bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LEADERSHIP STYLE AND PERFORMANCE OF FIVE STAR HOTELS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Wanjiku Ann Mercy , Kungu Patricia
Published: July 2022

The 5-star hotels in Nairobi have experienced dwindling customer numbers, reduced services and products offered and quality of service as a result of decreasing number of tourists following the 2017 repeat election declaration, terrorism attacks in Dusit D2 and Corona Virus pandemic. The reduced number of customers has affected the growth, expansion, sales and number of employees in the hotel industry in Kenya. The industry also has encountered a reduced number of tourist activities which has affected customer outreach levels in the years 2016 to 2020. The current study, therefore, sought to evaluate the effects of leadership style on the performance of five-star hotels in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was anchored on resource-based theory. A descriptive research design was used. The unit of analysis was Nairobi City County’s five-star hotels and the unit of observation was the senior hotel managers. Data were collected from 104 senior managers and due to the small number, the research used a census study. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The drop and pick later method was used to collect data. Test for reliability was done through the Cronbach Alpha test and content validity and construct validity were tested through the pilot test. Qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques were used. Descriptive measures such as mean, frequency and standard deviation were used. Inferential statistics such as correlation and regression analysis were used to present the linear relationship between variables. Data was presented in tables/figures. The significant majority of respondents said that hotel management has the ability and skill to conduct an initiative of change. The study found that leadership had a favorable impact on five-star hotel performance. Environmental scanning should be encouraged in hotels because it is the only way to alleviate stress during leadership.

JEL: L80; L83

 

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THE IMPACT OF SELF-EFFICACY AND CREATIVE PROCESS ENGAGEMENT ON INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOUR IN THE TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Harun Mohamad Faizal Bin , Yunhendri Rizzuan Bin , Shaharudin Mohd Hafiz Bin , Kanapathipillai Kumaran
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to illuminate the influence of self-efficacy and creative process engagement on employees' innovative work behaviour in the telecommunication industry in Malaysia. To determine whether these two variables are linearly related, the researchers have applied the quantitative method to test the hypothesis developed for this study. The correlation procedure was used to test the strength of association, and the linear regression procedure was used to test the relationships between the quantitative variables. The population of this study was 45,093 employees working for 214 telecommunication employers in the southern and western regions of Malaysia. A self-administered survey was utilised to gather the data for this research. A total of 424 respondents provided the data to derive the analysis and conclusion for this study. It was shown that self-efficacy directly influences employees' cooperation and efforts, indicating that self-efficacy has a motivating potential for innovative work behaviours. Innovative work behaviour requires strong self-efficacy and involvement in the creative process. Commitment is a huge concern since the causes and consequences of inventive working behaviour may differ greatly depending on whether the emphasis is on self-efficiency or creative process engagement. It seems from the outcomes of this study that self-efficacy and participation in the creative process may help increase creativity and innovation. According to this research, innovative thinking is more likely to be associated with employees who are confident in their abilities to execute challenging tasks and multitask. Employees' capacity to innovate will improve if they have a sense of self-efficacy and participation in the creative process. This will help employees solve problems, enhance their creativity, and create new ideas.

 

JEL: L20, L23, L96

 

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A SURVEY ON COMMON ERRORS IN STUDYING SPEAKING SKILL OF ENGLISH-MAJORED FRESHMEN AT TAY DO UNIVERSITY, VIETNAM
Authors: Dang Thi Hanh , Chau Thanh Hai , Diep Cam Thuy
Published: July 2022

Speaking is regarded as the most important aspect of communication skills, and it contributes to the success of language learners in their studies and careers, as well as the success of teachers in their teaching process. However, English-majored students, especially English-majored freshmen, usually face some errors in speaking English. Consequently, this research, entitled "A Survey on Common Errors in Studying Speaking Skills of English-majored Freshmen at Tay Do University" was conducted to figure out some common problems in speaking English that these English-majored students have encountered. The participants of this research were 80 students from two classes, English 15A and English 15B, at Tay Do University. The main research instrument for collecting the data was a questionnaire. The findings of this research pointed out the participants’ errors in speaking skills problems (pronunciation, grammar tense, pronunciation, mother tongue, vocabulary) and psychological problems (anxiety of error, lack of motivation, shyness, lack of confidence). The results showed that the students had errors in their speaking skills. Thanks to the results, some useful solutions were proposed for English-majored students.
 

