Statistical Package For Social Sciences Research Articles

Teachers’ Stress Level as a Correlate of Deviant Behaviours among Form Two Students in Machakos County, Kenya

Deviant behaviors among secondary school learners have continued to be a global issue and Machakos County is not exceptional. There are limited Studies showing the relationship between teacher level of stress and students’ deviant behaviors. This study was designed with the aim of exploring whether students’ tendency to engage in deviant behaviors is related to teacher levels of stress. The Cultural Deviance theory by Shaw and Mckay which views deviant behavior as a result of escape from freedom was used. The researcher used a correlational research design. The target population was 53 public secondary schools with 280 teachers. The study’s locale as well as the targeted schools were purposively selected. The sample from which data was gathered comprised of 160 teachers. The number of participants in each school was sampled proportionately. Stratified sampling technique helped in grouping the schools into distinct categories from which sample size was drawn from. The questionnaire which the researcher adapted from an existing instrument was filled to yield the data for the research. Piloting was done before the main data collection exercise to ascertain the validity of the adapted tool and enable testing the appropriateness of the data analysis technique. Quantitative data was analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (Version26). Pearson product moment correlation was applied to test the null hypothesis. The study found out that the higher the levels of teacher’s stress the higher the student’s deviant behavior and the lower the levels of the teacher stress the lower the student’s deviant behavior (152) =.49, p=00. The study concluded that teachers’ gender and working experiences were not significant predictors of students’ deviant behavior. The R Square value indicated that the predictor variable (teacher level of stress) accounted for about 53% of the total variance in students’ deviant behavior. The study recommended that there was need to effectively implement teacher performance, appraisal, and development fully and facilitate capacity building to ensure that the teachers’ efficacy skills were improved to reduce students’ deviant behavior in secondary schools.

Factors influencing managerial challenges for smallholder and emerging sheep and goat farmers in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, Free State Province, South Africa

This study aimed to identify and analyse the determinants of managerial challenges for smallholder and emerging sheep and goat farmers in the study area by highlighting key factors in order to create an enabling environment for the farmers to improve production and income. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 145 participants from a pull sampling frame of 251 participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data by interviewing 145 selected smallholder farmers. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 28.0, was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics and the probit regression model were used to analyse the determinants of the managerial challenges for smallholder and emerging sheep and goat farmers. The results of the study show that only 19% of the participants had business plans, and the absence of business plans impacted farm and livestock management negatively. The probit results indicated that the age of the respondents, off-farm activities, and access to market information had a positive and significant association with managerial challenges. It is recommended that youth and women be encouraged to engage in sheep and goat farming for better management and that farmers must focus their attention on livestock farming instead of off-farm income-generating activities. The Department of Agriculture and municipalities should initiate extension programs that focus on farm and livestock management as well as access to market information.

Psychological Effects Arising from Weak Erection Among males in South-South Nigeria

Weak erection among male are on the increased and caused psychological trauma to male and also to their female counterpart who could not get satisfaction from their partners during sexual intercourse and it is a disturbing act Majority of the males facing weak erection pass through several degrees of psychological trauma that have affected their biopsychological system including their cognitive response. The aim of the study is to evaluate The Psychological Effects Arising from Weak Erection Among males in South-South, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving 480 males who were within the age of 18 to 47 years. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to participants. Each participant had one questionnaire to fill appropriately and independently after instructions were given to them by the Research Assistants. The study lasted for a period of 3 months. The results of this study showed that participants faced varieties of psychological complications due to erectile dysfunction and these include depression (83.3%), shame (83.3%), isolation (60.4%), negative self-esteem (83.3%), (2.08%) said they could not approach ladies of their choice, (83.3%) felt embarrassed, (79.2%) thought deeply and (72.92%) said they could not coordinate themselves. The statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.

