bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience and Perception of Virtual Clinical Conferencing During COVID-19 Pandemic by Doctors at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Dim Cyril Chukwudi , Nnagbo Johnpaul Ejikeme , Nwosu Ekeoma O , Ugwu Emmanuel Onyebuchi , Onodugo Obinna Donatus
Published: October 2021

Background:

The first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak resulted in the restriction of physical meetings/gatherings worldwide as part of disease preventive measures. This restriction affected formal teaching and learning globally, including medical residency training programs in Nigeria. To sustain educational meetings during the COVID-19 disease outbreak, the Postgraduate Studies unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu, Nigeria, directed all clinical departments of the hospital to switch from physical meetings to virtual video conferencing (VVC).

Aim:

To determine the experience and perception of VVC during COVID-19 by resident doctors and their consultants in UNTH Enugu, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

Questionnaires were administered to 220 consenting medical doctors randomly selected from the population of resident doctors (trainees) and Consultants (trainers) at the UNTH, Enugu, Nigeria. The data were collected by an online generated Google form (self-administered questionnaire), some of which were printed and self-administered. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20.0.

Results:

Out of 220 participants, 202 participants filled the questionnaires appropriately and were analyzed. Of the participants, 196 (97.0%) participated in VVC since COVID-19. Only 107 (54.6%) agreed they were satisfied while 89 (45.4%) were not satisfied. Only 108 (55.1%) respondents agreed that they preferred virtual meetings over physical meetings. A majority of respondents (79.1%, 155/196) preferred physical meetings over virtual meetings. The most common reason for preferring VVC over the physical meeting is its convenience, whereas in the converse, the commonest reason is its ability to cover all the academic programs.

Conclusion:

There is an improved participation level in academic residency programs by residents and consultants since the introduction of VVC, during the COVID-19 pandemic at UNTH Enugu.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Preventive Measures Against COVID-19 among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Omoronyia Ezukwa Ezukwa , Eyong Edu , Omoronyia Ogban Ezukwa , Akpan Ubong , Arogundade Kazzeem , Ekanem Etim Inyang
Published: October 2021

Background:

Implementation of preventive precautions remains the most important measure in the control of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection. This study was aimed at evaluating the extent of knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 prevention among pregnant women in Calabar, Nigeria.

Methodology:

Cross-sectional descriptive design and systematic random sampling method were utilized to recruit antenatal care clinic attendees, in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. Study variables were assessed using structured questionnaires. Information was entered and analyzed with SPSS version 21.0. A percentage knowledge score of at least 75% was considered satisfactory. P-value was set at 0.05.

Result:

Two hundred and eighty-four women were studied and the mean age was 30.6 ± 5.0 years. Approximately half of the women (51.4%) were within the third trimester of pregnancy. The mean percentage knowledge score was 71.7% ±17.2%, and the overall level of knowledge was unsatisfactory in 43.3% of respondents. Most women agreed with the reality of existence of COVID-19 infection (90.1%), and 30.6% were of the opinion that the pandemic could be eradicated by prayers alone. Most women practised preventive measures including the use of face mask (89.1%), social distancing (84.2%), and regular handwashing (94.4%). There was a significantly higher mean total knowledge score as well as knowledge of preventive measures among users compared with non-users of face mask, and regular subjects were compared with non-regular subjects with regards to their handwashing practice (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Familiarity with COVID-19 prevention among pregnant women in the study context is suboptimal. There is a need to improve maternal health education provided during antenatal care visits, toward addressing misconceptions related to the pandemic.
Lipid Profile in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Olabumuyi Adeniyi Adedayo , Abdus-Salam Abbas Adesina , Ogunnorin Babatunde Olutoye , Kuti Modupe Akinrele
Published: October 2021

Background:

Breast cancer, the leading malignancy among women in Nigeria in terms of incidence and mortality, contributes a greater proportion of cancer burden compared with other cancers in Nigeria. A need to further identify and modify risk factors of breast cancer is necessary to apply preventive medicine and decrease its disease burden. Serum lipid profile is an objective index of fat metabolism, but its relationship with breast cancer is yet to be extensively investigated in our environment.

Aim:

To explore the relationship of serum lipid profile with breast cancer in the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Methods:

The anthropometry, body fat percentage and lipid profile of 70 patients with breast cancer and 71 age-matched controls were studied.

Statistical Analysis:

Differences in the mean values of the lipid profile parameters were tested for significance using the Student's t-test and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results:

The breast cancer patients had statistically significantly higher serum triglyceride (TG) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001). This was also an independent risk factor with multivariate analysis. Demonstrating the odds of breast cancer rose by 5.1% (odds ratio = 1.051, P < 0.001) with each 1 mg/dl rise in serum TG.

