Secondary Sources Research Articles

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND ITS BENEFITS IN THE TEACHING-LEARNING PROCESS

In Brazil, playfulness was implemented in Early Childhood Education as a tool to support teaching after the introduction of Escola Nova, recognizing playing as a component of childhood and human development. Through playfulness in Early Childhood Education it is possible to work on the development of the field of affective, emotional, intellectual, physical and social growth, stimulating activities that focus on the intellectual and emotional development of children. The objective of this study is to build a literature review on the importance of play in the teaching-learning process in Early Childhood Education, discussing its benefits during the educational process. The present study is a bibliographical study, an integrative literature review. Articles published between 2018 and 2023, in Portuguese and English, available in full text, were included. Secondary source data from the public domain was used, that is, the research does not pose any risk, therefore, there was no need to submit it to the Ethics Committee. After careful analysis of the available literature, 07 articles were selected to compose this study. It was observed that the authors argue that it is in childhood that children have a naturally playful interpretation of the world, perceive this demand and develop auxiliary teaching strategies that contribute to the teaching-learning process. In the early years, children tend to learn intuitively, where play can be used in the most different curricular subjects to enhance the teaching-learning process. Thus, this teaching strategy has proven to be successful, as it enables the development of skills that enhance the learning process such as perception, memorization, attention and sensation. In this way, it can be concluded that play is an important strategy for developing education in a dynamic, attractive and effective way. Its numerous benefits in the teaching-learning process highlight the importance of its inclusion in the school space.

Community-Based Tourism and Best Practices with the Sustainable Development Goals

Community-based tourism (CBT) operates on a paradigm of community self-governance wherein traditional communities assume the role of instigators and protagonists in the realm of tourism within their territories. Within this framework, CBT emerges as a means of realizing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) articulated in the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, outlined in 2015. The present study aims to compare three TBC communities with the SDG criteria and their contribution to the 2023 Agenda. To achieve this aim, we employed a methodological approach rooted in case study, leveraging secondary sources and adopting a qualitative methodology. The principal findings underscore that the three scrutinized CBT communities—Tekoá-Pirá, Chã de Jardim, and Amucafé, located in Brazil—directly contribute to the attainment of seven SDGs and indirectly influence two others. As prospective research avenues, we advocate exploring additional initiatives and implementing empirical studies to delve more profoundly into the realities of these communities.

Islamic Faith as an Ethnic Identity Marker: Overview of Sri Lanka Muslim Identity Formation, Politicization, and Violence

Since the late-19th century, for political expediency, the Sri Lankan Muslims have used Islam as a marker of identity difference which has suffered due to the tensions of religious and ethnic identity markers. Unlike Tamils and Sinhalese ethnic groups, Sri Lanka Muslim elites did not choose language as their primary identity marker but sought to differentiate themselves based on the practices and traditions of Islamic faith. These tensions have manifested in several ways, however, following the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, there has been a great strain placed on Muslim representation as questions have been asked as to whether the religious identity has laid the foundations for the radicalization of the Muslims, especially in the wake of global Islamophobia and concerns about security. Therefore, it is important to answer questions related to Islamic identity manifestation in Sri Lanka: What is the role of an Islamic religious identity in radicalizing Sri Lankan Muslims? Why did Sri Lanka become a convenient place for IS’ activities? Did religious identity alone cause the radicalization of some Muslims? This article would attempt to answer these questions by (1) revisiting the Muslim community’s identity formation before the independence, (2) explaining Islamic identity in the post-independence Sri Lanka and the political representation to win votes and mobilize support during the ethnic civil war between Tamils and Sinhalese, and (3) analyzing factors that contributed to the radicalization of Muslims, and Islam. Drawing mostly on secondary sources, the article attempts to situate Sri Lanka Muslims’ identity formation in Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict and reconciliation. Using answers from interviews conducted through Zoom, WeChat, and WhatsApp, the article assesses the behavior of Sri Lanka Muslims in the face of the 2019 terrorist attack by some Muslims. The article finds that religious identity alone is not sufficient to trigger violence, as evidence suggests that underlying socio-economic as well as political grievances produce polarization and radical actions. We argue that long-standing arguments tying radical actions solely to religion may require substantial revision and need to be situated within a wider frame of national reconciliation especially if it does not consider existing contexts.

