bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using simulation as cervical and anal cytology teaching-learning strategy
Authors: Coser Janaina , Zanella Janice de Fátima Pavan , Diefenthäler Vanessa Laís , Sperling Sara Gallert , Ronchi Dario , Mugnol Tatiana , Dos Santos Juliana Lemes
Published: February 2021

The current descriptive study is an experience report about the use of gynecological simulators in teaching and research activities developed in the Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in Health at Cruz Alta University in Southern Brazil. The aim of the present study is to describe the use of gynecological simulator as cervical and anal cytological sample collection teaching-learning strategy, as well as to describe the protocol adopted in such procedure. The gynecological simulator is a useful instrument applied to the sample collection practice for cervical and anal cytological examination purposes, since it is a static dummy anatomically similar to the female body. Simulating the procedure allows students to train and improve skills required to the technique; however, the theoretical contextualization must precede the practice in the simulator in order to stimulate students to reflect on all aspects involved in the exam. The use of gynecological simulator is recommended as complementary tool in cytologic examination teaching-learning scenarios.
Redesigning an economics course to achieve more reflexivity
Authors: Marks Peter Koenraad
Published: February 2021

A recurring issue in (mid-career) master programs Public Administration is to get students to become (more) reflexive (conf. e.g. special issue of Teaching Public Administration 2013). As academic graduates they should not merely apply public administration theories and methods in standardized ways but always think critically about what they do and why. Moreover they should be able to make sensible, situated connections between ‘theory’ and ‘praxis’ and critically and creatively derive new modes of professional action from these. To achieve this students should approach their study with the main intention to develop personal understanding (e.g. Marton & Säljö, 1976; Trigwell, 2010). In this article the redesign of a course in a two year mid-career master program from a traditional instructional mode to blended learning, will be discussed and analyzed to see if the redesign attributed to more reflexive working methods in the course and a more reflexive attitude in students.
Strategies and Approaches for Cultivating Normal-school Mathematics Students' Math Problem Solving Ability
Authors: Cheng Ji
Published: February 2021

Normal school students are the new force of the future teachers, and the quality cultivation of them directly determines the quality of teachers. As mathematics students’ math problem solving ability (MPSA) declines after the entrance of normal college, a great negative impact on the formation of future teachers' quality is being exerted. On the basis of analyzing the present situation of normal school mathematics students' MPSA, this paper discusses the significance, strategies and approaches for cultivating MPSA.
Image Quality Assessment and Radiation exposure in Intra Oral Dental Radiography
Authors: Nassef Mohamed Hamed
Published: February 2021

In this study, an intra oral dental unit (Siemens-70) at King Abdul Aziz University (KAU) Dental Hospital was selected and investigated for visual image quality assessment and radiation protection purposes. Radiation dosimetry for determining the optimum image quality with the lowest radiation exposure to the patient was carried out. A DXTTR dental radiography trainer phantom head and neck, portable survey meter Model RAD EYE-B20, and radiation dosimetry system RADCAL Acuu-pro were used in this study. RADCAL Accu-pro is a non-invasive kV system, reliable instruments to measure and diagnose all X-ray machines including dental units. The radiation exposure to patients in (mGy) was measured using RADCAL ionization chamber Model 10×6-6. The best image quality with the lowest exposure dose was assessed for conventional intraoral X-ray film (Kodak type E) and the digital processing sensor (RVG 5200). Radiation survey level was done during this study for safety and protection purposes.
Impact of Taxation on Efficiency of Water Usage
Authors: Rozumbaevich Kurbanov Daniyor
Published: February 2021

In this article, we tried briefly to look through the issue from the point of objective necessity and importance of the efficient use of water resources in these conditions. In fact, as it is obvious from the mentioned data and opinions above, while the global economic and financial crisis is threatening the world, inefficient use of all resources, including water resources, might have negative impact on the attempts to overcome this crisis. Uzbekistan suffers from the problem of shortage of water resources more than other countries of the Central Asia and successful solution of the problem of efficient use of water resources has a particular importance. In order to find the impact of taxation on the usage of water resources we have collected the data for descriptive analyses and conducted the unstructured interview in Karakalpakstan region, Uzbekistan.
Importance of Management and Administrative Ethics on Corporate Success, and Sustainability
Authors: MANSOUR ALY , Al-Salem Athmar
Published: February 2021

