Digital Commons Network^™

The Assessment-Related Logics Of Practice At A South West Multi-Academy Trust, Samuel Gordon Morahan

Plymouth Institute of Education Theses

Over the last 40 years there have been widescale changes to the British education system. Through the process of neoliberalisation, education has become a commodity to be bought and sold with an ever-increasing emphasis on performativity and its related measures. Within this educational market, alternative provision settings provide commissioning schools with opportunities to purchase placements and packages for pupils, who for a variety of reasons, are unable to engage in mainstream education. Alternative provision settings must evidence value for money to these schools, whilst meeting statutory inspection requirements. Assessment practices and the numerical data they generate are central within this …

Assessing Discharge Knowledge For Caregivers Of Newborn (Using Video Discharge Instructions As An Adjunct To Standard Written Instructions) In Covid Period – A Randomized Controlled Trial, Jayesh Yadav, Khyati Gupta, Vishal D. Sawant

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Studies have demonstrated that caregivers of newborn frequently face challenges in comprehending the instructions provided to them upon discharge. Video discharge instructions provide a clear and concise message and can potentially alleviate factors which have an impact on comprehension of caregivers like illiteracy, communication barriers and limited physician time. We aim to assess the impact of incorporating video-based discharge instructions on caregivers' comprehension of newborn care and post-discharge follow-up, specifically in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Caregivers of newborn in the COVID times were randomized into written only and written with video discharge instruction groups; …

Perceptions About Catholic High School Athletics, Kevin J. Calkins

Journal of Catholic Education

In the largest survey to date on Catholic school identity in athletics (49 U.S. States, n = 2273), administrators, counselors, and teachers responded to a survey about the perceived value of interscholastic athletics, school support of athletics, the contribution of coaches to school mission, Catholic identity in athletics, and the importance of the school’s athletic director and coaches to have a mission orientation. The results of the study indicate that administrators, counselors, and teachers have positive perceptions of Catholic high school athletics. Teacher perceptions differed more than administrators and counselors based on their age, gender, and religion. At least one …

Faith And Stem Education: A Path To Mutual Elevation In Catholic Schools, Michael Szopiak, Matthew Kloser

Journal of Catholic Education

Amidst increasing religious disaffiliation, often due to a perceived tension between faith and the STEM disciplines, Catholic schools provide critical opportunities for young people to recognize how these domains can be mutually elevating. The field, however, lacks guidance as to how this integration should occur in practice. This conceptual paper first provides an overarching framework for how aspects of the Catholic tradition, like Scripture and the Catholic social tradition, can shape traditional educational domains of STEM teaching and learning. Secondly, we provide a heuristic of three criteria for deeply engaging students at the interface of the Catholic faith and the …

Increasing Parent Faith Engagement At A Parish School, Grace Mazza Urbanski

Journal of Catholic Education

Increasing faith engagement among Catholic school shareholders is a priority for school leaders. Catholic school communities can learn from this year-long project with a parish school. Sacred Heart Parish School serves approximately 300 K3-8th grade students. Like many parish schools, Sacred Heart sees a growing number of parents disengaged with the faith life of the parish and school, despite 98% of them being registered parishioners. The parent population enjoys robust and regular social activities, but report they are uncomfortable or uninterested in faith activities. The mission of Sacred Heart Parish School is to nurture “children’s growth in the Catholic faith,” …

Paschal Space Of Healing And Community: An Affinity Group For Catholic School Teachers Of Color, John L. Beltramo, Lisa Archuleta

Journal of Catholic Education

As Catholic schools seek to recruit and retain more ethnoracially diverse faculties, we examine one site of potential support for Catholic school teachers of color – a racial affinity group. Using critical research methodology with qualitative data collection, we studied five teachers of color who engaged in weekly affinity group meetings, which were structured as Freirian culture circles and ran over a period of five months. Using a Catholic, critical framework on teacher education, we analyzed the data (culture circle recordings, written reflections, baseline and comparative interviews, along with classroom observations and debriefs) to examine how teachers’ participation impacted their …

Augustinian Composition Pedagogy And The Catholic Liberal Arts In The Time Of Generative Ai, Gavin F. Hurley

