Search results for: American perceptions
1012 Creative Art Practice in Response to Climate Change: How Art Transforms and Frames New Approaches to Speculative Ecological and Sustainable Futures
Authors: Wenwen Liu, Robert Burton, Simon McKeown
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Climate change is seriously threatening human security and development, leading to global warming and economic, political, and social chaos. Many artists have created visual responses that challenge perceptions on climate change, actively guiding people to think about the climate issues and potential crises after urban industrialization and explore positive solutions. This project is an interdisciplinary and intertextual study where art practice is informed by culture, philosophy, psychology, ecology, and science. By correlating theory and artistic practice, it studies how art practice creates a new way of understanding climate issues and uses art as a way of exploring speculative futures. In the context of practical-based research, arts-based practice as research and creative practice as interdisciplinary research are applied alternately to seek the original solution and new knowledge. Through creative art practice, this project has established new visual ways of looking at climate change and has developed it into a new model to generate more possibilities, an alternative social imagination. It not only encourages people to think and find a sustainable speculative future conducive to all species but also proves that people have the ability to realize positive futures.Keywords: climate change, creative practice as interdisciplinary research, arts-based practice as research, creative art practice, speculative future
Procedia PDF Downloads 2791011 Mother Tounge Based Multilingual Education Policy: Voices of Two Cities, 'The Voice of Laguna'
Authors: Cecilia Velasco, Q.
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This study was undertaken to find out the perceived efficiency, appropriateness effectiveness, acceptability and relevance, if at all such exist, of the Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education Policy under the K-12 Curriculum, as seen by the stakeholders who are directly affected by this policy. The researcher believed that it is right and fitting to get the views and opinions of the people directly involved and/or concerned about this education policy. The results of the study will hopefully guide lawmakers and/or policymakers to fine-tune educational policy or policies. The locale of the study was the DepEd schools in Laguna, (San Pablo City and other nearby cities). The subjects of the study were the teachers (first phase) from the public schools of Department of Education (San Pablo City), in particular and parents (second phase) from nearby cities who are the direct stakeholders of this Policy. To determine the perception of the teachers toward Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education Policy; its acceptability, efficiency, appropriateness, effectiveness and relevance, factor analysis was used to refine the instrument (questionnaire). To find out the significant difference between the perceptions of the primary and intermediate group of teachers, including those who teach mother tongue and non-mother tongue subjects, t-test of difference between means was employed.Keywords: DepEd, K12 curriculum, MTBMLE, stakeholders
Procedia PDF Downloads 2971010 Political News Coverage in Philippine Tabloid Sheets: A Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Michael Steve Lopez Bernabe
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Political news coverage of tabloid sheets as one of the print media molds or influences public opinions and perceptions. In this study, Critical Discourse Analysis was employed to 30 political news taken from major tabloid sheets in the Philippines in order to determine the linguistics features and other features characterizing the political news in tabloids such as discursive styles, news topics or contexts, journalistic roles and news sources. The political underpinnings through framing were also explored in the study. The results revealed that the linguistics features of the news coverage include moods and modalities (morphology), passivity and transitivity, nominalization, appositives and embedding (syntax), and pre-modifications, the use of verbs and omissions (grammatical features). The discursive features were direct or indirect speech; cohesion; endophora and classifications. In terms of news sources were politicians, experts, and journalists; and the tabloid perform the journalistic roles such as an intervention, watchdog, loyal-facilitator, service, infotainment and civic. The news was also evident of different political underpinnings such as game or strategic framing, conflict framing, human interest framing, attrition of responsibility framing, morality framing, economic consequences framing and issue framing.Keywords: critical discourse analysis, political news, applied linguistics, Philippines, tabloid sheets
Procedia PDF Downloads 441009 Overview Studies of High Strength Self-Consolidating Concrete
Authors: Raya Harkouss, Bilal Hamad
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Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) is considered as a relatively new technology created as an effective solution to problems associated with low quality consolidation. A SCC mix is defined as successful if it flows freely and cohesively without the intervention of mechanical compaction. The construction industry is showing high tendency to use SCC in many contemporary projects to benefit from the various advantages offered by this technology. At this point, a main question is raised regarding the effect of enhanced fluidity of SCC on the structural behavior of high strength self-consolidating reinforced concrete. A three phase research program was conducted at the American University of Beirut (AUB) to address this concern. The first two phases consisted of comparative studies conducted on concrete and mortar mixes prepared with second generation Sulphonated Naphtalene-based superplasticizer (SNF) or third generation Polycarboxylate Ethers-based superplasticizer (PCE). The third phase of the research program investigates and compares the structural performance of high strength reinforced concrete beam specimens prepared with two different generations of superplasticizers that formed the unique variable between the concrete mixes. The beams were designed to test and exhibit flexure, shear, or bond splitting failure. The outcomes of the experimental work revealed comparable resistance of beam specimens cast using self-compacting concrete and conventional vibrated concrete. The dissimilarities in the experimental values between the SCC and the control VC beams were minimal, leading to a conclusion, that the high consistency of SCC has little effect on the flexural, shear and bond strengths of concrete members.Keywords: self-consolidating concrete (SCC), high-strength concrete, concrete admixtures, mechanical properties of hardened SCC, structural behavior of reinforced concrete beams
Procedia PDF Downloads 2511008 Domestic Violence, Well-Being and Women's Inclusion: Evidence from Northern Ireland
Authors: Jessica Leigh Doyle
