West District Research Articles

The Potential of Natural Enemies as Biological Control Agents for Various Pests on Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.)

Arthropods have the potential as biological control agents for various pests in kale plants. Some arthropod species have potential as natural enemies for biological control of plant pests due to their abundance and availability in the ecosystem. Some natural enemy arthropods consist of insects and spiders. Natural enemies found in the location of West Lombok District, NTB act as predators and parasitoids of pests on kale plants. The number of orders found were Araneae, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Odonata and Hymenoptera. Four orders act as predators and one order, Hymenoptera as parasitoids. Natural enemy arthropods found that have the potential as natural enemies of pests in kale plants were found as many as 10 species, namely Argiope catenulate, Cicurina sp.., Oxyopes attenuates, Lepthypanthes tenuis, Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Coreus Marginatus, Leptoglossus occidentali sp., Onychogomphus forcipatus, Agriocnemis pieris, and Doryctobracon areolatus. While in Ogan Ilir District, South Sumatra, 1 species was found that acts as a natural enemy of the Hemiptera order, Gonocerus acuteangulatus.

English as a language of preference in mathematics learning: perspectives from high school learners in township contexts

The exploration of language preference among mathematics learners in multilingual contexts remains a significant area of study. The aim of this study is to identify the most effective linguistic tools that contribute to the academic achievement of secondary school learners in mathematics. This study specifically examines English as a preferred language for mathematics instruction among high school learners in a Soshanguve community in the Tshwane West District of South Africa. It investigates the attitudes of mathematics learners towards the use of English as the medium of instruction and the reasons for their preference for learning mathematics in English. The study uses a non-experimental quantitative descriptive survey with a sample of 101 high school mathematics learners. Data was collected using a self-administered survey questionnaire conducted on paper. The primary data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that English is the preferred language for learning mathematics. The study also demonstrates that the inclination towards the English language among high school learners is driven by factors such as pedagogical, social, linguistic competence, and economic considerations. The research findings suggest that the use of English as the medium of instruction is crucial for the acquisition and achievement of mathematics skills. This is because learners' indigenous African languages are inadequate as a medium of instruction in mathe­matics classroom conversations among high school learners. Therefore, it is recommended that the Department of Basic Education and mathematics educators should enhance learners' English language competence by implementing intense and enriched language programmes.

Socio-ecological predictors of dengue in high incidence area of Delhi, India

Despite the amplified vector-control measures, sporadic-epidemic outbreaks of dengue incidence occurred in Delhi, intermittently. This study aimed to identify the major individual, household, and community level predictors of dengue cases in the hot-spots of Delhi. Primary survey data was collected from the selected sample of 347 households, at the South- West district of Delhi. This survey has interviewed the head of the household to collect the information of dengue incidences within last one year and household information related to socio-economic, demographic, environmental factors, such as housing pattern, density, water storage containers, drainage and garbage collection site and method, mosquito protection measures and awareness. Among 347 households, 54 households had reported dengue cases, and 69 individuals had reported dengue cases in last one year. Garbage and water collection site and methods, drainage and household type, household monthly income, indoor bamboo plants, construction site (within 500 m), presence of tertiary care hospital, were the significant predictors of dengue incidences in Delhi. In conclusion, strategic control measures and intense social interventions such as household and community awareness, promotion of healthy practices should be promoted to control the dengue incidences.

Influence of fecal fermentation on the anthelmintic activity of proanthocyanidins and ellagitannins against human intestinal nematodes and Caenorhabditis elegans.

