Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
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Effect of Constructivism on Student’s Achievement, Learning Experience, and Identifying Misconceptions in Word Problems in Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Variables at High School level
No full textThe study employed a quasi-experimental design to investigate the impact of the constructivist approach on students\u27 achievement, learning experience and identification of misconceptions in solving word problems related to simultaneous linear equations in two variables (SLEITV). Using purposive sampling, two SHS 3 science classes were selected, with 21 students randomly chosen from each class, resulting in a total sample size of 42 students for the study. Data collection involved both quantitative and qualitative methods, including tests and interview guides. Analysis of pretest results revealed common misconceptions such as ratio and fraction errors, translation errors, unsubstantiated errors, and unitary concept errors. Following the intervention, a paired sample t-test indicated a significant improvement in posttest scores (M = 24.83, SD = 5.31) compared to pretest scores (M = 17.45, SD = 8.63); t(41) = -14.723, p = 0.000. The findings confirmed that the constructivist approach positively influenced student learning, boosting their confidence and interest. The study recommends that educational authorities provide regular in-service training to enhance mathematics teachers\u27 skills for improving student learning outcomes
Mathematical Modelling of Malaria Transmission Dynamics in Kenya: The Role of Seasonality, Drug Resistance, and Human Movement
No full textBackground: Although there has been a remarkable improvement in controlling malaria, the clinical problem is still of public health importance in Kenya and especially in areas where there is climatic variation, which affects the transmission pattern. Seasonal rainfall has been explored as a central factor in the breeding of mosquitoes and the ensuing outbreaks of malaria, but most models have not included these ecological forces together with drug resistance and human mobility.
Objective: The purpose of the study is to formulate and examine a seasonally driven malaria transmission model to represent the interaction of the dynamics of mosquito infection, antimalarial drug resistance, and human mobility in the Kenyan setting.
Methods: We developed a compartmental model with drug-susceptible and drug-resistant parasite strains, categorised by stages of human infections, and mosquitoes. The model proposes seasonal forcing in a sinusoidal representation, which is staggered with the Kenyan rainfall pattern, which drives the mosquito recruitment. Inter-regional human migration is thought to take the form of a toggling migration parameter. The deSolve package in R was then used to simulate the model within a 2-year horizon. Monthly averages were then used to determine the peaks of the infection rates, and these were equated to the long (March to May) and short (October to December) rainy seasons in Kenya.
Results: It was found that the results of simulations identified clear infection spikes closely corresponding to two periods of rainfall in Kenya (bimodal). The post-rainy periods when mosquitoes infected with the malaria parasites reach their peak (Q), as well as when humans are infected, were consistent, making a difference to resistant infections, which do not drop as fast as susceptible infections. The circulation of human movements enhanced the continuation and propagation of resistant infections. This indicated the environmental drivers of seasonal forcing that explained the time and magnitude of outbreaks.
Conclusion: Noting the inclusion of seasonality, drug resistance, and movement in the models of malaria transmission increases their reality and predictability to a great extent. The syncing of the most significant infection-containing seasons with rainy seasons necessitates climate-tactful surveillance and intervention time. In Kenya, where the mobility of the population is high based on trade, labour migration, and between urban and rural regions, the modelling of such mobility is very important in gaining an understanding of the management of the epidemic. The model can be of great benefit in optimising vector control, deploying drugs and allocating resources regionally to malaria-endemic countries such as Kenya
Work Tasks Motivation and Solution-Focused Practices of Public Secondary School Teachers
No full textThis study examined the significant relationship between work tasks motivation and solution-focused practices among public secondary school teachers in Mati Central District, Division of Mati City. A descriptive-correlational research design was utilized, with a sample of 174 public secondary school teachers in Mati Central District, Division of Mati City. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires and analyzed using mean, standard deviation (SD), Pearson product-moment correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses. The findings revealed that teachers\u27 work tasks motivation and their solution-focused practices were at a high level. Correlation analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between work tasks motivation and solution-focused practices. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis showed that various domains of work tasks motivation significantly influenced teachers’ solution-focused practices. Based on these findings, it is recommended that school administrators may create professional development programs focused on enhancing teachers’ motivation and improving their solution-focused practices further. Providing teachers with targeted training and resources may further enhance their motivation and strengthen their ability to effectively implement solution-focused practices, ultimately fostering improved student learning outcomes and more effective classroom management
Polyvinyl Chloride Exposure Induces Liver Injury: A Biochemical and Histological Evaluation
No full textObjective: Microplastics are ubiquitous in our environment, with evidence of its presence in various body tissues, however the extent of its toxicity at low dose from chronic administration and bioaccumulation in humans remains unknown. This study aims at evaluating the toxicological impact of sub-chronic administration of polyvinyl chloride on the liver.