Journal of Catholic Education

This article proposes a theoretical basis of Augustinian composition pedagogy by tracing the symbiotic relationship between writing and knowing found within St. Augustine’s Letters, The Trinity, Soliloquies, and Confessions and connecting them to modern writing-to-learn composition pedagogies. Given today’s trying times of generative AI, this article argues that Catholic schools revitalize the writing arts in a manner proposed by Augustine—that is, to enrich inward contemplation and outward love for others. In embracing such philosophy of writing and applying it across the disciplines, Catholic schools can enrich their distinctively Catholic liberal arts mission—and ward off dangers found in …

A Novel Hyperparameter Search Approach For Accuracy And Simplicity In Disease Prediction Risk Scoring, Yajun Lu, Thanh Duong, Zhuqi Miao, Thanh Thieu, Jivan Lamichhane, Abdulaziz Ahmed, Durdun Delen

Research, Publications & Creative Work

Objective: Develop a novel technique to identify an optimal number of regression units corresponding to a single risk point, while creating risk scoring systems from logistic regression-based disease predictive models. The optimal value of this hyperparameter balances simplicity and accuracy, yielding risk scores of small scale and high accuracy for patient risk stratification.

Materials and Methods: The proposed technique applies an adapted line search across all potential hyperparameter values. Additionally, DeLong test is integrated to ensure the selected value produces an accuracy insignificantly different from the best achievable risk score accuracy. We assessed the approach through two case studies predicting …

The Effectiveness Of Imagery Use In Motivating Physical Activity And Exercise, Karol Nedza

School of Psychology Theses

The research detailed across these chapters provides a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted interplay between mental imagery, motivation, and physical activity. The global inactivity levels and their consequences for economic, health and social domains is at this point well documented. Despite the number of interventions and approaches, inactivity is steadily increasing annually. This thesis encompasses the effects of mental imagery in shaping behaviour, the diverse applications of mental imagery in sports and health-related behaviour change, and the emergence of Functional Imagery Training (FIT) as a powerful approach. FIT is discussed as a versatile tool for promoting behaviour change, grounded in …

The Purpose And Importance Of Words Of Knowledge When Praying For The Sick, Bruce L. Bauer

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Seventh-day Adventists are not usually known for taking authority over sickness or taking a person by the hand and saying, “In the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, arise and walk.” And rightly so, for Adventists have been counseled that when praying for the sick “our prayers must take the form, not of command, but of intercession” (White 1942:230, 1915:218). Why, because only God knows what is right and best (White 1948:148, 149). In addition, Ellen White warns against prayers that insist on God doing what people think needs to happen (1948:148) and suggests that God’s people should only pray for …

The Relationship And Interaction Process Of Taiwanese Couples Having Undergone Assisted Reproductive Technology- A Systemic Perspective, Yu-Chieh Liu

School of Psychology Theses

Approximately 10-15% of married couples in Taiwan encounter the challenge of infertility, which significantly impacts their lives and relationships. However, the nature and extent of this impact vary across different social and cultural contexts. Recognising the complex and wide-ranging nature of infertility issues, integrated interventions have emerged as a novel approach to assist infertile couples effectively. Drawing upon Helms et al.'s (2011) modified three-level model of marriage, Huston's model, and Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory (1986), a comprehensive framework is constructed within this thesis to explore various aspects of infertile couples' experiences in Taiwan as they are undergoing assisted reproductive technology …

Cas Monthly Newsletter January 2024, Andrews University

College of Arts & Sciences Newsletter

Key Dates for January

IN THIS ISSUE

UPDATES & REPORTS

Welcome to Dr. Jill Manoukian

Religion Department News

Visual Art, Communication & Design Department News

Community & International Development Program News

HAPPENINGS

Quantitative Research Working Group

Faculty & Staff Appreciation Week

Winter Symposium

Christmas at the Biology Botanical Conservatory

ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Research Deadlines

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Maker Lab

Writing Center

Registration Tips

New Copy Machine in Nethery Hall

Australian Pre-Service Teachers’ Beliefs About Educational Disadvantage And Socially Just Teaching: Beyond A Neoliberal Imaginary?, Claire E. Charles, Lynette Longaretti, Matthew K.E Thomas

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Neoliberal education reforms have altered the way social justice is imagined in relation to schooling. These reforms reframe social justice as ‘equity’ through conceptions of standards, evidence and teacher quality, while detracting attention from the moral and political dispositions required for socially-just teaching. Knowing more about how this context may be shaping the beliefs of pre-service teachers (PSTs) is important. This paper reports on beliefs about educational disadvantage of a group of PSTs about to embark on a specialised program in Australia designed to promote socially just schooling outcomes. 24 PSTs across two cohorts completed a survey prior to entering …

