bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of selenium administration on severe sepsis or septic shock: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kong Lin , Wu Qing , Liu Bo
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The efficacy of selenium administration to treat severe sepsis or septic shock remains controversial. We con- duct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the impact of selenium administration on severe sepsis or septic shock.

Methods: We search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through May 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of selenium administration on severe sepsis or septic shock. Me- ta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.

Results: Five RCTs involving 1482 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group in septic patients, selenium administration is not associated with reduced 28-day mortality (RR=0.93; 95% CI=0.73 to 1.19; P=0.58), but results in substantially decreased all-cause mortality (RR=0.78; 95% CI=0.63 to 0.98; P=0.03) and length of hospital stay (MD=-3.09; 95% CI=-5.68 to -0.50; P=0.02).

Conclusion: Selenium administration results in notable decrease in all-cause mortality and length of hospital stay, but shows no substantial influence on the 28-day mortality, length of ICU stay, duration of vasopressor therapy, the incidence of acute renal failure, adverse events, and serious adverse events for septic patients.

Keywords: Selenium administration; septic shock; randomized controlled trials.
Caesarean delivery rate and indications at a secondary healthcare facility in Ibadan, South Western Nigeria: a five-year review
Authors: O Ismail Waheed , S Bello Ibrahim , A Olowookere Samuel , O Ibrahim Azeez , A Agbesanwa Tosin , A Adekunle Wulaimat
Published: April 2021

Background: Caesarean delivery is an essential surgical skill within the primary care setting aimed at reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.

Objectives: To determine the rate and indications for caesarean deliveries with a view to improving on the service delivery in the study area.

Methods: A retrospective review of all caesarean deliveries over a five-year period, January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2016.

Results: A total of 2321 deliveries were recorded during the study duration and 481 of them were through caesarean sec- tion (CS) giving a caesarean section rate of 20.4%. The rate was higher in the multigravida 255 (53.1%). The commonest indication for caesarean section was previous caesarean section 131 (27.2%). Emergency caesarean delivery accounted for 278 (57.8%). Only 16 (3.3%) stayed more than five days postoperatively while the rest, 465 (96.7%), stayed less than five days. There was a gradual yearly increase in rate from 12.1% in 2012 to 19.5% in 2016.

Conclusion: The rate of CS in this study has shown a gradual yearly increase with emergency CS having a higher percentage. Early diagnosis and referral of high-risk pregnancies from peripheral hospitals could reduce emergency CS among the study population.

Keywords: Caesarean section; rate; secondary healthcare; Nigeria.
A possible model for estimating birth length of babies from common parental variables using a sample of families in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Adewumi Taiwo Idowu , Adeleye Adenike , Chinwe Uzoma Ijeoma
Published: April 2021

Background: Length at birth is important for evaluating childhood growth and development. It is of interest in Pediatrics because of its implications for perinatal and postnatal morbidity and mortality. Predicting birth length will be useful in an- ticipating and managing possible complications associated with pregnancy and birth of babies with abnormal birth length.

Objective: The aim was to identify easily accessible parental determinants of baby’s birth length in Lagos, Nigeria, using a sample of patients attending a government hospital.

Methods: Parental anthropometrics and other data were obtained from 250 couples by actual measurements, oral interviews and questionnaires. Baby’s birth length was measured immediately after delivery by qualified, a well-trained obstetric nurse, and association between parental and offspring parameters were assessed.

Results: Weight gain, maternal weight, parity and mid-parental height were the significant parental explanatory variables of offspring birth length. They were the most suitable variables for a generated model for predicting babies’ birth length from parental variables in the study.

Conclusion: A model that might be useful for predicting babies’ birth length from easily accessible parental variables was produced. This model may complement ultrasonographic data for predicting baby’s birth length with a view to achieving better perinatal and postnatal care.

Keywords: Parental anthropometrics; birth length; association; model; correlation.
The impact of motherless paternity testing in a South African population
Authors: A De Kock André , JF Kloppers Jean
Published: April 2021

Background: Paternity investigations play an important role in determining biological relatedness, and in South Africa, the outcome of these investigations impacts medical, judicial and home affairs decisions. Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis is utilised to perform paternity and kinship analysis, due to the polymorphic nature of STR loci. The cost associated with paternity testing is high, and there is a demand for motherless testing.

Objectives: This study aims to determine what the impact of motherless testing would have been by evaluating 6182 pa- ternity trio cases.

Methods: The AmpFLSTR™ Identifiler™ PCR Amplification kit was used to profile each of the trio cases. A scenario was created where the mother was eliminated from the test results to determine if the paternity outcome would change.

Results: Putative fathers were excluded in 27% of all cases, and in 2.5% of those cases, putative fathers would have been falsely included, had the mother not been tested. These false inclusions are attributed to coincidental STR loci that are shared between the mother and the putative father. The addition of loci to the STR profiling kit may resolve the issue; however, comparable STR data with more loci will have to be evaluated to ensure it overcomes the issue of coincidentally shared loci between unrelated individuals.

Conclusion: We would recommend that within our setup and within similar setups, the mother always be included for test- ing, except in extreme scenarios such as death. False inclusion of putative fathers could have serious legal implications for testing laboratories.

