Damage Detection from SAR Imagery: Application to the 2003 Algeria and 2007 Peru Earthquakes - Trianni, G.; Gamba, Paolo (International Journal of Navigation and Observation, 2008)
This paper is focused on the improvement and further validation of a recently proposed approach for the joint use of radar satellite imagery of an area affected by a major disaster and ancillary data. The study was carried out at different sites on imagery of two different earthquakes occurred one in the Mediterranean coast of Algeria on May 21st, 2003, which severely affected the city of Boumerdes, and one in the Pacific Coast of Peru on August, 15th, 2007. The combination of different radar-extracted features results in very fuzzy classification of the damage patterns, far less detailed than what available using optical imagery. However, focused results using the above-mentioned ancillary data provide enough detail and precision to be comparable with them. In particular, quantized damage level at the block level is achieved at enough detail using ALOS/PALSAR data and thus validates the original idea.
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M-Learning in Africa: Doing the Unthinkable and Reaching the Unreachable - Brown, Tom H. (2008)
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Virtual dissections in the teaching of practical biology in South African high schools. - Kartal, Serdar (2008)
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Education transformation in South Africa: the impact of finance equity reforms in public schooling after 1998 - Motala, Shireen (2008)
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Do Higher Levels of Schooling Lead to Higher Returns to Education in Nigeria - Amaghionyeodiwe, Lloyd Ahamefule; Osinubi, Tokunbo Simbowale (Social Science Research Network, 2008)
The study found that completed years of schooling and experience were to large extent important variables that influenced earnings both in terms of parameters' significance, direction and magnitude. Wage returns to additional years of schooling completed increased as the level of education increases, thus, the higher the level of education the higher the rate of return to the individual. Also, only the post-schooling years for higher education impacted relevantly in terms of direction and magnitude on earnings of the concerned individuals.
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Heterogeneous initial Sr isotope compositions of highly evolved volcanic rocks from the Main Ethiopian Rift, Ethiopia - Deniel, Catherine (Bulletin of Volcanology, 2008)
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Improving community health worker use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests in Zambia: package instructions, job aid and job aid-plus-training - Harvey, Steven A.; Jennings, Larissa; Chinyama, Masela; Masaninga, Fred; Mulholland, Kurt; Bell, David (Malaria Journal, 2008)
Introduction of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) has boosted interest in parasite-based malaria diagnosis, leading to increased use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), particularly in rural settings where microscopy is limited. With donor support, national malaria control programmes are now procuring large quantities of RDTs. The scarcity of health facilities and trained personnel in many sub-Saharan African countries means that limiting RDT use to such facilities would exclude a significant proportion of febrile cases. RDT use by volunteer community health workers (CHWs) is one alternative, but most sub-Saharan African countries prohibit CHWs from handling blood, and little is known about CHW ability to use RDTs safely and effectively. This Zambia-based study was designed to determine: (i) whether Zambian CHWs could prepare and interpret RDTs accurately and safely using manufacturer's instructions alone; (ii) whether simple, mostly pictorial instructions (a "job aid") could raise performance to adequate levels; and (iii) whether a brief training programme would produce further improvement.The job aid and training programme were based on formative research with 32 CHWs in Luangwa District. The study team then recruited three groups of CHWs in Chongwe and Chibombo districts. All had experience treating malaria based on clinical diagnosis, but only six had prior RDT experience. Trained observers used structured observation checklists to score each participant's preparation of three RDTs. Each also read 10 photographs showing different test results. The first group (n = 32) was guided only by manufacturer's instructions. The second (n = 21) used only the job aid. The last (n = 26) used the job aid after receiving a three-hour training.Mean scores, adjusted for education, age, gender and experience, were 57% of 16 RDT steps correctly completed for group 1, 80% for group 2, and 92% for group 3. Mean percentage of test results interpreted correctly were 54% (group 1), 80% (group 2), and 93% (group 3). All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).Manufacturer's instructions like those provided with the RDTs used in this study are insufficient to ensure safe and accurate use by CHWs. However, well-designed instructions plus training can ensure high performance. More study is underway to determine how well this performance holds up over time.
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Language Policy in Morocco: Implications of Recognizing and Teaching Berber - Errihani, Mohammed (2008)
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Influence of Communicator's Race on Efficacy of an HIV/STD Prevention Intervention Among African American and Caucasian College Students - Helion, Alicia M.; Reddy, Diane M.; Kies, Ashley L.; Morris, Deirdre R.; Wilson, Clarissa M. (Public Health Nursing, 2008)
ABSTRACT Objectives: The present research examined the influence of communicator's race on the efficacy of intervention videos in the reduction of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among African American and Caucasian college females. Design: Experimental HIV/STD prevention digital versatile disks (DVDs) featured a White female as a primary or a secondary communicator relative to a Black female, while a control DVD featured 2 Black females. Respondents watched 1 DVD and completed questionnaires before and after viewing the DVD as well as 2 and 4 weeks later. Sample: 79 African American females and 88 Caucasian females participated. Measurements: Perceptions of the DVDs, HIV/STD risk, intentions to use condoms, and number of condoms purchased after viewing the videos were assessed. Results: The intervention was effective in increasing intentions to use condoms with a current partner across the follow‐up periods. There was no effect of race of communicator on any variable for African American or Caucasians. Conclusions: While communicator's race did not affect this intervention, more research is necessary. Future studies should use multiple Black and White communicators to isolate the role of race and should be conducted where larger samples of African American college students can be recruited.
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Addressing unemployment among young graduates in South Africa : the role of entrepreneurship education - Ijeoma, Edwin (2008)
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Attenuation of Intensity for the Zemmouri Earthquake of 21 May 2003 (Mw 6.8): Insights for the Seismic Hazard and Historical Earthquake Sources in Northern Algeria - Maouche, Saïd; Harbi, Assia; Meghraoui, Mustapha (2008)
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Equity and Democratic Education in Ghana: Towards a Pedagogy of Difference - Dei, George J. Sefa; Shahjahan, Riyad A. (2008)
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Longitudinal Effects of Family Factors on Alcohol Use Among African American and White Non-Hispanic Males During Middle School - Horton, E. Gail; Gil, Andrés G. (Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 2008)
ABSTRACT This study examined the longitudinal effects of five family factors (familism, parent derogation, parent–child communication, family alcohol problems, and family drug problems) on intensity of alcohol use among a sample of 451 African American and White non-Hispanic males from early to mid-adolescence (sixth through eighth grades). Results indicated that all of the family variables except family drug problems were statistically significant predictors of the level of alcohol use in mid-adolescence. Familism had a moderate influence on the dependent variable at both data points, while parent derogation, parent/child communication, and family alcohol problems were weaker predictors. Intensity of alcohol use in sixth grade, however, had the most influence on later levels of use.
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Pattern And Outcome Of Neurological Manifestations Of Hiv/Aids - A Review Of 154 Cases In A Nigerian University Teaching Hospital - A Preliminary Report - Ogun, SA; Ojini, FI; Okubadejo, Njideka; Danesi, Mustapha; Kolapo, KO; Osalusi, Bamidele; Boyle, B (African Journal of Neurological Sciences, 2008)
Background The HIV is neurotropic and clinicians need to be aware of its myriad neurologic manifestations, as these may be the only clinical presentation. Objective To evaluate the clinical spectrum and outcome of the neurologic manifestations in patients with HIV / AIDS over a ten year period. Design case - note based retrospective follow-up study. Settings Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital; Nigeria. Participants Patients attending the HIV outpatient clinic and medical in-patients with AIDS. Intervention Treatment was symptomatic and specific treatment was administered for indicator diseases. Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy (HAART) was not used routinely. Main Outcome Measure Neurologic impairment related to HIV / AIDS and its sequelae within 6 months. Results A total of 362 patients with HIV / AIDS were reviewed over a ten-year period, of which 154 patients, (42.5%) had neurological manifestations. Forty-five (29%) patients had Herpes zoster, 40 (26%) had TB meningitis (TBM), 19 (12%) had vacuolar myelopathy (VM), another 19 (12%) had AIDS dementia complex (ADC), 15 (9.7%) had toxoplasma encephalitis, 10 (6.5%) had distal sensory polyneuropathy, 4 (2.6%) had inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and 2 (1.3%) had subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. An overall 6-months fatality of 45% was recorded with ADC, VM and TBM as predictors of high fatality. Conclusion Herpes zoster appears to be the commonest neurological manifestation while TBM is the commonest AIDS defining illness. Our experience indicates that unusual neurological manifestations could be the first manifestation of HIV/AIDS, and there is need for awareness of these entities by practising doctors for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Screening of all patients with Herpes zoster for HIV is also advised.Introduction Le VIH est neurotrophique et les praticiens doivent être vigilants compte tenu du caracère polymorphe des manifestations neurologiques cliniques. But Evaluer les aspects cliniques et l\'évolution des manifestations cliniques chez des patients HIV/SIDA durant une période de 10 ans. Méthodes Il s\'agit d\'une étude rétrospective réalisée à l\'Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (Nigeria) chez des patients en ambulatoire pour les séropositifs ou hospitalisés, pour les sidéens. Le traitement était symptomatique et rarement trithérapie. Résultats 362 patients VIH / SIDA ont été étudiés sur une période de dix ans. 154 patients (42.5%), présentaient des manifestations neurologiques. Quarante cinq patients (29%) avaient un zona, 40 (26%) une méningite tuberculeuse (TBM), 19 (12%) une myéopathie vacuolaire (VM), 19 (12%) une démence (AIDS dementia complex, ADC), 15 (9.7%) une toxoplasmose cérébrale, 10 (6.5%) une polyneuropathie distale sensitive, 4 (2.6%) une polyneuropathie démyélinisante inflammatoire, and 2 (1.3%) une myélopathie subaiguë subacute. Conclusion Le zona apparaît comme étant la manifestation neurologique la plus commune. Notre expérience montre que les manifestations neurologiques inhabituelles peuvent être les premières manifestations du VIH/SIDA et interpelle tout médecin en présence de tout malade atteint d\'un zona. Keywords: Africa, AIDS, HIV, Nigeria, Neurological, Afrique, neurosida, VIH, SIDAAfrican Journal of Neurological Sciences Vol. 24 (1) 2005: pp. 29-36
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Agronomic Practices Training Needs Of Homestead Banana And Plantain (Musa) Growers In Enugu State Of Nigeria - Ajayi, A R (Global Approaches to Extension Practice: A Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2008)
The study determined the agronomic practices training needs of homestead bananas and plantains growers in Enugu State of Nigeria. Data for the study were collected from 57 homestead banana and plantain growers, using structured interview schedule. Frequency distribution, percentage and mean scores were used in the analysis of the data. The findings revealed that majority (68.0%) of the respondents grew both bananas and plantains within their compounds. Those that grew only local cultivars of bananas and plantains accounted for 40.0%, while 33.5% grew a combination of local and improved cultivars of bananas and plantains. The fellow farmers (other farmers) formed the primary sources of information on bananas and plantains improvement programmes and planting materials (suckers). Training was needed in each of the identified 14 agronomic practices. Implications of the findings for extension programme on improved bananas and plantains agronomic practices in the study area were drawn. Keywords: Agronomic practices - Training needs - homestead - growers – banana – Plantain.Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 2 (2) 2006: pp. 27-34
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Schools Serving as Centres for Dissemination of Alternative Energy Know-How and Technologies: Evidence from Southern Ethiopia - Dalelo, Aklilu (International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 2008)
The school curricula are widely believed to be the best vehicle for generating public awareness of and action related to areas of energy concern. In an attempt to build the capacity of schools to address key environmental issues in Ethiopia, a pilot project had been designed in 2004. The principal aim of the project was to bring about positive changes on the biophysical environment by using primary schools as change centres and teachers and students as change agents. Eleven upper level primary schools have been selected from most environmentally degraded districts. The major activities meant to achieve the aim of the pilot project include, among others, dissemination of alternative energy know-how and technologies using primary schools. This paper reports the findings of a comprehensive study conducted to examine the extent to which the aforementioned objective has been achieved. The results indicate that alternative energy technologies installed in the school compounds attracted the attention of individuals and community-based organisations such as churches. Tens of such institutions and hundreds of individuals have already presented their requests to buy solar home systems and solar lanterns. The demand for improved cooking stoves was also found to be very high. Though the pilot project is still in progress, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that schools in Ethiopia could act not only as centres of dissemination of knowledge about environmental problems retarding the country's development, but also as centres where skills are developed to seek sustainable solutions to these problems. Recommendations have, therefore, been made to scale up the project and eventually cover all upper level primary schools and their satellite lower level schools.
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MANAGING WATER RESOURCES UNDER CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND CHANGE: PERSPECTIVES OF COMMUNITIES IN THE AFRAM PLAINS, GHANA - Dietrich, Kathleen Ann (2008)
Climate variability and change alter the amount and timing of water resources available for rural communities in the Afram Plains district, Ghana. Given the fact that the district has been experiencing a historical and multi-scalar economic and political neglect, its communities face a particular vulnerability for accessing current and future water resources. Therefore, these communities must adapt their water management strategies to both future climate change and the socio-economic context. Using participatory methods and interviews, I explore the success of past and present water management strategies by three communities in the Afram Plains in order to establish potentially effective responses to future climate change. Currently, few strategies are linked to climate variability and change; however, the methods and results assist in giving voice to the participant communities by recognizing, sharing, and validating their experiences of multiple climatic and non-climatic vulnerabilities and the past, current, and future strategies which may enhance their adaptive capacity.
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Issues in Mobile Learning in Ghana - Millham, Richard (2008)
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Gender factors associated with sexual abstinent behaviour of rural South African high school going youth in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - Dlamini, Siyabonga; Taylor, Myra; Mkhize, Nosipho; Huver, Rosemarie; Sathiparsad, Reshma; Vries, Hein de; Naidoo, Kala; Jinabhai, C C (Health Education Research, 2008)
The cross-sectional study investigated South African rural high school learners' choice of sexual abstinence in order to be able to develop tailored health education messages. All Grade 9 learners from one class at each of 10 randomly selected rural high schools participated. The Integrated Model for Motivational and Behavioural Change was used to elicit attitudes, social influences, self-efficacy and intentions towards sexual abstinence. Chi-square and t-tests were used for bivariate analysis. In total, 454 learners, mean age 16.7 years (standard deviation 1.41) range 14–20 years, participated, of whom 246 (54.2%) were female. When comparing learners reporting abstinence (n = 252) with those not abstinent (n = 202), abstinent learners were significantly more often females (P < 0.005), younger (16.5 years versus 17.1 years, P < 0.005) and drank less alcohol (P < 0.005). Abstaining girls believed that their friends and parents think that they should abstain from sex, that their friends abstained from sex and that abstinence helped them to mature emotionally. Abstinent boys expressed intentions to abstain from sex until marriage. Targeted intervention research is required to encourage South African rural high school learners to delay their sexual initiation to reduce their risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Different abstinent messages are needed for boys and girls to address the different patterns of behaviour observed.
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Water Scarcity Under a Changing Climate in Ghana: Options for livelihoods adaptation - Gyampoh, Benjamin Apraku; Idinoba, Monica; Amisah, S. (Development, 2008)
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Improved Industrial Development In Nigeria Through Proper Technology Education - Iyede, Roo (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
The paper noted that most industrial development strategies in Nigeria did not give attention to technology education. And that technology education as recognized by few of the strategies were not only properly articulated for the tertiary institutions, but also poorly implemented. Therefore, to put technology and thus industrial development for self-reliance in its proper position in Nigeria, the paper advocates a review of the relevant portions of the National Policy on Education, National Policy on science and technology among other things. Keywords: Industrial development, technology educationJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 11 (1) 2006: pp. 17-22
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Survival of the Fittest: Pastoralism and climate change in East Africa - Kirkbride, Mary; Grahn, Richard (2008)
Climate change is having a destructive impact on many groups around the world. Pastoralists in East Africa have been adapting to climate variability for millennia and their adaptability ought to enable them to cope with this growing challenge. This paper explains the policies required to enable sustainable and productive pastoralist communities to cope with the impact of climate change and generate sustainable livelihoods.
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Distance Education Network for Strengthening the Education Movement in Nigeria - Ogili, Ezeja (2008)
Nigeria is the largest race in African continent with a population of 140,000,000 people. It also contributes to the high rate of illiterates among the nine populous countries of the world. Existence has always meant for man, a succession of challenges. Moreover, the preservation and utilization of natural resources can only be assured through heavy investments in knowledge and ability aimed at all inhabitants of our country Nigeria. Education represents the conscious, deliberate and well equipped aspect of that steady progression which is the law of all human beings. Challenges are still with us and have not loss nothing in each particular life or given community they arise in different combination and obey a different order of priorities.
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Overcoming The Problem Of English Sound System Among Learners Of English Language In Nigeria - Okoh, C (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
Teaching English language as a second language poses a big challenge to the teachers. This is as result of some peculiarities such as the interference phenomenon experienced by learners of second languages. This challenge is even more in the Nigerian situation where you have learners from different background, languages and dialects. This paper tries to examine important issues in teaching phonetics. These are the interference problem that can affect one's speech during communication and how the teacher through the use of appropriate techniques and methods can assist the second language learner overcome these problems.Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 11 (1) 2006: pp. 35-42
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Identification Of Wastage Factors In Technical And Vocational Education (A Case Study Of Technical And Vocational Training Centers In Niger State). - Opara, PN (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
It has been observed that graduates of Government Technical and Vocational Schools do not posses Saleable Skills needed for self-reliance, economic and technological development. This implies that the available resources and facilities are either not maximally utilized to the benefit of the students or that the facilities and resources are not available for effective training and learning Research questions related to the Utilization of available resources, facilities and sources of wastage were asked. The study revealed that resource and facilities for technical and vocational education in Niger State were either not available or grossly underutilized. This has lead to the existence of wastages and unless the facilities and resources are adequately utilized thereby eliminating wastage factors technological growth will continue to be a mirage.Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 11 (1) 2006: pp. 43-51
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Results of the modelling of the El Asnam Algeria earthquake of 1980 - Roger, Jean; Hébert, Hélène (Geophysical Research Abstracts, 2008)
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Influence of Drought and Shade on Seedling Growth of Native and Invasive Trees in the Seychelles - Schumacher, Eva; Kueffer, Christoph; Tobler, Monika; Gmür, Veronika; Edwards, Peter J.; Dietz, Hansjörg (Biotropica, 2008)
ABSTRACT We studied the growth of seedlings of native and invasive tree species from secondary tropical forests on Mahé (Seychelles). We were interested in whether native or invasive species are more drought‐tolerant, and therefore conducted a garden (pot) experiment comparing the growth of seedlings of five native and five invasive tree species under different light (7% and 60% transmittance) and water (natural and repeated drought stress) conditions. Differences in the responses of native and invasive species to these treatments were small. In both groups, mean relative growth rates were reduced only slightly by intermittent drought that caused wilting of leaves. However, invasive species produced clearly thinner leaves (high specific leaf area, SLA) and more root biomass than native species under high light, while these differences were small under low light. Native species performed better than invasive species under low light with low water availability. It appears that high phenotypic plasticity allows some fast‐growing invasive species to cope with water stress by adjusting the relative allocation of resources to aboveground and belowground structures under high light, while this strategy is not effective when both light and water resources are limiting. We conclude that water stress may reduce the invasibility of shaded habitats by fast‐growing invasive species, while water stress in unshaded habitats may have less effect on invasive species than previously recognized.
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Book Review: Chilisa, B., & Preece, J. (Eds.). (2006). Research Methods for Adult Educators in Africa. UNESCO, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, Institute for International Cooperation of German Adult Education Association, University of Botswana and Pearson Education South Africa. 150 pp. $27.50 - Walters, Shirley (Adult Education Quarterly, 2008)
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Farm nitrogen flows of four farmer field schools in Kenya - Beek, C.L.; Onduru, D.D.; Gachimbi, L.N.; Jager, A. de (Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 2008)
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Centralization and decentralization of schools' physical facilities management in Nigeria - Ikoya, Peter O. (Journal of Educational Administration, 2008)
Purpose This research aims to examine the difference in the availability, adequacy and functionality of physical facilities in centralized and decentralized schools districts, with a view to making appropriate recommendations to stakeholders on the reform programmes in the Nigerian education sector. Design/methodology/approach Principals, teachers, members of the board of education including parents and community leaders were surveyed from centralized and decentralized school districts on availability, adequacy, and functionality of schools facilities. Findings Emerging data revealed that decentralization enhances the availability, adequacy and functionality of schools physical facilities. Research limitations/implications The implication of the findings is that decentralization is a more efficient method of managing schools' infrastructure because it promotes accountability and reduces official corruption in schools administration. Originality/value Findings from this research provide practical solutions to the problem of physical facilities inadequacy in the Nigerian school system.
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Asikhulume! African Language for All, a Powerful Strategy for Spearheading Transformation and Improvement of the South African Education System - Lafon, Michel (2008)
Almost twenty years after Bantu Education was repelled and fifteen years into democracy, the South African education system remains bedevilled by huge social inequalities. Language is part of that realm of inequality to the extent that the medium of instruction has become the hallmark of a school's social status. If this situation is allowed to continue, there is little hope that any change in this domain will be willingly accepted by the parents of those for whom such a change would be most beneficial, i.e. African learners whose mother-tongue is at odds with the ‘language of learning and teaching', pedagogically sound though it may be. Still, the failure rate among those remains unacceptably high. To overcome this seemingly untractable situation, I argue that mother-tongue education should be made available to all the speakers of any one of the 11 official South African languages, whatever the type of school they attend, and that passing an African indigenous language should become compulsory for all learners writing the senior certificate examination. Such measures could go a long way to trigger transformation in the education scene, and might even lead to a degree of racial and social integration, bringing about the long due transformation of the country.
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Diversity and species turnover on an altitudinal gradient in Western Cape, South Africa: baseline data for monitoring range shifts in response to climate change - Agenbag, L.; Elser, K. J.; Midgley, Guy F.; Boucher, C. (Bothalia, 2008)
A temperature and moisture gradient on the equator-facing slope of Jonaskop on the Riviersonderend Mountain. Westem Cape has been selected as an important gradient for monitoring the effects of climate change on fynbos and the Fynbos- Succulent Karoo ecotone. This study provides a description of plant diversity patterns, growth form composition and species turnover across the gradient and the results of four years of climate monitoring at selected points along the altitudinal gradient.The aim o f this study is to provide data for a focused monitoring strategy for the early detection of climate change-related shifts in species’ ranges, as well as gaining a better understanding of the role of climate variability in shaping species growth responses, their distributions, and other ecosystem processes.
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Towards Improving Nursery Education Programme In Nigeria - Ayemere, MO (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
In recent years parents are eager to send their pre-school children to school. This eagerness could be attributed to their desire to see that their children obtain quality educxation from the tender age and also to be adequately developed. As a result of this the rate at which nursery schools are springing up in many parts of Nigeria has not been able to cope with this demand. However most of these parents and proprietors of this nursery schools are ignorant of what nursery education is. This paper therefore determines the areas of emphasis in nursery education, benefits from effective nursery education and the need to co-ordinate nursery education in Nigeria. Suggestions were made based on the conclusion. Keywords: Nursery Education, ogramme In Urban / Rural Areas.Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 10 (2) 2005: pp. 25-29
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Analysis Of Students' Performance In Clothing And Textiles In Colleges Of Education In Rivers State, Nigeria - Efajemue, O.O. (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
In spite of the importance of Clothing to man as food and shelter, students still find it difficult to cope with Clothing and Textiles education in the tertiary institutions. This study was investigates why there is increase in failure of students in Clothing and Textiles more than foods and Nutrition and Home Management. The main purpose of this study was to examine the factors that are responsible for the poor performance of college of Education students in Clothing and Textiles in Rivers State. The study adopted the ex-post factor descriptive research design. A sample of 120 students was drawn from the target population of 400 students of the two Colleges of Education. A systematic sampling technique was used to select the sample. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data for this study. The data collected was statistically analyzed using the simple mean, standard deviation and t-test. Findings revealed several factors that are responsible for the poor performance of college of Education students in clothing and Textiles. Problems enumerated were lack of enough laboratory equipment, lack of enough qualified and competent lecturers, poor attitude of students towards clothing and Textiles, lack of enough time allocated for practical work and assumption on the part of the students that clothing and Textiles is a difficult course. However some recommendations that will bring about the improvement of students in the academic performance in clothing and Textiles were made. It was recommended that government should standardize the existing laboratories to take care of the population explosion. Teachers should be re-trained regularly through seminars and workshops. Teachers should always give an orientation to the students to erase the notion that clothing and Textiles is a difficult subject. Keywords: Students performance, Clothing and TextilesJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 10 (1) 2005: pp. 32-37
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Effects Of Advance Organizers On Students\' Achievement In Biology: A Case Study Of Bureti District, Kenya - Keraro, FN; Shihusa, Hudson (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
Science Education is emphasized in school curriculum in order to meet the country\'s socioeconomic needs by producing a scientifically literate populace and professionals in science and technology based careers. Biology as a science subject is expected to make a contribution towards these objective. However, the overall achievement of students in biology in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (K.C.S.E) has not been impressive over the last one decade. Approaches used in the instructional process have been identified as among the factors contributing to the problem of poor performance. This study investigated the effects of using advance organizers on students\' achievement in biology. The sample comprised of 166 form three students in Bureti District, Kenya. Data was collected by use of a Biology Achievement Test (BAT). A t-test and One-Way ANOVA statistical techniques were used to analyse the data. Results were accepted at an alpha level of 0.05. The findings indicate that students taught using advance organizers achieved significantly higher than those taught using conventional teaching methods. This paper concludes by discussing the implications and recommendations of the findings. Keywords: Advance organizers, students' achievement, KenyaJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 10 (2) 2005: pp. 1-9
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Influence Of Specialized Mathematical Language On Secondary School Students Mathematical Achievement In Kenya - Mbugua, ZK; Gitua, BN (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
Secondary school students in Kenya have continued to perform poorly in mathematics at the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) national examinations. This continues to raise concern for all stakeholders in education due to the importance they attach to mathematics, a subject that is compulsory for all students to study up to KCSE in Kenya. Among the many factors that are attributed to the students\' dismal performance in the subject is the specialized mathematical language that students encounter as they learn mathematics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mathematical language and learners\' achievement in secondary school mathematics in Kenya and the extent to which mathematical language is perceived by learners and teachers to influence students\' learning of the subject. A sample of 661 from three secondary schools (352 boys and 309 girls) and 71 mathematical teachers (39 men and 32 women) were randomly sampled from Busia, Kwericho, Nakuru, Kiambo districts, including Kisumu and Nairobi cities. Questionnaire were administered to the selected respondents in the study area. Descriptive statistics and correlations were used to analyse data collected. The study found that majority of the mathematics teachers attributed learners mistakes in mathematics to their lack of the understanding of the specialized ,mathematical language. It was established that learners mastery of specialized mathematical language has direct influence on their achievement . Keywords: specialized Mathematical language, KenyaJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 10 (1) 2005: pp. 1-10
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ATTRACTING STUDENTS INTO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE PROGRAMMES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE - Mohammed, Zakari (2008)
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HIV and AIDS related knowledge, sources of information, and reported need for further education among dental students in Sudan- a cross sectional study - Nasir, Elwalid Fadul; Åstrøm, Anne Nordrehaug; David, Jamil; Ali, Rouf Wahab (BMC Public Health, 2008)
Information on the HIV and AIDS-related knowledge among dental students provides a crucial foundation for efforts aimed at developing an appropriate dental curriculum on HIV and AIDS, and for attracting the attention of dental school educators towards the subject.Focusing on a census of dental students attending their 3rd, 4th and 5th study year at publicly - and privately funded dental faculties in Khartoum, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and socio-economic correlates of dental students' knowledge, sources of information and reported need for further education related to HIV and AIDS.At the time of the survey (March-May 2007), the total number of dental students registered was 782 of which 642 (response rate 82%, mean age 21.7 year, 72% girls) completed anonymous self-administered questionnaires in supervised class room settings.A total of 49% and 86% had correct sum scores with respect to knowledge of transmission through contamination and through shaking hands and eating, respectively. About half the dental students recognized a need for further education across HIV related issues, varying from 75% (basic HIV/AIDS related issues) to 84% (patient management). Only 38% of the students had correct sum scores regarding various occupational groups at risk for contacting HIV and AIDS. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that compared to privately funded dental school students, publicly funded dental school students were less likely to have correct knowledge about modes of HIV transmission (OR = 0.6) and occupational risk groups (OR = 0.6) and to have received information from lectures/health care workers (OR = 0.5).Students attending privately funded schools were more knowledgeable about various HIV related issues than students from publicly funded schools. About half of the students investigated had received HIV/AIDS information from various sources and reported need for further education. This suggests that students are not adequately prepared for treating patients with HIV infection and AIDS and that the dental school curriculum needs improvements. Differences between public and private dental schools should be considered when planning such improvements.
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Effect Of Private Primary School Background On Students\' Performance And Perception Of Learning Environment In Public Secondary Schools: A Case Of Nyandarua District, Kenya - Ndirangu, Mwangi; Githua, BN; Gitogo, IG (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
With less than 50% of the graduates from Kenya\'s primary schools gaining access to secondary school due to limited places at this level of education, a stiff competition exists to secure places in good public secondary schools. Because the end of primary school examination is the key determinant of entry into such schools, the society exerts extreme pressure on pupils to excel. Private investors have joined the fray by establishing primary schools which do everything to ensure good performance and attract more clients. Private primary schools constitute only 10 % of the primary school population, yet take up 60% of all the positions in prime public secondary schools. This study investigated the academic achievement and perception of learning environment of private and public primary school graduates in public secondary schools. A survey of a random sample of 860 graduates admitted into public secondary schools was carried out. Results from paired t-tests indicated that public primary school graduates had a statistically significant KCSE examination mean score and that of perception of public secondary school learning environment, as compared to those from private primary schools. Results indicated the existence of factors in public secondary schools impacting negatively on private primary school graduates. It is recommended that measures be put into place to enable these graduates cope with learning environment in public secondary schools. Keywords: Private Primary School Background, Performance, Learning Environment Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 10 (1) 2005: pp. 46-54
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Differences In Pupils\' Motivation To Learn Mathematics By Gender And Class Level Among Upper Primary School Pupils In Kericho Municipality, Kenya - Ng'eno, J.K.; Changeiywo, Johnson M. (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
Mathematics is considered a very important indicator for selection and placement. Though mathematics is important many school pupils perform poorly in national examination. Education in Kenya is largely examination oriented and therefore the cognitive domain is mainly emphasized while the affective domain gets little attention. The purpose of the study was to establish the role of the affective learning domain in the learning of mathematics. The study particularly looked at pupils\' motivation to learn mathematics (PMLM) and the differences in the construct by gender and class level. The population of study consisted of 11,783 primary school pupils. A sample of 300 pupil\'s respondent to a validated Likert type instrument PMLM with reliability index of Cronbach Alpha (α) value of 0.79. The results of the study indicate that upper primary school pupils are positively motivated. The results at 0.05 Alpha (α) significant level indicate that the construct is differentiated by gender and class level. The study recommends that mathematics teachers should come up with effective motivational techniques, help learners to set up personal standards that enhance intrinsic motivation and explain the importance of mathematics and its application in society. Keywords: Pupils' Motivation, Mathematics, genderJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 10 (2) 2005: pp. 15-24
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Alleviating Poverty Through Vocational Education: The Nigerian Experience - Nwaogwug, JU (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
The paper examined the poverty situation in Nigeria and in some African countries. The population of Nigerians surviving on less than one dollar a day was calculated to be 70.2 percent. Nigeria has other socio-economic peculiarities such as inflation and corruption. These have worsened the incidence and level of poverty in Nigeria. Vocational education even though it prepares individuals for gainful employment, it has had little or no positive impact on the poverty status of Nigerians. Graduates of vocational schools undergo further training before they are employed in industries or companies. Those who open their own businesses make meagre income as such, they have not been able to raise their living standards. The paper concludes that well-articulated vocational education policy and programmes will assist in employment generations and poverty reduction in Nigeria. Keywords: Alleviating Poverty, Vocational Education, Nigerian ExperienceJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 10 (2) 2005: pp. 10-14
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Influence Of Gender Stereotyping Of Science Subjects On Secondary School Students\' Attitudes Towards Science In Bomet District Of Kenya - Barchok, HK; Changeiwo, JM; Wachanga, SW (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
Secondary school students in Kenya have continued to register below average performance in science subjects over the years. In addition, girls have been performing dismally in science subjects as compared to boys leading to their under representation in science in postsecondary school institutions. Education stakeholders in Bomet District attribute this poor performance to unfavourable attitudes held by students towards science subjects. The factors that influence formation of attitudes towards science need to be understood if science teachers are to succeed in their endeavour to foster development of favourable attitudes in their students. This study examined the influence of the Gender Stereotyping of Science Subjects (GSTSS) on students\' Attitudes Towards Science (ATS). Correlational research design was used in which a random sample of 378 was obtained in Bomet District. A Student\'s Attitudes and Stereotyping of Science Questionnaire (SASSQ) was used in data collection. Data were analysed through Pearson product-moment correlation and t-test. Results show that students in Bomet District generally have moderately positive ATS. The relationship between ATS and GSTSS though positive is insignificant at α = 0.05. This suggests that the students\' stereotypic ideas about science are less likely to influence their ATS. Science teachers should therefore ensure that male and female students are treated equally without biases in order to encourage them develop favourable ATS. Keywords: gender stereotype, science subjects, secondary school students\' attitudesJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 12 (1) 2007: pp. 1-16
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The Role of Groundwater During Drought in Tunisia - Gaaloul, Noureddine (2008)
SummaryThis chapter focuses on the work done through the I.N.R.G.R.E.F to collect and analyses available information on water resources in Tunisia and the role of groundwater during drought. It presents the quantity and quality of groundwater resources data and the integration of the drought indicator information with groundwater resources. This chapter is based on review of the evolving situation during the drought years in Tunisia. It aims to raise awareness of the key linkages between groundwater and drought, and to identify appropriate technical and institutional approaches for improving the operational reliability of groundwater and the sustainability of groundwater resources. Droughts are a recurrent characteristic of the Tunisia climate, and in recent years they have become more frequent and more severe, lasting for longer periods. The repeated drought events, combined with the depletion of the aquifers, are causing acute water shortages, affecting the social life of the country, its economy and the environment. Another interaction between groundwater and droughts concerns groundwater storage and aquifer recharge. Groundwater is globally the most common water source for domestic supply and irrigation during the drought season in arid and semi-arid regions. Climate change, drought and desertification are interrelated, but these processes should not be confused or interchangeably referred to if we are to address the complex issues of drought and water management in the Tunisian region on a sound scientific basis.
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The Evolution of Groundwater Exploration Methods in the Moroccan Oases through History, and Managing Ecological Risk of their Present Pollution - Messouli, Mohammed; Messana, G.; Yacoubi‐Khebiza, M.; Filali, Asma El Alami El; Boughrous, Ali Ait; Boulanouar, Mohamed (2008)
AbstractMoroccan Groundwater Systems in most oases are experiencing drastic changes due both to global scale stresses, and the cumulative effects of local and regional scale changes. The adaptive capacity and resilience of GW are severely affected because of the high magnitude of drivers.The Tafilalt Oasis is located in the Sahara SE Morocco, with an area of about 1,370 km2. Ramsar site no. 1483 which is part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a site of Biological and Ecological Interest. It comprises a series of oases and the reservoir of one of the oldest dams in Morocco (Hassan Eddakhil). Significant atmospheric and desert Saharan events such as sand invasion often occur in the region affecting the world’s climate. Irrigation in the oases mostly depends on a dense and intricate network of canals distributed across the oasis. In the northern part of the Tafilalt oasis, water for irrigation canals has, since the late-14th century, also been provided by khettara (subterranean channels draining perched water tables). Starting from the early 1970s, the remaining active khettaras experienced a flow reduction, and over the next two decades many more khettaras dried up and were abandoned. The diminishing and abandonment of khettaras is attributed to the Hassan Eddakhil dam and its new reservoir upstream from the Tafilalt oasis. The dam’s control of downstream water releases has meant that many river channels downstream have water only during certain times of the year (thus affecting the Minimum Instream Flow), a phenomenon which is worsened by excessive water extraction for agriculture, human consumption and droughts that have become more common during the past two decades. Farmers are still not rapidly adopting techniques and equipment that economize water irrigation. The ground water (GW) mining in Tafilalt was enhanced by low-cost boring technology and cheaper imported and locally produced pumps. Pumps became a part and parcel of the green revolution and poverty alleviation but present development of uncontrolled GW markets threatens the sustainable use of GW reserves.KeywordsSeptic SystemSandy DesertAtlas MountainPerched Water TableMotor PumpThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Causes Of Burnout Among Primary School Teachers Within Kericho Municipality, Kenya - Ngeno, Godfrey K. (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
Teacher Burnout is a type of chronic response to the cumulative impact of work stress. Most teachers who experienced stress also become burned out. Burnout normally has a negative impact on the teachers themselves, and on the pupils they teach. In order to reduce burnout for one individual, factors causing burnout specific to that individual in that specific environment need to be examined. Performance in Kenya certificate of primary Examinations has been declining in Kericho municipality and the poor performance has been attributed low motivation and heavy work load on the part of the teachers. This study examined the level of burnout among teachers based on the age, gender, teaching experience, type of school and employment level of the teacher. The study was a survey with a sample of 120 teachers which was obtained from a population of 300 teachers through simple random sampling and stratified sampling. Data was collected using a self-report questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistic with the aid of a computer programme. The research study found that low salaries, lack of involvement in decision making, heavy work load and few opportunities for promotion were main contributory factors to teacher burnout within the municipality. The findings for the study are expected to be useful to all stakeholders in establishing burnout eradication programmes in educational institutions and primary schools in particular. Keywords: burnout, primary school teachers, KenyaJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 12 (2) 2007: pp. 9-18
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Reforming The Structure Of Technical Business Education In Nigeria - Nyanabo, IF (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
Business education is a sub sector of technical education. This paper takes the position that technical education as now organized appears to dump both recipients and lecturers into dead-end educational and career positions in Nigeria. Therefore, the polytechnics and colleges of education (technical) are not the first choice of the brighter students and lecturers when deciding on educational and career paths. The likely effect is that technical education may be unable to play the expected pivotal role in the national economic empowerment and development strategy (NEEDS) and the millennium development goals (MDGS). It is postulated, among others, that technical education be streamlined in the 9-3-4 system in such a way that the colleges of education (technical) and polytechnics become the apex for technical education and therefore produce people who will be managers in their chosen fields. Keywords: structure of technical business educationJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 12 (1) 2007: pp. 27-34
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Information Communication Technology (Ict) In The Nigerian Teacher Education Programme: Challenges And Prospects - Omatseye, BO; Ireyefoju, J (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
In today\'s world, Information and Communication are technologically driven. With the advent of electro-computers, teleprinters, the internet etc, the world is gradually being referred to as an informed society. It has also been noted that this improved technology is helping to build important communication links. Also, sharing information through this new technology has the potentials not only in the promotion of economic growth, but more importantly, making societies more stable. Without gainsaying, schools are expected key players in this technology advancement. It is on this score that this article centres on technological integration as becoming more relevant in the Nigerian education sector. The emphasis here is on determining the technological directions of the Nigerian educational system, by way prospects in the teacher education programmes. Significantly too, this paper seeks to assess the present status of ICT in our teacher education programmes and the extent to which Nigerian teacher educators use technology in preparing the preservice teacher for the world of work in a fast growing technological age. Keywords: Information Communication Technology, Teacher Education ProgrammeJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 12 (2) 2007: pp. 45-53
