Average Mean Score Research Articles

An assessment of crop farmer households’ perceptions of climate change and coping strategies in Kano State, Nigeria

The study assessed crop farmer households’ perceptions of climate change and coping strategies in Kano State of Nigeria. Data for this study were obtained by the use of structured questionnaire and household head was used as the sampling unit. A total sample size of 407 crop farmer households were selected through simple random sampling and it represent 20% of the sample frame of 2036. Descriptive statistics such as percentage and mean scores were used to analyse the data collected for the study. Perception of farm household was judged by the mean scores derived from the 5-point Likert items. The study revealed that decrease in crop production (mean score M = 5) was the major perceived climate change effect on their crop production. This was followed by decrease in food availability (M=4.25), decrease soil fertility (M=3.86) and increase pest and disease infestation (M=3.79). The average mean score of the farmer’s perception of climate change on crop production was 3.93. This implies that the respondents in the study area agreed that climate change lead to decrease in crop production. The major coping strategy adopted by farmers in the study area was changing crop variety which was indicated by about 80% of the respondents. Other coping strategies include crop rotation (about 41%), mixed cropping and shifting cultivation constituting about 34% respectively. Based on these findings, it is recommended that crop farmers in the study area should be encouraged to use farm level adaptation measures. This can be achieved through developing appropriate farm-level climate adaptation technologies by research institutes and disseminating them to farmers at the appropriate time. Since most respondents used different varieties of crops to cope with climate change effects in the study area, agricultural organizations and research institute should put more effort in developing new varieties of crop that will suit the climatic conditions of the farmers and farmers should have direct link with the research institutes or seed companies in order to have access to the new seed varieties.Keywords: Perception, coping strategies, crop farmer, household, climate change.

Role Of Platelets-Derived Growth Factor Receptor ß and Tumor Necrosis Factor α In The Pathology Of Chronic Hepatitis C

Background: Chronic liver diseases are characterized by two fundamental aspects,persistent injury and fibrosis, which are cardinal features for the continuous progression towards cirrhosis and end stage liver failure. Objective: To study the expression of platelets derived growth factor receptor s(PDGFR- β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF α) in the liver and their relation to the stage and grade of chronic HCV. Patients and Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on fiftypatients with proven chronic hepatitis C. All patients were referred to Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Sohag University Hospital. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the histological stages of chronic hepatitis C as follows, group 1 includes 40 patients in stages 0,1 and 2; whereas group 2 includes 10 patients in stage 3. All patients were then recategorized according to the grades of inflammatory activity into patients with minimal and mild inflammation (G1+G2=32 patients) and those with moderate and severe inflammation (G3 +G4=18 patients). All patients were subjected to full history taking, complete clinical examination, complete blood count, liver function tests. Liver biopsy was evaluated for immunohistochemical expression of PDGFR- β and TNFα. Results: The included patients were 80 % males and 20 % females. Their mean agewas 44.42±11.17 years. The mean average weighted scores (AWS) of Imunohisto-chemical expression of PDGFR- β, and TNFα were significantly higher in moderate and severe inflammation versus minimal and mild inflammation (P=0.05; 0.0001respectively). Similarly, the mean AWS of PDGFR- β, and TNFα were significantly higher in patients with stage 3 versus stages 0,1 and 2 (P=0.04; 0.0001 respectively). Conclusion: Expression of PDGFR- β, and TNFα markers were associated with progression of disease activity and fibrosis.

DPubChem: a web tool for QSAR modeling and high-throughput virtual screening

High-throughput screening (HTS) performs the experimental testing of a large number of chemical compounds aiming to identify those active in the considered assay. Alternatively, faster and cheaper methods of large-scale virtual screening are performed computationally through quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models. However, the vast amount of available HTS heterogeneous data and the imbalanced ratio of active to inactive compounds in an assay make this a challenging problem. Although different QSAR models have been proposed, they have certain limitations, e.g., high false positive rates, complicated user interface, and limited utilization options. Therefore, we developed DPubChem, a novel web tool for deriving QSAR models that implement the state-of-the-art machine-learning techniques to enhance the precision of the models and enable efficient analyses of experiments from PubChem BioAssay database. DPubChem also has a simple interface that provides various options to users. DPubChem predicted active compounds for 300 datasets with an average geometric mean and F1 score of 76.68% and 76.53%, respectively. Furthermore, DPubChem builds interaction networks that highlight novel predicted links between chemical compounds and biological assays. Using such a network, DPubChem successfully suggested a novel drug for the Niemann-Pick type C disease. DPubChem is freely available at www.cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/dpubchem.

