Research Design Research Articles

MEDIATING EFFECT OF STUDY HABITS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATHEMATICAL READING COMPREHENSION AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

This study aimed to determine whether study habits significantly mediate the relationship between mathematical reading comprehension and problem-solving of students in mathematics of Grade 8 students in the Division of Davao del Norte. A descriptive-correlational research design was used. The respondents of this research were 302 Grade 8 learners from four public secondary high schools in Davao del Norte. A stratified random sampling was utilized. This study used one adapted questionnaire and two researcher-made questionnaires. Mean, spearman rho, standard deviation, and bootstrapping were used as statistical tools. Results of the study revealed that mathematical reading comprehension is infrequently manifested, problem-solving skills of students is rarely manifested, while the study habits of the students are oftentimes manifested. The findings further revealed that the variables mathematical reading comprehension and problem-solving skills are significant with one another but infrequently manifested that they are not significant with study habits. Moreover, mathematical reading comprehension exhibits a direct significant effect on problem- solving skills but study habits do not significantly mediate the relationship between mathematical reading comprehension and the problem-solving skills of the students. The results conclude that mathematical reading comprehension is contributory factor to improve the problem-solving skills of the students. The researcher recommends that the school administrators provide an opportunity to the teachers in professional development programs to improve students’ mathematical reading comprehension and problem-solving skills. KEYWORDS: Mathematics education, problem-solving skills, mathematical reading comprehension, study habits, descriptive and correlational design, bootstrapping, Davao del Norte, Philippines

Assessment of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and SMEs’ Growth in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State

SMEs often face resource constraints, ranging from financial capital to human resources and market access. Understanding how entrepreneurial ecosystems facilitate resource allocation and address these constraints is crucial for enabling sustainable growth. This study therefore investigated the impact of entrepreneurial ecosystems on firms’ growth, with a focus on SMEs operating in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State. A cross-sectional survey research design and a quantitative data gathering method were used in this study. Three hundred and forty-three (343) SMEs make up the study's sample size, which was chosen to represent the 3124 SMEs that are registered with the Kwara State Board of Internal Revenue and pay taxes totaling one hundred thousand naira or more. Standard multiple linear regression analysis was employed to analyze the data obtained from the administration of a structured survey questionnaire. Findings of the study revealed that entrepreneurial ecosystems through access to capital, entrepreneurial support infrastructure and talent and knowledge exchange have significant impact on SMEs growth. The study concluded that entrepreneurial ecosystems constitute the bedrock upon which SMEs thrive and catalyze economic growth. By providing startups with the necessary resources to invest, innovate, and expand, access to finance plays a pivotal role in fueling entrepreneurial activity, job creation, and economic growth. The study recommended among others that, programs and initiatives aimed at improving financial literacy among entrepreneurs, empowering them to make informed decisions about financing options and investment opportunities should be invested on and implement policies and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the financial ecosystem, ensuring equitable access to finance for women, minority entrepreneurs, and underserved communities.

Strengthening Change Management Principles to Eliminate Corruption in Local Government of the Republic of South Africa. A Case of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality

Change management is crucial in addressing corruption within local governments, particularly in developing countries like South Africa. This study examines the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, focusing on how intensifying change management principles can effectively eliminate corruption. By analysing various stakeholders' roles, including employees, politicians, and directors, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the corruption dynamics within the municipality. Using a qualitative research design, the study explores the effectiveness of change management strategies through detailed data collection and analysis. The findings underscore the importance of robust change management in fostering a corruption-free local government environment.

The Challenges of Conflict Transformation, Peacebuilding and Education Towards Intractable Conflicts: The Youth Involvement in North-Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo

Peacebuilding and transformation are essential in creating a peaceful environment, in responding to conflicts and in promoting good relationships for social harmony. This paper establishes the challenges to transformation and peacebuilding in dealing with conflicts and violence among young people as it explores the strategies for conflict transformation and peacebuilding in North Kivu province. It looks at how these tools can help the youths and the communities to break away from violence and work towards peace. The study is based on the systems theory in general and confict transformation in particular how to train young generations to get out of conflicts and violence in order to preapre a bright future. Thus, the paper triangulates the systems theory, transformation, peacebuilding and the intergroup contact. From the participatory action research design, the paper provides resources in the struggle against intractable conflicts and subsequent violence for peacemaking. The paper establishes ubuntu as a starting point for conflict transformation, peacebuilding and in restoring peace and peaceful cohabitation among the youth in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Media impact on perceptions in postwar societies: Insights from Nepal

Can media have a lasting impact on attitudes in postwar countries? A lingering impact of media could substantially shape peace and security in postwar societies. Our quasi-experimental research design and original survey data utilize variation in the reception of an anti-government radio station in Nepal's Terai region, which was shut down after violent clashes. Our results show that individuals with access to anti-government broadcasts were less optimistic about peace, police and civic activism three years after the closure of the station. The study has implications for understanding the longer-term role of media for post-conflict attitudes and state-building.

