Frequency Percentages Research Articles

SPECIAL EDUCATION IN THE NEW NORMAL: EMBRACING DISTANCE LEARNING

This study explores the adaptation and challenges in special education during distance learning to develop a comprehensive continuity plan. Participants included three administrators and 15 teachers from special education schools in Cabanatuan City, along with 150 parents during the 2021-2022 school year at Cabanatuan East Central School, Lazaro Francisco Integrated School, and Camp Tinio Elementary School. Using a descriptive research method, the researchers created a questionnaire as the main data collection tool, which was validated for reliability. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing frequency counts and percentages to profile respondents. Weighted mean values were applied to assess adjustments, challenges, and support in special education distance learning. The findings reveal the effective implementation of modified practices in special education, covering instructional, curricular, and administrative areas. Administrators and teachers rated the challenges of executing the special education learning continuity plan as moderately difficult, while parents found them slightly challenging, emphasizing the significant efforts of teachers and administrators in helping parents and students comply with the plan. The researchers recommends a continuity plan designed to benefit administrators, special education teachers and parents with the goal of improving the educational experience for this group. KEYWORDS: Special Education, Distance Learning, Adaptation, Challenges

Financial Literacy of Women: Insights from Fair-Trade Craft Producers, Kathmandu, Nepal

The study emphasized on the critical role of fair-trading practices in promoting women’s economic empowerment in the handicraft sector of Nepal. The aim of this study is to assess the financial literacy of women working in fair trade activities led by Association for Craft Producers. This study anchored on human capital theory. Methodologically the paper looks at the phenomenon objectively and employed scientific methods to generate knowledge. For this, natural data were gathered through administered self-questionnaires from 101 employed women involved in fair-trade economic ventures under association of craft products in Kathmandu valley including home-based and in-house producers. Descriptive statistical tools, such as frequency distribution, tabulation, percentage and diagrams were used for data analysis. The finding indicate that that financial literacy positively affects economic entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, household decision making process, and overall women economic empowerment. This paper has approved the notion of both empowerment and capability approach to development. For women economic empowerment, the supporting key factors such as, entrepreneurship, employment, training, educating, family support, and organizational backing can escalate the financial literacy and economic empowerment. Acquiring the essential skill, training, knowledge, and support in terms of financial issues enable women to meet their socio-economic needs and influx the individual capacity. The finding could be very useful to planners, policy makers, and women centric development practitioners to escalate the financial knowledge and support the women economic empowerment. This study suggests subsequent researchers to conduct similar issues considering longitudinal studies and comparative study between rural and urban areas.

Personal Factors as Predictors of Attitude Towards ICT Utilisation Among Lecturers of Students with Special Needs in Nigeria

Teaching students with special educational needs in higher institutions of learning, through the use of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities and equipment is beneficial to both the students and their lecturers. This study, therefore, investigates the contribution of lecturers’ personal factors (age, teaching experience, area of specialization and educational qualification) to the attitude of lecturers towards the use of ICT in teaching students with special educational needs in higher institutions of learning in Oyo State Nigeria. The descriptive research design was used, while the multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted for the study. There was a purposive selection of two institutions namely, the University of Ibadan and Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria. Using random sampling technique, 80 lecturers were selected from the two institutions. An adapted questionnaire on the attitudes of in-service teachers toward the use of the ICT was adopted for data collection. Data was analysed using frequency counts, percentages and multiple regression statistics. Demographic profiles revealed that the majority of the respondents were aged 44 years and above, highly experienced lecturers, Ph.D holders, special educators and from the non-science disciplines. The joint contribution of personal factors to lecturers’ attitude towards the use of ICT in teaching persons with special educational needs shows a multiple correlation R of 0.147 and a multiple R2 of 0.022. Also, the relative contributions of the independent variables to the dependent variable, expressed as beta weights, reveal: age (β = 0.02), teaching experience (β = 0.10), area of specialization (β = 0.07), and educational qualification (β = 0.03) respectively. The study concluded that the selected demographic variables are not significant predictors of lecturers’ attitude towards the use of ICT in teaching students with special educational needs in higher institutions of learning. It was recommended that all categories of lecturers, notwithstanding their demographics, should be encouraged to acquire more skills in the use of ICT tools for teaching their students with special educational needs and use these skills effectively for enhanced learning outcomes.