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In recent years there has been increasing academic and policy interest in domestic violence (DV) and in the implications of DV for the physical and psychological well-being of those who experience it. Yet, despite this interest, very few detailed empirical explorations of these issues have been conducted to date. Of the detailed empirical work that does exist, most studies have focused narrowly on physical violence and the impact of physical violence on rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use. This has often been to the exclusion of wider experiences of DV in relation to psychological, sexual and financial abuse, and of broader victim self-perceptions of psychological well-being that include self-esteem, social participation and quality of life as core components. This paper contributes towards filling this gap by examining these issues on the basis of comprehensive empirical evidence from the Northern Ireland context. Using qualitative methods, the paper presents the findings from 63 semi-structured interviews with women victims of DV from across Northern Ireland. The findings discuss the varied types of violence (physical, psychological, sexual, and financial) that women experience, how these experiences shape their broad physical and psychological well-being and capacity to live active and fulfilling lives and the processes of recovery from IPV. The implications of these findings for research and policy are then discussed.Keywords: domestic violence, gender equality, intimate partner violence, violence against women, well-being
Procedia PDF Downloads 2831007 A Tribe, a County, and a Casino: Socioeconomic Disparities between the Mohegan Tribe and New London County through Two Decades
Authors: Michaela Wang
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Since British established colonial settlements across the East Coast, Native Americans have suffered stark socio economic disparities in comparison to their neighboring communities. This paper employs the 1990, 2000, and 2010 United States Decennial Census to assess whether and to what extent the casino economy helped to close this socioeconomic gap between the Mohegan tribe and its surrounding community. These three Decennial Censuses cover two decades, from six years prior to the erection of Mohegan Sun casino to 14 years afterwards, including the Great Recession 2007-2009. Income, employment, education and housing parameters are selected as socio economic indicators. The profitable advent of the Mohegan Sun in 1996 dramatically improved the socio economic status of the Mohegan Tribe between 1990 and 2000. In fact, for most of these indicators––poverty, median household income, employment, home ownership, and car ownership––disparities shifted; tribal socioeconomic parameters improved from well below the level of New London County in 1990, to the same level or above the county rates in 2000. However, economic downturn in 2007-2009 Great Recession impacted Mohegan people remarkably. By 2010, disparities for household income, employment, home ownership, and car ownership returned. The casino bridged socio economic inequalities, but at the face of economic crises, the mono-product economy grew vulnerable.Keywords: socio economic, indigenous, native American, disparity
Procedia PDF Downloads 1111006 Inquiry of Gender Discrimination in Contrast Emotions: A Study on Perception of Gender of Youth University
Authors: Duygu Alptekin
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Patriarchal social structure is based on a gender-based discrimination. Due to confrontational nature of discrimination; in a patriarchal society men and women exists in a based on contrasts and inequalities interaction patterns and this situation continues as socio-cultural with dominant gender perception in society. In this context gender perception of youth is a required vision tool for multidimensional understanding and resolving of gender discrimination problem and making projections about future. The aim of the study is explaining the gender discrimination by helping of Ambivalent Sexism Inventory and hostile benevolent sexism which are subdimensions of (ASI). Additionally the sexism perception of youth will be try to analyse ın the context of conflict of conventionalism and modernism. For that purpose survey have carried aout with the participation of students at the Selcuk University and the conclusions revealed that reached ampirically Young people's perceptions about the hierarchy of power revealed between men and women; sexual, economic and occupational segregation by pointing to statements about male-female relationships commitment, guardianship, gratitude, expressions containing highlights the superiority of socio-psychological (ASI) where results are determined by the application. The results of the factor analysis performed in this direction with the detection of the previous studies were evaluated by blending.Keywords: ambivalent sexism inventory, gender discrimination, youth, conventionalism
Procedia PDF Downloads 3301005 Novel Urban Regulation Panorama in Latin America
Authors: Yeimis Milton, Palomino Pichihua
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The city, like living organisms, originates from codes, structured information in the form of rules that condition the physical form and performance of urban space. Usually, the so-called urban codes clash with the spontaneous nature of the city, with the urban Kháos that contextualizes the free creation (poiesis) of human collectives. This contradiction is especially evident in Latin America, which, like other developing regions, lacks adequate instruments to guide urban growth. Thus constructing a hybrid between the formal and informal city, categories that are difficult to separate one from the other. This is a comparative study focusing on the urban codes created to address the pandemic. The objective is to build an overview of these innovations in the region. The sample is made up of official norms published in pandemic, directly linked to urban planning and building control (urban form). The countries analyzed are Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Chile. The study uncovers a shared interest in facing future urban problems, in contrast to the inconsistency of proposed legal instruments. Factors such as the lack of articulation, validity time, and ambiguity, among others, accentuate this problem. Likewise, it evidences that the political situation of each country has a significant influence on the development of these norms and the possibility of their long-term impact. In summary, the global emergency has produced opportunities to transform urban systems from their internal rules; however, there are very few successful examples in this field. Therefore, Latin American cities have the task of learning from this defeat in order to lay the foundations for a more resilient and sustainable urban future.Keywords: pandemic, regulation, urban planning, latin America
Procedia PDF Downloads 991004 Herbicide Resistant Weeds: Contrasting Perspectives of Actors in the Agricultural Sector
Authors: Bruce Small, Martin Espig, Alyssa Ryan