This paper is intended to highlight the importance of management and administrative ethics in the inception and sustainability of a profound construction company in the Arab world. Osman Ahmed Osman & Co™ was established in 1947 as a local construction company. The company has gone through 4 pertinent change management phases that shaped and demonstrated its sustainability. It currently exists in 29 countries covering 4 continents with approximately 75 thousand employees (Arab Contractors, 2014). This study hypothesized that management and administrative ethics would lead to success, sustainability, and continuous growth.The research methodology used in this study was a mixed methods approach. A qualitative case study and quantitative survey analyzed the effect of management and administrative ethics on success and sustainability. The findings of this study have been limited to present the continuous growth of the company due to the consistency in applying management and administrative ethics. The study concluded by proposing applying management and administrative ethics to assure the growth and sustainability of any regional or global company.
Stigma versus Mental Health Literacy
Authors: Khalil Amal Ibrahim
Published: February 2021

Background: A sound mental health is the key component of health and the absence of mental health could create a great deal of burden to the functioning of a nation. As well the attitudes of the public towards mental health issues are important factors in fighting the stigma with mental disorders

Aim: To investigate the Saudi people level of mental health literacy and attitudes regarding mental disorders and those affected people.

Participants and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional survey was used and a convenient sample of 255 subjects from general Saudi population attending to general public collections area, such as, shopping malls, universities, and restaurants in Jeddah city. The tool consisted of sociodemographic data sheet and self-administered checklist developed by Kumar et al., 2012 for assessing the attitude and awareness level of public towards mental disorders.

Results: A total of 255 people were interviewed. Most of the respondents 66.3% were females and the majority of the studied population have little awareness and had negative attitude toward the nature of mental illness as well 72.2% indicted that Evil Spirit causing mental illness. Negative attitude responses were ranging from 47 -57% regarding stigmatization, after effect and treatment.

Conclusion and recommendations: the findings concluded that there was a decreased level of mental health literacy among studied population as well as negative attitudes and stigmatization of mental illness. Therefore, more work needs to be done to educate the public about the psychobiological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders and the value of effective treatments.
Assessment Tools for the Evaluation of the Level of Attainment of a Student Outcome Related to Entrepreneurial Activities
Authors: Abu Zeid Osama Ahmed , Omar Farag Khalifa , Alkhalil Jwan , Mathew Bobby
Published: February 2021

Mechanical engineering department at the United Arab Emirates University has added to the ABET student outcomes an additional outcome - “l: a recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in entrepreneurial activities”. This paper details the assessment tools employed in measuring the level of attainment of this student outcome as well as implementation approach. Several direct and indirect assessment tools are developed for measuring the level of attainment of this additional outcome. Direct assessment is carried out through courses, graduation project, and industrial training while indirect assessment is executed through student exit survey, employer survey, alumni survey, and faculty opinion. The average achievement level of this additional outcome, between 2011 to 2014, among graduates is 3.8/5.
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE SUGARCANE PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: Uribe Raul Andres Martinez , Lupino Letícia Martins , Silvério Patrícia Chiara , Costa GUstavo Henrique Gravatim
Published: February 2021

The progressive increase in global temperature causes concern worldwide, which is constantly looking for ways to minimize the impacts caused to the environment as a result of human activities in the last decades.As a result, “clean energy” has been the solution to control pollution and global warming, as they cause low environmental impacts.Today, biofuels and mainly bioethanol derived essentially from sugarcane replaces fossil fuels very efficiently.Due to the high influence and relevance that sugarcane exerts nationally, in relation to the economic and environmental issue, it is vitally important to think about how its production system will be in scenarios that consider climate change.In order to analyze this system is necessary to obtain data, not always easily obtained in field research, for this reason, the agricultural modeling through the simulation of scenarios can contribute by predicting situations and helping to make future decisions.Therefore, an APSIM® simulation model was proposed, validating it with local data and later the effects of climate change on sugarcane productivity were studied through agricultural modeling simulating three (3) scenarios with change in average air temperature and CO2 concentration:S1 without climate change (current), S2 (year 2020) with change of + 0.24°C and increase of +26 ppm of CO2, S3 (year 2040) with change of +0.84°C and increase of +114 ppm of CO2 and S4 (year of 2080) with change of + 1.14°C and increase of +201 ppm of CO2.The studied climatic change scenarios may lead to higher stalks and sugar productivity per hectare due to higher rates of CO2 fixation and temperature increase.
Initial Perception of Virtual World Users
Authors: Krassmann Aliane Loureiro , Rossi Filho Tito Armando , Tarouco Liane Margarida Rockenbach , Bercht Magda
Published: February 2021