Effect of giving premix cookies with mung beans and anchovy (Stolephorus) for stunting prevention on toddlers in Telaga Sari Village, Tanjung Morawa District, Deli Serdang Regency

Stunting is when a child's body length or height is less than their age. Several factors cause stunting, including energy and nutritional intake, and babies born with low birth weight (LBW). Apart from being found in milk, sources of protein and calcium can also be found in various other foods, both animal and vegetable. One source of protein and calcium is green beans and anchovies. This research was conducted in Telaga Sari Village, Tanjung Morawa District, Deli Serdang Regency. This research aims to determine how giving premix cookies mung bean and anchovy prevents toddler stunting. This type of research is quasi-experimental with a pretest–post-test research design. The sample in this study was 60 toddlers, with 30 intervention groups and 30 control groups. Where before and after the treatment, body height was measured. Analysis was carried out in the research using the t-test with a confidence level of 95%. The results of the study showed that the mean TB/U before giving premix cookies mung bean and anchovy in the intervention group was -0.99 ± 2.332, and after giving the results showed it was -0.02 ± 1.562, while the control group had a TB / U of -0 .05±1.785. Conclusion: The results of the dependent t-test obtained p=0.001 (p≤0.05), which means that there is a significant effect before and after giving premix cookies mung bean and anchovy on the prevention of stunting in toddlers with a difference in the average TB/U of toddlers of -0.97.

Diversity and practice: local decision-making practices on multi-cultural diets for British Muslim school children (BMSC) and implications for social justice

IntroductionBritish Muslim School Children (BMSC) are required to follow special halal dietary requirements in accordance with their religion, which is often not accounted for in British schools. This often leaves BMSC limited to a vegetarian diet while at school, despite this not being their chosen diet or preference. This study explores the perceptions of key stakeholders regarding fairness and accessibility of school meals for BMSC, as well as discussing school food provision for those maintaining a religious diet in light of social justice. This is in the context of limited knowledge previously being explored in the North East of England regarding procurement and decision-making at a systems level to cater for BMSC.MethodsA qualitative research design was conducted. A total of 62 participants (39 BMSC, 15 parents, and 8 school and catering staff) took part in a semi-structured interview or focus group. Participants were recruited from six schools, with these schools selected based on their differing levels of BMSC in attendance. This project took place between March 2022 and October 2023.Results/discussionResults suggested that where schools already catered for diverse food requirements, inclusive of BMSC dietary needs, food choices were still limited in the options and amount available. School and catering staff stated that cost implications contributed to their menu development process. Despite this, there was an evident willingness to learn about the cultural food options and how these can be implemented in future school menus. Suggestions discussed included an increase in the use of halal meat in order to provide a more inclusive school food experience for BMSC.

Drop-out rates in animal-assisted psychotherapy - Results of a quantitative meta-analysis.

Animal-assisted psychotherapy is an emerging field with great potential and growing popularity. However, empirical research on its effectiveness is insufficient, and consistent evidence about patients' commitment is missing. The present meta-analysis addresses this gap by systematically comparing drop-out rates in animal-assisted psychotherapy and by relating the resulting across study drop-out rate to across study drop-out rates reported in meta-analyses on conventional psychotherapy. Fifty-seven studies published until August 2022 were identified as eligible for meta-analytic comparison, that is, they conducted animal-assisted psychotherapy on at least one group of psychiatric patients and reported drop-out rates. Potential moderating influences of the type of animal and patients' disorder were considered, as well as multiple other demographic and study design variables. The across study drop-out rate in animal-assisted psychotherapy was 11.2%. This was significantly lower than the across meta-analyses drop-out rate of conventional psychotherapy (d = -.45, p = .0005). Although effects of moderator variables could not be evaluated statistically due to too small and heterogeneous data sets, descriptive results suggest influences of the type of animal and patient disorder. However, study quality ratings identified serious shortcomings regarding proper research design, most critically concerning the report of effect size measures, the use of standardized intervention plans and Open Science practices. Drop-out constitutes a major problem of psychotherapeutic research and practice. By proposing that the inclusion of an animal in the psychotherapeutic setting can enhance patients' commitment and by outlining challenges and opportunity of animal-assisted psychotherapy, this meta-analysis offers a starting point for future research in this evolving field.