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Relationship Between Teachers\' Qualification And Students\' Performance In Technical Subjects In Selected Schools In Northern Nigeria - Opara, PN (Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria, 2008)
It has been observed that students\' performance in technical subjects is very poor. Coupled with this problem is that of lack of qualified technical teachers. This study determines the relationship between teachers\' qualification and students\' performance in technical subjects in selected schools in northern Nigeria. The instrument used in the collection of data was questionnaire and records of school documents about students\' performance. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. From the result of the analysis it was concluded that teachers\' qualification affect students\' performance in WASC/GCE examination (technical). Keywords: teachers qualification, students performance technical subjects Northern NigeriaJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 12 (2) 2007: pp. 68-72
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The Place of Subject Matter Knowledge in Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A case study of South African teachers teaching the amount of substance and chemical equilibrium - Rollnick, Marissa; Bennett, Judith M.; Rhemtula, Mariam; Dharsey, Nadine; Ndlovu, Thandi Brenda (International Journal of Science Education, 2008)
Abstract This paper presents two South African case studies designed to explore the influence of subject matter knowledge on pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). In the first case study on teaching the mole in two township schools, the findings illustrate that the participant teachers favoured procedural approaches at the expense of conceptual understanding. The second case study examines the teaching of chemical equilibrium to students on a bridging programme in a tertiary institution. Through these data the authors present a model to assist in understanding the amalgamation of subject matter knowledge (SMK) with other teacher knowledge domains to produce what we describe as ‘manifestations’. The model was useful in interpreting the teachers’ practice, especially to highlight the role of SMK, and therefore offers interesting insights into the nature of PCK and its influence on science teaching.
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Limitations of population models in predicting climate change effects: a simulation study of sociable weavers in southern Africa - Schwager, Monika; Covas, Rita; Blaum, Niels; Jeltsch, Florian (Oikos, 2008)
Current approaches for predicting climate change effects on populations comprise static models based on the geographical distribution of species, and dynamic population models based on the relationship between population processes and the recent variation in climate. Population models have the inherent advantage of considering a species’ response to climate as resulting from distinct mechanisms. However, they may have the disadvantage of considering only short‐term processes as they occur under the current climate, disregarding slowly adapting mechanisms. It would be important, however, to know whether slowly adapting processes occur, and whether they will respond to climate change. A way of testing for a discrepancy between short‐term and long‐term mechanisms in the response to climate is contrasting a population model with the current distribution and abundance in different climates. We demonstrate this idea for the sociable weaver Philetairus socius , a passerine bird of semiarid southern Africa. We develop a dynamic population model that predicts the species’ response to mean annual precipitation (MAP) and tests whether the model can reproduce the occurrence of sociable weavers in their current range of MAP as well as realistic abundances in two study locations with different MAP. The model predicts a decreased abundance under a scenario of decreased MAP and it can reproduce realistic populations in a single location. However it cannot explain the occurrence of sociable weavers across their entire distribution nor does it produce realistic abundances in the two areas when they were tested simultaneously. The results imply that the sensitive short‐term response to MAP is buffered by long‐term processes such as adaptation or plasticity in life history, shifts in interspecific interactions or changes in habitat structure. We suggest that this result is common for animals in semi‐arid and arid regions and discuss implications for static and dynamic modelling approaches in climate change research.
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Water Poverty in Sub-Saharan African nation: GIS based index for assessing vulnerability in relation to climate change data - Trakosa, Anastasia (2008)
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The experience of and need for training of school governors in rural schools in South Africa - Tsotetsi, Stephen Morena; Wyk, Noleen van; Lemmer, Eleanor (South African Journal of Education, 2008)
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The level of Internet access and ICT training for health information professionals in sub‐Saharan Africa - Ajuwon, Grace Ada; Rhine, Lenny (Health Information and Libraries Journal, 2008)
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are important tools for development. Despite its significant growth on a global scale, Internet access is limited in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Few studies have explored Internet access, use of electronic resources and ICT training among health information professionals in Africa.The study assessed Internet access, use of electronic resources and ICT training among health information professionals in SSA.A 26-item self-administered questionnaire in English and French was used for data collection. The questionnaire was completed by health information professionals from five Listservs and delegates at the 10th biannual Congress of the Association of Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA).A total of 121 respondents participated in the study and, of those, 68% lived in their countries' capital. The majority (85.1%) had Internet access at work and 40.8% used cybercafes as alternative access points. Slightly less than two-thirds (61.2%) first learned to use ICT through self-teaching, whilst 70.2% had not received any formal training in the previous year. Eighty-eight per cent of respondents required further ICT training.In SSA, freely available digital information resources are underutilized by health information professionals. ICT training is recommended to optimize use of digital resources. To harness these resources, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations must play a key role.
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The effects of maternal parenting style and religious commitment on self‐regulation, academic achievement, and risk behavior among African‐American parochial college students^☆ - Abar, Beau; Carter, Kermit L.; Winsler, Adam (Journal of Adolescence, 2008)
ABSTRACT This study explored relations between religiosity, both parent and student, and maternal parenting style and student academic self‐regulation, academic achievement, and risk behavior among African‐American youth attending a parochial college. Eighty‐five students completed self‐report survey measures of religiosity, self‐regulation, academic achievement, and risk behavior. Participants also completed youth report measures of parental religiosity and perceived maternal parenting style. Correlational analyses show authoritative parenting to be associated with high levels of academic performance and study skills. Additional correlations revealed that highly religious students tend to perform well academically, study better, and engage in fewer risk behaviors than youth less committed to religion. Although no direct relations were observed between parenting style and student religiosity, maternal parenting style was found to moderate relations between parental and student religiosity. Findings are discussed in terms of their relevance to the population studied.
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The Power of Data: Enhancing Transparency in the Education Sector in Sierra Leone - Hamminger, Leo (U4 Brief, 2008)
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Higher education reform in Egypt: preparing graduates for Egypt's changing political economy - Holmes, Mary Tyler E. (Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, 2008)
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges facing the higher education system in Egypt particularly in the area of education quality. It builds upon several existing studies conducted in Egypt to make the case for improving education outcomes while analyzing the social, political, and economic ramifications of the current higher education system. Design/methodology/approach Samples were drawn from existing studies conducted in Egypt by experts in the education field. Findings Results suggest that the higher education admissions process should become more competitive thereby limiting the number of enrollments. More resources should be devoted towards higher education with a particular emphasis on workforce development and Egypt should seek the help of donor agencies and experts to advise and reform the system. Research limitations/implications The findings were based on existing literature and were not conducted in Egypt which somewhat limited qualitative analysis. Originality/value A contribution is made to the literature as the research reinforces the view that the lack of quality in the higher education system fails to prepare graduates to the workforce and impacts on the social stability of Egypt. By questioning aspects of the current higher education system and calling for more freedom of research and expression, the research raises interesting questions about the impact of closed societies on education systems.
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Problems experienced with the teaching of Arabic to learners in Muslim private schools in South Africa and Botswana - Mall, MA; Nieman, MM (Per Linguam, 2008)
This article discusses a number of problems that are unique to the teaching of Arabic in private schools in South Africa and Botswana. Specific attention is given to aspects of teaching that mean that learners are unable to reach a level of communicative competence in Arabic or to understand the Koran (despite the fact that this is an important goal in teaching Arabic). An investigation conducted with the aid of questionnaires revealed that Arabic teachers do not have confidence in their own language proficiency or their ability to speak Arabiefluently. It seems that teaching is largely based on the Grammar-Translation method: learning of new vocabulary and grammar rules. It also appears that most teachers believe that learners study Arabic for religious purposes (to be able to read the Koran) so they are not so much interested in developing communicative skills as in extending their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar so they will be able to understand the formal language of the Koran.In hierdie artikel word 'n aantal probleme wat eie is aan die onderrig van Arabies in Moslem privaatskole in Suid-Afrika en Botswana bespreek. Daar word spesifiek aandag gegee aan onderrigaspekte wat instrumentee! is tot die leerders se onvermoe om 'n mate van kommunikatiewe bevoegdheid in Arabies te bereik en om die Koran met begrip te lees (ten spyte daarvan dat dU 'n belangrike doelstelling met die onderrig van Arabies is). Vit 'n ondersoek wat met behulp van vraelyste gedoen is, blyk dit dat die meerderheid Arabiese onderwysers nie vertroue het in hul eie taalvaardigheid en hul vermoe om vlot in Arabies te kommunikeer nie. Daar word ook aangedui dat onderrig hooftaaklik gebaseer is op die grammatika-vertaalmetode, die aanleer van nuwe woordeskat en die leer van grammatikareels. Dit blyk ook dat die meerderheid onderwysers van mening is dat leerders Arabies bestudeer vir religieuse doeleindes (om die Koran te kan lees) en daarom nie soseer ingestel is op die ontwikkeling van kommunikatiewe vaardighede nie, maar eerder op die nodige woordeskatuitbereiding en grammatika wat hulle in staat sal stel om die formele taalgebruik van die Koran te kan verstaan.
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An exploration of pupils' and parents' dissatisfaction with school uniforms in selected secondary schools in Botswana - Mothibi, Tuduetso Cynthia (2008)
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The influence of student perceptions of parenting and coping on achievement and classroom behavior among African American children - Gaylord‐Harden, Noni K. (Psychology in the Schools, 2008)
Abstract The present study examined children's coping strategies as mediators and moderators of the association between parenting factors and outcomes in 235 African American children (mean age = 10.37 years). Information about parenting and child coping strategies was obtained by child self‐report. School adjustment was assessed by standardized achievement scores and by teacher ratings of behavior. Structural equation modeling indicated that positive parenting was related to higher achievement and lower behavior problems. Contrary to the hypotheses, coping strategies did not mediate or moderate this association. The results are discussed in terms of how factors at the family and child level may influence child behavior and academic performance in the classroom. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Are We Neglecting African American Males: Parental Involvement Differences Between African American Males and Females During Elementary School? - Graves, Scott L. (Journal of African American Studies, 2008)
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Probabilistic predictions of climate change for Australia and southern Africa using the reliability ensemble average of IPCC CMIP3 model simulations - Moise, Aurel; Hudson, Debra (Journal of Geophysical Research, 2008)
“Reliability ensemble averaging” (REA) is applied to a multimodel ensemble of coupled atmosphere‐ocean general circulation models (AOGCMs) from the third phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) to produce mean and probabilistic climate change projections for Australia and southern Africa. CMIP3 was conducted in preparation for the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). REA produces a weighted average of the ensemble of climate change results, based on a measure of each model's bias and each model's degree of convergence in the predicted climate change. The methodology allows an assessment of the reliability of the projected climate change, the quantification of model uncertainty range, and the production of climate change projections in probabilistic form. Temperature and precipitation changes for three emission scenarios (B1, A1B, and A2) are analyzed, with a special focus on the A2 scenario. Regional differences in temperature and rainfall changes are identified, and threshold probabilities and probability density functions (PDFs) for key subregions are produced. In summer for temperature the A2 scenario results show a narrow PDF over southwestern Australia, reflecting agreement between models, partially caused by down weighting of outlier models due to their large biases. In contrast, the PDF for southeastern Australia is much broader, and that for tropical Australia has a bimodal character. There are significant decreases in rainfall under the A2 scenario in winter in the southwest (25–30% decrease) (common in sign to all AOGCM simulations) and the southeast (15–25% decrease) of Australia. There are no changes above natural variability in summer, hence no significant changes in the magnitude of Australian monsoon rainfall. Over southern Africa the region of maximum warming is over the Kalahari Desert in summer and winter. Under the A2 scenario in summer, there is a significant increase in rainfall over Kenya and Tanzania and a significant drying (∼10–20%) over parts of Namibia and Botswana. In winter, most of southern Africa south of 15°S shows significant decreases in rainfall.
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The 7–13 March 2006 dust storm over West Africa: Generation, transport, and vertical stratification - Tulet, Pierre; Mallet, Marc; Pont, Véronique; Pelon, Jacques; Boone, Aaron (Journal of Geophysical Research, 2008)
Several studies have shown the importance of desert dust aerosols in weather forecast models. Nevertheless, desert dust has been poorly represented in such models and is the source of some prediction errors, in particular for tropical and subtropical regions. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the formation and the three‐dimensional transport of a severe dust storm which occurred in March 2006 over West Africa. An intense dust haze was transported southward over the Gulf of Guinea thereby generating an aerosol optical thickness (AOT) greater than 4 over Nigeria. The MesoNH mesoscale atmospheric model coupled with new dust parameterization schemes has been used to illustrate the three‐dimensional transport of the dust plume and the vertical layering of this desert air mass above the lower atmosphere monsoon flux layer. It is modeled that more than 50 g m −2 of dust was emitted during this event from the surface by a strong Harmattan wind over the Sahel region. It is also shown that when the dust layer is located over the boundary layer, it can modify the atmospheric stability by as much as 9.5 K in terms of potential temperature in the lowest 2000 m of the atmosphere.
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A National Survey of Musculoskeletal Impairment in Rwanda: Prevalence, Causes and Service Implications - Atijosan, Oluwarantimi; Rischewski, Dorothea; Simms, Victoria; Kuper, Hannah; Bonaventure, Linganwa; Assuman, Nuhi; Foster, Allen; Lavy, Chris (PLOS ONE, 2008)
Accurate information on the prevalence and causes of musculoskeletal impairment (MSI) is lacking in low income countries. We present a new survey methodology that is based on sound epidemiological principles and is linked to the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Functioning.Clusters were selected with probability proportionate to size. Households were selected within clusters through compact segment sampling. 105 clusters of 80 people (all ages) were included. All participants were screened for MSI by a physiotherapist and medical assistant. Possible cases plus a random sample of 10% of non-MSI cases were examined further to ascertain diagnosis, aetiology, quality of life, and treatment needs.6757 of 8368 enumerated individuals (80.8%) were screened. There were 352 cases, giving an overall prevalence for MSI of 5.2%. (95% CI 4.5-5.9) The prevalence of MSI increased with age and was similar in men and women. Extrapolating these estimates, there are approximately 488,000 MSI diagnoses in Rwanda. Only 8.2% of MSI cases were severe, while the majority were moderate (43.7%) or mild (46.3%). Diagnostic categories comprised 11.5% congenital, 31.3% trauma, 3.8% infection, 9.0% neurological, and 44.4% non-traumatic non infective acquired. The most common individual diagnoses were joint disease (13.3%), angular limb deformity (9.7%) and fracture mal- and non-union (7.2%). 96% of all cases required further treatment.This survey demonstrates a large burden of MSI in Rwanda, which is mostly untreated. The survey methodology will be useful in other low income countries, to assist with planning services and monitoring trends.
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Mineralogy of the Cenozoic Manzaz volcanic province, (Latea metacraton, Hoggar, Algeria) - Benhallou, A.; Azzouni-Sekkal, A.; Liégeois, J.P; Bonin, B. (HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), 2008)
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The strategic continuing training needs of executives and managers on a selection of large South African companies - Botha, Deonie Francesca (2008)
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Strategies for Achieving Quality Assurance in Science Education in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria - Akinbobola, AO; Ikitde, GA (African research review, 2008)
This paper examined the strategies for achieving quality assurance in science education in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. The design adopted for this study was survey design. A total of 300 science teachers randomly selected from the technical colleges and secondary schools took part in the study. Strategies for Achieving Quality Assurance in Science Education Questionnaire (SAQASEQ) was the instrument used in gathering data for the study and the reliability coefficient was 0 .79 using Cronbach alpha. The results showed an insignificant difference existing in the salaries and allowances given to science teachers and other teachers. The results also showed that there were more qualified science teachers in secondary schools than technical colleges. The results equally indicated that science equipment currently available in technical colleges and secondary schools were inadequate and students in technical colleges utilize science equipment more than the students in secondary schools. Conclusion from the findings led to the recommendation of various strategies for achieving and maintaining quality assurance in science education in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Keywords: Quality Assurance, Science Education, StrategiesAfrican Research Review Vol. 2 (3) 2008: pp. 146-159
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Student Leadership in Selected Public Universities in Kenya: Disfranchised Pressure Groups or an Integral Component in University Management? - Bosire, Joseph; Chemnjor, C .; Ngware, Moses (African Research Review, 2008)
This paper was based on an exploratory study carried out on student leadership in three public universities in Kenya in 2004/2005 academic year. The study was premised on the challenges facing student leadership and the transformative roles student leadership plays in the management of student affairs and overall university management. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from a sample of 34 student leaders and analyzed through descriptive statistics. Findings showed that most student leaders were first born in their families. Most of the students' parents were in low to middle level occupational category in the public sector, with about 50% of them having attained at least some college training. Most of the students resided in urban centers, with a significant majority coming from the major urban centers in the country – namely, Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru and Nyeri. Student leaders were prompted to leadership interests by many factors, including past leadership experience in high school, service to students, a learning experience, and to develop a culture of dialogue with university management. Despite these values and intentions, student leaders still faced many challenges in their efforts to achieve the intended goals. This ranged from institutional rigidities, high student expectations and skepticism, betrayal from students' body, low participation rates by female students and tribalism/regionalism. This study observed the transformative nature of student leadership compared to what it was two decades ago and encouraged that student leadership is an integral component of modern university managementAfrican Research Review Vol. 2 (3) 2008: pp. 195-221
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Sources of Occupational Stress among Secondary School Administrators in Kano State, Nigeria - Jaiyeoba, Adebola O.; Jibril, Mukhtari Ado (African Research Review, 2008)
The study identified the sources of occupational stress in secondary school managers in Kano state, Nigeria. Survey design was used and a random sampling was used to select the study sample, which consisted of 421 school managers. An inventory, the School Managers Sources of Stress Inventory was used to collect data. The data was analysed using simple percentage to answer the two research questions raised. The findings showed that, Administrative routine, Work load, and Conflicting demands and roles between work and family were the highest sources of stress. Also, 77.5% of the respondents reported that their job was stressful.African Research Review Vol. 2 (3) 2008: pp. 116-129
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African American Adolescent Engagement in the Classroom and Beyond: The Roles of Mother’s Racial Socialization and Democratic-Involved Parenting - Smalls, Ciara (Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2008)
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Alternative Sources of Funding University Education in Nigeria - Udoh, AO (African Research Review, 2008)
The aim of the study was to determine how parents, lecturers and university students view some alternative sources of funding university education in Nigeria. Two research questions were raised and stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting 677 parents, 679 students and 309 lecturers for the study. Researcher made questionnaire was used for data collection, which were analysed using percentage and analysis of variance. The results showed that they accepted scholarship, scientific break-through, staff exchange programme, checking fraudulent practices, and loans but rejected commercializing accommodation, payment of tuition fees, graduate tax, tax-relief and commercializing activities on campuses as alternative sources of funding university education. It was recommended that the general economy of the society need to be improved if the society may be at ease to assist in funding university education.African Research Review Vol. 2 (3) 2008: pp. 187-194
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Education and Development in a Globalized Environment: The Case of Northern Nigeria - Yusef, N (African Research Review, 2008)
The truism that education is the surest route to development in any society needs no contention. However, despite this fact, several societies in the modern world are still far from providing this basic necessity to the greater proportion of their people. This situation is considered unacceptable more so, if one considers that education has been classified as a major fundamental human rights in contemporary society. Again, in the present globalized society in which every nation is connected to the other, education is perhaps the only instrument for people to adequately cope with the new trend. In most contemporary nation-states including Nigeria, the level of educational attainment vary across regions. Such discrepancy also exist within regions and sub-regions .In Nigeria, concerns have been expressed on the glaring gap between the North and the South with regards to education. The classification of many states in the North as “Educationally- Disadvantaged-States” has not remedied the situation. This paper focuses on this important issue of the state of education in the Nigerian Northern region especially within the context of globalization. The paper suggests ways in which education can be used as a potent instrument of socio-economic, political and technological development of the region. Keywords: Culture; Development; Education; Globalization; Inequalities; Science and Technology.African Research Review Vol. 2 (3) 2008: pp. 130-145
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Teacher knowledge, attitudes and practices in the implementation of the new Swaziland junior secondary science curriculum - Mthethwa, Eunice Khetsiwe (2008)
Dissertation (MEd (Curriculum and Instructional Design and Development))–University of Pretoria, 2008.
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Breaking the Culture of Silence: Teaching Writing and Oral Presentation Skills to Botswana University Students - Akindele, Dele; Trennepohl, Brian (Language, Culture and Curriculum, 2008)
Collaborative learning (CL) methods were evaluated by a group of 101 university students in a first-year ESL course on Communication and Study Skills. The principal objective of the new approach was to encourage students to work together, to express their ideas more freely and to learn from each other. Student opinions on a course project (applying for a job) were recorded by interview and questionnaire. The results show that students enjoyed the new approach and found it helpful, with only minor reservations. The paper discusses the results in the light of current thinking on cultural influences on teaching and learning, and points to the implications they have for third-level language pedagogy and course design.
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Call for Papers for a Special Series on Africa, Agriculture, Desertification, Drought, Land and Rural Development (Natural Resources Forum, 2008)
Natural Resources ForumVolume 32, Issue 3 p. 263-263 Call for Papers for a Special Series on Africa, Agriculture, Desertification, Drought, Land and Rural Development First published: 02 September 2008 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1477-8947.2008.00193.xRead the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume32, Issue3August 2008Pages 263-263 RelatedInformation
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Student encyclopedia of African literature (Choice Reviews Online, 2008)
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Perceptions of Organizational Learning Practices among Yemeni University Librarians - Abdullah, Khaled Ateik Saeed; Kassim, Norliya Ahmad (Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Science, 2008)
This study explores the perceptions of organizational level learning practices among university librarians in Yemen. The Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) developed by Watkins and Marsick (1993) was used as the instrument for collecting data. Twenty-four variables were used to assess the perception of organizational level learning practices among senior and middle-level librarians of all Yemeni university libraries (seven public and 11 private). The response rate was 72% (n = 198). The results of the study show that the mean scores of learning practices at the organizational level were not enough to consider Yemeni university libraries as learning organizations. The result of comparison showed that the mean score rating for private university libraries is higher than the mean score for public university libraries. The study suggests the need for more studies of organizational learning in order to understand the barriers of practicing organizational learning. Furthermore, for effective organizational learning, the results propose institutionalizing individual and team learning as prerequisites.
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Subjective wellbeing, work‐school conflict and proactive coping among Nigerian non‐traditional students - Adebayo, D. O.; Sunmola, Adegbenga M; Udegbe, I. Bola (Career Development International, 2008)
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of participating in two domains, work and school, on the subjective wellbeing (SWB) and work‐school conflict (WSC), as well as the moderating role of proactive coping between WSC and SWB among Nigerian nontraditional students. Design/methodology/approach Using a cross‐sectional survey, data are collected from a total of 141 non‐traditional Master's in Managerial Psychology students at a university located in the South West of Nigeria. Findings Results of hierarchical multiple regression analysis reveal that work status is inversely related to SWB and positively related to WSC. Results also confirm the moderating role of coping; such that, as perceived WSC increased, non‐traditional students with moderate to high levels of coping reported greater SWB than those with low coping skills. Research limitations/implications Statements on causality, with respect to the present findings, must be made with caution because of the self‐report nature of the study. Further, a global challenge of WSC was adopted in this study; nevertheless, one cannot underestimate the distinctive pattern of WSC that characterised Nigerian non‐traditional students. These could be explored in future studies to further enrich the literature on work‐school obligations and health outcomes. Practical implications Results of the present study suggest the need for employers' support as well as universities' flexibility to the needs of non‐traditional students. Originality/value The study fills a void in the literature, linking fulfillment of work‐school obligations to health‐related issues among adults (non‐traditional students) in an African setting.
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Does Gender Predict Medical Students’ Stress in Mansoura, Egypt? - Amr, Mostafa; Gilany, Abdel Hady El; El-Hawary, Aly (DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), 2008)
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Behavior Problems on Learning of the Mentally Handicapped Children in Rehabilitation School; a Survey of Kakamega District, Kenya - Asiko, Evelyn (2008)
A Research Report Submitted To The Faculty Of Education In Partial Fulfilment Of The Requirement For The Award Of Degree Of Bachelor Of Arts In Education Of Kampala International University
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Family violence among mothers seen at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria - Ayinmode, B.A.; Tunde-Ayinmode, M F (South African journal of psychiatry, 2008)
Objective. The attention given to family violence (FV) in primary medical care in Nigeria is still very insufficient in relation to its known adverse medical and psychosocial implications for women’s health. The objective of this preliminary study was to assess the prevalence rate, correlates and effects of FV among mothers attending a primary care facility in Nigeria, with the aim of gaining an understanding of whether screening for FV in the primary care setting in Nigeria would be beneficial. Methodology . A cross-sectional study of FV among 250 mothers attending the General Outpatient Department of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital was undertaken over a 5-month period. Data on the mothers’ sociodemographic characteristics, and experience of FV and its psychosocial correlates and effects were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and a 20-item Self- Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) as instruments. Data analysis . EPI Info version 6 was used to analyse the data. Results. Sixty-nine mothers (28%) had experienced FV at the hands of their husbands. Of these women, 49 (71%) indicated occurrences within the preceding 2 years; in 17 (25%), the violence was severe enough to warrant a hospital visit or treatment. Mothers who experienced FV were significantly more likely to have had previous experiences of violence by an in-law; to have reported child cruelty by a husband; to have children with difficult behaviour; and to have reported that they were neglected by their husbands and not enjoying their marriages. They were also significantly more likely to have a high score on the SRQ and be identified as probable cases with psychological problems (SRQ score ≥ 5). Conclusion. In view of these findings, screening for FV in the primary care setting would be beneficial. Primary care physicians should therefore increase their interest, improve their skill, and carry out more research in the identification and management of FV.
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Rwanda medical students association strategies to reach behavior change vis-à-vis HIV/AIDS, sexuality and reproductive health among youth via peer education training in Nyanza and Huye districts of the southern province of Rwanda - Baingana, Ambrose R.; Remy, Serge M.M. (Contraception (Stoneham), 2008)
To evaluate behavior change following peer education training in regard to Rwandan culture, sexuality, gender family planning, sexual violence and unwanted pregnancies.
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An Exploration of Foreign Language Teachers' Beliefs about Curriculum Innovation in Algeria: A Socio-Political Perspective. - Bellalem, Fouzi (2008)
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Status and visions for the school health service as reported by local health care workers in Northern Tanzania. - Borge, Astrid Merete; Manongi, Rachel; Masatu, Melkiory C.; Klepp, Knut‐Inge (PubMed, 2008)
The World Health Organization's (WHO) Global School Health Initiative provides a strategy to utilize schools to promote health and reduce the burden of diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate local school health work in Tanzania in relation to existing national guidelines and the WHO initiative.We interviewed 30 health care workers employed at 15 health institutions throughout Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions.The results indicate a wide gap between the national and international guidelines for school health programs and the health workers' current practices. We found the main obstacles to providing adequate health care to be related to the burden of poverty that influences all levels of school health services, lack of clarity regarding the current official guidelines for school health services, and lack of appropriate offers for continuing education in the area of school health services.In order to successfully establish an integrated school health service, the working relationship between schools, health centres and the community clearly needs improvement.
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From Our Students, Lessons about Africa and Refugees. - Brooks, Kevin (The Chronicle of higher education, 2008)
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Effects of socio-economic status on academic performance of pupils in kesses division Kenya - Busienei, David Ngetich (2008)
A research project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the a award of Bachelor of Education (Arts) Department of of Open and Distance Learning Kampala International University
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Sandia Desalination Training for LIbyan Scientists (trip: August 2008). - Cappelle, Malynda A.; Kottenstette, Richard Joseph; Mayer, Thomas (2008)
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Factors affecting the girl child’s academic performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) among selected, schools in Tiriki East Division, Hamisi District Western Province Kenya - Christopher, Otieno David (2008)
A research project submitted to the institute of open and distance learning in partial fulfilment for the requirement of the Award of Degree of Bachelor of Education (Arts), of Kampala International University
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Grasslands, People, and Conservation: Over‐the‐Horizon Learning Exchanges between African and American Pastoralists - Curtin, Charles G.; Western, David (Conservation Biology, 2008)
Abstract: The world's grasslands and large migratory populations of wildlife have been disproportionately lost or disrupted by human activities, yet are poorly represented in protected areas. The major threats they face are land subdivision and the loss of large‐scale dynamic processes such as wildlife migrations and fire. The large‐scale dynamical processes and ubiquity of livestock economies and cultures across the grasslands calls for an integrated ecosystem approach to conservation to make up the shortfall in protected‐area coverage. Ranchers and pastoralists will be more inclined to adopt an integrated landscape approach to conservation if they also see the threats to wildlife and grassland ecosystems as affecting their livelihoods and way of life. We arranged a series of learning exchanges between African and American pastoralists, ranchers, scientists, and conservationists aimed at building the collaboration and consensus needed to conserve grasslands at a landscape level. There was broad agreement on the threat of land fragmentation to livelihoods, wildlife, and grasslands. The exchanges also identified weaknesses in prevailing public, private, and community modes of ownership in halting fragmentation. New collaborative approaches were explored to attain the benefits of privatization while keeping the landscape open. The African–U.S. exchanges showed that learning exchanges can anticipate over‐the‐horizon problems and speed up the feedback loops that underlie adaptive management and build social and ecological resilience.
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Impact of mentorship programs on African-American male high school students' perceptions of engineering - Denson, Cameron (2008)
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Factors affecting the performance of girl child education in Nasir combining primary school Upper Nile State of Southern Sudan - Ding, Luel Deng (2008)
A Research Report Submitted to the School of Open and Distance Learning in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of Bachelor of Education Science of Kampala International University
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Measuring the exposure of infants and children to indoor air pollution from biomass fuels in The Gambia - Dionisio, Kathie L.; Howie, Stephen R. C.; Fornace, Kimberly; Chimah, Osaretin; Adegbola, Richard A.; Ezzati, Majid (Indoor Air, 2008)
Indoor AirVolume 18, Issue 4 p. 317-327 Measuring the exposure of infants and children to indoor air pollution from biomass fuels in The Gambia K. L. Dionisio, K. L. Dionisio Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA Initiative for Global Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USASearch for more papers by this authorS. Howie, S. Howie Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, The GambiaSearch for more papers by this authorK. M. Fornace, K. M. Fornace Initiative for Global Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USASearch for more papers by this authorO. Chimah, O. Chimah Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, The GambiaSearch for more papers by this authorR. A. Adegbola, R. A. Adegbola Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, The GambiaSearch for more papers by this authorM. Ezzati, M. Ezzati Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA Initiative for Global Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USASearch for more papers by this author K. L. Dionisio, K. L. Dionisio Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA Initiative for Global Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USASearch for more papers by this authorS. Howie, S. Howie Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, The GambiaSearch for more papers by this authorK. M. Fornace, K. M. Fornace Initiative for Global Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USASearch for more papers by this authorO. Chimah, O. Chimah Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, The GambiaSearch for more papers by this authorR. A. Adegbola, R. A. Adegbola Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, The GambiaSearch for more papers by this authorM. Ezzati, M. Ezzati Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA Initiative for Global Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 18 July 2008 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0668.2008.00533.xCitations: 51 M. EzzatiHarvard School of Public Health665 Huntington Avenue (SPH 1, 1107)Boston, MA 02115USATel.: +1-617-495-9048Fax: +1-617-495-8231e-mail: majid_ezzati@harvard.edu Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume18, Issue4August 2008Pages 317-327 RelatedInformation
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REGIONAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND VARIABILITY ON WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICAN REGION - Diop, Mbareck (2008)
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Study of pollution in the El Jadida-Safi Atlantic coastal zone (Morocco) by using PIXE and SSNTD methods - Erramli, H.; Gogon, Huberson Douo Bogbe; Misdaq, M. A.; Sauvage, Thierry; Ramboz, Claire (Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 2008)
In this work, PIXE experiments were performed for measuring heavy and light elements' (ranging from aluminium to lead) concentrations inside various polluted and unpolluted soils as well as liquid samples collected from different phosphate factory sewers in the El Jadida-Safi Atlantic coastal region (Morocco). In addition, uranium (238U) and thorium (232Th) contents were evaluated in the same samples studied by using CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). The influence of the phosphate industry wastes on the concentrations of both radioactive and non-radioactive elements of the samples studied was investigated.
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Third millennium B.C. climate change in Syria highlighted by Carbon stable isotope analysis of 14C-AMS dated plant remains from Ebla - Fiorentino, Girolamo; Caracuta, Valentina; Calcagnile, Lucio; D’Elia, Marisa; Matthiae, Paolo; Mavelli, Fabio; Quarta, Gianluca (Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 2008)
We use AMS (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry) techniques for the simultaneous analysis of carbon stable isotopic values and 14C dating on charred plant remains found in the archaeological site in Ebla (Syria) and propose the diachronic variation in δ13C plant values as a possible palaeoclimatic tool. Both anthracological and carpological remains, usually employed in palaeoenvironmental, palaeoagricultural, palaeonutritional and palaeoeconomical reconstructions, are used to study stable carbon isotopic variations in a chronological framework defined through radiocarbon AMS measurements. The results obtained from the samples of the Ebla archaeological site show a chronological correspondence with other climatic reconstructions based on various proxy data available for the Near East and shed new light on the aridity crisis of the III millennium B.C.
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Assessing the sexual and reproductive health content of nursing education in Palestine: a national study - Foster, Angel M.; Daoud, Fadi Al; Maqboul, E. (Contraception, 2008)
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The Link Between Food Security and Land Degradation: Analysis of Determinants in Drought Prone Areas of North East Ethiopia. A Case Study of Sekota Woreda - Fufa, Ephrem (2008)
____________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT Land degradation, which is mainly exhibited by soil erosion and nutrient depletion, reduces the productive capacity of the land which poses a serious threat on food security status of households. So far, various studies attempted to study the causes of land degradation and low productivity independently, and little is done on exploring the linkage between food security and land degradation. Thus, the present study was envisaged with objectives of exploring the linkages between food security and land degradation and identifying determinants of food security and coping strategies at household level in Sekota woreda. A twostage sampling procedure was employed to select 140 sample households from six sample kebeles. The basic data used for this study were collected from sample households, focus group participants and key informants through structured questionnaire and semi-structured checklist, respectively. The survey result revealed that out of the total 138 sample households, 95 households (68.8%) were found food insecure while the remaining 43 households (31.2%) were food secure. Descriptive statistics and binary logit regression model were employed for analysis, in line with the stated objectives.Land degradation, which is mainly exhibited by soil erosion and nutrient depletion, reduces the productive capacity of the land which poses a serious threat on food security status of households. So far, various studies attempted to study the causes of land degradation and low productivity independently, and little is done on exploring the linkage between food security and land degradation. Thus, the present study was envisaged with objectives of exploring the linkages between food security and land degradation and identifying determinants of food security and coping strategies at household level in Sekota woreda. A twostage sampling procedure was employed to select 140 sample households from six sample kebeles. The basic data used for this study were collected from sample households, focus group participants and key informants through structured questionnaire and semi-structured checklist, respectively. The survey result revealed that out of the total 138 sample households, 95 households (68.8%) were found food insecure while the remaining 43 households (31.2%) were food secure. Descriptive statistics and binary logit regression model were employed for analysis, in line with the stated objectives. The results of the study exposed that land degradation, mainly in the form of soil erosion, is the third main cause of food shortage next to shortage of farmland and rainfall variability at household level. In addition, the study results confirmed, that the pervasive land degradation is the primary cause of decline in agricultural production and subsequent food shortage at household level. This situation is further exacerbated by the rugged topography, recurrent drought and ever increasing population growth in the study area. Results of the study also identified various socio-economic and bio-physical factors that influence the food security status of households. The binary logit model results disclosed that among 19 explanatory variables included in the model, 8 were found to have significant effect on household food security status. These significant variables include age of household head, dependency ratio, size of cultivated land, total number of livestock owned (excluding oxen),number of oxen, manure application, land quality index and farmer’s knowledge on the effect of land degradation on food security. At last, the study concluded that policy makers and development agents must give attention and high priority in improving the economic access of the resource poor small scale farm households, which enable them to maintain land productivity and thus improve food security status. Moreover, due attention and policy consideration has to be given by government to those significant variables which have a potential impact in determining household food security status in the study area.
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New light on volcanic sources in Central and North Madagascar - Goodenough, Kathryn; Tucker, Robert C.; Thomas, Robert J.; Bauer, Wilfried; Conrad, James E.; Waele, Bert De; Key, R.M.; Lowell, Rocky; Rabarimanana, M.; Rafahatelo, Jean Marie; Randriamananjara, T. (2008)
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The discipline gap and African Americans: Defiance or cooperation in the high school classroom - Gregory, Anne; Weinstein, Rhona S. (Journal of School Psychology, 2008)
African Americans are over-represented in school suspensions, yet little is known about the underlying contributing dynamics. Study 1 reviewed a high school's annual discipline data and 442 students referred for defiance. African Americans were over-represented in referrals for defiance and most students received referrals from one or several teachers. This suggests that defiance referrals are specific to the classroom situation. Examining the situational specificity of referrals, Study 2 used repeated measures and multilevel modeling with a sub-sample of 30 African American students. Attendance, grades, and teacher reports showed that students behaved more defiantly and less cooperatively with teachers perceived as having untrustworthy authority. Predictors of African American student trust in teacher authority included teacher caring and high expectations, offering implications for lowering the discipline gap.
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Effectiveness of web-based education on Kenyan and Brazilian adolescents' knowledge about HIV/AIDS, abortion law, and emergency contraception: Findings from TeenWeb - Halpern, Carolyn Tucker; Mitchell, Ellen M. H.; Farhat, Tilda; Bardsley, Phil (Social Science & Medicine, 2008)
Little evidence is available about the utility of web-based health education for students in low resource settings. This paper reports results from an evaluation of the TeenWeb project, a multi-year, web-based health education intervention implemented in two urban settings: Nairobi, Kenya (N=1178 school students) and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (N=714 school students). A quasi-experimental, school-based pre-test/post-test design was implemented at each study site to determine if easy access to web-based reproductive health information, combined with intellectual "priming" about reproductive health topics, would result in improved knowledge and attitudes about topics such as condom use, access to HIV testing, emergency contraception and abortion laws. Students in web-access schools completed one web-based module approximately every 6-8 weeks, and in return, had access to the Internet for at least 30 min after completing each module. Although students were encouraged to access project-supplied web-based health information, freedom of web navigation was an incentive, so they could choose to access other Internet content instead. Most measures showed statistically significant differences between students in "web" and "comparison" conditions at post-test, but only about half of the differences were in the hypothesized direction. Results of an embedded experiment employing more directed feedback tripled the likelihood of correctly reporting the duration of emergency contraception effectiveness. Review of URL logs suggests that the modest results were due to inadequate exposure to educational materials. Future intervention should focus on teen's purposeful searching for health information when they are in personal circumstances of unmet health needs.
openalex: W1998371297 mag: 1998371297
Keywords: openalex:import