Virtual Worlds emerge as three-dimensional environments that have the potential to stimulate advances in the educational field by promoting interactivity, freedom and autonomy for students. However, its effective adoption in educational institutions is still considered very limited, and few studies have so far sought to identify more specific causes for such limitation. This research aims to contribute to the theme through a preliminary study about the impact of individual characteristics of learning styles and digital experience on users’ initial perception about 3D Virtual Worlds. An experiment was conducted with a sample consisting of potential influencers in the decision making process for adoption of this type of approach, being composed by professionals from educational area that experimented a 3D virtual laboratory for the first time. As a result, some insights about the mentioned characteristics’ influence on user first impression are identified and some potential adjustments necessary to better fit different profiles are suggested, envisioning to disseminate theuse of Virtual Worlds in Education.
AGE AND GENDER SENSITIVITIES TO CONTINGENCY MANAGEMENT AND TOKEN REINFOREMENT STRATEGIES ON SELF CONTROL LEVELS OF REMAND HOME INMATES IN NIGERIA.
Authors: Hafiz SULEIMAN Femi
Published: February 2021

The study examined Age and Gender Sensitivities to Contingency Management and Token Reinforcement strategies on Self Control levels of Remand home inmates in Nigeria.The study adopted the quasi-experimental non-organized pre-test, post-test and control group involving 3x2 factorial designs. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups. Seventy two (72) clients formed the sample for the study. Three remand homes- Akure (Ondo state), Osgbo (Osun state) and Ibadan (Oyo state) were purposively sampled for the study. The clients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups and a control group. The first group was treated with Contingency Management while the second with Token reinforcement and the third served as control. Self Control Scale (SCS) was employed in gathering data and descriptive statistics, ANCOVA, and scheffe posthoc analysis were used to analyze the data. The result revealed that both Contingency Management and token reinforcement strategies were adequately effective therapies in enhancing self control levels of the clients. However no significant difference on the self-control levels of male and female was found as well as that of old and young clients, this implies that both male and females as well as old and young clients are sensitive to Contingency Management and Token Reinforcement strategies. On the basis of these findings, it was highly recommended that government at various levels should employ well trained counseling psychologies who are competent in the use of various behavior modification techniques in solving different maladjustment problems among our youths and clients should avail the opportunity of the training exposed to at various homes and realized that both male and female clients deserve the treatment while the old and the young clients need treatment equally. Though the level of their involvement on delinquent behavior differ from one another, however, both need adequate and qualified counseling psychologies in behavior modification techniques
Devolution of Legislative Power to the Provincial Council of Sri Lanka
Authors: Mendis N. Piyuji Rasanja
Published: February 2021

The objective of the study is to examine the states of legislative devolution in Sri Lanka under present constitution of 1978. The ‘Indo-Lanka Accord’ committed Sri Lanka to establish a system of devolution to Provincial Councils (PCs). Consequently with the aim of devolving power, the PCs were established in each of the nine Provinces of Sri Lanka under the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution. In a system where devolution of power exists, power is divided between the national and sub national level. In case of Sri Lanka such a division takes place between the central government which is the government at national level and the provincial council which is the government at sub national level. The legislation is the framework by which governments of whatever persuasion seek to achieve their purposes. Under a truly devolved system, the unit to which the power is devolved can exercise its autonomy in the implementation of the devolved functions. This autonomy should have been ensured, in the PC system as expected in the 1987 Indo-Lanka Agreement. It was found that the PCs are elected bodies which were given power to pass statutes applicable to their respective Provinces, with regards to certain specified matters. The legislative power of the PCs is not exclusive theirs. Issues related with legislative power also contributed to the weak capacity basis of the Provincial Council.
Prime Numbers
Authors: Ndiaye Mady
Published: February 2021

A prime number is a natural number that has Just two divisors: one and itself. From antiquity until our time, scientists are researching mathematical reasoning to understand the prime numbers; eminent scholars had worked on this field before it is abandoned. Mathematicians considered the prime numbers like « building blocs in building natural numbers » and the field of mathematics the most difficult. Everything is about numbers, everything is about measure, The understanding of the natural numbers and more general the understanding of the numbers depend on the understanding of the prime numbers. This understanding of the prime will gives us greater ease to understand the other sciences. The prime numbers play a very important role for securing information technology hence promotion of the NTIC, Every year, there is a price for persons who will discover the biggest prime “it‟s the hunt for the big prime” This first part of this article about the prime numbers has taken a weight off the scientists „s shoulders by highlighting the universe of the prime numbers and has bring the problem of the prime numbers to an end. The mathematical formulas set out in this article allow us to determine all the biggest prime numbers compared to the capacity of our machines.
Matlab Source Code for species transport Through Nafion Membranes in Direct Ethanol, Direct Methanol, and Direct Glucose Fuel Cells
Authors: Summerfield John H.
Published: February 2021

