Search

We provide a design case using applied trauma-informed frameworks to guide the design and usage adoption of an online support and mentorship platform for African applied science PhD scholars. In the Rsif context, scholars traverse countries, systems, and cultures to obtain their PhDs. The project objective was to create an online system to support their doctoral journeys. We will describe the program, introduce our team, summarize the literature guiding our selection of support objectives and overview the features we integrated into our platform design. After this, we will discuss our platform adoption approach and summarize the results of this project. Finally, concluding with a reflection on bringing trauma-informed frameworks into other learning ecologies.

Mapping the characteristics of Africa's smallholder-dominated croplands, including the sizes and numbers of fields, can provide critical insights into food security and a range of other socioeconomic and environmental concerns. However, accurately mapping these systems is difficult because there is 1) a spatial and temporal mismatch between satellite sensors and smallholder fields, and 2) a lack of high-quality labels needed to train and assess machine learning classifiers. We developed an approach designed to address these two problems, and used it to map Ghana's croplands. To overcome the spatio-temporal mismatch, we converted daily, high resolution imagery into two cloud-free composites (the primary growing season and subsequent dry season) covering the 2018 agricultural year, providing a seasonal contrast that helps to improve classification accuracy. To address the problem of label availability, we created a platform that rigorously assesses and minimizes label error, and used it to iteratively train a Random Forests classifier with active learning, which identifies the most informative training sample based on prediction uncertainty. Minimizing label errors improved model F1 scores by up to 25%. Active learning increased F1 scores by an average of 9.1% between first and last training iterations, and 2.3% more than models trained with randomly selected labels. We used the resulting 3.7 m map of cropland probabilities within a segmentation algorithm to delineate crop field boundaries. Using an independent map reference sample (n = 1,207), we found that the cropland probability and field boundary maps had respective overall accuracies of 88 and 86.7%, user's accuracies for the cropland class of 61.2 and 78.9%, and producer's accuracies of 67.3 and 58.2%. An unbiased area estimate calculated from the map reference sample indicates that cropland covers 17.1% (15.4-18.9%) of Ghana. Using the most accurate validation labels to correct for biases in the segmented field boundaries map, we estimated that the average size and total number of field in Ghana are 1.73 ha and 1,662,281, respectively. Our results demonstrate an adaptable and transferable approach for developing annual, country-scale maps of crop field boundaries, with several features that effectively mitigate the errors inherent in remote sensing of smallholder-dominated agriculture.

This study investigated how a school-based professional development programme, designed by the Headteacher and staff of a Kenyan primary school, and delivered by a Teacher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa (TESSA) team, supported teacher learning and growth. The TESSA team observed teaching in the classroom before the implementation of the school-based teacher professional programme. This was followed by the training of the teachers in the school. The TESSA team did an evaluation of the school-based training programme through classroom observation, an interview schedule and a teacher questionnaire. The evaluations were done three months and one year, respectively, after the school-based training. The findings indicate that teachers experienced professional growth through collaborative learning with colleagues, used a greater range of approaches and learned to self-reflect on their classes with more use of active learning. Teachers made productive use of textbooks as well as accessing and using TESSA OER in teaching.

Social amenities in primary schools play an important role in the provision of quality education. Social amenities include play materials and sanitation facilities. This study aimed at examining the impact of social amenities on academic performance in primary schools in Gichugu Constituency, Kenya. The objectives of this study were to assess the status of social amenities, to establish how sanitation amenities influence pupils' performance and lastly, to evaluate challenges facing provision of social amenities in primary schools in Gichugu Constituency, Kenya. This study was guided by Social Constructionist Theory. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population consisted of 75 primary school head teachers. Kathuri and Pal's Table for Sample Size Determination was used to arrive at a sample size of 63 school head teachers who were randomly selected from the target population. A questionnaire and an observation guide were used to collect data from the respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 20). The study established that in majority of the primary schools, pupils had access to clean and safe drinking water though pupils in some schools used water from nearby rivers and stream. The study also found out that majority of the schools had adequate sanitation amenities. However, the study established that sanitation facilities did not cater for learners with physical disabilities. The study established that social amenities influenced learners' academic performance in primary schools. Further, the study established that financial challenges affected provision and maintenance of social amenities in primary schools in the study region. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education and other education stakeholders should facilitate the provision and maintenance of social amenities in primary schools in Kenya in order to improve pupils' academic performance.