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In the agricultural sector, the rapid expansion of herbicide resistant weeds is a major threat to the global sustainability of food and fibre production. Efforts to avoid herbicide resistance have primarily focused on new technologies and farmer education. Yet, despite decades of advice to growers from agricultural scientists and extension professionals of the need for management strategies for herbicide use, herbicide resistance continues to increase. Technological options are running out and current extension efforts to change farmer behaviour are failing to curb the problem. As part of a five-year, government funded, research programme to address herbicide resistance in New Zealand, social science theory and practice are being utilised to investigate the complexities of managing herbicide use and controlling resistance. As an initial step, we are utilising a transdisciplinary, multi-level systems approach to examine the problem definition, knowledge beliefs, attitudes and values of different important actors in the agri-business sector. In this paper, we report early project results from qualitative research examining the similarities and contrasts in the perceptions of scientists, farmer/growers, and rural professionals.Keywords: behaviour change, herbicide resistant weeds, knowledge beliefs, systems perspective
Procedia PDF Downloads 1241003 Consumer Preferences for Low-Carbon Futures: A Structural Equation Model Based on the Domestic Hydrogen Acceptance Framework
Authors: Joel A. Gordon, Nazmiye Balta-Ozkan, Seyed Ali Nabavi
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Hydrogen-fueled technologies are rapidly advancing as a critical component of the low-carbon energy transition. In countries historically reliant on natural gas for home heating, such as the UK, hydrogen may prove fundamental for decarbonizing the residential sector, alongside other technologies such as heat pumps and district heat networks. While the UK government is set to take a long-term policy decision on the role of domestic hydrogen by 2026, there are considerable uncertainties regarding consumer preferences for ‘hydrogen homes’ (i.e., hydrogen-fueled appliances for space heating, hot water, and cooking. In comparison to other hydrogen energy technologies, such as road transport applications, to date, few studies have engaged with the social acceptance aspects of the domestic hydrogen transition, resulting in a stark knowledge deficit and pronounced risk to policymaking efforts. In response, this study aims to safeguard against undesirable policy measures by revealing the underlying relationships between the factors of domestic hydrogen acceptance and their respective dimensions: attitudinal, socio-political, community, market, and behavioral acceptance. The study employs an online survey (n=~2100) to gauge how different UK householders perceive the proposition of switching from natural gas to hydrogen-fueled appliances. In addition to accounting for housing characteristics (i.e., housing tenure, property type and number of occupants per dwelling) and several other socio-structural variables (e.g. age, gender, and location), the study explores the impacts of consumer heterogeneity on hydrogen acceptance by recruiting respondents from across five distinct groups: (1) fuel poor householders, (2) technology engaged householders, (3) environmentally engaged householders, (4) technology and environmentally engaged householders, and (5) a baseline group (n=~700) which filters out each of the smaller targeted groups (n=~350). This research design reflects the notion that supporting a socially fair and efficient transition to hydrogen will require parallel engagement with potential early adopters and demographic groups impacted by fuel poverty while also accounting strongly for public attitudes towards net zero. Employing a second-order multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in Mplus, the proposed hydrogen acceptance model is tested to fit the data through a partial least squares (PLS) approach. In addition to testing differences between and within groups, the findings provide policymakers with critical insights regarding the significance of knowledge and awareness, safety perceptions, perceived community impacts, cost factors, and trust in key actors and stakeholders as potential explanatory factors of hydrogen acceptance. Preliminary results suggest that knowledge and awareness of hydrogen are positively associated with support for domestic hydrogen at the household, community, and national levels. However, with the exception of technology and/or environmentally engaged citizens, much of the population remains unfamiliar with hydrogen and somewhat skeptical of its application in homes. Knowledge and awareness present as critical to facilitating positive safety perceptions, alongside higher levels of trust and more favorable expectations for community benefits, appliance performance, and potential cost savings. Based on these preliminary findings, policymakers should be put on red alert about diffusing hydrogen into the public consciousness in alignment with energy security, fuel poverty, and net-zero agendas.Keywords: hydrogen homes, social acceptance, consumer heterogeneity, heat decarbonization
Procedia PDF Downloads 1141002 The Role of Parental Health Beliefs in Seeking an Eye Examination for Their Child
Authors: Dua Masarwa, Yulia Niazov, Merav Ben Natan, Dina Mostovoy
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Background: the aimed to explore the role of parental health beliefs in parent seeking of eye examinations for their children, using the Health Belief Model. Methods: In this quantitative correlational survey study, 100 parents who presented to Barzilai University Medical Center in July 2021 to perform an eye examination to their child completed a questionnaire. Results: Only 29.6% of the parents knew that a vision screening is performed in first grade, and 10% of the parents were unsure about where to find local eye care for their kids. Moreover, 19% of the parents indicated that they were concerned that their child would be prescribed glasses unnecessarily, and 10% believed that wearing glasses would weaken their child's eyes. Various parental health beliefs regarding children's eye examinations were found associated with parent seeking of eye examinations for their child. Thus, perceived susceptibility (r = 0.52, p < 0.01), perceived benefits (r = 0.39, p < 0.01), and perceived barriers (r=-0.31, p < 0.01) are associated with parent seeking of eye examinations for their child. Also, parents' level of knowledge was associated with seeking eye examinations for their child (r = 0.20, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Parent perceptions of the child's susceptibility to vision problems and perceived barriers to seeking eye examinations predicted parents seeking of eye examinations for their child. Interventions aimed at increasing timely eye examinations among children should focus on raising parent awareness of vision problems in childhood, dispelling misconceptions, and providing parents with practical information regarding available services.Keywords: children, parents, eye examination, health beliefs, vision problems
Procedia PDF Downloads 281001 Factors Influencing the Acceptance of Y Series among the Residents in Three Southern Border Provinces of Thailand
Authors: Chetsada Noknoi