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CRITICAL THINKING PRACTICE IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION CLASSROOMS
Authors: Jamiai Abdelmajid , El Karfa Abderrahim
Published: July 2022

Critical thinking education is, generally, the act of recognizing the student as a full human being in all aspects of teaching and learning, with the ultimate purpose of creating creative, authentic, and critical individuals who can solve problems and make decisions for themselves. It holds that students should be engaged in the development and practice of varied creative and critical thinking skills and that they should be encouraged to personalize connections and transfer these skills from the classroom and school contexts to other life situations. This article addresses the issue of critical thinking practice in language education classrooms. It presents some relevant definitions of critical thinking education and discusses some critical thinking skills that students should be encouraged to develop and practice and some barriers to their effective and successful implementation in language education classrooms. To this end, this article suggests some classroom activities and patterns of communication which could help teachers cope with these impediments, and engage their students in the development and practice of these skills.
 

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SOME COMMON PROBLEMS IN WRITING ESSAYS OF ENGLISH MAJORED SOPHOMORES AT A UNIVERSITY IN THE MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM
Authors: Le Van Lanh , Dang Thi Bao Dung , Nguyen Kha
Published: July 2022

Writing essays is said to be an indispensable part of English writing, which partly contributes to the success of learning English and real-life as well. It is also a basic skill in writing. However, learners usually have problems during their learning process. Therefore, this research, titled "Some Common Problems in Writing Essays of English Majored Sophomores at a University in the Mekong Delta," was conducted to figure out common problems in writing essays by students majoring in English. The participants of this research were 85 English-majoring sophomores at Tay Do University. The two main research instruments for collecting the data were the questionnaire and the interview. The findings of the research would point out the students’ problems in linguistics, including grammar and vocabulary, writing styles, idea arrangement, background knowledge and other problems.
 

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DIFFICULTIES IN UNDERSTANDING AND APPLYING COLLOCATIONS IN WRITING OF ENGLISH-MAJORED JUNIORS AT A UNIVERSITY IN THE MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM
Authors: Le Van Lanh , Dang Thi Bao Dung , Nguyen Dao
Published: July 2022

It goes without saying that writing is one of the central pillars of language learning that helps learners show their viewpoints, thoughts, and feelings to readers. If writing is considered an effective means of communication, collocations are the colour of language expressions. There is no doubt that collocations are interesting to learn and use. Obviously, they make our written English become more flexible, colourful, attractive, and easy to understand. However, students also face some difficulties in understanding and applying collocations. Therefore, the research “Difficulties in understanding and applying collocations in writing of English majored juniors at a University in the Mekong Delta” was conducted to find out some difficulties in learning collocations. Juniors of Bachelor of English 13 classes at Tay Do University were chosen as the participants. A questionnaire and interview were the instruments of the study. The findings of the survey would point out the learners’ difficulties consisting in vocabulary, recognizing collocation in the specific contexts, guessing meaning, and putting collocations in the appropriate situations. Based on the results, some solutions and tips would be suggested to help students be able to master collocations and use them accurately.
 

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NATIONAL IDENTITY AND NEIGHBOUR COUNTRY PERCEPTIONS OF PRE-SERVICE SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHERS – THE TURKISH CASE
Authors: Yiğit E. Özlem
Published: July 2022

The aim of this research was to determine pre-service social studies teachers’ knowledge and perceptions both towards their national identity and neighbour countries of Turkey. Based on qualitative research methodology, participants consisted of 73 pre-service social studies teachers at a university located in the western part of Turkey. The selection of pre-service teachers was based on purposeful sampling with no gender-specific selection. A questionnaire was developed based on qualitative means which included open-ended questions regarding the pre-service social studies teachers’ perceptions of both national identity and neighbour states of Turkey. They also created metaphors for those countries. In conclusion, it is seen that for Turkish pre-service social studies teachers being a Turkish citizen equalled kinship, loyalty to historical heritage, patriotism and duties towards own nation. In the case of neighbour countries, they could present less knowledge about those countries.
 

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A DATA ANALYTICS-BASED APPROACH FOR QUANTITATIVE EXPLORATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENGINEERING PROGRAMS' MAJORS AND EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Authors: Yahya Anwar Ali
Published: July 2022

In outcome-based education, program education objects (PEOs) are essential components around which all program’s activities are centered. They represent graduates professional and career accomplishments within few years of graduation. In this paper, the relationship between the academic majors and PEOs of engineering programs is questioned and a data analytics-based approach to answer this question is proposed. More specifically, this paper applies three well-known data correlation measures, namely Pointwise Mutual Information, Correlation Coefficient, and Odds Ratio, to a PEOs dataset extracted from the self-study reports of a set of Engineering programs. The PEOs dataset has been linguistically pre-processed through cleaning, annotation using a set of PEOs labels, and projection to break down each multi-PEOs label data instance into several single PEOs data instances. After that, the three measures are applied to measure the relationship between Programs' Majors (PMs) and PEOs. The obtained results are then ranked based on PMs-PEOs correlation strength and the agreement analysis among the three measures show a remarkable consistency among them in their evaluation of the relationship between PMs and PEOs. Finally, the overall ranking of PEOs within each PM, computed as a majority vote of the ranking of the three measures, show that each PM has a unique pattern of ranked PEOs. This suggests that the nature of PM plays a key role in determining the PM-PEOs relationship pattern. The obtained PMs-PEOs quantitative correlations are very beneficial to the academicians particularly when designing new programs or reviewing existing ones.
 