Conclusion:

There is potential for serum TG to be utilized as a marker of breast cancer. However, this needs to be determined by more elaborate studies.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection a Risk for Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases among Patients in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Zawaya Kefas P , Dunga Jacob A , Adamu Yakubu , Bathnna Sule J , Liman Haruna U , Musa Jafiada J , Yusuf Sulaiman Y , Vakkai Innocent , Adabe Ruth , Okeke E N , Agaba E I
Published: October 2021

Background:

Since the discovery of the Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) fiber optic endoscope machine in 1868 and following the discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H- Pylori) infection and its association with most gastroduodenal diseases in 1983 by Robin Warren and Barry Marshal, Our knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of most UGI diseases has significantly improved.

Aim:

The study aimed to establish the presence of H. pylori as a risk factor for common UGI disease as confirmed by UGI endoscopy and the pattern of findings in UGI endoscopy.

Methodology:

This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was carried out at the Endoscopy Unit of Jos University Teaching Hospital. A total of 260 patients referred for UGI endoscopy from August 2013 to April 2014 were recruited and investigated for H. pylori from the biopsy specimens taken during UGI endoscopy. The diagnosis of H. pylori was made by histology.

Result:

A total of 260 patients were studied, 159 (61.2%) males and 101 (38.8%) females. H. pylori were present in 169 (65%) and absent in 91 (35%). More females had H. pylori compared to males (67.3% and 63.5%). The common endoscopic findings were present in the stomach. Gastritis 57 (21.9%) was the most common abnormality seen in the stomach, while gastroesophageal reflux disease was the most commonly seen in the esophagus and duodenal ulcer in the duodenum.

Conclusion:

There is a positive correlation between H. pylori infection with endoscopic abnormalities seen among patients.
Contraction Techniques Adopted for Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Education by Nigeria-based Physiotherapists
Authors: Ojukwu Chidiebele Petronilla , Orji Precious Chidiebere , Ede Stephen Sunday , Ezeigwe Anne , Uchenwoke Chigozie Ikenna , Anekwu Emelie , Igwe Sylvester Emeka
Published: October 2021

Objective:

The objective of the study is to investigate contraction techniques adopted for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercise education and their perceived efficacies among physiotherapists in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred and eight conveniently selected physiotherapists in various clinical specialties, working in different hospitals across Nigeria, responded to a structured questionnaire that investigated contraction techniques adopted for PFM exercise education and their perceived efficacies. The data was analyzed with the SPSS software version 20.0 at P = 0.5.

Results:

111 male and 97 female physiotherapists (mean age of 34.2 ± 10.3 years) participated in this study. “Imagination of urinating and suddenly interrupting urine flow” (85.9%) and “gripping of therapist's fingers or vaginal electrodes with the vagina” (44.6%) were the commonly utilized contraction techniques. “Imagination of urinating and suddenly interrupting urine flow” (28.8%) and “imagination of gripping the penis with the vagina” (26.4%) were perceived as the most effective methods by the physiotherapists while “imagination of releasing flatus while attempting to obscure its sound” (0.96%) emerged as the least effective methods.

Conclusion:

“Imagination of urinating and suddenly interrupting urine flow” is the most common contraction technique utilized for PFM education by Nigerian physiotherapists as well as the perceived most effective method, as compared to others.
Association between Anxiety, Alcohol, Poly-Tobacco use and Waterpipe Smoking
Authors: Erinoso Olufemi , Oyapero Afolabi , Osoba Moyosoore , Amure Mary , Osibogun Olatokunbo , Wright Kikelomo , Osibogun Akin
Published: October 2021

Background:

Waterpipe smoking (WPS) has been reported to have a wide range of damaging health effects on pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. Studies suggest that waterpipe tobacco smoking is associated with reduced harm perceptions, mental health problems and the use of psychoactive substances. We investigate the patterns of use and the association of WPS with anxiety, poly-tobacco and alcohol use in Lagos, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was used to assess the data from 818 adolescents and adults in Lagos State, Nigeria. An online questionnaire obtained demographic information, waterpipe, e-cigarette, alcohol and other tobacco product use from respondents. Anxiety was assessed using the validated Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-point scale. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with waterpipe ever-use. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The mean (standard deviation) age of respondents was 23.43 (±3.96), over half were female (55.2%) and a majority had a college diploma or more (88.59%). Among study participants, 18.58% reported waterpipe ever-use. Among ever waterpipe users, 17.33% reported current use (past 30-days), with a majority having smoked waterpipe in a bar or pub. Alcohol use (P < 0.001), e-cigarette ever-use (P: 0.010) and poly-tobacco ever-use (P: 0.030) were significantly associated with higher odds of waterpipe use in the multivariate regression model. Further, there was a lower likelihood of waterpipe ever-use in the bivariate regression model among respondents with mild and moderate to severe anxiety levels than those with normal anxiety levels (P: 0.030); however, this association was no longer significant in the adjusted model.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest a relatively high prevalence of WPS in Lagos, Nigeria. Concurrent alcohol consumption, e-cigarette and poly-tobacco use are associated with WPS, and most waterpipe smokers have normal anxiety levels. The Nigerian Government should consider surveillance measures for WPS and a more comprehensive smoke-free policy.
The exact convergence rate in the ergodic theorem of Lubotzky–Phillips–Sarnak and a universal lower bound on discrepancies
Authors: Pinochet Lobos Antoine , Pittet Christophe
Published: October 2021

