The purpose of the study was to investigate low participation in adult literacy programmes among adults in Kalingalinga Lusaka district in Zambia. The main objectives of the study were to find out whether adults are aware of the literacy programmes, to find out the reasons why adults participated in literacy programmes and to find out why there is low participation in the literacy programmes. The participants were adult residents of Kalingalinga. The study used a survey research design. In order to collect data from the respondents a questionnaire was used. The finding of the research showed some of the reasons that were given for low participation in literacy programmes included the following; some people were simply not aware of the literacy programmes and others stated that it was time consuming. One of the recommendations of the study was that there was need for continuous promotions of programmes to encourage a lot of adults to participate.
Page(s): 01-04 Date of Publication: 19 January 2021
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Capital structure of firms is a topical issue that propels the sustainability of concerns. The study investigated capital structure and performance of selected listed companies in Nigeria. This study adopted ex-post facto research design. Secondary data were sourced from the audited annual reports of the sampled firms. The population comprised 170 listed companies on Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as at December 2019. The sample consisted of 60 selected companies, using purposive sampling technique to cover various sectors. Pre-estimation tests were conducted, using correlation matrix and independent t-test. The post-estimation tests included linearity, heteroskedasticity, Breusch-Godfrey serial correlation Langragian Multiplier and normality test. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result shows R2 = 0.199, 0.527 and Adj. R2 = 0.752. The study revealed that capital structure had significant effect on performance of selected companies in Nigeria. Debt ownership had positive and significant effect on return on capital employed. Equity ownership had positive significant effect on the dividend growth. The study concluded that capital structure affected performance of selected listed companies in Nigeria and therefore recommended that government should formulate a policy that will encourage a balanced capital structure of listed companies so as to enhance performance that creates value for stakeholders and ensure the going concern of the firm
Page(s): 05-22 Date of Publication: 21 January 2020
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This paper adopted a descriptive design to investigate the Efficacy and Interest of Nigerian University Students in Virtual Classroom (VCs). Virtual classrooms are digitally driven classrooms that provide learning support that has potential to enhance students’ ability to communicate effectively through latest technology and learn innovative strategies for virtual teamwork by using electronic communication to interact with a group. The study was carried out in one federal and one private university in the North-Central of Nigeria. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The population comprised of 890 University of Abuja students and 450 Africa University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja students giving a total population of 1340 respondents. Purposive sampling techniques based on convenience and accessibility was used to select the two universities. Simple random sampling techniques based on students’ consent was used to draw the sample size of 300 from the University of Abuja (Uniabuja) and 250 from Africa University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja given a total sample size of 550 respondents. The instrument for data collection tagged “Virtual Classrooms Assessment Questionnaire” (VCAQ) was 33-items questionnaires developed by the researcher was validated by two experts. The instruments were trial tested on twenty (20) males and twenty-five (25) females students in two universities outside the study area; University of Ibadan and Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja. Internal consistency was computed using Cronbach Alpha techniques and yielded a reliability coefficient thus; Section A = 0.75, Section B =0.80 and section C = 0.85 respectively. The reliability coefficient values were considered appropriate for the study. The instrument was administered via social Network Technologies (SNT) and Google Apps in order to adhere to NCDC directives of Covid-19 and data collected. Likert scale of four points was used and the weightings of responses were; strongly Agree (SA) = 4 points, Agree (A) = 3points; Disagree (D) = 2 points and Strongly Disagree (SD) = 1. The options of the responses were added like this, vz; 4+3+2+1=10/4=2.5. The data collected was analyzed using mean (x̄) and standard deviation (SD) and independent sample t-test statistics to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed among others that the use of virtual classroom (VCs) is not effective in UniAbuja as compared to AUST due to inadequate VC’s learning environment and facilities. Based on these submissions, some recommendations were made.
Page(s): 23-28 Date of Publication: 22 January 2020
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Recidivism of offenders has become a major focus of studies evaluating the efficacy of prison rehabilitation programs. However, there are few studies on recidivism among non-custodial offenders serving community sentences. This study used descriptive survey design to examine the influence of antisocial personality patterns on recidivism among non-custodial offenders in Nairobi County, Kenya. Structured and close ended questionnaires were used to obtain data on 139 recidivists out of 146 target population of recidivists in Nairobi County. Recidivism was measured by the number of rearrests, reconvictions and re-incarceration while as antisocial personality patterns were measured by aggression, callous disregard of others, lack of empathy, and impulsivity. The results indicated that most recidivists acknowledged presence of anti-social personality patterns that influenced reoffending. The results highlights the importance of understanding antisocial personality patterns and future research should help in coming up with rehabilitation interventions to address recidivism. The study concludes that antisocial personality patterns have direct influence on recidivism. It is recommended that the current findings needs to the further replicated and explored in other study locations.
Page(s): 58-62 Date of Publication: 22 January 2020
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Language plays a significant role in the development of every nation. It mirrors the culture of every society and also reflects the social realities of every nation. It is not surprising, therefore, that every nation goes extra miles in an attempt to keep their languages from sinking. Every nation that gives her culture a priority would therefore put in every effort to develop their native languages. However, there appears to a higher level of reluctance concerning the efforts by concerned stakeholders to promote the indigenous languages of Ghana. This reluctance could be attributed to the prestigiousness attached to the study and use of the English language in the Ghanaian educational system. In light of this, the Ghanaian languages have been despised by many. The common rationale for this despicable attitude towards the local languages is that it has been misconstrued by many stakeholders as unfit for promoting academic excellence. In this paper, however, it is argued, based on research findings, that instruction in the various Ghanaian languages must be given the necessary consideration to accelerate the academic performance of students. To achieve this, the paper recommends that teachers must make complementary use of both English and the Ghanaian languages to facilitate learning at the Junior High Level.
Page(s): 63-67 Date of Publication: 22 January 2021
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This study aims to suggest a model that will increase the usage of E-commerce services among students in Uzbekistan. The proposed model may facilitate the understanding of how certain factors can affect the level of usage of E-commerce services. The main objective of this study by working on a new model based on TAM technology acceptance model, Innovation Diffusion theory (IDT), Awareness (AF) factors relationship between the Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), Technology Factor (TECF) and compatibility with the Behavior Intention to use as a mediating . It presents a theoretical framework for the construction of hypotheses. The hypotheses were tested to obtain the findings that may be generalized afterwards. The primary data were collected from 384 valid questionnaires, which were distributed, to random Uzbek students in four universities. The analyses of the gathered data selected the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Based on the research findings the final overall model was evaluated using the statistics and the acceptable fit of the measurement model to the data has been demonstrated. Based on the outcomes, the factors with the highest direct effect on Intention to use E- commerce appeared to be Attitude toward using E-commerce and the results show that compatibility negatively influences intention to use. The main findings of the study are: perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, compatibility, trust and technology factor with awareness factor as mediating has a positive and significant impact on behavioral intention.
