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Augmented Reality (AR) has emerged in our educational paradigm as a new tool to accelerate change in the teaching and learning process. This technology can improve students' visualisation skills, which helps them understand abstract concepts, especially in Chemistry. Furthermore, visualisation skills help improve students' critical thinking. This study was conducted with 16 secondary students. Before and after the intervention, students were required to complete a Purdue Spatial Visualisation Test to measure their visualisation skills. During four weeks of intervention, students explored the content using a mobile augmented reality application for learning chemical bonds (called CBOND) and completed critical thinking tasks each week. This study employed data mining using a decision tree to predict the path to improving students' visualisation and critical thinking skills in learning chemical bonds. The results revealed that CBOND had a significant effect on students' visualisation and critical thinking development. Therefore, this study proved that augmented reality technology could help students to visualise abstract concepts, especially in Chemistry, and in turn, foster their higher level of critical thinking.

Purpose: There is an absence of systematic review papers in the achievement motivation theories literature. In terms of current research trends, English learning motivation is gaining attention as a determiner of success in FLA. Hence, this review aims to trace the trends in the empirical studies on achievement motivation theories and tools, ranging from 1970 to 2022. Methodology: With a focus on theories, diversity of research participants, and practical ELT-related issues addressed by previous researchers, this paper applied the PRISMA Systematic Review Protocol to offer a comprehensive synthesis of 91 empirical studies on theories of achievement motivation. Findings: The majority of the published studies were from China and Iran. There was also a large number of studies conducted on tertiary-level learners. Structural equation modelling was found to be the most widely used analysis. In addition, technology-assisted learning is the current trend in achievement motivation research. Significance: This paper offers new insights into the existing achievement motivation literature and identifies the research gaps. This study recommends more studies on expectancy-value theory including in-depth qualitative studies involving culturally diverse populations and experimental research to develop more effective pedagogical approaches and expand the current understanding of achievement motivation.

Background Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a deadly soft tissue infection characterized by fascia necrosis caused by different organisms. It requires prompt diagnosis, adequate debridement, and administration of proper empirical antibiotics pending the outcome of wound culture to reduce morbidity and mortality. Aims This study aimed to identify the pathogenic organism(s) in patients with NF and their susceptibility pattern to readily available antimicrobial drugs. Material A prospective descriptive study of all consenting patients with NF managed at the Plastic and Reconstructive division of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Sokoto state, Northwestern Nigeria, Northwest Nigeria, from September 2018 to August 2019. Samples were collected for aerobic, anaerobic, and fungal cultures. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Results Thirty-two patients consisting of 20 (62.5%) males were studied with a median age of 35 years. Polymicrobial infection was more common (75%) in the 96 samples cultured. Escherichia coli was the most common isolate in 20 (28.9%) of the 69 positive cultures, whereas Peptostreptococcus species was the most common anaerobe isolated. E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the two most common organisms in the study, showed high susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, 90% and 84.6%, respectively. All the anaerobes showed 100% susceptibility to meropenem. Conclusion Ciprofloxacin and meropenem should be considered in the empirical antimicrobial treatment of NF.

Abstract Background Graduate nurses commonly experience the transition phase and are required to adapt quickly to their new workplace, as it is a prerequisite for a successful transition. However, workplace adaptation is extremely challenging and may affect nurses’ future career prospects if not managed properly. Therefore, we aimed to determine the factors that facilitate newly employed nurses’ adaptation and integration at Ministry of Health (MOH)-run state hospitals in Malaysia. The study framework was derived and adapted from the Roy adaptation model and organisational socialisation theories. Methods This quantitative study was conducted from May 2021 to December 2021. The sample population was newly employed nurses working at state hospitals with 1–2 years of service experience. This study involved 496 newly hired nurses from MOH state hospitals. Questionnaires were distributed through Google Forms. The data were analysed using covariance-based structural equation modelling. Results The participants perceived that workplace organisation (OC), academic institution contribution (AIC), and new nurse’s personality traits (PT) contributed approximately 36% to newly employed nurses’ adaptation (NENA). PT partially mediated the relationship between OC and NENA and between AIC and NENA. Conclusions The results could be useful to nursing authorities. We also recommend that a nurse’s personality be developed, emphasised, and enhanced through continuous programmes or training to ensure that they can easily adapt to their new working environment. Furthermore, academic institution and work organisation collaboration should be encouraged to develop improvement cycles that facilitate newly employed nurses’ prompt and efficient adaptation at MOH hospitals during transition.

Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening neurological condition with significant mortality. Rapid management is essential to minimize the mortality and disability of SE. Two recent trials provided evidence to guide SE management in early and established stages. The Rapid Anticonvulsant Medication Prior To Arrival Trial (RAMPART, 2011) showed that intramuscular midazolam is a better alternative for early convulsive SE in prehospital settings. The Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial (ESETT, 2020) supported the use of sodium valproate and levetiracetam as second-line treatment for its efficacy and shorter administration time. However, there are challenges to revising the status epilepticus management in resource-limited settings, in pre-hospital, first- and second-line treatment, as well as management of refractory and super-refractory SE. These challenges included restrictions or lack of training in the administration of benzodiazepine in the prehospital setting, limited availability and accessibility of newer antiseizure medications (ASMs) in emergency departments and smaller hospitals, and low clinicians’ awareness of the latest evidence. A collaborative effort to educate, improve awareness, and make certain ASMs more readily available is recommended to achieve a better clinical outcome in SE.

Purpose – Various challenges faced by non-academic personnel in Nigerian institutions, such as a lack of team spirit, inadequate salary, insufficient staff development programs, poor infrastructure, strike actions, insecurity, subpar health insurance, and limited career progression, prompted an examination of their effect on performance at the University of Ilorin. Aims(s) – This research aimed to investigate the influence of compensation structure, career development, and team spirit on the non-academic staff's performance. Design/methodology/approach – With a population of 1,600 and a sample size of 320, as established by Taro Yamane's sample size calculation, the study used a descriptive research approach. A questionnaire was used for data collection, and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program was used for basic regression analysis. Findings – The results showed that non-academic staff performance at the public institutions were positively and significantly impacted by compensation structure, career growth, and team spirit. The study successfully determined the impact of trade unionism on non-academic employee performance, emphasizing the positive effects of a sound wage structure, strong team spirit, and career advancement. Limitations of the study – The fact that the results are context-specific represents a major limitation. Originality/value – The results suggested that the public institutions should prioritize and assess team spirit, along with enhancing non-academic personnel's remuneration packages. Furthermore, career advancement was identified as a key factor influencing non-academic staff performance, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for professional growth and promotion to motivate employees to excel and contribute to the institution's success.

Abstract Background This evaluation research utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the implementation of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) across six states in Northern Nigeria: Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, and Yobe. Methods This was a mixed-method research that utilized longitudinal surveys and Key informant interviews to gather information about the implementation status of the BHCPF-NPHCDA gateway. Checklists were developed based on the BHCPF’s national guidelines to gather quantitative data, while simple open-ended questionnaires were used to collect qualitative data from the state BHCPF Program Implementation Unit (PIU) focal persons as key informants. Results The result revealed that the NPHCDA had accredited these six states to use one Primary Health Care (PHC) facility in each political ward to implement the BHCPF. Factors that contributed to the success achieved in some states included the early completion of contingent start-up activities, well-established coordination structures, strong support from partners, and the availability of established financial management systems. However, the delays in the submission of quarterly business plans by the BHCPF facilities affected timely approval and fund disbursement. Other challenges included staff capacity gaps, inadequate human resources, and poor management and supervision from the state health agency teams. Conclusion There was suboptimal implementation of the BHCPF in at least one thematic area across all states. Therefore, actions such as government commitment for improved coordination, continuous capacity building, effective monitoring and evaluation, and targeted supportive supervision using innovative approaches should be undertaken to improve the program’s implementation. In a broader setting, the insights from BHCPF implementation are valuable for LMICs, offering guidance on overcoming implementation challenges associated with PHC financing. This research provides a resource for enhancing healthcare financing strategies in similar contexts.