Occupational Health Challenges Faced by Farm Women during Brinjal Harvesting in Telangana, India

Aim: The study aimed to assess the drudgery experienced by women farmers during brinjal harvesting, focusing on musculoskeletal challenges, postural risks, and occupational health hazards. It sought to evaluate the ergonomic risks involved and suggest interventions to reduce physical strain. Study Design: The study employed an explanatory research design to analyze the ergonomic challenges and health hazards faced by women during brinjal harvesting. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Kaveliguda village, Shamshabad Mandal, Rangareddy District, Telangana, during the brinjal harvesting season in 2023. Methodology: Thirty farm women engaged in brinjal harvesting were purposively selected as respondents. Data were collected using structured schedules, including self-reported health symptoms, and evaluated using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) for postural analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed through frequency distributions and percentages. Results: The study revealed significant musculoskeletal issues, including pain, stiffness, and cramps in the back, neck, legs, and arms. RULA scores indicated high ergonomic risks, necessitating immediate corrective actions. Minimal use of personal protective equipment (PPE) exposed workers to various occupational hazards. Conclusion: The study concluded that ergonomic interventions, such as improved tools and increased PPE usage, were essential to reducing drudgery, enhancing productivity, and improving the well-being of women farmers.

The Effect of Insecurity on Tourism Activities in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

The tourism sector in Jos, Plateau State, which was once a key driver of economic growth and local development, has experienced a severe decline due to the persistent insecurity in the state. This study examines the effect of insecurity on tourism activities in Jos, Plateau state. The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional survey research design. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected from the total population of 1,260,200 using the Tare Yamane formula. Questionnaires were distributed to 400 randomly selected respondents across Jos North, Jos South, and Jos East LGA. Interviews were also conducted with six key informants to complement the data gathered from the questionnaires. Responses from the questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages while quantitative data were analysed while outlining the key point presented by the key informant. The study revealed that insecurity in Jos has significantly affected tourism activities. Major effects include a decline in foreign investment, widespread unemployment, reduced patronage of tourist centres, and diminished state revenue. Insecurity also deters foreign investors, disrupts livelihoods in the tourism sector, and tarnishes Jos's reputation as a tourist destination. The study recommended that drones and CCTV cameras are examples of advanced technologies that should be used to provide real-time surveillance to identify and discourage criminal activity within the State.

Indigenous languages as predictors of understanding and accepting COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria and South Africa

Indigenous African languages have often suffered neglect in health development campaigns until recently. Considering the multi-faceted effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on different peoples and societies worldwide, this article argues that vaccine campaigns in African settings cannot be impactful if they are not disseminated in the indigenous African languages. The article is hinged on Salawu’s model of indigenous language for development communication, which affirms the connection between language of communication and people’s understanding of the message communicated. The study employed a survey experimental research method. Using the pool sampling technique, both online and offline questionnaires were used to survey the opinions of 191 Nigerian and 114 South African respondents in Lagos and Mafikeng, respectively, about dominant indigenous languages used for COVID-19 vaccine messages, their degree of understanding vaccine messages and their acceptance or rejection of the vaccine messages. Interview sessions were conducted with five purposively selected health communication and media experts to determine the significance of and challenges encountered in the use of indigenous African languages for COVID-19 vaccine campaigns. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools, such as frequency count and percentage, chi-square, percentile and logistic regression; while the qualitative data were thematically analysed. While respondents mostly identified with messages in Yoruba, Igbo, Setswana and isiZulu, a few respondents identified with a combination of languages, although these languages did not influence their acceptance of vaccines.