Profiling intimate partner violence in booked pregnant women at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki and associated puerperal depressive sequelae: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy is a physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm by a current or former partner or spouse on a pregnant woman. It is a global public health problem that is common but underreported. Women are at increased risk of psychiatric illness in pregnancy and after delivery with the risk of major depressive disorder being highest during the postpartum period. Intimate partner violence in pregnancy may worsen this problem.ObjectivesThe objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy, incidence of postpartum depression and the relationship between intimate partner violence, delivery outcomes and postpartum depression among booked pregnant women at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, Nigeria (AEFUTHA).Study designThis study was a prospective cohort study.SettingThe antenatal clinic, antenatal ward, labour ward, postpartum clinic and under five clinic of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, Nigeria were used for the study.Method One hundred and thirty-seven booked pregnant women that received antenatal care at AEFUTHA who met the inclusion criteria and consented to the study, were recruited from 37 weeks to 41 weeks gestation and screened for intimate partner violence and depression. Those with depression were referred for treatment while those that met the inclusion criteria were followed up to delivery and the delivery outcomes documented. They were also followed up to six weeks postpartum when they were screened for postpartum depression. Data were collated, tabulated and then statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software (version 25, Chicago II, USA). Numerical variables including participant’s age, parity and gestational age were presented as mean, median, frequencies and standard deviation (Mean ± S.D), while categorical variables including occupation, level of education, social class and family type were presented as numbers and percentages. Chi-square test (X2) and relative risk was used for comparison between groups for categorical variables while Fisher’s exact test was used when Chi-square test (X2) was not suitable. Binary regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between intimate partner violence and postpartum depression. A P value of ˂0.05 is considered statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of intimate partner violence was 52.6%, as 72 out of the 137 women recruited endured intimate partner violence. The major risk factors for intimate partner violence in the study were low level of education, low social class, polygamy and unemployment. The general incidence of postpartum depression was 29.93% while the incidence among women with intimate partner violence was 56.94%. Women with emotional violence and verbal abuse had a five-fold increase in the incidence of postpartum depression. Sexual violence and physical violence were not statistically significant risk factors for postpartum depression.ConclusionIntimate partner violence is common as seen from the study. It is a significant risk factor for postpartum depression. Women that are emotionally and verbal abused are more likely to have postpartum depression. Screening pregnant women for intimate violence may identify those at risk and allow for proper interventions.

Entrepreneurial resources and the well-being of women entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry of Uganda

Purpose The purpose of this study is to establish whether all the dimensions of entrepreneurial resources matter in fostering the well-being of women entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach An explanatory research design was used to collect data through a questionnaire survey of 283 women entrepreneurs who benefited from the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP). This study used Statistical Package for Social Sciences to analyze the data. Findings Study results show that social and human capital matter unlike financial capital in boosting the well-being of women entrepreneurs. Originality/value This study provides maiden empirical evidence on contribution of entrepreneurial resource dimensions in fostering the well-being of women entrepreneurs, unlike extant studies that mostly focused on entrepreneurial resources as a global variable. This was done using evidence from Uganda, a developing context where the government and other stakeholders are still grappling with improving the well-being of women as a pathway for social-economic development.

Crime and Criminal Typology Independent Role Toward Tourism Support and the Intervening Position of Emotional Solidarity with Tourists

The The study explains the mediating relationship of emotional solidarity between crime, criminal typology, and tourism support among North-West tourist destinations of Swat, Pakistan. Crime has elevated among different tourist destinations, and community individuals do not support tourists visiting them. Crime rates are likely to have an adverse reputational impact on tourists’ tourism support and diminish the inclination of tourists to return. A quantitative research approach was used, and (n=398) respondents were consulted randomly through a questionnaire. Statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS V-21) and structural equation modeling (SEM-AMOS V-21) were used to analyze the data. The predictive result revealed that crime significantly decreases emotional solidarity and tourism support. For instance, criminal typology also has an inverse relationship with emotional solidarity and tourism support. Emotional solidarity has a negative intervening effect between crime, criminal typology, and tourism support. The study puts forward a conclusion to policymakers that criminal activities and crime can decrease emotional solidarity and tourism support in different destinations. The research suggested that crime should be overcome to sustain visitor intentions, and that community should support tourists.

