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Readiness of Human Capital in Implementation of E-Marking of National Examinations in Malawi
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to investigate readiness of the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) examiners’ in e-marking of national examinations and general use of technology with focus on their computer proficiency and perception. The study followed an explanatory sequential mixed methods research design and data was collected from sampled examiners through a questionnaire, a focus group discussion (FGD) and a computer proficiency assessment test. The findings show that over 90% of the participants had moderate to very high computer proficiency levels. The findings also show that both age and gender did not have any effect on the technology readiness index (TRI) of Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examiners but on Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examiners. The findings also indicate no effect of the examiners’ years of marking experience on their TRI. The distribution of examiners across TRI segments shows that the number of examiners increases with the increasing order of adoption propensity. In line with this, most examiners showed positive perception of e-marking of national examinations as well as moderate to very high computer proficiency level
An Examination of Research Agency and its Practical Applications
Get PDFThe goal of this evaluation is to offer instructive practice on how to improve researcher agency. Indicated are how the literature review is an investigative process providing context to research studies and overall scholarship. Further, practical connection exhibits how exceptional research skills improve the body of information, structure, and quality needed to investigate global issues. Researchers provide a comprehensive analysis of phenomena to convey conceptual, theoretical, and empirical analysis of studies. Further, substantive feedback from collaborative research teams allows for corroboration and a refined final product. Likewise, the content of a research study must align to reflect objectivity and continuity. Conclusively, researchers must employ a regimented and ethical process to refine conceptual, theoretical, empirical, or grey literature studies to provide focus, clarity, and organization
A Comparative Study on Physical and Comfort Properties of Yarns and Hand-woven Fabrics Produced from Virgin and Recycled Fibers
Get PDFProducts produced from textile industries cannot meet the needs for human kind since the population of the world grows exponentially; due to this the recycling of textile materials has gained massive importance in textile and clothing sector. In this study, it was aimed to analyse recycled fibers effect on the yarn and hand loom fabrics as their proportion increases. For this purpose, OE rotor yarns produced by varying the recycled fibers proportion at 25%, 50, and 75% and compared with 100% virgin cotton yarns. The physical and mechanical properties of the yarns such as unevenness, imperfections, hairiness, breaking force, elongation, were measured by Uster Tester 4 SX, Uster Zweigle Hairiness Tester 5, and Uster Tensorapid 3. Then after hand loom fabrics with plain and twill fabrics are produced from produced yarns of different recycled fiber proportions. The effects of recycled fiber proportion on produced hand-woven fabric properties such as pilling, abrasion resistance and air permeability were also evaluated. Results showed that yarns and fabrics produced from recycled fibers blended with virgin cotton are suitable for applications where the strength of yarns and fabric are less critical, but where unevenness, imperfections and handle properties required thus, hand loom fabrics Produced can suitably used for home furnishing applications like table cover, curtains, wall covers and pillow cases
Households Waste Management Practices and Associated Factors in Tain District, Ghana
Get PDFObjective: Rapid population growth has increased tons of waste generated daily in the various Ghanaian districts. A total of 9,331kg of household waste is generated daily in the Tain District, but managing it becomes a challenge. The aim of the study was to investigate households’ waste management practice in the Tain District of Ghana.
Method: A concurrent mixed method design was used to select four major communities in the Tain District for the study. A sampled of 1,037 female household heads were selected by convenient sampling for the qualitative and quantitative data collection. A questionnaire, participant and community observation were used to collect the data. Frequencies, percentages, logistic regression and observational interpretations were applied in analysing the data.
Results: Many gutters at homes were clogged, bushy environment and littering of home, and that, there were limited waste bins and containers available, and waste dumpsites were near community gathering places. Furthermore, the main household generated wastes included food scraps (41%), but majority of the participants use public dumpsite (76.37%) for waste disposal. Meanwhile, 825(8%) of the households have high level of knowledge on the health effects of indiscriminate waste disposal.