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THE EFFECT OF CONTENT MASTERY SERVICES IN OVERCOMING STUDENTS' LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN MATHEMATICS SUBJECTS AT SMP NEGERI 254 JAKARTA, INDONESIA
Authors: Rejeki Tri Sari , Wangid Muhammad Nur
Published: July 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of content mastery services in overcoming student learning difficulties in mathematics at SMP Negeri 254 Jakarta. The research method used is a quantitative method with a quasi-experimental approach and a purposive sampling technique used to determine the research sample. The instrument used in this research is a questionnaire. It can be proven by the change in class 7.3, namely the experimental class that has learning difficulties in high Mathematics subjects, after being given treatment in the form of content mastery services there is a significant change. In class 7.2, which is the control class, which also has learning difficulties in high mathematics, there was a significant change that was influenced by other factors outside the study. So that the results of the research hypothesis are "There is an influence before being given treatment with after being given treatment in the form of content mastery services. That content mastery services have an influence in overcoming students' learning difficulties in mathematics subjects at SMP Negeri 254 Jakarta."
 

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CRISE D’ADOLESCENCE ET ACCOMPAGNEMENT SOCIO-EDUCATIF DES ELEVES AU CEG DE HOUETO A ABOMEY-CALAVI, BENIN / ADOLESCENT CRISES AND SOCIO-EDUCATIONAL CARING AMONG HOUETO SECONDARY SCHOOLERS IN ABOMEY-CALAVI, BENIN
Authors: Akimi Yessoufou
Published: July 2022

A l’enseignement secondaire au Bénin, la plupart des élèves sont adolescents. La crise d’adolescence, qui explique les déviances comportementales chez ces jeunes, mérite une meilleure compréhension pour sa prise en charge éducative. Ainsi, cette recherche a pu inventorier ses manifestations, et évaluer les dispositifs d’accompagnement en place. L’approche qualitative a permis de mobiliser des élèves de 4e, enseignants et parents du Collège d’enseignement général de Houèto à Abomey-Calavi. Les données obtenues ont permis de découvrir des déviances scolaires allant du défi de l’autorité à l’agression sexuelle. La prise en charge n’a toutefois pas exploré les potentialités offertes par l’éducation sexuelle, les TIC et les activités récréatives.

 

Most of Benin’s students in secondary schools are adolescents. Adolescent crises which explain behavioural troubles among them deserves scrutiny for better care. This research explored adolescent crises among the students, and evaluated the caring mechanisms in place. A qualitative research design enabled to involve third grade students, teachers and parents at Houèto secondary school in Abomey-Calavi. The data obtained enabled to discover behavioural troubles, ranging from authority challenging to sexual aggression. The caring mechanisms have not yet tapped into the potentials of sexual education, ITC and recreational activities.

 

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NAVIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICES OF MIDSAYAPENOS AND LGU GOVERNANCE IN RESPONDING TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Garcia Jolai R. , Mahinay, Jr. Sergio D. , Dubpaleg Fatma , Jaberina Rhea , Mabit Jovanne
Published: July 2022

The Local Government Unit plays a significant role in mitigating problems such as the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, the government alone cannot end the pandemic without public’s help public and vice-versa. The citizens also play a vital role in stopping the further transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic by religiously practicing health and safety protocols at home or wherever they go. This study investigated the relationship between the health and safety protocols as well as the status of governance of the Local Government Unit of Midsayap using the evidence-based key indicators of Good Governance aggregated from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A quantitative research design was employed to determine the relationship of the variables under study. Findings showed that the residents of Midsayap often practice the necessary health and safety measures against COVID-19 and that the Local Government Unit of Midsayap is effective in responding to the pandemic. Moreover, the two variables also show a strong positive relationship.
 

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INVESTIGATING PRONUNCIATION DIFFICULTIES AND PREFERENCE FOR PRONUNCIATION INSTRUCTION
Authors: Le Thach Son
Published: July 2022

Pronunciation can take an important role in communication as unintelligible sounds can make listeners unable to understand the intended meaning of the speaker, so obtaining an intelligible accent or pronunciation is crucial. With this importance, the current study attempted to investigate what can cause learners difficulties when learning pronunciation. Then, it also attempted to discover learners’ ideas on how they would like pronunciation to be taught. In order to have the data for the investigation, the study applied the quantitative method by using a five-point Likert scale to measure the students’ degree of agreement in these two mentioned domains of investigation. A group of 40 first–year Vietnamese EFL students were employed. They are studying English as a foreign language and their major is English education. The first result showed that the students agreed learning pronunciation is difficult and they did not agree with only two items displayed in this set of questions. The second result uncovered that the students strongly agreed with the ideas exhibited in the questionnaire on how pronunciation should be instructed. These results are used as recommendations for learning pronunciation and some limitations of the study were also included.
 