Gentamicin Increases Nitric Oxide Production and Induces Hearing Loss in Guinea Pigs - Heinrich, Ulf‐Rüdiger; Helling, Kai; Sifferath, Marco; Brieger, Jürgen; Li, Huige; Schmidtmann, Irene; Mann, Wolf J. (The Laryngoscope, 2008)
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: Gentamicin application is an important therapeutic option for Ménière's disease. However, even if given at intervals, a destruction of the cochlea was often observed in various animal models together with an increased content of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species. The present study was undertaken to identify the correlation between hearing threshold alteration and the NO production in the lateral wall and organ of Corti of the guinea pig in response to gentamicin application. Study Design: Prospective animal study in guinea pigs. Methods: A single dose of gentamicin (10 mg/kg body weight) was injected intratympanally into male guinea pigs and the auditory brainstem responses were recorded before treatment and 1, 2, and 7 days after application. The organ of Corti and the lateral wall were removed from the bulla, incubated separately for 6 hours in cell culture medium and the amount of NO production was determined by chemiluminescence. Results: Gentamicin application resulted in a hearing threshold shift beginning on the second day after gentamicin application. This hearing impairment correlates simultaneously with an increased NO 2 − content—the stable oxidation product of NO—in the lateral wall. In the organ of Corti, a slight increase in NO 2 − production was seen as early as on day 1 after gentamicin injection. Conclusions: The correlation between hearing threshold shift and NO production in the cochlea leads to the assumption that increased NO contributes to gentamicin‐induced hearing impairment.
openalex: W2054010183 mag: 2054010183
Keywords: openalex:import