Page(s): 29-39 Date of Publication: 22 January 2020
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COVID-19 came as an unprecedented pandemic that the whole world was not prepared for, posing serious threat to public health and global Economy since 2019 to date. The use of facemask by health workers and the general population is strongly recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) and centers for disease control as a standard for transmission-based precaution. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitude of patients and caregivers attending ENT and Eye clinics on the use of Facemasks as means of prevention of COVID-19 in a tertiary institution in south East Nigeria, This was a cross-sectional study involving outpatients attending ENT and Eye clinics in Anambra State Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the participants, after each of them had given a written consent to participate. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Ethical approval was obtained from the NAUTH Research Ethics committee. A total of 442 participants were included in this study; 62.2% were females and 37.8%, males. The mean age was 45.3 ± 18 Years. Most of the participants (69.7%) had never used facemask prior to onset of COVID-19 but 89.6% admitted to have been using it regularly since onset of the pandemic. Almost all the participants (96.2%) have heard about COVID-19, however, only 87.1% believed it was real. There a significant association between Educational qualification, occupation and the belief that Covid-19 is real were shown to influence regular use of face masks (p<0.05). Our study shows that there is good knowledge about the place of face Mask in the prevention of COVID-19 as well as other precautionary measures, however 36.4% used it because it was mandatory. This means that there is need for concerted effort and educating the public and enforcing compliance if the trending second wave of the disease is to be averted in our clime.
Page(s): 40-51 Date of Publication: 27 January 2020
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The paper assesses the responsibilities of the government to its citizens and the state participation in provision of basic or essential amenities for the citizens. It argues that aside from economic challenges, corruption, ignorance, insecurity and illiteracy remain some of the major hindrances to welfarism and consequently democratic governance in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular. The paper therefore, assesses the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) efforts at ensuring democratic governance in the continent and the sub-region respectively. The paper concludes that the Nigerian state, Economic community of West African states (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) need to take important steps in stabilizing the economy of member states such as Nigeria towards promoting democratic governance in the sub-region of West Africa and the African region in general. Findings from the study reveals that despite the lofty objectives of the AU and ECOWAS, they lack the institutional machinery and capacity to fully ensure good governance in member states and that bad governance or corrupt leadership has been the bane of democratic governance in Africa and Nigeria in particular among other various challenges of democratic consolidation. They often focus more attention and energy on issues such as monitoring elections, peace keeping activities and discouraging illegal overthrown of governments, especially through coup d’état than fostering a culture of good governance. It recommends among others that welfarism should be the watchword of governance in Africa and there should be strong commitment by the government to the achievement of MDGs/SDGs. The study employed solely the qualitative method of data analysis. As such, information were drawn from secondary sources of data collection such as text books, journal articles, Newspapers, workshop and conference papers and reports.
Page(s): 52-57 Date of Publication: 29 January 2021
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This paper describes the typical process for monitoring surfaces contaminated by different sources, such as strontium (90Sr), cobalt (60Co) and chlorine (36Cl), in a working environment. There are several detectors that are used to identify both the location and activity of a contamination source. In this report, the most effective detector to scan and monitor Beta-rays is the mini-monitor E, with an efficiency of 42.3%, 20% and 14% for detecting 90Sr, 36Cl and 60Co, respectively. However, the NE BP/4A/4C scintillator detector was the most suitable for detecting Gamma-rays. In addition, a smear test was carried out by using a high-efficiency G-M tube and several different sources of 90Sr. The decontamination process successfully reduced the contamination level to almost 2.1% of the original percentage of contamination when the first wipe was done.
Page(s): 58-61 Date of Publication: 29 January 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8101Download PDF
In an attempt to curb the menace associated with the collection and disposal of construction wastes, the study investigated the characteristics of broken ceramic tiles concrete graded levels : 0%,5%,10%, 15% and 20% of broken tiles wastes with maximum size of 19mm generated from construction sites used to substitute conventional coarse aggregate in the production of 1:2:4 mix concrete, at constant water-cement ratio of 0.5 cast in sets of sixteen (16) each in 150mm x 150mm x 150mm moulds. The resulting concrete cubes cured for 28 days were tested for absorption, compressive strength and workability in accordance with BSEN 12350-3: 1983 and BS8110: 1997. The result showed that the compressive strength values: 28.25N/mm2, 27.44N/mm2 ,26.88N/mm2 and 26.33N/mm2 at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively although decreases with increase in percentage replacement is comparable with that of a normal concrete up to 20% replacement. Workability and absorption properties of the broken tiles concrete also exhibited the same trend with that of compressive strength. The study concluded that BTC at 28 days possesses strikingly similar characteristics with normal concrete up to 20% replacement.
Page(s): 62-65 Date of Publication: 31 January 2020
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8102Download PDF
The focus of this paper is to examine the doctrine of intentionality in Merleau-Ponty. It will look at how he departs from the traditional description of intentionality. It will also draw the differences between his and Husserls understanding of Intentionality, and how his doctrine of intentionality becomes integral to subjectivity. This discourse submits that Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenological approach to intentionality amounts to radicality especially from his account of the intentional constitution of the body and its role in perceptual experience.
Page(s): 66-70 Date of Publication: 31 January 2020
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8103Download PDF
The continued occurrence of examination malpractice globally has been of great concern to all education stakeholders. Considering the gravity and continuous occurrence of examination malpractice at secondary school level in Zambia, this study sought to investigate pupils’ perceptions on the causes and solutions to examination malpractice at secondary school level in Lusaka district of Zambia. The population of this study included all pupils in 10 selected government run secondary schools in Lusaka district. The study sample consisted of 300 pupils randomly selected. 30 pupils were selected from 10 schools. The instrument used to collect data was a questionnaire that was constructed by the researcher. The study revealed that examination malpractice in secondary schools take the form of leakage, collusion, computer system, external assistance, smuggling, impersonation, and substitution and examiner malpractice. Leakage, computer system, smuggling and collusion were identified as forms of examination malpractice that frequently occur while impersonation, substitution, examiner malpractice and external assistance occur least. The study also revealed that school, teacher, societal and pupil factors were the major causes of examination leakages. This revelation agrees with the theoretical framework of the study which identified that the unethical examination management practices of teachers, school administrators, parents, pupils and any other stakeholder in the examination management results into examination leakages. The results further revealed that pre-examination ethics were more desirable and the best way to control cheating amongst pupils. This study recommends punitive punishment to anyone who would engage in examination malpractice.
