Effect of Metalinguistic Learning Approach on Students’ Achievement in Secondary Schools Statistics in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Statistics is an indispensable aspect of mathematics that affects every facet of human endeavour. However, empirical evidence shows that students achieve poorly in mathematics at the School Certificate level due to poor attempt of statistics related questions. Research findings further indicated that this low achievement may be attributed to pedagogy and this has necessitated this study. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The study made use of a quasi-experimental design of non-randomized Pretest- Posttest control group. A sample of 350 SS2 students was drawn from a population of 2,665 SS2 students in Makurdi Metropolis using Yaro-Yamen’s formula. In each of the four secondary schools, intact classes were used.  Two sets of lesson plans on the topics under study were developed for the experimental and control groups respectively. Data were collected using Statistics Achievement Test (SAT).Research questions were answered using means and standard deviations while the hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. Findings among others   include that metalinguistic learning approach improved students’ achievement in statistics and MLA did not significantly differentiate between male and female students’ achievement scores in statistics. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that mathematics teachers should be encouraged to use MLA in their mathematics classroom among others. Adequate suggestions were further made.  Keywords: Metalinguistics, Learning approach, Students’ achievement, Statistics, Mathematics teachers

Development of tree height-diameter models for Arakanga forest reserve, Abeokuta, Ogun state

The study focused on the development of models for height- diameter relationship for Arakanga Forest Reserve. A Random sampling technique was dopted for sample plot allocation while a total of 10 sample plots of 25 X 25m were laid in line transects for data collection. A total of 163 trees were encountered. The data collected was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean DBH and the mean Height for the study area were 55.69cm and 13.25m respectively. The Height- diameter relationship was modelled using Curve Expert Professional software. Ratkowsky, Logistics and Richards models gave good result in describing the relationship between DBH and Height. All three models had the lowest AICC value of 123.08, 123.08 and 124.5 and Standard Error values 1.99, 1.99 and 2.0 rescpectively. Validation of the models was carried out using student Ttest and Ratkowsky returned the best model with t-Statistics value of 0.02. Therefore, Ratkowsky model was adjudged as the best model for describing DBH and Height relationship in Arakanga Forest Reserve. Keywords: Tree Height-Diameter, Arakanga, Forest Reserve and Abeokut

The fin fish assembage of Ikere Gorge, Oyo State, Nigeria

The fin fish assemblage of Ikere gorge was investigated. The fin fishes comprised a total of 34 species belonging to 13 families. Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus was most abundant and highest in biomass (69,198.33 kg) accounting for 34.65% of the catch. Synodontis nigrita, Malapterurus electricus, Marcusenius psittacus Gnathonemus sensgalensis and Gnathonemus cyprinoides were the least in number, while Phago loricatus was least in biomass (20.00 kg) accounting for 0.01%.The major aim was to assess the fish resources of the gorge and evaluate the water parameters as related to fish production. No significant difference was observed in dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate, water temperature, conductivity, alkalinity, total dissolved solid and pH range value in the stations. The water quality parameters were favourable for fish production. Water level and temperature were observed to guarantee high fish yield in the gorge

The practice of hepatocellular cancer surveillance in Nigeria

Background: Hepatocellular cancer is a disease of global and public health importance due to the widespread distribution of risk factors and associated high case fatality. Hepatocellular Cancer (HCC) in Sub-Saharan Africa is commonly seen among the younger age groups (<45 years) who present mostly in the terminal stage, when the disease is not amenable to any curative therapy. Hepatocellular Carcinoma surveillance employs the use of simple, cheap and readily available investigations, to detect early curable cancer in individuals with risk factors for HCC.Objectives:The aim of this study is to assess the practice of hepatocellular cancer screening among physicians.Methodolgy:This is a nationwide online survey carried out among physicians who care for patients with HCC. A questionnaire was sent out via a web link to all consenting doctors in Nigeria. The responses were collated in a cloud-based application and data was analysed using Epi-info version 20.Results:Atotal of 218 respondents, 142 were males (65.1 %) with a mean age of 37.6 ± 5.7 years. The modal age group was 31-40 years 153 (69.5%). The main factors considered as a hindrance to surveillance were; the cost of the tests (57.7%), failure of return of patients (50.5%) and not being aware of a surveillance program (45.2 %). The majority of the respondents were Gastroenterologists and Family Physicians. 54% of the gastroenterologists and 64% of the family physicians have never offered HCC surveillance to their patients.Conclusion:This survey highlights a knowledge gap in HCC surveillance among physicians. There is a need to make HCCsurveillance a daily routine among patients at risk by all physicians. Keywords: Surveillance, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HBV, HCV, Cancer screening