Influence of Parental Attitudes Towards Girls Regular School Attendance in Public Secondary Schools in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

The study was designed to examine the factors influencing parental attitudes towards girls' regular school attendance in public secondary schools in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. The study was guided by feminism theory based on the framework of gender relations. The study employed descriptive research design. Purposive sampling and simple random were used to determine the sample size from the target population for the study. The content validity of instruments was assured while reliability of the data collection tool was tested using Cronbach coefficient correlation for consistence. Internal consistence of items in the questionnaire was established at r=0.871. The quantitative data was analyzed by using descriptive statistical through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25. While qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study revealed that, lack of parental attention on their daughters’ education at home, early pregnancy and or marriages, cultural dance such as “vigodoro”, household chores and activities, tendencies of parents not to encourage girl-child education, poor parent’s education and security concern for girls were the major factors that hindered girls from attending school regularly. The study also found that, other factors apart from the socio-cultural factors included, level of the education of parents, parents’ occupation, missing parents, negative attitudes on girls’ education and long distance to school played a significant role in hindering girls from attending school regularly. The study proposed several remedial measures such as construct of girls’ hostel, establishment and or promoting gender equality policies and enhancing girls’ educational opportunities be put in place to facilitate girls’ regular school attendance. It was recommended that, advocating for the policy reforms to support gender equity in education, revising the current policy of fee-free education to be relevant with parent’s economic status and creating supportive school environments would support female students regular school attendance. Community engagement and the awareness campaigns could shift societal attitudes and foster parental support for girls' education. It was concluded that, addressing the socio-cultural factors and economic barriers is crucial for ensuring equitable access to education for girls in public secondary schools

Demographic Influences on Suicide Attempts: A Study of Age, Gender, Socioeconomic Status and Profession

Introduction: Suicide remains a significant public health concern globally, with its prevalence reflecting complex interactions among various factors such as age, gender, socio-economic status, and profession. This study aimed to assess the patterns of suicide attempts, focusing on age, gender, socio-economic status, and profession. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of psychiatry, Sheikh Hasina Medical college, Jamalpur, Bangladesh during the period from January 2018 to December 2018. All patients with suicide attempts admitted in the different wards of Community-Based Medical College, Mymensingh, and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected as a sample for the study. A total of 90 patients were selected as study subjects by purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was done by SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 20. Result: The study revealed that the majority of suicide attempts occurred in the 21-30 years age group (52%), with middle-class individuals contributing the highest number (47.8%) of attempts. Unmarried individuals, particularly females, had the most attempts (58%), while students accounted for the largest percentage of suicide attempts by profession (38%), primarily in the 11-21 years age group. Rural residents had more attempts (70%) compared to urban residents (30%), and individuals from joint families (66%) were more likely to attempt suicide than those from nuclear families (34%). Conclusion: Young adults (21-30 years) and adolescents (11-21 years) are the most vulnerable age groups, with suicide attempts being notably higher among unmarried individuals and those from middle socio-economic backgrounds. Females exhibit a higher rate of attempts than males, especially among the unmarried. Professionally, students and unemployed individuals are particularly at risk.

The Influence of Zakat Assistance on Academic Achievement Among University Students in Malaysia and Indonesia: A Pilot Study

It is well known that knowledge and education are the best solutions to abolish the Asnaf people from poverty. As a result, zakat institutions actively play an essential role in distributing zakat funds through educational assistance to the asnaf groups in Malaysia and Indonesia. This measure ensures that the asnaf groups receive educational opportunities and succeed like others. Dropping out of studies due to failure to pay tuition fees is among the issues that are often reported in most past studies. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify and analyze the influence of zakat assistance on the academic achievement of students at Universiti Teknologi MARA Terengganu Branch, Malaysia (UiTMCT) and Universitas Sains Al-Qur'an, Indonesia (UNSIQ). This study also provides recommendations to empower zakat assistance at UiTMCT and UNSIQ. This study used a quantitative research method involving data collection by distributing questionnaires to 54 students at UiTMCT and UNSIQ. The findings were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software (version 24). The t-test results showed a significant difference in academic performance and governance between UiTMCT and UNSIQ, with a p-value of less than 0.05. This study is anticipated to provide insight to the community on the efforts to empower zakat institutions to assist asnaf fisabilillah in higher education institutions (IPTs) in Malaysia and Indonesia.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF MONGREL RABBIT BUCKS FED DIETARY LEVELS OF GARLIC (ALLUM SATIVUM) MEAL