Investigating the Effectiveness of TSA in Blocking Public Funds Leakages in Nigeria

This study determined the extent to which TSA can block financial leakages in public funds management. The study adopted judgemental method of sampling to select forty workers from a total population of one hundred and fifty eight staff of the Federal Polytechnic, Federal Pay Office, Corporate Affairs Commission and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State Nigeria. Descriptive statistics of percentages, average and standard deviation were used to analyze the respondents’ opinions to the questionnaire. Reactions were allocated weights of 0 to 4 on Likert scale according to the degree of disagreement/agreement with each statement. An overall average mean score of 2.60 indicate that respondents agree that TSA block financial leakages in public fund management. Regression analysis result confirmed that TSA is significant in financial leakage blockages (t value =28.04, p = 0.00), thus indicating the effectiveness of TSA policy operations in blocking financial leakages in public funds management in Nigeria. It was recommended that central bank should improve on the statements of accounts dispatch to real time gross settlement systems and automated clearing house (ACH) to avail them of all transactions details using automated processes on a daily basis. Government should improve on central bank oversight functions on payment and settlement by using automated processes and promote education and training of staff on TSA operations to avert sabotage of the policy.

Complex knee injuries treated in acute phase: Long-term results using Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System artificial ligament.

AIMTo present the long-term results of complex knee injuries, treated early using the Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System (LARS) artificial ligament to reconstruct posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).METHODSFrom September 1997 to June 2010, thirty-eight complex knee injuries were treated, where early arthroscopic PCL reconstructions were undergone, using the LARS (Surgical Implants and Devices, Arc-sur-Tille, France) artificial ligament. Exclusion criteria were: Late (> 4 wk) reconstruction, open technique, isolated PCL reconstruction, knee degenerative disease, combined fracture or vascular injury and use of allograft or autograft for PCL reconstruction. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed with IKDC Subjective Knee Form, KOS-ADLS questionnaire, Lysholm scale and SF-12 Health Survey. Posterior displacement (PD) was measured with the Telos Stress Device.RESULTSSeven patients were excluded; two because of co-existing knee osteoarthritis and the remaining five because of failure to attend the final follow-up. The sample consisted of 31 patients with mean age at the time of reconstruction 33.2 ± 12.5 years (range 17-61). The postoperative follow-up was on average 9.27 ± 4.27 years (range 5-18). The mean average IKDC and KOS scores were 79.32 ± 17.1 and 88.1 ± 12.47% respectively. Average PD was 3.61 ± 2.15 mm compared to 0.91 ± 1.17 mm in the uninjured knees (one with grade 1 + and two with grade 2 +). Dial test was found positive in one patient, whereas the quadriceps active drawer test was positive in three patients. None was tested positive on the reverse-pivot shift test. The range of motion (ROM) was normal in thirty knees, in comparison with the contralateral one. There was no extension deficit. Osteoarthritic changes were found in three knees (9.6%).CONCLUSIONEarly treatment of complex knee injuries, using LARS artificial ligament for PCL reconstruction sufficiently reduces posterior tibia displacement and provides satisfactory long-term functional outcomes.