Some tannin-rich plants such as Combretum mucronatum and Phyllanthus urinaria are widely used in Africa for the control of parasitic nematodes in both humans and livestock. Tannins have been recognized as an alternative source of anthelmintic therapies, and hence, recent studies have focused on both the hydrolyzable and condensed tannins. These groups of compounds, however, have poor oral bioavailability and are metabolized by gut microbiota into lower molecular weight compounds. The role of these metabolites in the anthelmintic activities of tannins has not been explored yet. This study investigated the effects of fecal metabolism on the anthelmintic potential of procyanidin C1 (PC1) and geraniin and the tannin-enriched extracts of C. mucronatum (CML) and P. urinaria (PUH), which contain these compounds, respectively. Metabolites were formed by anaerobic fermentation of the test compounds and extracts in a fresh human fecal suspension for 0 h, 4h, and 24h. Lyophilized samples were tested in vitro against hookworm larvae and whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) larvae obtained from naturally infected human populations in Pru West District, Bono East Region, Ghana, and against the wildtype strain of Caenorhabditis elegans (L4). Both extracts and compounds in the undegraded state exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of the three nematodes. Their activity, however, significantly decreased upon fecal metabolism. Without fermentation, the proanthocyanidin-rich CML extract was lethal against hookworm L3 (LC50 = 343.5μg/mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 267.5-445.4), T. trichiura L1 (LC50 = 230.1μg/mL, CI = 198.9-271.2), and C. elegans (LC50 = 1468.1μg/mL, CI = 990.3-1946.5). PUH, from which the ellagitannin geraniin was isolated, exhibited anthelmintic effects in the unfermented form with LC50 of 300.8μg/mL (CI = 245.1-374.8) against hookworm L3 and LC50 of 331.6μg/mL (CI = 290.3-382.5) against T. trichiura L1, but it showed no significant activity against C. elegans L4 larvae at the tested concentrations. Similarly, both compounds, procyanidin C1 and geraniin, lost their activity when metabolized in fecal matter. The activity of geraniin at a concentration of 170μg/mL against C. elegans significantly declined from 30.4% ± 1.8% to 14.5% ± 1.5% when metabolized for 4h, whereas that of PC1 decreased from 32.4% ± 2.3% to 8.9% ± 0.9% with similar treatment. There was no significant difference between the anthelmintic actions of metabolites from the structurally different tannin groups. The outcome of this study revealed that the intact bulky structure of tannins (hydrolyzable or condensed) may be required for their anthelmintic action. The fermented products from the gut may not directly contribute toward the inhibition of the larvae of soil-transmitted helminths.

School environmental factors, pupils’ characteristics, and academic performance: The case of junior high school pupils of the Krachi west district of Ghana

BackgroundData suggest that Ghana has made significant improvements in the educational system, resulting in some accomplishments. Nonetheless, pupils’ academic performance at the junior high school level and in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) remains poor nationally. Some factors have been identified to influence poor academic performance in some parts of Ghana, but none in the Krachi West district. Thus, it has become imperative to determine the local factors accountable for this trend and identify the most appropriate localised solutions. Materials and methodsAn embedded research design was employed to ascertain the influence of pupils’ characteristics and school environment factors on academic performance. In all, 361 participants (325 BECE candidates, 12 teachers, 12 head teachers and 12 PTA/SMC Chairpersons) were selected using cluster sampling, simple random and purposive sampling across 12 schools in the district. The academic performance of pupils was assessed using scores from six (6) subjects in the standardised district-level mock examination. ResultsBased on the examination scores, half of the pupils performed poorly in the six subjects. Even though from the quantitative study, pupils’ characteristics had no significant influence on academic performance, school location (β = −3.29, p < 0.01), school type (β = 1.15, p < 0.01), and school environmental factors (β = 0.807, p = 0.024) were significant predictors of academic performance in the district. Pupils in private schools were thrice more likely to achieve average academic performance than pupils from public schools (OR = 3.2, CI = 1.06–9.47). Also, schools with good environmental factors were twice as likely to have average academic performance than schools with poor environmental factors (OR = 2.2 CI = 1.11–4.52). ConclusionWhile school environment factors and pupil characteristics have a relationship with academic performance as suggested by the ecological theory, it was established in this study that only school location, school type and school environment factors were the significant predictors of academic performance in the Krachi West District. Therefore, education stakeholders need to consider these predictors when coming up with integrated but local strategies to improve pupils’ academic performance in that district.

Provider perspectives on adolescent access to contraception in South Africa.

