Conflict Resolution Measures Research Articles

Transformation of the Strategic Culture of Ukraine under the Influence of the Russian Threat

The article focuses on strategic culture as an analytical tool that provides a deeper understanding of a state’s behavior and its strategic choice to use force, whether for aggression or self-defense, using Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine as a case study. While strategic culture is generally resistant to change, we identified shifts in Ukraine’s strategic culture in response to external shocks in 2014 and 2022. This was based on an analysis of military-political behavior patterns, components, and manifestations of strategic culture, as reflected in state strategies on national security and defense, as well as in other relevant documents and texts. We argue that Russia’s aggressive military-political behavior, shaped by Soviet-imperial revanchist sentiments, has become an existential threat to Ukraine. This study contributes to a better understanding of why some conflict resolution measures and strategies have proven ineffective in addressing the ongoing Russian war.

Assessing Conflicts in Forest Management Among Different User Groups: A Case Study of Mwekera Forest Reserve

Conflict resolution is a vital component of effective forest resource management, attracting the attention of various stakeholders in many protected forest areas in Zambia. Challenges in achieving peaceful resolutions, disputes over land control, over-exploitation of forests for charcoal production, and agricultural expansion have led to the shrinkage of forest areas. Effective conflict resolution strategies, institutional arrangements, and a thorough understanding of conflict sources are essential for maintaining healthy forests, fostering a peaceful society, and combating the impacts of climate change. While several researchers have studied conflict management in some protected areas across the country, few studies have focused specifically on conflict resolution and management in Mwekera Forest Reserve. This study aimed to understand conflicts in forest management among different user groups. A random sampling technique was employed, with one of the five communities in the area—Mabote—randomly selected for the study. Data was collected using a structured survey questionnaire, which included questions on the socio-demographic status of respondents, causes of conflicts, institutional arrangements in conflict management, and control measures in practice. Additionally, in-depth interviews with key informants were conducted to gather data not captured by the questionnaires. A total of 70 respondents from Mabote community participated in this study. The findings indicated that nearly half (46%) of respondents identified equitable benefit-sharing as crucial for conflict management in the forest reserve. This was followed by equal access to forest areas and products (28.4%), stakeholder engagement and participation (14.3%), and enhanced forest monitoring (9.2%). A smaller portion of respondents (2.1%) pointed to the need for improving laws and policies. The results suggest that current conflict management practices in the forest reserve are insufficient (46%) to ensure effective forest management, despite the increasing sources of conflict and forest degradation. The Forest Department emerged as the primary stakeholder in Mwekera Forest Reserve’s management, exercising total control, which has led to the exclusion of local communities from accessing the forest and its resources. Therefore, effective conflict resolution measures are essential to enable equitable resource access, sustainable forest management, and conflict mitigation in the reserve.

Effects of Inter-community Conflicts on Beef Cattle Production among Pastoral Communities of Marsabit County, Kenya

The focus of this research was to determine the effects of inter-pastoral communities conflicts on beef cattle production, to determine the effects of livestock diseases on beef cattle production among pastoral communities in Marsabit County. The study employed a descriptive survey research method. Our study's target population was made up of 1210 beef cattle keepers with a total population of 118,755 beef animals. Marsabit County was chosen at random using purposive sampling techniques. After stratification, 60 out of 200 registered farm groups was chosen at random. The researcher conducted a pilot study to determine the instrument's suitability. Data was statistically handled, manipulated and analyzed by Statistical Software for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher employed both descriptive and inferential statistics where correlation analysis, chi-square analysis and standard multiple regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between the variables as well as for making generalizations about the data. Diagnostic tests was checked to ascertain violation of assumptions. The study found out that these conflicts not only directly reduced cattle numbers but also instilled an atmosphere of fear and instability, discouraging investment and effort in cattle rearing. Proactive measures to mitigate inter-community conflicts, such as conflict resolution initiatives and improved security measures, are essential for safeguarding both livestock and human lives. The study recommends investing in conflict resolution measures and programs.