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TRANSLATION AS TRANSFORMATION: ON THE TREATMENT OF PUNS AND WORDPLAY IN ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF JINPINGMEI
Authors: Xiao Shuangjin
Published: July 2022

The novel Jinpingmei is rife with various forms of language play, which produces special stylistic or poetic effects and contributes to characterization. Language play in Jinpingmei gives rise to cognitive effects on the reader and poses a serious challenge to interlingual translation. However, it has hitherto received little attention from translation studies researchers. The issue of how different forms of language play are treated in English translations of Jinpingmei has not been touched upon. This article aims to fill the gap by analyzing and discussing the translation of puns and wordplay in Jinpingmei. It takes a cognitive-pragmatic view and draws upon a relevance-theoretic approach to examine the way in which puns and wordplay is rendered into the target language. Within the relevance-theoretic framework, translation is viewed as an “interpretive use of language” and the relation between source and target texts is based on interpretive resemblance rather than equivalence (Sperber & Wilson, 1986; Gutt, 1991). The analysis undertaken in the article is based on two English translations of Jinpingmei. Following Delabastita’s (1996) taxonomy of puns and transferring strategies, the article examines the translators’ translation strategies and assesses the degree of relevance and interpretive resemblance achieved in the two translations vis-à-vis the source text. Research results demonstrate that most puns and wordplay are lost or misconstrued in translation and that the translators exhibit different patterns in their approaches to translating wordplay in Jinpingmei. Moreover, the degree of interpretive resemblance achieved in the two translations differs significantly. The article concludes that the translators’ choice is influenced by translational skopos, the sociocultural context of translation and reception, and the (un)translatability of wordplay effected by the linguistic and cultural difference between Chinese and English.
 

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EXAMINATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON PERFORMANCE OF BAR & RESTAURANTS DURING THE CRISIS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Odhiambo Erastus Ngura , Muriuki Jeniffer Wanjiru
Published: July 2022

The recent Covid-19 crisis has wreaked havoc in the performance of businesses in the whole world. The most hit is the hospitality industry, especially the bar & restaurant businesses, which are considered high human density areas. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to examine the survival strategies influencing the performance of bar & restaurant businesses in Nairobi County, Kenya, in the face of a crisis like the covid-19 pandemic. The outcome of this study was useful in countering the negative effects of future crises in Nairobi County as well as the rest of the nation. The study was based on diffusion of innovation theory and business resilience theory. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate the extent of strategic management adoption, assess the extent of technology/innovation adoption, ascertain the influence of diversification, and examine the influence of social media networking on the performance of bar & restaurant businesses in the face of crisis. The population under study was a total of 6,383 licensed bar & restaurant businesses in Nairobi County. The project adopted a survey research design and simple random sampling technique to select a sample that was representative of the whole population. The study targeted 100 respondents from a sample of 100 bar & restaurants within Nairobi County. The survey used both questionnaires and observation as the main methods of data collection. The researcher then analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression models and used textual explanation, and charts to present the results appropriately. The study also sought to examine the influence of social media on the performance of bar & restaurant businesses during the crisis in Nairobi County. It noted that the p-value of the social media adoption stood at 0.131 indicating that the social media adoption did not have a statistically significant influence on the performance of bar & restaurant businesses. The study thus found that social media adoption as a variable did not have a statistically significant influence on the performance of bar & businesses.
 

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LECTURE ATTENDANCE HABIT AMONG STUDENTS IN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION: FACTORS RESPONSIBLE AND MANAGEMENTS’ OPTIONS
Authors: Oweikpodor V. G. , Onafowope M. A.
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the factors responsible for students’ lecture attendance habit and managements’ options for improvement in Colleges of Education in Delta State. Five research questions guided the study. A descriptive method of ex-post facto research design was adopted with a sample size of 345 lecturers in Colleges of Education in Delta State. A validated and reliable questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions while independent samples t-test was used to test the null hypothesis. The findings of the study revealed that the students displayed a positive attitude toward lecture attendance; male students resume lectures before female students but female students are more regular with lectures than their male counterparts; lecture attendance habits of students are attributed to completing assignments at the last minute, emergency travels, financial constraint, unconducive learning environment, availability of course outline on the textbook, student illness, students feel they can pass without attending classes and time fixed for class. The findings also revealed that most students show a negative attitude toward lectures because they believe they can borrow lecture notes from fellow students, buy a textbook, create a study group or engage in personal reading; and that positive lecture attendance habit of students can be enhanced if the mark is awarded for attending lectures, making the learning environment more conducive and making students understand the need to attend lectures. The study recommended that school management should develop a policy for awarding marks to students who attend lectures, this will encourage those students who have a negative attitude to lectures.
 