Personal Knowledge Management Capability of Apprentices in Malaysian Technical and Vocational Education and Training

The purpose of the study is to investigate the Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) capability of apprentices in a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institute. This study was conducted at the Institut Latihan Perindustrian Kuala Lumpur (ILP-KL) due to its maturity and long existence in Malaysia’s TVET landscape. A quantitative research survey method was employed and questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 234 apprentices of ILP-KL. Data gathered from the survey was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) application. The finding indicated an average mean score of 3.901 for PKM capability. Differences on PKM capability were compared from the selected demographic group of gender, age, region of origin and education level. The results of Mann-Whitney U Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test indicated that the perception on Personal Knowledge Management Capability (PKMC) differs among the age group. The findings in this study led to the notion that ILP-KL has positive room for improvement to be made further in its apprentices’ personal knowledge management initiatives. The study is also able to furnish the institution with details on areas or dimensions that could be effectively strategized for improving initiative and efforts.

Factors Influencing the Use of Dental Services by Foreign Tourists in Thailand

This exploratory research investigated the factors that influence foreign tourists' decision to use dental services in Thailand. The questionnaire was used to collect data from foreign tourists who used dental services in a hospital or dental clinic in Thailand. Data from 233 respondents completed questionnaires were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that respondents were most likely to be Asian (54.5%) followed by European (33.9%), females (64.8%) aged between 26-35 years (39.1%), business owners (45.9%), and came to Thailand with friends (47.6%). Regarding travel purposes and contact with dental services, most of them travel for pleasure (52.89%) and contact the clinic directly through the Internet (63.95%) The health/medical services used included health check-up (34.48%), dental services (29.22%),and day spa/massage (23.23%). The dental treatment that respondents had completed or planned to do included dental check-up (29.87%), tooth cleaning (26.68%), and tooth whitening (11.41%). Based on the influence of 7P factors towards the respondent\'s decision to use the dental service, it was found that the average mean score range from 4.33-4.15 which were at the high to the very high level of influence to their decisions. The people factor had the highest average mean score (mean 4.33, SD= 0.604) followed by the price factor (mean 4.32, SD= 0.651), which both had the highest level of influence. The physical evidence factor had the lowest mean score (mean 4.15, SD+0.752) which was at the high level of importance. It should be noted that the factor concerning the modern technology and dental equipment (mean 4.33, SD=0.606) and factor on the quality of service (mean 4.43, SD= 0.598) had the highest mean score followed by the total cost of the trip including services being reasonable (mean 4.37, SD=0.582). Regarding the country factor, it was found that this factor also had highest influence level (mean 4.30, SD=0.67)and affordability had the highest mean score (mean 4.39, SD=0.614).

An Assessment of Public Health Economy in Katsina State

Health is generally an intrinsic human right as well as a central input to poverty reduction and socio-economic development. Better health is central to human happiness and well-being. It also make an important contribution to economic progress as healthy population live longer, are more productive, and more prone to saving more. This paper critically assessed the public health economy with a particular reference to accessibility, manpower distribution and major health problems in Katsina state. The paper used primary and secondary data based on the research objectives and important health indicators respectively. Descriptive statistical techniques were used in the presentation, analysis and discussions of data. Findings of the paper show that, doctor to population ratio stood at 1:67,415; ratio of nurses to population stood at 1:16,086; ratio of midwives to female population was put at 1:13,423. High blood pressure, diabetes and infectious diseases were found to have great impact on overall community health. Likewise, drug abuse, dropping out of school, and being overweight are the three (3) important risky behaviors that may generate or trigger health tension in the area. However, healthy behavior and life styles, access to health care services and clean environment are the factors which could improve the quality of life in the area. It was also found that, drugs for major health problems are free in the study area, there is awareness as regards to free health care services delivery in the area triggered by NGOs’ intervention. Conversely, it was found based on the average mean scores that, there is no availability of health manpower in the state, no sufficient beds, wheel-chairs, ambulances and other health infrastructure in the state. There is no sound interconnection and feedback between primary health care units, secondary health care unit and tertiary health care unit. It is in the wake of these findings the paper calls on government, concerned agencies and community stakeholders to institute the spirit of volunteerism, philanthropism and humanitarianism to ensure adequate supply of health manpower, health infrastructure, public health awareness, accessibility to health services and more often than not establish a friendly and healthy environment that will pave ways for new economic, social and political dawn in the realm.