Methods: 50 adults male wistar rats were orally administered 10 ml/kg of deionized water (control), and treatment groups received 0.1,0.2 and 0.3mg/kg of PVC daily for 42 days using an oro-gastric tube. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP), oxidative biomarkers (GSH, GPx, CAT, SOD and MDA) and the histoarchitecture were examined. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with p value <.05
Results: There was a disproportionate elevation of liver enzymes with a dose dependent pattern, suggestive of hepatic damage, antioxidative stress biomarkers where decreased (GSH, GPx, CAT and SOD) with an increase in pro-oxidative biomarker (MDA) indicative of an overwhelmed liver oxidative stress defense mechanisms, additionally the histomorphology of the liver showed distorted with loss of radial symmetry, ballooning of hepatocytes and loss of parenchyma organization.
Conclusion: This finding provides empirical data that PVC induces dose dependent hepatotoxicity in wistar rats, with biochemical and histological evidence. This further demonstrates that sub-chronic exposure to PVC poses grave health risk to the liver of exposed population and the need for human translational studies and policy to safeguard exposed individuals
Assessing the Emergency Response Capacity and Resource Availability at the Primary Healthcare Facilities of Ahafo Ano North District, Ghana
No full textIntroduction: Primary healthcare (PHC) facilities play a critical role in delivering emergency medical care, particularly in rural areas where they often serve as the first—and sometimes only—point of contact for individuals experiencing medical emergencies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PHC facilities should be capable of stabilizing patients, administering life-saving interventions, and facilitating timely referrals when necessary. Emergency care involves the provision of prompt medical attention within minutes or hours to prevent death or serious harm.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the capacity of rural primary healthcare facilities in the Ahafo Ano North District to respond effectively to emergency medical situations.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect quantitative data in the Ahafo Ano North District. A convenience sampling method was used to select 224 nursing professionals from a total population of 246. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.
Results: The ages of participants ranged from 18 to 45 years, with a mean age of 31.53 years. The study revealed significant gaps in the availability of essential emergency equipment, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs) (absent in 95.5% of facilities), stretchers (63% unavailable), oxygen (62.8% unavailable), suction devices (80.2% unavailable), first aid kits (70% unavailable), and blood products (93.7% unavailable). Regarding preparedness, 81.3% of respondents had not received formal emergency training. Additionally, 37.5% reported never practicing emergency skills, while 31.3% practiced occasionally and 25% rarely. Transportation and referral challenges were prevalent: 75.9% of respondents reported occasional delays in emergency transport, and 87.5% faced difficulties in referring patients to higher-level facilities. The other Key barriers identified were rated as follows: the lack of ambulance services was 1st (49.1), followed by long distances to referral hospitals (25%), and poor communication (13.4%) between facilities, and unspecified issues (12.5%) was the least among them.