We establish a new result about the equidistribution of points on the two-dimensional round sphere. More precisely, we improve an upper bound of Lubotzky–Phillips–Sarnak on the discrepancies of some finite symmetric sets of isometries of the sphere defined with the help of Lipschitz quaternions. We show that a simple application of the spectral theorem leads to the best possible upper bound. Our proof relies on the deep result of Lubotzky–Phillips– Sarnak about spectral properties of some special free groups of isometries of the sphere. It leads to an upper bound on the discrepancy which matches
exactly
a general lower bound suspected by Lubotzky. We confirm Lubotzky’s guess by proving a universal lower bound on the discrepancies of actions on atomless probability spaces. We also mention some facts relating discrepancies to standard deviations, spectral gaps, amenability, Kazdhan pairs and

\epsilon

-good sets. In an appendix, we emphasize the relation between the computed discrepancies and the values of the Harish-Chandra function of a free group.
The Value and Interpretation of Race and Ethnicity Data in the Era of Global Migration: A Change Is in Order
Authors: Erayil Serin Edwin , Smith M. Kumi , Gebreslasse Tsige , Walker Patricia F. , Mann Erin M. , Wilkins Syreeta , Stauffer William M.
Published: October 2021

Human migration and travel are leading to increasingly diverse populations throughout the world. Data collection practices need to adapt to these changes to expand our understanding of health disparities and to optimize the efforts to address health equity, particularly during public health emergencies such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Race and ethnicity classifications in the United States have failed to evolve since the 1970s despite an increasingly diverse population. Current commonly collected categories are inadequate to accurately describe the economic, educational, and sociopolitical circumstances of different groups. Further, these categories lend little practical information to inform health policy. More predictive and actionable variables should be routinely collected to improve appropriateness and timeliness of health interventions. The immediate adoption of the collection of primary/preferred language and country of birth/origin by public health organizations, health systems, and clinical providers would be a concrete and valuable first step.
Limited Sensitivity of a Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Detection Assay for Surveillance of Asymptomatic Individuals in Thailand
Authors: Mungomklang Anek , Trichaisri Nichapa , Jirachewee Jittima , Sukprasert Jaravee , Tulalamba Warut , Viprakasit Vip
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is a global pandemic. Therefore, rapid and accurate tests for SARS-CoV-2 screening are urgently needed to expedite disease prevention and control especially in community transmission. Since late December 2020, Thailand has faced a new wave of COVID-19 outbreaks. The Thai National Disease Control program at the Ministry of Public Health has identified suitable measure for mass screening. A SARS-CoV-2 antigen-based assay is a surveillance option for active cases. Here, we evaluated the feasibility and test performance of a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test during our field activities in 1,100 asymptomatic individuals in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, during the second wave COVID-19 outbreak (December 26–30, 2020). The results showed that the rapid antigen test had a sensitivity of 47.97% (95% CI: 36.10–59.96%) and a specificity of 99.71% (95% CI: 99.15–99.94%) versus standard reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The rapid test performed better in cases with higher viral loads determined by the cycle threshold value. In real-world setting, the test performance can be compromised by several factors including viral loads, logistic chains, temperature, technical expertise of the operators, validity, and accuracy of the testing itself. Our study highlights a prerequisite for reevaluation of any given testing before implementing it at the national level.
Compassionate Leadership: Essential for the Future of Tropical Medicine and Global Health
Authors: Harrel Evan , Berland Laura , Jacobson Julie , Addiss David G.
Published: October 2021