Abstract This research explores the advanced application of nano-silica (nS) in concrete, emphasizing its significant role in improving the mechanical strength and longevity of concrete structures. Unlike prior studies on nS in concrete, this work goes beyond evaluating typical performance metrics such as compressive strength, water absorption, air permeability, and drying shrinkage, by also examining the effect on production costs. The study involved detailed experimental procedures, where concrete mixtures were prepared with varying water-to-binder (w/b) ratios of 0.33, 0.45, and 0.55, and nS contents of 0, 1, 3, and 5 percent by binder weight. The results indicate that a 3% nS admixture significantly boosts compressive strength and reduces both water and gas permeability, although it also leads to an increase in drying shrinkage. Furthermore, the cost analysis shows that even a small 1% addition of nS can raise production costs, underscoring the importance of balancing cost-effectiveness with performance improvements when considering nS for concrete applications.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance has rendered several anti-infective agents ineffective, necessitating the need to intensify efforts to identify and develop novel drugs against microbial infection. Structural modification of existing antibiotics continues to be one of the areas of intense research focus in recent times. Objective: This study assessed the antibacterial and synergistic activity of fifteen pyrazolyl sulphonamide derivatives in Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Methods: Antibacterial activity was determined using the broth microdilution method. The ability of test compounds to interact with tetracycline was assessed using the checkerboard synergy testing method and the Loewe synergy and antagonism model. Results: Seven compounds (46.6%) were significantly active against the bacteria (MIC 1 µg/mL – 16 µg/mL), and four were confirmed to form synergistic combinations with tetracycline in checkerboard and Loewe analysis. Conclusion: Observations from this study has demonstrated the antibacterial activity and the synergistic potential of the novel pyrazolyl sulphonamides with tetracycline, highlighting the possible role of modified sulphonamides as a rich resource for antimicrobial development.

Background Otitis externa is the inflammation of the external auditory canal (EAC); it may be acute, subacute, or chronic in nature and the causative agents are usually bacteria, though occasionally fungi. Aim This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial acute otitis externa (AOE) and the pattern of bacterial isolates in AOE. Material and Methods This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study involving 100 patients with otitis externa. Patients were recruited from ear, nose, and throat (ENT) outpatient clinic using consecutive sampling technique until the required sample size was achieved. The discharge from discharging ears was taken with ear swabs and evaluated for microbial agents. Data analysis was done using SPSS-IBM version 25. Results A total of 100 patients were recruited; the patients aged from 4 to 57 years (mean age is 18.78 ± 10.67) years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.1. One hundred and twenty-four external ear discharge samples were cultured among 100 study groups, of which bacteria was isolated in 77 (62.1%) and no bacterial agent was isolated in 47 (37.1%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa 32 (41.6%) was the most common bacteria isolated, followed by Staphylococcus aureus – 13 (16.9%); others include Proteus mirabilis – 7 (9.0%), Escherichia coli – 4 (5.2%), Streptococcus pneumonia – 4 (5.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae – 3 (3.9%), Streptococcus pyogenes – 3 (3.9%), and Enterobacter aerogenes – 2 (2.6%). Conclusion Otitis externa affects all age groups and genders; bacteria are a more prevalent causative agent. The common predisposing factors are the use of objects in scratching or cleaning EAC, use of earpiece, and swimming. The prevalence of bacterial otitis externa was 7.1%, and Gram-negative aerobes are the most prevalent.

Biotechnology is a dynamic and revolutionary force in the modern objective of global sustainability, delivering innovative solutions to complex challenges across various industries. Biotechnology is an important instrument for achieving sustainable development goals because it combines applied research, technology, and biology. The aim of this review article is to analyze the various ways in which biotechnology contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. Biotechnology is critical for achieving sustainable development because it promotes positive social, economic, and environmental developments. Biotechnological advancements have the potential to radically change how we think about development, boosting resilience, adaptability, and long-term well-being. These might range from improving healthcare and protecting the environment to revolutionizing farming methods and increasing resource efficiency. This varied discipline not only addresses critical concerns like as food security, environmental degradation, and healthcare disparities, but it also sets the framework for a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence between humans and nature. Biotechnology is an important aspect of this intricate web of development, promoting innovation, encouraging wise resource management, and charting a course for a more just and sustainable future for future generations. Biotechnology has the potential to play a significant role in developing more productive and nutritious crops, production of biofuels and contributes in the healthcare development.

The research examined the effects of hands-on teaching strategy on senior school learners' performance waves in Ilorin, Nigeria. Senior secondary school (SSS2) science students were sampled at intact classes using a purposive sampling technique. Researcher-designed instructional packages on waves and Physics achievement test on waves (PATW) were the instruments employed. The gathered data were analysed with the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were employed in answering the research question. Meanwhile, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilised in testing the hypotheses formulated at a 0.05 alpha level. The study showed that students' performance exposed to hands-on instructional strategy was very impressive, while students' performance exposed to traditional strategy was low, there was a significant effect of hands-on instructional technique on the performance of students in waves and no statistically significant collaborative effect of hands-on instructional technique and students' gender on performance in waves. It was suggested that hands-on instructional strategies should be integrated and used to make teaching and learning more concrete and active based for both teachers and students.