vocational colleges. Through analyzing the current status of students' English listening and speaking abilities in these colleges, and integrating language acquisition theories, English listening and speaking teaching strategies, as well as multimedia teaching and autonomous learning theories, a series of targeted improvement strategies are proposed. Using empirical research methods, this paper verifies the effectiveness of the proposed strategies and provides suggestions for English teaching in higher vocational colleges. The research results indicate that significant improvements in students' English listening and speaking abilities can be achieved by enhancing teaching methods, creating an English listening and speaking environment, intensifying listening and speaking training, and cultivating students' autonomous learning skills.

Morphometric Assessment of the Piriform Aperture and Its Clinical and Forensic Applications

Abstract Background: The piriform aperture (PA) is a midface structure that forms the anterior skeletal boundary of the nose. It is highly variant due to its physiological adaptations to the climate. Its variations are useful in forensic identification and reconstructive surgeries of the face. This study aimed at determining the PA’s dimensions and their accuracy in sex determination. Materials and Methods: The PA’s dimensions were retrospectively examined using 336 (199 males and 137 females) adult cranial computed tomography images in the database of the radiology unit of a university teaching hospital in Delta State, Nigeria, following institutional authorization. The aperture’s index was calculated as a ratio of height to width. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 23. The sexual dimorphism in the parameters was assessed using an independent t-test. Association among the continuous variables was analyzed by Pearson’s correlation test. P = 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The percentage accuracy for correct sex prediction was assessed using the discriminant function analysis. Results: A significant relationship between dimensions with sex was observed (P &lt; 0.05). The width of the aperture was the best sex-discriminating parameter (70.2%). The overall accuracy for sex discrimination using the aperture’s dimensions was 75.0%. Conclusion: This study provides the standard ranges for the PA’s width and height, valuable for surgical planning. These dimensions were sexually dimorphic and demonstrated an acceptable overall accuracy of correct sex allocation (75%). Consequently, this aperture may be utilized as a supplementary tool in conjunction with other methods for sex determination within studied population.

Perturbation Patterns of Bone Metabolism Secondary to COVID-19 Among Nigerian Healthcare Workers

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is known to affect several organ systems. However, the disease’s influence on bone metabolism is poorly characterized especially among native Nigerians. Consequently, the current study explored the effect of the disease on bone metabolism among Nigerian healthcare workers (HCWs). &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; This was a prospective longitudinal study conducted in the Department of Chemical Pathology of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital among unvaccinated HCWs in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria. Eligible HCWs (n=96) were followed up from when they unwittingly had contact with SARS-CoV-2 infected/COVID-19 patients until they developed symptomatic RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained before and at diagnosis/confirmation of COVID-19 among the eligible HCWs. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive/inferential statistics at a p-value of &amp;lt;0.05. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: At COVID-19 diagnosis, the HCWs had increased levels of inflammatory markers (procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer), raised bone resorption marker (s-CTX), but reduced bone formation marker (s-PINP) compared to the pre-COVID-19 parameters (p&amp;lt;0.001). These cardinal biochemical findings were more prominent among those with severe disease variant than those with non-severe disease variant (p&amp;lt;0.001). In addition, a negative correlation pattern was observed between these inflammatory markers and the bone formation marker, however, a positive correlation was observed between the inflammatory markers and the bone resorption marker (p&amp;lt;0.001). &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;The current finding indicates perturbation of bone metabolism, associated with increased bone resorption pattern, secondary to COVID-19 among the studied population. Hence, it is highly recommended that the evaluation of bone metabolism status be incorporated into the management protocols for COVID-19.

Venus’s phases: evidence supporting heliocentrism

Abstract The affirmation of the Copernican system marks a milestone in the history of science. However, in educational settings, theoretical and philosophical aspects are often prioritized, with less attention paid to the empirical and quantitative data supporting heliocentrism. The discovery of Venus phases by Galileo Galilei through his early telescope represents a compelling piece of evidence corroborating the Sun-centered model. A renowned drawing published in Galilei's treatise ‘Il Saggiatore’ (1623) illustrates this phenomenon and the anti-correlation between phases and apparent diameter. The analysis of the illustration reveals precise quantitative information comparable in accuracy to that which can be extracted from contemporary astrophotography. Inspired by this result, the galileian discovery has been revisited and tailored into activities suitable for both high school and college teaching levels. These activities invite students to construct their own empirical evidence for heliocentrism by analyzing digital images and using interactive digital tools for image manipulation. The topic has also been proposed at the university level through more advanced analysis techniques. The common aim at each level is to engage students in a dynamic ‘learning by doing’ experience, replicating pivotal moments from the history of science and transforming a topic traditionally confined to the history of ideas into a living, interactive subject.