Compassion—the awareness of suffering coupled with the desire to relieve that suffering—is an evolved human capacity that offers significant benefits for individuals and organizations. While the relief of suffering is central to tropical medicine and global health, compassion is more often assumed than explicit. Global health leaders participating in a compassionate leadership program recently reported that the most common personal barriers to compassionate leadership include inability to regulate workload, perfectionism, and lack of self-compassion; while the most common external challenges include excessive work-related demands, the legacy of colonialism, and the lack of knowledge on how to lead with compassion. These barriers can be surmounted. Within organizations, leaders are the primary shapers of compassionate cultures. Now is the time to bring our core compassionate values to bear in addressing the “unfinished business” of ensuring global health equity and deconstructing colonialist structures in global health and tropical medicine. Compassionate leadership offers us tools to complete this unfinished business.
Relative Burdens of the COVID-19, Malaria, Tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS Epidemics in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bell David , Schultz Hansen Kristian
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 has had considerable global impact; however, in sub-Saharan Africa, it is one of several infectious disease priorities. Prioritization is normally guided by disease burden, but the highly age-dependent nature of COVID-19 and that of other infectious diseases make comparisons challenging unless considered through metrics that incorporate life-years lost and time lived with adverse health. Therefore, we compared the 2020 mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) lost estimates for malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan African populations with more than 12 months of COVID-19 burden (until the end of March 2021) by applying known age-related mortality to United Nations estimates of the age structure. We further compared exacerbations of disease burden predicted from the COVID-19 public health response. Data were derived from public sources and predicted exacerbations were derived from those published by international agencies. For sub-Saharan African populations north of South Africa, the estimated recorded COVID-19 DALYs lost in 2020 were 3.7%, 2.3%, and 2.4% of those for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria, respectively. Predicted exacerbations of these diseases were greater than the estimated COVID-19 burden. Including South Africa and Lesotho, COVID-19 DALYs lost were < 12% of those for other compared diseases; furthermore, the mortality of compared diseases were dominant in all age groups younger than 65 years. This analysis suggests the relatively low impact of COVID-19. Although all four epidemics continue, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria remain far greater health priorities based on their disease burdens. Therefore, resource diversion to COVID-19 poses a high risk of increasing the overall disease burden and causing net harm, thereby further increasing global inequities in health and life expectancy.
Linear Impact Procedure for Occupant Ejection Protection
Authors:   Impact and Rollover Test Procedures Standards Committee
Published: October 2021

The objective of this document is to enhance the test procedure that is used for ejection mitigation testing per the NHTSA guidelines as mentioned in the FMVSS226 Final Rule document (NHTSA Docket No. NHTSA-2011-0004).

The countermeasure for occupant ejection testing is to be tested with an 18kg mass on a guided linear impactor using the featureless headform specifically designed for ejection mitigation testing.

SAE does not endorse any particular countermeasure for ejection mitigation testing. However, the document reflects guidelines that should be followed to maintain consistency in the test results. Examples of currently used countermeasures include the Inflatable Curtain airbags and Laminated Glass.

The testing procedure is as follows:

1

Determine the daylight opening

2

Identify target locations per the FMVSS226 Final Rule §5.2

a

Target locations for all windows and daylight openings

b

Perform the target elimination process

c

Reconstitute the targets

3

Determine the zero-plane

4

In case of advanced glazing, determine if the glazing has to be part of the test and pre-brake it at a 75mm offset

a

If yes, than follow the procedure for pre-breaking the laminated glazing

5

Run the test

a

At 5.6m/s with a 1.5s delay

b

At 4.4m/s with a 6.0s delay
Enforcement of Arbitral Awards in Nigeria and the Jigsaw of Limitation Period: The Need for Compliance with Global Best Practices
Authors: Eyongndi David Tarh-Akong
Published: October 2021

In Nigeria, the limitation period begins to run from the date the dispute leading to the arbitration arose instead of when the award was rendered. While highlighting the rationale and effect of limitation period to the jurisdiction of court, I argue that the period set out in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act (ACA) for enforcement of arbitral awards fails to countenance the inherent delays in Nigeria’s justice system which can be exploited to render the enforcement of an award nugatory. The operationalisation of limitation period unless amended, can be a dissuading factor for choosing Nigeria as a seat of international arbitration which rubs her of the attendant benefits. It is further argued that, anyone, wishing to enforce an award in Nigeria, must ingeniously act timeously to avoid untoward outcome due to the repressive limitation period. This article identifies registration of award pursuant to Foreign Judgment (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act as a leeway to enforce foreign arbitral awards. It compares the practice in Nigeria with jurisdictions like India, Canada, United Kingdom and Ethiopia and draw lessons for Nigeria. It makes a case for amendment of the existing legal framework to bring the law on limitation of time in tandem with global best practices.
Comment: Attesting Representation through Power of Attorney: The Ethiopian Approach
Authors: Meheret Tewodros
Published: October 2021

