University teachers' perceptions of ICT-based teaching to construct knowledge for effective classroom interaction in the context of TPACK model.

The purpose of the research was to investigate university teachers' perceptions of information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance teaching and construct new knowledge. The objective was to determine how teachers at the University of the Gambia perceived the effectiveness of the TPACK (Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge) model in teaching through ICT and how different attributes of teachers affect their level of TPACK knowledge. This study used a questionnaire, adapted from the TPACK model, which was administered to 88 faculty selected purposively from the University of the Gambia to collect data on their level of awareness of ICT-based teaching. Descriptive analysis was first run to check the scores of all components of TPACK, then a correlational analysis was carried out to measure the relationship between the TPACK constructs. The data collected from these analyses were used to construct a structural equation model that showed the relationship between TPACK constructs as perceived by the faculty of the University of the Gambia. The results of this study showed that the individual construct (i.e., technology, pedagogy, and content) and the paired constructs (i.e. Technology and Pedagogy, Technology and Content, Pedagogy and Content knowledge) of TPACK are positively correlated with teachers' perceived TPACK, as well as the findings are consistent with the earlier claim that ICT-based instruction may not progress as quickly in education even when it is available and teachers are not knowledgeable about it. The results contribute to earlier research that aims to develop strategies for implementing ICT-based instruction in HEIs and offer advice to educators on how to create policies including TPACK components in their teaching and learning.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding zoonotic diseases among cat and dog owners in Bangladesh.

The close relationship between human and companion animals like cats and dogs raises public health concerns regarding the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases in Bangladesh. The study aimed to evaluate the cat and dog owners' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and risk perception concerning zoonotic diseases for designing effective interventions and reducing disease transmission. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 480 pet owners in various region of Bangladesh. For data collection, a structured, closed-ended questions were implemented. The data collection was anonymous and individuals were chosen through a random selection method. Responses were classified to evaluate comprehensive knowledge, using a threshold value of ≥65%. Quantitative score was created to measure Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices, and these scores were divided into categories of good and poor knowledge, positive and negative attitudes, as well as correct and incorrect practices. The analysis included the application of both descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. The findings showed that females made up more than half of the survey participants (55.2%), with the predominant pet owned being cats (73.1%). Overall, only a small portion (21.25%) of the survey respondents demonstrated good knowledge about the topic as measured by a dichotomous outcome. A larger proportion of participants (84.58%) exhibited a positive attitude towards zoonotic diseases. However, when it came to correct practices, about one-third (29.79%) of performed satisfactorily. It is noteworthy that 90.4% of the participants exhibited a high level of understanding regarding the transmission of rabies through dog bites. The knowledge and practices of owners were markedly impacted by their education, occupation, and geographic location. Furthermore, 48.1% identified 'social media' as their primary source of information, and 80.0% regarded vaccination as a preventive measure. The study reveals gaps in knowledge and practices of risks regarding zoonotic diseases among pet owners in Bangladesh. It is crucial to implement focused educational initiatives and preventative measures to effectively tackle gaps in knowledge concerning zoonotic diseases and to avert potential infections.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use in Bangladesh: Findings from a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Escalating antibiotic resistance presents a notable worldwide dilemma, pointing a large involvement of general population. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the utilization of antibiotics among Bangladeshi residents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, conducted from January 01 to April 25, 2022, included 1,947 Bangladeshi adults with a history of antibiotic use, via online surveys and face-to-face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate linear regression models were employed. RESULTS: Mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 6.59±1.20, 8.34±1.19, and 12.74±2.59, with correct rates of 73.22%, 92.67%, and 57.91%. Positive predictors for knowledge included being unmarried (ß = 0.10, p = 0.001), higher education (College: ß = 0.09, p = 0.025; Bachelor: ß = 0.22, p<0.001; Master or above: ß = 0.14, p<0.001), various professions (student: ß = 0.57, p<0.001; housewife: ß = 0.33, p<0.001; employee: ß = 0.53, p<0.001; businessman: ß = 0.31, p<0.001; unemployed: ß = 0.15, p<0.001), and residing in semi-urban (ß = 0.32, p<0.001) or urban areas (ß = 0.15, p<0.001). Positive predictors for attitudes included being married (ß = 0.18, p<0.001), specific professions (student: ß = 1.06, p<0.001; housewife: ß = 0.33, p<0.001; employee: ß = 0.86, p<0.001; businessman: ß = 0.37, p<0.001; unemployed: ß = 0.47, p<0.001), higher SES (Lower-middle: ß = 0.22, p<0.001; Middle: ß = 0.26, p<0.001), and residing in semi-urban areas (ß = 0.18, p<0.001); negative predictors included higher education (College: ß = -0.12, p = 0.001; Master or above: ß = -0.09, p = 0.008) and being rich (ß = -0.13, p<0.001). Positive predictors for practices included being married (ß = 0.18, p<0.001), specific professions (student: ß = 0.32, p<0.001; employee: ß = 0.43, p<0.001; businessman: ß = 10, p = 0.034; unemployed: ß = 0.11, p = 0.009), and higher SES (Lower-middle: ß = 0.14, p = 0.009; Middle: ß = 0.38, p<0.001; Higher-middle: ß = 0.15, p = 0.008); negative predictors included higher education (College: ß = -0.21, p<0.001), being rich (ß = -0.12, p<0.001), residing in semi-urban (ß = -0.14, p<0.001) or urban areas (ß = -0.16, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Participants exhibited adequate knowledge and positive attitudes but lagged behind in proper practice of antibiotic use. Proper initiatives should be tailored to enhance prudent antibiotic use and mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of a bromo-chalcone: (E)-1-(3-bromo-phen-yl)-3-(2,6-di-chloro-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.

In the title chalcone derivative, C15H9BrCl2O, the aryl rings are inclined to each by 14.49 (17)°, and the configuration about the C=C bond is E. There is a short intra-molecular C-H⋯Cl contact present resulting in the formation of an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, the shortest inter-molecular contacts are Cl⋯O contacts [3.173 (3) Å] that link the mol-ecules to form a 21 helix propagating along the b-axis direction. The helices stack up the short crystallographic a axis, and are linked by offset π-π inter-actions [inter-centroid distance = 3.983 (1) Å], forming layers lying parallel to the ab plane. A qu-anti-fication of the inter-molecular contacts in the crystal were estimated using Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots.

Differentials of tobacco consumption and its effect on illicit drug use in rural men in Bangladesh.

This study examined socioeconomic differentials of tobacco consumption and its effect on illicit drug use among rural men, extracting data from the 2004 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. Overall, 58.4% of the respondents consumed tobacco either by smoking or chewing. Smoking bidi (33.9%) and cigarette (23.6%) were the most prevalent forms of tobacco use. The prevalence of illicit drug use was 3.5%. The predominant illicit drug used was ganja (2.3%). Socioeconomic and behavioral factors such as age, education, religion, marital status, premarital and extramarital sexuality, and having STDs were found to be significantly (P<.001) associated with tobacco consumption. Multivariate logistic regression analyses yielded significantly (P<.001) increased risk of illicit drug use for different forms of tobacco consumption, for young age, premarital and extramarital sexuality, and non-Muslims. Appropriate measures should be undertaken to prevent smoking and illicit drug use for a healthy Bangladesh.