Page(s): 71-79 Date of Publication: 31 January 2021
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This study aims to analyze and determine the efficiency of the use of production factors in corn farming in East Kupang District, Kupang Regency. By knowing whether or not the use of production factors is efficient, it can be recommended to farmers to increase or decrease the use of certain production factors, which in fact are based on the results of the analysis of their use is inefficient.The data analysis method used is by using the Cobb-Douglass production function, where the results of this analysis can be seen from the elasticity of the use of each production factor on the production results. Furthermore, determining the efficient use of a type of production factor is determined based on the amount of its Marginal Production Value (MPV). This research took place in the East Kupang sub-district, because this area is one of the vegetable and maize-producing areas that supply the community’s needs for these commodities in Kupang district and also in Kupang City. The results showed that the production factors had a significant effect on production yields, but their use was still not efficient. Therefore, it needs to be further improved in order to achieve optimal efficiency.
Page(s): 80-85 Date of Publication: 01 February 2021
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This article aims to Intertextual Analysis between Novel Panggil Aku Kartini Saja by Pramoedya Ananta Toer and Novel Kartini by Abidah El Khalieqy. The study aims to describe the equality of affirmations and the differences in the terms of the PAKS novels by Pramoedya Ananta Toer and the novel K by Abidah El Khalieqy. There are similarities between PAKS novels and K novels namely, the character, the founder, the attitude of the surrender of Kartini, the firmness of the Raden Sosroningrat figure and the dream owned by the figure Kartini. The difference between PAKS novel and K novel namely, the child’s affection to her parents, the Kartini nanny, the failure and success in an exhibition. This research, the author seeks to find the relationship between work one and the other. This research uses qualitative descriptive methods with the method of content analysis to uncover or provide explanations of the studied objects. The results showed that the existence of intertektuality is the relationship between the novel one and the other. The difference is in the non-fiction PAKS novel in the form of biographies whereas in K-fiction novels.
Page(s): 86-90 Date of Publication: 05 February 2021
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The academic performance of students in learning institutions like universities is a significant determinant of the future socio-economic status of the students concerned. An outstanding students’ academic performance can be regarded as an instrument used to achieve rapid economic, social, political, technological and scientific growth in a developing country like Sierra Leone. It is, therefore, the desire of every university student to be on top of their classes in almost all their university courses. Despite the huge desire to excel, there are both academic and socio-economic factors influencing the academic performance of undergraduate students at Njala University. This work, therefore, aims to identify the main factors influencing students’ academic performance at Njala University. For this purpose, a stratified random sampling method was employed to select 284 respondents proportionately from each university faculty. Data were collected from the selected respondents using structured questionnaires. An ordinal logistic regression modeling technique was used to identify the main factors influencing the academic performance of the undergraduate students at Njala University, Njala Campus. Several factors were initially considered as potential determinants of students’ academic performance. However, the result of the empirical analysis revealed that, the number of study hours; father’s income level; mother’s educational level and mother’s income level are the main factors influencing undergraduate students’ academic performance at Njala University. An increase in the number of study hours increases students’ academic performance; an increase in the father’s income level increases students’ academic performance; an increase in the mother’s educational level increases student’s academic performance while an increase in the mother’s income level decreases students’ academic performance.
Page(s): 91-100 Date of Publication: 08 Febraury 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8104Download PDF
Language is a unique identity to every community in Nigeria; English has been a major communication medium in schools and high intuitions of learning. Over time this has posed as a threat on the indigenous languages in Nigeria were Ogba language is the primary focus, as this locally spoken languages will no longer exist based on the rapid growth of the English language in the local communities. There is this fear that Nigeria indigenous language is been traded off for English language as a major means of communication due to colonization. This work is focused on the design and implementation of a web-based electronic learning system of Ogba language. The Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Methodology was adopted, the system is modelled with Unified Modelling Language and developed using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, SQL scripting language and MySQL as the database. This web-based application enables prospective learners to learn the language at their convenience in respective of location, in order to arrest the extinction that looms over the language.
Page(s): 101-106 Date of Publication: 08 Febraury 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8105Download PDF
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) rhizomes, both from Zingiberaceae family, had been studied for their physico/phytochemical and bioactive compositions, as a natural source of anti-microbial drugs. The active ingredients in turmeric and ginger were isolated using different solvents, such as, chloroform, ethanol, hexane and benzene, while rotary evaporator was used to separate the moisture contents, which were 12.38 and 11.15 % for both tumeric and ginger respectively. Ash contents were 7.45 % and 7.20 %, while, specific gravity were 0.34 % and 0.25 % for both tumeric and ginger respectively. Coumarin, the major content of tumeric was identified in all the solvent extracts, while, polyphenol was presence in ginger extracts. Saponin, terpenoids, and anthocynins, were found to be present in all the solvent extracts of both turmeric and ginger. Carbohydrates, protein and alkaloid contents were tested using standard methods. Protein was identified in turmeric extract, but, not in ginger. The phyto-chemicals and bioactive compositions of tumeric and ginger have proved them source materials for drug formulations and antimicrobial agents, to fight against some pathogens and maintain some health challenges.
Page(s): 107-112 Date of Publication: 08 Febraury 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8106Download PDF
Heavy metals such as manganese (Mn) in soils are of great environmental concern. Volumes of literature have been reported in damaging effects of excessive Mn in soils. Automobile mechanic activities remain one of the major indirect sources of manganese into the environment through indiscriminate dumping of wastes. In order to determine Mn content in the soil from the vicinity of automobile mechanic workshop and evaluate the contamination levels, the concentrations and distribution of Mn must be established for different physical and chemical phases of the soil. Different soil layers (0-15cm, 15-30cm and 30-4cm depth) were collected and analyzed for Mn contents using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Soil texture, conductivity pH, total organic content and cation exchange capacity were also measured. Sequential extraction was also carried out to determine the geochemical phase of Mn. In the investigated soils, the range total of Mn concentration across the various sampling sites were 41.5- 50-1 mg/kg (0-15cm) 34.6 -37.3 mg/kg (15-30cm) and 21.2-27.8mg/kg (30-45cm),this revealed higher concentration of Mn in topsoil samples(0-15cm) than subsoil samples(15-30cm)(30-4cm). The results showed that enrichment factors (E.F.) of Mn were 0.21, 0.20 and 0.31 respectively while the geo accumulation index (Igeo) values of the metals in the soil under study indicate that they are uncontaminated with Mn. The mechanic wastes represent a potential source of heavy metal pollution to the environment. Although, the present level of Mn contamination of the soil does not call for alarm. Therefore, necessary steps should be taken to minimize the accumulation of metal. It is now recommended that a separate portion of land be set for automobile workshops called the mechanic village.