Agency is vital in modern life, and it is hardly effective without a power of attorney. However, it has not received sufficient attention in legal discourse commensurate with the legal requirements for its validity and its wide utilization. An agent is allowed to perform acts that have impact on the rights and obligations of another person usually through this instrument. This comment aims at examining the sporadic provisions in various laws which are relevant to the instrument so as to address issues which have legal as well as practical significance arising in the use of the instrument. In the absence of a law devoted to the instrument (and that takes its impact into account), it is obvious that more questions remain unanswered. An attempt is made to test the relevant laws in force with a view to establishing whether they live up to the expectations of the time.
From Hierarchical Control to Flexible Interactive Electricity Services: A Path to Decarbonization
Authors: D. Ilic Marija , Carvalho Pedro M. S.
Published: October 2021

We propose to conceptualise electric energy systems as complex dynamical systems using physically intuitive multilayered energy modelling as the basis for systematic diverse technology integration, and control in on-line operations. It is shown that such modelling exhibits unique structure which comes from the conservation of instantaneous power (P) and of instantaneous reactive power ( _Q), (interaction variables (intVar)) at the interfaces of subsystems. The intVars are used as a means to model and control the interactive zoomed-out inter-modular (inter-area, inter-component) system dynamics. Control co-design can then be pursued using these models so that the primary control shapes intVars of its own module by using its own lowlevel detailed technology-specific model and intVar info exchange with the neighbours. As a result, we describe how the proposed approach can be used to support orderly evolution from today’s hierarchical control to a platform enabling flexible interactive protocols for electricity services. The potential for practical use of the proposed concepts is far-reaching and transparent. All that needs to be conceived is that intVar characterising any intelligent Balancing Authority (iBA) is a generalisation of today’s Area Control Error (ACE) characterising net energy balance of a Balancing Authority (BA). An iBA can be any subsystem with its own sub-objectives, such as distributed energy resources (DERs) comprising customers and grid forming microgrids; distribution systems; transmission systems; Independent System Operators (ISOs); and, ultimately, electric energy markets within large interconnection. Several industry problems are described as particular sub-problems of general interactive electricity services. These formulations help one compare models and assumptions used as part of current solutions, and propose enhanced solutions. Most generally, feasibility and stability conditions can be introduced for ensuring feasible power flow solutions, regulated frequency and voltage and orderly power exchange across the iBAs.
Implementation of Cloud Computing System in Learning System Development in Engineering Education Study Program
Authors: Baharuddin Baharuddin , Ampera Dina , Febriasari Hesti , Sembiring Muhammad Aulia Rahman , Hamid Abdul
Published: October 2021

The development of technology demands a variety of activities that can be easily accessed regardless of space and time. The development of information technology has become an innovative, dynamic, and economically profitable solution. Information technology is the answer to the problems and challenges faced by the world of education. Cloud computing is changing the way information technology services are provided and distributed so that institutions have the opportunity to access the educational and scientific information. Cloud computing technology is a new paradigm in the delivery of computing services, which has many advantages compared to conventional systems. This study discusses cloud computing in general and some examples of the application of cloud computing services and their benefits in the Electrical Engineering Education Study Program environment. The case study taken is the application of cloud computing services in the Electrical Engineering Education Study Program, where cloud computing is a computing model, as resources such as processors or computing power, storage, networks, and software are abstracted and provided as services on a network or internet with using the remote access pattern. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cloud computing might be applied to learning, as well as the benefits provided by cloud computing in the development of learning systems. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with data collection techniques in the form of literature studies. Based on the research conducted, the results show that the services provided by cloud computing have various benefits, namely increasing efficiency and effectiveness in the use of cloud computing-based technology in the learning process.
Striking a Balance between Centralized and Decentralized Decision Making: A School-Based Management Practice for Optimum Performance
Authors: Cornito Celinmar Montes
Published: October 2021

School decision-making promotes school autonomy and success. Today’s contemporary approach supports the idea that operative school functioning and development are characteristically accomplished when there is decentralized decision-making. However, less attention has been paid to the collective benefits of centralized and decentralized decision-making. Hence, it is desirable to study balanced decision-making in a centralized and decentralized structure. An extensive search of major databases was undertaken which identified 35,822 studies on the subject wherein 9 met the inclusion criteria. Employing a systematic literature review, data were extracted and analyzed using thematic analysis. Two themes arose from the analysis of the studies such as decision-making as a school-based management practice, and decision-making towards school performance. Studies engrossed on the heart of decision-making in the sociological perspective of school management. It also shows that combining both centralized and decentralized approaches is indispensable for leading and enhancing education. As a result, the literature pointed to the following discussion points, which are areas that require further research: (1) decision-making practices among school principals, and (2) decision-making on school operating expenses and expenditures.
Analysis of Music Teachers’ Job Satisfaction and COVID-19 Anxiety Levels
Authors: Kibici Volkan Burak
Published: October 2021