Price Volatility Mitigation and the Securities Market Financial Performance of Listed Insurance Firms at Nairobi Securities Exchange.

The performance of securities market globally plays an important role in both local and international markets. The high rise of such markets has given an increase in the number or risks associated with firms registered at the stock market. This study therefore sought to examine the effect of price volatility mitigation on the securities market financial performance of listed insurance firms in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design and a quantitative research approach. The target population was 548 staff working in finance, investment, risk, actuarial and operations departments in the six insurance firms listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange. The sample size was determined using Yamane's Formula and stratified random sampling was used in the selection of the sample size. The study made use of both primary and secondary data. The study used a data extraction tool to collect secondary data from the annual reports and financial statements of the insurance companies. The study made use of structured questionnaires to collect primary data. The questionnaires generated quantitative data. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used in analyzing quantitative data with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24) statistical software. Descriptive statistics included frequency distribution, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Inferential data analysis was done using Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. The study found that price volatility mitigation has a positive and significant effect on securities market financial performance of listed insurance firms in Kenya. The study recommends that insurance firms should focus on implementing strategies to effectively manage supply and demand dynamics within the securities market. This includes closely monitoring market trends, analyzing supply-demand imbalances, and adjusting pricing and stock clearance strategies accordingly. By actively managing supply-demand dynamics, firms can mitigate price volatility risks and enhance securities market financial performance

Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of dentinal microcracks in response to progressive taper enlargement in root canals of maxillary molars.

To investigate the development of dentinal microcracks resulting from the progressive enlargement of the buccal canals of maxillary molars with and without the MB2 canal employing instruments with the same tip and four different tapers. Twenty maxillary molars with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) the MB2 canal underwent micro-CT scanning. Their mesiobuccal and distobuccal canals were sequentially enlarged using nickel-titanium instruments with sizes 25/.03, 25/.05, 25/.06 and 25/.08v. Subsequent scans were conducted after each canal enlargement. The preoperative scans were coregistered with their respective datasets, and the cross-sectional images were carefully examined to identify dentinal defects. This process, conducted twice at two-week intervals, involved two examiners. Intra- and inter-examiner calibrations were validated using the Kappa index. The incidence of microcracks was reported as a percentage frequency. The intra- and inter-examiner Kappa values were 0.85 and 0.88, respectively, indicating excellent agreement. Dentinal microcracks were detected in 1206 out of 42 975 cross-sectional image slices (2.8%). Molars with MB2 canal exhibited more slices (4.5%) than teeth without MB2 (0.9%). Every dentinal microcrack observed in the images after root canal preparation was already present in the corresponding images takenbefore root canal preparation. The progressive enlargement of root canals using instruments with different tapers did not induce the formation of new dentinal microcracks in maxillary molars, regardless of the presence of the MB2 canal.

Begging: Poverty or Habit Unraveling Public Perspective from South Punjab

Begging is defined as the intentional act of imploring others to grant favors often in the form of money with minimum or no expectation of reciprocation. Sometimes, they also demand the provision of food, drinks, clothing, cigarettes and many other small items. They often operate in the public places to attract more attention of the common people. Its major types include needy, habitual, and professional beggars. In the modern world, there observe a great increase in the number of beggars that became a concerning point for the common people and governments. However, this study conducts a survey to ask for the opinion of the common citizens to that whether poverty is the main cause of begging or whether it is a habitual behavior that people adopt irrespective of their economic status. After survey, structured questionnaire was developed, encompassing Likert-scale questions designed to gauge public opinions on the causes and consequences of begging in Pakistan. This questionnaire was administered to a sample size of 300 people, covering diverse age groups from different regions of South Punjab. Uni-variate (frequency distribution and percentage and Bivariate analysis (Chi square and Gamma Statistics) was carried out. Huge majority (95.0%) of the respondents were of age 20-25 years; (75.7%) of the respondents were female; (64%) of the respondents were language are saraiki speak;(96%) of the respondents were unmarried;(65.7%) their occupational were selected to (other)..; (82.3%) were education selected to (other..);( 40.0) of the respondents were agreed to individuals facing extreme poverty;(33%) of the respondents were strongly agreed the individuals facing extreme poverty;( 29.3%) of the respondents were agreed to they faced basic necessities such as food; (53.3%)of the respondents were seeking alternative means of income; (35.3%) of the respondents were neutral response rather than a habitual inclination. Bivariate analysis showed highly significant more will be poverty in the community vs more will be begging; More will be employment opportunities in the community vs less will be begging prevalence.