Theorizing Cultural Appropriation: Complications Of Globalization And Power In Hybrid K-Pop, David C. Oh

Media Studies - All Scholarship

The purpose of this paper is to theorize cultural appropriation using a critical perspective that centers structural inequity and uneven global power by examining the case of South Korean media. This paper argues that cultural appropriation is a particular form of intercultural borrowing that relies on structural inequities of power, whereby a more powerful culture takes from a less powerful culture in such a way that it causes structural and representational harm to the borrowed culture. To clarify cultural appropriation as a particular form of cultural borrowing, I provide a typology of different forms of cultural borrowing before positing six …

Immersive Storytelling As A Technology, A Practice, And An Experience, Nick Bowman, Lyndsay Gratch, Dan Pacheco, Tamara Makana Chock

Media Studies - All Scholarship

This thematic issue explores the transformative potential and challenges of immersive storytelling through extended technologies. While these technologies have been hailed as potential “empathy machines” that will encourage perspective-taking and understanding of others, they have also been critiqued for being distracting or engaging in identity tourism. Essays in this collection further demonstrated the complexities of extended reality storytelling. Collectively, these essays reflect ongoing dialogues about the efficacy of extended reality in conveying meaningful narratives, urging a nuanced understanding of technology’s role in storytelling. This collection serves as a catalyst for future explorations into where and how to craft immersive narratives …

Treaties Establishing Icao And Imo – A Comparative Study, Ruwantissa Indranath Abeyratne

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

The comparison between air law and maritime law reveals both similarities and distinctions rooted in the unique frameworks of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and The International Maritime Organization (IMO). While both entities were established through separate treaties, the Chicago Convention birthed ICAO, emphasizing the organization’s Assembly, Council, and auxiliary bodies. In contrast, the IMO Convention, also known as the Convention on the International Maritime Organization, forms the basis for IMO’s structure and functions as outlined in its preamble. The core objectives of IMO revolve around fostering collaboration among governments to enhance regulatory frameworks for international maritime trade. This …

Inventory Management System For Medical Stores In A Primary Health Care Centre In Jada, Adamawa State, Nigeria, Daniel Dzarma Ezra, G Delga, N Nyor, K. T Dagba, M. A Samuel

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Efficient inventory management is crucial for the success of any organization or establishment. Hence, the objective of this paper was to focus on the inventory management system by developing an optimal inventory policy for Medical Stores in a Primary Health Care Centre in Jada, Adamawa State, Nigeria using a multiitem inventory model with the assistance of Excel spreadsheets. Results obtain revealed that the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) for the Primary Health Care centre under investigation is optimal at 0.0086. This EOQ aligns with the storage capacity of 10,287 square meters, which closely meets the original storage capacity requirement of 10,288 …

Enhancing Identification Of Meteorological And Biological Targets Using The Depolarization Ratio For Weather Radar: A Case Study Of Faw Outbreak In Rwanda, Fidele Maniraguha, Anthony Vodacek, Kwang Soo Kim, Emmanuel Ndashimye, Gerard Rushingabigwi

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Leveraging weather radar technology for environmental monitoring, particularly the detection of biometeors like birds, bats, and insects, presents a significant challenge due to the dynamic nature of their behavior. Unlike hydrometeor targets, biometeor targets exhibit arbitrary changes in direction and position, which significantly alter radar wave polarization upon scattering. This study addresses this challenge by introducing a novel methodology utilizing Rwanda’s C-Band Polarization Radar. Our approach exploits the capabilities of dual-polarization radar by analyzing parameters such as differential reflectivity (ZDR) and correlation coefficient (RHOHV) to derive the Depolarization Ratio (DR). While existing radar metrics offer valuable insights, they have limitations …

Hybridization Of Learning Techniques And Quantum Mechanism For Iiot Security: Applications, Challenges, And Prospects, Ismaeel Abiodun Sikiru, Ahmed Dooguy Kora, Eugène C. Ezin, Agbotiname Lucky Imoize, Chun-Ta Li

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

his article describes our point of view regarding the security capabilities of classical learning algorithms (CLAs) and quantum mechanisms (QM) in the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) ecosystem. The heterogeneity of the IIoT ecosystem and the inevitability of the security paradigm necessitate a systematic review of the contributions of the research community toward IIoT security (IIoTsec). Thus, we obtained relevant contributions from five digital repositories between the period of 2015 and 2024 inclusively, in line with the established systematic literature review procedure. In the main part, we analyze a variety of security loopholes in the IIoT and categorize them into …