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MEASURES TO DEVELOP THE SPECIALIST LEARNING CONDITION OF SELF-STUDY AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR HOURS OF VOLLEYBALL STUDENTS AT DA NANG SPORTS UNIVERSITY, VIETNAM
Authors: Hung Nguyen Xuan
Published: July 2022

Self-learning and self-extra-curricular are issues of analytical and functional understanding of the training activity in specialist schools today. They are also identified as one of the necessary solutions to physical development, contributing to improving the training quality of pupils. In order to have a reasonable basis for proposing and implementing a solution to organize self-study and self-extra-curricular hours to promote the personal and improve the training quality of students, the analysis process has conducted surveys and assessments. The reality of the motivation of self-studying and extra-curricular participation of volleyball students at the Da Nang University of Sports and Physical Education.
 

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KNOWLEDGE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH BLOOD PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Obande-Ogbuinya Nkiru Edith , Iloka Pascaline C. , Nwafor Jude N. , Omaka-Amari Lois Nnenna , Aleke Christian Okechukwu , Mong Emeka U. , Ohuruogu Ben N. , Orj Scholastica A. , Ngwakwe Patricia C. , Afoke Eunice N.
Published: July 2022

This study determined the knowledge of physical activity on blood pressure distribution among Secondary School Students in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. A cross-sectional survey was employed for this study. Five research questions and 5 hypotheses guided the study. The instrument used for the study was validated by three experienced lecturers. The population for this study consisted of all secondary students in the area. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 264 senior secondary students from 6 schools as they were properly guided on the complete filing and return of the questionnaires titled, Physical Activity and Blood Pressure Questionnaire, (PABPQ). The reliability coefficient value obtained was r=0.763. Two hundred and sixty-four questionnaires were administered and had a return rate of 95%. Data obtained were analyzed using frequency and percentages to answer research questions and chi-square to test research hypotheses at .05 alpha levels. The findings of the study showed a high level of knowledge of physical activity on blood pressure among respondents. Also, knowledge of physical activity on blood pressure distribution based on class, age and gender of the students were indicated to be high. Based on the findings, it was thus recommended amongst others that there should be the inclusion of the practical aspect of physical activity into the school system, as more suitable physical activities should be taught at all levels of learning. Nevertheless, there is a need to put into practice this knowledge gained for optimal and healthy living.
 

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BUILDING UP THE 12-WORK-OUTS TO IMPROVE THE MUSCULAR ENDURANCE FOR MALE BADMINTON TEAM
Authors: Tuan Tran Minh , Son Nguyen Do Minh , Hanh Le Thi My
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to find out the work-outs to improve the muscular endurance of the male badminton team at Saigon University. Eleven healthy male students in the badminton team at Saigon University were chosen to participate in the 15-week pre-season training program. Four evaluation tests were selected to identify the muscular endurance for male badminton, such as the handgrip strength test, standing high jump test, loaded heavy racket in 30 seconds test, and B endurance test. Twelve work-outs were chosen and applied to the training program. The results indicated that there were significant differences between before and after the experiment (after the application of 12 work-outs) in all evaluation tests. In short, 12 work-outs were highly effective to improve muscular endurance for the male badminton team at Saigon University. Future studies should be applied 12 work-outs in the next pre-season badminton training as well as for female badminton athletes at Saigon University.
 

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APPLICATION OF EXERCISE GAMES IN DEVELOPING PHYSICAL FITNESS TO THE STUDENTS OF VIETNAM AVIATION ACADEMY
Authors: Toan Le Huu , Giao Tran Nam
Published: July 2022

The article aims to identify various exercise games to help students at Vietnam Aviation Academy improve their fitness. The study has identified 11 popular workout games for physical development after gathering and evaluating data from academic materials and interviews with experts and specialists. The results of the experiment involving 80 students over their one-year course reveal that the chosen exercise games have a greater influence on the experimental group than on the control group (P<0.0.5).