Cambodia’s aspirations to become a knowledge-based society: Challenges and recommendations

Cambodia aspires to become a knowledge-based society to remain relevant in the context of the global knowledge-based economy. However, it remains uncertain how this aspiration can be realized considering the low quality of the country’s education system. Drawing on secondary sources, this article aims to shed light on Cambodia’s aspirations for a knowledge-based society. The article begins by defining the term “knowledge-based society” before providing an overview of the Cambodian education system and discussing key challenges that limit Cambodia’s ability to realize its vision to become a knowledge society. Key challenges were related to low higher education enrollment, a shortage of educational staff with doctoral degrees, a weak innovation capacity, and other critical challenges such as low academic salaries, a lack of clear academic career pathways, limited research funding, and limited knowledge about research. The article provides a set of recommendations that concerned stakeholders should consider to improve the quality of the Cambodian education system and support the country to achieve its goal in developing into a knowledge-based society. It concludes with suggestions for future research to generate new knowledge about Cambodia—a context underrepresented in international literature.

Reflections on Chiefs as Ex Officio Members of the Land Boards, Botswana

The government of Botswana enacted the Tribal Land Act in 1968, which created statutory land boards in 1970. They replaced dikgosi (chiefs) from the administration of tribal land. However, from 1970 to 1984, dikgosi wielded considerable power in these five to six member boards then, as the only ex officio members. They had the legal authority to appoint one member, of their choice, to the land board. In most instances, the kgosi (chief), or his appointee, became the board’s chair and influenced its decisions. The Tribal Land (Amendment of Schedule) Order of 1984 introduced a major change by removing dikgosi’s powers to appoint anyone to the land board. It introduced the democratic elections of members of the land boards by communities. However, this has since been discontinued also in favour of the controversial ‘direct’ appointment by the Minister. Dikgosi remain ceremonial ex officio members of the land boards, with no voting rights, a situation they strongly abhor. This article critically analyses the status and role of dikgosi as ex officio members of the land boards within the framework of the Tribal Land Act since 1968. It also draws from other relevant legislations, secondary sources, and the views of some former land board members.

Evading Race: A Critical Race Analysis of Vocational/Career and Technical Education Policy

Using critical race theory (CRT) as both our theory and analytical framework, we interrogated vocational, career, and technical education (VCTE) policy as a racial instrument. We applied key CRT themes to examine both primary sources; including historical and contemporary VCTE Acts (e.g., Perkins I-V) and Congressional reports; and secondary sources, including academic analyses of VCTE, its history, and related legislation. Findings demonstrate that VCTE policy upholds race-neutrality, which we argue is problematic because without being designated a special population, racially oppressed students stand to miss out on important funding opportunities that could dramatically alter and improve their lives.

The Unified Health System as a strategic instrument of state public policy for national development and its challenges

Considering the peculiarities of the health conditions of the Brazilian population and the need for better access to public services, this article makes a study on the importance of public health policy, materialized by the Unified Health System (SUS), as a strategic item for the development of the Country and for the configuration of territorial space, from the perspective of acting as a Strategic State, even under a strong context of fiscal restrictions. To this end, a bibliographic and documentary research methodology will be used, using qualitative and quantitative secondary data sources, understanding the theme, concepts and relevant theories. Health inequalities are discussed as a global and national issue to be considered and addressed; the factors of health demand and supply and their relationships with the territorial configuration and socioeconomic development to be considered in the definition of national health policy. It also discusses the current organization of the SUS and the difficulties in implementing its principles of universality and integrality, understanding obstacles faced by the SUS and their consequences, its financing and the impact of fiscal austerity. As a result and main conclusion, we have the understanding that public health and its potential have been neglected over the years, however, it should be seen by society and the government as a strategic policy because it is a factor that, in addition to ensuring health itself dictated and for the well-being of individuals, it conditions development and regional dynamics itself, with potential impact on income, employment, investments and innovations and even on the configuration of urban-rural territorial space. Furthermore, the SUS demonstrates that it lacks greater cohesion of social and political forces, which must be more aware and mobilized, for its defense and the achievements of Public Health.