World Food Programme (WFP) and the Kenyan Ministry of Education introduced school feeding programme in targeted pre-primary and primary schools in 1980. However, its effects in promoting pupils' class participation in early childhood are not clear. The objective of the study was to assess the pupils' class participation in ECDE centres with a school feeding programme and those without. The study also sought to test out the following null hypothesis (Ho1): There is no statistically significant difference in class participation of pupils in ECDE centres with feeding programme and those without. The study used descriptive survey research design. The total number of pupils was 54,629 from 1163 centres. Twenty centres were purposively selected based on high population. 380 pupils were sampled using Krejcie and Morgan's table (1970). Twenty headteachers, 20 teachers and two county directors were sampled. This study was theoretically guided by Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Data was collected by means of an interview schedule, questionnaires and an observation schedule. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics by using SPSS. The Major finding is that pupils in ECDE centres with SFP participate more than those in schools without SFP. The study recommends that SFP be implemented in all schools.

IntroductionThe goal of this study was to pilot a referral-based cognitive screening and genetic testing program for Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk assessment in a primary care setting.MethodsPrimary care providers (PCPs; N = 6) referred patients (N = 94; M = 63 years) to the Rhode Island Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Registry for apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping and cognitive screening. PCPs disclosed test results to patients and counseled them about risk factor modification.ResultsCompared to the Registry as a whole, participants were younger, more likely to be non-White, and had lower cognitive screening scores. Mild cognitive impairment participants correctly reported a higher perceived risk of developing AD. Patients who recalled being counseled about modifiable risk factors were more likely to report positive health behavior changes.DiscussionA referral-based program for cognitive and genetic AD risk assessment in a primary care setting is feasible, acceptable to patients, and yielded a more demographically diverse sample than an AD prevention registry.

IntroductionAmbient air quality standards are not designed to protect people occupationally exposed to outdoor air pollution on a routine basis. This study aimed to assess the effect of exceeding the US ambient air quality standard for carbon monoxide (CO) on motorcycle taxi drivers respiratory health.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 85 current motorcycle taxi drivers with at least 5 years of job tenure in Cotonou (Benin) was conducted. Personal CO was measured with a portable CO data logger for 8 hours per day during working hours. A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms was administered to participants and spirometry was performed. Participants were divided into two groups, those with exposure to CO >9 ppm and ≤9 ppm, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standard which is an 8-hour average of 9ppm. 8 and 10 ppm were also used an exposure limit. Analysis was done using these two groups.ResultsSocio-demographic characteristics were well balanced between the two study groups. The drivers with a CO exposure of more than 9ppm had non-significantly more respiratory symptoms (OR=1.67; 95%CI:0.26,10.74), lower FVC and FEV1 compared to the less exposed group but they have a significant lower PEF (-10%, p=0.02). When we used an exposure limit of 8 or 10 ppm the results were not statistically different.ConclusionDrivers with a CO exposure >9 ppm tend to have more respiratory problems. More research is needed to reinforce this result in order to improve air quality standards to protect workers occupationally exposed to outdoor air pollution.

BackgroundIn urban settings of Africa with rapidly increasing population, traffic-related air pollution is a major contributor to outdoor air pollution (OAP). Although OAP has been identified as a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, there is however, lack of a simple biomarker to assess levels of exposure to OAP in resource-poor settings. This study evaluated the role of exhaled carbon monoxide (exhCO) as a potential biomarker of exposure to ambient carbon monoxide (ambCO) from OAP.MethodsThis was a descriptive study conducted among male commercial motorcycle riders in Cotonou - the economic capital of Benin. The participants' AmbCO was measured using a portable carbon monoxide (CO) data logger for 8 h during the period of their shift. ExhCO was measured just before and immediately after their shift (8-h) Participants were asked not to cook or to smoke during the day of the measurements. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between ambCO and exhCO for the last 2, 4 and 6 h of their shift.ResultsOf 170 participants who completed the study, their mean ± SD age was 42.2 ± 8.4 years, and their mean ± SD daily income was 7.3 ± 2.7$. Also, 95% of the participants' used solid fuels for cooking and only 2% had ever smoked. Average exhCO increased by 5.1 ppm at the end of the shift (p = 0.004). Post-shift exhCO was significantly associated to ambCO, this association was strongest for the last 2 h of OAP exposure before exhCO measurement (β = 0.34, p