Determinants of Customers Satisfaction Towards Services Provided by Agencies in Urban Transformation Centre (UTC)

The research was conducted to study determinants of customers’ satisfaction towards services provided by various agencies at UTC Sibu, Sarawak. This study applied the five dimension of service quality (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy) by using the SERVEQUAL model developed by Parsuraman et al. (1988) to study about the customer satisfaction. A total of 380 respondents were selected through convenient sampling method, where the self-administered questionnaire was used to conduct the survey. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify the relationship of the factors with the customers’ satisfaction. The result showed that the average mean score for the customers’ satisfaction is 3.79 which indicates that the customers have a high level of satisfaction towards services provided by agencies in UTC Sibu, Sarawak. The factors of tangibility, reliability, and empathy were significantly influencing the level of customer’s satisfaction at 1%.

การพัฒนาสมรรถนะหลักที่มีผลต่อความก้าวหน้าด้านอาชีพของบุคลากรการท่องเที่ยว กรมการท่องเที่ยวกระทรวงแถลงข่าววัฒนธรรมและท่องเที่ยวสาธารณรัฐประชาธิปไตยประชาชนลาว (The Core Competency Development Affecting to Career Path of Tourism Personnel in Tourism Department, Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism, Lao People’s Democratic Republic)

Thai Abstract: งานวจยครงนมวตถประสงคเพอศกษาการพฒนาสมรรถนะหลกทมผลตอการพฒนาความกาวหน าดานอาชพของบคลากรการทองเทยว กรมการทองเทยว กระทรวงแถลงขาววฒนธรรมและทองเทยว สาธารณรฐประชาธปไตยประชาชนลาว โดยประชากรทใชในการศกษา คอ ขาราชการสงกดกรมการทองเทยวกระทรวงแถลงขาววฒนธรรมและทองเทยว สาธารณรฐประชาธปไตยประชาชนลาว จำนวนทงหมด 124 คน โดยใชแบบสอบถามเปนเครองมอในการเกบรวบรวมขอมล สถตทใชในการวเคราะห ไดแก การแจกแจงความถ คาเฉลย คารอยละ สวนเบยงเบนมาตรฐานและคาสมประสทธส หสมพนธพหคณ ผลการศกษาพบวา การพฒนาระดบสมรรถนะหลกของบคลากรการทองเทยวกรมการทองเทยว กระทรวงแถลงขาววฒนธรรมและทองเทยว สาธารณรฐประชาธปไตยประชาชนลาว พบวา สมรรถหลกดานจรยธรรมมคาเฉลยสงสด รองลงมาคอ สมรรถนะหลกดานการบรการทด สมรรถนะหลกดานการมงผลสมฤทธ สมรรถนะหลกดานการสง สมความเชยวชาญในงานอาชพ และสมรรถนะหลกดานการทา งานเปนทม ตามลำดบ และผลการศกษาเกยวกบความกาวหนาดานอาชพของบคลากรการทองเทยวกรมการทองเทยว กระทรวงแถลงขาววฒนธรรมและทองเทยว สาธารณรฐประชาธปไตยประชาชนลาว พบวา ความกาวหนาดานตาแหนงมคาเฉลยสงสด รองลงมาคอดานความกาวหนาดานตนเอง ตามลำดบ สาหรบการกาหนดการพฒนาสมรรถนะหลกทมผลตอการพฒนาความกาวหนาดานอาชพของบคลากรการทองเทยว กรมการทองเทยว กระทรวงแถลงขาววฒนธรรมและทองเทยวสาธารณรฐประชาธปไตยประชาชนลาว ผลการศกษาพบวา การพฒนาสมรรถนะหลกมผลตอการพฒนาความกาวหนา ดานตำแหนง และความกาวหนาดานตนเองของบคลากรการทองเทยว อยางมนยสำคญทางสถตทระดบ 0.01 English Abstract: The objectives of this study were to determine the development of core competency affecting the development of career path of the tourism personnel, Tourism Department, Ministry of Information, culture and tourism of Lao People’s Democratic Republic. A set of questionnaires was used for data collection administered with a population of 124 tourism personnel of Tourism Department, Laos PDR. The obtained data were analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis. The results of the study revealed that the core competency development of the respondents, it was found that they had the highest average mean score in ethics. This was followed by good service, attention to achieve the goals, accumulation of occupational expert, and teamwork, respectively. Besides, for the career paths was found that the respondents had highest average mean score in the position progress and followed by self-progress. The development of core competency had an effect on the career paths with the statistical significance level at 0.01.