The Availability of Science Processes in Science Textbooks in the Stage of Basic Education in Palestine - Jahjouh, Yahya Abu (An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities), 2008)
This research aimed at identifying the basic and integrated science processes, which ought to be included in the textbooks of basic sciences, then finding out the availability of these processes in science textbooks of the basic education stage in Palestine. The researcher used the content analysis method. The researcher designed a special tool for content analysis where its validity and reliability were tested of repeating the analysis through time. Frequencies and percentages used for statistical treatment. Among the most important results of this research that the ten science textbooks was respectively as follows: (observing, communicating, data interpreting, experimenting, measuring, reasoning, using numbers, classifying, predicting, and hypothesizing). (629, 501, 225, 195, 148, 99, 73, 68, 46, 43, 8). (31%, 25%, 11%, 9.6%, 7%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 2%, 0.4%). هدف البحث الحالي إلى تحديد عمليات العلم الأساسية والتكاملية التي ينبغي تضمينها في كتب العلوم الأساسية، ومن ثم الكشف عن مدى توافر تلك العمليات في كتب العلوم لمرحلة التعليم الأساسي بفلسطين، وقد اتبع الباحث أسلوب تحليل المحتوى أحد أساليب المنهج الوصفي، وصمم أداة تحليل محتوى خاصة لذلك، والتي تم التأكد من صدقها وثباتها بالأساليب المناسبة. إضافة إلى استخدام التكرارات والنسب المئوية للمعالجة الإحصائية. من أهم النتائج التي توصل إليها البحث الحالي: أن عمليات العلم وردت في كتب العلوم العشرة مجتمعة على النحو الآتي: الملاحظة، الاتصال، تفسير البيانات، التجريب، القياس، الاستدلال، استخدام الأرقام، التصنيف، ضبط المتغيرات، التنبؤ، فرض الفروض (629، 501، 225، 195، 148، 99، 73، 68، 46، 43، 8) مرة، وبنسب مئوية (31%، 25%، 11%، 9.6%، 7%، 5%، 4%، 3%، 2%، 2%، 0.4%) على الترتيب.
openalex: W197003930 mag: 197003930
Keywords: openalex:import