Need for travel health clinic: A cross-sectional study among international travellers availing yellow fever vaccination in a teaching institution

ABSTRACT Background: Traveller’s health is one of the factors determining the success of his or her visit to the destination. The health aspects before, during and after travel are often neglected which may lead to untoward incidences during or after travel. Also, with the increase in national and international travel many emerging and re-emerging diseases are on the rise. This study was conducted to assess the awareness, knowledge and practices of the travellers and to find out the need for travel health clinics. Methodology: A cross-sectional study among adults attending the Outpatient Department of International Travellers vaccination was conducted for 3 months. Data was collected regarding the awareness, knowledge and practices of 216 travellers by using a pre-validated interview schedule. Systematic random sampling was used to select these travellers. Analysis was performed after entering the data in Microsoft Excel and SPSS software wherein frequency percentages were calculated and the association was found between the awareness and felt need for a travel health clinic. Result: The purpose of most of the travellers was job-related, the majority being males. As the study was conducted in a yellow fever vaccination centre majority knew only this as a travel-related preventable disease condition. The awareness regarding travel-related diseases was found to be less and which led to a felt need by the travellers for pre-travel counselling with a doctor. Conclusion: Travel medicine is an emerging area for health care providers and there is a felt need for a travel health clinic with the increase in the domestic as well as international travel.

IMPACT OF TRADITIONAL CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES OF NDIEZE AND UMUADA ON SECURITY IN NGWA CLAN IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

In spite of conflict management strategies adopted by Ndieze and Umuada in Ngwa clan to manage conflicts such as land disputes, inheritance and inter-family quarrels in Ngwa clan are still grossly understudied. Even when the variables were examined, they were not linked to security of people in Ngwa clan. The study examined the conflict management strategies of the Ndieze and Umuada in Ngwa Clan and its relevance security in Abia State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the structural-functional theory in order to understand the Ndieze and Umuada as structures of Ngwa clan and how their functions whether manifest or latent affect security in the clan. The population of the study was 1,911,900 comprising of population of Ndieze, Umuada and residents of Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Osisioma Ngwa, Aba North, Aba South, Obingwa and Ugwunagbo , which are Ngwa settlements. The sample size is 400 determined using Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected using 5-Point Likert Questionnaire and interview guide. While data from questionnaire were analysed using frequency distribution, mean and percentages, data from interview were analysed using thematic content analysis. Finding from the study showed that there is significant relationship between conflict management strategies of the Ndieze and Umuada and relevance for security in Ngwa clan. It was recommended that due to the significant relationship between conflict management strategies of the Ndieze and Umuada and relevance for security in Ngwa clan, conflict management strategies such as banishment, naming and shaming of individuals that committed offence, payment of fines, ex-communication, among others should be largely used by Ndieze and Umuada in ensuring the protection of lives and properties in Ngwa clan. This is because if the individuals who committed crimes are note named and shamed or punished, the level of disputes in the clan would increase with its attendant adverse impact on security in the clan.

Economic Risk Mitigation and the Securities Market Financial Performance of Listed Insurance Firms at Nairobi Securities Exchange.