Conclusion: The findings indicate significant systemic weaknesses in emergency preparedness and logistics within rural PHC settings. The study recommends targeted emergency training for nurses and midwives, development of standardized emergency response protocols, improved allocation of resources, and strengthened referral and communication systems to enhance emergency response capacity at the primary care level
PSO Enhanced and Deep ANN Control for Voltage Regulation and Harmonic Mitigation in Electrical Distribution Networks
No full textModern electrical distribution networks face escalating power quality challenges, including voltage sags/swells and harmonic distortion exceeding IEEE Std 519-2022 limits, driven by renewable integration and non-linear loads. To address these, this study proposed novel particle swarm-enhanced and deep artificial neural network (ANN) controllers for Dynamic Voltage Restorers (DVRs), featuring competitive Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) and a 7-layer deep ANN to optimise voltage regulation and harmonic suppression. Validated in MATLAB/Simulink on Nigeria’s Ibadan Distribution Network (IEEE 33-bus system) under multifault scenarios (three-phase sags, sag-induced faults, and combined disturbances), the framework achieved > 99% voltage stability (restoring voltage to 1.0 p.u ). It reduced total harmonic distortion (THD) to < 2.5% , outperforming conventional PI controllers (THD >8.5%) and standalone AI methods with 65% faster convergence. The ANN-DVR excelled in complex fault mitigation (THD: 1.78–2.26%), while the PSO-DVR offered computational efficiency (THD: 1.85–2.53%), together providing a robust solution for modern distribution grids requiring stringent power quality compliance
Effects of Structured Exercise Regimen on Balance, Walking Speed and Flexibility in Geriatric Population
No full textBackground: Age-related declines in balance, flexibility, and walking speed significantly impact functional mobility and increase the risk of falls among older adults. Structured exercise regimens have been identified as effective interventions; however, limited evidence exists on their combined effects of structured exercises on Nigerian geriatric populations.
Aims: To evaluate the effects of a 6-week structured exercise regimen on balance, walking speed, and flexibility in geriatric population.
Study Design: An experimental study design.
Place and Duration of Study: Physiotherapy/Geriatrics clinic, Federal Medical Center, Owo, Ondo State, A 6 weeks study duration.
Methodology: The experimental study involving 40 geriatric patients recruited from geriatric clinic at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Nigeria. Participants were randomized into experimental and control groups (n=20 each). The experimental group engaged in biweekly 30-minute sessions combining balance, aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises. The control group received health education without exercise. Assessments included the Berg Balance Scale, timed 6-Meter Walk, and Sit-and-Reach Test at weeks 1, 3, and 6. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests. Alpha was set at 0.05.
Results: Participants in exercise group showed significant improvements in balance (p=0.013), flexibility (p=0.013), and walking speed (p=0.013) over six weeks. In comparison with participants in the controls group, the exercise group showed significantly greater improvements in balance (p=0.031) and flexibility (p=0.028). Though walking speed improvements were greater in the exercise group, the between-group difference was however not statistically significant (p=0.133).
Clinical Implication: Regular participation in structured exercise regimens significantly improves balance, walking speed, and flexibility in elderly individuals. These enhancements reduce fall risk, promote mobility, and support independent living, making exercise a vital component of geriatric care
Urban Poverty and Slum Development: An Empirical Case Study of Asansol, West Bengal, India
No full textThere are several facets to social development, including the chance for high-quality education, the acceleration of social integration, the promotion of productive employment, and the eradication of poverty. This study aims to examine the demographic, socio-economic, environmental, and health conditions of slum dwellers in Asansol, West Bengal, India. For the present study, 300 samples have been chosen through a random sampling method for the present research. Data is also collected and compiled from the books, reports, published and unpublished papers, leaflets, booklets, notes, Municipal records and Governmental circulars. Social development requires the poor to have access to resources for economic well-being and demands deliberate expenditures in social services, health, and education. Large shopping malls, multiplexes, skyscrapers, and opulent flyovers are all examples of the enormous development that major Indian cities are displaying. Slums are springing up everywhere because there is a severe lack of affordable housing for the poor, and the government is doing little to guarantee this. The people in slums live under the most deplorable conditions, with little access to effective social and health care services, potable water, or sanitation facilities and are therefore more vulnerable to epidemics and developmental challenges. It is also clear from the analysis that the majority of the workers are engaged in the informal sector or informal employment, which is accessed through various informal channels or networks of information flow designated as ‘social capital’. Moreover, vulnerability in respect of health arises from the under-funding of the public health system and its inability to provide comprehensive care, which is a major concern for the majority of the population. It was concluded that to foster inclusive growth so as to cover the urban poor, too, some interventions are required to make urban livelihoods qualitative
Rare Presentation of Early Neonatal Pneumococcal Infection: About Two Cases
No full textBackground: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a rare cause (1–8%) of maternal-fetal infection but can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in both the newborn and the mother.