Conflict Management in Organizational Communication

This research aims to investigate the necessity of conflict management for fostering organizational health. A healthy organization not only survives environmental changes but also adapts and develops in the long term according to established visions and missions. Utilizing the In-depth Interview and documentation methods, primary and secondary data sources were employed, including literature and internet resources. The qualitative data analysis involved data reduction and presentation. Findings reveal conflicts among operators at a fuel station, specifically concerning discipline, lack of responsibility, and insufficient cooperation in scheduling holidays. Interviews with a station supervisor highlight frequent conflicts, creating discomfort in the workplace. The study suggests the need for proactive conflict resolution strategies in fuel station management to enhance overall organizational effectiveness. Highlights : Strategic Importance of Conflict Management: Effective conflict resolution strategies are crucial for sustaining organizational health and fostering adaptability amid environmental changes. Operator Dynamics in Fuel Stations: Insights into conflicts among fuel station operators, including issues related to discipline, responsibility, and collaboration in holiday scheduling. Proactive Strategies for Organizational Effectiveness: Recommendations for fuel station management to implement proactive conflict resolution measures, ensuring a harmonious and productive workplace environment Keywords: Conflict Management, Organizational Health, Fuel Station Operations, Qualitative Inquiry, Workplace Dynamics

Climate‐related armed conflict and communities' resistance to Rural Grazing Area settlement policy in Nigeria's Middlebelt

AbstractIn Nigeria, resource contests have sparked unending ecological conflict. As a result, conflict resolution measures have been proposed to mitigate climate‐related conflict. However, the acceptance of such policies is hampered by ethnic suspicions, communities' exclusion, religious sensitivities, and a lack of political will. State policies are frequently based on centralized resources, which is exacerbated by the complexities of power relations between central and sub‐national authorities. Thus, this article examines communities' resistance to the Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlement policy in Nigeria's Middlebelt using Benue state as a reference point. The study employed a quantitative method using questionnaires. The study used a sample size of 385 questionnaires administered in Guma, Gwer‐West, Gwer‐East, Ukum, and Logo local governments in Benue state. Therefore, the article found that the failure of communities' inclusivity substantially contributed to the local revolt against the RUGA settlement policy. Specifically, the study's findings demonstrate that the possibility of losing ancestral lands, the past experience of the host communities, ethnic and political factors, and poor policy awareness were the primary factors that reinforced communities' resistance to RUGA policy. Moreover, the government's over‐reliance on an authoritarian mechanism and wrong policy choices compounded by a non‐inclusive approach contributed to policy failure to gain acceptability at the grassroots level in Benue state. As an intervention, the article recommends democratically inclusive conflict resolution strategies for climate‐related armed conflict in the region.

Regional and spatial impacts of external and internal conflicts on ecological footprint: the case of Middle East and Africa.

The economic and environmental structures of countries are greatly impacted by domestic and foreign conflicts. To promote sustainable development, it is crucial to understand the spatial impact of these conflicts on the ecological footprint of a region. With a focus on Middle Eastern and African countries, this paper investigates the impact of such conflicts on their environments, taking into consideration the unique spatial features of their ecological footprints. Using a spatial econometric model, the study assesses the contributions of ecological footprint determinants, particularly internal and external conflict indicators, across 46 Middle Eastern and African countries from 2001 to 2019. The results indicate that internal conflict can lead to increased pressure on natural resources and ecological systems in neighboring countries, while energy use and economic growth impose a significant ecological burden both domestically and abroad. While urbanization and resource rents were found to reduce the ecological footprint, trade openness was found to be nonsignificant. Conflicts such as war, foreign pressure, civil war, and civil disorder were found to have a significant negative impact on the environment, suggesting that reducing these conflicts would improve environmental circumstances. The findings highlight the need for conflict resolution measures to achieve a sustainable environment in the Middle Eastern and African regions and have implications for other countries facing similar issues.

Teams of rural physicians matter: Testing a framework of team effectiveness.