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of garlic meal supplementation on growth performance and semen characteristics in rabbit bucks. Twenty-four (24) mixed breed rabbit bucks were used for this study. The bucks were allowed to acclimatize for two weeks before the commencement of the study, during this period, they were fed formulated diet and Calopogonium ad-libitum. Feed and clean drinking water were offered ad libitum to the experimental animals. Four different experimental diets were formulated with varying levels of 0.00, 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50% garlic meal as supplement and were coded as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, with as control. The 24 bucks were weighed and randomly allotted into the four experimental treatments and replicated thrice with two rabbit bucks per replicate in a complete randomized design (CRD) for a period of 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, semen collection was done using a specially designed artificial vagina for rabbits. The data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21. The result showed that garlic meal had significant effect (P<0.05) on final weight, total and daily feed intake. Garlic significantly influenced (p<0.05) sperm volume, motility, concentration and total cells per ejaculate however, did not affect sperm morphology. In conclusion, garlic meal supplementation at 1.0% (10g/kg) can improve some growth and seminal parameters in male rabbits.

Clinical significances of circulating serum fetuin-A, netrin-1, and ɑ-hydroxybutyrate levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without hypertension

Background & Objective: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a rising global health issue, with biomarkers such as fetuin-A (Fet-A), netrin-1 (NTN-1), and alpha-hydroxybutyrate (α-HB) showing potential for early diagnosis and management. These biomarkers can help predict T2D risk and understand insulin resistance (IR), emphasizing the need for further research. The current investigation evaluated the effectiveness of Fet-A, NTN-1, and, α-HB as novel biomarkers to diagnose T2D with hypertension. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2023, involved 60 diabetic participants, which were divided into two groups: T2D without hypertension and T2D with hypertension. A third group consisted of 30 healthy controls (HC) for comparison. Serum samples were analyzed for fasting blood glucose (FBG) using the Roche/Cobas c111 system, as well as insulin, Fet-A, NTN-1, and α-HB levels using kits for the enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). Descriptive statistics were used in the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) for data analysis. Results: The study found significantly elevated Fet-A, NTN-1, and α-HB levels in T2D patients compared to HC, with no significant differences between T2D subgroups. Fetuin-A and α-HB showed non-significant correlations with FBG and homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) across all groups. NTN-1 positively correlated with FBG and HOMA-IR in T2D patients with hypertension. Conclusions: Elevated levels of fetuin-A and netrin-1, regardless of the presence of hypertension, are suggested by the study as possible biomarkers for the diagnosis of T2D. Netrin-1's significant correlation with HOMA-IR in hypertensive T2D patients underscores its utility in assessing insulin resistance severity. Although alpha-hydroxybutyrate levels were higher in T2D patients, their non-significant correlation with FBG and HOMA-IR requires further research. These biomarkers could aid in early diagnosis and disease monitoring for T2D management. Abbreviations: α-KB - α-ketobutyrate; ELISA - enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay; FA - fatty acids; FBG - fasting blood glucose; Fet-A - fetuin-A; HOMA-IR - homeostatic model assessment of IR; IR - insulin resistance; NAD - nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; NADH - nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen; ng - nanograms; NTN-1 - netrin-1; PB - peripheral blood; pg - picogram; SPSS - Statistical Package for Social Sciences; T2D - Type-2 diabetes mellitus; α-HB - alpha-hydroxybutyrate Keywords: Diabetes, Fetuin-A, Netrin-1, α-HB, HOMA-IR. Citation: Sfayyih HS, Jewad AM, Khudhair HAA. Clinical significance of circulating serum fetuin-A, netrin-1, and ɑ-hydroxybutyrate levels in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without hypertension. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(5):883−893; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i5.2569 Received: Jul 22, 2024; Reviewed: August 10, 2024; Accepted: August 15, 2024

Efficacy and safety of Dapagliflozin and Glimepiride in combination with Metformin: Randomized clinical trial

Objective: To identify the effective treatment option between dapagliflozin-metformin and glimepiride-metformin combination in patients with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy. Study design and setting: The present study is randomized, conducted for 12 weeks at the National Medical center, Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: The patients were divided into 2 treatment groups; group A was given dapagliflozin-metformin combination, while group B was given glimepiride-metformin combination. The efficacy endpoint of groups was estimated by hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose levels at 0-, 6- and 12-week. While, safety endpoints were identified by analyzing liver function tests, lipid profile tests, renal function test, and urine analysis. The significant difference of data was analyzed by using statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 25. The parametric t-test and paired t-test were performed and considered p-value = 0.05 as statistical significant. Results: Baseline demographics, clinical features of diabetes, levels of liver enzymes, liver function test, renal function test, lipid profile, and urinalysis of randomized patients were similar in both treatment groups by showing p = 0.05. Followed by the initiation of the respective treatment, the baseline change of mean FBG and hemoglobin A1c levels with dapagliflozinmetformin combination was shown significantly reduce more compared to glimepiride-metformin combination (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Dapagliflozin-metformin combination therapy was superior and well-tolerated to regulate glycemic control as compare to glimepiride-metformin combination