Using realia in teaching english vocabulary to a mildly intellectually disabled student

This research analyzes the benefits of using realia as a teaching tool to teach English vocabulary to a student with mild intellectual disability. As background, it is known that the use of real objects improve comprehension and retention of new words, providing a more attractive and effective learning experience; this in turn, can be adapted to the needs of students with this condition. The study was carried out with a 10-year-old student with MID, who participated in a series of six classes, in which she was taught vocabulary through the use of tangible elements, supported by interactive activities. The main focus was the acquisition of new vocab through the Total Physical Response method, which not only supports language acquisition but also encourages sensory experiences and hands-on understanding, contributing to the effective development of communication skills. An action research design was used that included the phases of problem identification, planning, implementation, and reflection, framed within a qualitative approach. The findings suggest that the integration of realia in vocabulary instruction not only supports cognitive development but also promotes a more inclusive, dynamic learning environment.

Influence of Leaders Risk Taking and the Sustainability of Savings and Credit Co-Operatives in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the influence of risk taking by leaders on the sustainability of SACCOs in Kenya. The study sought to provide insights on the key focus areas, which contribute towards the sustainability of SACCOs in Kenya. The study was confined to SACCOs within 5 Counties of Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Muranga and Kajiado A sample size of 174 SACCOs was taken. Methodology: Descriptive research design was adopted for this study. The use of objective and quantifiable data enabled the researcher to generalize the results of the study to the entire population. The correlation coefficient between SACCO sustainability and risk taking is 0.488 with a p-value of 0.000 for a 5% 2-tail test. Findings: The study concludes that leaders risk taking positively influence sustainability of SACCOs in Kenya.The results of the study also imply that if the SACCOs leaders take risk and venture into unexploited area, they are swift to abandon unprofitable products and also are experienced in risk management; they will be able to guarantee sustainability of their SACCOs. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: From the findings of the study, it can be noted that government regulations moderates the variable resulting to possibility of the sustainability of such SACCO. The study has important implications on the appropriate conceptualization of sustainable business models in the context of SACCOs. This study encourages management committees, to take risk by venturing into new areas, take credit to introduce new products and abandon those products that are unprofitable for their SACCO sustainability.

Environmental Literacy and Academic Performance of Grade 5 Learners

This study investigated the relationship between environmental literacy and academic performance among Grade 5 learners. Employing a descriptive correlational research design, the research aimed to determine the extent of environmental literacy in five dimensions: knowledge of environmental concepts, awareness of environmental issues, attitudes towards the environment, environmental behavior, and civic engagement. Additionally, it assessed the academic performance of learners in Health, Science, and Araling Panlipunan. The study involved purposive sampling of Grade 5 students from Paquibato District, with data collected through adapted questionnaires. The findings revealed that environmental literacy, particularly in knowledge of environmental concepts, attitudes towards the environment, and environmental behavior, significantly affects academic performance. A high degree of relationship was observed between overall environmental literacy and academic performance, indicating that enhanced environmental literacy correlates with better academic outcomes. The study emphasized the importance of integrating environmental education across various subjects and levels, highlighting its role not only in fostering environmental awareness and responsibility but also in enhancing academic achievement. These insights are crucial for educational stakeholders in formulating strategies to incorporate environmental literacy effectively in the curriculum.

Perception of the Farmers Regarding Kisan Mela Organized at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India

This study investigated the impact and effectiveness of the Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) Kisan Mela as a platform for farmers' engagement and knowledge exchange. Using an ex-post facto research design, data were collected from 30 farmers who attended the Kisan Mela in March 2024. The study focused on various socio-economic factors, farmers' perceptions and satisfaction levels, participation in extension activities, and problems faced during the event. The findings revealed a diverse participation of farmers across different age groups, family structures, educational backgrounds, and occupations. The majority of participants reported positive experiences and high satisfaction levels with the services, information quality, and infrastructure provided at the Mela. While minimal problems were reported, they highlight areas for improvement to enhance farmers' experiences further. Overall, the study concludes that the HAU Kisan Mela plays a crucial role in disseminating agricultural information, fostering innovation, and facilitating community networking among farmers, contributing significantly to the advancement of agriculture in the region.

