High Awareness Research Articles

Urban–rural disparity in risky sexual behavior, HIV knowledge, and healthy practices among men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study in Southeast China

To identify differences in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risky behavior and healthy practices between rural and urban men who have sex with men (MSM) in Southeast China, a cross-sectional study was conducted on MSM aged ≥ 18 years recruited from four community-based organizations (CBOs) in seven cities in Zhejiang Province between October 2022 and March 2023. An electronic survey questionnaire was completed by the study participants to collect HIV risky behavior and healthy practices. The chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used for analysis. Among the 1,993 MSM participants, 21.1% (420) were rural MSM. Compared with urban MSM, rural MSM was more likely to have a low level of education (high school and below; 46.2% vs. 40.2%, p = 0.028) and a low annual income (≤ 90,000 RMB; 71.2% vs. 64.7%, p = 0.013). Multiple logistic regression showed that, compared with urban MSM in the past 6 months behaviors, rural MSM had lower odds of finding casual sex partners on the Internet (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.790, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.633–0.986), using stimulants with online casual sex partners (aOR: 0.688, 95% CI: 0.506–0.936), and high odds of ever having sex with a female (aOR: 1.460, 95% CI:1.036–2.058). Rural MSM reported lower odds of an HIV knowledge score of 2–3 (aOR: 0.586, 95% CI: 0.454–0.756), HIV testing more than twice (aOR: 0.583, 95% CI: 0.455–0.748), and obtaining four to five types of HIV information (aOR: 0.661, 95% CI: 0.529–0.826), as well as higher odds of high/very high awareness of HIV infection risk (aOR: 2.312, 95% CI: 1.638–3.263), compared to urban MSM. Rural MSM and urban MSM reported discrepancies in HIV risky behavior, HIV knowledge and HIV-related healthy practices. Paying more attention to HIV risky behavior and improving healthy practices in rural areas may help to prevent HIV transmission.

The impact of national land supervision system on urban low-carbon transformation: evidence from China

The land system is a crucial factor influencing urban low-carbon sustainable development. However, previous research has paid little attention to the effects and mechanisms of the national land supervision system (NLSS) on urban low-carbon transformation (ULCT). This study uses China’s routine land inspection as a quasi-natural experiment and examines the impact of NLSS on ULCT using panel data from 283 Chinese cities between 2005 and 2016. The study finds that NLSS significantly promotes ULCT, with a series of robustness checks supporting this conclusion, showing a 1.95% improvement in carbon emission performance in cities under supervision. NLSS mainly facilitates ULCT by improving land use efficiency, upgrading the structural of the service sector, and promoting technological progress. Compared to eastern cities, southern cities, large cities, and non-resource-based cities, NLSS more effectively promotes low-carbon transformation in central and western, northern, small- and medium-sized, and resource-based cities. Additionally, in contrast to cities with high environmental awareness, high marketization levels, high financial development levels, and high fiscal pressure, NLSS more strongly promotes ULCT in cities with lower levels of these factors. Furthermore, NLSS exhibits a significant positive spatial spillover effect in promoting ULCT. In advancing ULCT, NLSS can be synergized with smart city pilot policies and innovative city pilot policies but has not shown synergies with low-carbon city pilot policies.

Are people willing to share living space? Household preferences in Finland

This paper explores citizens’ interest in space sharing in private housing. It is based on a large-scale random sample citizen survey (N = 1448) conducted in Finland focusing on multiple aspects of low-carbon housing. Both quantitative preference-related results and qualitatively analysed open question responses show that the concept of shared space use is relatively low in popularity. However, there are differences depending on the space to be shared. Approximately half of the respondents are willing to use shared space for exercise, children playing and repairing activities, whereas a small fraction would use it for cooking, working and studying, or guest accommodation. Respondents’ backgrounds only slightly impact the willingness to share spaces. However, people in urban areas are more willing to share spaces. Larger floor area per inhabitant is negatively associated with the willingness to share spaces. This implies that sufficiency in housing is linked with space-sharing interests. This paper concludes that space-sharing is relatively unattractive under present conditions. Improving functionality and social trust by attractive design, clearer user rules and spreading good examples could be approaches to enhance the situation. Practice relevance Space-sharing as an operationalisation of housing sufficiency could be an attractive avenue for increasing the utilisation rate and efficiency of space use among households. Based on the results from a survey of Finnish citizens, space-sharing received somewhat mixed responses, although 75% of respondents indicated at least some willingness for sharing activities. Respondents with high climate-change awareness and those living in urban areas are associated positively with an interest in space-sharing. Future development needs to increase the attractiveness of sharing spaces include paying attention to the design of shared spaces, formulating clear user rules, creating functional booking and fee systems, and building awareness towards responsible user practices.

