LACK OF INTEREST IN SCHOOL SCIENCE AMONG NON-SCIENCE STUDENTS AT THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL

Abstract this study investigated the factors that contribute to the non-science students' lack of interest i

HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES ON TEACHING MOLE CONCEPT

Mole concept is one of the challenging chemical concepts in the teaching and learning of chemistry. West African Examination Council (WAEC) Chemistry Chief Examiners for years, have been hammering on students’ difficulties in this concept at the senior high school level. This study, therefore, examined the practices of teachers on the perceived nature of the teaching and learning of mole concept. A concurrent triangulation mixed methods design was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 32 chemistry teachers from four public schools in the Central Region. The teachers were selected through multistage sampling technique. Questionnaires, interviews, and observation checklist were used to collect data from the teachers. Data was analysed using percentages, means, standard deviations, and themes. The results showed that teachers have moderately positive perceptions of the nature of teaching mole concept, which are full of uncertainty and that, teachers barely practice that they profess to teach on mole concept. It is recommended, among other things, that Ministry of Education through Heads of senior high schools should monitor chemistry teachers to ensure that they effectively teach the concept to students by implementing their planned lessons. Article visualizations

Functional Groups Detection: Do Chemistry Teachers Demonstrate Conceptual Difficulties in Teaching?

The chemistry chief examiner of the West African Examination Council has complaint a lot about the weak performance of students on organic chemistry including functional group detection The study therefore investigated whether senior high school teachers who teach chemical concepts to students also demonstrated conceptual difficulties on functional group detection under organic qualitative analysis The study adopted convergent mixed methods procedures to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 47 chemistry teachers The 47 teachers were sampled through multistage sampling procedures to respond to the Organic Qualitative Analysis Diagnostic Test for Teachers The quantitative data was analyzed using means standard deviations and percentages to reflect no scientific understanding partial scientific understanding and scientific understanding of functional group detection The qualitative data was open-coded and constantly compared to established teachers alternative conceptions and factual difficulties on functional group detectio

FACTORS INFLUENCING HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY TEACHERS’ AND STUDENTS’ TEACHING AND LEARNING OF ORGANIC QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Identification and characterisation of the structures of unknown substances are important parts of learning organic chemistry. This paper reports on a study that investigated factors that influence the teaching and learning of organic qualitative analysis in organic chemistry. In all, three teachers and nine students from three different categories of schools participated in the study. Interview guides and an observation checklist were developed and used to obtain qualitative data. The qualitative data gathered from the interview were transcribed by reducing them to patterns and themes and analysed thematically. The study revealed, among others, that teaching and learning resources, practical-based instruction and the nature of the chemistry curriculum were the factors that impede chemistry teachers’ and students’ teaching and learning of organic qualitative analysis in organic chemistry.  Article visualizations

TEACHERS’ PROBLEMS OF TEACHING OF OXIDATION-REDUCTION REACTIONS IN HIGH SCHOOLS

The study explored how teachers taught redox reactions to senior high school students. Within a case-study research design, six chemistry teachers with a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 12 years teaching experiences from three schools were interviewed. The results revealed four themes; inhibition of instruction, weak instructional strategy, inability to teach concepts, and teachers’ professional development. It was found that teachers employed weak instructional strategies such as expository and out of class group assignments in teaching redox reactions. The study recommends that chemistry educators and researchers should design and develop subject-specific pedagogical content knowledge for teaching redox reactions.  Article visualizations

A Comparative Study of Groups of Teachers on the Perceived Nature of Effective Teaching and Learning Science

The teacher is influential in the processes of teaching and learning science, organizing instruction to transform concepts into the understanding of students. Hence, teacher effectiveness is discussed in most educational forums as stakeholders look for more plausible ways of effective teaching and learning. As part of a large study on teachers’ conception of an effective science teacher, we studied comparative views of mentors, mentees, and supervisors on the perceived nature of effective science teachers in the processes of teaching and learning science in basic schools. In a triangulation mixed methods design, 271 mentees, 160 mentors, and 85 supervisors were selected through multistage sampling procedures to respond to Effective Science Teacher Questionnaire and Interview Schedule. The data from the questionnaires were reduced to three factors through exploratory factor analysis. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically in line with the three factors. It was revealed that there was no statistically significant difference as supervisors differed not in their perceived nature of an effective science teacher compared to that of mentors and mentees. The Ministry of Education through the Ghana Education Service should provide opportunities for the three groups of teachers to share experiences on effective teaching and learning science in basic schools

Influence of Perceptions and Preparedness of Senior High School Teachers based on their Qualifications towards Professional Teacher Licensing in Ghana

The study sought to explore the influence of perceptions and preparedness of senior high school teachers based on their qualifications towards professional teacher licensing in Ghana. The study was motivated by three research hypotheses. A sample size of 278 senior high school teachers in Ashanti, Ghana region was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analysed using independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA to answer the research hypotheses. The study revealed that male and female teachers had similar perceptions and preparation towards the teacher licensing. This was because male teachers did not differ significantly compared to their female counterparts on teachers’ perceptions and preparedness towards the teacher licensing in Ghana. The study also found that teachers who hold a bachelor degree have similar perceptions and perceived preparedness towards the teacher licensing policy compared to certificate ‘A’, diploma, and post-graduate degree holders. This is because one-way between-groups ANOVA test shows that the teachers did not differ statistically in their perceptions and perceived preparedness towards teacher licensing in Ghana in relation to teacher qualification. The study recommended that outreach unit of GES should use the mass media and profession development to help teachers have answers to their questions about the policy. The study again recommended that GES and teacher unions should use professional development programmes to educate and prepare teachers for the implementation of the policy

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century