The performance of the global securities market plays a crucial role in both local and international economies. The rise of these markets has increased the risks associated with firms listed on the stock market. This study aimed to examine the effect of economic risk mitigation on the financial performance of listed insurance firms in Kenya's securities market. A descriptive research design and a quantitative research approach were adopted. The target population consisted of 548 staff members working in finance, investment, risk, actuarial, and operations departments across the six insurance firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The sample size was determined using Yamane's Formula, and stratified random sampling was employed to select the sample. Both primary and secondary data were utilized in this study. Secondary data were collected using a data extraction tool from the annual reports and financial statements of the insurance companies, while structured questionnaires were used to gather primary data. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of SPSS (version 24). Descriptive statistics included frequency distribution, percentages, mean, and standard deviation, while inferential data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. The study found that economic risk mitigation has a positive and significant effect on securities market financial performance of listed insurance firms in Kenya.

Causes of Vulnerability to Disasters in Public Secondary Schools in Nairobi County, Kenya

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in disaster incidents within secondary schools, which significantly disrupts the educational process. These disasters not only result in loss of life and injuries but also lead to damage to school property and extended closures, forcing students to stay away from school for extended recovery periods. Despite the efforts of the Kenyan government and various stakeholders to promote disaster preparedness, schools in Kenya continue to face numerous disasters. Many secondary school students’ encounter daily risks, and often, school authorities, parents and students only take action after a tragedy occurs. This reactive approach hinders effective disaster response and mitigation, highlighting the need for this study. The main objective of this research was to investigate the factors contributing to vulnerability in public secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study aimed to assess the level of disaster preparedness in these schools, employing a descriptive research design. The study was based on Modern Disaster Theory and System Theory. The target population consisted of 73 secondary schools, from which 13 schools were randomly selected for the study. A total of 458 respondents participated in the study, which included 6 quality assurance and standards officers from sub-counties, 3 officials from the Kenya Red Cross, 3 from St. John's Ambulance, 3 fire department officials, 1 representative from the department of disaster management, 13 teachers responsible for quality assurance and standards from selected schools, 13 head teachers, 13 members of the board of management, 13 parent association members, 6 station commanding officers, and 384 students. Key informants were selected using purposive sampling, while students were chosen through stratified random sampling. Data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and observation checklists. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions and percentages and presented in figures and tables. Findings indicated a lack of training and inadequate community awareness regarding disaster preparedness and safety standards. The study concluded that schools were generally unprepared for disasters, and many physical infrastructures were deemed unsafe. Recommendations included regular inspections of school facilities, safety training conducted by qualified personnel, and consideration of each school's capacity when establishing disaster preparedness and safety standards.

Teacher Training in Sexual Education For Primary School Teachers

Objective: To describe the sexual education training of primary school teachers in the Educational Institutions of the municipalities of Albán and San Bernardo, Nariño, Colombia. Theoretical Framework: To understand the context of the research, various definitions regarding the importance of teacher training in sexuality topics are presented to strengthen comprehensive education. Method: The research was developed under the holistic understanding of science, considered descriptive in nature, with a field design and contemporary cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of 86 teachers. Data collection was carried out using a survey technique with a knowledge guide instrument, whose validity index was calculated through expert judgment, yielding a value of 0.74. The reliability of the instrument obtained a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.93. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, specifically the median as a measure of central tendency, as well as absolute and percentage frequency; the data were processed using SPSS21 software. Results and Discussion: The findings revealed that teachers in the institutions have a very low level of training in sexual education, which translates into a lack of knowledge and skills to address sexuality in the classroom. Implications of the Research: It is urgent to implement training programs that prepare teachers to face these challenges. Originality/Value: This research paves the way for formulating educational policies and training processes in sexual education to strengthen sexual education.