Page(s): 113-118 Date of Publication: 08 February 2021
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Transparency, accountability, responsibility, independence and fairness are basic principles of GCG implementation. This study used a questionnaire technique survey method distributed to 37 BPRs. The sample used was 74, each having received two respondents from each BPR in the Financial Section and Serang Regency General Section. Sample determination using purposeful sampling. The analytical technique is a simple linear regression analysis using SPSS. This study shows that applying the principles of good corporate governance that include transparency, accountability, accountability, independence, and fairness has a positive effect on the performance of Serang Regency Micro Finance Banks.
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8107Page(s): 119-126 Date of Publication: 10 February 2021
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The study was undertaken to analyze student’s perspectives on enhancing research in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Lusaka. A descriptive survey design was used. The sample comprised 25 students in five institutions of learning in Lusaka who were purposively and randomly selected. Data was collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides, while analysis of data was done using SPSS and themes. The study revealed that there are different student perspectives on enhancing research in ODL during COVID-19. There is a dire need to enhance research in ODL among students, and that students are positive about enhancing research in ODL. The study established that enhancing research in ODL can in turn improve the quality of ODL programmes and increase the student’s research skills. The study also revealed that using different approaches or strategies and/or methods in research can enhance research in ODL during COVID-19. The study suggests that students should engage in many research endeavors in ODL, carryout research studies with experienced lecturers so that they can learn better, collaborate with other students pursing programmes via ODL platforms. This study concludes research in ODL is very vital in making ODL a worthwhile alternative to other forms of learning.
Page(s): 127-132 Date of Publication: 10 February 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8108Download PDF
The preservation of ecotourism sites worldwide has become an issue of importance. Ghana, like other developing countries, has renowned ecotourism sites such as the Kakum National Park, Buabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, and Aburi Botanical Gardens, among others. Rainfall and temperature are known to play a vital role in supporting plant growth and the survival of animal species, and these form a major part of ecotourism. The problem of anthropogenic climate change and its impacts on ecotourism has been measured in some countries except in Ghana. Capitalizing on the gaps in studies on climate change, this research was conducted to ascertain the effects of the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on ecotourism, with a specific focus on the Aburi Botanical Garden. The comparison of the garden’s potential was measured against a 30-year data using rainfall and temperature as the variables of measurement from 1989-2018. The measurements were obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency. Changes in minimum and maximum temperature, as well as the depreciation in rainfall amounts, were measured. Study participants included workers of the garden who expressed their observation in the trends of rainfall and temperature and how it has affected ecological tourists’ visits to the garden via researcher-administered questionnaires. The study confirmed the changes in patterns of rainfall and temperature but revealed that these changes had insignificant impacts on the garden. Thus, its ecotourism potential remains intact despite climate change. It is recommended that the garden properly maintains the standards and upgrades its systems to promote tourism.
Page(s): 133-141 Date of Publication: 10 Febraury 2021
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The study was conducted in ten communities in the Tolon district of the Northern region of Ghana. The objective of this study was to identify the forage species on community rangelands and to know the trend conditions of forage species on the community rangelands. Ten communities were randomly selected from the study area for the research. The random sampling technique was applied to select ten (10) communities of which 10 people were selected in each community through the snowball sampling technique. One hundred questionnaires were administered during this study to collect the data. Quadrats of 10m ×10m were laid to identify species on rangelands in the district. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version (16.0) and Microsoft office excel (version 2013). Male and female respondents constituted 97% and 3% respectively. Majority (78%) of the respondents were involved in sheep rearing while the least 3% were also engaged in pig farming. The study identified thirty-seven (37) forage species in which Setaria pallide fusca was the species that had the highest frequency whereas Strychos spinosa, Pennisetum purpureum, Boerhavia coccinea, Eugenia subherbacea. and Hannoa undulate was the forage species with the lowest frequency. Five species that are going extinct were also identified in the study. Pterocarpus erinaceus was the species that appeared most among the forage species which are reducing whiles Detarium microcarpum, Securinega virosa, Hyparrhenia rufa, and Acacia nilotica had the lowest frequencies. To conserve forage availability, there should be a reduction in overexploitation of the species and also to encourage the cultivation of forage species especially Pterocarpus erinaceus, Detarium microcarpum, Securinega virosa, Hyparrhenia rufa, and Acacia nilotica to sustain the forage species.
Page(s): 142-150 Date of Publication: 10 Febraury 2021
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The adoption of mobile banking by banks is intended to grant banks the ability to outperform its rivals and improve performance. However the effectiveness of mobile banking as a competitive strategy is depended upon the business environment in which banks operate. This is based on a number of factors that constrain the adoption and effectiveness of new technology in, line with the Innovation Diffusions Theory and the Financial Intermediation Theory theories.This study investigated the impact of mobile banking on the overall performance of a bank operating in an economic crisis business environment in Zimbabwe. The main objectives of the study was to examine if the adoption of mobile banking can still improve the performance of banks operating in an economic crisis business environment. A total of 302 respondents were used in this study. The study used the pragmatism philosophy and explanatory research design the researchers. A response rate of 97% was obtained which ensured that the findings are a true representation of the sample. The research was mainly quantitative in nature although it was complemented by a qualitative approach in form of interviews. Survey and interviews were used as the data collection instruments while questionnaires and interview guide were used as data collection instruments. Probability sampling technique was used to develop the sample of the study. The findings of this study have shown a strong positive impact of mobile banking on profit margins and market share in economic crisis business environment. The study however showed that mobile banking may not improve the corporate image of banks operating in economic crisis business environment. The study concludes that mobile banking platforms may be used to make banks competitive in economic crisis through its positive influence on profit margins and market share. However is it also concluded that mobile banking adoption by banks may not leads to enhanced corporate image. The study recommends that banks should continue to increase their investment in mobile banking technology even in crisis business environments in view of its positive influence on profit margins and market share. However other additional strategies may be required to improve corporate image to sustain the positive profit margins. This research evaluated the impact of mobile banking on the performance of one bank. It is recommended to extend the research to several banks operating in economic crisis business environments.