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The acceptance of Y series refers to the willingness and enjoyment of watching Y series without feeling different from general series. This occurs when people watch Y series and derive happiness and entertainment from it. The viewing experience has the most significant impact on Y series acceptance. This research aims to 1) investigate the levels of acceptance of sexual diversity, image of Y series Actors, media exposure, and Y series acceptance among the residents in three southern border provinces of Thailand, and 2) examine how acceptance of sexual diversity, actor perceptions in Y series, and media exposure influence Y series acceptance in these provinces. The sample consisted of 322 participants from the three southern border provinces of Thailand. The research instrument used was a questionnaire, and data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that overall, acceptance of sexual diversity, Image of Y series Actors, and Y series acceptance among the residents in three southern border provinces of Thailand were at a high level, while media exposure was moderate overall. However, the two factors that had the most significant impact on Y series acceptance in these provinces, ranked from highest to lowest influence, were media exposure and acceptance of sexual diversity. Both of these factors had a positive effect on Y series acceptance among the residents in three southern border provinces of Thailand. Collectively, these factors accounted for 40.7% of the variance in Y series acceptance among the residents in three southern border provinces of Thailand.Keywords: acceptance, acceptance of sexual diversity, image of Y series actors, media exposure, Y series
Procedia PDF Downloads 751000 Careers-Outreach Programmes for Children: Lessons for Perceptions of Engineering and Manufacturing
Authors: Niall J. English, Sylvia Leatham, Maria Isabel Meza Silva, Denis P. Dowling
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The training and education of under- and post-graduate students can be promoted by more active learning especially in engineering, overcoming more passive and vicarious experiences and approaches in their documented effectiveness. However, the possibility of outreach to young pupils and school-children in primary and secondary schools is a lesser explored area in terms of Education and Public Engagement (EPE) efforts – as relates to feedback and influence on shaping 3rd-level engineering training and education. Therefore, the outreach and school-visit agenda constitutes an interesting avenue to observe how active learning, careers stimulus and EPE efforts for young children and teenagers can teach the university sector, to improve future engineering-teaching standards and enhance both quality and capabilities of practice. This intervention involved careers-outreach efforts to lead to statistical determinations of motivations towards engineering, manufacturing and training. The aim was to gauge to what extent this intervention would lead to an increased careers awareness in engineering, using the method of the schools-visits programme as the means for so doing. It was found that this led to an increase in engagement by school pupils with engineering as a career option and a greater awareness of the importance of manufacturing.Keywords: outreach, education and public engagement, careers, peer interactions
Procedia PDF Downloads 151999 Finite Element Approach to Evaluate Time Dependent Shear Behavior of Connections in Hybrid Steel-PC Girder under Sustained Loading
Authors: Mohammad Najmol Haque, Takeshi Maki, Jun Sasaki
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Headed stud shear connections are widely used in the junction or embedded zone of hybrid girder to achieve whole composite action with continuity that can sustain steel-concrete interfacial tensile and shear forces. In Japan, Japan Road Association (JRA) specifications are used for hybrid girder design that utilizes very low level of stud capacity than those of American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) specifications, Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) specifications and EURO code. As low design shear strength is considered in design of connections, the time dependent shear behavior due to sustained external loading is not considered, even not fully studied. In this study, a finite element approach was used to evaluate the time dependent shear behavior for headed studs used as connections at the junction. This study clarified, how the sustained loading distinctively impacted on changing the interfacial shear of connections with time which was sensitive to lodging history, positions of flanges, neighboring studs, position of prestress bar and reinforcing bar, concrete strength, etc. and also identified a shear influence area. Stud strength was also confirmed through pushout tests. The outcome obtained from the study may provide an important basis and reference data in designing connections of hybrid girders with enhanced stud capacity with due consideration of their long-term shear behavior.Keywords: finite element, hybrid girder, shear connections, sustained loading, time dependent behavior
Procedia PDF Downloads 130998 Status and Image of the Nurse as Perceived by the Public
Authors: Salam Hadid, Mohammad Khatib
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The International Council of Nurses-ICN defined nursing as a sphere integrating autonomous and collaborative care intended for the individual, family and community within and outside of the care setting. Nursing as a care profession has developed broadly over recent decades in terms of its essentials, expertise and primarily academically. Despite the impressive growth of the profession, there is still extreme diversity in the public’s perceptions and opinions of the profession and its professionals and in the knowledge on the fundamentals of its true function and spheres of engagement. The current study examines the existing knowledge among the general population regarding the nursing profession. The population consisted of 498 respondents, 236 women and 262 men, age 18-81. The respondents noted that nursing focuses on the technical, and the emotional aspects and promotion of health for the patient are not the nurse’s responsibility. Most of the respondents saw nurses working mainly in hospital and community-based clinic settings. They considered nursing to be a high prestige profession in general, but less prestigious among respondents exposed to healthcare provision. Most of the respondents considered nursing to be a humane profession but without independence and with no need for academic studies. The findings are incompatible with the definition of nursing and its spheres of action as defined in the ICN Code of Ethics. Two suggestions are to work through nursing schools addressing the student nurses, as ambassadors for the profession. The second is using the healthcare encounter between the nursing staff and the public to improve the image of nurses.Keywords: ethics, nurse image, public, nursing
Procedia PDF Downloads 294997 Higher Education Institution Students’ Perception on Educational Technology
Authors: Kuek Teik Sheng, Leaw Zee Guan, Lim Wah Kien, Ting Tin Tin