Assessment of Factors Influencing Retail Consumers’ Choice of Fuel Service Stations in Lusaka, Zambia

Zambia's downstream petroleum retail sector has become fiercely competitive, compelling oil marketing companies (OMCs) to effectively understand and cater to consumer preferences. This research assessed the factors influencing retail consumers’ choice of fuel service stations in Lusaka, Zambia. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy and applied a quantitative approach, utilizing a cross-sectional descriptive research design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 440 motorists determined by Yamane’s formula, within the central business of Lusaka town offering a diverse mix of fuel station brands and associated respondents. The primary data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. The study revealed that service quality, fuel station location, brand image, promotional programs, and non-fuel amenities significantly influence retail consumer choice of a fuel service station in Lusaka Zambia. Based on these findings, recommendations are made to OMCs to continuously improve all aspects of service quality, optimize fuel station location, revamp promotional strategies, strengthen brand image and reputation, enhance non-fuel amenities beyond mere fuel service, and continuously monitor and adapt strategies to improve their competitive edge.

Local labour markets, workforce planning and underemployment

Underemployment in the UK and other European economies – that is people looking for a new job with longer hours, or wanting longer hours in their current job – has risen since the 2008–9 financial crisis. This article informs policy debates on how underemployment can be addressed in the UK. It deploys a mixed methods research design, which is necessary to identify how labour market conditions shape workforce planning, including establishment-level labour hoarding over a variety of temporal scales through underemployment. The authors analyse quantitative data identifying greater underemployment risks in less productive local economies and ‘slacker’ local labour markets (but note complex differences across rural and urban areas). They complement this with qualitative data drawing on exploratory interviews with employer representatives and identify the potential importance of both labour market conditions and business models in shaping workforce planning decisions that affect underemployment risks. The authors discuss priorities for labour market and employment policy.

The Ethical Issues of School-Based Occupational Therapy Practice in Quebec-Canada

ABSTRACT In Quebec-Canada, school-based occupational therapy has expanded over the last decade. This emerging practice context poses distinctive ethical issues for occupational therapists, but no empirical studies have documented them. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the ethical issues faced by school-based occupational therapists in Quebec. Using a qualitative inductive research design, 19 school-based occupational therapists practicing in Quebec were interviewed individually. All participants reported experiencing ethical issues in their practice. Nine categories emerged from the analyzed data, covering ethical issues in the micro-environment (n = 4), meso-environment (n = 3), and macro-environment (n = 2). In the micro-environment, occupational therapists face ethical issues relating to collaboration with school teams, management of restraints and seclusion, compliance with practice standards, and accessibility of services. In the meso-environment, they experience ethical issues linked to the cultural clash between healthcare and education, the inclusion of students with disabilities in schools, and the lack of understanding and recognition of occupational therapy. In the macro-environment, they encounter ethical issues arising from the lack of resources, and the lack of intersectoral collaboration between healthcare and education systems. Describing the ethical issues of occupational therapy school-based practice is a first step toward identifying ways of preventing and resolving them.

Growth and biomass of Wolffia arrhiza with different sources of organic fertilizer

Wolffia arrhiza has a growth rate and biomass as well as a good nutritional content for the growth of cultivated fish, especially herbivorous fish. Due to the high protein content (up to 45% of the dry weight), Wolffia is an excellent plant for the production of various biologically active substances, especially proteins. These plants can double every 1-6 days, similar to algae or mushrooms, and the number of leaves doubles every 2-3 days. This study aims to determine the effect of different fertilizer sources on doubling time, relative growth rate, population density and biomass of Wolffia arrhiza and water quality. The method used in this research is experimental. The research design used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were as follows: treatment A: chicken manure, B: cow manure, C: buffalo manure and D: goat manure with each dose of 200 grams. Parameters observed included doubling time, relative growth rate, population density, biomass and water quality parameters. The results showed that treatment B (cow manure) gave the highest value for doubling time, 1.59 days, relative growth rate 0.392 g/day, population density 209.75 ind/cm2, biomass 94.97. Keyword: Biomass; Fertilizer; Growth; Wolffia