Impact Of UPI Transaction on Purchasing Decision of Customers: A Survey in Chennai City

In today’s digital age, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has significantly transformed consumer purchasing behavior, making transactions more seamless and efficient. This study investigates the impact of UPI transactions on customers' purchasing decisions in Chennai, analyzing awareness, usage patterns, and the role of demographic factors. Data collected from 121 respondents reveal a high awareness and adoption rate of UPI, with a substantial portion of participants preferring UPI over cash for everyday purchases. Regression analysis indicates a strong positive correlation (r = 0.65, p < 0.01) between UPI transaction frequency and consumer purchasing activity. Additionally, age and income are shown to significantly influence UPI usage. The findings highlight UPI’s role in enhancing consumer convenience and security while promoting more frequent and impulsive buying behavior. The study offers insights for marketers and policymakers to leverage digital payment trends for improved consumer engagement.

Socio-Economic and Buying Behavior of Groundnut Growers towards Micronutrient Fertilizer in Sabarkantha District of Gujarat, India

The study aims to analyze the impact of socio-economic, knowledge level and buying behavior of groundnut growers towards micronutrient in Sabarkantha district. This study employed a multistage sampling technique in the Sabarkantha district of north Gujarat, known for its high groundnut productivity. The focus was on three talukas-Himmatnagar, Idar and Talod-chosen for their extensive groundnut cultivation areas in 2024. From each taluka, five villages were randomly selected and eight growers from each village, totaling 120 growers, were selected. The study aimed to explore the socio-economic profiles of groundnut growers, assess their knowledge of micronutrient fertilizers, analyze their buying behavior. The majority of growers (55.83%) were between 36 and 50 years old, with more than 15 years of farming experience. Most belonged to nuclear families and had completed higher secondary education. Borewells and open wells were the main irrigation sources, with 57.50% also involved in animal husbandry. Annual incomes ranged between ₹1,44,901 and ₹6,72,800. Additionally, 73.33% between ₹3,38,501 and ₹8,26,500 from both farming and other sources. Groundnut growers demonstrated high awareness of the importance, access and benefits of micronutrients, though only 19.17% had soil health cards. Agro-input dealers (54.16%) were the primary information source and mixed micronutrients (49.16%) were most preferred. The study found a strong relationship between socio-economic variables and buying behavior, with 96.20% of the variation explained. Positive influences on purchasing included the price of micronutrients, growers’ income, farming experience and larger landholdings, while older growers and those with higher knowledge were less likely to purchase micronutrients. Most growers (75.00%) purchased from agro-service centers or dealers. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the socio-economic profiles, knowledge and buying behavior of groundnut growers in the Sabarkantha district.

특수교육 분야에서 살펴본 고교학점제: 질적 메타분석 연구

Objectives The purpose of this study is to provide policy implications based on the implementation of the high school credit system in the field of special education in relation to the high school credit system that will be fully introduced from 2025. Methods This study conducted a qualitative meta-analysis on eight qualitative studies conducted on special schools and special classes in general high schools that have been designated and operated as high school credit system research and leading schools. Results First, it was confirmed that teachers, parents, and students agreed on the purpose and significance of in-troducing the high school credit system, but were negative about the curriculum, organization, and support sys-tem for those eligible for special education. Second, regarding the implementation of the high school credit sys-tem in the field of special education, education providers and education consumers proposed the establishment of specific systems and guidelines according to the type and characteristics of disabilities and the expansion of administrative and financial support. Third, while social awareness and environment regarding disabilities are changing, there appears to be a demand for a paradigm shift in career and vocational education for students eligi-ble for special education following the implementation of the high school credit system. Conclusions Based on these results, the high school credit system curriculum, support system, and awareness in the special education curriculum that will be implemented from 2025 were discussed and future tasks were presented.