A simple simulation of chemical species movement is presented. The species traverse a Nafion membrane in a fuel cell. Three cells are examined: direct methanol, direct ethanol, and direct glucose. The species are tracked using excess proton concentration, electric field strength, and voltage. The Matlab computer code is provided.
Intertwining Development concepts and Socio-Cultural Alienation
Authors: Christophe TANGYIE EVANI
Published: February 2021

It would be inappropriate to discuss issues of development without taking an overview of some of the factors that influence it. From our analysis of development strategies and projects carried out in developing countries, a study of the views and concepts of development in various parts of Africa south of the Sahara in general and Cameroon in particular reveals a tremendous degree of cultural value degradation. This study seeks to show to what extend popular notions of development lead to cultural alienation but without any real social impact in developing countries. In this study, I will equally analyse the prevailing situation of acculturation in Cameroon, provide some salient examples of adulterated development models which have not helped in reducing the general poverty index of the country.The paper equally has as objective to demonstrate that western concepts of development are at the centre of African cultural alienation and how this shift is more of disillusionment. Revisiting what some scholars like Verhelst (1990) Gheddo (1973) have clearly demonstrated in their works that the Western concept of development is a cultural illusion inferring that Africans should consider themselves as not only consumers but also creators of their own meaningful development independently of the western ideologies, this paper thus examines the implication of such a situation within the global context of cultural alienation, and the limited technological developments observed in African states south of the Sahara.
Enhancing Engineering Education through Design-Driven Curriculum
Authors: Wu Yanqiong , Zhang Zhinan , Zhang Junliang
Published: February 2021

In China, there is a strong demand for reforming higher engineering education both from industry and tertiary education perspective. School of Mechanical Engineering (ME), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is ongoing developing design-driven curricula to enhance engineering education through project-based teaching, learning and assessment. More than 3000 students have completed over 600 projects in various courses since 2014. Of these projects, solving open-end problem accounts for about 25%, developing simple products about 25%, focusing on creative mechanism about 25%, and industry sponsored projects about 25%. Evaluation from industry at project showcase and studentsâ€™ self-assessment showed the positive effects of the undergoing reform of undergraduate courses conducted by ME, SJTU on the enhancement of engineering education.
look at the Postgraduation Stricto Sensu Scientific Production of Teachers in a Brazilian Federal Teaching Institution
Authors: Grossi Márcia Gorett Ribeiro , Borja Shirley Doweslei Bernardes , Silva Elaine Ribeiro da , Ferreira Silvia Fonseca
Published: February 2021

This article aimed to investigate the areas of research interest developed in a Brazilian federal education institution, CEFET-MG. In order to do so, we analyzed the academic production carried out by teachers who work in the Postgraduation stricto sensu in this institution, verifying in which areas of knowledge their research has been carried out, based on the analysis of Lattes Curricula of its teachers between the years 2005 and 2016.  It was chosen a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research. Regarding to technical procedures, documentary research was adopted. The results showed that the teachers who had their Lattes Curricula analyzed come from different areas of knowledge and, therefore, their areas of activity and research are also diversified, mostly the researches developed in the Engineering and Exact Sciences, showing the strong technological character of  CEFET-MG. This characteristic is also noticed in the distribution of the Research Groups by big Area of Knowledge and by the projects carried out by teachers and managed by Cefetminas Foundation.
“Children’s First Experiences in School” A Reflection for Parents and Teachers
Authors: Richards Delia Robinson
Published: February 2021

Children are products of their environment. When the learner comes to school, they bring their environment with them.  It is important that educators help the learner adjust to the school environment and make the learner feel a part of the school. Allowing the children to develop the classroom rules, accommodating, and involving parents /family in the school environment is the beginning of a collaborative teaching and learning experience.  Nurturing, bonding, and scaffolding with the urban learner is pivotal for the learner to excel to their fullest potential. In addition, appreciating and respecting cultural diversity is critical in helping the children reach their optimal potential.
Anti-monopoly Regulation on the Standard Essential Patent-On Huawei v. the US IDC
Authors: Wu Zeqin
Published: February 2021

With the arrival of the Sci-Tech era and information era, the standards-essential patent becomes increasingly important and the educational circle is more and more concerned about the study on the anti-monopoly law of standard essential patent. Since many lawsuits on the standards-essential patent occur in recent years, the educational circle of China begins to think seriously over the new legal issue. From the perspective of the anti-monopoly law, this thesis gives an introduction to the concept of standards-essential patent and takes the specific case of Huawei suing the US IDC as an example to analyze how to make use of the anti-monopoly law in China to regulate the standard essential patent .
OWL-Based Ontology to Represent Interactions of Students in Educational Virtual Worlds
Authors: Rossi Filho Tito Armando , Krassmann Aliane Loureiro , Tarouco Liane Margarida Rockenbach , Behar Patricia Alejandra
Published: February 2021