 

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HEALTHCARE APPLICATION OF OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Authors: Efiok Nsikan John , Rawlings Peter Micheal
Published: July 2022

This paper undertakes a review of extant literature to examine the outlets in which operations management tools and techniques have been applied for improved healthcare delivery. Just as operations management has found usefulness in many other industrial sectors, this report shows that healthcare has also recorded significant advances as the principles of operations management are continually being utilised. This is evident in areas such as the management and planning of medical capacity like bed space; management of medical inventory, equipment scheduling and assignment of doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel to patience. Moreover, operations management tools have been pivotal in making improvements in such areas as medical logistics, drugs and vaccine distribution, and the management of the health supply chain. The healthcare industry has also seen a couple of successes in implementing sustainable operations management in some aspects of healthcare logistics, ethical healthcare services, and responsible healthcare delivery. However, the major challenges in applying sustainability initiatives in healthcare relate to the disposal of medical wastes, effective application of six-sigma for process improvement, and managing long waiting lines experienced in most developing nations' hospital facilities.
 

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STRENGTHENING THE ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP OF ROMA WOMEN THROUGH THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE ROMA POLITICAL SCHOOL IN GREECE
Authors: Konstantinou Athina , Papakonstantinou Theofano , Korres Maria Pavlis
Published: July 2022

This article explores the participation of Roma women in public life and how this is strengthened through their participation in the Roma Political School in Greece. The study focused on the reasons for participation and the expectations of women from their participation in the Roma Political School, but also on the barriers they encounter and the opportunities they are given to participate in social and political events. It has highlighted the emergence of proposals for the empowerment and strengthening of the position of Roma women in politics. A qualitative methodology was followed, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 4 Roma women and two officials of the Council of Europe who participated in the Roma Political School in Greece. The findings of the study showed that progress has been made towards the active citizenship of Greek Roma women and, through their participation in the RPS, women expect to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in order to actively participate in the community and contribute to resolving the problems and addressing the needs of their community. However, there are also several inhibiting factors that affect the active citizenship of women: stereotypical perceptions of the position of women prevailing in the Gypsy community, women's low level of education, and their lack of self-confidence. The main proposals that emerged in relation to strengthening women's participation in the public sphere are related to information and the dissemination of information, the strengthening of women's participation in associations, the participation of women in education and adult education and in specialized political programs, and the breaking down of stereotypes concerning the position of women.
 

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Analysis of the moderating effect of class size on student's educational performance: Focused on the changes in teaching methods and relationship with teachers
Authors:   The Korean Society For The Economics And Finance Of Education, Lee Seung Min
Published: July 2022

This study analyzed the moderating effect of the class size on the student's educational performance from the perspective that that class size is closely related to the quality of learning. 4,979 middle school students were analyzed using the data of the Korean Educational Longitudinal Data(KELS) provided by the Korea Educational Development Institute(KEDI), and a two-way fixed effect model was used.
The main research results are as follows. First, there were differences in student and school characteristics depending on the class size, mainly students with excellent grades in the middle and upper classes were distributed in large class sizes. In addition, there were statistical differences in teaching methods and relationships with teachers according to class size, when the class size was small, students perceived the teaching method more individual, interactive, and relationships with teachers more positively. Second, there was the moderating effect of class size on class understanding and class concentration. The smaller the class size, the greater the impact of the individualized·interactive class methods and the relationship with the teachers on the class understanding, and the smaller the class size, the greater the impact of the individualized class method on the class concentration. Third, there was no moderating effect of the class size on the academic achievement. However, as a result of analyzing only students who have experienced small classes for three years, clear moderating effects were found.
Through the analysis of the moderating effect of class size on educational performance, this study confirmed that the effect of learning quality on educational performance varies depending on the class size. Based on this discussed the importance of class size and education finance, and suggested policy implications and follow-up studies.
The Changes and Issues of Securing Finance in the Local Education Finance Grant Act at the Central Government Level
Authors:   The Korean Society For The Economics And Finance Of Education, Woo Myung-Suk
Published: July 2022

The study analyzed the whole changes and issues of the Local Education Finance Grant Act in terms of sufficiency and stability of Local Education Financial Grant which was secured by the central government. The study collected and analyzed the minutes of the National Assembly meetings, government data, and related prior research related to the enactment and revision of the Local Education Finance Grant Act.
The findings were as follows: first, the Local Education Financial Grant Act tried to secure the sufficiency and stability of education finance in terms of securing financial resources to complete compulsory middle school education and introduce free education for early childhood education and upper secondary education. However, since the measures to secure financial resources for early childhood education and free high school education are both temporary, it is necessary to ensure the sufficiency and stability by stipulating a method for securing finance in the Grant Act. Second, it is highly recommended to estimate the appropriate size of Local Education Finance Grants through analysis of the demand for local education finance. The Local Education Financial Grant Act is subject to controversy over environmental changes due to a sharp drop in the number of students and the appropriateness of the subsidy size. Third, it is also necessary to design methods of securing financial resources such as Grant for teachers’ salaries and allowances in the future.
A study on private education expenditure of teachers appointment exam applicants in Korea
Authors:   The Korean Society For The Economics And Finance Of Education, Yi Pilnam , You Jung Seok
Published: July 2022