General knowledge and misconceptions about HIV/AIDs among the university students in Malaysia

This study was aimed to determine the general knowledge and misconceptions among the undergraduate students in a private university in Malaysia. Data was collected from a stratified random sample of 180 students using a validated questionnaire survey to assess the general knowledge and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. The data was analysed by using the SPSS software and Chi-square test was used to find the p-value for each of the questions. The average mean score assessing the general knowledge of the students in was 82.32%, where the Health Science students scored 45.11% with a standard deviation of 0.017 and the Non-Health Science students scored 36.15% with a standard deviation of 0.026. When comparing each question using the Chi-square test, most of the answers of the Health Science students and Non-Health Science students showed a significant difference where the p-value was <0.05. From the results of this study it is clear that the Health Science students had better knowledge and fewer misconceptions than the Non-Health Science students.

To assess awareness regarding rational drug therapy and fixed dose combinations amongst interns and II MBBS students in tertiary care teaching hospital in Maharashtra, India

Background: The present study was designed to assess awareness regarding rational drug therapy and fixed dose combinations (FDC) amongst interns and II MBBS students in a tertiary-care teaching hospital in Maharashtra, India.Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study containing MCQ and analytical questions on rational drug therapy, fixed dose combinations and role of Pharmacist in dispensing correct drug to the patients was carried out in both interns (n=80) and II MBBS students (n=100). The completed questionnaires were then collected and analysed statistically for responses.Results: Mean average score obtained by II MBBS students (score - 36.66marks) was significantly better than interns (score- 20marks) which probably may be due to pharmacology teaching they were undergoing. II MBBS students were found to be better informed as compared to the interns (p&lt;0.05) on questions related to rational drug therapy. On the questions related to rationality of FDC in Yes/No type, interns and II MBBS students were found to be equally informed (p&gt;0.05). However, on question related to justification of FDC, interns were found to be better informed as compared to the II MBBS students (p&lt;0.05). On single question pertaining to role of pharmacist, interns were found to be better informed than II MBBS students possibly due to their better understanding of patient-pharmacist relationship.Conclusions: Our study highlights the significance regarding knowledge of rational drug therapy and fixed dose combination (both rational and irrational), both rational and irrational, amongst both interns and II MBBS students while identifying the possible areas of interventions to make them rational clinicians.

Reliability assessment of functional clothing for lactating women

The modern day woman faces various psychosocial barriers to breastfeeding, in addition to the emotional and physical to assess clothing requirements of lactating mothers. The identified clothing requirements were incorporated in garment challenges. There is great potential for the development and improvement of apparel for breastfeeding mothers. The aim of this study was to design and develop functional clothing for a lactating woman. A questionnaire was developed for personal interview designs. After designing preference was taken by lactating mothers and top six preferred designs were constructed and given to the lactating women for wear trial. The related data highlights that design 1 with jacket was ranked 1 st on overall basis (4.68) followed by design 3 having side pleat (Rank II, 4.59), design 2 with horizontal opening (Rank III, 4.47) and design 6 with yoke (Rank IV, 4.32). Design 6 with princess line and 4 with centre long front opening having average mean score 4.20 and 4.13, respectively were assessed next in their rank orders. It can be concluded from the data that subject was satisfied with the functional designs. This type of designing and construction of functional clothing can boost up the confidence of lactating mothers to breastfeed in the public places and thus ultimately breaking psychosocial barriers to breastfeeding and also enhance psychological comfort by lifting their self esteem.