While several studies in the last decade explore the potential benefits of virtual worlds in education settings, less attention has been given to the research of solutions to help overcome implementation barriers. One of the existing areas of concern is related to the difficulties on the exploitation of data obtained from educational virtual worlds. This paper proposes an OWL-based ontology to address a solution to the problem of inconsistency of databases that record information about student interactions with learning objects within these environments. The steps that have been followed for the development of the ontology are described, guided by Stanford’s 101 model. To discuss the feasibility and exemplify the ontology, an instance of an existing virtual world interaction is presented. The conclusion is that the proposed ontology can be helpful to researchers and development groups as it delivers a reusable model to gather data in a uniform way.
Effects of Home - Based Parental Involvement Practices in Promoting Quality of Education in Public Day Secondary Schools in Igembe Sub County, Meru County - Kenya
Authors: THUBA ESTHER , Kathuri Justus Nephat , Mariene John
Published: February 2021

Universally, institutions of learning are charged with the task of producing quality human resource which can adapt to the ever-changing global environments. Secondary schools provide the youth with opportunities to acquire human capital that enable them to pursue higher education and also improve their knowledge and skills. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of home - based parental involvement practices in promoting quality of education in public day secondary schools in Igembe Central Sub County, Meru County- Kenya. Convergent design was used. This study comprised 28 principals, 266 teachers, 6912 students and 144 parents’ representatives. This made a total target population of 7312 subjects from the public day secondary schools of Igembe Central Sub County. Out of this target population, a sample of 8 principals, 48 teachers, 32 parents and 352 students, making a total of 440 subjects, was drawn using both probability and non-probability sampling procedures. The researcher collected both qualitative and quantitative data using interview schedules for principals, questionnaires for teachers’ and students’, parents’ focus group discussions and document analysis guide. The results obtained led to the conclusion that improving home based involvement of the parents can lead to improvement in children’s school attendance, homework completion, improved learning behaviors and even better learner’s discipline. This indicates that parents’ involvement in education of their children at home is a powerful force in enhancing the quality of education offered in public day secondary schools. The study recommends that parents be enlightened on the home-based activities that either directly or indirectly affect the quality of education that their children receive so that they may know how to invest their energies and resources to improve education in their children’s schools. It was also recommended that parents should monitor their children’s security in addition to the improvement of home- school relationships.
Visual Strategies
Authors: Guimarães Cayley , Aquino Matheus , Fernandes Sueli F.
Published: February 2021

Language is a special activity, and it’s through/via/with language that we develop intelligence, knowledge, and culture. Language is what makes us human beings. Language and its meanings allow for interactions among members of the society to partake in the same culture. People are more than legal citizens: the sense of belonging creates identity, in a process mediated by language. Deaf people have little to no access to the oral language; thus, they have difficulties to share in the national literature, media, popular culture, traditions, myths, folklore, among others. In order to build this identity, the Deaf1 need to learn the written modality of the Oral language from the culture in which they are immersed. Unfortunately, very few research and resources are dedicated to such task. This research proposes a Learning Object that uses Sign Language (the natural language of the Deaf) to teach text cohesion.
Utilization of knowledge systems and bases for selection and evaluation of domestic electrical installations
Authors: Haluza Miroslav , Toman Petr , Macháček Jan
Published: February 2021

This article deals with the use of the sophisticated methods for the selection of technical and economic solution of electrical wiring. This solution is based not only on a price but also on many other criteria such as a comfort, service, durability etc. The focus of the work is a treatise on wiring systems from a global perspective, where it is impossible to use a conventional approach for objective evaluation and selection of the appropriate electrical wiring system (because of the complexity of such systems and their interdependencies). In the article are given information of an energy consumption (the total consumption and household consumption), consumption prediction – especially for households. Following is an overview of possible measures for reducing electricity consumption in households. In the part of the article are solved the knowledge, respectively expert systems for use in an electrical engineering – especially for a suitable tool for the selection and evaluation of households wiring electrical system. The result of this work provides a possible solution for a selection of wiring electrical system for households (focusing on the intelligent wiring) – from a technical and economic point of view and with using an innovative approach. The main contribution of this work is a proposal of the main part of the knowledge base. This base could be a basis for knowledge, respectively for an evaluating technical and economical solution of an electrical wiring system – the expert system includes also a feedback function of an effective solution, use value, price etc., which would also serve as a knowledge base.
Heat exchange on the outside of the pipe when heat is distributed by heat networks
Authors: Dobáková Romana , Jasminská Natália , Brestovič Tomáš , Lazár Marian , Marek Jiří
Published: February 2021