This study analyzed the level and impact of private education expenditure of teachers appointment exam applicants using five waves of Graduates Occupational Mobility Survey. Considering heterogeneous characteristics of primary and secondary teacher resources and different pass rates of appointment exams, we divided samples of primary and secondary teacher applicants.
The findings are as follows. First, primary teacher applicants spent about 310 thousand won for private education on average. Private education expenditure for Hagwon was 470 thousand won while that for lectures on campus cost 220 thousand won. Second, secondary teacher applicants spent about 420 thousand won for private education on average. The higher household income level was, the higher private education expenditure was. Private education expenditure for Hagwon cost statistically significantly higher than other exam preparation methods. The lower rank university graduates and private university graduates spent more on private education for exam preparation. Third, private education expenditure was not a significant determinant of probability of passing both primary and secondary teacher appointment exams. Particularly for secondary teacher appointment exams, graduates with higher college GPA, higher satisfaction of college education, and from higher rank university and public university were more likely to pass the exam.
In conclusion, this study found private education expenditure, which is associated with the level of household income, was not a significant determinant and the teacher appointment exams in Korea worked on the basis of meritocracy.
TEXTURAL AND CATALYTIC FEATURES OF SILICON SURFACE MODIFIED WITH ZnO IN THE REACTION OF HOMOGENOUS-HETEROGENEOUS ACTIVATION OF PROPANE-OXYGEN MIXTURES AT LOW PRESSURES
Authors: Gukasyan Petros S. , Mkhitaryan Sevda B. , Vardapetyan Samvel M. , Sarkeziyan Verzhine A. , Kamalyan Oleg A.
Published: July 2022

The textural and catalytic characteristics of the surface of silica gel modified with zinc oxide by the sol-gel method and by means of a chemical transport reaction (CTR) have been studied. It was found that catalytic activity of the obtained contacts depends on both the nature and the structural and textural characteristics of the supported ZnO. Using the example of the reaction of low-temperature oxidation of propane, it was found that lower limit of the release of radicals from the surface into the volume with the CTR modification method is lower by 15–20 degrees than in the case of the sol-gel method. It was shown that the catalyst obtained by applying the active phase on the surface of the support by the CTR method is more efficient due to the energy homogeneity of its active centers and the texture characteristics of the surface.
Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in a Southeast Asian Tertiary Dermatological Centre
Authors: Lim Vanessa ZY , Ho Roger CM , Tee Shang-Ian , Pan Jiun Yit , Lim Yen Loo , Tang Mark BY , Chan Keen Loong , Giam Yoke Chin
Published: July 2022

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the frequency of anxiety and depression in a cohort of adult patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) in a tertiary dermatological centre, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). We looked for any correlation between anxiety and depression with skin disease severity. Materials and Methods: Patients with AD were recruited from the National Skin Centre, Singapore, from 2008 to 2009 for a prospective cross-sectional study. The scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) grade was determined and the HADS was administered via interviews. Results: A total of 100 patients (78 males, 22 females) were enrolled (92% Chinese, 4% Malays and 4% Indians). Their average age was 25.7 years. Sixty-five percent used topical steroids, 14% had previously taken oral prednisolone for the control of disease flares, and 20% were on concurrent systemic therapy. The mean SCORAD was 55.0, with 99% of patients having moderate or severe AD. The mean HADS anxiety score was 7.2 and the mean depression score was 5.0. The level of anxiety correlated well with that of depression (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, ρ = 0.59, P <0.05); 18% were considered as cases of anxiety and 5% as cases of depression. These patients also had higher SCORAD values compared to other patients with lower scores for anxiety or depression (P <0.05). Linear regression demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between anxiety and depression scores, and SCORAD scores. Conclusion: Our study identified, by means of the HADS, the frequency of anxiety and depression amongst a cohort of Singaporean patients with AD. More severe skin disease correlated to greater psychological burden. The HADS is a useful screening tool that can constitute part of the overall holistic management of patients with AD so as to improve patient care.