To examine how rural physician team effectiveness predicts outcomes of team performance, team commitment, and intentions to stay. Surveys measuring team climate, team efficacy, and team performance were sent to rural physician team members. Surveys measuring team performance were sent to external observers in supervisory positions. Northern Ontario communities. Rural physicians and external observers, the latter including hospital chief executive officers, family health team executive directors, and clinic managers. Total scale scores were generated using mean substitution. Cronbach α was used to assess internal consistencies of team member-level measures. Team-level measures were created by averaging the responses across team members, and intraclass correlation coefficients for each scale of each team of 2 or more members were calculated to yield a measure of rating consistency. A t test was used to assess the possible difference between team performance ratings by team members and external observers. Team-level relationships within the team effectiveness model were assessed using mediated regression, and generalized estimating equations were used to assess the relationships in the model between team-level (team efficacy) and individual-level (affective team commitment and intentions to stay) variables to address the nonindependence of these data. Overall, 70 rural physicians from 26 Rural and Northern Physician Group Agreement communities with 2 or more physicians and 25 external observers from 19 of the 26 Rural and Northern Physician Group Agreement communities participated in the study. The findings showed that team climate (composed of decision making, communication, and conflict resolution measures) positively predicted team efficacy, which in turn positively predicted team performance. This fully mediated set of relationships held whether team performance was rated by the physicians themselves or by the external observers. Team efficacy significantly predicted affective team commitment (b value=0.69, standard error=0.08, Wald =13.89, P<.001) in the first analysis and intentions to stay (b value=0.34, standard error=0.15; Wald =5.42, P=.020) in the second analysis. However, when the other variables impacting physician retention were added to the model in predicting intentions to stay, team efficacy did not predict it above and beyond these additional predictors. The findings support initiatives that attempt to enhance physician team effectiveness in rural physician teams by influencing team decision making, communication, and conflict resolution to improve team performance, physician attitudes, and commitment.

Prevalence, characteristics, and consequences of verbal and physical violence against healthcare staff in Chinese hospitals during 2010-2020.

ObjectivesThis study investigated the characteristics of workplace violence (WPV) against Chinese healthcare staff and their casualties after severe physical violence (PV).MethodsWe scrutinized medical WPV incidents reported online and analyzed information on timing, location, violence, criminal incentives, and casualties following severe PV in China from 2010 to 2020.ResultsWPVs were mostly committed by young and middle‐aged male family members of the patients, especially in the emergency department (49.1%), and mostly associated with dissatisfaction with treatment effect (28.9%) in general. High medical costs (62.5%) were the leading cause of verbal violence (VV), whereas men predominantly committed PV (OR = 4.217, 95% CI: 1.439–12.359) owing to dissatisfaction with the healthcare staff's attitude (P < 0.001). The victims were security personnel in most cases (81.1%). Nurses were generally more likely to experience PV (P < 0.05), while doctors were more likely to experience lethal PV (OR = 4.732, 95% CI: 1.42–15.772), which mostly happened in oncology (P < 0.05) and committed by visitors (P < 0.001). Slight injuries and mortality were more likely to be inflicted by being rejected for unreasonable demands and disappointed with the treatment effect (P < 0.05).ConclusionsMedical WPV has numerous reasons, locations, and diverse victims and offenders. Some severe WPVs have serious consequences. Therefore, it is recommended for the concerned authorities to adopt effective steps for appropriate legislative, security, and conflict‐resolution measures.

An exploratory analysis of stakeholders and their influence on human–Jaguar conflict in Guyana

ABSTRACT Cattle farmer–jaguar conflict receives the greatest attention in Latin America’s human–wild cat interactions discourse. Yet, other economic activities in the region, such as gold mining, threaten jaguar survivability and receive little attention. Working in Guyana, where economic activities beyond cattle farming predispose conflict, this research note identifies stakeholders and describes how their activities trigger conflict and its spatial distribution. This research note provides insights into how various stakeholders trigger human–jaguar conflict, and places particular attention on contrasting the roles of cattle farmers and gold miners in human–jaguar conflict. Data were obtained through interviews with 85 people engaged in seven economic activities in Guyana. The analyses showed that cattle farmer–jaguar conflict is clustered and predictable across space, whereas gold miner–jaguar conflict is dispersed and unpredicatable across space. Gold miner–jaguar conflict circumstances provide insights into conflict beyond cattle farmers and suggest that conflict resolution measures need to be stakeholder-specific.