Fatigue Detection Based on Blood Volume Pulse Signal and Multi‐Physical Features

ABSTRACTFatigue detection holds paramount importance in the timely identification of safety hazards. Nonetheless, prevailing fatigue detection methodologies often overlook the diverse spectrum of fatigue features or temporal cues. To address this lacuna, we introduce fatigue detection based on blood volume pulse signal and multi‐physical features (FDBVPS‐MF). Initially, a non‐invasive technique is employed to extract the blood volume pulse signal (BVPS) from the forehead region, which is subsequently fed into a one‐dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN) to formulate a fatigue detection model based on BVPS. Concurrently, features such as percentage of eyelid closure (PERCLOS), blink frequency (BF), and maximum closing time (MCT) are computed from eye images, and amalgamated with yawning frequency (YF) derived from mouth images to generate multi‐physical features (MF). MF is then input into the 1D CNN network to construct a fatigue detection model based on MF. Subsequently, employing weights, derived through Adaboosting, a fusion approach is executed to integrate the outputs of the two fatigue detection models, thus facilitating multi‐modal fatigue detection. On the UTA‐RLDD dataset, the proposed FDBVPS‐MF exhibits an accuracy and precision of 88.9% and 88.2%, respectively. Experimental findings substantiate the superior efficacy of FDBVPS‐MF over conventional methodologies.

The Impact of Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment on Employee Turnover Intentions in the Malaysian Manufacturing Industry

One of the primary resources of an organization that can provide a worthy contribution to the achievement of the organization’s strategies is human resources. A significant problem in most manufacturing organizations is the desire to leave. Given this, the objective of this study will be to assess and measure the impact of job satisfaction and organizational commitment on employee turnover intention in the manufacturing sector. Of 200 questionnaires, 179 were filled out by a manufacturing organization (response rate = 89.5%). Demographic profiles were described using frequency count and percentages of the respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted for the analysis of specific data gathered. Regarding inferential statistics, the measure used in the study was the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, which was used to determine the strength of the relationship between dependent and independent variables. According to the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that the independent variable job satisfaction is related to the sub-variable satisfaction with compensation and satisfaction with career development opportunities, which has a low negative correlation with employees' turnover intention. However, no significant relation was found between organizational commitment and the turnover intention of employees within the organization. This research offers valuable information to organizations within the manufacturing industry regarding the factors influencing turnover intention, including job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

An Analysis of the Health Literacy Levels of Students in A Public University's Faculty of Health Sciences

Aim: This study aimed to assess the health literacy levels of students in the Faculty of Health Sciences at a public university and to investigate the relationships and differences between participants' sociodemographic characteristics and their health literacy levels. Methods: The study employed a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational research design. Data were gathered through face-to-face surveys, utilizing a socio-demographic data form and the THLS-32 scale. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS 22.00. Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, percentages, standard deviations, and arithmetic means, were calculated. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to evaluate the normality of data distribution, which revealed a non-normal distribution. As a result, non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U Test and Kruskal-Wallis H Test) were applied. Correlation analyses were performed using Spearman’s Rho coefficient, and statistical significance was evaluated at a 95% confidence interval with a 5% margin of error. Results: The findings indicated that 66.3% of participants exhibited sufficient or excellent health literacy levels. Female students had significantly higher TS-AI perceptions than male students. Health Management (HM) students demonstrated higher health literacy levels compared to Emergency Aid and Disaster Management (EADM) students. The highest literacy levels were observed among final-year students, and students with social security had higher TS perceptions than those without. Conclusion: The study concluded that the health literacy levels of students in the Faculty of Health Sciences were generally high, with significant differences based on gender, department, academic year, and social security status. These findings suggest a need for targeted strategies to improve health literacy, particularly among students in certain departments and those without social security

Assessment of the Dietary Pattern of Mothers on the Nutritional Status of their Under Five Children in Ilorin Metropolis