Tocilizumab in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of tocilizumab in adult patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 with both hypoxia and systemic inflammation. Methods: This randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]), is assessing several possible treatments in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK. Those trial participants with hypoxia (oxygen saturation <92% on air or requiring oxygen therapy) and evidence of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein ≥75 mg/L) were eligible for random assignment in a 1:1 ratio to usual standard of care alone versus usual standard of care plus tocilizumab at a dose of 400 mg–800 mg (depending on weight) given intravenously. A second dose could be given 12–24 h later if the patient's condition had not improved. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, assessed in the intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered with ISRCTN (50189673) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04381936). Findings: Between April 23, 2020, and Jan 24, 2021, 4116 adults of 21 550 patients enrolled into the RECOVERY trial were included in the assessment of tocilizumab, including 3385 (82%) patients receiving systemic corticosteroids. Overall, 621 (31%) of the 2022 patients allocated tocilizumab and 729 (35%) of the 2094 patients allocated to usual care died within 28 days (rate ratio 0·85; 95% CI 0·76–0·94; p=0·0028). Consistent results were seen in all prespecified subgroups of patients, including those receiving systemic corticosteroids. Patients allocated to tocilizumab were more likely to be discharged from hospital within 28 days (57% vs 50%; rate ratio 1·22; 1·12–1·33; p<0·0001). Among those not receiving invasive mechanical ventilation at baseline, patients allocated tocilizumab were less likely to reach the composite endpoint of invasive mechanical ventilation or death (35% vs 42%; risk ratio 0·84; 95% CI 0·77–0·92; p<0·0001). Interpretation: In hospitalised COVID-19 patients with hypoxia and systemic inflammation, tocilizumab improved survival and other clinical outcomes. These benefits were seen regardless of the amount of respiratory support and were additional to the benefits of systemic corticosteroids. Funding: UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council) and National Institute of Health Research

Convalescent plasma in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised controlled, open-label, platform trial

Background: Many patients with COVID-19 have been treated with plasma containing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Methods: This randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]) is assessing several possible treatments in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK. The trial is underway at 177 NHS hospitals from across the UK. Eligible and consenting patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either usual care alone (usual care group) or usual care plus high-titre convalescent plasma (convalescent plasma group). The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. The trial is registered with ISRCTN, 50189673, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04381936. Findings: Between May 28, 2020, and Jan 15, 2021, 11558 (71%) of 16287 patients enrolled in RECOVERY were eligible to receive convalescent plasma and were assigned to either the convalescent plasma group or the usual care group. There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality between the two groups: 1399 (24%) of 5795 patients in the convalescent plasma group and 1408 (24%) of 5763 patients in the usual care group died within 28 days (rate ratio 1·00, 95% CI 0·93–1·07; p=0·95). The 28-day mortality rate ratio was similar in all prespecified subgroups of patients, including in those patients without detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at randomisation. Allocation to convalescent plasma had no significant effect on the proportion of patients discharged from hospital within 28 days (3832 [66%] patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 3822 [66%] patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·94–1·03; p=0·57). Among those not on invasive mechanical ventilation at randomisation, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients meeting the composite endpoint of progression to invasive mechanical ventilation or death (1568 [29%] of 5493 patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 1568 [29%] of 5448 patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·93–1·05; p=0·79). Interpretation: In patients hospitalised with COVID-19, high-titre convalescent plasma did not improve survival or other prespecified clinical outcomes. Funding: UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council) and National Institute of Health Research

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF KIDNEY BEAN/WHEAT FLOUR BLENDS.

The chemical and functional characteristics of kidney bean and wheat flour blends were examined. The kidney bean flour (KF) was composite with wheat flour (WF) at the levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%. The flour blends were analysed for their chemical composition and functional characteristics. From the results, the protein content of the blends increased with increasing supplementation with kidney bean flour from 22.74% in 50.50 (KF:WF) to 27.24% in 90:10 (KF:WF) samples, while the carbohydrate decreased. Contrarily, the energy content of the blends increased gradually as the level of fortification with kidney bean flour decreased from 360.60KJ in 90:10 (KF:WF) to 362.15KJ in 50:50 (KF:WF). The results also showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in emulsion capacity, and oil and water absorption capacities of the blends