The Relationship between Temperature Changes and Peacemaking Events between Farming and Nomadic Groups in Northern China over the Past 2000 Years

AbstractClimate change affects relationships between regions. The sequence of peacemaking events between farming and nomadic groups in northern China from the Western Han to the Qing dynasty was constructed based on historical documents. We analyzed the impacts of climate change on ethnic relationships using war and temperature sequence data from previous studies. The main results are as follows: 1) There were 504 peacemaking events between farming and nomadic groups, with an average frequency of 2.4 times per decade. Paying tribute (68.9%) occurred significantly more frequently than intermarriage for pacification (31.1%). The sequences showed different stages. 2) There were more peacemaking events during cold periods and fewer during warm periods. Intermarriage for pacification played a greater role in peacemaking during warm periods, while paying tribute was more important during cold periods. 3) High-incidence stages of war and of peacemaking events alternated. Peacemaking events occurred more frequently during cold periods and wars occurred more frequently during warm periods. 4) During warm periods, farming and nomadic groups had enough power to contend with each other, wars occurred frequently, and intermarriage was often used for peacemaking. During cold periods, agriculture and animal husbandry declined, both sides weakened, and the power difference between them usually increased. Wars rarely occurred, and paying tribute was often used for peacemaking. Ethnic relationships are affected by many factors. As a background factor influencing land productivity, climate indirectly affected conflict-resolution measures between farming and nomadic groups. We can hereby consider ways to manage interregional ethnic relationships under global climate change today.

What school social climate factors affect mathematics performance in secondary school students? A multilevel análisis (¿Qué factores de Clima Social Escolar afectan el desempeño de Matemática en estudiantes secundarios? Un análisis multinivel)

ABSTRACT The international literature and public policy actions in education have positioned the school environment as a significant component of academic performance and the well-being of the entire educational community. The objective of this study is to identify the school social climate factors that affect secondary school students’ academic performance in mathematics via a multilevel analysis. The model revealed the following factors: Disciplinary Measures, School Violence, Teacher-Student Violence and Encouragement of Classroom Participation. It revealed the teacher’s role in modelling and setting behaviour rules based on respect, equity, justice and inclusion. From this perspective, managing discipline and developing social-emotional competences in associated issues like coping, classroom management, mediation, conflict resolution and positive disciplinary measures should be included in pre-service and in-service teacher training.

The balancing act: Maintaining leopard-wild prey equilibrium could offer economic benefits to people in a shared forest landscape of central India

Abstract Human-felid interactions impose financial burden on people through livestock loss, and on wildlife managers and conservationists through investments in conflict resolution measures. Leopards (Panthera pardus) are among the most adaptable carnivores, but their widespread occurrence in human-dominated landscapes makes them highly vulnerable to negative interactions with people. Beyond their role in maintaining ecological balance, they may also provide economic benefits through control of wild prey populations in human-use areas. We assessed leopard distribution based on indirect sign surveys, and spatial drivers of livestock/human attacks by leopards based on interview surveys of local residents, in a forest landscape shared by humans and leopards in central India. We also examined the role of wild prey in leopard diet and the extent to which they offset leopard depredation on domestic livestock. Leopards occupied 80% of the landscape, positively influenced by forest cover and relative abundance of wild prey; size of human settlements had a negative influence. Average probability of livestock/human attacks was 84%, driven mostly by size of cattle-holding by local residents and anthropogenic disturbance within forests. Nearly 90% of leopard diet was composed of primates or wild ungulate herbivores; non-wild prey (domestic livestock and free-ranging dogs) accounted for less than 3% of total biomass consumed. Under hypothetical scenarios wherein wild prey population reduced by 25%, 50% and 75%, we estimated that the contribution of domestic livestock towards leopard diet would increase to 21%, 40% and 60% respectively in order to support the current leopard population. We demonstrate that adequate forest cover and wild prey abundance allow leopards to persist in shared, human-modified landscapes. We use a novel approach for mapping spatial risk of livestock depredation and predict future scenarios under reduced wild prey populations. An ecological imbalance caused by decline in either leopard or wild prey populations could result in a concomitant increase in crop loss (to wild herbivores) or livestock depredation (by leopards), ensuing greater financial losses to local residents. An understanding of the ecological services and economic benefits conferred by carnivores could help in better valuing and conserving conflict-prone species in shared habitats.