중등학교 기악 교육의 내용과 방법, 평가에 관한 실태 분석

This study aims to analyze the current state, perceptions, and demands related to instrumental education in secondary school music classes, which has been receiving increasing emphasis in recent years, in order to identify issues and discuss possible solutions. To achieve this, various literature on the content, methods, and assessment of instrumental education was reviewed. Based on this review, a survey tool was developed to examine the actual state and demands of instrumental education, and a survey was conducted among secondary school music teachers across the nation. Statistical analysis was performed on the responses from 63 participants. The analysis revealed that secondary school music teachers strongly recognized the necessity of instrumental education. As a result, it was found that the majority of class time in music lessons is devoted to instrumental education. Most teachers also perceived a high level of student participation in instrumental lessons and held a very positive view of instrumental education. However, instrumental education was mainly limited to solo instrument instruction, focusing on posture, techniques, and basic performance skills, while instrumental ensemble activities were not well implemented, despite teachers’ high awareness of their importance. The predominant teaching method involved teachers directly demonstrating through performance and using modeling as an instructional approach. However, teachers felt that their own performance skills were inadequate. In terms of assessment, it was found that the evaluation of artistic and creative expression was not being adequately conducted.

Predicting factors for social oocyte cryopreservation intention among unmarried Korean women

In 2023, the average age of Korean women for the first marriage and giving birth was reported to 31.45 and 33.6, respectively. Due to the late marriage, the number of patients undergoing infertility treatment per 100,000 in Korea increased by 16.9% over the past five years to 27.3. Recently, interest in social oocyte cryopreservation (SOC) has been growing in Korea as a strategy to address the low birth rate. This study is descriptive research to determine the influence of unmarried women's knowledge of fertility preservation, tendency toward late marriage, and awareness of fertility preservation on intention to SOC. This study aims to identify predictors of unmarried women's intention to SOC. Data were collected from July 20 to 26, 2024, through a online self-reported survey from unmarried women in their 20s to 40s. 234 copies were collected, but 211 copies were used for the analysis after excluding 23 insincere responses. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis using the SPSS/PC 29.0 program. In this study, 41.7% of unmarried women intended to SOC, while 58.3% did not. In addition, the intention to SOC was higher when they wanted children (p=.041, exp(B)=2.35), were aware of SOC (p=.015, exp(B)=2.98), and had a high awareness of fertility preservation (p<0.001, exp(B)=1.47). But the higher the tendency to marry late (p=.044, exp(B)=.92), the lower the intention to SOC. The findings can serve as foundational data to increase social awareness of SOC for unmarried women and to help develop supportive policies.

Contraception knowledge among college women in the Southeast United States

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore contraceptive awareness among college women in the Southeast United States. This study sheds light on the gaps in contraceptive use found in college women and can be used to improve educational interventions on college campuses. Participants: College-age women ages 18–25 completed in-depth qualitative interviews over Zoom. Methods: Interviews examined levels of awareness by asking participants to list the contraceptive methods they were aware of, followed by probes that assessed their understanding of different contraceptive methods. Results: Prominent themes (n = 44) included high awareness of condoms, the pill and IUD, positive attitudes toward contraceptive options, fear and emotional anxiety from hormonal contraceptives and inability to explain how contraceptives work in the body. Conclusion: Results from this study will inform future contraceptive education campaigns for college women.

Urban Community Participation In Dealing With The Covid-19 Pandemic Through Environment-Based On Covid-19 Handling Policies In The City Of Mataram

The city of Mataram is an area that has a high number of Covid-19 cases in West Nusa Tenggara Province. Covid-19 has seriously impacted all aspects of life, from health, economy, society, culture, and tourism to religious rituals. This study aims to analyze the policies for handling Covid-19 in Mataram City. Second, analyze the form of community participation in efforts to deal with Covid-19 in Mataram City. This study uses the participation theory of Cohen and Uphoff as an analytical tool. This research is qualitative research with a descriptive approach. In- depth interviews, observation, and documentation employed data collection techniques. The results of this study indicate that this environment-based policy for handling Covid-19 effectively suppresses the spread of Covid-19 in Mataram City. This policy is implemented by involving the participation of all elements of government, local leaders, and the community. Community participation in handling Covid-19 starts with high public awareness of Covid-19, then implementing health protocols. Community participation is also seen in the formulation of policies for handling Covid-19, the movement to join a Task Force (Satgas), carrying out self- help movements to help each other, and being involved in evaluating the handling of Covid-19 in the City of Mataram.