Keywords: Motherless paternity testing; South African population.
Prevalence and determinants of asphyxia neonatorum among live births at Debre Tabor General Hospital, North Central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alebachew Bayih Wubet , Gashaw Tezera Tadesse , Yeshambel Alemu Abebaw , Mesfin Belay Demeke , Shimelis Hailemeskel Habtamu , Yibeltal Ayalew Metadel
Published: April 2021

Background: More than one third of the neonatal deaths at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Debre Tabor General Hos- pital (DTGH) are attributable to birth asphyxia. Most of these neonates are referred from maternity ward of the hospital. However, there is no recent evidence on the prevalence and specific determinants of birth asphyxia at DTGH. Besides, public health importance of factors like birth spacing weren’t addressed in the prior studies.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on a sample of 240 newborns at delivery ward. The collected data were cleaned, coded and entered into Epi -data version 4.2 and exported to Stata version 14. Binary logistic regression model was considered and statistical significance was declared at P< 0.05 using adjusted odds ratio.

Results: The prevalence of asphyxia neonatorum was 6.7 % based on the fifth minute APGAR score. From multi-variable logistic regression analysis, antenatal obstetric complications (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 3.75, 14.29), fetal malpresentation (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.21, 15.20), premature rupture of fetal membranes (AOR = 6.56, 95% CI: 3.48, 18.12) and meconium stained amniotic fluid (AOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.76, 14.59) were significant predictors.

Conclusion: The prevalence of fifth minute asphyxia neonatorum was relatively low. Fortunately, its predictors are modifi- able. Thus, we can mitigate the problem even with our limited resources such as enhancing the existing efforts of antenatal and intra-partum care, which could help early detection and management of any obstetric and neonatal health abnormality.”

Keywords: Birth asphyxia; asphyxia neonatorum; prevalence; determinants; Ethiopia.
Van Hiele Geometric Thinking Levels of Junior High School Students of Atebubu Municipality in Ghana
Authors: Bashiru Amidu , Nyarko Josephine
Published: April 2021

This study was to measure the Van Hiele’s levels of geometric thinking attained by Ghanaian Junior High School Form 3 (JHS 3) students before writing the BECE. A quantitative research approach was employed in the study and a sample of 105 students randomly selected from the four schools. The results showed that 22 students (20.95%) of the students could not attain any VHG level at all, that means they were in level 0. 65 students (61.91%) of the students attained Van Hiele’s level 1, 17 (16.19%) reached level 2, and only 1 (0.95%) reached level 3. An independent t-test yielded no statistically significant difference between public and private school students in their geometric thinking levels t(103) = 0.926, p > 0.05. The findings indicated that most of the Ghanaian JHS graduates do not attain satisfactory levels of VHGT. Recommendations are made for improving the teaching of geometry.
Perception of learning science: the case of females offering STEM majors in Ghana
Authors: Amponsah Darko Kwaku , Mohammed Maigari Salifu
Published: April 2021

The study investigated the differences among female students pursuing selected STEM programmes in a Science and Technology university in Ghana, in their perception of learning science. Three hundred and twenty-eight (328) final year female students offering computer science and information and communication technology, engineering, pharmacy, and medicine formed the sample. The research design was a descriptive cross-sectional survey, and a questionnaire was utilised for data collection. The reliability coefficient obtained using Cronbach alpha formula was 0.85. The study discovered that female students in STEM majors were goal-oriented and extraordinarily impressive with their academics however lacked the capacity to have fun as a result of the loaded curriculum. Again, the study showed specific differences in self-perception among students of the four STEM majors, when analysed using ANOVA and Post hoc analyses. It was revealed that pregnancy is no longer a barrier to educate the girl child as a result of unique interventions put in place by the government of Ghana. It was recommended among others that the Ghana Education Service intensifies the STEM training Clinics in the rural areas of Ghana to enhance rural female students’ involvement in STEM Majors at Tertiary level.
Understanding problem identification in research using analogies
Authors: Oyediran Kayode Kunle
Published: April 2021

A problem in research, as well as human body, calls for perfect diagnosis of illness. This is important to avoid treating the symptoms instead of the actual disease. A research problem could be identified through professional or/and academic efforts. This poses a lot of problems to students, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as this determines the title of their articles or research works. Many of them have to submit many topics to their supervisors before one could be reframed and approved. At times, students appealed to their supervisors to provide them with researchable topics. This to the supervisor(s) almost writing the dissertations/theses for them. The argument of this paper is to let students understand “problem identification” using an analogy from the Holy Bible. The study employed a conversation analysis methodology, which is empirically grounded, exploratory in-process and inferential. This involves using every conversation between two or more parties to explore facts/lesson. It was recommended that seasoned lecturers should explain to students how to identify research problems using what are familiar to them to make them understand this important aspect of research
Wildlife collections of Royal Palace Museums in The West Region of Cameroon with a Focus on wildlife conservation
Authors: Poumie Mohamed Mounir Mfonden , Coals Peter , Meutchieye Félix , Fokam Olivier Miantsia
Published: April 2021

The royal palace museums of the Grassfields’ Kingdoms of West Region of Cameroon are well recognized for the preservation of culturally significant objects and practices. To date, the role of palace museums in wildlife conservation has received little consideration. Herein, a preliminary study into the animalbased artefacts of palace museums from a wildlife conservation perspective is presented. A total of 11 chiefdom palace museums in the West Region of Cameroon were surveyed and the animal species represented in their exhibitions recorded. Parts of 32 different animal species, including locally extinct large mammals such as lion, cheetah, chimpanzee, and elephant were found. The primary purpose for inclusion of specimens in palace museums was for preservation of culture. However, potential wildlife conservation focused uses to which palace museums may also put their collections are discussed herein.