Objective: This report examined two cases of maternal-fetal infection due to S. pneumoniae.
Case Reports: We describe two cases of early-onset neonatal infection caused by S. pneumoniae. Both newborns were full-term and delivered vaginally. They presented with severe clinical symptoms of progressive onset. One case involved a hyperemic pneumonia, while the other developed septic shock associated with meningitis. In both cases, S. pneumoniae was isolated from blood cultures. Soluble pneumococcal antigens were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid in one case.
Initial treatment consisted of empirical intravenous dual antibiotic therapy with third-generation cephalosporins (C3G) combined with an aminoglycoside. Vancomycin was added in the second case.
Outcomes were poor: one newborn died, and the other developed significant neurological sequelae, including post-meningitic hydrocephalus.
Conclusion: Early-onset neonatal infections due to S. pneumoniae are rare but severe, with high morbidity and mortality. Prevention, particularly through vaccination and close perinatal monitoring, remains a key strategy
Nutritional, Culinary, and Sensory Characteristics of Noodles Made from Composite Flours of Wheat (Triticum aestivum), African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), and Jackfruit Seed (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
No full textNoodles are quick–cooking foods that have become popular across the globe due to their convenience, ready-to-cook, fast yielding income, low cost, status symbol, job demands among urban dwellers, sensory appeal, versatility, storageability, satiety, good eating and nutritional qualities. This present study was conducted to determine the nutritional, culinary and sensory properties of noodles produced from wheat, African yam bean and jackfruit seed composite flours. The flour samples were mixed together in varied proportions (90:5:5, 80:15:5, 70:20:10, 60:25:15 and 50:30:20) and used for the production of noodles, with the noodle produced from 100 % wheat flour as a control. The noodle samples produced were evaluated for proximate, mineral, vitamin, culinary and sensory properties using standard methods. The results of the proximate composition revealed that the moisture content of the noodles ranged from 7.11 to 9.02, fat 5.10 to 6.53, crude protein 11.38 to 24.42, crude fibre 0.87 to 1.93, ash 1.40 to 1.87, carbohydrate 56.25 to 74.15 %, while energy varied from 381.42 to 387.92 kJ/100g. The results showed that the moisture, ash, fat, crude protein and crude fibre contents of the noodles increased significantly (p<0.05) with increased substitution of African yam bean and Jackfruit seed flours. The results of the mineral composition also showed that the calcium content of the noodles ranged from 70.34 to 114.52, magnesium 38.84 to 83.08, phosphorus 61.85 to 126.43, potassium 46.10 to 94.80, iron 7.14 to 8.85 and zinc 3.42 to 5.15 mg/100g. These minerals increased with the increase in the addition of African yam bean and jackfruit seed flours. The niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin D, ascorbic acid and vitamin A contents of the noodles ranged from 3.24 to 4.92, 3.53 to 5.33, 3.5 to 4.27, 3.10 to 4.16, 1.74 to 2.77 and 2.47 to 4.61 mg/100g, respectively. The study, therefore, showed that the use of locally available and novel African yam bean and jack fruit seed flours to complement wheat flour in the production of instant noodles has the potential to increase the nutrient intake of the consumers of the formulated noodle samples