A study of staff pre‐evacuation behaviors in a Malaysian hotel

AbstractSimulating fire and evacuation scenarios is crucial for engineers to assess building safety during fire incidents. Accurate simulations require data on occupants' behaviors, particularly during the pre‐evacuation phase as these decisions significantly impact evacuation duration. Gathering comprehensive data from diverse regions while considering cultural and regional variations is necessary to understand how occupants' behavior is influenced. Thus, this study focuses on examining the behavior of Malaysian hotel staff during unannounced fire drill to gain insights into factors affecting their behavior during pre‐evacuation stage, such as fire experience, fire alarm, drill participation, fire training, and awareness. The study categorizes the actions performed by the hotel staff into sequences and analyses them based on influencing factors. The findings indicate that instead of immediately evacuating in response to emergency notification, the hotel staff engage in various actions. Most staff members initially investigate or ignore the emergency, resulting in longer pre‐evacuation times. Moreover, the results suggest that previous drill participation and high awareness levels contribute to shorter pre‐evacuation times. Conversely, previous fire experience, fire training, and fire alarm familiarity have no effect on pre‐evacuation time.

The Perception of User for Road Damage: A Case Majalengka-West Java

The development of road infrastructure in various countries is growing rapidly in line with the increasing need for more efficient transportation and better road access to various regions. Suppose in a country the road infrastructure is damaged. In that case, it will result in limited access to more efficient transportation, hinder the mobility of road and goods users, and potentially slow down economic growth. This study aims to determine the level of satisfaction of road users with the condition of the pavement on Jl. Pejuang-Sindangkasih, and determine the level of existing damage. This research is located on Jl. Pejuang-Sindangkasih, which is located in Majalengka District, Majalengka Regency, West Java. The data collection technique used is a questionnaire, which is intended to collect data on the level of damage felt, the impact of damage on comfort and safety, and road users' expectations for road repairs. Overall, this data provides a clear picture of the profile of road users on Jl. Pejuang-Sindangkasih and how they see the condition of the road. This information can be an important basis for road repair and maintenance to improve comfort and safety for all road users. Some respondents also emphasized the importance of immediate repairs to road damage to reduce the risk of accidents and vehicle damage. In addition, respondents from younger age groups tend to be more critical of road conditions and show a high awareness of the importance of good road infrastructure. Road damage is very dangerous for road users, especially for motorcycle users, and urgent repairs are needed. Overall, this information provides important information about the planning and implementation of road repairs, with a special emphasis on the most important elements to improve the safety and comfort of road users.

The Role of Recruitment and Selection on Organisational Performance: A Case of National Housing Corporation in Tanzania

This study examines the role of recruitment and selection practices on organisational performance at Tanzania's National Housing Corporation (NHC). Employing a descriptive research design, the study targeted all 76 employees at NHC headquarters across various departments, using census sampling to ensure comprehensive data collection and eliminate bias. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires with closed-ended questions measured on a five-point Likert scale. Analysis involved both descriptive statistics (percentages, frequency distributions, mean, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (correlation) to examine relationships between independent variables (recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal) and dependent variable (NHC's organisational performance). Findings reveal that recruitment and selection at NHC play a critical role on organisational performance. NHC has a well-communicated recruitment policy with high employee awareness and involvement. Internal advertising of new positions is common, supporting talent retention and growth opportunities. While job applicants generally receive adequate information, some inconsistencies exist. The recruitment process is perceived as transparent, though improvements are possible. NHC is seen as an equal-opportunity employer, but reinforcement is needed in some areas. Employees feel reasonably included in the selection process, which is merit-based with clearly defined criteria. Selected candidates generally fit well with the organisational culture. However, inclusiveness in selection could be enhanced. Recommendations include improving recruitment policy communication, increasing employee engagement, strengthening internal advertising, reinforcing equal opportunity practices, maintaining merit-based selection, ensuring cultural fit, and fostering trust and transparency. These suggestions aim to optimize recruitment and selection practices, thereby enhancing NHC's organizational performance and potentially benefiting other organizations.

Bridging the knowledge gap-microplastics in focus: assessing microplastic pollution awareness among medical students

ABSTRACT Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental and health issue. This study evaluates microplastic pollution awareness among medical students at Pamukkale University and the factors influencing it. A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2023 with 474 students from the 1st, 3rd, and 6th years, using a 26-item questionnaire, including the 14-item Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale (MPAS). The mean MPAS score was 22.94 ± 3.67, reflecting moderate to high awareness. Female students (p = 0.001), prior knowledge of microplastics (p < 0.001), and concern about microplastic health risks (p < 0.001) were associated with higher awareness. Social media was the most common source of information (49.2%). Although awareness is moderate, significant gaps exist in students’ understanding of microplastic health impacts. Targeted educational interventions are needed to close these gaps, empowering future healthcare professionals to address the risks of microplastic pollution.