KeyWords: Grassfields, Bamileke, Bamoun, Culture, Education, Mammals.

 

Les musées du palais royal des royaumes des Grassfields de la région de l’Ouest Cameroun sont bien connus pour la préservation d’objets et de pratiques culturellement significatifs. À ce jour, le rôle des musées de palais dans la conservation de la faune a été peu pris en compte. Ici, une étude préliminaire des collections animales de ces musées du point de vue de la conservation de la faune est présentée. Onze musées de palais de chefferies de la région de l’Ouest Cameroun ont été étudiés et les espèces animales représentées dans leurs expositions ont été enregistrées. Des parties de 32 espèces animales différentes, y compris de grands mammifères  localement disparus comme le lion, le guépard, le chimpanzé et l’éléphant ont été découverts. Le but principal de l’inclusion de spécimens dans les musées du palais est la préservation de la culture. Cependant, les utilisations potentielles axées sur la conservation de la faune auxquelles les musées de palais peuvent également mettre leurs collections sont discutées ici.

Mots clés:
The effects of oil palm leaf meal-based diets on the growth performance and haematological indices of Red Sokoto goats
Authors: Ukanwoko A.I. , Alfred C.T.
Published: April 2021

An experiment was carried out to determine the growth performance and haematological indices of Red Sokoto goats placed on oil palm leaf meal (OPLM)-wheat offal based diet. Six goats aged 12-18 months, weighing 15 – 20kg were randomly assigned to three treatments, comprising two animals each in a Completely Randomized Design. Each animal received 1kg of the diet daily for 56 days and weighed weekly. Results showed that final body weight was significant (P<0.05) with goats on T3 having the highest (21.50kg). The feed intake, body weight gain and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were significantly different (P<0.05). T3 had the highest feed intake (305.35g/d), highest body weight gain (90.84g/d) and the best FCR (3.36). Significant differences (P <0.05) were observed in the Red Blood Cell (RBC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Haemoglobin (Hb) counts, ranging between 3.12 - 4.20x106ml; 23.00 -30.50% and 7.70 - 10.15g/dl respectively with goats on T3 having the highest.  The inclusion of OPLM enhanced body weight gain, FCR, RBC, PCV, and Hb counts of the goats. Therefore the oil palm leaf meal diets are recommended for better goat production.

Key word: Growth performance; Oil Palm Leaf meal., Blood profile., Creatinine., Red Sokoto Goat.
Exploring the impacts of religious tourism on development: (A case study of Redemption Camp, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria)
Authors: Adejimi E.I. , Aremu D.A.
Published: April 2021

The Redemption Camp is unarguably one tourism destination that has fascinated many among the Christian and non-Christian folks. Religious sites are among the most visited tourism destinations in the world; people have visited Redemption Camp in their thousands and millions in recent times more than any known tourism destination in Nigeria. The evidence for these realities is attributed to the selfsustainable status the Camp has attained over the years and the increased rate at which it continues to attract visitors. Development in terms of infrastructure and socio-economic activities in Redemption Camp and the neighbouring host communities is evident, arising primarily from tourism activities. This reality underpins the impacts of religious tourism on the development. The study x-rays development, as enhanced by the activities of religious tourism in the Redemption Camp, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria. The research employs participant observation, unstructured interviews and key informants interviews. The key informant interviews elicited facts on Redemption Camp as a religious tourism destination while the unstructured interviews examined visitors’ attitude as religious tourists. The study specifically identifies the role religious tourism played and is still in the development of Redemption Camp as wellas the spill over effects on the residents and the host communities. Factors that enhanced religious tourism activities in the Camp include the provision of efficient transportation mode, stable electricity, comfortable accommodation and clean water supply. Tourismattractions within the camp which have earned the camp its self-sustaining reputation are: the Redemption Resort, The Redeemer’s High School. Redeemer’s Maternity Centre, Banking Institutions, Open Heavens International Centre, Emmanuel Park and the main auditorium which sits over two million attendees. It is recommended that, with the growing spate of expansionary activities in the Redemption Camp, the management should ensure necessary precautionary measures in place to guard against disrupting the environmental harmony the redemption camp is known for.