The purpose of this study was to investigate the instructional constraints facing learners with muscular dystrophy in Joy Town special primary school, Thika, Kenya. Descriptive design was used for this study. The target population were all the 20 learners suffering from muscular dystrophy from S.A Joy Town Special Primary School. The total target population was 84. Random sampling was used on learners suffering from muscular dystrophy. Purposive sampling was used on the head teacher, parents, teachers, teacher aides, housemothers and medical personnel. The researcher used an interview and an observation guide to collect data for comprehensive results. Piloting of the instruments was done at Dagoretti special school to establish validity and reliability of instruments. Content related validity was used as a measure to determine validity. The researcher used the Human Capital Theory. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Results revealed that there were major instructional constraints faced by learners suffering from muscular dystrophy that included; slowness in completing learning tasks, mobility problems, problems in manipulating teaching learning materials, inability to hold a pen, lack of specialized facilities among others.

Boards of Managements (B.O.M) carry with them the success or failure of the schools' management. The success of B.O.M is portrayed through good academic performance and high discipline standards in schools. Poor management on the other hand, may lead to the dissolution of the Board and nomination of another to manage the school. Performance of the B.O.M may be as a result of their training levels and acquired skills. This study therefore sought to categorize education levels of B.O.M in Wareng Sub County in relation to their involvement in the recruitment process. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The study population included head teachers/principals, members of Board of Managements, Education Officers, teachers and Support Staff. Simple random sampling was used to obtain 12 schools out of the total 24 public schools in Wareng Sub County. A total of 12 head teachers, 7 school bursars and three District Education Officers were purposively included in the study. Simple random sampling was used to select 50 teachers and 43 B.O.M members from the schools selected. Data was collected by the use of questionnaires and interview schedules and analysed by use of descriptive statistics. The study established that majority of the B.O.M members were holders of Diploma and Secondary Education Certificate. It was also established that B.O.M were often engaged in the selection of teachers and recruitment of non- teaching staff, promotion and discipline of support staff, motivation of teachers and disciplining of errant teachers. The study is expected to enrich Board of Management's induction and training programmes in order to improve the quality of school management in Wareng Sub County.

Leadership coaching is a method of learning and development. This brief describes a leadership practice that was effective in navigating culture when it became a relevant factor in maintaining a reciprocal leadership learning and development partnership. Using a community-based inquiry method, we utilized and examined leadership coaching practice as it attempted to support cross-cultural leadership learning and development that was running alongside an international development project in Kenya. Readers will gain a better understanding of a cross-cultural leadership coaching practice.