Challenges Faced on Strategic Management in Somaliland Public Sector Institutions

This study examined the challenges encountered in strategic management in Somaliland public sector institutions, specifically the study looked at how strategies are developed,implementation of strategy and its role in organizational performance, obstacles that hinder successful strategy implementation, and the role of evaluation of strategy in institutional success. The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving both quantitative and qualitative research approach. The population for this study was 5,000 employees from 38 public sector institutions in Hargeisa, Somaliland, with a sample size of 374. The primary data was collected through questionnaire distributed to 354 participants using online data collection tools such as Google form where 324 questionnaires were returned successfully, as well as conducting key informant interview with 16 top and senior managers and 15 lower staffs. The quantitative data was analyzed with a descriptive statistics using MS Excel and Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS), while the qualitative data gathered through the interview analyzed through content analysis. The findings showed that while there were strategy formulation process in place in Somaliland public sector institutions, they don’t have clear and consistent implementation throughout the different levels of employees. The major challenges encountered Somaliland public sector institutions in strategy implementations was as results indicated, insufficient allocation of resource, lack of adequate training of employee on strategy, poor leadership, inflexible and top-down approach as a major challenges in successful implementation of strategy in Somaliland public sector institutions. The research highlighted the vital role of systematic strategy evaluation in enhancing institutional performance, but existing practices in Somaliland public sector institutions deemedinadequate. The results showed that strategy evaluation is limitedto senior managers and there is poor stakeholder involvement in strategy evaluation. The study recommends in enhancing involvement of stakeholders during all the faces of strategic management, matching the budget and strategy objectives, improving communication and training, supporting adaptable leadership, and finally, implementing effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure the strategy objectives achieved to enhance strategic management in Somaliland public sectorinstitutions.

Evaluation of Postoperative Electrolyte Imbalance of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: A Study in a Tertiary Level Hospital

This cross-sectional observational study was performed to evaluate the post-operative electrolyte imbalance in oral squamous cell Carcinoma patients, and it was conducted at the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Dhaka Dental College & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during June 2022 to June 2023. A total of 100 patients who were clinically and histo-pathologically diagnosed as OSCC patients were enrolled in this study. The collected data were edited, coded processed for computer data entry. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version-23.0. Descriptive analysis was performed and the results were presented as tables and graphs. Unpaired t tests, Chi-square, Spearman’s rho correlation tests were performed to compare the mean and ratio correlation of the study variables where P<0.05 with 95%CI. The ethical clearance of this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Dhaka Dental College & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 100 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCS) patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age of the patients was 56.63 ± 9.54 years. The mean BMI of the patients was 18.20 ± 0.60 kg/m2. The majority of the patients were male and it was 54% while female was 46%. 64% patients belonged to lower socio-economic class. 52% patients had the habit of betel nut which was the highest while 39 % had the habit of betel nut with tobacco. The majority, 32% of patients had Stage-I. The mean surgery duration was 5.45± 0:91 hours and 7.2±: 0:15 minutes. The mean blood required for the surgery 1.44±0.68 units. According to the distribution of the post-operative variations of electrolyte imbalances, Sodium (Na+) was observed, hypo 25(25%) and hyper0(0%) on day-1 and hypo 31(31%), and hyper 4(4%) was observed on day 3 and followed by Potassium (K+) hypo 5(5%) and hyper 2(2%) on day- 1 and hypo 7(7%) and, hyper2(25) on day- 3. In comparison of ratio between hypo and hyper of day1 and day-3, showed statistically significant relationship observed (p<0.05). According to postoperative electrolyte distribution, on day-1, mean Sodium (Na+) was observed 136.68±2.69 mmol/L whereas on day-3, mean Sodium (Na+) was observed 133.81±4.21 mmol/Land followed by on day-1 mean Potassium (K+),3.86±0.46mmol/L, day-3, mean Potassium (K+),3.74 ±0.45 mmol/L on day-1. Among the postoperative electrolyte, except, Potassium (K+), all were observed statistically significant (P<0.05). In conclusion, hypocalcaemia, hyponatremia, and hypomagnesaemia are the relatively common after maxillofacial surgeries. Beside this BMI could affect electrolyte abnormalities after maxillofacial surgery.