A ATUAÇÃO DO CONSELHO DE SEGURANÇA DAS NAÇÕES UNIDAS NA GUERRA CIVIL SÍRIA: CONFLITOS DE INTERESSE E IMPASSES ENTRE OS P5 E A CONSEQUENTE FALTA DE RESOLUÇÃO PARA A QUESTÃO

The Security Council, responsible for maintaining a peaceful global order, promotesthe discussion and implementation of conflict resolution measures that representthreats to international security. The present work demonstrates that the impassesand conflicts of interest between its permanent member countries in the case of theSyrian civil war resulted in the lack of direct action of the organ and its inability tosolve the humanitarian crisis in question.

Management of Conflicts within Beer Drinking Settings

The study examined the role played by the intake of alcohol in as far as resolution of conflicts is concerned. The qualitative investigative study sought to respond to the following aspects; prominent conflicts experienced in beer drinking places, causes of the conflicts and prominent resolution measures applied. It was guided by the Public Sphere theory propounded by Jurgen Habermas which argues that public sphere is an area in social life where people assemble and liberally discuss detecting societal conflicts and effect solutions. The study observed 2 Clubs; X and Y at Chikwanha Business Centre and Zengeza 4 Aquatic shops in Seke rural and urban respectively, Zimbabwe over a three month period. Observations were consistent every Fridays and Saturdays from 1000 hours till 2300 hours. Data were analysed using latent content analysis to allow examination of the participants‟ mannerisms and narratives. The study established that beer drinking leads to more intuition, creativity and audacity regarding adoptability of conflict resolution measures. It also revealed that the most drunken parties implemented the most effective and sustainable conflict resolution measures. The study also noted that beer is a necessary commodity for social stability if religious, cultural and economic rules allow. Keywords : conflict resolution, conflict management, public sphere, beer, conflict

Applying public participation GIS (PPGIS) to inform and manage visitor conflict along multi-use trails

ABSTRACTManaging visitor conflict is an important task in protected areas. This study used public participation GIS (PPGIS) mapping and a visitor survey to research conflicts between mountain bikers and horse riders, and other groups frequenting trails for tourism and recreation in national parks in northern Sydney (Australia). The goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of the PPGIS for determining conflict locations, and to integrate stated reasons and conflict resolution measures in a model. The survey showed that 42% of mountain bikers and 69% of horse riders had experienced conflicts, with each other, motorbike riders, walkers/hikers and dog walkers. PPGIS effectively mapped concurrent usage intensity to predict potential conflict locations over a reasonably large study area thereby identifying trails of the greatest concern. PPGIS also offered high-quality GIS visualisation options, and the novelty of the PPGIS increased participant engagement. We evaluated PPGIS compared to questionnaire-based surveying, direct visitor observations, GPS tracking, traffic counters and cameras. Because visitor conflict occurs within a spatial context, conflict management will require greater spatial knowledge of visitor activity, which can be obtained through the innovative PPGIS mapping. A conflict model is presented that integrates this study's empirical findings on conflict reasons and resolutions with existing conflict theory.