It is aimed in this study to examine the job satisfaction and virus contagion concerns of music teachers in terms of certain variables during the COVID-19 process. Based on the correlational and causal comparison method in the research, music teachers' job satisfaction and contagion concerns during the COVID-19 process were compared according to the variables of gender, age and type of school they work. Besides, the relationship between music teachers' job satisfaction and contagion anxiety was explained with relational screening method. The sample of the study consists of 236 music teachers working in Konya, Karaman and Aksaray and determined by random sampling method. Minnesota Job Satisfaction and COVID-19 Anxiety scales were used to collect the research data. According to the research findings, job satisfaction of music teachers during the COVID-19 process differs according to gender, age and school type. Also, a negative relationship was found between COVID-19 anxiety and job satisfaction. Based on the results of the research, suggestions were made to increase the job satisfaction of music teachers and reduce their anxiety during the COVID-19 process.
Examining the Relations between Emotions, Motivation, Classroom Engagement and Achievement in Mathematics
Authors: Alpaslan Muhammet Mustafa , Ulubey Ozgur
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this correlational research was to examine the relationship between achievement emotions, motivation, and classroom engagement in mathematics among Turkish middle school students, and to determine how these three variables predicted academic achievement in mathematics. 549 seventh grade students in a province located in the south-west region of Turkey participated in the study. Relations among variables were examined by utilizing structural equation modeling.  Results of this study provided evidence for the theoretical model that explained the relations between achievement emotions, motivation and classroom engagement and their contributions to a significant amount of mathematic achievement in Turkish contexts. In addition, it was found that the contributions of achievement emotions to engagement depend on whether they were activity- and outcome-focused or deactivating and activating emotions.
Determination of Measurement Estimation Abilities of Secondary School Students
Authors: Er Zubeyde , Artut Perihan Dinç
Published: October 2021

This study is a descriptive survey model which aims to reveal the measurement estimation abilities of secondary school students. The sample of the study consisted of 91 secondary school students at 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades in the province of Adana. Measurement estimation ability test was used as the data collection tool. This test is comprised of 10 items which include five measurement estimation abilities as measurement of length, area, volume, liquid and weight. The data obtained from the data collection tool was analyzed by quantitative analysis methods. The analysis results showed that the students’ measurement estimation abilities differed according to their gender and that difference was not statistically significant. It was also observed that the students’ levels of measurement estimation abilities were at “acceptable low estimation” level, their general performances in the measurement estimation test differed according to their grade levels and that difference was not significant. Moreover, it was concluded that the length and weight estimation levels of the students regarding length, area, volume, liquid, weight estimation scores were better than the estimation levels of area, volume, fluid. Although their levels increased according to their grade levels, it was not significant according to grade level.
Digital Videos in Accounting Education: A Study on Perceived Use and Satisfaction in the Light of Connectivism
Authors: Da Costa Ana Carolina , Da Silva Breno Gabriel , Nasu Vitor Hideo , Nogueira Daniel Ramos , Marques Claudio
Published: October 2021

In the light of the connectivism theory, the objective was to analyze the perception of use and satisfaction of accounting students about Edpuzzle, a digital video application. This tool was employed in four accounting courses using the cell phones of 92 students. A questionnaire was administered on-site and was structured in two parts. The first contained questions about the respondent's profile, and the second about the use and satisfaction with Edpuzzle. The results indicated that students liked to use Edpuzzle and felt satisfied, especially those under 21 years old. We also noticed significant correlations among the questions. For example, the positive association between interactivity and appropriateness of use of the Edpuzzle stands out. It is concluded, therefore, that the results corroborate the connectivism theory, which sustains that knowledge must suffer updates as the environment changes and that sharing is crucial for the creation of networks that feed each other. Edpuzzle helps in this regard.
School-Based Professional Learning Communities as a Means for Curriculum Development: A Case Study from Taiwan
Authors: Chuang Nien-Ching , Ting Yi-Ku
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study is to explore how participating in professional learning communities influenced teachers’ curriculum design skills during the recent curriculum reform in Taiwan. A cohort of high school teachers in suburban areas participated in a semester-long professional learning community, strictly based on a well-planned agenda as professional experimentation. The researchers adopted a qualitative method by devising an initial and a final interview protocol as a data collection instrument. The results identified four components during the PLC process leading to teacher change in the curriculum design process—active participation, consistent focus, supportive collaboration and collective learning and shared practice. The notions of hard and soft PLCs along with the implications are proposed.
The Effect of Digital Storytelling Method on Learning and Study Strategies
Authors: Gocen Kabaran Guler , Duman Bilal
Published: October 2021