Assessing the Challenges in Managing School Funds for Heads of Secondary Schools in Kilolo District, Tanzania

This study sought to identify the “Challenges in Managing School Funds for Heads of Secondary Schools in Kilolo District, Tanzania” through a mixed approach with the population of one District educational officer, six heads of schools, six school bursars and sixty-three secondary school teachers who obtained through purposive sampling and simple random techniques. Questionnaires and interviews used to collect data. Data analysed through thematic analysis and descriptive statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. The findings found that heads of secondary schools faced numerous challenges such as inadequate funds from the government, inconsistencies disbursement of money from the government and bureaucracy. In addition, distance (remoteness of the schools), transport cost and time consumer when heads of schools needs procurement budgets approved from the District Educational Officer, poor support from the parents and some staff as well as denying school management training on financial management issues were among the challenges. Lastly, the findings found that training, workshops, provision of seminars will enhancing the heads of schools’ financial management literacy. Moreover, heads of schools should involve other staff members, school management team (SMT), and the use of educational financial guidelines as a source of knowledge and skills to manage schools’ fiscal resources. It also recommended that the heads of schools should adhere to the proper practices of financial management through monetary auditing. Likewise, Tanzania government should provide managerial training, workshops and seminars as the best strategies to diminish financial management challenges as well as introducing financial management courses in teachers’ colleges and universities prepare experts in the schools’ financial management activities.

Prospects and Challenges that Teachers and Learners Face when using Field Study in Teaching and Learning Biology Subject at Ordinary Level of Secondary Education: A Case Study of Public Secondary Schools in Morogoro Municipality

Learning that occurs in a field setting is widely recognized as a very effective approach to connect science content to the real world. It is also a powerful experience that promotes the development of learners’ scientific skills, enhances active learning and promotes enthusiasm to biology subject among students. However, teaching biology through field study encounters several challenges that impedes effective implementation in public secondary schools. Thus, this study seeks to investigate the Prospects and Challenges that Teachers and Learners Face when using field study in teaching and learning biology at ordinary level of secondary education and to establish remedial measures to address these challenges. The study uses purposive sampling to select 56 respondents from 107 population including 10 heads of public secondary schools and 46 biology teachers. The study also adopted a concurrent transformative mixed approach. Data were collected by using interview guide and questionnaire. The reliability of the instruments was tested by computing Cronbach’s coefficient alpha (α) during pilot study where inter-item correlation was proved to be r = 0.872. The qualitative data was confirmed to be credible, transferable, confirmable and dependable through trustworthiness. The quantitative data analysis was done through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 computer, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The study identifies institutional barriers to field study such as inadequate resources, overcrowded classes and fear of risk. Teachers face barriers such as traditional teaching styles, shortage of biology teachers, inadequate training, lack of experience, and fear of student risks. To address these challenges, the study recommends that the collaboration between school administrators, and field site management ad teacher’s training may foster a positive school culture, resource mobilization, employing more teachers, formulating supportive policies and utilizing school surroundings for study.

The Impact of Financial Literacy on Selected Nigerian Public Sector Employees Savings Culture and Investment

Financial literacy ensures that an individual is able to match his income with his expenditure, lives within his means and forestall going broke or bankrupt. Like general or health literacy, financial literacy could be conceptualized as having two dimensions: understanding (personal finance knowledge) and use (personal finance application). In this study, we reviewed how financial literacy is measured in the current literature and examine how well the existing studies addresses whether financial literacy improves employees savings culture and investment. We review the literature on alternative policies to improve financial outcomes and compare the evidence on whether financial literacy improves employees spending habits, savings, investments and standard of living. The sample size of this survey based study consists of 110 working men and women from non-financial public sector in Nigeria. Data was analyzed using simple percentage and frequency distribution. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in the analysis of the data. The major challenge in financial education has been how to measure the impact of financial education on the recipient savings culture. Investment and standard of living. On the other hand what is the influence of financial literacy on employees’ savings and investment outcome. It can be observed that in some instances those who did not have formal financial education and those who are primary or secondary school dropout have risen to own successful business empire. However, some who have tertiary financial education are struggling to survive. A large proportion of the sampled employees are deficient in financial literacy notwithstanding their exposure to financial education. Contrary to popular perception this research shows that there is no significant relationship between financial literacy and education level, savings culture and investments, of Nigerian public sector employees. Finally, we discuss directions ........