Key words: Tourism, Religious tourism, Development, Redemption Camp
Socio-economic factors affecting training and visit system of agricultural extension among yam farmers in Eket Local Government Area of akwa ibom state, nigeria
Authors: Adie U.B , Ayi N.A. , Bassey B.A.
Published: April 2021

The study broadly examined the socio-economic factors affecting training and visit system of extension among yam farmers in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria The study had three specific objectives, namely: to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of the yam farmer; 2 determine the socio-economic factors affecting training and visit system of extension among yam farmers and describe the problems militating against yam production in the study area. The study adopted a purposive/judgmental sampling technique to select two hundred respondents for the study. Both primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression and Likert scale. Data was collected through the use of a set of questionnaires administered to selected respondents. The findings of the socio-economic characteristics of the yam farmers revealed that majority 77.5% were males, with 37% of them being matured adults in the age range of 51 years and above and 66.5% of the yam farmers were married with household size of 4-7 members per family. Majority of the farmers had secondary education (55%), 46.5% had farming experience of 10 years and above with monthly farm income between N20,000 - N50,000 (46.5%). Majority 88.5% of the farmers were Christians and had monthly contact with extension agents (47%). Gender, age, religion, level of education, farm income and maritalstatus statistically and significantly affect training and visit system at 1% and 5% respectively. The major constraints faced by farmers in yam production in the study area were found to include low soil fertility (3.12), low income (2.64) and land tenure system (2.52). It is recommended that in order to improve yam production, the government of Nigeria should provide favourable environment and invest heavily in yam cultivation by providing farm inputs such as fertilizers to smallholder farmers at subsidized rates. In addition, the government should provide more loans to farmers at zero or low-interest rate. Improved extension services should be provided to farmers with new technologies in order to increase their gross margins income. Social amenities and infrastructural facilities such as; good roads network, electricity as well clean sources of water should be provided in rural areas to encourage young and educated men and women to take up yam production.

Keywords: Agricultural Extension; Training and Visit , Communication, Farmers, Production, Demonstration
Low First Wave COVID-19 cases and health seeking behaviors across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria
Authors: Ukaga C.N. , Sam-Wobo S.O. , Muhammed R.H. , Mogaji H.O. , Surakat O.A. , Suleiman M.M. , Egbuche C. , Ekwunife C.A. , Wokem G.N.
Published: April 2021

This study was carried out across the six geopolitical zones to assess knowledge and health seeking behaviors of Nigerians during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in order to understand the seemingly low cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Structured and pretested short questionnaires were employed to obtain information electronically and physically across the six geopolitical zones on socio-demographic characteristics of participants; the knowledge of participants on COVID-19 disease; availability and accessibility to testing and isolation centers in the communities, attitudes and health seeking behaviors. Atotal of 1023 respondents; 705 (68.9%) males and 318 (31.1%) females across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria participated in this study with 477(46.6%) within the 26-45 years age category, and 6(0.6%) above 66 years. Atotal of 985(96.3%) had heard about COVID-19 at the time of survey while a total of  859(84.0%) of the respondents were aware of the presence of COVID-19 laboratory testing centers. Across the geopolitical zones, majority of the respondents 487(47.6%) claimed there are no routine testing for COVID-19 at their community level, while 303 (29.6%) affirmed otherwise and 216(21.1%) did not know if there were routine testing going on or not. On health seeking behaviors across the  country, majority of the respondents 558(54.5%) affirmed they would visit the hospital as the first point of contact if the opportunitypresented itself, 244(23.9%) claimed they would call the NCDC toll line, 2(0.2%) said they would use prayers, while 1(0.1%) respectively claimed they would use home management strategies through visiting chemist stores and checking the internet for solutions. Findings from this study confirm that there is very high awareness of the COVID-19 disease across the country, and limited number of testing centers at the community level. The implications include the possibility of unreported COVID19 cases in the cities as well as in the  communities.

Keywords: COVID-19, knowledge, health seeking behaviors, community level
Ethno - Botanical Survey Of Plant Species Used For Mosquito Control In Nigeria
Authors: Okoh H.I. , Mogaji H.O. , Adekoya M.A. , Morikwe U.C. , Nwana A.O. , Ahmed J. , Makanjuola W.A. , Otubanjo O.A.
Published: April 2021

In Nigeria, there is paucity of information on plants used to repel or kill mosquitoes despite the abundant plant species in the country’s tropical rain forests. Majority of available data are on the traditional use of plants for curative purposes. This study documents some plant species used for insecticidal or repellent purposes against mosquitoes in Nigeria. An ethno-botanical survey was carried out in four geo-political zones in the country using structured questionnaires and focus group discussion. A total of six plant species belonging to five families were reported in Delta state with Conyza Canadensis (Compositae) being the most utilized (50%) and Aspilia africana (Compositae), the least mentioned (5.60%). In Enugu state, a total of nine plant species belonging to eight families were mentioned by respondents with Aframomum melegueta the most utilised (26.09%) while Agava sisalana and Dracaena manii belonging to the families Agavaceae and Dracaenaceae were the least mentioned (1.09% each). A total of six plant species belonging to five families were reported in Kaduna State with Lantana camara belonging to the family Verbenaceae accounting for 58.82% of the utilised plant species for mosquito control while Ipomea asarifolia, Terminalia catappa and Citrullus vulgaris belonging to the families Convolvulaceae, Combretaceae and Cucurbitaceae respectively were the least utilized (5.88% each). Lagos State recorded the highest number of plant species (twenty five) belonging to eighteen families. Spondia mombin belonging to the family Lilaceae was the most mentioned (7.33%) while the least mentioned (0.37% each) were Magnifera indica, Baphia nitida and Pennisetum purpeum belongingto the families Anacardiaceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae respectively. There is a need for further investigation on these plant species as they may constitute potential sources of cidal and repellent compounds against a wide range of insect pests.