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Educational technology such as YouTube and Kahoot have arisen as an alternative to effective learning among higher education institutions. There are many researches done in carrying out experiments to test different educational technologies and received positive feedback from students. Yet, similar study is hardly found in Malaysia especially study that includes the latest educational technologies. As a developing country, it is crucial to ensure that these emerging technologies are assisting students in learning process before it is widely adopted in institutions. This paper conducted a study to explore the perception of higher education institution students on the current educational technologies in Malaysia which include online educational games, online videos/course, social media, presentation tools and resource management tool. Some of these technologies have not been looked into its potential in effective learning process. An online survey using questionnaire is conducted among a target of 300 university/college. In the survey, the result shows that majority of the target students in Malaysia agree that the current educational technologies help them in learning, understanding and manage their studies. It is necessary to discover students’ perceptions on the educational technologies in order to provide guidelines for the educators/institutions in selecting appropriate technology to conduct the lecture/tutorial efficiently and effectively.Keywords: education, educational technology, Facebook, PowerPoint, YouTube
Procedia PDF Downloads 240996 Pregnancy and Birth Experience, Opinions regarding the Delivery Method of the Patients' Vaginal Deliveries
Authors: Umran Erciyes, Filiz Okumus
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The purpose of this study was the determination of factors which impact the pregnancy, birth experience and the opinions regarding the delivery type of the puerperants, after vaginal birth. This descriptive study includes 349 patients who gave births with normal birth in one of the hospital in İstanbul in May- November 2014. After birth, we interview with these women face to face. The descriptive information form and Perception of Birth Scale were used as data collection tool. SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) was used for statistical analysis. The average age of patients was 27.13, and the average score was 76.93±20.22. The patients are primary school graduate, and they do not have a job. They expressed an income outcome equality. More than half of women did not get educated before birth. Among educated patients, few women got educated overcoming the pain during labor process. As the time spent in the hospital for the birth increases, the birth perception of mothers is affected negatively. %86.8 of participants gave assisted delivery. Spontaneous vaginal birth has positive effects on birth perception. Establishing a vascular access, induction of labor performing enema, restriction of orally intake and movement, fundal pressure, episiotomy, nor to perform skin to skin contact with the baby after birth has adverse effects on the birth perceptions.Keywords: antenatal care, birth experience, perception of birth, vaginal birth
Procedia PDF Downloads 436995 Audience Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Representation of Tribal South African Culture in Drama Series
Authors: Oluwayemisi Mary Onyenanakeya, Kevin Onyenankeya
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Commercial media entertainment offerings especially mainstream soap operas, in South Africa, are progressively infusing dominant social values and ideas which are alien to South African tribal societies. In most of the commodified television drama series, people who hold tight to traditional beliefs and values are often characterised as traditionalists, while those who have imbibed the western defined dicta and ideology of modernity are seen as progressives. This study, therefore, sought to ascertain how South African tribal language, traditional institutions, values, social norms and ancestral beliefs are portrayed through the television drama, Generations: The Legacy, and what the viewers think about those constructions and the implication for cultural identity. The mixed methods approach was employed involving the administration of questionnaire to 350 participants selected through random sampling and a content analysis of 20 episodes of Generations: The Legacy. The findings further showed that the values and traditions represented in generation do not significantly reflect the South African tribal tradition and values (p-value > 0.05). In most instances where traditional values are represented they tend to be portrayed as old fashioned (p-value > 0.05), and inferior and backward (p-value > 0.05). In addition, the findings indicate that Generations: The legacy is a vehicle for promoting dominant culture.Keywords: identity, soap opera, South Africa, television
Procedia PDF Downloads 287994 The Influence of Students’ Race and Socioeconomic Status on Teachers’ Assessment of ADHD: Implications for Educational Inequalities
Authors: Justine McKay
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Implicit Bias and its impact on the schooling experience of racial minorities with ADHD is significant. ADHD has become a globally diagnosed disorder. The lack of an objective diagnostic tool for ADHD has created controversy over the disease and its validity. ADHD is referred to as a social construct or a suburban problem related to active white boys who disrupt classrooms. The subjectivity of an ADHD diagnosis and the diagnostic process is based on norm-referenced checklists of behaviours completed by the student, caregiver, teachers, clinicians, and other community members. Teachers' perceptions of classroom behaviours are influenced by implicit bias related to race and socioeconomic status. The same behaviours displayed by white and marginalized or low-income students are perceived differently. The white student is perceived to be struggling academically and needing support, while the marginalized or lower-income student's behaviour is seen as disruptive or criminal. The presence of teacher implicit bias results in the inequity of diagnosis, and academic support, which has long-term implications for these students. The subjectivity of the diagnostic process socially reproduces the systemic injustice of opportunity for marginalized youth within the education system.Keywords: ADHD, education, equity, implicit bias, subjectivity
Procedia PDF Downloads 72993 Exploiting Identity Grievances: Al-Shabaab Propaganda Targeting Individuals Abroad
Authors: Mustafa Mabruk