Poor access to contraception influences adolescent health outcomes and may lead to sexual and reproductive health challenges. Unmet sexual and reproductive health should contribute to unplanned adolescent pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and other conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to enable adolescents to access appropriate contraceptive methods easily. This study explored factors influencing adolescents' access to contraceptive methods from the perspective of primary healthcare providers in South Africa. This study was conducted in two health districts of the Western Cape province in South Africa: the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality and the West Coast district. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 healthcare providers who work in primary healthcare clinics. Subsequently, the interviews were transcribed and verified for errors. Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis model guided the data analysis using ATLAS.ti software (version 22). The study adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies checklist for qualitative research. Four themes emerged through the data analysis: (1) personal influences, (2) community-level influences, (3) health system influences, and (4) policy-level influences. Representative quotations were used to illustrate the themes and sub-themes. Adolescence is shaped by various influences that affect adolescents' ability to access contraception. These factors include their awareness of contraception, social environment, provider biases and school policies. Understanding these influences is crucial for addressing unintended pregnancies and promoting sexual and reproductive health among this age group.Contribution:This study highlights strategies that facilitate and hinder adolescents' access to contraception.

Academic Supervision and Managerial Skills of School Heads for Teachers’ Quality and Work Effectiveness

This study focused on the of academic supervision and managerial skills of school heads for the teacher’s quality and work effectiveness among schools in Sariaya West District, Division of Quezon. The descriptive-correlational research strategy was used after analyzing the study's goals and objectives and reviewing existing research on the subject. There were 160 respondents. These are the school teachers, including master teachers, of Sariaya West District in the Division of Quezon. The result of the study shows that: the school heads in the district were observed to practiced well the academic supervision particularly on adaptability to change, time management, written and verbal communication and cooperation It implies that they employ appropriately to lead the school by practicing to show their teachers that they are competent to supervise school operations and being recognized for their proficiency in these key areas of academic supervision, which are crucial for effective school leadership and management. The managerial skills of the school heads are observed particularly on interpersonal skills, organization and delegation, problem solving and decision making and mentoring. They effectively provide assistance to their teachers in school by explicitly implying the role of interpersonal skills, delegation of task, decisional making and mentoring. The teacher’s quality and teachers work effectiveness in the school increased when leaders practiced academic supervision and observed managerial skills and were able to realize substantially observable measures to a positive degree.

Die geveg by Oorlogsfontein

On the farm Oorlogsfontein in the Victoria West district there is a monument erected in memory of Comdt. Justice Henry Hugo, who was fatally wounded there on 18 February 1902. At that time he was on a republican commando taking part in the invasion of the Cape Colony.

Hierarchical Needs Status and Work Opportunities towards Organizational Commitment of Elementary School Teachers

The study aimed to determine the current hierarchical needs status and work opportunities relative to the level of organizational commitment of school teachers. The study used descriptive method where questionnaire was the primary data gathering instrument. One hundred sixty (160) teachers from Sariaya West District Division of Quezon, contributed to the study. Frequency, percent count, mean, SD and Pearson r were used in the statistical analysis of data. The study revealed as perceived by the Teacher-respondents on their hierarchical needs status were on a high level. Effect of work opportunities in terms of trainings and development, promotion and salary was observed. Maslow’s stages of motivational theory in terms of survival needs, stability needs, enjoyment needs, and esteem needs were related to the teacher’s organizational commitment. Teachers who feel secure in their survival needs, have stable employment, derive enjoyment from their work, and possess a healthy self-esteem are more likely to exhibit higher levels of commitment to their organization. Recognizing and catering to these needs can thus serve as a powerful tool for educational institutions seeking to foster a dedicated and engaged teaching workforce. It was revealed that work opportunities and how they were committed in the organization show that there is significant relationship work opportunities and that of organizational commitment of teachers. This findings emphasizes the role of perceived career prospects and financial rewards as motivators for teachers, highlighting their influence on organizational commitment. Recognizing and investing in these aspects of work opportunities can thus serve as effective strategies for educational institutions to cultivate a committed and engaged teaching workforce. It appears that age and years in service do not moderate the relationship between hierarchical needs status and organizational commitment of the teachers. Age and years in service are not related to work opportunities and organizational commitment of the teachers. This implies that regardless of tenure and age, the impact of perceived work opportunities and hierarchical needs status on organizational commitment remains consistent. Understanding these dynamics can inform organizational strategies aimed at enhancing teacher commitment by emphasizing the importance of psychological fulfillment and job satisfaction, meaningful career development opportunities alongside age and tenure-based considerations. With these, educational institutions can foster a more engaged and committed teaching workforce.