Shaping brand attitudes through sustainability practices: a TSR approach

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the conditional relationships among sustainability implementation, brand awareness, brand attitude and brand loyalty through the lens of transformative service research (TSR). The research also aims to explain how brand loyalty moderates the mediated effect of brand awareness and attitude in the context of social and environmental sustainability initiatives.Design/methodology/approachUsing both primary and secondary data sources from 31 prominent service companies and their 6,891 customers, this paper investigates the impact of sustainability practices and brand awareness on customer attitude. The paper also examines the moderated mediation effect of brand loyalty, explaining how it alters brand attitudes in the context of sustainability implementation. Finally, the study conducts a comparative analysis of how environmental and social shape brand attitudes in loyal customers.FindingsSustainability implementation has a negative impact on both brand awareness and customer attitude. However, this negative influence is mitigated for highly brand-loyal customers, resulting in a positive brand attitude. Further, the comparative analysis reveals that social implementation positively influences brand attitude in high-loyalty contexts.Research limitations/implicationsThis research uses subjective judgments of researchers regarding companies’ sustainability practices, combining them with customer attitudes gathered through survey questionnaires. Additionally, the data set comprises data from 31 large service companies, potentially limiting the generalizability of findings to large service companies. Nevertheless, this paper extends TSR into the realm of sustainability and branding.Practical implicationsThe positive outcomes of sustainability implementation practices are most pronounced when customer loyalty toward a brand is strong. Social implementation has a more potent effect on brand attitude, particularly among loyal customers. Companies can tailor their sustainability efforts more effectively.Originality/valueWith the lens of TSR, this research deepens our understanding of how sustainability affects consumer psychology but also offers a methodological advancement by using advanced statistical models and a variety of data sources. The distinctiveness of this research is also highlighted in the examination of how environmental and social sustainability initiatives influence brand attitude, especially among customers who exhibit strong brand loyalty.

Infrastructural Development and Neo-Colonialism in Africa: The Case of the Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya

Abstract The paper argues that funding and development of mega projects in Africa is the new way through which neo-colonialism is manifesting itself. Development partners are increasingly using infrastructural development aid as the means to continue exploiting and dominating Africa’s political economy. Using the Chinese funded Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya as a case study, the paper confirms that to some extent infrastructural development projects are replicating colonial structures. The role of foreign funding, multinational corporations, and co-option of elites provides neo-colonial anxieties. However, through sensitivity to Africa’s mounting external debt, and its policy on shared prosperity, China demonstrates that not all its activities on the continent have neo-colonial characteristics. It renegotiates loan repayment, converts loans to grants, and withholds loans to assessed recipient’s abilities to repay. The concept of neo-colonialism provides a framework through which to analyze externally funded development projects in Africa. The study analyzed secondary sources of data.

Effect of Safety and Health Planning on Performance of Construction Firm in Anambra State

The study examined effect of safety and health planning on performance of construction firm in Anambra state. The objectives were to; Assess the effect of safety planning on performance of construction firms in Anambra State; Determine the effect of health planning on performance of construction firms in Anambra State; Investigate the degree to which training programes affect performance of construction firms Anambra State. The study adopted survey research, data were generated from primary and secondary sources. The method for data collection was questionnaire which was administered randomly among the staff of the selected firms. The population of the study was 1486, The sample size of the study was two hundred and eighty-six (286). While two hundred and seventy-six (276) were retrieved. The hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis method at 0.05% level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that, Safety planning significantly improves the performance of Anambra State's construction companies. Health planning has no appreciable beneficial impact on Anambra State's construction companies' performance. safety training programs significantly improve the performance of Anambra State's construction companies. The study concluded from its findings that safety and health planning has significant positive effect on performance of construction firm in Anambra state. The study recommended that Employees should be held accountable for their own actions, and managers should be held accountable for the safety performance of their companies. There must always be backup medical staff on hand at construction sites in case of emergencies. In order to prepare their workers to handle accidents on building sites, management of construction companies should make it a priority to periodically assign safety training personnel.

Agrarian Distress and Indebtedness Among Rural Agricultural Households in Uttar Pradesh

Agriculture is the largest sector of the Indian economy in terms of population dependent on it, where more than 85% of farmers belong to small and marginal categories. In India, agriculture has made commendable progress after the Green Revolution, and with a spectacular rise, the country has become self-sufficient in the case of most of the farm products. Despite it, farmers continued to languish in poverty. As time passes, farming has become less remunerative for most of the farming community, which has led to increasing debt and overall distress. Along with this, the consistent crop failure, coupled with the high cost and vagaries of the market, have made life worse for them. According to the latest data released by ‘National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on December 4, 2023, there were 11,290 suicide cases reported by farmers from across the country during 2022, with an increase of 3.7% from 2021. In India, more than half of farmers were in debt and as per NCRB data, there were 7034 farmers’ suicide cases due to indebtedness in 2022. Moreover, the state of Uttar Pradesh saw the highest increase in the number of suicides among all states, with a 42.13% rise when compared with 2021. In this context, the present paper examines agrarian distress and suicide among farmers in the country as well as in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The study, primarily based on secondary sources, tries to explore the underlying reasons for rural indebtedness or bankruptcies, whether it is natural, institutional, social, financial, or government policy-led. The paper also suggests some possible solutions, both short-term and medium-term, including coverage of all crops under Minimum Support Price (MSP); improvement of rural credit delivery system through institutional credit agencies; crop insurance coverage; and provision of input subsidies that can mitigate the agrarian distress among farmers.