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Groups such as Al-Shabaab have managed to radicalize many individuals abroad, including the first American citizen to ever be radicalized. Yet the pathways of radicalization for these foreign individuals are understudied. Moreover, current measures to prevent foreign radicalization are ineffective, with privacy, screening and profiling implications that render current counter-radicalization efforts counterproductive. Such measures exhibit strictness, political bias, and harshness. As confirmed by recent studies, such counter-radicalization issues exacerbate existing grievances and channel fresh recruits to Al-Shabaab. Addressing these challenges is paramount, requiring alternative strategies to effectively reduce radicalization without triggering further harm. The development of counter-narratives emerges as a potential measure with minimal risk of exacerbating grievances, yet the development of such counter-narratives necessitates a thorough understanding of the radicalization pathways of foreign individuals that are understudied. This study investigates the success of Al-Shabaab in recruiting individuals abroad by analyzing their propaganda in conjunction with analyzing identity-focused theories of radicalization, including Framing Theory and Social Identity Theory. Qualitative content analysis is used to analyze various propaganda material, including tweets, speeches, and webpages. The analysis reveals that issues of identity are of major significance in the radicalization patterns identified and that grievances of Muslims worldwide are used to exploit identity-related grievances. Based on these findings, the paper argues that such evidence enhances our understanding of potential deradicalization pathways and present counter-narratives based on Islamic scripture.Keywords: counter-narratives, foreign radicalization, identity grievances, propaganda analysis
Procedia PDF Downloads 41992 myITLab as an Implementation Instance of Distance Education Technologies
Authors: Leila Goosen
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The research problem reported on in this paper relates to improving success in Computer Science and Information Technology subjects where students are learning applications, especially when teaching occurs in a distance education context. An investigation was launched in order to address students’ struggles with applications, and improve their assessment in such subjects. Some of the main arguments presented centre on formulating and situating significant concepts within an appropriate conceptual framework. The paper explores the experiences and perceptions of computing instructors, teaching assistants, students and higher education institutions on how they are empowered by using technologies such as myITLab. They also share how they are working with the available features to successfully teach applications to their students. The data collection methodology used is then described. The paper includes discussions on how myITLab empowers instructors, teaching assistants, students and higher education institutions. Conclusions are presented on the way in which this paper could make an original and significant contribution to the promotion and development of knowledge in fields related to successfully teaching applications for student learning, including in a distance education context. The paper thus provides a forum for practitioners to highlight and discuss insights and successes, as well as identify new technical and organisational challenges, lessons and concerns regarding practical activities related to myITLab as an implementation instance of distance education technologies.Keywords: distance, education, myITLab, technologies
Procedia PDF Downloads 357991 Farmers Perception on the Level of Participation in Agricultural Project: The Case of a Community Garden Project in Imphendhle Municipality of Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Authors: Jorine T. Ndoro, Marietjie Van Der Merwe
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Rural poverty remains a critical challenge in most developing countries and the participation of farmers in agricultural projects has taken a key role in development initiatives. Farmers’ participation in agricultural initiatives is crucial towards poverty alleviation and food security. Farmers’ involvement directly contributes towards sustainable agricultural development and livelihoods. This study focuses on investigating the perceptions of farmers’ participation in a community garden project. The study involved farmers belonging to community garden project in Imphendhle municipality in Mgungundlvu district of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The study followed a qualitative research design using an interpretive research paradigm. The data was collected through conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews and a focus group was conducted with the eight farmers belonging to the community garden project. The findings show that the farmers are not involved in decision makings in the project. The farmers are passive participants. Participation of the farmers was mainly to carry out the activities from the extension officers. The study recommends that farmers be actively involved in projects and programmes introduced in their communities. Farmers’ active participation contributes to the sustainability of the projects through a sense of ownership.Keywords: farmers, participation, agricultural extension, community garden
Procedia PDF Downloads 254990 Applications of Internet of Things (IoTs) for Information Resources and Services: Survey of Academic Librarians
Authors: Sultan Aldaihani, Eiman Al-Fadhli
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Internet of Things (IoTs) expected to change the future of academic libraries operations. It enables academic libraries to be smart libraries through, for example, the connection of the physical objects with the Internet. The implementation of IoTs will improve library resources and services. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the applications of Internet of Things (IoTs) for information resources and services. Understanding perceptions of academic librarians toward IoTs before adopting of such applications will assist decision-makers in academic libraries in their strategic planning. An online questionnaire was administered to academic librarians at Kuwait University. The findings of this study showed that academic librarians have awareness for the IoTs. They have strongly believed that the IoTs contributes to the development of information resources, services, and understanding of the user's information behavior. Identifying new applications of the IoTs in libraries was the highest possible reason for future adoption. Academic librarians indicated that lack of privacy and data penetration were the greatest problem in their future adoption of IoTs. Academic libraries need to implement the IoTs for enhancing their information resources and services. One important step in the success of future adoption is to conduct awareness and training programs for academic librarians. They also need to maintain higher security and privacy measurements in their implementation for the IoTs. This study will assist academic libraries in accommodating this technology.Keywords: academic libraries, internet of things, information resources, information services
Procedia PDF Downloads 149989 An Evaluation of Kahoot Application and Its Environment as a Learning Tool
Authors: Muhammad Yasir Babar, Ebrahim Panah