Assessing the delivery of alcohol screening and brief intervention in sexual health clinics in the north east of England

BackgroundRisky drinking is associated with risky sexual experiences, however the relationship between alcohol and sex is complex. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of delivering alcohol screening and brief interventions in genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics. The objectives were to; understand the levels of alcohol use amongst patients; report on the number of alcohol interventions delivered; and to analyse the relationship between alcohol use with demographic data as well as diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to see if there were any associations.MethodsAll new patients attending GUM between April 2012 and March 2013 self-completed the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) prior to their clinical consultation. Where appropriate (scoring 8+ on AUDIT) the clinician would deliver up to 2–3 min of alcohol brief intervention. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA and logistic regression were carried out as appropriate.ResultsAUDIT scores were available for 90% of all new patients (3058/3390) with an average mean score of 7.75. Of those who drank alcohol, 44% were categorised as being AUDIT positive, including 2% who had a score indicative of probable alcohol dependence (20+). 55 % (n = 638) of patients who screened positive on the AUDIT received a brief intervention whilst 24% (n = 674) of drinkers were diagnosed with a STI. Logistic regression modelling revealed that males, younger age groups and those of ‘white’ ethnicity were more likely to score positive on AUDIT. Patients classified as non-students, living in deprivation quintiles one to four and categorised as probable alcohol dependence on the AUDIT were more likely to be diagnosed with an STI.ConclusionIt is possible to embed alcohol screening into routine practice within sexual health services however further work is required to embed brief interventions particularly amongst increasing risk drinkers. If resources are limited, services may consider more targeted rather than universal alcohol screening to specific population groups. The study was undertaken in one GUM service in the North East of England and therefore findings may not be generalizable. The study did not assess efficacy of alcohol brief intervention in this setting.

Awareness and Acceptance of ESSU Guiuan's Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives across the Stakeholders

The vision, mission, goals and objectives (VMGO) serve as the guidelines of all its university’s operations. It is essential therefore, that the ESSU – Guiuan formulates activities and educational development reflects from the VMGO. The study aimed to investigate the stakeholders’ level of awareness, acceptance and perception. This study utilized the descriptive survey method of research using cross-sectional sample survey approach. A survey questionnaire based on the 2014 AACUP Revised Instrument was used to determine the stakeholders’ level of awareness, acceptance, and perception. The data gathered were organized, tabulated as well as analysed using simple descriptive statistics such as frequency count and percentage per group of respondents corresponding to their respective response. The study reveals that the stakeholders of ESSU – Guiuan are extremely aware of the content and the manner of dissemination of the vision, mission, goals and objectives of the institution with a mean score of 4.45. On the other hand, the stakeholders, generally understand and accept the vision, mission, goals and objectives of the institution with an average mean score of 4.60, which indicates that the stakeholders extremely accepted the VMGO.

Factors associated with women's perception of and satisfaction with quality of intrapartum care practices in Swaziland

Objectivegiving birth is a lifetime event, where the quality of care a woman receives has the potential to affect her or her baby both physically and emotionally either on a short-term or long-term basis. This study aimed at identifying factors associated with women's perception of and satisfaction with the quality of intrapartum care as well as their future loyalty intentions in two regional hospitals in Swaziland. Methodsthis is a correlational study where data were collected from 383 women conveniently selected from two regional hospitals where they gave birth. The QPP-I, SHPC, AND WOM questionnaires were used for data collection which was done from July to September 2016. Findingsthe results reflected that women's satisfaction with quality of intrapartum care total mean score was (M±SD = 74.17±10.1), a perceived reality of intrapartum care practices total mean score of (M±SD = 96.94±16.0), a high subjective importance total mean score (M±SD = 117.78±10.5), and above average future loyalty intension total mean score (M±SD 1.67±0.69). Factors that significantly predicted women's satisfaction with quality of intrapartum care include, perceived quality (F = 54.13, p<0.001 with 28% R2 variance), demographic variables (educational level, employment status and gestational weeks) (F = 10.66, p =<0.001, with 8% R2 variance), future loyalty intensions (F = 48.57, p<0.001with 7% R2 variance), and subjective importance (F = 44.74, p<0.001 with 1% R2 variance). Conclusionthe study revealed that women's perceived reality of and satisfaction with the quality of intrapartum care practices was suboptimal. Improvement should be focused on evidence-based intrapartum care that is women-centered, involving the clients in decision-making and also a comprehensive childbirth education for the pregnant mothers.