Factors affecting performance of students in physics in the selected secondary schools of Ol’kalou division Nyandarua District, Kenya - K., Kamau Simon (2008)
A research report presented to the institute of open and distance learning in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree Bachelor of Education of Sciences of Kampala International University
openalex: W2997501419 mag: 2997501419
Keywords: openalex:import

Community-supported intervention in education and related services for children with ID in Rwandan disadvantaged families - Kobusigye, Mary; Maes, Beatrijs; Karangwa, Evariste (2008)
openalex: W2523985772 mag: 2523985772
Keywords: openalex:import

Sibling Dependence, Uncertainty and Education: Findings from Tanzania - Lilleør, Helene Bie (RePEc: Research Papers in Economics, 2008)
Primary school enrolment rates are continuously low in many developing countries. The main explanation in the economic literature on schooling is focused on credit constraints and child labour, implying that the indirect cost of schooling in terms of foregone earnings is too high. This paper investigates the effects of future income uncertainty on sibling dependence in the schooling decisions of rural households in developing countries. Schooling tends to direct skills towards future urban employment, whereas traditional rural education or on-farm learning-by-doing tends to direct skills towards future agricultural employment. Given this dichtomy, the question is then: Does future income uncertainty influence the joint educational choice made by parents on behalf of their children and is it possible to test this on simple cross-sectional data? I extend a simple human capital portfolio model to a three period setting. This allows me to explore the natural sequentiality in the schooling decision of older and younger siblings. The model can generate testable empirical implications, which can be taken to any standard cross-sectional data set. I find empirical evidence of negative sibling dependence in the educational decision, which is consistent with a human capital portfolio theory of risk diversification and which cannot be explained by sibling rivalry over scarce resources for credit constrained households. The paper thus provides a complementary explanation to why enrolment rates in developing countries are often continuously low.
openalex: W1525103179 mag: 1525103179
Keywords: openalex:import

Ethnicity and sexual lifestyles among college students in a high-risk environment, Durban, South Africa - Maharaj, Pranitha; Cleland, John G.F. (AIDS Care, 2008)
Abstract The aim of the study is to examine the protective behavioural strategies used by college students in response to high levels of HIV infection, with a particular emphasis on ethnic variations. The data for the study are drawn largely from self-completed questionnaires among college students in Durban. The results suggest that abstinence is most common protective factor among Indian and white students. However, among African students, abstinence is less common, particularly for men, despite the fact that concern about HIV is high in this group. Among the sexually active, the majority have more than one sexual partner. However, condom use among all sexually active students is high. Almost 70% reported using condoms at last sexual intercourse but consistent use remains elusive.
openalex: W2016993159 mag: 2016993159
Keywords: openalex:import

Impact of free primary education on learners with specific learning difficulties in Nakuru municipality Kenya - Margaret, Mary (2008)
a research report submitted to the institute of open and distance learning in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree in bachelor of special education of Kampala international university.
openalex: W2997042231 mag: 2997042231
Keywords: openalex:import

Using Social Cognitive Theory to Predict Physical Activity in Inner-City African American School Children - Martin, Jeffrey J.; McCaughtry, Nate (Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 2008)
Researchers using social cognitive theory and employing built environment constructs to predict physical activity (PA) in inner-city African American children is quite limited. Thus, the purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the ability of important social cognitive variables (e.g., self-efficacy) and built environment constructs (e.g., neighborhood hazards) to predict African American children's PA. Children (N = 331, ages 10-14) completed questionnaires assessing social cognitive theory constructs and PA. Using multiple regression analyses we were able to account for 19% of the variance in PA. Based on standardized beta weights, the best predictors of PA were time spent outside and social support derived from friends. These findings illuminate the valuable role of PA support from peers, as well as the simple act of going outside for inner-city African American children.
openalex: W2124722296 mag: 2124722296
Keywords: openalex:import

Research-Teaching Nexus (RTN): The Epistemological Missing Link in Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). - Mezmur, Markos (2008)
openalex: W2765216817 mag: 2765216817
Keywords: openalex:import

Efficacy and side effects of praziquantel treatment against Schistosoma haematobium infection among primary school children in Zimbabwe - Midzi, Nicholas; Sangweme, Davison; Zinyowera, Sekesai; Mapingure, Munyaradzi; Brouwer, Kimberly C.; Kumar, Nirbhay; Mutapi, Francisca; Woelk, Godfrey; Mduluza, Takafira (Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2008)
We examined the efficacy of praziquantel against Schistosoma haematobium among primary school children during a school-based deworming programme in the Burma Valley commercial farming area and the Nyamaropa rural areas in Zimbabwe, where the disease is highly endemic. Among 767 individuals infected with S. haematobium, 675 (88.0%) received treatment. Two single oral doses of 40mg/kg praziquantel were given 6 weeks apart. Of the 675 participants, heavy infection intensity was more common in males than females (chi(2)=6.61, P=0.010). Six weeks later, 624 participants (92.4%) were successfully followed up. The overall cure rate was 88.5% and the egg reduction rate was 98.2%. The highest cure rate was among those individuals with light infection. Seventy-two individuals remained infected at 6 weeks post treatment, among which 3 and 69 individuals had heavy and light infection, respectively. Forty-six of these children resolved following a second round of treatment at 6 weeks follow-up. Of the remaining children successfully followed-up, 22 resolved after a third round of treatment 6 months later. A wide range of observed mild and transient side effects were not associated with egg intensity. The parasitological cure rate was not associated with gender or age. Our study demonstrates that praziquantel is efficacious against S. haematobium in Zimbabwe, although low levels of persistent infection warrant further investigation.
openalex: W2004888185 mag: 2004888185
Keywords: openalex:import

Sexual behaviour of in-school adolescents in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. - Morhason-Bello, IO; Oladokun, Adesina; Enakpene, Christopher A.; Ao, Fabamwo; Obisesan, K A; Ojengbede, OA (PubMed, 2008)
This study was a crossectional survey conducted among 716 senior secondary school adolescents in Ibadan from March to August 2005. The result of 695 that was analyzed revealed that the mean age of 15 +/- 2.6years. 28.3% of the respondents had previous sexual exposure with higher proportions being male (p = 0.00043). Majorities' first sexual exposure was unplanned. Family settings and educational level do not have significant influence on the previous sexual exposure. The methods of sexual activity were mainly through vagina route while some had also practiced oral and anal sex. Most of those that are sexually exposed had more than one partner. About half of the respondents learn about sex from their friends while others through their parents and media. We conclude that in-school adolescents practiced unsafe sexual activity and they are therefore predisposed to STI/HIV and other reproductive health risks.
openalex: W1538794165 mag: 1538794165
Keywords: openalex:import

Challenges of teaching mathematics to the learners with specific learning difficulties the: case study of Kihumbuini Zone, Thika District Kenya - Mwangi, M. Njeri; Mary (2008)
A research report submitted to the institute of Open And Continuing Learning in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the A Ward of the Degree of Bachelor of Education in Special Needs Kampala International University
openalex: W3037583338 mag: 3037583338
Keywords: openalex:import

Prevalence of intestinal worm infections among primary school children in Nairobi City, kenyA. - Mwanthi, Mutuku A.; Kinoti, Mary K.; Wamae, Annah; Ndonga, Maryann; Migiro, Prescilla S. (PubMed, 2008)
The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of total, single and multiple intestinal worm infections among the primary school children in Nairobi City.A cross-sectional descriptive study was used to determine the status of intestinal worm infections whose subjects were drawn from eight city administrative divisions. Proportional random sampling method to select forty five (45) schools out of 320 public, private and non-formal schools was used. Using the school enrolment register for standard 3 and 4, fifty (50) pupils per school were selected to participate in the study. Quantitative data from the study subjects were collected by use of a structured questionnaire. In addition, stool specimens were collected from each study subject and examined by Kato-Katz laboratory method.The four intestinal worms investigated constituted a total prevalence of 12.9%. This prevalence was found to be lower than that in two other previous studies. A. lumbricoides had the highest prevalence and S. mansoni had the lowest. Prevalence of single worm infections constituted 8.6% of the total prevalence. Differences in prevalence between males and females were observed only with respect to T. trichiura and hookworm species. Fourteen to sixteen (14-16) and 11-13 years of age groups had the highest total prevalence of 47% and 30.6% respectively. Differences in prevalence were not found among the school categories with exception of T. trichiura infections.Prevalence of total, single ahd multiple infections showed a downward trend when compared to the previous studies with Ascaris lumbricoides persisting with the highest prevalence.
openalex: W1507497395 mag: 1507497395
Keywords: openalex:import

The Impact of Hearing Impairment on the Academic Performance of Learners in Westlands Division, Nairobi, Kenya. - Mwololo, Rose Mumbua (2008)
Research Report Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the A Ward of Degree in Special Needs Education of Kampala International University, Uganda
openalex: W3023303860 mag: 3023303860
Keywords: openalex:import

The impact of free primary education on the quality of special education for the deaf learners in schools: a case study of Central Province Kenya - Nga'nga, Johnson Mbugua (2008)
A Research Project Submitted To The Institute Of Open And Distance Learning In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirements For The Award Of A Degree In Education Of Kampala International University
openalex: W3158332888 mag: 3158332888
Keywords: openalex:import

Adolescents Reproductive Health Education and its Effect on in-School Adolescents in Ejisu Juaben Municipality, Ghana. - Norgbe, Gameli Kwame; Ohene, Sally-Ann (2008)
openalex: W2527796365 mag: 2527796365
Keywords: openalex:import

Reproductive health knowledge and practices among junior secondary school grade one students in Enugu State: threat to achieving millennium development goals in Nigeria. - Nwaorgu, O. C.; Onyeneho, Nkechi G.; Okolo, May; Ebele, Obadike; Enibe, Gloria (PubMed, 2008)
This was designed to provide background information for the implementation of family life and HIV/AIDS education in post primary schools in the Enugu State.A cross sectional survey of the reproductive health knowledge and practices of 412 junior secondary school pupils from 12 schools in Enugu State, Nigeria was undertaken using a uniform set of structured self-administered questionnaire.The results revealed that while the pupils demonstrated fair knowledge of human biology, they lacked knowledge of self-protective mechanisms as it related to sexual health. About (50%) of the participants reported that they have had sex, at the age of less than 11 years when they must have been in the primary school and most (89.3%) at age 11-14 years. Half (50.9%) of the respondents hold the belief that a girl would not get pregnant in her first sexual encounter. Statistically more of those who have ever had sex were betrayed this ignorance (p = 0.004). The boys were less certain about what constitutes the wrong ideas about reproductive health systems than the girls (p = 0.042). In the same vein, there was a difference (p < 0.0001) in the proportion of the rural residents, vis-a-vis their urban counterparts that could correctly identify the wrong ideas about human reproduction.This situation urgently calls for concerted efforts at addressing the poor reproductive health knowledge of these sexually active young people, for the millennium development goals (MDGs) target to be realized in Nigeria.
openalex: W1837263758 mag: 1837263758
Keywords: openalex:import

An investigation of challenges facing teachers teaching learners with learning difficulties In arithmetic integrated in regular Schools in Muthambi division Meru south District Kenya. - Nyaga, Josephine K (2008)
A dissertation submitted to the college of open and distance learning of Kampala International University in partial fulfillment of the requirement of the requirements for the award of a bachelors degree of education of Kampala International University
openalex: W2996770764 mag: 2996770764
Keywords: openalex:import

The climatology of drought in the Upper Tana River catchment of Kenya - Nyandega, Isaiah (2008)
openalex: W1577731252 mag: 1577731252
Keywords: openalex:import

Primary student teachers' perceptions of and motivations for comparative education: findings from a comparative study of an Irish and South African comparative education course - O’Sullivan, Margo C.; Maarman, R. F.; Wolhuter, Charl C. (Compare (Print), 2008)
Comparative Education (CE) in Teacher Education (ITE) receives little attention in the literature, and this attention is mainly focussed on its decline in Western Countries. This article highlights, however, that it is not declining to the same extent in some countries in Asia, Eastern Europe and in South Africa. The study, upon which the article is based, explores a completely neglected aspect of CE in ITE – the perceptions of student teachers studying CE. The research was conducted among student primary teachers in Ireland and South Africa. Even though some similarities emerge, their perceptions are mainly divergent. It is in the analysis of this divergence, however, that a rich picture of student perceptions emerges. The main findings are: the Irish students knew much less about CE than their South African counterparts, and their main motivation for studying CE was to enable them to work abroad, whereas the South African students wanted to learn about other systems of education in order to improve Education in South Africa. Other findings concerning the extent to which CE is considered to enable student teachers to improve their teaching, are interesting and these are considered in the discussion section.
openalex: W2042318407 mag: 2042318407
Keywords: openalex:import

Mouthpart deformities in Chironomidae (Diptera) as indicators of heavy metal pollution in northern Lake Victoria, Uganda - Ochieng, Hannington; Steveninck, ED de Ruyter van; Wanda, F.M. (African Journal of Aquatic Science, 2008)
Due to the absence of appropriate and sensitive tools for monitoring heavy metal pollution in northern Lake Victoria (Uganda), this study investigated mouthpart deformities in chironomid larvae (Diptera) in relation to concentrations of lead, copper, cadmium and zinc in lake sediments, and to dissolved oxygen, pH and conductivity. The variables at two rural reference sites in Hannington Bay and two urban-industrial test sites in Napoleon Gulf and Fielding Bay near Jinja were compared. Of the total number of chironomids examined from the two urban-industrial sites, 4.7% and 3.7% (respectively) were deformed. No deformed chironomids were found at the two reference sites. Chironomid mouthpart deformities correlated with concentrations of copper and zinc among the listed metals, but with none of the physical variables. The presence of deformities in chironomid larvae was a sufficiently sensitive proxy measurement to indicate the presence of low concentrations of heavy metals. The higher incidences of mouthpart deformities observed in the larvae of Chironomus sp. II could make them potential bioindicator organisms for heavy metal pollution.
openalex: W2092566988 mag: 2092566988
Keywords: openalex:import