Page(s): 151-155 Date of Publication: 10 February 2021
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Previous studies have shown that congregants may create either a positive attitude or a negative attitude towards consecutive interpretation. The purpose of this study was to determine the attitude of congregants regarding consecutive interpretation of church sermons in Pentecostal churches in Nakuru town. Using the interpretive theory of translation, the study employed a descriptive survey research design. With a sample size of ten Pentecostal churches randomly selected from a list of 50 Pentecostal churches, questionnaires, interview schedules and observation schedule were used to collect data. The findings of this study show that most congregants have a positive attitude towards consecutive interpretation, they enjoy when it is being used in church, it leads to spiritual growth, and they understand messages better and find it a modernized way of preaching. On the contrary, they find consecutive interpretation time wasting and somehow find it boring.The study recommends that the church administration should psycho-educate the congregants on the importance of consecutive interpretation and the underlying reasons for its adoption in church.
Page(s): 156-160 Date of Publication: 10 February 2021
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Farmers in the rain-fed agriculture in equatorial regions are highly exposed to the adverse effects of climate change due to complete reliance on rainfall which has become unpredictable. Planned and spontaneous adaptation in such conditions becomes crucial to remain in farming in climate change regime. In the rural settings of the less-developed areas, farmers mostly adapt to risks posed by climate change individually. The present study investigates different adaptation strategies of farmers using cross-sectional data collected from Ndop sub-division of the Ngoketunjia division in the North West region of Cameroon. The study examines the role of socio-economic characteristics of farmers on adaptation to climate change. Plant level, farm level and farmers level of adaptations were examined and barriers to adoption of effective adaptation strategies. Data collected through questionnaire and direct field observation were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and mean distribution. Data was collected from 200 respondents through stratified random sampling. Plant level, farm level and farmer’s level of adaptation were assessed to be inefficient to mitigate the effects of climate variability and reduce vulnerability of swamp rice production in this sub division. This is especially at the level of traditional farms. Adaptation strategies are therefore ineffective as yields of 6 tons per hectare have never been attained. Adopting the NERICA specie, converting traditional fields into developed fields, increasing farmer’s awareness on the effects of climate change and strengthening the agricultural extension service of the UNVDA amongst others will increase resilience and improve on production hence increasing rice yields.
Page(s): 161-167 Date of Publication: 10 February 2021
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Nzoia River Basin lies entirely within Kenya along the border with Uganda in the Lake Victoria Basin, and has a population of about 3.7 million people with mixed demographic characteristics displaying mixed distribution patterns. The purpose of this study was to assess noise pollution levels in the basin before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional research design was used in the study. Three counties were randomly selected from the basin for study with Busia representing the lower catchment, Kakamega middle catchment and Trans Nzoia upper catchment. Control of noise pollution, other public nuisances and outdoor advertising is a devolved function of county governments in Kenya. A person intending to engage in such activities is by law required to apply for a permit from the county governments. The number of permits issued by the county governments will give an indication on the number of people intending to engage in noise pollution and hence, the level of noise pollution in the county. This study used the number of noise pollution permits issued by county goverments, in-depth expert interviews (key informants) with selected stakeholders from national and county departments of environment, academia and scientists, field observations, recently published literature and industry experiences to assess the effect of COVID-19 on noise pollution levels in Nzoia River Basin. A questionnaire was sent to the county governments of Busia, Kakamega and Trans Nzoia to collect information on the number of monthly noise pollution permits issued for the two years 2018 and 2019 preceeding the COVID-19 outbreak and 2020 after the onset of the pandemic. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistic of percentages in order to compare the changes in overall noise pollution levels and then presented in Tables. The findings of the study revealed that the year 2020 had the smallest number of permits issued as compared to the two preceeding years, 2018 and 2019. In-depth expert interviews (key informants) and field observations revealed that noise pollution hotspots in the basin are major towns and urban areas, major highways, airports and airstrips, industrial manufacturing centres and agro-based processing plants, quarrying sites and Webuye Broadrick waterfalls. This study sheds light on the consequences of the sudden occurrence of a major pandemic and raises awareness on the critical impacts to the environment in terms of reduced noise pollution levels. The findings of this study can be used to formulate strategies for noise pollution control in the basin. Noise is known to cause ill health, and therefore any efforts made to reduce the level of noise pollution in the basin will result into the improvement of the health status of the residents. The widely observed reduction in noise pollution in the basin is welcome news on the positive environmental effects of COVID-19, but proper planning mechanisms for the post COVID months to come will be required in order to sustain the reduced noise levels.
Page(s): 168-175 Date of Publication: 16 February 2021
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During the period from December 2016 to May 2017 the study was carried out at the Research Field of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur in Rabi season to evaluate the efficacy of different organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of boro rice (BRRI dhan29). The experiment had eight treatments with three replications and as follows; T0: Control, T1: 100% N75P12K45S9 (Recommended dose), T2: 50% NPKS + 6 t cowdung ha-1, T3: 75% NPKS + 3 t cowdung ha-1, T4: 50% NPKS + 6 t poultry manure ha-1, T5: 75% NPKS + 3 t poultry manure ha-1, T6: 50% NPKS + 6 t vermicompost ha-1 and T7: 75% NPKS + 3 t vermicompost ha-1. Application of organic and inorganic fertilizers resulted in a considerable influence on the growth and yield contributing characteristics of boro rice (BRRI dhan29). At harvest stage, the tallest plant (94.37 cm) and the greatest number of total tiller per hill (22.10) was recorded from T4. The longest panicle (26.48 cm), maximum number of total grain per plant (178.3), the highest weight of 1000 seeds (21.96 g), the maximum grain yield (10.33 t ha-1) and straw yield (15.67 t ha-1) was also recorded in T4 treatment. Although the highest biological yield was recorded from T4 treatment but statistically similar result was found from T5 treatment. The findings of the study showed that the performance of the treatment T4 was the best among all treatments in terms of growth and yields. So, the recommendation of this study is amendment of soil with 50% NPKS + 6 t poultry manure ha-1 might be an efficient practice for achieving sustainable higher boro rice (BRRI dhan29) production.