Level of Professional Competencies and Identity towards Performance of Beginning Teachers Mediated By Support System

The study aimed to determine the level of professional competencies and identity towards the performance of beginning teachers mediated by the support system. The main tool used in the study's descriptive methodology to collect data was a questionnaire. The study included contributions from ninety-five (95) Sariaya West District school teachers. For the statistical analysis of the data, percentage and mean were employed. The study found that most beginning teachers have highly competent professional competencies in social, self-management, communication, and leadership skills. Surveyed respondents also have highly observed motivation, commitment, and self-efficacy were observed. The school provides high mentoring and technical assistance support while the support system moderates. Performance is satisfactory in advisory tasks, coaching, teaching strategy, and classroom assessment. Professional competencies and identity levels are not significantly related to the support system and performance. The researcher recommended that school administrators update teachers' profiles with seminars and trainings attended, provide mentoring sessions, and attend workshops on professional competencies and identities. Parallel studies, action research, and quarterly activities can improve teachers' performance. Attending workshops can also enhance professional growth and development.

Health and environmental risk assessment of mercury in outdoor and indoor dust in artisanal and small-scale gold mining area in Amansie-west district in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Mercury (Hg) pollution around artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) areas has been of much concern. Many studies have reported elevated Hg concentrations in environmental media, but studies on dust relating to inhalation exposure of Hg around ASGM area are limited. In this study, we investigated Hg in indoor and outdoor dust to reveal environmental and human health risk around ASGM in Amansie West district, Ghana. Indoor and outdoor dust samples were collected from Manso Abore and Manso Nkwanta in Ashanti Region. Concentration of Hg in the samples were analyzed using a direct Hg analyzer. The mean and median value of Hg concentration in the indoor dust (n = 31) were 2.2 ± 3.6mg/kg and 0.72mg/kg respectively while that of the outdoor dust (n = 60) were 0.19 ± 0.48mg/kg and 0.042mg/kg, respectively. The mean and median Hg concentration in indoor dust were about 11 and 17 times higher respectively than that in the outdoor dust. The Hg concentration in the indoor dust was statistically significantly higher than that of the non-miner in Manso Abore (p < 0.05) but was not significant in Manso Nkwanta, probably due to higher mining activity. The geo-accumulation index of the outdoor dust ranged from unpolluted to extremely polluted while that of the indoor dust ranged from moderately polluted to extremely polluted. Health risk assessments suggested that there was no potential non-carcinogenic health effect for Hg exposure relating to the dust to residents living in rooms of miners and non-miners.

Role Expectations, Constraints, and Strategies: A Case of Departmental Heads in Vhembe West District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Departmental heads (DHs) in primary schools have multiple roles and responsibilities to fulfil. They are expected to perform diverse roles that are not only limited to being class teachers but also as supervisors, coordinators, and departmental managers. Most of them do not receive formal training to become DHs, how to perform these roles, or how to respond to the challenges accompanying these roles and responsibilities. This study aims to establish strategies to manage constraints that prevent departmental heads from fulfilling their roles effectively within the Vhembe West District of Limpopo Province. The study employed an interpretive paradigm to understand the social realities that DHs experience at school. The study was conducted within the Theory of Constraints (TOC). The research design of this study was a multiple-qualitative case study. The population of the study was all DHs in Elim, Soutpansberg East, and Vhuronga Two (2) Circuits. Purposeful sampling was employed to draw a sample of 9 DHs. Data was collected through a semi-structured interview schedule and document analysis. The data was analysed thematically. Findings from this study revealed, amongst others, the following: the roles of all participants in monitoring, curriculum management, coordination, and planning activities to enhance the implementation of the curriculum. This study recommended, among others that DHs should be excluded from being full-time classroom teachers, and policymakers should reduce the current teaching load of DHs. The study contributes to the empowerment of DHs in their roles despite the huge workload of teaching and supervising teachers in their departments. This is possible through employing distributive leadership wherein they solicit the skills of senior teachers to assist them, thereby enhancing shared leadership, collective action, and collaborative decision-making. Keywords: Constraints, Departmental Heads, Departmental Head roles and responsibilities