An Android-Based Internet Of Medical Things Adaptive User Authentication And Authorization Model For The Elderly, Prudence Munyaradzi Mavhemwa, Marco Zennaro, Philibert Nsengiyumva, Frederic Nzanywayingoma

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Globally, 77% of the elderly aged 65 and above suffer from multiple chronic ailments, according to recent research. However, several barriers within the healthcare system in the developing world hinder the adoption of home-based patient management, hence the need for the IoMT, whose application raises security concerns, particularly in authentication. Several authentication techniques have been proposed; however, they lack a balance of security and usability. This paper proposes a Naive Bayes based adaptive user authentication app that calculates the risk associated with a login attempt on an Android device for elderly users, using their health conditions, risk score, and available …

Integration Of Renewable Energy In Industrial Operations: Experiences From Canada, Usa, And Africa, Onyinyechukwu Chidolue, Adetomilola Victoria Fafure, Valentine Ikenna I Illojianya, Bright Ngozichukwu, Cosmas Dominic Daudu, Kenneth Ifeanyi Ibekwe

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

This research paper explores integrating renewable energy into industrial operations, drawing insights from experiences in Canada, the United States, and various African nations. Against a global imperative to transition towards sustainable energy sources, the study delves into this transformative process's economic, environmental, and technological dimensions. The economic implications encompass a detailed analysis of upfront capital costs, return on investment, and broader considerations such as job creation and market competitiveness. Environmental impacts, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air and water quality, underscore the transformative potential of renewable energy integration. The technological landscape, marked by innovations in renewable energy technologies …

Green Data Centers: Sustainable Practices For Energy-Efficient It Infrastructure, Onyinyechukwu Chidolue, Peter Efosa Ohenhen, Aniekan Akpan Umoh, Bright Ngozichukwu, Victoria Adetomilola Fafure, Kenneth Ifeanyi Ibekwe

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

The digital age has led to a surge in connectivity, innovation, and information exchange, but it has also led to escalating energy consumption by data centers. Green data centers have emerged as a transformative solution, embodying a commitment to sustainability through eco-friendly practices and cutting-edge technologies. Key principles of green data centers include energyefficient hardware, renewable energy integration, advanced cooling systems, and resource optimization strategies. Energy-efficient hardware involves replacing outdated servers, storage systems, and network equipment with energy-efficient alternatives, such as virtualization technologies. This reduces power consumption and sets the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced data center …

Sustainable Cooling Solutions For Electronics: A Comprehensive Review: Investigating The Latest Techniques And Materials, Their Effectiveness In Mechanical Applications, And Associated Environmental Benefits, Peter Efosa Ohenhen, Onyinyechukwu Chidolue, Aniekan Akpan Umoh, Bright Ngozichukwu, Adetomilola Victoria Fafure, Valentine Ikenna Ilojianya, Kenneth Ifeanyi Ibekwe

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

This study presents a comprehensive review of the latest techniques and materials in sustainable cooling solutions for electronic systems, focusing on their effectiveness in mechanical applications and associated environmental benefits. The primary aim is to assess the current state and future prospects of sustainable cooling technologies, highlighting their role in addressing thermal management challenges while minimizing environmental impacts. The methodology adopted is a systematic literature review, drawing data from peer-reviewed academic journals, conference proceedings, and industry reports. The search strategy involved keyword searches, database filtering, and reference tracking, with a focus on recent advancements in cooling technologies and their environmental …

Phase Structure Transformation And Growth Mechanism For Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized By Mechanochemical Method: A Mini-Review, Joseph Ekhebume Ogbezode, Nkechi Elizabeth Offia-Kalu, Bello A. Abdulhakeem, Vitalis Chioh Anye, Peter Azikiwe Onwalu

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

The various methods of synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been extensively studied in several works of literature. These methods include physical, chemical, and biological nanosynthesis methods with applications in water filtration, environmental remediation, plant improvements, biomedicines, etc. These nanosynthesis approaches revolve around their mode of application, nanomaterial properties, and characterization mechanisms, while little effort has been made to investigate the effect of nanosynthesis parameters based on phase transformation and growth mechanisms of such IONPs. The parameters, which are physical, chemical, mechanical, mineralogical, and morphological, have proven to have tremendous implications on the magnetic behaviors, crystalline size, degree of …