The article deals with the exchange of heat on the outside of the pipe when distributing heat through heat networks. This is a combined heat exchange, i.e. free convection and radiation. The calculations and outputs analysed in the article are mainly applicable to thermal networks run aboveground. In the calculation, an ambient temperature of 15 °C was measured, ranging from the temperatures corresponding to the air temperatures in the channel. The results are interpreted in the form of diagrams and tables. The calculation was performed on the secondary DN 125 pipe with PIPO_ALS insulation and the calculation was extended to all nominal diameters used in the secondary wiring for determining the influence of heat transfer, depending on the change in pipe diameter.
OPTIMIZATION OF HANDOVER IN MOBILE SYSTEM BY USING DYNAMIC GUARD CHANNEL METHOD
Authors: Ibrahim Abubakar Moallim Ali , Oduol Vitalice K. , Akuon Peter
Published: February 2021

Handover process is a very essential process in the Global System for Mobile Communication system (GSM). Its study is one of the major key performance indicators in every GSM network, and its linked to the quality of service of an each service provider strives to attain. The failure of the handover process is regarded as the drop of quality of service which in turn dissatisfies the customers. This study, contributes more on improving call drop rate in general, reduce handover failure rate and thus save on upgrade costs, this will be beneficial to GSM service providers to easily optimize their network faults relating to the resource management. In this paper, dynamic guard channel algorithm is presented that was developed using JAVA Software. This algorithm prioritizes the handover calls over the new originated calls. All handover calls are ongoing calls and if they are dropped it causes frustrations. Matlab was used to compare simulated results to the other schemes by use of graphs and charts.  From this paper we were able to establish and come up with a definitive solution to the handover crisis befalling telecommunication companies.
Undergraduate performance assessment
Authors: Musharrafieh Umayya , Ashkar Khalil , Dandashi Dima , Romani Maya , Houry Rana , Mahfoud Ziad
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is considered a useful method of assessing clinical skills besides Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and clinical evaluations. Aim: To explore the acceptance of medical students to this assessment tool in medical education and to determine whether the assessment results of MCQs and faculty clinical evaluations agree with the respective OSCE scores of 4th year medical students (Med IV). Methods: performance of a total of 223 Med IV students distributed on academic years 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 in OSCE, MCQs and faculty evaluations were compared. Out of the total 93 students were asked randomly to fill a questionnaire about their attitudes and acceptance of this tool. The OSCE was conducted every two months for two different groups of medical students who had completed their family medicine rotation, while faculty evaluation based on observation by assessors was submitted on a monthly basis upon the completion of the rotation. The final exam for the family medicine clerkship was performed at the end of the 4thacademic year, and it consisted of MCQsResults: Students highly commended the OSCE as a tool of evaluation by faculty members as it provides a true measure of required clinical skills and communication skills compared to MCQs and faculty evaluation. The study showed a significant positive correlation between the OSCE scores and the clinical evaluation scores while there was no association between the OSCE score and the final exam scores.Conclusion: Student showed high appreciation and acceptance of this type of clinical skills testing. Despite the fact that OSCEs make them more stressed than other modalities of assessment, it remained the preferred one.
EFFECTS OF DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN KAKUMA REFUGEE CAMP, TURKANA COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Muthikwa Immaculate , Kibera Lucy
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the effect of drug and substance abuse on primary school pupils’ academic performance in Kakuma refugee camp, Turkana County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine the extent of drug and substance abuse among pupils, establish whether peer influence led to drug and substance abuse among pupils and determine the influence of drug and substance abuse on pupils; academic performance. The study was guided by Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory of 1986. The research used descriptive survey design and stratified sampling technique. The sample size compared 200 pupils, 20 guiding and counseling teachers, 10 headteachers and 1 education officer. The study used questionnaires to gather quantitative data which was analyzed using SPSS package and was thereafter presented in frequencies tables and graphs. On the other hand, qualitative data was solicited through focus discussion groups and was processed through content analysis and summarized in thematic areas. The findings indicated that alcohol was the commonly abused substance. The majority (65%) of teacher counselors stated that drug and substance abuse and was most commonly available at 55% among pupils who abused drugs and alcohol. As a result, most of the pupils (58.8%) expected to attain between 201-250 marks at Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in 2017. The prevalence of abuse of alcohol was at 55% followed by tobacco and bhang at 45% and 35% respectively.  The results have further revealed that the causes of alcohol and drug abuse included peer pressure influence with (75%), idleness (65%), lack of parental guidance (40%), availability of drugs in schools (35%) and influence of extended family (25%).
Executive Coaching and Organisational Performance
Authors: Kibe James Kahugu , Muathe Stephen
Published: February 2021