A Critical Appraisal of the International and National Legal Framework on Climate Change


 
 
 The decade starting from 2010-2020 was recorded the warmest decade in the history. The new principles such as Climate litigation, climate justice, climate legislation have been catapulted to the forefront of the environmental litigation and environmental laws. As per the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) the human activities is the substantial cause for increasing of Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which would results in additional warming of the earth‘s surface and the atmosphere and also may adversely affect the natural eco system and human kind. Article 2 of the UNFCCC defines climate change as, a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods. Changes in the physical environment or biota resulting from climate change which have significant deleterious effects on the composition, resilience or productivity of natural and managed ecosystems or on the operation of socio-economic systems or on human health and welfare are the effects of climate change. As a matter of fact climate change is the direct result of global warming and the emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere has escalated the earth‘s temperature level. The Resolution adopted by the General Assembly which includes 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development urges States to take urgent action to combat climate. UNFCC, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement constitute the international legal regime that deals with climate change. These were the results of entering into international consensus in the aim of reducing the greenhouse emission and thereby to effectively handle the climate change impacts. The objective of the paper is centered on the appraisal of the international and national legal framework that have been enacted to curb the climate change. To this end the research paper employs a qualitative methodology. Conventions, Resolutions adopted by the United Nations, legislations such as National Environment Act, Fauna and Flora Act, Coastal Conservation Act etc , policies and regulations, case laws from foreign jurisdiction are utilized as primary sources and the scholarly articles, journals, peer reviewed articles are utilized as secondary sources. The findings of the paper emphasizes that the synergy between the international and national legislations should be strengthen if the legislature is to find prolific solutions to this complex issue. Finally the paper concludes that it must be taken into consideration that if all States are to combat this unprecedented crisis, no instrument can be ignored.
 Keywords: Climate change, Climate litigation, Environment, Global warming, Sustainable development
 
 

Climate Injustice in Sri Lanka through the Lens of Flooding Events


 
 
 Climate change is an issue of social justice as much as it is an issue of the environment. The impacts of climate change induced disasters are known to be felt disproportionately by those in the low socio-economic status. Against this backdrop, this paper investigates flood disasters in the light of climate injustice and the impacts on the socio-economic rights of affected communities in the Gampaha district. The present study used a cross-sectional study design with qualitative data from key informant interviews and quantitative data from secondary sources and primary data from a questionnaire-based survey in 200 households in the most affected Grama Niladhari Divisions of Wattala and Kelaniya Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs). Receipt of Samurdhi relief was considered to represent the low socio-economic status. The study mobilized the disaster risk assessment factors and the findings revealed that those of low socio-economic status were of a significantly higher risk (Chi squared test, p<0.05) to flooding in terms of proximity to flooding source, structural vulnerability of housing, poor coping up ability, limited risk reduction measures and lack of opportunities to build resilience. Consequently, a significantly higher proportion (Chi squared test, p<0.05) of those of low socio-economic status were found to have faced difficulties in enjoying the aspects of the right to standard of living namely, right to health, water, food and adequate housing. In conclusion, floods have resulted in an injustice to those of low socio-economic status due to their disproportionately higher risk to flooding and the resultant impact on the full enjoyment of their socio-economic rights.
 