Keywords: Ethno-botanical survey, insecticidal, repellence, mosquitoes, plant species
Prevalence and Socio-Environmental Factors Associated with Polyparasitism, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Akor J.O. , Obisike V.U. , Omudu E.A. , Imandeh G.N.
Published: April 2021

Parasitic diseases are closely related to poor sanitation, lack of good drinking water, improper disposal of human waste, lack of latrines and poor personal hygiene. This study evaluated the prevalence and distribution of polyparasitic infections and the impact of health education and treatment. Stool and urine samples from 350 consented participants were parasitologically examined for parasites. Out of the 350 samples, 150 stool samples were infected with intestinal parasites and 2 urine samples were positive for Trichomonas vaginalis. Out of the infected 152 participants, 40 of them had co-infection (polyparasitism), specifically 5(1.43%) had triple co-infection, 35(10%) had double co-infection.Health education and treatment measures had significant (p<0.05) effect on infections. It is important that health education be intensified in areas where treatment may not be forthcoming to reduce infections.

Keywords: Prevalence, helminths, polyparasitism, sanitation, Benue State
The migration of the Vandals and the Suebi to the Roman West and archaeological accounts
Authors: Kazanski Michel
Published: April 2021

This article addresses a few archaeological finds from the earliest stage of the Great Migration Period (late fourth to the first half of the fifth century AD) in the territory of the Western Roman Empire related to Central Europe by origin, which could testify to the migration of the Vandals and the Suebi to the Roman West in 406 AD. These finds comprise different types of crossbow brooches discovered in the Roman provinces in Gallia, Spain, and North Africa, which parallels originate from the lands to the north of the Danube, in the zone where the Vandals and the Suebi lived by the moment of the migration to the West in 406 AD. Besides, some features of the funeral rite discovered in the early Great Migration Period in Eastern Gallia, particularly ritually destroyed weapons, meet with analogies in the cemeteries of Central European barbarians, particularly in the Przeworsk culture. These archaeological pieces of evidence were partially related to the arrival of the Vandals and the Suebi to the Roman Empire’s territory in 406 AD, and also reflected the presence of the Central European barbarians in the Roman military service.
Działania powiatowych centrów pomocy rodzinie w obszarze wsparcia cudzoziemców
Authors: Parcia Barbara
Published: April 2021

Niniejszy artykuł podejmuje rzadko opisywany w literaturze temat indywidualnych programów integracji cudzoziemców w Polsce. Scharakteryzowano teoretyczne aspekty pojęć cudzoziemcy oraz uchodźcy. Poruszono także kwestię prawną ubiegania się oraz udzielania ochrony międzynarodowej w Polsce, a także uprawnień do pobierania świadczeń pomocy społecznej. W artykule zaprezentowano wyniki badań przeprowadzonych wśród pracowników socjalnych z wybranych powiatowych centr pomocy rodzinie. Konkluzją rozważań są wnioski dotyczące realizacji indywidualnych programów integracji jako formy wsparcia cudzoziemców.

The actions of District Family Support Centres within the scope of support for foreigners
This article refers to the subject of individual integration programs for foreigners in Poland, which is rarely described in the literature. It pertains to theoretical aspects of the terms of foreigners and refugees. The issue of legal regulations on applying for and administrating international protection in Poland as well as entitlement to receive social welfare benefits are presented. The article displays the results of research conducted among social workers from selected District Family Support Centers. In the summary, the author indicates conclusions regarding the implementation of individual integration programs as a form of aid for foreigners.
Research Trends and Perspectives on Domestic Tourism in Kenya: A Review
Authors: Osiako Peter Onyonje , Szente Viktória
Published: April 2021

The quantity and quality of research output available on the subject of domestic tourism in Kenya is yet to be sufficiently documented. This review evaluates trends in the studies carried out on this subject and establishes perspectives revealed in these studies' findings. Methodologically, this is a conceptual review of integrative nature in which the reviewer summarized the findings of other studies conducted on domestic tourism in different parts of Kenya. Both published and unpublished works addressing domestic tourism in Kenya, and authored in the English language from January 1990 to August 2020 have been considered in the review. The reviewer used keywords to search relevant databases, arriving at thirty two pieces of work that were reviewed. The analysis focuses on themes covered by previous studies, methodologies used, and perspectives revealed in key findings. The review established a gap in existing literature in terms of quantity, quality, and scope, as discussed in the document. Recommendations are highlighted on ways to improve future research on domestic tourism in Kenya. This review will inform future approaches to research on domestic tourism in Kenya, for better policies and practice.
THE USE OF INTERACTIVE WORD WALL TECHNIQUE IN WORD TEACHING TO THE 5TH GRADE
Authors: UYSAL Aslı , DİREKCİ Bekir
Published: April 2021