Key words: Eczema, HADS, Mood disorders, SCORAD
Screening for Drinking Problems in the Elderly in Singapore Using the CAGE Questionnaire
Authors: Ong Clarissa WY , Sagayadevan Vathsala , Abdin Edimansyah , Binte Shafie Saleha , Jeyagurunathan Anitha , Eng Goi Khia , Picco Louisa , Vaingankar Janhavi , Chong Siow Ann , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Given that past research on drinking problems has focused primarily on younger samples, the present study sought to examine the prevalence and correlates of alcohol use among the elderly in Singapore. Materials and Methods: Data were extracted from the Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) study, a cross-sectional, epidemiological survey conducted among a nationally representative sample of Singapore residents (n = 2565) aged 60 years and above. Variables assessed include drinking problems, depression and anxiety symptoms, obesity, smoking status, chronic physical disorders and disability. Results: The weighted prevalence of drinking problems (CAGE score ≥2) in our sample was 4.2%. Male sex, Indian ethnicity, and being divorced or separated were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of drinking problems. Participants with drinking problems were also more likely to have subthreshold depression. There were no significant differences in disability among those with drinking problems, those without drinking problems and on-drinkers, after adjusting for demographic variables. Conclusion: Our findings contribute to the body of research that indicates an association between drinking problems and depressive symptoms among the elderly. Thus, screening for depressive symptoms in the elderly with drinking problems may be useful in identifying such comorbidities in order to aid treatment planning.

Key words: Alcohol consumption, Epidemiology
Diabetes Health Profile-18 is Reliable, Valid and Sensitive in Singapore
Authors: Tan Maudrene LS , Khoo Eric YH , Griva Konstadina , Lee Yung Seng , Amir Mohamed , Zuniga Yasmin LM , Lee Jeannette , Tai E-Shyong , Wee Hwee Lin
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The Diabetes Health Profile-18 (DHP-18) measures diabetes-related psychological well-being in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It includes 3 subscales: psychological distress (PD), barriers to activity and disinhibited eating. The psychometric properties of the DHP have not been evaluated in Asia. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the DHP in multiethnic Singapore. Materials and Methods: Patients between the ages of 18 to 65 diagnosed with diabetes (either type 1 or type 2) for at least 1 year were recruited from a diabetes outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital. They completed a set of self-administered questionnaires including sociodemographic information and the DHP. Validity of the DHP was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Reliability was assessed with internal consistency and sensitivity was determined by effect size, associated with detecting a statistically significant and clinically important difference between various patient subgroups. Results: A total of 204 patients with mean age 45.4 (11.9) years, comprising 64% males and 50% Chinese, 27% Indian and 12% Malay were studied. In CFA, model fit was poor. Forced 3-factor EFA supported the original 3-factor structure of the DHP. Convergent and discriminant validity was demonstrated (100% scaling success). DHP was sensitive across majority of social demographic, clinical and social-functioning determinants (i.e., effect size >0.3). Cronbach’s alpha exceeded 0.70 for all subscales. Ceiling effects were negligible but large floor effects were seen for the PD subscale (23%). Conclusion: The DHP is valid, reliable and sensitive for measuring well-being in Asian patients with T2DM. Key words: Quality of life, Reliability, Sensitivity, Validity
A Rare Case of Synchronous Severe Duodenal Ulcers and Acute Colitis in Sartan-Induced Enteropathy: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors:   University of Insubria, Biancucci Marta
Published: July 2022

Sartan induced sprue-like enteropathy (SIE) was initially reported as a side effect of chronic Olmesartan use in 2012 and is characterized by chronic diarrhoea and weight loss. The diagnosis is often difficult and requires ruling out of other causes of enteropathy including infectious gastroenteritis, autoimmune enteropathy and celiac disease. A 51 – year – old Caucasian male was admitted to our hospital because of chronic non-bloody diarrhoea associated with severe acute renal failure and electrolyte imbalances. His medical history was only positive for hypertension for which he was on Olmesartan Medoxomil and Lacidipine, both of which were discontinued due to hypotension at admittance. Stool cultures and search for C. Difficile toxin resulted negative, whilst a Colonscopy showed endoscopic and histological signs of aspecific acute colitis. After having responded to i.v. hydration with normalization of the renal function the patient was discharged home with the same medications he was on before admittance. His diarrhoea relapsed and he was readmitted shortly afterwards with acute renal failure and electrolyte imbalances; the anti-hypertensive medications were again discontinued. After having excluded all other causes of diarrohea, including celiac disease and HIV, Sartan – induced enteropathy (SIE) was suspected and then confirmed with an esophagogastroduodenoscopy which revealed a severe erosive duodenitis with multiple duodenal ulcers. The patient again responded to i.v. hydration with normalization of the renal function and Olmesartan was held also at discharge without further relapse of the symptoms. SIE is a rare cause of chronic diarrhoea, weight loss and possible severe renal failure. It could affect the whole gastrointestinal tract and in cases of unexplained non-bloody diarrhea, suspecting SIE is fundamental and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Discontinuation of the drug is generally sufficient for symptom resolution: in suspected cases with a positive medical history for chronic angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) use, stopping the drug ex-juvantibus should be undertaken. Further research on the immunopathological mechanisms and how to recognize patients at higher risk of developing this condition is deemed necessary.