The general aim of this study is to determine the effects of teaching method based on digital storytelling on students’ learning and study strategies. In this study, as one of the true experimental models, pre-test/post-test control group experimental design was used via detachedly selected experiment and control groups. In the study, a teaching method based on digital storytelling was applied for the participant students in experiment group on the other side, the teaching technique based on PowerPoint Presentation was used in control group. According to the results of the data that was analyzed for this study, it was determined that there was a positive effect of digital storytelling on learning and study strategies. It was clarified in this study that digital storytelling succeeded more points on dimensions namely attitude, anxiety, concentration, selecting main ideas and test strategies under the main concept of learning and study strategies than the teaching technique based on PowerPoint Presentations.
Nontraditional Prospective Teachers: Motivations, Goals and Mathematical Knowledge Differences among Identified Typologies
Authors: Thomson Margareta M. , Faulkner Valerie N.
Published: October 2021

This mixed-methods study employed a typological approach and an Expectancy-Value framework to understand nontraditional prospective teachers’ motivational beliefs, teaching motivations, and goals for choosing a teaching career. All participants (N=88) were nontraditional prospective teachers, graduate students enrolled in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program in the United States. Data were collected in three phases, including quantitative (survey, pre-and posttest assessments), and qualitative (interviews). Analyses revealed three distinct typologies of teachers based on their motivational beliefs, and further differences among the identified groups based on other variables. The qualitative data showed general themes across participants about their teaching efficacy, motivation for teaching and quality of teacher preparation. Implications for teacher education programs are discussed.
The Status of Banana Production in Tanzania; a Review of Threats and Opportunities
Authors:   The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Lucas Shija Shilunga
Published: October 2021

The word “banana” refers to a crop that cuddles a number of species commonly known as Musa spp. In Tanzania, the crop is the fourth most important crop for food and income generation for more than 30 percent of the total population. In East Africa, Tanzania is the second banana producer after Uganda. The country has the highest world’s consumption rate between 280-500 kg per person. Despite the crop’s importance its production has declined from 18 t/ha in the 1960s to 5-7 t/ha/year in 2016. This review examined the status of banana production by identifying threats and opportunities with the aim of providing readily available resource for Researchers and Agriculture Extension Officers for better banana production. Through online resources, the review identified the challenges impeding banana production and ascertaining prevailing opportunities. Banana production in Tanzania is faced with many challenges including major pests (weevil and nematode) and diseases (fusarium wilt disease, black sigatoka, and banana xanthomonas wilt disease), poor soil fertility, moisture stress, poor management practices, lack of improved banana varieties and many social economic factors. The review identified that, since 1990s there are few introduced improved banana varieties and that most of these varieties are faced with low consumer’s acceptability. Again the country is faced with shortage of banana breeding centers that could produce desirable banana hybrid cultivars. This review also identified the lack of banana information resources and research platforms that involves all banana stakeholders, making targeting of varietal attributes to consumer preferences very difficult. Therefore, in order to improve production there must be an inter-link among different research disciplines, involving governmental and non-governmental organizations, coming together and seek solutions to current and future problems for sustainable production of banana.
Entrepreneurship Practices and Profitability among Farmers in Jos, Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Economics, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria., Vincent Atayi Abraham
Published: October 2021

This study seeks to examine the relationship between Entrepreneurship practices and the level of profitability among farmers in Jos. The study covered small and medium scale farmer entrepreneurs within Jos North, Jos South and Jos East. A sample size of 518 was obtained from the population of 834 at 5% error tolerance and 95% level of confidence, using Simple Random Sampling. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. 505(97.5%) of the questionnaire distributed were returned. The study conducted a pre-test on the questionnaire to ensure the validity of the instrument. Data collected were presented in descriptive statistics and frequency tables. The study used financial ratios such as the gross profit margin, net profit margin, returns on assets, sales per year and total assets measures were used to measure the profitability. The average values for gross profit margin, net profit margin and returns on assets are 29.47%, 19.2% and 8.2% respectively; the result shows that an individual farmer in this study can boast of a high level of profit. The study recommends among other things that governments at all levels should work to create a more conducive environment for farmer entrepreneurs to make profitable investments in agriculture.
The Development of Online Mathematic Module Based on Dick and Carey Theory for Junior High School Student
Authors:   Education Technology, Postgraduate, University PGRI Adi Buana of Surabaya, Hasan Al Abu
Published: October 2021