This research was conducted to determine the effect of interactive word wall technique on word teaching at the 5th grade level of secondary school. Quasi experimental model was used in the research. The study group of the research consists of 74 students who continue their education in the 5th grade of a public secondary school in Antalya. 5th and 6th themes in the Turkish textbook were chosen for the research. The words in the themes were taught to the experimental group with the interactive word wall technique and activities, and to the control group with the activities in the ongoing education program. The application was carried out for eight weeks, with one course hour per week. It was applied as a pre-test before the Turkish lesson vocabulary test, the post-test after the application, and a retention test one month after the application of the post-test. As a result of the research, no significant difference was found between the pre-test scores obtained from the vocabulary test of the experimental and control groups, while a significant difference was found between the posttest and retention test scores in favor of the experimental group. No significant difference was found between the test results of the students in the experimental and control groups and their gender, maternal education status and father education status. According to the results, it was concluded that the interactive word wall technique was effective in teaching Turkish language lessons at the 5th grade level. Keywords: Interactive word wall technique, Turkish lesson, 5th grade, word learning.
DETERMINING THE DRAMA LESSON PLAN PREPARATION LEVELS OF SOCIAL STUDIES PRESERVICE TEACHERS
Authors: AKHAN Nadire Emel , ÇİÇEK Samet , KOCAAĞA Gülten
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study is to determine the level of social studies preservice teachers to prepare a lesson plan by using the drama method. The sample of the research consisted of a total of 240 preservice teachers, 80 for each academic year in the 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years taking the final year last-term Drama course, who were studying in the senior year of social studies teaching at a state university. The research is a descriptive study based on the quantitative research method. The lesson plans prepared by the preservice teachers using the drama method at the end of the drama lesson were evaluated with the "Drama Lesson Plan Rubric (DLPR)" developed by Korkut (2020). When the results of the study are evaluated in general, it is possible to say that the pre-service teachers' levels of preparing drama lesson plans differ by years, and that their level of preparing a drama lesson plan in the 2019-2020 academic year decreased compared to the previous years. It is possible to interpret this situation as a result of the fact that the drama lesson, which is an applied lesson, was given through the simultaneous distance education system due to the pandemic in 2020. Keywords: Social Studies, preservice teacher, drama, lesson plan
LIFE OF SAADET İKESUS ALTAN AND REVIEW OF "VOCAL EDUCATION" BOOK
Authors: TÜRKMENOĞLU Ömer , YILMAZ Hande
Published: April 2021

Not much research has been done on Saadet Ikesus Altan, a successful artist who created firsts in the art life in opera in addition to being an educator who broke grounds in music education. For this reason, this research was carried out in order to introduce Altan, to pass on her achievements and the firsts she made throughout his life, to transfer them to future generations, and to reveal the results by examining the first book written in the field of vocal education. In the research, Altan's life was investigated using the literature review method and the book “Vocal Education and Conservation” was reviewed. As a result of the review, its strengths and weaknesses were revealed comparing it with today's vocal education books. The information obtained from the sources and the results obtained by the reviews are explained. Altan is one of the first Turkish female opera singers to perform in Europe. She is known as the "doyen of the educators" because she is the educator of many vocal artists and educators who have been trained until today. She is the first Turkish female voice instructor, opera director and author of the first book in the field of vocal education. With Altan's transfer of her knowledge, experience and education to her book in order to develop a technique suitable for the Turkish throat, it has been determined that the book is quite well equipped compared to the period when it was written and is incomparably powerful than the books written in this direction. It is also important to provide a basis for other books written in this field in Turkey. Altan sets a great example to the next generations, both as an artist and as an educator. Key Words: Saadet İkesus Altan, vocal education, book review
Design of Broadband Dual-Polarized Rectenna Array for WPT Applications
Authors: Pan Guan-Pu , Chiu Kuan-Chih , Li Tsung-Lin , Sun Jwo-Shiun
Published: April 2021

A broadband dual-polarized microstrip array antenna designed is proposed. To achieve wide 10 dB bandwidth for broadband operation, the technique of applying a ladder-shaped monopole antenna type with a rectangular slot insertion in the ground plane is implemented. The proposed design showed wide impedance bandwidth of the 1702-2755 MHz (47.2%). In addition, adding an open slot into the rectangular radiating element with an asymmetric ground plane was used and resulted in a slightly displacement of the radiation pattern. The 1 × 2 array type for two ladder-shaped patch array elements are arranged in symmetric feed network. By meticulously arrangement the two array antennas’ positions to achieved good ports isolation, with 10 dB bandwidth for the operating bands in free-space can be achieved. This antenna is used as a rectenna (rectifying antenna), which receives the RF energy of vertical and horizontal polarization wave in free space for 2.4 GHz wireless power transmission. The rectifier circuit setup using two zero biased rectifier and voltage doubler circuit. A matching network designed with small size chip components have a significant improvement in impedance matching and eliminate high order harmonics between the antenna and rectifying circuit. The proposed dual-polarized rectenna provided the RF-to-DC conversion efficiency as high as 78.8% when 14 dBm microwave power was received at 2.4 GHz with a 1 KΩ load.
SURİYELİ SIĞINMACILARIN SOSYO-KÜLTÜREL FARKLILIKLARININ SAĞLIK HİZMETLERİNE YANSIMASI
Authors: ZENGİN Mürşide , YAYAN Emriye Hilal , DÜKEN Mehmet Emin , SUNA DAĞ Yeliz
Published: April 2021