FORMATION OF GENDER IDENTIFICATION IN THE PROCESS OF SOCIALIZATION OF ADOLESCENTS

The article describes the essence of gender identification in the process of socialization of adolescents. The social transformations taking place in modern society are changing the established ways of life, social norms, and ideological structures that define them, as well as attitudes toward them. These transformations have a significant impact on the formation of the individual, his or her status and position in society, professional development, and family roles. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the conditions for the formation of gender identification in the process of socialization of adolescents based on a gender approach, which is implemented in the family, school, and society. The concepts of gender and gender culture are highlighted. Attention is focused on the rapid increase in the percentage of so-called civil marriages, which lead to an increase in the number of single mothers and disorientation of sex education of children in the family. In these marriages, young people are not responsible for an “artificial” family, do not strive to have and raise children, and live together to satisfy their sexual needs. Relationships formed in this way are perceived and evaluated differently by boys and girls. Thus, among the 40 adolescent males surveyed, 70% were in favor of civil marriage, while 30% were against it. Among female adolescents, 31.5% approve of civil marriages, and 68.5% are against them. The results show that boys are more loyal to free, unencumbered relationships, but girls also perceive them quite favorably, not fully realizing that it is the woman who is socially and personally more vulnerable in such a situation. It has been found that adolescents show a high awareness of their personal identity through various aspects, such as gender perceptions, social roles, moral values, and interests. They are actively rethinking their place in society and their own views, which indicates their developed self-awareness and readiness to interact with the world around them. It is concluded that the rapid development of technology, diverse cultural influences, and new forms of communication create a unique environment in which gender norms and stereotypes are constantly being revised and evolved. This process is of particular importance for adolescents, as they are actively in the phase of self-determination and personal development. Understanding the gender aspects of social interaction among this group will help to identify and address the problems of inequality and discrimination at the initial stages of their occurrence. Prospects for further research of the problem are seen in the study of the influence of gender factors of adolescents on self-determination in modern society. Keywords: gender, identity, society, socialization, construct, personality, adolescents

Factors affecting human papillomavirus vaccine acceptance among parents of Primary 4 to 6 boys and girls in Hong Kong.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) poses a substantial but underestimated healthcare burden in Hong Kong. This study investigated factors affecting parental acceptance of HPV vaccination after the introduction of an immunisation programme for primary school girls. We assessed parental perceptions and related factors concerning HPV vaccination for both boys and girls. We conducted a cross-sectional survey between December 2021 and February 2022 among parents of Primary 4 to 6 students in Hong Kong. Our self-administered online survey collected data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and knowledge of HPV vaccination, attitudes towards HPV vaccination, and acceptance of HPV vaccination. Characteristics were compared between boys' parents and girls' parents. Factors associated with vaccine acceptance were analysed by multivariate logistic regression. We observed high awareness of HPV vaccination among boys' parents and girls' parents; however, they demonstrated relatively poor knowledge of HPV and the HPV vaccine. An alarming low HPV vaccination uptake rate was also observed. Attitudes towards the HPV vaccine were similar between parent groups. A majority of parents believed that the HPV vaccine was safe and effective in preventing infection. Parents of boys showed lower HPV vaccine acceptance. Factors associated with acceptance differed between parent groups. High awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine is predictive of vaccine acceptance. Boys' parents are less likely to accept HPV vaccination and emphasis should be placed on addressing potential HPV vaccine hesitancy in this group. Public education should also aim to raise awareness of government vaccination programme, and implementation of catch-up vaccination programme to school children beyond primary school should be considered.

Awareness of DepEd Core Values among Grade 12 Students in a Public High School in the Philippines

This study determined the level of awareness of Department of Education (DepEd) core values among grade 12 students in a public school in Antique, Philippines, in the areas of maka-Diyos (Godly), makatao (person-oriented), makakalikasan (pro-environment), and makabansa (patriotism). Likewise, the study assessed the significant difference in their awareness of DepEd core values relative to their demographics. Hence, the study utilized quantitative research design, particularly descriptive-comparative approaches. The theoretical framework of the study is the ecological systems theory, which assumes the influence of a series of nested systems and environments in shaping human development. This indicates the need for considering the larger ecological context that drives core value awareness. Meanwhile, using the adopted questionnaire, data were collected from 293 Grade 12 senior high school students in a public high school in Antique, Philippines, during the school year 2023-2024. In the analysis of data, frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were employed to analyze both the descriptive and inferential problems. The study revealed that the overall core value awareness of students was very high (M=4.35, SD=0.48). This shows that the students at this public school fully recognized the four DepEd core values, namely, maka-Diyos, makatao, makakalikasan, and makabansa. Also, among all the four demographics, only sex [U=7782.5, P=0.001] and strand [χ2(5) =13.739, P=0.017] were found with significant differences. The findings postulate that to elicit students’ core value awareness, strengthening educational policies on consistent core value integration in school curricula, programs, and activities is greatly encouraged. The findings also convey the need to strengthen sustainable teacher orientation to maintain their students' high awareness.

