Assessing the influence of the PTTC Principal’s competency in ICT on the teachers’ integration of ICT in teaching Science in PTTCs in Nyanza Region, Kenya.

The study was conducted to assess the influence of Primary Teacher Training College (PTTC) principal’s competency in ICT on the teacher’s integration of ICT in teaching science in PTTC’s in Nyanza region in Kenya. The one research question and one research hypothesis guided the study. The population comprised of 21 principals and 159 tutors. Data from the college principals and tutors was collected by use of interview schedule and a questionnaire. Cronbach alpha reliability computation was done to determine the overall reliability of the instrument. Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.90 and higher was considered as reliable. The mean, standard deviation and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data collected and the hypothesis tested at 0.01 alpha level. The results from the data indicated that the Principal who is competent in Information Communication Technology (ICT) favored the tutor’s ICT integration in teaching science. Results of the hypothesis testing further revealed that there was a significant liner relationship between the principal’s competency in ICT and teacher’s integration of ICT in the teaching of science in PTTC’s. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended that the Kenya government should make it a priority to develop a policy to guide leaders in ICT integration, in teaching science, and Teacher’s Service Commission, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, Kenya Education Staff Institute and Ministry of Education and Science Technology should develop packages in ICT integration in teaching science for in servicing Principals prior to appointment. Key words: Competency, ICT Integration, Principal, Information Communication Technolog

Typologies and Multidimensional Nature of Computer Use for Classroom Instruction in Secondary Education

Computer technology has proved essential in all sectors of human endeavours such as in industry and business. As a consequence, education has been the main beneficiary of the emergence of the microcomputer being used in financial management, administration and progressively in the classroom for instruction. The experimental phase on the benefits of computer technology for instruction is maturing. This paper explores through reviewing literature the various ways computers have been used in the classroom for instruction and through a pilot study, determine the dimensions of computer use with the help of factor analysis. In the pilot study, a sample of 71 respondents provided usable data. This paper helps us to understand: (a) what is meant by “technology/computer use” in the context of classroom instruction, the view that underpins a user’s actual use of technology; (b) the “evident” or “actual usage” of technology in the classroom for instruction; and (c) the possible dimensions of this use. It is deemed important to bring a common understanding of computer use with respect to information and communication technology integration in pedagogy

Emerging Trends on Non-Medical Use of Prescription Drugs in Kenya

The last decade has experienced increased availability of substances in the drug markets and the growth of a dynamic market for non-medical use of prescription drugs. Data suggests that non-medical use of prescription drugs exceeds many illicit drugs. Despite the growing global problem of non-medical use of prescription drugs, it has not been accorded the much needed attention especially in Africa and Kenya in particular. The study therefore aimed to establish evidence of non-medical use of prescription drugs in Kenya. The study used an exploratory cross-sectional design. The study was conducted in the eight regions of Kenya where 18 purposively sampled counties were covered. The study relied on non-probability sampling methods. Results of laboratory analysis confirmed that antidepressants, antipsychotic, anticholinergic, opioid analgesics, anaesthetics and antihistamines were the most prevalent prescription drugs for non-medical use. The study established evidence of non-medical use of prescription drugs. Towards addressing this emerging problem, the study recommends the need for more stringent measures to control prescription drugs with high potential for abuse; engagement of the law enforcement agencies and the healthcare providers to suppress diversion of prescription drugs for non-medical use; and implementation of demand reduction strategies aimed at prevention and education of those at risk on the potential harms and other adverse consequences of non-medical use of prescriptions drugs

Interim analysis of the COSA (COVID-19 patients treated with the Seraph® 100 Microbind® Affinity filter) registry

BACKGROUND: The Seraph(®)100 Microbind Affinity Blood Filter(®) is a hemoperfusion device that is licensed for the reduction of pathogens, including several viruses, in the blood. It received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the FDA. Several studies have shown that the blood viral load of SARS-CoV-2 correlates with adverse outcomes and removal of the nucleocapsid of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by the Seraph(®)100 has been recently demonstrated. The aim of this registry was to evaluate safety and efficacy of Seraph(®)100 treatment for COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Twelve hospitals from six countries representing two continents documented patient and treatment characteristics as well as outcome parameters without reimbursement. Additionally, mortality and safety results of the device were reported. One hundred-and-two treatment sessions in 82 patients were documented in the registry. Four patients were excluded from mortality analysis due to incomplete outcome data, which were available in the other 78 patients. RESULTS: Overall, a 30-day mortality rate of 46.2% in the 78 patients with complete follow up was reported. Median treatment time was 5.00 [4.00–13.42] h. and 43.1% of the treatments were performed as hemoperfusion only. Adverse events of the Seraph(®)100 treatment were reported in 8.8% of the 102 treatments and represented premature end of treatment due to circuit failure. Patients that died were treated later in their ICU stay and onset of COVID symptoms. They also had higher ferritin levels. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that delayed Seraph(®)100 treatment after ICU admission (>60 hours) as well as bacterial superinfection were associated with mortality. While average predicted mortality rate according to SOFA score in ICU patients was 56.7% the observed mortality was 50.7%. In non-ICU patients 4C-Score average predicted a mortality rate of 38.0% while the observed mortality rate was 11.1% CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of COVID-19 patients with Seraph(®)100 is well tolerated and the circuit failure rate was lower than previously reported for KRT in COVID-19 patients. Mortality corelated with late initiation of Seraph treatment after ICU admission and bacterial superinfection infection. Compared to predicted mortality according to 4C-Score and SOFA Score, mortality of Seraph(®)100 treated patients reported in the registry was lower