Parental Involvement, Interest In Schooling And Science Achievement Of Junior Secondary School Students In Ogun State, Nigeria - Olatoye, Rafiu Ademola; Ogunkola, BJ (The international college teaching methods & styles journal, 2008)
openalex: W2152467900 mag: 2152467900
Keywords: openalex:import

Perceptions of climate risk in Mozambique: Implications for the success of adaptation strategies - Patt, Anthony; Schröter, Dagmar (Global Environmental Change, 2008)
Policies to promote adaptation climate risks often rely on the willing cooperation of the intended beneficiaries. If these beneficiaries disagree with policy makers and program managers about the need for adaptation, or the effectiveness of the measures they are being asked to undertake, then implementation of the policies will fail. A case study of a resettlement program in Mozambique shows this to be the case. Farmers and policy makers disagreed about the seriousness of climate risks, and the potential negative consequences of proposed adaptive measures. A project to provide more information about climate change to farmers did not change their beliefs. The results highlight the need for active dialog across stakeholder groups, as a necessary condition for formulating policies that can then be successfully implemented.
openalex: W1992473237 mag: 1992473237
Keywords: openalex:import

Perceptions of climate risk in Mozambique: Implications for the success of adaptation strategies - Patt, Anthony; Schröter, Dagmar (Global Environmental Change, 2008)
Policies to promote adaptation climate risks often rely on the willing cooperation of the intended beneficiaries. If these beneficiaries disagree with policy makers and program managers about the need for adaptation, or the effectiveness of the measures they are being asked to undertake, then implementation of the policies will fail. A case study of a resettlement program in Mozambique shows this to be the case. Farmers and policy makers disagreed about the seriousness of climate risks, and the potential negative consequences of proposed adaptive measures. A project to provide more information about climate change to farmers did not change their beliefs. The results highlight the need for active dialog across stakeholder groups, as a necessary condition for formulating policies that can then be successfully implemented.
openalex: W1992473237 mag: 1992473237
Keywords: openalex:import; openalex:yes

Assessing the effects of volcanic disasters on human settlement in the Willaumez Peninsula, Papua New Guinea: a Bayesian approach to radiocarbon calibration - Petrie, Cameron A.; Torrence, Robin (The Holocene, 2008)
Bayesian statistical approaches to calibrating radiocarbon determinations can make a significant contribution to disaster studies by adding precision to the dating of both the environmental forcing agent and the consequent human responses. An archaeological case study in the Willaumez Peninsula region of New Britain, Papua New Guinea uses radiocarbon dating to examine the chronology of five major volcanic events and the timing and nature of recolonization. The results demonstrate the general applicability of Bayesian-based approaches for building a sound tephrochronology and for evaluating the impacts of volcanic hazards on human history.
openalex: W2113868710 mag: 2113868710
Keywords: openalex:import

Unwanted Early Sexual Experiences among Belgian and South African University Women Students - Revell, Arlynn T.; Vansteenwegen, Alfons; Nicholas, Lionel (Psychological Reports, 2008)
This study examined the unwanted early sexual experiences of 736 South African and 1,587 Belgian women students. The Early Sexual Experiences Checklist was administered to all consenting women students attending orientation programmes at a Belgian and a South African university. Respondents were Belgians ( M age=18.2 yr., SD =1.0) and South Africans ( M age=19.6 yr., SD = 4.1). Such experiences were found for 31.3% (231) of South African respondents and 14.2% (226) of Belgian respondents. 64% of South African women indicated that such an experience occurred only once, and 65% of Belgian women reported this also. 34% of Belgian and 32% of South African respondents reported not being bothered at all by the unwanted experience at the time the event took place; 23% of Belgian and 36% of South African respondents were extremely bothered by the experience.
openalex: W2128739683 mag: 2128739683
Keywords: openalex:import

Overweight and Obesity among Senior High School Students in the Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana - Seneadza, Nana Ayegua Hagan (2008)
openalex: W2535038195 mag: 2535038195
Keywords: openalex:import

The attitudes of home science secondary school teachers and students towards clothing and textiles unit in Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Keiyo districts, Kenya . - Serem, Dorcas J. (2008)
openalex: W2948283159 mag: 2948283159
Keywords: openalex:import

Higher Distance Education in Ethiopia: Course Materials Development, Delivery and Evaluation Practices - Sherkabu, Desalegn (2008)
openalex: W3175314972 mag: 3175314972
Keywords: openalex:import

Hypertension among undergraduate students from Lubango, Angola - Simão, Manuel; Hayashida, Miyeko; Santos, Cláudia Benedita dos; Cesarino, Evandro José; Nogueira, Maria Suely (Revista Latino-americana De Enfermagem, 2008)
This descriptive study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among undergraduate students in Lubango-Angola. The results obtained according to the health field model were: a) human biology: 61.3% were between 18 and 29 years old; prevalence of hypertension from 20.3 to 26.7%; 17.1% were overweight; 3.2% were obese; b) environment: 36.1% were exclusively students; 33.1% gained a family income of up to 250 dollars; c) life style: 86.2% practiced physical activity; 60.6% preferred salty food; 4.0% were smokers; 40.6% drank alcohol; d) health care: 82.8% already had their arterial pressure verified sometime in their life, and 65.4% did not remember the obtained value.
openalex: W2077881375 mag: 2077881375
Keywords: openalex:import

Factors affecting antiretroviral drug adherence among HIV/AIDS adult patients attending HIV/AIDS clinic at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya. - Talam, NC; Gatongi, PM; Rotich, Joseph K.; Kimaiyo, S (PubMed, 2008)
To determine important factors that affect antiretroviral drug adherence among HIV/AIDS male and female adult patients (18 years and above) attending Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya.A cross sectional study involving 384 HIV/AIDS adult patients attending Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret was conducted. These patients were on ARV drugs. They were investigated for factors that affected their drug adherence based on observing the timing of doses and keeping of clinic appointments for drug refills during the months of May, June and July 2005. Data were collected from the respondents using interviewer-administered questionnaires to patients and self-administered questionnaires by ten key informants (nurses and clinicians in charge of HIV/AIDS clinic) selected by purposive sampling. The key variables examined were demographic, other characteristics of the patients and adherence factors. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10.0 for frequencies, cross-tabulations and Chi-Squared test and statistical significance set at p < 0.05.Sixty-eight percent of the respondents on ARVs were females. 52.1% had secondary and post secondary education. They were aged between 18-63 years (mean age 36.1 +/- 8.5 years). Results showed that only 43.2% adhered to the prescribed time of taking drugs. The most commonly cited reasons for missing the prescribed dosing time by the patients were: Being away from home 68.8%, being too busy 58.9%, forgetting 49.0%, having too many medicines to take 32.6% and stigma attached to ARVs 28.9%. There was no significant difference between males and females based on timing of taking medications (chi2 = 2.9412, p = 0.0861). On the basis of keeping clinic appointments, all the respondents claimed to adhere to scheduled clinics. However, from hospital records, it was established that only 93.5% of the respondents kept clinic appointments. The most common reasons for poor adherence to clinic appointments were; Being away from home (50%), forgetting (50%), being too busy (50%), stigma (70%), feeling sick (80%) and changes in work routine (60%).The key factors affecting adherence were; being away from home, being busy and forgetting. It was recommended that patients should be educated on the importance of strict adherence to the prescribed doses of ARVs as a suitable measure of intervention. Future research should explore multiple-target interventions to resolve the barriers to adherence.
openalex: W1911942711 mag: 1911942711
Keywords: openalex:import

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COMPUTER LITERACY AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA: IMPLICATIONS FOR LIBRARY USE - Tella, Adeyinka; Mutula, Stephen M. (Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Science, 2008)
This paper, presents findings of a study that was carried out in January 2006 at the University of Botswana to determine gender differences amongst undergraduates’ students across all disciplines with regard to computer literacy. Five hundred students were surveyed of which 300 were females while 200 were male. The proportion of female to male students at the University of Botswana is 53%:47%. Purposive sampling was used to select respondents from the six faculties of the University; a survey questionnaire was administered to them and collected on its completion. Descriptive statistics and t-test were employed in the analysis of data. The results suggest that gender differences exist between female and male undergraduate students at the University of Botswana with regard to computer literacy. The findings further revealed that students with higher computer literacy were more inclined to access and make use of library facilities. Moreover, differences exist in the respondents’ computer usage and software application. The paper discusses the implications of these results on the students’ use of library.
openalex: W2184872859 mag: 2184872859
Keywords: openalex:import

Teaching child psychiatry in ethiopia: challenges and rewards. - Teshima, John (PubMed, 2008)
Ethiopia is a country of 81 million people, half of whom are children. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children ranges from 3.5-23.2%. However, there are very limited mental health resources in the country, including few psychiatrists. Thus the training of more psychiatrists, including providing them with expertise in child psychiatry, is an imperative.The article briefly reviews the development of the Toronto Addis Ababa Psychiatry Project (TAAPP), a collaborative program between the University of Toronto and Addis Ababa University designed to help train psychiatry residents in Ethiopia. The article then focuses on the author's experiences on one recent trip to Ethiopia to provide some of this training.Formal teaching sessions as well as clinical supervision were provided to the Ethiopian residents. Content had to be adapted to be relevant to the Ethiopian context, but teaching approaches did not have to be modified significantly. The Ethiopian residents were very enthusiastic learners and made quick changes to their practices based on the teaching.Collaborative programs such as TAAPP may be important mechanisms to improve the training of psychiatrists internationally, especially when there are limited local educational resources.
openalex: W2132066005 mag: 2132066005
Keywords: openalex:import