Amaç: Bu çalışma Suriyeli sığınmacı hastaların sağlık hizmeti alırken kültürel farklılıklarıyla ilişkili deneyimlerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Gereç Yöntem: Çalışma betimsel tasarımda uygulanmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri açık uçlu sorulardan oluşan anket formu kullanılarak Suriyeli hastalar aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri yüz yüze görüşme tekniği ile toplanmıştır. Açık uçlu anket sorularına verilen cevaplar metin haline dönüştürülmüş, tekrar eden ifadeler birleştirilerek ana başlıklar belirlenmiştir. Bulgular: Katılımcıların çoğunluğu iki ülke arasındaki kültürel farklılığın orta düzeyde ya da oldukça fazla olduğunu belirtmiştir. Çalışmada Suriyeli hastaların kültürel farklılıklara yönelik görüşleri beş ana başlık altında kategorize edilmiştir. Bunlar; iletişim, tedavi uygulamaları, bakım uygulamaları, aile ilişkileri ve çocuk yetiştirme davranışlarına yönelik farklılıklar olarak sınıflandırılmıştır. Sonuç: Çalışmada Suriyeli hastaların sağlık hizmeti alırken başta farklı dillerin konuşulması olmak üzere kültürel farklılıklardan dolayı sorunlar yaşadıkları belirlenmiştir. Suriyeli sığınmacı hastaların yaşadığı sorunların asgari düzeye indirilebilmesi için bu hastalara kültürel farklılıkları gözeterek sağlık hizmetinin sunulması önerilmektedir.
Yutucu Plakası Gözenekli Malzemeden Yapılmış Bir Havalı Güneş Kollektörünün Tasarımı
Authors: ÖZGEN Filiz , DAYAN Ayşe
Published: April 2021

Bu çalışmada yutucu yüzeyi farklı engellerden oluşmuş havalı bir güneş kollektörünün tasarımı yapılmıştır. Havalı güneş kollektörün yutucu yüzeyi, gözenekli bulaşık telleri kullanılarak oluşturulmuştur. Deneysel çalışma için üç farklı yutucu yüzey kullanılmıştır. Birinci tip yutucu yüzey olarak karmaşık yüzey (Tip I), ikinci tip yutucu yüzey olarak az karmaşık yüzey (Tip II), üçüncü tip yutucu yüzey olarak düz yüzey (Tip III) kullanılmıştır. Üç farklı yutucu yüzey olarak imal edilen bu yüzeylerin üzerine bulaşık telleri karmaşık ve az karmaşık olarak yerleştirilmiştir. Bir tane yutucu yüzey de boş bırakılmıştır. Bulaşık telleri yanyana ve uç uca eklenerek selenoid şekilde yapıştırıldıktan sonra siyah mat boya ile boyanarak güneş ışınımından daha fazla yararlanılmıştır. Deneylerde, hava geçiş kanallarından geçen havanın kütlesel debisi 0,05 kg/s ve 0,025 kg/ s olarak alınmış ve en uygun debi değeri 0,05 kg/s olarak bulunmuştur. Kollektör kasasının dış yan kenarları ve altı alüminyum malzemeden yapılmış olup, dış havaya bakan bu yüzeyler yalıtım malzemesi ile sıkı bir şekilde izole edilmiştir. Bu kollektör yatayla 37 0C açı yapacak şekilde ve üzerine gölge düşmeyecek biçimde bir sehpa üzerine güneye bakacak şekilde yerleştirilmiştir. Kollektör verim hesaplamalarının yapılabilmesi için kollektör giriş sıcaklığı, çıkış sıcaklığı, yutucu yüzey sıcaklığı, çevre sıcaklığı ve güneş ışınım değerleri ölçülmüştür. Kollektör yüzeyinin karmaşıklık oranı arttıkça kollektör verimin arttığı tespit edilmiştir. Farklı yutucu yüzeyler için verim değerleri % 23 ile %74 arasında bulunmuştur. Ayrıca debi değerinin artması ile kollektör verimin arttığı görülmüştür.
Kent Kıyılarının ve Suyun Kamusal Sanatla Dönüşümü
Authors: KILINÇ Cemre , INCEOĞLU Mehmet , BALÇIK Sema
Published: April 2021

Kamusal sanat toplumu oluşturan birbirinden farklı bireyleri bir araya getirerek, fikirlerin, istek ve ihtiyaçların ifade edilebileceğı bir alan sunmaktadır. Bu anlamda kentsel mekanlarda yer alması toplum yaşamına katkı sağlamaktadır. Kamusal sanat ürünleri günümüzde kentsel mekanların vazgeçilmezi olmaya başlamıştır. Geçici ya da kalıcı olarak yerleştikleri andan itibaren kamusal alana getirdiği dinamizm mekana yeni bir soluk olmaktadır. Özellikle son yıllarda kıyı ile ilişki kuran, su ile temas eden, ona dokunan kamusal sanat ürünleri yaygınlaşmaktadır. Bu çalışmada yumuşak bir zemin olarak suyun ve kent kıyılarının kamusal sanatla olan temasını içeren örnekler kentsel kalite parametreleri doğrultusunda irdelenmiş ve Antalya-Konyaaltı Sahili çerçevesinde yapılan kent mobilyaları şeklindeki kamusal sanat ürünleri incelenerek alana dair önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
A Qualitative Phenomenological Exploration of the Experiences of Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease Engaged in a Boxing Program
Authors: MacCosham Bradley , Webb Evan , Oey Jessica , Gravelle Francois
Published: April 2021