 
 
 
 
 Keywords: Climate change, Climate injustice, Floods, Socio-economic rights, Low socio-economic status
 
 
 

‘Normalizing Informality’ in Local–Transnational Spaces: Contraband, Conflict and Street Trade in Eastern Ethiopia

Informality arguably remains the main source of employment and income for most participants in the cities of the Global South. It is rampant in cities along national borders and transport routes. This paper discusses the ‘normality of informality’, exploring the nexus between contraband, conflict and informal cross-border trade in a local–transnational space, drawing from Dire Dawa in eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected through key informants and in-depth interviews in 2015/2016 and 2019. This study also benefitted from secondary sources. Since its establishment in 1902, the city has become a major hub of commerce, industry, transportation, and cross-border trade. Combining the literature on the informal economy and cross-border trade and drawing on evidence from eastern Ethiopia, this study explores how trade is deeply embedded in local–transnational interactions through partnerships between state and non-state actors. This study argues that informal cross-border trade is a societal mode of provisioning with extensive livelihood opportunities that survive even through periods of conflict and repression. Thus, reducing the vulnerability of participants in informal cross-border trade could be a more effective policy target than eradicating them.

Reliability of industrial policies in Nepal: An empirical investigation into the role of macroeconomic indicators

This study aims to analyze the reliability of Nepal’s industrial policies, focusing on the effects of macroeconomic variables on implementation and outcomes. This paper assesses Nepal’s industrial policies, emphasizing the need for improvements, export promotion, and human capital development while recognizing the importance of strategic planning and context-specific approaches for economic growth, stability, and development. The analytical and descriptive approaches have been applied to analyze the data by collecting secondary data sources that include official publications, which encompass 47 time series variables from 1974 to 2020. The findings provide mixed evidence for the economic impacts of liberalization, with exports and liberalization driving overall GDP growth. In contrast, other factors like economic openness, tourism, and their relationship with industrial GDP remain statistically insignificant. The paper indicates that remittances and investment have the most substantial impact on GDP, raising it by 1.86 and 1.21 units per unit increase, respectively. Exports have a moderate impact on industrial GDP (0.403 units). Export-oriented industries and tourism lack significant associations with either type of GDP. Liberalization significantly boosted both GDP and industrial GDP, with an increase of 179465.3 and 49595.62 units, respectively. Imports also jumped post-liberalization, driven by higher remittances as 1.215 units per unit increase. This study on industrial policies in developing economies, focusing on Nepal, adds valuable insights. The findings can ensure policymaking, boost economic growth, and strengthen Nepal’s industrial sector.

The challenges of community policing in maintaining community security: the case of Harar City, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The adoption of community policing was expected to bring a paradigm shift in preventing crime and disorder. However, regardless of the practice of community policing as a strategy to maintain public security, the programme faces several challenges that hinder its proper implementation. The purpose of this article is to examine the challenges of community policing implementation in Harar City, Ethiopia. This article employed a qualitative research approach with a grounded theory design. The article used both primary and secondary data sources and the study participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using key informant interviewees, focus group discussions, non-participant observation, and document analysis. The thematic analysis method was applied during the data analysis process. The study revealed that conceptual and practical, institutional, infrastructural challenges and political constraints derived from the community, the police organisation, and the government agencies limit the successful practices of community policing for maintaining public security in the study area. It is, therefore, recommended that the community, police organisation, government agencies, and other stakeholders have to coordinate and collaborate to alleviate or at least minimise the challenges of community-based policing in Harar City.

A Comprehensive Overview of Early Childhood Care and Education: Policies and Schemes

The present review aimed to explore Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) from the perspective of different policies and schemes in India. India implements various policies and schemes for early childhood education (ECCE), including NEP 2020, NPE 1986, and NCF 2005, ICDS, National ECCE Policy, NPAC 2016, SDG 4 which recommend various aspects of early education. These recommendations are significant for ECCE development. ECCE refers to different types of programs that support a child's physical, mental and social development from birth to approximately age 7 or 8. The ECCE programme is very significant because it is the basis for the future development of children. Like many other countries, in India, many policies and schemes are available for ECCE. The study is qualitative in nature, utilizing secondary data sources such as books, journals, research articles, websites, newspapers, and government publications. It aims to examine the policy provisions and their impact on improving education at the pre-school level and school education.

Elephant Based Volunteer Tourism in Sri Lanka (On the Perception of Volunteer Service Providers and Volunteer Participants in Elephant Related Activities)


 
 