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Over the past 20 years, internet has seen continual advancement and with the advent of online technology, various types of web-based games have been developed. Games are frequently being used among different age groups from baby boomers to generation Z. Games are not only used for entertainment but also utilized as a learning approach transmitting education to a level that is more interesting and effective for students. One of the popular web-based education games is Kahoot with growing popularity and usage, which is being used in different fields of studies. However, little knowledge is available on university students’ perception of Kahoot environment and application for learning subjects. Hence, the objective of the current study is to investigate students’ perceptions of Kahoot application and environment as a learning tool. The study employed a survey approach by distributing Google Forms –created questionnaire, with high level of reliability index, to 62 students (11 males and 51 females). The findings show that students have positive attitudes towards Kahoot application and its environment for learning. Regarding Kahoot application, it was indicated that activities created using Kahoot are more interesting for students, Kahoot is useful for collaborative learning, and Kahoot enhances interest in learning lesson. In terms of Kahoot environment, it was found that using this application through mobile is easy for students, its design is simple and useful, Kahoot-created activities can easily be shared, and the application can easily be used on any platform. The findings of the study have implications for instructors, policymakers and curriculum developers.Keywords: application, environment, Kahoot, learning tool
Procedia PDF Downloads 132988 Early Childhood Teacher Turnover in an Early Head Start Setting: A Qualitative Examination
Authors: Jennifer Sturgeon
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Stable relationships provide a predictable and trusting environment and are essential for early development, but high teacher turnover rates in childcare settings make it challenging for infants and toddlers to form stable relationships with their teachers. This can have an adverse effect on development and learning. The qualitative study discussed in this article draws from the experiences of early Head Start teachers and administrators to describe both the impact of teacher turnover and the motivational factors that contribute to teacher retention. A case study approach was used and included classroom observations, a review of exit interviews, and perceptions from focus groups of early Head Start staff in an urban early Head Start childcare center. Emerging from the case study was the discovery that teacher turnover has an impact on the social-emotional development of toddlers, particularly in self-regulation. Additional key findings that emerged include teacher turnover leading to negative effects on learning, a decrease in preschool preparation, and increased chaos in the classroom and center. Motivational factors that contributed to teacher retention included positive leadership, the mission to make a difference, and fair compensation.Keywords: early childhood, teacher turnover, continuity of care, early head start
Procedia PDF Downloads 68987 Analyzing Perceptions of Leadership Capacities After a Year-Long Leadership Development Training: An Exploratory Study of School Leaders in South Africa
Authors: Norma Kok, Diemo Masuko, Thandokazi Dlongwana, Komala Pillay
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CONTEXT: While many school principals have been outstanding teachers and have inherent leadership potential, many have not had access to the quality of leadership development or support that empowers them to produce high-quality education outcomes in extremely challenging circumstances. Further, school leaders in under-served communities face formidable challenges arising from insufficient infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, socio-economic challenges within the community, and insufficient parental involvement, all of which put a strain on principals’ ability to lead their schools effectively. In addition few school leaders have access to other supportive networks, and many do not know how to build and leverage social capital to create opportunities for their schools and learners. Moreover, we know that fostering parental involvement in their children’s learning improves a child’s morale, attitude, and academic achievement across all subject areas, and promotes better behaviour and social adjustment. Citizen Leader Lab facilitates the Partners for Possibility (PfP) programme to provide leadership development and support to school leaders serving under-resourced communities in South Africa to create effective environments of learning. This is done by creating partnerships between school leaders and private-sector business leaders over a 12-month period. (185) OBJECTIVES: To explore school leaders’ perceptions of their leadership capacities and changes at their schools after being exposed to a year-long leadership development training programme. METHODS: School leaders gained new leadership capacities e.g. resilience, improved confidence, communication and conflict resolution skills - catalysing into improved cultures of collaborative decision-making and environments for enhanced teaching and learningprogramme based on the 70:20:10 model whereby: 10% of learning comes from workshops, 20% of learning takes place through peer learning and 70% of learning occurs through experiential learning as partnerships work together to identify and tackle challenges in targeted schools. Participants completed a post-programme questionnaire consisting of structured and unstructured questions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with them and their business leader. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematic content analysis was undertaken. The analysis was inductive and emerging themes were identified. A code list was generated after coding was undertaken using computer software (Dedoose). Quantitative data gathered from surveys was aggregated and analysed. RESULTS: School leadership found the programme interesting and rewarding. They gained new leadership capacities such as resilience, improved confidence, communication and conflict resolution skills - catalyzing into improved cultures of collaborative decision-making and environments for enhanced teaching and learning. New networks resulted in tangible outcomes such as upgrades to school infrastructure, water and sanitation, vegetable gardens at schools resulting in nutrition for learners and/or intangible outcomes such as skills for members of school management teams (SMTs). Collaborative leadership led to SMTs being more aligned, efficient, and cohesive; and teachers being more engaged and motivated. Notable positive changes at the school inspired parents and community members to become more actively involved in the school and in their children’s education. CONCLUSION: The PfP programme leads to improved leadership capacities and improved school culture which leads to improved teaching and learning and new resources for schools.Keywords: collaborative decision-making, collaborative leadership, community involvement, confidence
Procedia PDF Downloads 91986 The International Constitutional Order and Elements of Human Rights
Authors: Girma Y. Iyassu Menelik