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Facilities in Sikkim: Findings from National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5

ABSTRACT The UN General Assembly has recognized access to improved drinking water and sanitation as a fundamental right. Despite this, a significant portion of the global population lacked access to safely managed drinking water (around 25%) and improved sanitation (around 50%) in 2020. India, the second most populous country, has approximately 3.7% of its population without access to improved drinking water and 31% without access to improved sanitation. This article examines factors influencing household access to improved drinking water and sanitation in Sikkim, India, using National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5 data. The findings reveal that urban households, older, unmarried, female-headed households, with smaller families, earning higher incomes, located in the North, West and South districts, were more likely to have access to improved drinking water. Similarly, households with unmarried heads, located in higher wealth quintiles, located in the East district, were more likely to have access to improved sanitation facilities. The study suggests subsidizing the cost of improved water and sanitation services for poor rural households and increasing public investment to make these facilities more affordable for them.

Defining community-led monitoring and its role in programme-embedded learning: lessons from the Citizen Science Project in Malawi and South Africa.

Programme Science (PS) and community-led monitoring (CLM) intersect in unexpected and promising ways. This commentary examines a CLM initiative in Malawi and South Africa to highlight the crucial role of CLM in bolstering the PS framework. By leveraging data sources often overlooked by conventional research and evaluation approaches, CLM emerges as a pivotal element in enhancing programme effectiveness. This paper delineates the fundamental principles of CLM, presents programme outcomes derived from CLM methodologies and contextualizes these findings within the broader framework of PS. The Citizen Science Project implements CLM continuously at 33 health facilities: 14 in Malawi (eight in Kasungu District and six in Dedza District), and 19 in South Africa (all in the West Rand District), representing a total catchment area of 989,848 people. Monitoring indicators are developed in an iterative process with community groups. The indicators are unique to each country, but both focus on the uptake of health services (quantitative) and barriers to access (qualitative). Monthly clinic records surveys capture 34 indicators in Malawi and 20 in South Africa and are supplemented by qualitative interviews with care recipients and healthcare workers. Qualitative interviews provide additional granularity and help confirm and explain the more macro trends in service coverage as described in quantitative data. The resulting data analysis reveals key themes that help stakeholders and decision-makers to solve problems collaboratively. Noteworthy outcomes include a substantial increase in multi-month dispensing of antiretroviral therapy (ART) during COVID-19 (from 6% to 31%) with a subsequent recovery surpassing of HIV service benchmarks in Malawi post-pandemic. While quantifying direct impact remains challenging due to the project's design, CLM proves to be a robust methodology that generates credible data and produces impactful outcomes. Its potential extends beyond the health sector, empowering community leadership and fostering interventions aligned with community needs. As CLM continues to evolve, its integration into PS promises to improve relevance, quality and impact across diverse disciplines.

Statistical assessment of natural radioactivity, radon activity, and associated radiological exposure due to artisanal mining in Atiwa West district of the Eastern region, Ghana

The activity concentration of natural radionuclides, radon activity concentration, mass and area exhalation rates have been studied in soils from gold mining communities in Atiwa West district. The natural radionuclides were determined by gamma ray spectrometry method while radon concentrations were measured using CR-39 detectors. The mean activity concentrations were found to be 26.9 ± 1.7 Bq/kg, 57.5 ± 3.6 Bq/kg, 237.5 ± 17.6 Bq/kg and 560.0 ± 54 Bq/m3 for Ra-226, Th-232, K-40 and Rn-222 respectively. The evaluated mass exhalation rates ranged from 2.8 ± 0.3 to 6.5 ± 0.7 × 10−5 Bq/kg/h while the area exhalation rates were from 0.8 ± 0.09 to 2.0 ± 0.21 × 10−3 Bq/m2/h. Some mining and farming areas recorded high exhalation rates indicating that the use of soils as building materials from such areas could pose a level of radiation hazard to the population. The evaluated radiological risks were below reference levels. A good linear correlation was observed between Ra-226 and Rn-222 activity concentrations and in the investigated soils. The Pearson correlation coefficient, cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to study the relationship between the determined parameters of the study.