Malnutrition is a significant contributor to child mortality and morbidity in Nigeria, with poor dietary practices of mothers of under five children being a critical indicator of their nutritional outcomes and health status. This paper reviews studies on the influence of dietary practices on the nutritional status of children in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria. The studies were sourced from various electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Sci-space, and Consensus. The study was conducted in the Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, between February 15th and March 31st, 2024. The research aimed to assess the dietary patterns of mothers of their under five children in the city. The study used a descriptive design and a multistage sampling technique to select 225 children of under-five age. The sample size was determined using the Leslie Kish multistage formula. Data collection tools included self-structured questionnaires, weighing scales for children, and meter rules. The study used SPSS 25.0 windows for data analysis, which was presented using frequency distribution tables, percentages, chi-square, and univariate regression statistical methods. The findings showed that dietary practices by mothers significantly influence the body max index of children (at p<0.05), with undernutrition being more prevalent. Overweight and normal children were the least associated with dietary practices (at p<0.05). The study also found that the dietary practice of children is affected by mothers aged at first birth (at p<0.05), suggesting that mothers aged at first birth can contribute to formulating policies on right dietary practices to enhance nutrition security, especially for young mothers between 18 and 25 years old. The findings provided insights into strategic interventions to enhance dietary practices and eradicate all forms of malnutrition associated with undernutrition in children under five years old.

Sustaining Metro Manila: Management Practices for Peak Performance

The research study investigated the management practices of selected cities in Metro Manila through the specified sub-problems as stated in the study, such as the demographic profile, assessment of management practices, and determination of the significant differences in the assessment of the respondents on the variables mentioned in the research paper. This study was carried out to evaluate and analyze the existing management practices in selected cities of Metro Manila across various dimensions such as planning, human resources, financial management, administration, and monitoring and evaluation, to gather insights from different stakeholders including city administrators, employees, and community members regarding their perceptions and assessments of the management practices in their respective cities, to develop a set of actionable sustainability measures and to assess the proposed sustainability measures for their suitability, acceptability, and feasibility among stakeholders. The paper utilized the descriptive method, and the respondents were the employees and administrators of the selected cities of Metro Manila. Slovin’s formula was used to determine the number of respondents. For each group of respondents, various non-random and random sampling procedures were used, such as Purposive and Simple random techniques. The Frequency Distribution, Percentage formula, Weighted mean and Anova were employed to identify the level of perception of the respondents as shown in the verbal interpretations of the Likert scale survey questionnaire as well as the significant difference in the assessment of the group of respondents on the variables presented in the study. The results or findings of the study manifested the excellent and Very Good ratings in the most variables exhibited in the study. In terms of significant differences in the Suitability, Acceptability and Feasibility, the results showed that there is no significant difference in the responses, but there is a significant difference in the respondents’ perceptions on the Acceptability and Feasibility of the proposed sustainability program. In conclusion, management practices across selected cities in Metro Manila exhibit consistent excellence across various critical areas. Planning, human resource management, financial management, administration, and monitoring and evaluation practices all received outstanding ratings, reflecting effective leadership, strategic oversight, and robust operational frameworks. Administrators demonstrated strong performance across these domains, supported by positive feedback from stakeholders and employees, highlighting broad alignment and support for inclusive and sustainable urban development strategies.

Schools’ Research Operations, Planning and Development: Bases for Policy Enhancement

This study was conducted to determine the schools’ research operations, planning, and development as bases for policy enhancement in the Schools Division of Iloilo for school year 2023-2024. The independent variables included age, sex, length of service, educational attainment, and congressional district, while the dependent variables were schools’ operations, planning, and research development. A total of 385 elementary teachers were selected using Slovin’s formula, and data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including frequency count, percentage, mean, t-test, One-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s r, were employed to interpret the results. Findings indicated that most respondents were young, predominantly female, with substantial lengths of service. Most had a bachelor's degree and across various congressional districts, with the Second Congressional District having the highest representation. The study revealed that teachers rated the level of schools’ research operations as high, research planning as very high, and research development as high. No significant differences were found in assessments based on the teachers' profiles. However, a strong positive correlation was noted between research operations and planning, as well as between planning and development, while the relationship between operations and development was weak and non-significant. These findings underscore the need for policy enhancements that foster collaboration and resource allocation in educational research, ultimately contributing to more effective teaching practices and improved learner outcomes. Implementing targeted policies that address identified gaps can empower teachers and strengthen the overall research framework within schools.