Plant-parasitic nematodes are destructive pests causing losses of billions of dollars annually. An effective plant defence against pathogens relies on the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by surface-localised receptors leading to the activation of PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI). Extensive studies have been conducted to characterise the role of PTI in various models of plant-pathogen interactions. However, far less is known about the role of PTI in roots in general and in plant-nematode interactions in particular. Here we show that nematode-derived proteinaceous elicitor/s is/are capable of inducing PTI in Arabidopsis in a manner dependent on the common immune co-receptor BAK1. Consistent with the role played by BAK1, we identified a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase, termed NILR1 that is specifically regulated upon infection by nematodes. We show that NILR1 is essential for PTI responses initiated by nematodes and nilr1 loss-of-function mutants are hypersusceptible to a broad category of nematodes. To our knowledge, NILR1 is the first example of an immune receptor that is involved in induction of basal immunity (PTI) in plants or in animals in response to nematodes. Manipulation of NILR1 will provide new options for nematode control in crop plants in future.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of sustainable land management techniques on the agroforestry project's performance at UNICOOPAGI. The particular goals were to ascertain the impact of afforestation on the performance of the agroforestry project in UNICOOPAGI, investigate the impact of soil erosion control on the project's performance, and ascertain the effect of land rehabilitation on the project's performance. The study used a descriptive research approach, and the sample size was 126, as was the population. The study used a census sample approach in which every unit took part in the study. The necessary data was gathered through the use of documentary and questionnaire methodologies. The data was analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 23. Following data collection, the following conclusions were noted. Regarding the first research goal, which examined how land rehabilitation affected the UNICOOPAGI agroforestry project's performance, 37.3% strongly agreed and 46.0% agreed that applying manure improves the project's performance. Additionally, 35.7 percent strongly agreed and 47.6% agreed that mulching improves the project's performance. Additionally, there is a positive association (0.814) between the performance of agroforestry projects and land rehabilitation. Regarding the impact of soil erosion control on the UNICOOPAGI agroforestry project's performance, 34.9% strongly agreed and 56.3% agreed that building terraces enhances the project's performance. Additionally, 54.0% and 41.3% strongly agreed that creating efficient water trapping pits is done to improve the project's performance. Additionally, agroforestry project effectiveness is positively correlated with soil erosion management at a high level (0.824). Regarding the impact of afforestation on the UNICOOPAGI agroforestry project's performance, 33.3% of respondents strongly agreed, 50% agreed, and 44.4% strongly agreed that the project's performance was influenced by the availability of tree seeds. and 46.0% concurred that educating farmers about agroforestry methods results in the implementation of agroforestry projects. On the other hand, afforestation has 0.828 correlation coefficient and affects agroforestry performance. The study came to the conclusion that, through a variety of techniques used by project implementors, land rehabilitation, soil erosion control, and afforestation considerably improve the performance of agroforestry projects. The study indicated that as a preventative and mitigating approach against erosion, project sponsors give farmers access to water tanks. Additionally, farmers must to work harder at implementing drainage techniques in order to preserve the sustainability of the land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context-based learning (CBL) is advocated as beneficial to learners, but more needs to be understood about how different contexts used in courses influence student outcomes. Gilbert defined several models of context that appear to be used in chemistry. In one model that achieves many criteria of student meaning-making, the context is provided by 'personal mental activity', meaning that students engage in a role to solve a problem. The model's predicted outcomes are that students develop and use the specialised language of chemistry, translate what they learn in the immediate context to other contexts, and empathise with the community of practice that is created. The first two of these outcomes were investigated in two large-enrolment university chemistry courses, both organised as this CBL model, in which students were introduced to kinetic molecular theory (KMT). Sample 1 students (N[subscript 1] = 105) learned KMT through whole-class kinaesthetic activity as a human model of a gas while focusing on a problem identifying substances in balloons filled with different gases. Sample 2 students (N[subscript 2] = 110) manipulated molecular dynamics simulations while focusing on the problem of reducing atmospheric CO[subscript 2]. Exam answers and pre-/post-test responses, involving a new KMT context, were analysed. Students in Sample 1 demonstrated a stronger understanding of particle trajectories, while Sample 2 students developed more sophisticated mechanistic reasoning and greater fluidity of translation between contexts through increased use of chemists' specialised language. The relationships of these outcomes to the contexts were examined in consideration of the different curriculum emphases inherent in the contexts.

This article reveals the complicated relationships among culture, family, trauma, and service delivery for immigrant families. The author describes a family who first came into contact with the service delivery system referred by the pediatrician, whose practice was an important point of entry for the early childhood work that followed. The family required close collaboration among a team of early childhood specialists, including infant/preschool psychiatry, social work, early intervention services, and interpretive services across three different institutions and settings. This story highlights the importance of multidisciplinary work and the difficulties involved in attempting to meet the needs of culturally diverse and complex families.

Despite recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics for limited media use in childhood, children are watching increasing amounts of television. Ethnically and racially diverse children are watching more TV than their Caucasian peers. While there has been intense debate regarding rates of TV viewing and the concomitant risks or benefits, there has been less discussion about why ethnically and racially diverse children are watching more TV. This article covers some of the theories behind the increase in viewing time overall, and it presents some interesting exploratory findings highlighting similarities and differences in the viewing program choices of preschool-aged children and their families from several racial and ethnic backgrounds. Finally, the article suggests recommendations for researchers, clinicians, educators, and others working with families with young children to make more informed recommendations on early childhood viewing.