Screening of Chronic Alcoholics for Cognitive Impairment Using Montreal Cognitive Assessment—Occupational Therapy Perspective

Rationale:Chronic alcoholics suffer from cognitive impairment, thereby affecting their ADL and work performance.Objectives:The objective was to screen chronic alcoholics for cognitive impairment and assessing affectations in various components of MoCA. Early screening to help them from further deterioration in ADL and work.Materials and Methodology:In this case control study, 50 chronic alcoholics, males, age group 30–50 years, abstaining for more than two months, referred to outpatient De-addiction Occupational Therapy department of K. E. M. Hospital, Mumbai were screened using MoCA (Hindi) and compared with their age matched control group.Results:All patients showed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) on MoCA, irrespective of pattern and frequency of drinking. Their average mean score in MoCA test and control group was 21.02 and 26.03, respectively. The domains more affected were language, abstraction and memory, thus affecting their performance in ADL and work. Results were analyzed using unpaired ‘t’-test...

Investigating Undergraduate Students’ Attitudes Towards English Mobile Learning

The increase of mobile devices, the availability of several features, and the decrease in terms of cost of smartphones made them useful not only for communication, but also for learning. Similarly, the importance of English in higher education makes it one of the most fundamental foreign languages that students want to learn. Many students look for different ways to learn English. Among these ways is Mobile Learning which becomes nowadays a useful tool for language learning due to the evolution of mobile technology. However, little is known about the attitudes of Moroccan students towards English M-learning. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes of using M-learning by university students to learn English. The study involved 286 students representing different universities, levels, and departments. A questionnaire was distributed and interviews were carried out to answer the research questions. Results revealed that university students have positive attitudes towards English M-learning. The total average mean score obtained for the used scale was M=3.80. Additionally, the qualitative findings confirmed some results of the quantitative data and displayed other important findings related to feelings and obstacles towards English M-learning. The findings are of great importance for teachers, practitioners, administrators, and websites/apps programmers.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL INTERACTION, COMMUNICATION, AND SUPPORT TOWARDS CHILDREN EXCELLENCE AT SCHOOL

Role and parental involvement are important to produce excellence children in aspects of spiritual and physical. Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013-2025) through SARANA programme has been implemented at schools in Malaysia to increase involvement and participation of parents in giving support towards children excellence. Aim of study is to identify the level of parental involvement and support in learning. Parents Self-Assessment (PSA) has been distributed randomly to 391 parents during parents meeting at schools. Analysis of parental involvement focused on four main domains which are providing learning environment at home, social interaction with children, communication with children and support towards children excellence. Findings showed that providing learning environment at home (mean=0.78, s.d=0.23), social interaction with children (mean=5.40, s.d=1.63), and communication with children (mean=4.68, s.d=1.89) are at higher level mean score, while support towards children excellence show average mean score (mean=3.90, s.d=1.94). Implication of the study, support towards children excellence in praises, encouragement and guidance need to be improved by parents to help the school to increase achievement in education

A measurement invariance investigation of the differences in shyness between adolescents and adults

This study addresses the question of whether adolescents or adults are more shy. On the one hand, adolescents spend most of their days functioning as part of a social group (school class), which fosters socialisation processes. However, on the other, in the face of new experiences, shyness may intensify as a result of the development of maladaptive reactions or excessive adjustment to social conventions.Two studies were conducted on different age samples: 314 adults aged 18–35 and 247 high school students, aged 16. In order to verify the hypotheses, the Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale (RCBS) was administered.As a result of confirmatory factor analyses, it has been demonstrated that: (1) the structure of shyness among adults and adolescents, as measured by the RCBS scale, could be either interpreted as unifactorial or three-factorial; and (2) there is partial scalar measurement invariance for both the unifactorial and the three-factor models. The comparison of the average latent mean scores suggests that adults are more shy than adolescents, regardless whether the total score or specific factors were compared.