Conclusions: It is necessary to demarcate dumpsites away from community gathering places. The crude dumping places cannot contain the increase in waste production, which results in indiscriminate dumping of waste. Proper measures including regulations and standards are expected to be implemented for a more effective and efficient integrated waste management system in the district
Control Yourself! Examining the Dimensions of Eudaimonic Psychological Well-Being as Related to Locus of Control Using Structural Equation Modeling
Get PDFCurrent literature on the relationship between locus of control (LOC) and psychological well-being (PWB) consistently demonstrates that individuals with an internal LOC generally report experiencing greater psychological well-being than externally-oriented individuals. However, there is minimal depth of understanding regarding the specific dynamics of this well-established relationship. The aims of the present quantitative study were (a) to replicate and provide support for the existing knowledge on the relationship between these two factors and (b) to use a structural equation model (SEM) to further explore the relationship between LOC and the six dimensions in Ryff’s model of eudaimonic PWB, which are combined to assess one’s psychological welfare. Using cross-sectional survey methodology, 267 adult participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling to anonymously complete a series of questionnaires online. A Pearson r bivariate correlation analysis examining the relationship between PWB and LOC revealed a significant negative correlation between the two constructs (r = -.280, p = .001). This finding replicates previous research, where individuals with an internal LOC reported experiencing significantly greater PWB, while individuals with an external LOC reported significantly less PWB. In order to further examine how the six factors of PWB (self-acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth) relate to LOC, a SEM was performed. Although all six dimensions of PWB show significant negative correlations with LOC, environmental mastery, self-acceptance, and purpose in life were the most impactful on the relationship between these two constructs, as they were shown to have higher significance in the SEM. Considering the SEM suggests that environmental mastery, self-acceptance, and purpose in life are the most weighted factors of PWB’s correlation to LOC, possible interventions on these factors in a clinical or applied setting may see improvement in the relationship between PWB and LOC
CNN Based Approach for Traffic Sign Recognition System
Get PDFMachine Learning (ML) involves making a machine able to learn and take decisions on real-life problems by working with an efficient set of algorithms. The generated ML models find application in different areas of research and management. One such field, automotive technology, employs ML enabled commercialized advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) which include traffic sign recognition as a part. With the increasing demand for the intelligence of vehicles, and the advent of self-driving cars, it is extremely necessary to detect and recognize traffic signs automatically through computer technology. For this, neural networks can be applied for analyzing images of traffic signs for cognitive decision making by autonomous vehicles. Neural networks are the computing systems which act as a means of performing ML. In this work, a convolutional neural network (CNN) based ML model is built for recognition of traffic signs accurately for decision making, when installed in driverless vehicles
Micropropagation of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz): Review
Get PDFCassava is a vital crop to the food security of millions of people worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Because the crop produced a reasonable yield on marginal soils, it could help relieve global hunger. As a result, increasing cassava output and its quality attributes are significant. However, the low multiplication rate of this main crop has resulted in the delayed dissemination of improved varieties among farmers. As a result, tissue culture techniques may be a feasible solution for overcoming these challenges. Cassava in vitro propagation had done using either the shoots multiplication technique or somatic embryogenesis. However, the shoot multiplication approach is preferable since it retains clonal fidelity. Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis or organogenesis entailed the use of numerous basal media containing various plant growth hormones. Several studies found that each type of cassava clone required a unique protocol to achieve optimal shoot initiation, shoot multiplication, root induction, and elongation. This review describes recent research on cassava micropropagation that makes use of a variety of experimental systems. While each of these systems focuses on a different aspect of technique, they can be significant in understanding the in vitro production of cassava planting material
Influence of Feeding Gases on the Composition of Plasma Activated Water
Get PDFAs we are all aware that “PLASMA” is the fourth state of matter and about 99% of the universe comprises of plasma. Plasma invariably consists of essential reactive oxygen and nitrogen species which are necessary for agricultural purposes thus making it an interesting subject for research. When water is exposed to plasma arc, its composition changes and forms Plasma Activated Water (PAW). Research studies have proved PAW to be an effective disinfectant and also providing imperative nutrients to plants. This paper reviews the impact of feeding gases such as Air, Ammonia, Argon, Nitrogen, Helium, Oxygen and Carbon dioxide on PAW composition. Hydrogen peroxide, nitrates, nitrites and pH value are the four key aspects of PAW which decide its influence. H2O2 helps in bacterial inactivation whereas nitrates and nitrites are a source of nutrients. It is known that nitrites decompose rapidly in water and form compounds that promote bacterial inhibition. Here the impact of using Air, Ammonia, Argon, Nitrogen, Helium, Oxygen and Carbon dioxide is being reviewed and studied. More specifically, the concentration of major Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS) formed in the process and the physical properties of PAW at various atmospheres are is discussed in detail
Family Planning Utilization among PLWHIV Attending TASO Masaka: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFPeople living with HIV (PLWHIV) need family planning (FP) services to avert the spread of HIV and eliminate mother to child transmission (MTCT). Besides, family planning services greatly reduce the incidence of vertical transmission reducing new cases of pediatric infections. The aim of this study was to establish the factors influencing the utilization of FP services among PLWHIV affiliated to The AIDS Service Organization (TASO) Masaka responsible for the unmet need for FP utilization. A cross-sectional study with quantitative data analysis was used. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data in line with the set objectives. Categorical data were presented as frequency percent and continuous data as a mean ±standard deviation. The data were analyzed with the statistical software called Medcalc software v. 19.5.6. Analysis was done using the test of proportion at 95% confidence interval and a P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study had significantly more females, married, and of low education level (p<0.05). Medium parity of 1-3, a spouse being comfortable with a partner using FP, knowledge about FP were significantly associated with FP use (P<0.05). The Majority of the participants were using FP methods (P<0.05) with injections being the most used method (P<0.05). The Majority of the clients would encourage others to use FP (P<0.05) and HIV had no effect on FP use (P<0.05). Culture and society beliefs did not affect FP utilization (P<0.05). Being close to the service provider, hospitality of the service provider, information about the benefits and risks associated with FP use were significantly associated with utilization of FP methods (P<0.05). However, the overall utilization of FP was low (58.9%) and was largely affected by personal factors other than community or service delivery factors. Future research should focus on the putative personal factors that may prevent the utilization of FP methods
Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Black and Minority Ethnic Communities: A Quantitative Study into Perception of Control
Get PDFBackground: Although the disparities in mental health outcomes for ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom are well-documented, little is known about the role perception of control plays in the experiences of service users and its role in perpetuating or improving health inequalities. This quantitative methods study investigated the perspectives of the members of these communities from the Locus of Control domain.
Methods: A small-scale survey (N=50), applied a purposive sampling method to recruit mental health service users of African and Caribbean origin from a South London Borough to complete two structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS in the examination of the scores, various demographic variables, linear relationships, and other reliability tests.
Results: Key findings indicate a moderate to high externality in LOC scores for participants, in general and mental health milieus, with some remarkable differences in ethnicity, gender, and age.
Conclusion: The results present some implications and opportunities for mental health services, policy, and professionals in engaging with clients from this target group towards addressing the inequality of outcomes