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“The world is now like a global village!” so goes the saying that shows that due to development and technology the countries of the world are now closely linked. In the field of Human rights there is a close relationship in the way that rights are recognised and enforced. This paper will show that human rights have evolved from ancient times through important landmarks such as the Magna Carta, the French Declaration of Rights of Man and of the Citizen and the American Bill of Rights. The formation of the United Nations after the Second World War resulted in the need to codify and protect human rights. There are some rights which are so fundamental that they are found in international and continental instruments, national constitutions and domestic legislation. In the civil and political sphere they include the right to vote, to freedom of association, speech and assembly, right to life, privacy and fair trial. In the economic and social sphere you have the right to work, protection of the family, social security and rights to education, health and shelter. In some instance some rights can be suspended in times of public emergency but such derogations shall be circumscribed by the law and in most constitutions such limitations are subject to judicial review. However, some rights are so crucial that they cannot be derogated from under any circumstances and these include the right to life, recognition before the law, freedom from torture and slavery and of thought, conscience and religion. International jurisprudence has been developed to protect fundamental rights and avoid discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, sex, language or social origin. The elaborate protection system go to show that these rights have become part of the international order and they have universal application. We have now got to a stage where UDHR, ICCPR and ICESCR and have come to be regarded as part of an international bill of rights with horizontal and vertical enforcement mechanisms involving state parties, NGO’s , international bodies and other organs.Keywords: rights, international, constitutional, state, judiciary
Procedia PDF Downloads 451985 Environmental Factors Affecting Knowledge Transfer between the Context of the Training Institution and the Context of the Work Environment: The Case of Agricultural Vocational Training
Authors: Oussedik Lydia, Zaouani-Denoux Souâd
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Given the evolution of professions, training is becoming a solution to meet the current requirements of the labor market. Notably, the amount of money invested in training activities is considerable and continuously increasing globally. The justification of this investment becomes an obligation for those responsible for training. Therefore, the impact of training can be measured by the degree to which the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired through training are transferred to the workplace. Further, knowledge transfer is fundamental because the objective of any training is to be close to a professional environment in order to improve the productivity of participants. Hence, the need to better understand the knowledge transfer process in order to determine the factors that may influence it. The objective of this research is to understand the process of knowledge transfer that can occur between two contexts: professional training and the workplace, which will provide further insight to identify the environmental factors that can hinder or promote it. By examining participants' perceptions of the training and work contexts, this qualitative approach seeks to understand the knowledge transfer process that occurs between the two contexts. It also aims to identify the factors that influence it. The results will help managers identify environmental factors in the training and work context that may impact knowledge transfer. These results can be used to promote the knowledge transfer process and the performance of the trainees.Keywords: knowledge transfer, professional training, professional training in agriculture, training context, professional context
Procedia PDF Downloads 167984 Assessment of Tourist and Community Perception with Regard to Tourism Sustainability Indicators: A Case Study of Sinharaja World Heritage Rainforest, Sri Lanka
Authors: L. P. K. Liyanage, N. R. P. Withana, A. L. Sandika
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The purpose of this study was to determine tourist and community perception-based sustainable tourism indicators as well as Human Pressure Index (HPI) and Tourist Activity Index (TAI). Study was carried out in Sinharaja forest which is considered as one of the major eco-tourism destination in Sri Lanka. Data were gathered using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire as well as records from Forest department. Convenient sampling technique was applied. For the majority of issues, the responses were obtained on multi-point Likert-type scales. Visual portrayal was used for display analyzed data. The study revealed that the host community of the Kudawa gets many benefits from tourism. Also, tourism has caused negative impacts upon the environment and community. The study further revealed the need of proper waste management and involvement of local cultural events for the tourism business in the Kudawa conservation center. The TAI, which accounted to be 1.27 and monthly evolution of HPI revealed that congestion can be occurred in the Sinharaja rainforest during peak season. The results provide useful information to any party involved with tourism planning anywhere, since such attempts would be more effective once the people’s perceptions on these aspects are taken into account.Keywords: Kudawa Conservation Center, Sinharaja World Heritage Rainforest, sustainability indicators, community perception
Procedia PDF Downloads 150983 The Reach, Influence, and Acceptance of International Media Institutions in Local Language Broadcasting in Africa: A Case Study of VOA, DW, and BBC Amharic Services in Ethiopia
Authors: Aster Misganaw
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This study investigates the reach, influence, and credibility of international broadcasters—specifically Voice of America (VOA), Deutsche Welle (DW), and British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)—among Ethiopian audiences, comparing these perceptions to local media sources. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that included quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, the research reveals that the majority of respondents engage regularly with international broadcasters, with younger audiences showing a marked preference. Findings indicate that most of the participants perceive these international sources as more credible than local media, largely due to concerns over government influence on local reporting. Furthermore, the study finds that the majority of respondents believe international broadcasters significantly shape their understanding of both domestic and international issues, highlighting their critical role in public discourse. To enhance their relevance, it is recommended that international broadcasters incorporate more localized content while local media must work to improve their credibility and independence to better serve the Ethiopian public. This research contributes to the understanding of media consumption dynamics in Ethiopia, emphasizing the interplay between local and international narratives in shaping public opinion.Keywords: international media, BBC, Deutsche Welle, Ethiopian media, Voice of America, audience
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