Exploring The Connection of Spirituality at Work in Enhancing Nurses’ Job Performance: Insight from Malaysian Hospitals

The performance of nurses can be seen as a reflection of healthcare organizations, as they constitute the most critical human resources within hospitals. However, challenges arise when issues such as staff shortages, high turnover rates, and burdensome workloads contribute to poor nurse performance. Conversely, the incorporation of spirituality in the workplace provides nurses with an opportunity to align their inner selves within a supportive community environment, fostering a deeper sense of purpose in their professional responsibilities. This study sought to determine the connection between spirituality at work and nurses’ job performance, surveying 350 nurses employed in public hospitals across Malaysia. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 27, revealing that all three aspects of spirituality at work, namely inner life, meaningful work, and sense of community, had a positive and significant influence on nurses’ job performance. This study provides potential aid to decision-makers in Malaysian healthcare organizations by offering significant insights for the development of strong spirituality at work values within their organizational setting. Additionally, this study presents recommendations for future research and proposes methods for the authorities to incorporate spirituality at work values into nurses’ jobs, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of healthcare services.

Training Needs of Ward Education Officers for Ensuring Quality Education a Study of Primary Schools in Mkuranga District, Tanzania.

This study was set to find out the training needs of Ward Education Officers` in ensuring Quality Education in Tanzania. It mainly focuses on determining WEO`s supervisory training needs that will enable them to ensure quality education provisions in schools in Mkuranga District, highlighting the challenges that WEO's face while carrying out supervision of schools and establish the remedial measures to the identified challenges WEO's face in Mkuranga District. The study sample comprised of 26 informants made up of 25 WEO`s and 1 District Education Officer (DEO). A concurrent transformative mixed method approach was applied because each method of data collection complements each other. Questionnaires and interview guide questions were used to collect data from the respondents. The reliability of quantitative data was established through Cronbach- Alpha where by (r=0.828 for WEO`s questionnaire) while reliability for qualitative data was established through trustworthiness. Quantitative data was analyzed by using descriptive analysis to generate frequency, means and percentages by using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 Computer while Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in words by verbatim quotations. The study concluded that, WEOs are facing the challenges that hinder their ability to provide effective supervision for ensuring quality education in schools. Such major challenges include lack of training, inadequate resources and lack of cooperation from the community in which they work. WEOs are in dire need for training in order to enable them supervises school for ensuring quality education. The study therefore recommends that, the program designers plan for supervising training to the WEOs either before being appointed or the inset training if they want WEOs to fit into there jobs. Also WEOs should only be selected among teachers who have the knowledge of education management and supervision.

Principal's Authentic Leadership Practices and Teachers’ Job motivation in the Secondary Cluster Schools of Excellence (SCSE) in Johor Bahru

Authentic leadership is leadership that is genuine, authentic and prioritizes behavior according to ethical principles. The Malaysian Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2013-2015 through the 5th shift outlines the need to place high performance leadership in each school in order to keep up with changes in education at the global level. However, many reports and studies have found that there are still a few principals in schools who do not carry out their roles according to their actual duties. The objective of the study was to identify the level of principal's authentic leadership practices and the level of teachers’job motivation in the Secondary Cluster Schools Of Excellence (SCSE) in Johor Bahru. A quantitative method using a set of questionnaires as an instrument was selected and distributed to 187 teachers through purposive sampling from three SCSE in the Johor Bahru. The data was analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 software. Overall, the findings showed that principals practice a high level of authentic leadership in parallel with a high level of job motivation among teachers of SCSE in Johor Bahru. The researcher suggested that the level of authentic leadership practices can be improved through additional courses or recognition of contributions on a monthly basis covering all areas. Empirical studies supported by qualitative methods taking into account of different target groups to deepen authentic leadership collectively with a focus on principals of private schools or various types of schools under the Malaysian Ministry of Education should be carried out in the future.