Participation of community leaders in conflict resolution among crop farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Oyo state, Nigeria

The study investigated the participation of community leaders in conflict resolution and management among farmers and herdsmen in Oyo state, Nigeria. Stratified and random sampling technique was used to select 180 community leaders from 25 communities in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Data were collected through the use of structured interview schedule and Focus Group Discussions. The data collected were summarised and analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, standard deviation) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation respectively. Results show that competition over water (93.8%), land (94.4%), lack of grazing zones (77.2%), and aggressive nature of the parties involved (77.2%) were main causes of conflicts among respondents. Conflict resolution measures mainly adopted by the community leaders include dialogue with parties involved (84.4%), use of village committees (76.7%), negotiating settlement (67.2%), entering agreement and ensuring such agreement is implemented (71.1%) and use of law enforcement agencies (84.4%). Level of participation of community leaders in conflict resolution was however moderate. Major constraints to effective participation of community leaders in conflict resolution include lack of institutional support from government (mean=3.0), inadequate finance (mean=3.0), language barrier (mean=3.0) and evasive nature of the herdsmen (mean=3.0). Years of schooling (r=0.223; p≤0.05) was found to be positively and significantly correlated with participation in conflict resolution. The study recommended the need for local leaders and the government to work together and take more proactive measure in reducing the current level of conflict in the conflict prone areas. It also suggested the need to broaden local leaders’ knowledge base through provision of training in conflict handling.

Effect of Fadama III program on dry-season vegetable growers in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study assessed the effect of the Fadama III program on dry-season vegetable growers in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study emanated from the need to know how well agricultural programs have achieved their targets. Data collected from 200 beneficiaries selected through a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques were used for the study. The data obtained were analyzed with descriptive statistics, a five-point Likert scale, and a t test. The results showed that the beneficiaries were mainly female, married, and relatively old, with farming as their primary occupation. The benefits accrued from the program by the farmers were a knapsack sprayer, training on record keeping, agro-chemicals, fertilizer, improved seeds, a watering can, pest and disease management, conflict resolution, and the construction of a well, borehole, cooling shed and market stall. The mean farm size of the farmers before and after participating in the program was 1.15 and 2.15 ha, respectively, with a corresponding average monthly income of NGN 6,833.75 and NGN 16,137.50, respectively (USD 1 = NGN 165). The study further revealed a positive effect of the program on the farmers' livelihoods. The major problems faced by the farmers were inadequate credit, conflict with herdsmen, land ownership problems, inadequate labor, and poor market linkage. Therefore, the study recommends the provision of credit facilities by relevant stakeholders, putting lasting conflict resolution measures in place, encouraging youths to practice agriculture, and training farmers on market linkage.

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF HEADTEACHER’S AND DEPUTY HEADTEACHERS CONFLICT DEVELOPMENT ON TEAM WORK IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL IN KENYA