Boxing has emerged as a beneficial form of physical activity (PA) for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Research typically emphasizes the physical benefits of boxing for individuals with PD but neglects other aspects that could promote long-term engagement in such programs. This study qualitatively explored the experiences of individuals with PD who are engaged in a boxing program. A qualitative phenomenological methodology was utilized. Twelve participants took part in a semi-structured interview. Data were thematically analyzed. Analysis revealed that participants experienced a variety of physical, social, and psychological aspects. Findings suggest that participants perceived increases in physical abilities and concentration through prolonged engagement in the program and social support upon recently joining the program. Other themes were also uncovered such as coming out of isolation, relatedness, escapism, and sense of accomplishment. The knowledge generated from this study can be valuable for health professionals seeking to design and implement specialized PA programs to improve the health of individuals with PD.
Effecting Epiphanous Change in Teacher Practice: A Teacher’s Autoethnography
Authors: Barley Karen , Southcott Jane
Published: April 2021

This study comprises of a series of autoethnographic vignettes stemming from Karen’s life experiences that provide a snapshot of her quest for equality and fairness in her personal life, as well as her professional life as a primary school and special education educator. Karen later became a teacher of teachers, keen to share what she had learned with her peers. It was when she began educating other teachers that she became even more self-reflective with the most poignant question being, what causes one to change their beliefs, attitude, or way of thinking? The included vignettes encapsulate significant stories, starting from early childhood, to the motivation behind Karen’s teaching career and then the students that she met who shaped her adoption of the belief of equality and fairness for all. The vignettes provide the foundation for a qualitative study where one teacher’s journey of transformative and epiphanous change are analysed using autoethnography, reflexivity and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The study examines the value of tacit knowledge, and then segues to explore resonance with Dewey’s constructivism, Kolb’s experiential theory, Mezirow’s transformational education theory and Tang’s Synergic Inquiry. While these theories provide a foundation for how learning and personal transformation may occur and attempts to answer the aforementioned question; not one theory captured what Karen was seeking; which is: How does epiphanous, mind blowing, life affirming change occur? The author contends that to shift one's value’s paradigm, one needs to incorporate the essence of all of the above theories to create a new integrated model.
Relationships, Socialization and Combat Veterans: The Impact of Receiving and Training a Service Dog
Authors: Scotland-Coogan Diane
Published: April 2021

The impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on our combat veterans and their families is extensive. Without support, negative outlook, lack of trust in others, negative perception of self, and lack of trust in one’s judgment persist. The support of loved ones is essential to treatment adherence and rehabilitation (Meis, Barry, Kehle, Erbes, & Polusny, 2010). The Veterans Administration (VA) has been using canines to assist combat veterans in reintegrating into civilian life, and most currently as a part of psychological therapy (Rubenstein, 2012). This research examined the impact of receiving and training a service dog on combat veterans with PTSD using Stake’s collective case study model. Interviews were conducted with fifteen combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD participating in a 14-week program for receiving and training their own service dog. Anger symptom severity decreases were reported, which had the residual effects of improved relationships and socialization.
“Nothing is ever easy”: Parent Perceptions of Intensity in Their Gifted Adolescent Children
Authors: Guthrie Kate
Published: April 2021

Due to asynchronous development, gifted children often experience the world differently than their same-aged peers. Some experience unique intensities, or overexcitabilities, that render modifications in teaching and parenting. These intensities typically take on characteristics of emotional, intellectual, imagination, psychomotor, or sensual overexcitability. In this in-depth interview study, I explored parent perceptions of intensity in their gifted adolescent children. Three mothers participated and completed the Overexcitability Inventory for Parents-Two (OIP-II) prior to each interview. The parent responses to the OIP-II served as an elicitation device to begin our conversations. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes among the participants’ perceptions: (1) challenging behaviors of intense gifted children, (2) consequences of intensity, and (3) a parent’s search for understanding. These findings inform the understanding of intensity and overexcitability from parents’ points of view and provide insight into how intense gifted children behave outside of the classroom. I conclude the article with questions to consider regarding how to better support parents of young gifted children.
A Qualitative Expert Interview Approach towards Understanding Religious Extremism among Malaysian Youth
Authors: Yusof Norhafezah , Kaur Amrita , Sani Mohd , Hashim Rosna
Published: April 2021

Religious extremism among Muslim youth is an emergent challenge and a variety of factors contribute towards its rise. However, few studies have explored this phenomenon in predominantly Muslim countries. Using expert interview approach, this study explored factors that provoke Malaysian youth into joining religious extremist groups and discussed findings from a social-ecological theory perspective. Inductive thematic analysis guided by socio-ecological theory was employed to analyze the data. Factors identified were Islamic Ideology-choice & Interpretation, Ummah and Practicality, and Charismatic leadership. The investigation through the social-ecological lens suggests that these causes mainly interacted at the macro-ecological and community-levels to influence the behaviour of Malaysian youths.