 Volunteer tourism is an emerging sector of modern tourism. Elephant based volunteering activities, which means activities related to conservation and protection of animal rights and welfare related to elephants, plays a contemporary role among them, that perceive the aspect of animal conservation and preservation while also promoting tourism which describes both well-being of the elephants and tourism markets. This study is a collaboration to depict these types of contemplating the current profile of elephant-related activities and volunteer tourism in Sri Lanka, while creating and promoting a niche market for elephant-based volunteer tourism that would guide to identify and understand volunteer service providers and volunteer participant‘s perspective of captive and non- captive elephant welfare. The researcher has selected Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Wasgamuwa National Park, Hurulu Eco Park and Minneriya Forest Reserve as the research sites for the study. The population of the study is consisted with all the participants of elephant-based volunteer programs and volunteer service providers related to the elephant related activities of Sri Lanka. As the sample the researcher selected 30 participants who they are both volunteer service providers and volunteer participants from the areas of selected research sites. For selecting the sample, the researcher adopted purposive sampling technique. Qualitative method is adopted for the study and structured interviews were used as primary data resource, while journal articles, research papers, books and online sources were used as secondary data sources and thematic analysis method was utilized in analyzing the data. According to the findings the elephants are using in entertainment purposes which are; elephant back riding, elephant shows, perahara events, elephant seeing safaris, elephant based souvenirs and products and photography. As the data analysis the short comings in elephant-based tourism are lack of awareness about the concepts throughout the country, lack of government involvement and unavailability of strict legal structure, lack of consideration about the animal welfare by the respective organizations and restriction of animal freedom. Major opportunities generated by the elephant-based volunteering activities includes generation of good income through the tourism industry and volunteering is a major tool of self-improvement. When searching for the challenges in promoting elephant-based volunteering activities the following are identified; language barriers, unacceptable human behavior and attitudes, monetary constraints and improper uses of private tour operators. When discussing about promoting elephant-based volunteering activities, based on the research it can be suggested to use social media for promoting, holding awareness programs in forest areas as well as in urban areas, conducting collaborative research studies and taking measures to alter the attitudes of people.
 
 
 
 
 Keywords: Volunteer tourism, Elephant-based tourism, Animal welfare, Volunteer service providers
 
 
 
 
 
 

Investigation of the Use of Drones by Construction Professionals in Addressing Built Environment Tasks

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also called a drone, has been gaining attention globally to solve different tasks. The aim of this study is to assess the awareness and level of adoption of these types of drones by building professionals and the factors limiting their use in the built environment. The study was carried out in Lagos State, in the southwestern part of Nigeria. Data for this research were collected from primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was obtained by administering a questionnaire to the selected building industry professionals, and the collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results showed that structure inspection and photography are the most rated features of drones in addressing built environment tasks, with a mean score (MS) of 4.50, and security surveillance (MS = 3.86) is the least important feature. The level of adoption of drones in addressing built environment tasks was assessed among the professionals, and the results showed that the practice of an emergency response plan and a health and safety plan to reduce the risk of harm and ensure safety on site is considered to be the most important task. The study found that the fixed-wing hybrid drone with an MS of 1.97 is the most commonly used drone type. Lastly, the study showed that lack of public awareness (MS = 4.81) is rated as the most significant factor that limits its use. Few professionals have practically used drones to solve tasks faced in the building industry. Thus, there is a need to further sensitize built environment professionals to the benefits associated with its wider adoption and applications. Also, the importance of drones and their associated managerial and practical implications in solving relevant built environment tasks can be initiated by deepening their relevance in the curriculum of building industry programs at the professional and academic levels.

Portrayal of Autism Spectrum disorder and its treatments in Qatar's leading newspapers: A content analysis study

BackgroundThe public cultivates thoughts, perceptions, and beliefs through media. Research has revealed that the media has a significant contribution to the publics’ negative perceptions and stigma surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, there are limited studies on the portrayal of ASD in Qatar's printed media. MethodThe current study explored the portrayal of ASD in six leading Qatari newspapers through retrospective content analysis of articles published between 27/08/2019 and 26/09/2020. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods were used to assess the extent and format of ASD-related articles as well as the discourse tone and thematic representation. Treatments were evaluated for their level of evidence through comparison with a combination of primary, secondary, and tertiary literature. ResultsA total of 178 ASD-related articles (88 in English and 90 in Arabic) were analyzed. The majority of these articles were displayed with minimal or no distinguishable features from articles about other topics, and placed in the middle of the newspaper or in the supplement section. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of a stigmatizing tone in ASD articles written in both Arabic and English newspapers. Treatments reported were mostly evidence based, with some articles mentioning interventions without sufficient support from reputable guidelines. ConclusionsThere is much room for improvement in regards to portrayal of ASD in Qatari newspapers; in particular to emphasize on de-stigmatizing language, to promote reporting on the living experience of people with ASD, and to ensure accurate treatment-related information is provided.