Page(s): 176-180 Date of Publication: 19 Febraury 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8109Download PDF
Material hardening is a process method that is carried out to make materials that begin with standards become stronger and more resilient. The material used is nodular cast iron (Ferro Casting Nodular (FCD)) which has a composition of above 2.06% carbon, tensile stress 40 kg / mm2, with elongation of 12 minutes, and has a material hardness of 201 (BHN). The method used to harden the surface is the electrochemical hard chrome process with added hardening material is chrome. Material is carried out by electrochemical diffusion by providing electrical voltage, as well as the addition of heat given, so that the material becomes harder. The results of electrochemical hard chromium surface hardening can harden the surface better and harder, so that it is used in industry and society. Rockwell hardening value is 62.82 HRC equivalents to VHN 768 and BHN is 702.2. In this hardening process uses 270 amperes of electric current, with a temperature of 60ºC and a holding time of 20.
Page(s): 181-189 Date of Publication: 19 Febraury 2021
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The socio-economic characteristics and biosecurity measures amongst fish farmers in some coastal communities of Rivers State were assessed. Data was collected randomly from 200 fish farmers by interview and administration of structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages were used to analyze data collected. Results obtained from the study indicated that fish farming were dominated by males (68.50%) and were mostly (48.50%) within the age bracket of 21-40years. Majority of the respondents (70.00%) were educated up to secondary level with 6-10 years experience in fish farming. Most (65.00%) of the farmers in the study area had been trained in fish farming enterprise and they are not full time farmers (42.00%). From the study area, majority (64.50%) of the farmers were fully aware of the biosecurity strategies in aquaculture production. While, a greater proportion (29.00%) of the farmers engaged in cleaning of their environment as a means of biosecurity practices. There was low level of compliance of biosecurity strategies among the fish farmers, with finance (51.00%) as a major constraint. In conclusion, the study observed that the practice of biosecurity measures was not an important issue among the farmers in the study area. It is therefore recommended that financial assistance should be made available to farmers in these communities; so as to enhance their production capacities and bio-security practices compliance.
Page(s): 190-193 Date of Publication: 20 Febraury 2021
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Fertility behavior is conditioned by both biological and social factors. Knowledge of fertility pattern gives insight into drivers of human fertility. The paper investigated the birth pattern of women in Kebbi State, North Western Nigeria. A total of 2,256 questionnaires were distributed to the women of child bearing age using simple random sampling across five local government areas. The aim of the study was to analyze the pattern of fertility among age group of women of childbearing age and the effects of some exogenous variables on the fertility of women in the state. Poisson regression was applied for the positive count value recorded. The results from the analysis revealed that experience of birth or history of birth, financial reliant, obesity, individual age are highly significant to the study and have direct impact on fertility. Despite our ability to breed continuously, all human populations exhibit variation in reproduction.
Page(s): 194-203 Date of Publication: 21 Febraury 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8110Download PDF
When Hardy declared insects, dogs, and birds as God’s humble creatures and his guests in his poem, “An August Midnight”, his aim was certainly to dissuade human beings from indiscriminately destroying the creatures; for they are ecological beings just as humans and equally serve as an imaginative influence. From Thomas J. Lyon’s ecocritical discourse explicated in “A Taxonomy of Nature Writing,” this paper views birds in the two novels not as mere symbols, as many critics have considered them, but as beings through which the feelings and conditions of characters, events, as well as the setting are juxtaposed to portray an interwoven connection between the entire ecosystem. The paper asserts that apart from belonging to the Great Chain of Being as humans, birds are endowed with perceptive skills from which Thomas Hardy draws inspiration for his narrative. In other words, birds are viewed in both novels to reveal the beauty of arts; such beauty which is embellished with and identifiable in the physical environment as well as Hardy’s creative and linguistic expression.
Page(s): 204-213 Date of Publication: 21 February 2021
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Flooding has been a major issue in Ghana, and several driving factors have been attributed to flooding in Accra. Among the factors outlined throughout the literature are climatic influences such as rainfall which results in a change in the natural hydrology of the area. Other causes include building in waterways and dumping of refuse in the drainage area. This paper seeks to develop an operational methodology using Synthetic Aperture Radar images to support the response agencies by providing timely information on flood risk areas over a period to prioritize response activities within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) area. The method used was a change detection algorithm where the after-flood mosaic was divided by the before-flood mosaic, resulting in a raster layer showing the degree of change per pixel. Additional Dataset to refine the flood layers were adopted such as Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Global Surface-water dataset. One of the major findings of this study is that the Ga south district is the district with the highest average flooding extent compared to the other districts within GAMA and the main reason was because of the Weija Dam being situated close to the district. When the Dam is full and being spilled over, it causes surrounding environments to experience flooding. The implication is that much attention should be given to the Ga south district to curb the menace of flooding in GAMA.
Page(s): 214-222 Date of Publication: 21 February 2021
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Water is an important resource for all time, healthiness, and development. However, one in three people worldwide doesn’t have enough water to satisfy their daily needs. Consistent with the UN, in 2025 nearly 2 billion people will live in conditions of absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the planet in areas of water stress. Bangladesh and India share 54 rivers. But there has been only one water-sharing agreement on one river that is ‘The Ganges Water Treaty-1996’. Without such agreement with Bangladesh, India began constructing dams or diverting water from many Tran’s boundary rivers. The absence of such agreements could lead to complex water-sharing conflicts within the future and should have negative, socio-economic, and political implications for bilateral relations between the two countries. This paper discussed Water Diplomacy and Water sharing problems between Bangladesh and India employed a triangulation research method Also, explain different International Treaties and laws associated with water. Also, attempt to identify a standard solution and proposals for resolve water sharing problems between Bangladesh and India.
Page(s): 223-229 Date of Publication: 23 February 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8111Download PDF
The principal objects of interest in the current research are the finite sets and the contraction CIn finite transformation semigroups and the characterization of nildempotent elements in CIn. Let M_n be a finite set, say M_n={m_1,m_2,…m_n}, where m_i is a non-negative integer then α ∈ CIn for which for all q,k∈M_n, |αq-αk|≤|q-k| is a contraction mapping for all q,k∈D(α), provided that any element in D(α) is not assumed to be mapped to empty as a contraction. We show that α∈ CIn is nildempotent if there exist some minimal (nildempotent degree) m,k∈ CIn such that α^m=∅⟹α^k=α where |CIn |=1 then α(S)=1=n(V)=∅ implies |I(α) |⊆|D(α)| where |NDCIn |=1 for each n∈N. Then |ECIn |=(█(2^k@(k-n)+1)) , n,k∈N for 1≥k≥n.