The experience of and need for training of school governors in rural schools in South Africa - Tsotetsi, Stephen Morena; Wyk, Noleen van; Lemmer, Eleanor (South African Journal of Education, 2008)
The concept of decentralisation originates from the belief that the state cannot alone control schools, but should share its power with other stakeholders, particularly those closer to the school, on a partnership basis. The South African Schools Act (Act 84 of 1996) mandates the establishment of school governing bodies that allow stakeholders — such as the state, parents, educators and learners (in secondary schools) — to play an active role in taking decisions on behalf of the school. However, this can only happen if participants in school governance are trained to decide on matters affecting their schools. With this in mind, qualitative research was undertaken to determine what training school governing bodies had received in selected rural schools in the Free State and to what extent this had assisted them in fulfilling their tasks. Findings indicated perceptions of training and its effectiveness. Based on the findings, detailed recommendations for the improvement of practice are made. South African Journal of Education Vol. 28 (3) 2008: pp. 385-400
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The Significance of School Libraries in the Educational Development of Students: the Case of Novena University Staff School, Kwale, Delta State, Nigeria - Udoh-Ilomechine, Queenette (Library Philosophy and Practice, 2008)
Introduction Children and their teachers need library resources and the expertise of a librarian to succeed. School libraries help teachers teach children (Keith 2004). A school library is an academic library that supports school programs as well as the teaching and learning process. School libraries serve students by providing materials to meet their various needs and encouraging reading and the use of libraries (Clark 1999). Martin (2000) notes that research shows that the reading scores for students in schools that focus on improving their library programs are, on average of eight to twenty one percent, higher than similar schools with no such development. Adomi (2006) stresses the importance of adequate collections. School libraries help children to discover for themselves by independent study and learning how to ask questions. This study assesses the educational development of students and library use by students and the problems encountered. The population for the study is students from the Novena University staff school. Novena University is a private university in Novena University Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria, which was opened in 2005. Secondary students in the university's staff school were surveyed to find their experience with and views on library service. Methodology A questionnaire was used to gather data for this study. Questionnaires were administered to 200 students of Novena University staff school, with 198 returned. Findings and Discussion Responses were fairly evenly divided by gender, with males having a slight majority. The largest number of respondents were aged between 15 and 16. A majority of respondents were from Senior Secondary 2 at 126 (63%). This could be the result of availability of students at the time of the study. The vast majority of students (81%) say that they use the library. Less than one quarter of respondents use the library frequently, with nearly three quarters using it occasionally. A clear majority feel that using the school library helps students be academically better. More than 80 percent of respondents find the library's resources inadequate. Response to this question is mixed, with nearly one-third undecided, and a quarter thinking it false. Most respondents feel that the library does not provide materials that augment teaching. Nearly 80 percent of respondents find that the library does not satisfy their educational needs. Nearly all respondents are not provided audiovisual materials by the library. A similar large majority find that there is not enough reading room in the library. More than three quarters of respondents say that there is not professional librarian. Distance to the library is not a problem for almost 90 percent of respondents. Only 14 percent of respondents always get the information they need at the library. Conclusion and Recommendations The survey shows that most students who responded are not satisfied with the services and collections of their school library. The literature demonstrates the importance of a good school library in students' academic achievement. Based on the importance and the benefits of the school library to both staff and the students, the author has the following recommendations: * The school library should have a professional librarian to render effective services to staff and students * The teacher/librarian should organize orientation, films, exhibitions, and displays to create awareness of the library service to users. * The library should take steps to enhance its collections and resources with material for both staff and students that meets their educational needs and developments and augments classroom teachings. * Students need audiovisual materials as well as print and other formats. …
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Globalisation and higher education funding policy shifts in Kenya - Wangenge‐Ouma, Gerald (Journal of higher education policy and management, 2008)
This paper identifies, examines and discusses higher education funding policy shifts that have taken place in Kenya. The paper argues that even though Kenya's higher education funding policy shifts, from free higher education to cost‐sharing, and privatisation and commercialisation, are (to a greater extent) products of the country's encounter with globalisation, local social, political and economic dynamics have been of equally significant influence. Thus, the country's higher education funding policies have been products of a convergence of both the dynamics of globalisation and local contextual imperatives. Furthermore, the point is made that the shift from free higher education to cost‐sharing, and privatisation and commercialisation, was symptomatic of a global transition from a development paradigm that was predominantly based on Keynesianism to a neo‐liberal paradigm that privileges mean expenditure on social services (such as higher education) and the market logic.
openalex: W2169797865 mag: 2169797865
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Routine HIV testing in the context of syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections: outcomes of the first phase of a training programme in Botswana - Weaver, Marcia R.; Myaya, Mary; Disasi, Kisanga; Regoeng, Mowarwa; Matumo, Hilda N; Madisa, Montlenyane; Puttkammer, Nancy; Speilberg, Freya; Kilmarx, Peter H.; Marrazzo, Jeanne M. (Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2008)
Objective: In 2004, the Ministry of Health adopted revised protocols for the syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STI) that included routine HIV testing. A training programme for providers was developed on the revised protocols that featured interactive case studies and training videos. An objective of the first phase of the training programme was to test its effect on four measures of clinical practice: (1) routine HIV testing; (2) performance of physical examination; (3) risk-reduction counselling and (4) patient education. Methods: Clinical practice in a district where providers were trained was compared with a district without training. The measures of clinical practice were reported by 185 patients of providers who had been trained and compared with reports by 124 patients at comparison clinics. Results: Relative to patients at comparison clinics, a higher percentage of patients of trainees reported that the provider: (1) offered an HIV test (87% versus 29%; p<0.001); (2) conducted a physical examination (98% versus 64%; p<0.001); (3) helped them to make a plan to avoid future STI acquisition (95% versus 76%; p<0.001) and (4) provided patient-specific information about HIV risk (65% versus 32%; p<0.001). Among patients offered HIV testing, the percentage who accepted did not differ between groups (38% of 161 patients of trainees versus 50% of 36 comparison patients; p = 0.260). Overall, 33% of patients of trainees and 14% of comparison patients were tested (p<0.001). Conclusion: A multifaceted training programme was associated with higher rates of HIV testing, physical examination, risk-reduction counselling and better HIV risk education.
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Late Pliocene climate changes documented in seismic and palynology data at the southwest African Margin - Weigelt, Estella; Dupont, Lydie M; Uenzelmann-Neben, Gabriele (Global and Planetary Change, 2008)
In this integrated study of seismostratigraphy and palynology we provide an insight into the depositional environment in the northern Cape Basin during the late Pliocene with respect to global climate changes. A well-pronounced succession of continuous high-amplitude reflectors characterizes the upper acoustic units off the coast of Southwest Africa. Among the seismic structures, unconformity NCB-B dated at 2.1 Ma represents a striking feature. The internal reflectors below in unit NCB-1c show toplap termination indicating stagnating deposition. In contrast, the reflectors above in unit NCB-1b onlap onto this interface, thus suggesting the return of a gentle increase in deposition. The observed reflector configurations and shifts in the location of the deposition centre correspond to a number of global and local events. The change from toplap to onlap reflector configuration corresponds to a transgressive period in eustatic sea level. Furthermore, the formation of unit NCB-1b coincides with a marked change of pollen assemblages indicating an intensified aridification of the Namibian hinterland and a loss of river discharge into the northern Cape Basin at about 2.1 Ma. Further, the onlap configuration of reflectors indicates an enhanced production and deposition, probably due to increased upwelling and an extension of upwelling filaments further seawards associated with enhanced wind stress as a result of intensification of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation. In summary, the seismic reflection pattern evidences a pronounced and sudden change of the deposition system in the latest Pliocene. Another marked climate step probably led to changes in composition and manner of transport of matter to the Cape Basin.
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Contradictions and tensions in the place of teachers in educational reform: reflections on teacher preparation in the USA and Namibia - Zeichner, Ken; Ndimande, Bekisizwe S. (Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 2008)
This paper examines recent education and teacher education reforms in the USA and Namibia and analyzes two tensions that have been a central part of debates about teacher quality and teacher education in many parts of the world: whether we should prepare teachers as technicians or as reflective practitioners; and whether we should prepare teachers for teacher‐centered or learner‐centered instruction. Although the USA and Namibia are very different countries in size, economic development, and in numerous other ways, the authors argue that their national governments, like many others, have chosen to follow similar paths in reforming their K‐12 and teacher education systems. Both countries demonstrate an emphasis on the investment of scarce resources in constructing and maintaining elaborate accountability systems by preparing teachers to meet externally prescribed standards to produce good standardized test scores. The paper argues that this approach, tied to a technicist view of teaching and teacher education, is misguided.
openalex: W2064617052 mag: 2064617052
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Alternative Path of Increasing the Intake Capacity of Higher Education in Ethiopia: Challenges and Direction - Zewdie, E. Maxine (2008)
openalex: W2963906659 mag: 2963906659
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Using a Language-Literature Approach to Teaching Reading and Writing in First-Year English Classes at the University of Botswana - Arua, AE; Lederer (Lwati: a journal of contemporary research, 2008)
The paper contributes to the discussion on how to improve university students' reading and writing skills. Thirty-nine University of Botswana (UB) first-year English language students were taught English language description and usage and. subsequently, how to read and write literary and non-literacy genres. It was hoped that the grammar component would make them more aware of their language use and that this would, in addition to the issues discussed in the literary and non-literary genres classes, enable them to improve on their reading and writing skills beyond what traditionally obtains in first year classes. In particular, the class of thirty-nine cotaught by the researchers was sufficiently small to enable the lecturers teach better and the students learn more. The project produced limited results, as there was no significant improvement in the students\' reading and writing abilities. Nevertheless, the results were instructive in that they reconfirmed existing problems in students\' writing, especially vagueness and an unwillingness to apply learnt skills across disciplines, and revealed the students\" love for the narrative genre which many of them imposed on their writing, regardless of the genre they were supposed to write.LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research Vol. 5 2008: pp. 140-153
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Perceived Norms and Mental Health Help Seeking among African American College Students - Barksdale, Crystal L.; Molock, Sherry Davis (Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 2008)
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Exploring the HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of University Students in Botswana - Brown, Marie Scott; Sebego, Miriam; Mogobe, Keitshokile Dintle; Ntsayagae, Esther; Sabone, Motshedises; Seboni, Naomi (Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 2008)
Purpose: Because of the serious threat of HIV/AIDS to students at a university in Botswana, faculty instituted two interventions to change students' HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavior: (a) an HIV/AIDS course and (b) the Health and Wellness Centre. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the success of these interventions. Method: A four-group comparison design was created for this study as a method for the qualitative formative evaluation. Data collection was done using the rapid assessment method, in which team interviews of 105 students at the university were conducted. The teams used descriptive, interpretive, and explanatory codes to create themes, which were compared to findings in the literature. Results: Although students indicated significant learning and attitude changes, no major changes in sexually risky behavior were reported. Discussion: Substantive, methodological, and theoretical implications are discussed.
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Rethinking Marriage Preparation Through Traditional African Cultural Education Process - Effiong, Linus Okon (Intams Review, 2008)
openalex: W2021723317 mag: 2021723317
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The Use of Coherence and Cohesion in Composition Writing Among Botswana Primary School Pupils - Galegane, Golebamang (Lwati: a journal of contemporary research, 2008)
The researcher analyzed selected pupils' compositions which they wrote as a class exercise. The study aimed at investigating the use of coherence and cohesion in composition writing among Botswana primary school pupils. The purpose of the study was to find out the extent to which the pupils could produce a coherent text. Twenty scripts were chosen through purposive sampling from standard seven pupils of two primary schools: school A and school B. Data were collected by visiting the schools and asking the class teachers to select 10 scripts from each class. The data were then analyzed using a taxonomy that reflected organization in a text in terms of tense and aspect. The findings of the study reveal that some of the pupils do not produce or write a coherent text at all. The study further reveals that there is a problem of not using the right tenses and a failure to sequence events. It was noted that incoherent paragraphs contributed to the students' inability to produce good texts. The failure to write coherent paragraphs is a result of their inability to sequence events chronologically. It is therefore recommended that the use of tense be taught before writing a composition in class. Further, pupils should be exposed to sequencing events logically as this will help them in the use of aspect.LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research Vol. 5 2008: pp. 154-164
openalex: W1972778444 mag: 1972778444
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Compulsory School Attendance in Nigeria: What are the Reasons for Wastage amongst Pupils? - Igbineweka, VO; Adeyemi, JK (Lwati: a journal of contemporary research, 2008)
The study investigated reasons for wastage amongst primary and secondary school pupils in Nigeria, where free and compulsory school attendance policy is implemented. Five questions (four (4) answered and one (1) hypothesized) were raised to direct the thrust of study whose population comprised all the students in 1,831 schools (1516 primary schools and 315 junior secondary schools) in Edo State. Edo State was used as a case study because it is a typical microcosm of Nigeria. Collection of data for the study was done with a questionnaire named “School Children Reasons for Constituting Wastage to Schools Questionnaire, REDROQUE” administered on all the school pupils that constituted the study sample. Administration of the questionnaire lasted for thirteen (13) weeks (the entire first term of 2005/2006 school year) after which 27,054 pupils' responses (or 91.07 percent) out of 29,707 were found useable for analysis. The results of analysis show that the problems of inadequate teachers; teachers' poor attitude to work; poverty; bullying unstable school calendar; poor supervision of teaching and learning including parents' wish are the significant reasons for wastage. The findings revealed further that male, old, poor and urban - resident pupils rate the reasons for wastage significantly higher than other categories of pupils. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the problems of unstable school calendar; poor supervision of teaching and learning; inadequate teachers and facilities make the enforcement of free and compulsory school attendance policy in Nigeria to be impossible. It was therefore recommended among others that adequate teachers and learning facilities be provided in schools. Scholarships and bursary awards should also be provided to identify indigent students to mitigate their private cost of schooling.LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research Vol. 5 2008: pp. 1-13
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The Influence of the ABC HIV Prevention Strategy On the Social Normative Sexual Behavior of University Students in Uganda - Kalanzi, Dorothy J. N.; Moore, Ami R.; Okure, Sikora; Williams, James L. (2008)
openalex: W185272969 mag: 185272969
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At Glance What Shapes Human History: Globalization and Its Impact on Girls Education in Tanzania - Makene, Songora; Fortunata, G (2008)
openalex: W2601126694 mag: 2601126694
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French in Zimbabwean Schools: How to Save an \"Endangered Species\" - Manyawu, Andrew Tichaenzana (LWATI, 2008)
The state of French in Zimbabwean government schools is examined in light of the concepts practical utility (Bogaards, 1991) and foreignness (Dabène, 1994). Given the closure of numerous French departments in schools across the country as well as the sustained reduction over the years in the rate of registration for the French ‘O' Level examination, the subject may be termed an “endangered species”. This state of affairs does not seem to bother authorities within the Ministry of Education where motivation to support, if not promote, the teaching of French appears to be at its lowest since independence. A number of possible reasons for governmental stakeholders' attitude are identified. It, however, goes without saying that foreign languages are promoted by their countries of origin. It is argued French's loss of popularity may be correlated to the reduction of European influence in Zimbabwe's educational system as a whole. In this context, misalignment of French Embassy language education strategies to the current state of affairs in Zimbabwe is suspected. The concept of local “ownership” of French (Manyawu, 2007b) is proposed as a strategy to resolve the current crisis in Zimbabwe and preempt it in fellow former British colonies.LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research Vol. 5 2008: pp. 129-139
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German medical schools respond to claim they have stored Namibian skulls from colonial times - Stafford, Ned (The BMJ, 2008)
One of Berlin’s leading medical schools, Charite, has carried out a preliminary investigation into the source of skulls held in its archives, allegedly held there after killings by German soldiers a century ago. And another medical school, at the University of Freiburg, has said that it will repatriate any skulls it finds to have been unethically collected. The allegations were made in an investigative news …
openalex: W2018752319 mag: 2018752319
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Gender difference in integrated science achievement among pre service teachers in Nigeria - Afuwape, Moses Olanrewaju; Oludipe, Daniel Idowu (Educational Research Review, 2008)
The Integrated science achievement of graduating pre-service teachers over a period of 3 years was examined for gender differences. Data were drawn from students’ (126 male and 127 female) final year results from a college of education in Nigeria. Findings revealed that the gender gap in integrated science achievement, among the sample data, could be disappearing. This is a source of hope for the country because results such as those reported here are contrary to the general Nigerian stereotypical belief about male’s and female’s performance in the subject. Although it is difficult to generalize to other geographical areas, it is anticipated that the study would be replicated in the rest of the country for a more meaningful and national picture. Key words:
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Young, schooled and stuck: Unemployment in Egypt: The Huffington Post - Martin, Johannes; Al-Bahlani, F. (2008)
openalex: W2738222238 mag: 2738222238
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Leadership development in South African higher education: The heart of the matter - Zuber‐Skerritt, Ortrun (South African journal of higher education, 2008)
An extensive literature on leadership theories and models concerns large organizations in industry and has been developed mostly by outside researchers with expertise in conducting large surveys on and interviews with ‘subjects' in leadership positions. Recently, such theories have been adopted or adapted to higher education in South Africa. These theories and their derived guidelines for practice in higher education present some interesting ideas but have rarely been of practical, transformational value and benefit to academic leadership development (ALD). This article aims to take an alternative approach to ALD that can be developed actively from ‘inside out' by the participants themselves through reflection on their own character and values (the heart of the matter), rather than through application of theory ‘from the outside in'. Thus, the research and development discussed in this article are for and with people as ‘participants' in the research, rather than on people as ‘subjects' in the research. In this way, the article contributes to a new paradigm and model of self-developed leadership in higher education in the light of Covey's (1992) ‘principle-centred leadership' and Maxwell's (1999, 2000) ‘indispensable qualities of a leader' and the action learning concept of ‘failing forward', that is, turning mistakes into stepping stones for success.J South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 21 (7) 2008: pp. 984-1005
openalex: W2015229619 mag: 2015229619
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13,915 reasons for equity in sexual offences legislation: A national school-based survey in South Africa - Andersson, Neil; Ho-Foster, Ari (International Journal for Equity in Health, 2008)
Prior to 2007, forced sex with male children in South Africa did not count as rape but as "indecent assault", a much less serious offence. This study sought to document prevalence of male sexual violence among school-going youth.A facilitated self-administered questionnaire in nine of the 11 official languages in a stratified (province/metro/urban/rural) last stage random national sample.Teams visited 5162 classes in 1191 schools, in October and November 2002.A total of 269,705 learners aged 10-19 years in grades 6-11. Of these, 126,696 were male.Schoolchildren answered questions about exposure in the last year to insults, beating, unwanted touching and forced sex. They indicated the sex of the perpetrator, and whether this was a family member, a fellow schoolchild, a teacher or another adult. Respondents also gave the age when they first suffered forced sex and when they first had consensual sex.Some 9% (weighted value based on 13915/127097) of male respondents aged 11-19 years reported forced sex in the last year. Of those aged 18 years at the time of the survey, 44% (weighted value of 5385/11450) said they had been forced to have sex in their lives and 50% reported consensual sex. Perpetrators were most frequently an adult not from their own family, followed closely in frequency by other schoolchildren. Some 32% said the perpetrator was male, 41% said she was female and 27% said they had been forced to have sex by both male and female perpetrators. Male abuse of schoolboys was more common in rural areas while female perpetration was more an urban phenomenon.This study uncovers endemic sexual abuse of male children that was suspected but hitherto only poorly documented. Legal recognition of the criminality of rape of male children is a first step. The next steps include serious investment in supporting male victims of abuse, and in prevention of all childhood sexual abuse.
openalex: W2082502395 mag: 2082502395
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‘Can anything good come out of this mouth?’ Female experiences of disability in Malawi - Braathen, Stine Hellum; Kvam, Marit Hoem (Disability & Society, 2008)
The aim of this article is to give an overview of the daily life stories of 23 women with disabilities in Malawi. The stories were gained through qualitative interviews that covered aspects of being a woman and living with a disability in Malawi. Recent studies from countries in southern Africa have documented how people with disabilities experience poorer living conditions than people without disabilities. It is generally assumed that the living conditions of women are worse than those of men. There is, however, a large gap in the literature concerning women with disabilities in Africa. The results present a mixed picture. While several of the informants had experienced discrimination and exclusion because of their impairments, most of the women had been well taken care of and were treated equally by their closest family and friends. They had a strong wish to be empowered through education and employment.
openalex: W1984058591 mag: 1984058591
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Coping With Hurricane Katrina: Psychological Distress and Resilience Among African American Evacuees - Lee, Eun‐Kyoung Othelia; Shen, Ce; Tran, Thanh V. (Journal of black psychology, 2008)
Hurricane Katrina was one of the most devastating natural disasters in the U.S. history. The economic, physical, and psychological damage to survivors of Katrina may ultimately be incalculable. While this natural disaster affected all racial groups, it was low-income African Americans who disproportionately experienced the greatest suffering. This study examines factors related to psychological resilience in the Hurricane Katrina evacuee sample (N = 363) drawn from the Kaiser Washington Post Harvard Poll #2005 WPH020. The structural equation model (SEM) used explains 34% of the total variance on Katrina victims' resilience measured by their perceived sense of recovery. Findings suggest that those evacuees who reported psychological distress as a reaction to the disaster were less likely to report that they would fully recover from the disaster. All three Hurricane Katrina experience-related variables— being insured, home destruction, and human loss—have significant effects on psychological distress, with human loss having the strongest effect. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
openalex: W2120364439 mag: 2120364439
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Climate change adaptation for conservation in Madagascar - Lee, Hannah; Dave, Radhika; Lowry, Porter P.; Andelman, Sandy J.; Andrianarisata, Michele; Andriamaro, Luciano; Cameron, A.; Hijmans, Robert J.; Kremen, Claire; MacKinnon, James L.; Randrianasolo, H.; Andriambololonera, Sylvie; et al. (Biology Letters, 2008)
Madagascar's imperilled biota are now experiencing the effects of a new threat—climate change ([Raxworthy et al . 2008][1]). With more than 90% endemism among plants, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, the stakes are high. The pristine landscapes that allowed this exceptional biodiversity to
openalex: W2148440298 mag: 2148440298
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Climate change adaptation for conservation in Madagascar - Lee, Hannah; Dave, Radhika; Lowry, Porter P.; Andelman, Sandy J.; Andrianarisata, Michele; Andriamaro, Luciano; Cameron, A.; Hijmans, Robert J.; Kremen, Claire; MacKinnon, James L.; Randrianasolo, H.; Andriambololonera, Sylvie; et al. (Biology Letters, 2008)
Madagascar's imperilled biota are now experiencing the effects of a new threat—climate change ([Raxworthy et al . 2008][1]). With more than 90% endemism among plants, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, the stakes are high. The pristine landscapes that allowed this exceptional biodiversity to
openalex: W2148440298 mag: 2148440298
Keywords: openalex:import; openalex:yes