Is Second Language Attrition Inevitable After Instruction Ends? An Exploratory Longitudinal Study of Advanced Instructed Second Language Users

AbstractMost second language acquisition (SLA) research has documented the processes involved in learning second/foreign languages, with few studies focusing on the durability of attained second language (L2) skills once instructed learners/users are no longer receiving formal instruction. The current study examines the effects of continued exposure and peak instructional attainment on the long‐term evolution of advanced, instructed L2 learners’ skills following a longitudinal mixed‐methods research design. Participants (n = 28) completed an oral proficiency test, an oral interview, and a vocabulary knowledge test at multiple times over an 8‐year period, 6 years of which were postinstruction. Results showed that continued exposure contributes to long‐term retention (and some further development) of oral proficiency and fluency and that peak attainment at the end of formal instruction is also an important variable for some areas of L2 performance. Additionally, even the participants with limited exposure demonstrated little attrition over time.

Utilization of Indigofera zollingeriana leaves meal in feed formulation to color brightness and growth in koi fish (Cyprinus carpio)

This study aims to determine the effect of the addition of Indigofera zollingeriana in feed formulations with different doses on the color brightness of koi fish. The research design was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and three replications. Treatment P0 was control (without the use of Indigofera leaf meal), P1 was the addition of 5% indigofera meal, P2 was the addition of 10% indigofera meal, P3 was the addition of 15% indigofera meal, and P4 was the addition of 20% indigofera meal. Fingerlings measuring 6 ± 1 cm with a stocking density of 1 fish for 2 L were reared for 30 days in this study. The results showed that P2 with a percentage of 10% Indigofera zollingeriana meal was the best treatment for the brightness of koi fish color (27.23). Still, they had no significant effect on the growth of absolute length (1.04 cm) and absolute weight (1.05 g), feed efficiency (23.08%), and survival rate (100%). The water quality obtained during maintenance was temperature 26-27oC, pH 6.1-7.2, dissolved oxygen 5.2-6.3 mg/L, and ammonia 0.02-0.036 mg/L.Keywords: Fish Color Brightness; Indigofera zollingeriana; Koi Fish

Education For Community Transformation

The Tanzanian Government has made several efforts to guarantee the accessible and equitable education to all children irrespective of their race, creed or sex. However, there are some predominant socio-cultural practices which are impediments to young women’s education. Using a case of Monduli district -Tanzania, this study explored the influence of socio-cultural practices toward schooling of Maasai Young Women. A cross- sectional research design was adopted to obtain a sample of 120 respondents. Data were collected using Questionnaires, Key Informants’ Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) methods and analysed by using IBM-SPSS. 20.0 and content analysis. Overall, the study found that, Nomadic Lifestyle, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Early Marriages are tremendously affecting schooling of young Maasai women. While the two earlier mentioned practices were found to waste a lot of girls’ learning hours; the latter has been causing a substantial number of school girls to drop out. Subsequently the girls became vulnerable to illiteracy of which jeopardizes their chances to participate in community development projects as well as in decision-making process. The illiterate people are not always invited to participate because they do not understand the nitty gritty of their participation. In order to eliminate these harmful practices, it is recommended the government and other stakeholders to create or strengthening community awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs.

Human rights integration in Ethiopian social work education: a study on curricula and students’ understandings

ABSTRACT Focusing on the integration of human rights into the Ethiopian Bachelor of Social Work programme, this paper presents a study of students’ understanding of human rights by employing a mixed-methods research design. Qualitative content analysis and survey study were utilized to assess the extent of human rights infusion into the undergraduate curriculum and examine students’ understanding of human rights conventions. The qualitative content analysis revealed a non-explicit infusion of human rights content into the social work curriculum. Human rights were indirectly applied and referenced in the human rights themes, e.g. for refugees and migrants, showing a lack of explicit and direct integration of human rights in the curriculum. The survey study also showed that, of the 201 participants, a significant majority (77%) lacked awareness of the human rights documents pertinent to social work. A discernible augmentation in the familiarity with the human rights conventions was observed among students as they progressed through higher levels of study. Hence, the study posits that Ethiopian social work schools should consider revisiting their curricula and give due attention to the human rights infusion into their social work programmes.