Page(s): 230-234 Date of Publication: 23 February 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8112Download PDF
The effect of shocks on budgetary education spending on economic growth in Nigeria is looked at through Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) Model and annual data from 1981-2016. Data was obtained from central bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin and world development indicator. Result of SVAR reveals that the response of GDP to a shock on budgetary capital education spending, budgetary recurrent education spending and total federal collected revenue is significant. Response of GDP to shocks on budgetary capital and budgetary recurrent spending on education in the short run is negative but turned out to be positive in the long run. The study therefore advice that government should consider the effective use of education spending in order to achieve economic growth; and that revenue base should be broadened through effective and efficient tax system.
Page(s): 235-240 Date of Publication: 24 February 2021
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Corporate social responsibility (CSR) attained a high enough profile and that many consider it as a necessity for organizations to define their roles in society and here to social, ethical, legal, and responsible standards. Nowadays, there are many factors influencing the companies reporting on CSR including stakeholder pressures, the economic crisis, growing awareness of sustainability issues as well as the appearance of more and more new reporting requirements initiated by national government and stock exchanges. In Malaysia, as a rapid developing country, committed and confident in achieving the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda. The importance of addressing the topic of sustainable development has been widely acknowledged. Currently, most of such CSR studies focus on organizational perspectives, whereas it has been shown that the impact of individual perspective on the economy, the society, and the environment. This study is focusing on identifying the CSR activities implemented by corporations in Malaysia towards their stakeholders. The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between the impact of CSR on their sustainability development. Specifically, conceptual framework in this study as a compilation of previous researchers mainly about sustainability, CSR, motivation and Triple bottom line. The outcomes of this study had shown the strategic planning from CSR activities have significant results with sustainable development. Furthermore, the practice of voluntary CSR will increase and as a result of an improved sustainability performance through better management information models to society. In conclusions, it is very important to place the measured outcomes of sustainability in this context in order to provide clear view of the true impact on the sustainability performance for the development of society, economy and nation in Malaysia.
Page(s): 241-245 Date of Publication: 25 February 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8113Download PDF
In a global, regional and Kenyan perspective, there is a challenge as to the best curriculum to use for behaviour change among learners with Emotional and Behaviour Disorders (EBD). This study assessed curriculum for behaviour change among learners with EBD in selected Juvenile Schools (JS) in Kenya. The study was based on the social learning theory. Cross sectional descriptive research design was used. Target population comprised of all the learners in the selected JS and their managers in selected JS in Kenya. There was a total of 646 respondents. Probabilistic sampling techniques were used to select the sample. Questionnaires, interview schedules, focus group discussion, document analysis and observation schedules were used for data collection. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected, analyzed and presented. The study found that the adapted curriculum for learners with EBD was missing in JS despite being referral institutions for behaviour change. Similarly, the curriculum did not address problem solving and coping skills. The study recommends adaptation of the curriculum to address behaviour change.
Page(s): 246-249 Date of Publication: 25 February 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8114Download PDF
Professionalisation of teaching by law in Zambia was punctuated by controversy. The Teaching Profession Act that came into force in 2013 to rebrand teachers as professionals triggered controversy among the social actors and the general public. There are arguments that the law is inconsistent with the philosophy of professionalization as espoused by the Neo Weberian and Traitian theorists. Research was therefore set to examine the existence of a paradox in the Act against empirical evidence and the teachers’ own conceptualisation of profession from their natural world. The quantitative findings show that the law does not designate teachers with professional status because the mean scores per variable were all less than 5 which was the ideal standard, indicative that teachers perceived the law as alien to them. The study has exposed the inconsistencies of the teaching profession Act of 2013 by its failure to embrace the tenets of professions as propounded by the taxonomic and neo Weberian theories of professionalisation. From the focus group discussions, teachers further rejected the statute as alien and non-representative of their social world. This study has exposed the Act as having failed to borrow perspectives used in professionalising existing professional occupations operating in Zambia. The Act has detached itself from the ontological position which holds that rules of professionalisation for occupations operating within the same geographical space must be consistent. The panacea to the perceived contradictions henceforth is to repeal this Act and a new law enacted which must embrace recommendations proposed by this research.
Page(s): 250-261 Date of Publication: 26 February 2021
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The study focused on assessing formative assessment practices of Mathematics tutors of twelve colleges of education in Ashanti and Bono Region in Ghana. The study adopted Convergent research design to guide the study. A sample of 56 Mathematics tutors was sampled through census study. Questionnaire, interview guide and observation checklist were used to collect data from the participants. Majority used oral test to assess students at the introduction stage, mid-way (developmental stage) and at the conclusion stage of the Mathematics lessons. It was revealed that tutors scored students exercises, presentations, individual tasks and group work during Mathematics lessons. The study therefore recommended that capacity building workshops should be organized for Mathematics tutors to help them do formative assessment well. It was concluded that majority of the respondents used oral test to assess students during lessons and this might due to facts that other forms of assessment may be time consuming for the tutors.
Page(s): 262-271 Date of Publication: 28 February 2021
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The study identified the causes and environmental problems of petrol filling stations found in residential domain of some developing nations. The study was a survey research in which data was obtained through a 6 items questionnaire on population of 228 respondents randomly sampled from the residential Neighbourhoods of Port Harcourt city local government. The data analysis was computed using Mean and Standard Deviation on a 5- point likert scale. Findings of the study reveal among others that the main causes for locating petrol filling station in residential domain of Port Harcourt city are high population, outdated and inefficient urban planning practices, and non-compliance to physical development control regulation, poor economic policies and corruption /ignorance, among others. The findings also revealed that the environmental problems of developed petrol filling station in residential domain are also numerous and such are volatile organic compound, methane and carbon monoxide to mention a few. The paper recommended among others that international bodies should organize in-service training, seminar and symposia for federal and state ministries of housing, urban development, environment, health, energy and natural resources and all the income class in Nigeria on the implications of such significant changes in urban residential districts.