This study aims to develop an online mathematic module using Dick and Carey's development model. This research was conducted at SMP Al-Kahfi Sepulu Bangkalan Regency. The validation and quality assessment was conducted by questionnaire, namely questionnaires of expert modules, design experts, and teachers' colleagues. The trials were carried out by students in small groups and large groups. The researchers first tried it in a small group (5 students) before implementing it to a large group of students. The results of this research are obtained from the subject matter expert assessment, peer teacher's questionnaire, and field tests for small and large groups of students. These processes are required to fulfill the validation requirements so that the learning media produced is of high quality. The researcher concluded that the online learning module was feasible. Therefore, this product could be distributed to teachers and students for a better learning experience.
Assessment of User Satisfaction Following the Transformations Resulting From Encroachment on Social Amenities in Buruburu Estate, Nairobi CityCounty, Kenya
Authors:   The Technical University of Kenya, NAIROBI P. O. BOX, Njoroge Gladys Muthoni
Published: October 2021

Transformations have led to questionable environmental qualities in housing neighbourhoods. Urban areas in Africa, and Kenya in particular are faced with an increased growth of planned settlements transforming into unplanned housing units. Most researches on housing transformations have concentrated on the dwelling units but little has been done on other aspects such as social amenities. The study therefore draws attention to this neglected aspect of transformation in housing and the reactions of dwellers towards the same. Buru Buru in Nairobi city formed the location of the empirical study. The study assessed user satisfaction following transformations of social amenities in Buruburu Estate, Nairobi City County. Data was collected using interview schedules from respondents drawn from residents and architects responsible for the transformation. Qualitative and quantitative data that used various techniques including structured interviews, digital photography and analyses of archival drawings and satellite maps were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The findings showed that the user were very unsatisfied with the different social amenities in the estate. The conclusion was that social amenities should be developed at the beginning of the scheme. The study recommends inclusion of a possible model and clarification on the roles that professionals, developers and authorities need to play in any housing development in order to mitigate the phenomenon.
Research on the Financing Performance of Listed Companies on my country's Growth Enterprise Market —Based on DEA-Malmquist index analysis
Authors:   Hunan University of Science and Technology, School of Economics and Management, Hunan, Yongzhou, Ding Wang
Published: October 2021

The Growth Enterprise Market, also known as the second board market, is a convenient and simple financing market for small and medium-sized enterprises that cannot meet the listing conditions of China's main board market in the short term and have a small growth and development space. In my country's Growth Enterprise Market, it has become a gathering place for high-tech companies such as biology and information technology, laying a foundation for my country's future development of high-tech technology, and strengthening my country's comprehensive national strength. This paper uses the DEA-Malmquist index method to analyze the financing performance of 10 listed companies on my country's GEM from 2016 to 2020, and draws the results of the study: different years of financing environment are different, which has a greater impact on the financing performance of GEM companies; Problems in the management of the funds raised by the target company’s financing will have a greater negative impact on its financing efficiency.
The Role and Importance of Personnel Motivation in Food Industry Enterprises
Authors:   Management Development Institute of Singapore in Tashkent, Senior Lecturer, Anvarjon qizi Dilafruz Kurbonova
Published: October 2021

This article discusses the importance and relevance of staff motivation in the food industry, as well as the types of motivation provided by the author and the tools they use in practice. As a result of the study, it was recommended to use non-traditional methods of staff motivation in our country.
Moderating Effect of Political Instability on ICT and Economic Growth Nexus in Kenya: ARDL Bound - Co-Integration Approach
Authors:   PhD student Moi University Box 1125 Eldoret, Erickson Matundura
Published: October 2021

The government has attempted to target specific macroeconomic factors in order to stimulate economic growth in Kenya through monetary and fiscal policies. Despite these efforts, Kenya's GDP growth is hampered by high interest rates and high interest rate volatility. Kenya's ability to address macroeconomic instability hinges on its ability to increase economic growth. Auxiliary evidence shows that perspectives on the relationship between ICT and economic growth are segmented. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of ICT on economic growth in Kenya, as well as the moderating effect of political instability on the relationship. The research was based on Solow's theory of growth. An explanatory research design was used, with data spanning from 1990-2020 obtained from Kenya Bureau of Statistics. In the empirical analysis, the study used the bound test to test for a long-run relationship and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) to evaluate the relationship between the variables. The data was subjected to an Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test to determine stationarity.The long run ARDL results indicated that the coefficients of; ICT rate were insignificant . However with the introduction of political instability as the moderator ICT was significant and positively affected economic growth. Political instability moderated the relationship between ICT ( and economic growth. As a result, promoting effective governance should help to improve political stability. The findings of this study will help the government figure out how to address the problem of low economic growth. According to the study, the government should invest in the ICT sector to improve its accessibility and affordability. Additionally, the government should work to improve political stability and good governance by gradually establishing institutions that uphold the rule of law and provide security.