Organizational Communication Patterns in The Management of Mental Development of Kodam II Sriwijaya in The Digital Era

Mental coaching is one of the methods to shape the mentality of Army soldiers to always act based on high morals, enthusiasm, and awareness, with the aim of forming commendable and responsible morals in living life. This research aims to analyze the pattern of organizational communication in the management of mental development of soldiers through planning, organization, implementation, and supervision, as well as what media are used in each process in Kodam II Sriwijaya. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. Data collection techniques were conducted through interviews and documentation, while data analysis techniques include data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing or verification. This research also uses source triangulation to validate the data. The results showed that in the Planning and Organizing stages, the Wheel Pattern and Chain Pattern communication patterns were used, where the leader was central in determining work plans, instructions, reports, and organizational structures. At the Implementation stage, the patterns used are Wheel Pattern and All Channel Pattern, with new communication media such as WhatsApp as the main tool. At the Monitoring stage, the Wheel Pattern remains dominant, where the leader acts as the center of evaluation in receiving and sending messages. The implication of this research is the important role of structured communication and the use of new media in the management of soldiers' mental development, which can improve the effectiveness of organizational communication and soldiers' performance.

Analisis kedisiplinan guru dalam proses pembelajaran di SMA Negeri 2 Purworejo: Studi Kualitatif

Background: Teacher discipline is one of the important factors that play a role in the success of the learning process in schools. Teachers who are disciplined in carrying out their duties, both in administration, implementation of learning, and evaluation of learning, can create a conducive learning atmosphere and support the achievement of educational goals. Purpose: This study aims to describe (1) the characteristics of teacher discipline in learning administration; (2) the characteristics of teacher discipline in implementing learning; (3) the characteristics of teacher discipline in evaluating learning. Method: This study is descriptive qualitative research and was held at Senior High School 2 Purworejo. The interviewees are principal, vice principals, teachers and students. Method collection data used are observation, deep interview, and documentation. Data analysis was done with the use of analysis technique in site-organized. The triangulation was applied to seek for the data validity. Findings: The results of the study show that: (1) some teachers were still doing minor infringements or violation of the rules whether in related to administration, implementation or evaluation learning. Medium and heavy infringements or violation categories were not found in this study. If it happened, the violator will be given a sanction as a criminal for heavy infringement or in the form of dismissal from the position; (2) The efforts which are undertaken by school for preventing the existence of infringements or violations done by the teachers is doing regulations socialization concerning the implementation of government employee or teachers discipline. Other efforts to do so are holding a teacher coaching periodically and continuously, and do supervision; (3) having high awareness among the teachers in not to do discipline infringement or violation causes the effectiveness in teaching and learning activities (KBM). This achievement is able to increase the teaching and learning quality.

Commodity association’s roles and determinants of farmers’ participation in their climate change adaptation activities in Sierra Leone

ABSTRACT This paper examined the commodity association’s roles and determinants of farmers’ participation in climate change adaptation in Sierra Leone. The three most prominent commodity associations were purposively selected due to membership size and the diversity of services rendered to members, which was followed by random selection of elected leaders to give a sample size of 140. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and subjected to percentages and Probit regression analysis. The results show that the majority of the respondents across the crop, fishery and livestock commodity associations are middle-aged, male, with no formal education, married, high awareness of climate change, high incidence of climate change activities and low socioeconomic status. The use of community radios to present programs on climate adaptation techniques to members across different commodity associations is the most prominent activity (55.67%). Other major prominent climate adaptation activities of commodity associations are community mobilisation (53%), community seed multiplication (52.33%), diversification of livelihoods (50.67%) and workshops (50%). The determinants of participation in community associations’ climate adaptation activities are age, gender, socioeconomic status, education, socioeconomic status, climate change incidence, farming system factors and climate change awareness. The commodity associations are thus enhancing climate adaptation through services and activities to their members.