Executive coaching is now becoming paramount in any organization that values performance. However, there is scanty research on the relationship between executive coaching and organizational performance. The purpose of this study is to identify the contextual, theoretical, conceptual and methodological gaps that exist between executive coaching and organizational performance. The study has found out that relatively few theories link the two major variables in the study. Experiential leaning theory talks about learning experiences and outcomes of executives but fails to give a clear link of how the various outcomes lead to organizational performance. More so, cognitive behavior theory is more inclined to behavioral changes and self-driven scrutiny on finding fault in oneself with aid of Socratic questioning, but does not clearly explain how the changes lead to organizational performance. The systems approach sheds light on how the various systems in the organization can be amalgamated to give an effective leader but fails to indicate how effective leadership translates to organizational performance. The goal theory on the other hand explains how the various environment and personal aspects lead to goal attainment in the organization. However, learning and behavior change have not been used categorically to explain the goal attainment process. The empirical studies conducted tend to relate executive coaching to other variables such as job satisfaction, individual commitment, self-efficacy and self awareness in the western context but fails to associate the coaching exercise to organizational performance. Finally, few studies have employed inferential statistics to show the association between executive coaching and organizational performance. The fundamental conclusion therefore, is that the gaps mentioned and explained in this study need to be addressed in order to show if indeed there is any association. The study would help organizations in realizing that, the association between executive coaching and organizational performance has an impact in the firm.
The perceptions of teacher trainers and trainees on the relevance of instructional resources for Creative Arts teacher education curriculum to learners needs in Kenya
Authors: Nyamota Keoro Andrew , Kisilu Anne Syomwene , Barasa Peter L.
Published: February 2021

This paper is a report of a study that was carried out in the year 2017 on the perceptions of teacher trainers and trainees on the relevance of instructional resources for Creative Arts teacher education curriculum to learners’ needs in Kenya. The larger study from which this paper was drawn was on the perceptions of teacher trainers and trainees on the relevance of Creative Arts teacher education curriculum to learners’ and societal needs. This study was guided by Structural Functionalism Theory. The pragmatic paradigm was adopted in the study. The study used mixed methods research approach. These involved integrating the qualitative and quantitative approaches. Under this design, both the qualitative and quantitative data were collected concurrently, analyzed separately and then merged for interpretation of overall results. This study targeted teacher trainees, trainers and HoDs of Creative Arts drawn from public primary teacher training colleges in the western region of Kenya. Stratified and simple random sampling methods were used to select the sample whereby three hundred and ten participants were selected for the study. These comprised of 270 teacher trainees, 30 teacher trainers (tutors) and 10 HODs for Creative Arts. The research instruments used were teacher trainees’ questionnaire; the teacher trainers’ questionnaire; and the HoDs interview schedule. Data analysis was done by the use of descriptive statistics whereby frequencies and percentages were calculated using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The results of the study revealed that teacher trainees and trainers perceived resources such as song repertoire and audio-visuals among others as relevant to the learner and societal needs but inadequate. The instructional resources in the colleges were perceived to be inadequate and obsolete. Lack of rooms to accommodate practical teaching using the suggested resources was also of concern. It was recommended that colleges should endeavor to provide all the resources suggested in the syllabus and replace those that are obsolete. In addition, emphasis should be put on teaching the subject in a more practical way through the provision of time and space. The results of this study will be useful to pre-service teachers, teacher trainers, policymakers, and researchers, on curriculum development and implementation of Creative Arts curriculum for teacher education.
Veterinarians recognize a Role for Physical Therapist in
Authors: Kalish Sue Ann S. , Charlesworth Courtney , Garrison Brittny , Terilli Brooke , Zambrowicz Ashton
Published: February 2021