Page(s): 272-276 Date of Publication: 28 February 2021
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Based on data on patient visits in 2019, it shows that each month the number of patient visits experienced ups and downs in the rate of patient visits, the peak of the decline occurred in June with a reduction of 2491 people (26% from the previous month). This shows the dissatisfaction of the service felt by the patient so that there is a problem that makes some patients not come back for treatment at XYZ Hospital. The method used in this study is the Servqual method and the Kano Model which aim to improve the quality of outpatient services at XYZ Hospital. Based on the results of the collection of Voice of Customer (VOC) which has been translated into 5 Servqual dimensions, namely Tangible, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance, and Emphaty obtained 19 service attributes contained on outpatient services at XYZ Hospital. Based on the results of the data processing of the Servqual questionnaire, it is found that the value of the gap (gap) with a positive value of 1 service attribute and 18 service attributes with a negative gap value. By using Importance Performance Analysis (IPA), it is found that 6 service attributes are the main priority for improvement. In data processing with the KANOe model of 18 attributes, it is classified that 6 service attributes are in the Attractive category, 1 service attribute is in the Indifferent category, 7 service attributes are in the Must-be category, and 4 service attributes are in the One-dimensional category. The results of processing with these two methods resulted in a quality improvement proposal with the first priority, namely friendliness and courtesy to patients and families with a gap value of -0.87 and the Must-be KANOe category. While the service attribute with the last priority is Ease in the administrative process with a gap value of -0.81 and the Attractive KANOe category.
Page(s): 277-291 Date of Publication: 01 March 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8115Download PDF
This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the biophysical environment. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The entire Nigerians made up the population of the study. One thousand five hundred (1,500) respondents were selected across the six geopolitical zones using the purposive sampling procedure. Data of the study were collected via a questionnaire titled: Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Biophysical Environment Assessment Scale (ICPBEAS). The instrument was designed in a close-ended four-point Likert scale format. Data obtained for the study were analyzed using the descriptive statistics of frequency counts, mean (x) and simple percentage. The study revealed that COVID-19 pandemic has both positive and negative impacts on the environment. However, the negative impacts are more than the positive impacts. The COVID-19 pandemic has adverse impacts on the biophysical, cultural, economic, political and social aspects of Nigeria’s environment. Based on the findings of the study, the following were recommended among others: Nigerians, irrespective of class and social status, should be more conscious of how they use the biophysical environment knowing that degradation, pollution, and desecration of the environment can affect the health and wellbeing of all citizens; and government should exhibit a higher degree of sincerity in implementation of sociopolitical, socioeconomic, and sociocultural policies aimed at alleviating hunger and poverty in the country.
Page(s): 292-296 Date of Publication: 01 March 2021
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National Colleges of Education (NCoE), being the pioneering teacher-trainers in Sri Lanka are responsible for producing prospective ESL practitioners through meaningful pre-service training. The aim of this study is to examine to which extent the ESL teacher-trainees achieve the expected reading and writing skills at the end of their pre-service training. To this end, a purposive sample of eighty prospective teachers of English in four NCoEs were tested on reading and writing skills through a standardized test, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), in order to identify their reading and writing levels. The findings indicate that 47.5% of the total sample obtained less than 40 marks for the TOEFL writing while 41.3% of participants’ TOEFL reading results were also significantly very low. Notably, there was a positive correlation between the external final examination marks for reading and writing conducted at the NCoEs and the TOEFL test results where the correlation-coefficient value was 0.65 in reading and 0.62 in writing. This validates that the teacher trainees in the NCoEs have not achieved the required reading and writing competence in English. Thus, their capability for strengthening the English language teaching and learning in the primary and secondary education system in Sri Lanka is a question. However, the findings ensured that by standardizing the English curriculum at the NCoEs, learner outcomes can effectively be enhanced, and thereby the NCoEs may produce qualified English teachers with accepted professional standards. The study has implications for all the stake holders involved in designing and delivery of English teacher education programmes at the NCoEs.
Page(s): 297-305 Date of Publication: 01 March 2021
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Classroom management has been considered as one of the important areas in teaching – learning process. It is associated with managing students’ behaviors in the classroom, which is one of the most contributing and challenging issues in teaching career. This study aimed to investigate the classroom management practices of secondary teachers in the Kalutara educational zone. A survey research design was employed to determine teachers’ perspectives towards classroom management practices of secondary schools. A total of 40 teachers selected from three schools which were consisted of 1AB boys, 1AB girls and C mixed schools. Data collected by using a questionnaire and collected data mostly analyzed using frequency and the percentage methods. The findings indicated that, the teachers, agreed that the classroom management was an essential part of teaching. Many of them agreed that it was an essential part of teaching while some teachers considered it to be even more important than teaching. They were of the opinion that the lesson would not be successful if there is no planned classroom management. But it is noteworthy that most of the teachers were unaware of the term “classroom management”. Therefore, it is recommended that classroom management training should be given more prominence in the training programmes at school level.
Page(s): 306-311 Date of Publication: 09 March 2021
DOI : 10.51244/IJRSI.2021.8116Download PDF
The incidence of teenage pregnancy increases rapidly in today’s society and this has become a serious social issue in Nigeria. This despicable situation leads to several problems such as dropping out of school, health problems like high risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, pressure on the health sector, increased mortality, social and economic consequences among a host of other vices. The study therefore examines the influence of teenage pregnancy on female education in Nigeria. A review of empirical studies through literature search was carried out. The findings show that teenage pregnancy has significant influence on female education in Nigeria. In conclusion, the study shows that proper parental care and support, sensitization programs on sex education and contraceptive usage, provision of jobs and other basic amenities for families could reduce teenage pregnancy among females in Nigeria.
Page(s): 312-315 Date of Publication: 11 March 2021
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Many unhealthy behaviors like addiction to harmful substance such as smoking, drinking, drug use often begin during adolescence, and leads to morbidity and mortality in low and middle income countries represent major public health challenge. We are going to conduct an overview of systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention to prevent adolescent substance abuse. The objectives of the review are to identify various interventions on prevention of adolescent substance abuse in LMICs, to provide evidence for effectiveness of such interventions and to identify the delivery platform of identified interventions. Method and analysis: An overview of systematic review will be carried out based on Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. The review will include systematic reviews that have included RCTs and quasi experimental studies and adolescent population in low LMICs. We will include any educational / psychosocial interventions that directly or indirectly affect substance use prevention. Databases such as EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, Cinhal and Psychinfo will be searched from January 2021 to June 2021. Additionally, important government websites and references of the included studies will be scanned to identify potential records. Three authors, independently, will carry out screening and data extraction. Studies will be categorized in to various themes for the purpose of analyzing and reporting the results. Ethics and dissemination: This review will be based on published studies and will not include human participants directly; therefore, ethical clearance is not applicable. We will disseminate the final overview findings in a peer-reviewed journal.
Page(s): 316-320 Date of Publication: 11 March 2021
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