Sensitivity and specificity of an index for the diagnosis of TB meningitis in patients in an urban teaching hospital in Malawi - Checkley, Anna M.; Njalale, Yasin; Scarborough, Matthew; Zjilstra, Eduard E. (Tropical Medicine & International Health, 2008)
Tuberculous (TB) meningitis is difficult to diagnose and has a high mortality rate, particularly when presentation is delayed. A diagnostic index developed in Vietnam, an area of low-HIV seroprevalence, has been proposed as a means to differentiate TB meningitis from acute bacterial meningitis using clinical and laboratory features. We applied this index over a 4-month period to adults presenting with meningitis to an urban teaching hospital in Malawi, where HIV seroprevalence is 70% among medical inpatients. Eighty-five consecutive eligible patients were studied. Nine had TB meningitis, 64 bacterial meningitis and 12 cryptococcal meningitis. The sensitivity of the diagnostic index for predicting TB meningitis was 78%, with a specificity of 43%, too low to be used in the diagnosis of TB meningitis in this setting. This finding is likely to be generalizable to other southern African countries with similarly high-HIV seroprevalences.
openalex: W2063420134 mag: 2063420134
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Community Perceptions of Fishing, Pollution, and Environmental Risk: Case Study of Fosu Lagoon, Ghana - Darkwa, Sarah; Nordenstam, Brenda (2008)
openalex: W2614677674 mag: 2614677674
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Prevalence of HIV infection among secondary school students in two cities in south-south Nigeria - Koofreh, M; Nwauche, CA; Ugboma, H.U (Port Harcourt Medical Journal, 2008)
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease will remain a topical issue on health in Third world countries. Its spread amongst the youths is worrisome. These youths are the future hope of our nation .If the spread of HIV is not checked, its impact can deplete a nation\'s economy and reduce the work force. This study was done to determine the seroprevalence of HIV infections among secondary school adolescents. Methods: A total of 491 blood samples collected from adolescents in 8 secondary schools in Port Harcourt and Calabar were used for the study. School health authority and parents of these students gave permission for the student\'s involvement. The test kit used for the study was the Trinity Biotech capillus HIV-1/HIV-2. Confirmatory tests were done for positive samples using another rapid assay test kitThe BDI HIV 1 and 2 test device Bremangos Diagnostic Inc. Canada. Results: Eight (3.1%) out of 262 females and 5(2.2%) of 229 males were retroviral positive. Females showed a slightly higher seroprevalence rate than their male counterparts. This was however not statistically significant (P
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Assessing Interactions Among Education, Social Insurance, And Labor Market Policies In A General Equilibrium Framework: An Application To Morocco - Marouani, Mohamed Ali; Robalino, David A. (2008)
This paper develops a general equilibrium model to analyze the marginal and joint impacts that alternative macroeconomic, education, and social protection policies have on the dynamics of employment and unemployment by skill level. The model introduces a disaggregated treatment of the labor market that incorporates an informal sub-sector in every sector of the economy. The analysis explicitly models the distribution of skills in the labor force by following over time sex-age cohorts across various levels of the education system and in the labor market. And it integrates a module that projects the revenues and expenditures of the pension system. The model is applied to the case of Morocco. Simulations show that even under positive assumptions regarding economic growth, unemploymentrates are likely to remain close to current levels in the next decade. The paper argues that only an integrated package of policies that affect the macro-economy, the investment climate, and the education and social protection systems would allow sustainable creation of enough good quality jobs.
openalex: W1492372736 mag: 1492372736
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Continuing professional development for teachers in South Africa and social learning systems: conflicting conceptual frameworks of learning - Steyn, G.M. (Koers, 2008)
To transform education in this country, South African teachers need to be appropriately equipped to meet the evolving challenges and needs of the country. The national policy framework for teacher education and development is an attempt to address the need for suitably qualified teachers in South Africa. Its aim is to improve the quality of education by focusing on the professional development of teachers. This article attempts to address the following research problem: Does continuing professional development for teachers (CPDT), as stipulated by the national policy framework, have the potential to contribute to the development of teachers as proposed by social learning systems? The answer to this question has the potential to inform and influence the policy and its implementation. The answer also describes how conceptual frameworks for learning in Wenger's social learning systems conflict with effective professional development (PD) programmes and CPDT.
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AMS radiocarbon dates and pollen analysis of ODP Hole 175-1078C, supplement to: Dupont, Lydie M; Behling, Hermann; Kim, Jung-Hyun (2008): Thirty thousand years of vegetation development and climate change in Angola (Ocean Drilling Program Site 1078). Climate of the Past, 4, 107-124 - Dupont, Lydie M; Behling, Hermann; Kim, Jung-Hyun (2008)
ODP Site 1078 situated under the coast of Angola provides the first record of the vegetation history for Angola. The upper 11 m of the core covers the past 30 thousand years, which has been analysed palynologically in decadal to centennial resolution. Alkenone sea surface temperature estimates were analysed in centennial resolution. We studied sea surface temperatures and vegetation development during full glacial, deglacial, and interglacial conditions. During the glacial the vegetation in Angola was very open consisting of grass and heath lands, deserts and semi-deserts, which suggests a cool and dry climate. A change to warmer and more humid conditions is indicated by forest expansion starting in step with the earliest temperature rise in Antarctica, 22 thousand years ago. We infer that around the period of Heinrich Event 1, a northward excursion of the Angola Benguela Front and the Congo Air Boundary resulted in cool sea surface temperatures but rain forest remained present in the northern lowlands of Angola. Rain forest and dry forest area increase 15 thousand years ago. During the Holocene, dry forests and Miombo woodlands expanded. Also in Angola globally recognised climate changes at 8 thousand and 4 thousand years ago had an impact on the vegetation. During the past 2 thousand years, savannah vegetation became dominant.
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Universal Primary Education and School Entry in Uganda - Grogan, Louise (Journal of African Economies, 2008)
This paper examines the initial effects of the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in January 1997 on school entry in Uganda. Given that advanced age at school entry has historically been associated with primary school dropout, the paper focuses on the the effects of fee elimination on the age at which a child enters school. Data from the 2000 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey and 2001 Education Data Survey are employed to examine the effects of UPE on the probability that a child begins attending school before age nine. School fee elimination under UPE is found to cause a 3% increase in this probability on average. Effects are found to be particularly pronounced for girls and children living in rural areas. Copyright 2009 The author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Centre for the Study of African Economies. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org, Oxford University Press.
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HIV/AIDS-Anxiety among Adolescent Students in Botswana - Onyewadume, Mary Adeola (International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 2008)
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An Exploratory Phenomenological Study of African American Male Pre-Service Teachers at a Historical Black University in the Mid-South. - Yates, Lucian; Pelphrey, Barry A.; Smith, Patricia (2008)
This exploratory phenomenological study was conducted to ascertain which factors caused African American male pre-service teachers to persist at a HBCU in the Mid-South. The work is grounded in the conceptual framework called resiliency. Resiliency asks the question, “How do children, adolescents, and young people “make it” when they are exposed to or face major stress and adversity? The results of this study point to what are commonly called “protective factors” that exist in the lives of these young men. They are: (1) families/communities, (2) the individual, and (3) the school. ________________________________________________________________________
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Perceptions of elementary school teachers of their pupils\' eye health in ilorin, nigeria. - Alameddine, Mahmoud; Ayanniyi, Abdulkabir Ayansiji; Salman, ML (Sahel Medical Journal, 2008)
Background: Despite the significant roles that school teachers are expected to play in school eye health programmes, their perceptions on their pupils' eye health have not been adequately determined. Objective: The study aims to ascertain the perceptions of elementary school teachers in Ilorin, Nigeria, of some factors that could influence their pupils' eye health. Materials and Methods: A knowledge-attitude-practice (K-A-P) survey using structural self-administered questionnaires was conducted from May to July 2005 on 172 consenting teachers. The teachers were selected by proportionate sampling from 6 randomly selected primary schools in Ilorin. Results: Majority of them (98.8%) rated good eye sight as important or very important to pupils' leaning, and identified good nutrition (84.9%) and adequate lighting (74.4%) as requirements for optimal eye health. During an outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis among pupils, close to two-thirds of the teachers would send home affected pupils (61.6%). Pupils with defective eyesight would have their parents informed (77.9%) and seated closer to the writing-board (77.7%). Eye injuries had been observed among pupils during recreation (42.4%) and following fights among themselves (51.2%). Conclusion: Majority of the teachers appeared to have an adequate knowledge of, the correct attitude to and correct practices of, the factors that have positive bearings on their pupils' eye health. Eye care specialists should find it easy to train this pool of qualified teachers for some roles in screening pupils for eye defects and diseases in school eye health programmes. Keywords: School health programme, Children eye health, Teachers perceptionsSahel Medical Journal Vol. 10 (3) 2007: pp. 79-83
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Combining and adapting American school-based alcohol and HIV prevention programmes in South Africa: The HAPS project - Cupp, Pamela K.; Zimmerman, Rick S.; Bhana, Arvin; Feist‐Price, Sonja; Dekhtyar, Olga; Karnell, Aaron P.; Ramsoomar, Leane (Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies, 2008)
Abstract Adolescents in South Africa are at particularly high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as other sexually transmitted infections. Because rates are so high, using minimal time and resources to develop effective interventions is essential. One strategy to achieve this goal is to modify and adapt western school-based preventive interventions for application in South African schools. This study focuses on the adaptation and integration of two interventions with proven effectiveness in the United States in order to ensure cultural relevance in South Africa and its subsequent testing in eight high schools located in townships near Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal province. The findings reported in this paper reflect data from the first cohort of students, which included 1095 9th grade learners. Participants were assessed both 4–6 months and 15–18 months following baseline data collection. Results indicated significant differences in change between students in the intervention and comparison conditions on sexual refusal self-efficacy, intentions to have sex, attitudes about sex, initiation of sex, intention to use alcohol with sex, alcohol refusal self-efficacy and attitudes about alcohol. These results suggest that, after careful adaptation for cultural differences, behavioural interventions developed in western countries may achieve effectiveness in other contexts including township schools in South Africa.
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Job satisfaction among urban secondary-school teachers in Namibia - George, Evy; Louw, Daniël J.; Badenhorst, Gerhard (South African Journal of Education, 2008)
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The Roles of Fractional Crystallization, Magma Mixing, Crystal Mush Remobilization and Volatile–Melt Interactions in the Genesis of a Young Basalt–Peralkaline Rhyolite Suite, the Greater Olkaria Volcanic Complex, Kenya Rift Valley - Macdonald, Ray; Belkin, Harvey E.; Fitton, J. Godfrey; Rogers, Nick; Nejbert, Krzysztof; Tindle, A. G.; Marshall, A. S. (Journal of Petrology, 2008)
The Greater Olkaria Volcanic Complex is a young (≤ 20 ka) multi-centred lava and dome field dominated by the eruption of peralkaline rhyolites. Basaltic and trachytic magmas have been erupted peripherally to the complex and also form, with mugearites and benmoreites, an extensive suite of magmatic inclusions in the rhyolites. The eruptive rocks commonly represent mixed magmas and the magmatic inclusions are themselves two-, three- or four-component mixes. All rock types may carry xenocrysts of alkali feldspar, and less commonly plagioclase, derived from magma mixing and by remobilization of crystal mushes and/or plutonic rocks. Xenoliths in the range gabbro–syenite are common in the lavas and magmatic inclusions, the more salic varieties sometimes containing silicic glass representing partial melts and ranging in composition from anorthite ± corundum- to acmite-normative. The peralkaline varieties are broadly similar, in major element terms, to the eruptive peralkaline rhyolites. The basalt–trachyte suite formed by a combination of fractional crystallization, magma mixing and resorption of earlier-formed crystals. Matrix glass in metaluminous trachytes has a peralkaline rhyolitic composition, indicating that the eruptive rhyolites may have formed by fractional crystallization of trachyte. Anomalous trace element enrichments (e.g. ∼2000 ppm Y in a benmoreite) and negative Ce anomalies may have resulted from various Na- and K-enriched fluids evolving from melts of intermediate composition and either being lost from the system or enriched in other parts of the reservoirs. A small group of nepheline-normative, usually peralkaline, magmatic inclusions was formed by fluid transfer between peralkaline rhyolitic and benmoreitic magmas. The plumbing system of the complex consists of several independent reservoirs and conduits, repeatedly recharged by batches of mafic magma, with ubiquitous magma mixing.
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Prevalence of Hypertension among Teenage Students in Kano, Nigeria - Mijinyawa, Muhammad Sani; Iliyasu, Zubairu; Borodo, Musa M (The Nigerian journal of medicine, 2008)
Background: Hypertension has been reported among young people worldwide. It is known to track from youth to adulthood, which makes it a useful predictor of essential hypertension in adulthood. This study determined the prevalence of hypertension and associated cardiovascular risk factors among secondary school teenagers in Kano, Nigeria. Methods: A questionnaire was administered on a cross section of 1000 teenage students to inquire about cardiovascular risk factors. Participants\' blood pressure, height and weight were measured. Relevant investigations were done for those with raised blood pressure. Results: The participants\' ages ranged from 13 to 19 years with a mean of 15.91.62 years. Seventy of the students had systolic blood pressure140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure 90mmHg giving a prevalence rate of hypertension of 7.2% [95% CI=5.6-8.9%]. Specifically, 32 (6.7%) of the 476 males were hypertensive compared to 38 (7.7%) of the 492 female participants. This difference was not statistically significant (2 =1.6 df=1 p>0.05). The prevalence rate of hypertension rose from 4.3% (among the younger participants) to 11.8% among the oldest students. Of the 70, a majority (88.5%) had grade 1 hypertension, 10.0% had Grade 2 hypertension and 1.5% had Grade 3 hypertension. The hypertensives were about twice more likely to have a family history of hypertension compared to their normotensive counterparts. This difference was statistically significant [OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.12-3.83] (2 =6.4 df=1 p=0.01). Conclusion: Hypertension exists among teenage students in Kano, Nigeria. Early detection can reduce risk of cardiovascular changes and end organ damage. Keywords: Hypertension, Teenagers, Students, Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol. 17 (2) 2008: pp. 175-180
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The Impact of HIV/AIDS Epidemic on the Choice of Specialties among Medical Students and House officers in Jos, Nigeria - Ocheke, AN; Musa, J; Cc, Ekwempu (Nigerian journal of medicine : journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, 2008)
Background: HIV/AIDS is a scourge that has seriously compromised the lives of millions of people, especially those living in sub-Saharan Africa. With continued high prevalence, there is a high risk of healthcare workers, especially those in the surgical specialties, acquiring the infection. This study was done to investigate the impact of HIV on the choice of surgical specialties in a training institution located in Jos, north-central Nigeria. We hypothesized that the awareness of the risk of acquiring infections associated with surgical practice has no significant impact on the choice of surgical specialties among final-year medical students and house officers at our institution. Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire based survey was conducted on final-year medical students and house officers during their training in Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos. Two hundred questionnaires were randomly distributed to final year medical students and house officers who volunteered to participate in the survey. The completed questionnaires were returned to the researchers and information obtained was analyzed using Epi info 3.3. Results: Of the 200 questionnaires distributed, 135 with relevant information were returned for analysis, giving a response rate of 67.5%. Of these respondents, 96.3% said they planned to specialize after their basic medical training and the majority of these (97.8%) were aware of the increased risk associated with surgical specialties, with 83.7% acknowledging the transmission of HIV and hepatitis B as being the greatest risk. About 53.0% of the respondents said they planned to pursue surgical specialties. Fifty three percent (53.3%) and sixteen Percent (16.3%) based their choice of specialty on job satisfaction and favourable work schedule respectively. The knowledge of the risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS affected choice of specialty in only 21% of the respondents. Conclusion: The awareness of most recently graduated medical doctors and final-year medical students of the risk of acquiring HIV in surgical specialties seems to have not deterred them from wanting to pursue surgical specialties. We recommend improvements in the work environment and adherence to universal precautions to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV and other infections to surgeons practicing in the region. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, choice of surgical specialties, Jos.Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol. 17 (2) 2008: pp. 203-206
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Comparison of Two Techniques of Brachial Plexus Block for Upper Limb Surgeries in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital - Osaigbovo, EP; Asudo, FD; Moin, Muhammad (The Nigerian medical practitioner, 2008)
The study compared trans-arterial approach and mid-humeral technique of axillary brachial plexus block in terms of the clinical benefit of each method; adequacy of block, onset of sensory and motor block, duration of block and complications. .In a prospective randomized study, axillary plexus block was carried out in 50 patients undergoing surgery on the hand or forearm. Trans-arterial approach was used in 24 patients while 26 patients had a mid-humeral axillary plexus block. Equal volume, 40ml of 0.5% plain Bupivacaine was used in both groups. Sensory function was tested using pin-prick. Motor function was assessed using a modified bromage scale. Onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, duration of analgesia and adverse side effects were compared. Earlier onset of sensory block was seen in the patients who had mid-humeral block (Group B) 13 + 3.2 (min) compared with those in (group A) Trans-arterial block 22 + 4.1 (min). A higher success rate was recorded in (group B) 96.15% versus 70.8% in (group A) as well as less incidence of adverse side effects. Mid-humeral technique of axiliary block ensures early establishment of analgesia with less adverse side-effects when compared with the trans-arterial method. Keywords: Axillary, Brachial Plexus Block, Trans-Arterial, Mid-Humeral, Techniques.Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 53 (1&2) 2008: pp. 15-18
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The perceptions and responses of South African school principals regarding HIV and AIDS in their schools - Wood, Lesley; Webb, Paul (Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies, 2008)
Abstract Despite numerous HIV and AIDS training programmes for educators, little appears to have been achieved in terms of creating a wider understanding of the social and cultural complexities of the disease and its impact on the quality of teaching and learning. There appears to be a lack of developmental programmes that help principals provide the type of leadership which ensures that teachers and children who live in a context affected by the disease still find themselves in a school environment characterized by high levels of quality, care and compassion. To this end, we conducted a qualitative research enquiry to ascertain the current perceptions of school principals regarding the impact of HIV and AIDS on their schools and to find out how they have responded to this challenge.
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The use of educational technology in mathematics teaching and learning : an investigation of a South African rural secondary school - Moila, Mathomo Meriam (2008)
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School Leadership Development in Africa - Otunga, Ruth N.; Serem, David K.; Kindiki, Jonah Nyaga (2008)
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A prospective study of burn trauma in adults at the university of calabar teaching hospital, calabar (South eastern Nigeria). - Asuquo, Maurice E.; Ekpo, R; Ngim, Ogbu; Agbor, Cyril (PubMed, 2008)
Burn injuries are among the most devastating injuries seen in the emergency units. The epidemiology of this injury varies from one part of the world to another. This is a 3-year report in an attempt to provide information on the current epidemiology of burns in this center.Patients admitted into the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, with burn injuries were prospectively studied between February 2005 and January 2008.The 59 patients (33 males and 26 females) accounted for 3.7% of trauma patients and their ages ranged from 15 to 70 years (mean 29.4 years). Flame burn was the commonest injury seen in 48 (81.3%) patients because of petrol and kerosene, whereas chemical burn that involved 7 (11.9%) patients ranked second. Morbidity included burns wound infection in 13 (22%) patients and contractures in 6 (10.2%) patients. The outcome was fatal in 15 (25.4%) patients.The establishment of burn support groups dedicated to publicity on prevention based on areas of risk highlighted in this study and provision of financial aid as well as provision of modern burn care facilities would improve outcome.
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Coseismic and postseismic displacements from the Mozambique earthquake of 22 February 2006 detected by InSAR - Hashimoto, Manabu; Fukushima, Yo; Ozawa, Taku (2008)
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Teaching Egyptian: a balance between philology and linguistics? - Winand, Jean (2008)
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The role of indigenous knowledge in computer education in Africa - Dalvit, Lorenzo; Murray, Sarah; Terzoli, Alfredo (2008)
The integration of indigenous knowledge/languages in formal education is a contentious issue in post-colonial Africa. For historical and economic reasons, these are devalued in the formal education system. We argue that appropriate use of indigenous knowledge/languages can empower African students academically even in typically “Western” disciplines, such as Computer Science. We discuss the potential role of indigenous languages/knowledge in ICT education and then describe an intervention, supporting students from marginalised communities, at a South African University.
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Participation in Extracurricular Activities in the Middle School Years: Are There Developmental Benefits for African American and European American Youth? - Fredricks, Jennifer A.; Eccles, Jacquelynne S. (Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2008)
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The development of ICT networks for South African schools - Siebörger, Ingrid; Terzoli, Alfredo; Hodgkinson-Williams, Cheryl (2008)
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are increasingly considered valuable tools in education, promoting the development of higher cognitive processes and allowing teachers and learners access to a plethora of information. This paper reports on two pilot studies conducted in South Africa in proto-typical previously disadvantaged schools and their surrounding communities. Each pilot study deployed a local loop network within impoverished communities, connecting schools to one another and central services such as email and voice communications. The benefits of these networks were that teachers, learners and the local community had access to information, and communication and collaboration channels, providing potential test beds for investigating the use of computers as mind tools.
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The Use of Interactive Whiteboards to Support the Creation, Capture and Sharing of Knowledge in South African Schools - Slay, Hannah; Siebörger, Ingrid; Hodgkinson-Williams, Cheryl (2008)
This paper illustrates how interactive whiteboards (IWBs) have been used to support the dynamic creation, capture and sharing of knowledge in primary and secondary schools in South Africa. It reports on the findings of a feasibility study undertaken by the Eastern Cape Department of Education to determine the perceived benefits and drawbacks of teachers and learners of using IWBs in the classroom. The research highlights how both teachers and learners can critically engage with multiple sources of information to construct their own knowledge, aiding learners in the learning process and helping teachers to scaffold that learning process. The study illustrates that IWBs have the potential to be beneficial in the South Africa classroom by affording teachers and learners a new medium through which they can create, capture and share knowledge.
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Continuous assessment and lower attaining pupils in primary and junior secondary schools in Ghana - Hayford, Samuel K. (2008)
This thesis explored the uses of continuous assessment and the experiences of lower attaining pupils in primary and junior secondary schools at Agona and Affutu Districts in Ghana. The study adopted a range of data collection methods including: self-completed questionnaires, semi-structured and focus groups interviews. A systematic sample of 107 primary and junior secondary teachers answered questionnaires and 12 teachers from the cohort were interviewed. Additionally, four focus groups of Primary 6 lower attaining pupils were interviewed. The main findings of the study were: • The majority of the teachers in the study felt strongly that continuous assessment enabled teachers to support lower attaining pupils to improve. • The teachers reported in the interviews that they used the same approach to assess all pupils including lower attainers in classrooms; this caused the pupils to perform poorly and eventually repeat classes. • The teachers identified policy, larger classes and lack of training as barriers to supporting lower attainers to improve. • Lower attaining pupils in the study reportedly became anxious, frustrated, and helpless before and during class tests, and upset when they failed. • They identified difficult tasks, lack of self-regulated learning and supportive environments as barriers to participating in class tests. The findings have implications for policy, practice, research, teacher training and professional development.
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Turning up the Heat: Climate change and poverty in Uganda - Magrath, John R. (2008)
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The 1856 Djijelli (Algeria) earthquake and tsunami: source parameters and implications for tsunami hazard in the Balearic Islands - Roger, Jean; Hébert, Hélène (Natural hazards and earth system sciences (Print), 2008)
Abstract. In 1856, one (or two) destructive earthquake(s) occurred off Djijelli (Algeria) and probably triggered a tsunami in the western Mediterranean Sea. Following recently published results of marine campaigns along the North-Algerian margin, a new source hypothesis for the earthquake has been proposed, and is constituted with a set of three "en échelon" fault segments positioned in agreement with previous studies of this earthquake and with macroseismic data available. The geometrical parameters for this source, in agreement with a Mw = 7.2 earthquake, display an average 40° NW dip, a 80° strike and mean dimensions of 80 km (length) × 20 km (width). A coseismic slip of 1.5 m is consistent with an average convergence rate of about 5–6 mm/yr and a recurrence period of 300–400 years. They are then introduced in the tsunami modelling code to study the propagation across the Mediterranean Sea with a special attention towards the Balearic Islands. A focus on the two major towns, Palma (Majorca) and Mahon (Minorca) Harbours shows that these places are not the most exposed (maximum water heights less than 1 m) by tsunami waves coming from this part of the African margin. Specific amplifications revealed by modelling occur off the southern coast of Minorca and the southeastern coast of Majorca, mostly related to submarine bathymetric features, and are able to produce coastal wave heights larger than 1 to 2 m as offshore Alcalfar (Minorca). A deep submarine canyon southward Minorca leads to the amplification of waves up to two times on both sides of the canyon. However these modellings could not be compared to any historical observations, non-existent for these sites. This work is a contribution to the study of tsunami hazard in western Mediterranean based on modelling, and offers a first assessment of the tsunami exposure in the Balearic Islands.
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