The role of physical therapy and rehabilitation of an injured or aging small animal offers great potential. The increase in the use of domestic small animals, particularly canines, as companion animals, service animals and for athletic competition, advances in medical and surgical techniques in veterinary medicine and personal experiences participating in physical therapy appears to have created a desire from owners regarding the animal’s quality of life and quantity of years. There is little literature addressing small animal physical therapy rehabilitation and how such services might be accessed. We present an interview-based study to assess opinions of veterinarians to gauge whether they perceive a need for small animal physical therapy and rehabilitation. We further examine which health care professionals these veterinarians perceive are most qualified to render these rehabilitative services. Eight veterinarians from a rural, northeastern region of Georgia were interviewed. The results demonstrate that many veterinarians may not have received curriculum instruction in small animal physical therapy through veterinary school. Still, results reveal that veterinarians in this study support physical therapists playing a role in the rehabilitative treatment of small animals. This study further supports the need for interprofessional education and collaboration in the treatment of small animals and their physical therapy needs.
Study of the Secondary Flow in Aircraft Engine Compressor Disks using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Ahmed Syed Naveed , Reddy P. Ravinder , Venkatesh Sriram
Published: February 2021

The compressor disks of an aircraft engine which operate at very high rotational speeds are exposed to significant temperature gradients. These temperature gradients induce thermal stresses into the rotating disks which along with the existing dynamic stresses significantly reduce their useful field life. Hence it becomes essential to reduce the disk temperature gradients by utilizing a certain percentage of the compressor core flow known as the secondary flow for either heating or cooling these rotating parts. But this extraction of the compressor core flow results in a higher engine fuel burn for a given engine thrust.  Hence the need arises for a better utilization of the secondary flow to effectively reduce the temperature gradients of the rotating compressor disks. As the secondary flow thermal phenomenon  inside the rotating compressor disk cavities is very complex and due to it’s direct impact on the  life expectancy of the disks it becomes critical to understand it’s  thermo-fluid behaviour by the effective use of available Computational Fluid Dynamic tools. In the current study the secondary flow through the compressor disk cavities is simulated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the results are analysed and reported. The analysis of these results help in a better understanding of the distribution of the flow and the variations of the thermal fluid parameters across the secondary flow system. These results are also later used as thermal boundary conditions in the Finite Element model (FEM) to study the impact of various engine design parameters on the disk temperature gradients after being validated by the experimental results. The findings from this computer aided investigation offers support in make design improvements aimed at lowering the disk temperature gradients and enhancing their useful field life
Self-study of Innovation in Quality Assurance at the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education
Authors: Garwe Evelyn Chiyevo
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a self-study of the innovative policies, practices, methods, systems and instruments that have been used by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education to assure quality in the constantly changing higher education environment. The aim of the paper is to provide information to countries still developing quality assurance frameworks. The author underscore the role of motivation in creating fertile ground for innovation and creativity.
Using of undergraduate student’s feedback, learning process and growth mindset to improve the teaching and learning at university
Authors: De Araujo Jalberth Fernandes , Cardoso Izadora Soares , Guedes Ariadne Caroline Silva , Ferreira Ianca Rocha , De Albuquerque Helvio Rubens Reis
Published: February 2021

Several researches indicate that undergraduate students are unsatisfied with their learning experience at university. One of the reasons is the non-effective communication between teachers and students. The non-effective communication may cause problems in teaching and learning, which are fundamental and professional skills that teachers and students must continually develop. Problems in teaching and learning impact directly the learning experience at university of the students, and improve the communication between teachers and students can solve the problems. The communication and, consequently, the teaching and learning, can be improved using the undergraduate student’s feedback. In this paper, a methodology to improve the teaching and learning is presented. The methodology is based on the use of undergraduate student’s feedback, and it was utilized in an electrical engineering classroom during one year. Based on the results, teaching, learning, communication, motivation, engagement and satisfaction of the teacher and students have improved correlating the methodology with the learning process and growth mindset.
Methodology of power analysis in Michel Foucault’s thought
Authors: Ribeiro Junior Humberto , Rosa Rayane Marinho , Dorneles Junior Heitor Brandão
Published: February 2021

This work seeks to reconstruct Michel Foucault's power analysis methodology in order to understand how he overcomes the classical theories of power by proposing a way of seeing power as a relation that occurs between subjects. In order to do so, the relations between truth and power will be analyzed, as well as the methodological premises elaborated by the author in his main works on power.
Students perceptions of using a second language in a mother tongue dominated environment
Authors: BAZIMAZIKI GABRIEL
Published: February 2021

While English is an official language and holds a significant role in education not only as a medium of instruction but also a subject of study from primary to tertiary level in Rwandan education system, some students still stick on their mother tongue in academic environment and this impedes language education and quality education as a whole. Based on Communicative approach, this study explored students’ perceptions of using a second language in a mother tongue dominated environment. The study involved 36 Diploma students from language education combinations. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Analysis revealed that mother tongue environment affects second language use. It was recommended that efforts be made to practice and improve their English language for effective communication.