The research study critically analyzed the impact of head teacher’s and deputy head teacher’s conflict development on team works in public primary school in Kenya. The study sought to establish the root causes of conflicts among the head teachers and deputy head teachers, perceptions of the stakeholders on the head teacher’s and deputy head teachers, impact of the conflict resolution measures between the head teacher’s and deputy head teachers on team work in public primary school in Kenya. Leadership challenges leading to chronic conflicts that has persisted in public primary schools and in high rise according to ministry of education report. Always conflicts occur whenever disagreement exists in a social setup between individuals or group and negotiations has become a song in the public schools in Kenya. The researchers sought to justify that in dead there exist a great disagreement between head teacher’s and deputy head teacher’s an issue that must be urgently addressed and if not taken serious might adversely effect on team work at work places. Also, the research sought to justify that conflicts leads to social desertification. Demoralization, stress, unhappiness, frustration and a sense of low self-esteem this is a thriving factor to disunity and weakens the bond of team work in an organization. The study defined the team head teacher, deputy head teacher’s highlighting their major roles in a learning institution and to the community and to all education stakeholders. The study was based on team work theory so called Bruce tuck man theory of 1965 enriched by START TEAM MODEL. This theory had four main stages titled forming, storming, norming and performing. The head teacher’s do not only recognize the fact that they formed a group with their deputies. The time they were put together so they must focus on their individual strengths since there was need to bring out goals of the school they lead in order to make a difference in academic arena. The head teacher’s and deputy head teacher’s required a strong bond between them and other staff and insubordinate staffs to facilitate happiness that was necessary for team work at work place. The researchers used content reviews and desk analysis function design. The design was preferred since it facilitated more critical analysis than the statistically qualitative methods used in the same qualitative studies. The study found major causes of conflict development between head teacher’s and deputy head teachers to be inadequate information, different personalities/ value and characters, experience/ qualifications s, access to superiors, limited resources, role conflicts, poor work conditions, administration styles used by leaders, favoritism, tribalism and nepotism practiced by leaders. Most deputies unlike head teachers had no operational space called offices and whenever the head teachers was absent, the offices remained locked and keyed. Findings also found that most head teacher never trusted their deputies with the resources, finances and personnel an issue that cannot facilitate team work in a working place. The findings of the study was that all stake holders perceptions in the persistence conflict development between the head teachers and deputy head teachers was that it diversely affect team work, academic performance, social relationship and reputation and ought to be done away with completely. The study recommended that the school heads and their deputy head teachers to be trained on conflict prevention measures, management strategies and resolution skills in order to prevent, manage and resolve them in amicable way to facilitate team work at work places. The researchers further recommended the introduction of teaching of controversial issues at teacher colleges and in universities for both undergraduates and postgraduates pursuing educational causes in order to bring up teachers who are well conversant on how to live with controversy. The researchers also recommended the establishment of resolution committee of qualified, experienced personals at school level; help improve the working relationship between head teachers and deputy head teachers to reduce the rising rate of conflict development in public primary schools in Kenya. Article visualizations:

Modality-specificity of Selective Attention Networks.

Objective: To establish the modality specificity and generality of selective attention networks.Method: Forty-eight young adults completed a battery of four auditory and visual selective attention tests based upon the Attention Network framework: the visual and auditory Attention Network Tests (vANT, aANT), the Test of Everyday Attention (TEA), and the Test of Attention in Listening (TAiL). These provided independent measures for auditory and visual alerting, orienting, and conflict resolution networks. The measures were subjected to an exploratory factor analysis to assess underlying attention constructs.Results: The analysis yielded a four-component solution. The first component comprised of a range of measures from the TEA and was labeled “general attention.” The third component was labeled “auditory attention,” as it only contained measures from the TAiL using pitch as the attended stimulus feature. The second and fourth components were labeled as “spatial orienting” and “spatial conflict,” respectively—they were comprised of orienting and conflict resolution measures from the vANT, aANT, and TAiL attend-location task—all tasks based upon spatial judgments (e.g., the direction of a target arrow or sound location).Conclusions: These results do not support our a-priori hypothesis that attention networks are either modality specific or supramodal. Auditory attention separated into selectively attending to spatial and non-spatial features, with the auditory spatial attention loading onto the same factor as visual spatial attention, suggesting spatial attention is supramodal. However, since our study did not include a non-spatial measure of visual attention, further research will be required to ascertain whether non-spatial attention is modality-specific.

Conflict resolution measures for connection dispatching

In this paper we present conflict resolution measures in connection dispatching suitable for railway transportation companies without having full access to relevant data. The presented measures do not only cover classical waiting/non-waiting-strategies but also alternative dispatching measures if a distributor train cannot wait. The fact of unknown travel chains and insufficient data availability is respected. Different solutions for a connection conflict are generated depending on travel destinations.Conflict resolution measures are divided into those that can be applied within the railway system and those that are outside the railway system. Each of the considered measures has been analysed by the use of a formalized procedure to get a structured prospect on background, impact, operability, compatibility and quantifying parameters. The procedure is explained by giving several examples. Finding conflict solutions, the focus is to achieve the highest possible completeness regarding potential solutions. At the same time, to reduce computing time, heuristic approaches are applied. The presented measures enable transportation companies to implement a system which calculates conflict resolution proposals to support the connection dispatching staff. This leads to a more automated, more transparent and more efficient dispatching process which results in more satisfied travellers.