Knowledge on Ngari (Fermented fish) production and management practices in Imphal West district of Manipur

Knowledge on Ngari (Fermented fish) production and management practices in Imphal West district of Manipur

The Role of Social Capital in the Implementation of Public Health Programs in West Kendari District, Kendari City

This study aims to find out and describe the forms and roles of social capital in the community of West Kendari District in supporting the implementation of public health programs. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive model, the research informants totaled 12 people who were selected by purposive sampling technique. The data in this study was obtained through interviews, observations and document studies, the data obtained was then analyzed qualitatively with an interactive model consisting of data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawn. The results of the study show that based on the results and discussion above, the conclusion that can be drawn is that social capital in West Kendari District plays an important role in supporting the implementation of public health programs through three main forms: trust, norms, and social networks. Trust between citizens strengthens cooperation and active participation in various health programs, creating an environment that supports efforts to improve public health. Existing social norms facilitate collective action, strengthen social cohesion, and ensure that health efforts are carried out together with a strong commitment from all elements of society. In addition, social networks serve as an important tool for disseminating health-related information and rallying support from various parties, thereby expanding the reach of health programs and ensuring their sustainability. Thus, strengthening trust, norms, and social networks in West Kendari District is the key to increasing the effectiveness and sustainability of public health programs implemented in the region.

The Evaluation of the Quality of Local Water Company Tirta Anoa Processed Water in the Community of West Kendari District, Kendari City

Backgrounds: The government has the task of collecting, purifying and distributing clean water from water terminals via water channels, pipes or tank cars (in administrative management units with economic activities) to homes, industrial companies or other commercial uses. For this reason, Local water company has the responsibility to provide clean water for all groups of people in an area. Methods: This type of research is observational research with a descriptive approach to get an overview of the quality of Local water company Tirta Anoa's processed water. Water quality sampling was carried out in 9 sub-districts in West Kendari District, which is the sub-district with the largest population of 44,290 people. Results: The results of the pollution index analysis for TDS parameters show that river waters in the study study area at 7 monitoring points are still classified as meeting water quality standards, namely still below 1,000 mg/L. The highest TDS content was found at station 5 (AB.03 = 611 mg/L) and station 6 (AB.04 = 614 mg/L), while the lowest TDS value was at station 2 (AB.02 = 193 mg/L). And the concentration of TSS parameters is still below the quality standard, namely monitoring point 1 (AP.01 to 5 (AB.05) respectively 4.7 mg/L; 3.4 mg/L; 2.6 mg/L ; 3.7 mg/L; 3.9 mg/L; Conclusion: There is water quality (physics, chemistry, biology) from Local water company Tirta Anoa processed water which has been consumed by the community in West Kendari.

ASSESS THE ROLE OF MARKETING INTELLIGENCE AND NETWORK CAPABILITIES IN PRODUCT INNOVATION

This study aims to analyze and discuss the effect of network capability and marketing intelligence on product innovation through marketing misx. The population in this study were SMEs in West Bandung district. Researchers used 211 samples. The data collection technique used a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using path analysis. In the test results, the variable path analysis measure is the variable network capability and marketing intelligence that has an effect on product innovation through the marketing mix. This research emphasizes to SMEs the importance of network influence and market-related understanding in providing innovative products. The limitation in this study is that the sample obtained in Bandung Regency is 211. Further research can be carried out in different cities with more samples from this study.

Assessment of Farm-Level Practices of Disease and Pest Management in the Banana Zone of Nawalparasi West district, Nepal

Assessment of Farm-Level Practices of Disease and Pest Management in the Banana Zone of Nawalparasi West district, Nepal