Three Decades Of Research Efforts On The Uses, Conservation, And Management Of Cola Nitida (Vent.): State Of Knowledge And Prospects In Africa, Isabelle Erhudice Tachégnon Tokannou, Souleymane Sanogo, Juliano S.H Houndonougbo, Kolawolé Valère Salako, Adandé Belarmain Fandohan

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Cola nitida is a key multipurpose fruit tree species widely distributed across African countries. Several studies have investigated different aspects of the species, but there is a lack of synthesis on the current state of available literature and prospects for sustainable conservation and management of the species. Using the PRISMA approach for systematic review over the last three decades (1990–2022) in Africa, this study gathered key existing research findings on C. nitida. A total of 280 scientific publications were finally retained for this review. Several studies were focused on the socio-economic importance of the species (n = 139 …

Choice Modelling Of Ecooking Adoption By Households In Ghana, Rejoice Ntiriwaa Ossei-Bremang, Fabian Chidubem Eze, Kwame Anane-Fenin, Francis Kemausuor

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

The use of electric cooking appliances, also referred to as eCooking devices, presents a practical and
sustainable solution for achieving universal access to clean cooking facilities by 2030. A choice modelling
analysis on the factors that influence the selection of an eCooker in Ghana has been conducted to facilitate
market expansion for organisations seeking to offer clean cooking services. The study utilised Analytical
Hierarchy Process (AHP), Fuzzy-TOPSIS, and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodologies to assess and
rank electric cookers based on crucial factors such as kWh consumption rate, cooking efficiency, affordability,
time-saving features, ergonomics, space utilisation capabilities, compatibility with cookware …

Multi-Criteria Optimal Sizing And Analysis Of Pv/Wind/Fuel Cell/Battery/Diesel Generator For Rural Electrification: A Case Study In Chad, Mahamat Adoum Abdoulaye, Sebastian Waita, Cyrus Wabuge Wekesa, Julius Mwakondo Mwabora

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Access to sustainable, clean, affordable, and reliable electricity is crucial for social and economic development, yet Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) struggles significantly in this context. In CHAD, only 11.3% of the population is able to access electricity, making it one of the least electrified countries in SSA with the lowest clean energy access. In rural areas, electricity access falls to just 1.3%. This research applies and executes a Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) algorithm using MATLAB R2023b to assess the techno-economic, environmental, and social impacts of a hybrid system based on optimal PV/Wind/Battery/Fuel Cell (FC)/Diesel generator (DG) sizing for rural electrification …

Spatial Analysis Of Livestock Disease Data In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review, Alfred Ngwira, Samuel Manda, Esron Daniel Karimuribo, Sharadhuli Iddi Kimera, Christopher Stanley

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Background

Methods

Can High-Value Markets Ensure Households Food Security? Evidence From Avocado Producers In Sidama Region Of Ethiopia, Zerhun Zerhun Zerhun, Kehabtimer Kebede, Aneteneh Ashebir, Zerhun Ganewo, Abera Alemu, Andachew Samuel

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Linking farmers to high-value markets continue to be a viable option for breaking the food insecurity. Many studies have emphasized on factors determining smallholders’ participation in high-value markets. Previous studies have methodological limitations since they neglected the associated effects on food security. Therefore, the purpose this study was to fill a knowledge gap by investigating the factors influencing smallholder avocado farmers’ participation in high-value markets and how it impacts households’ food security in the Aleta chuko district, Ethiopia. The primary data was collected from randomly selected 389 avocado producers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and propensity score …

The Economic Value Of Seasonal Weather And Climate Services For Maize Farmers In Manicaland Province Of Zimbabwe, Joseph Manzvera, Kwabena Asomanin Anaman, Akwasi Mensah-Bonsu, Alfred Barimah

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Most rural areas in Zimbabwe are extremely vulnerable to changing climatic conditions, partic- ularly droughts, which threaten smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. Seasonal weather forecast services can help farmers adapt, optimise production, and implement risk reduction strategies. To support increased investment in these services, this study seeks to provide quantitative evidence on the economic value of locality-specific seasonal weather forecasts by eliciting maize pro- ducers’ willingness to pay (WTP) through the contingent valuation approach. The results of the study show that among 502 farmers, 68 % would pay for seasonal weather forecasts, highlighting their perceived economic value and practical utility in agricultural …