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Envisaged learning environments for learners with visual impairments in Lesotho rural schools using asset-based approaches
(Literasi Indonesia, 2024) Khanare Fumane; Ramatea Mamochana
Previous literature has highlighted the persistent global challenge of providing quality education in conducive settings for learners with visual impairments (LVIs), particularly in rural schools. This study aims to explore viable resources that can be leveraged to create an enabling learning environment for LVIs within rural primary school contexts. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study engaged 12 teachers from rural mainstream primary schools in Lesotho. Data were gathered through focus group discussions with a purposively selected sample of teachers and analyzed thematically. The findings underscored the perception among participants that rural schools possess a range of assets, both visible and concealed, that effectively cater to the special educational needs of LVIs. However, a notable limitation surfaced regarding the teachers' knowledge about utilizing these existing resources optimally. Consequently, this highlighted a crucial need for enhanced collaboration, involvement of relevant stakeholders, and augmentation of academic resources. The effective utilization of these assets emerges as a pivotal factor requiring improved management to cultivate a more conducive learning environment for LVIs in the future.
Role of quality management for service delivery in an academic library at a South Africa tertiary institution
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Rammala, Hunadi Betty
In the global competitive environment, delivering quality service is considered an essential strategy for success and survival (National library of South Africa, 2020). Universities in South Africa have been tasked to convert into institutions generating alumni who will meaningfully contribute to the new social, economic, and political order in South Africa (Department of Education, 2017). The academic library's function is critical in ensuring effective resource management and maintaining control over the quality of user services, while at the same time managing factors like globalization, internalization, the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), and the emerging fifth industrial revolution (5IR) (Darko-Adjei, 2023).
Academic libraries at tertiary education institutions provide resources and facilities to fulfil the information needs of all the disciplines of the institution (Sivankalai & Yadav, 2012). Furthermore, it provides efficient, qualitative client-driven, innovative, and modernized information services (Darko-Adjei, 2023; Sivakumar & Dominic, 2013; Sivankalai, & Yadav, 2012).
Health knowledge and health-risk behaviours among undergraduate students in the faculty of community and health sciences at a University in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Bovana, Sinombulelo
The transition to university can be a challenging time for young people, characterized by increased independence, socializing, self-regulation, and self-organization (Siri et al., 2016). The promotion of health knowledge is a fundamental strategy to maintain people’s health during public health emergencies (Siri et al., 2016). Communities that possess sufficient health information may be better able to identify risk factors and promptly respond to virus outbreaks (Balkhy et al., 2010). Academic discipline, sex, age, and socio-economic factors can influence the level of health knowledge (Al-Isa & Alfaddagh, 2014). Nutritional education or studying a health-related course have been linked to increased knowledge in some students (Belogianni et al., 2021; Spexoto et al., 2015). Health knowledge among university students is a critical area of study because it directly influences their health behaviours and overall well-being (Wu et al., 2023). University students who possess a sufficient level of health literacy are better equipped to handle public health emergencies and lessen the unintentional harm that potentially catastrophic public health events might cause (Jansen et al., 2018; Juvinyà-Canal et al., 2020a; Wu et al., 2023).
Triaxial nuclear shapes from simple ratios of electric-quadrupole matrix elements
(Elsevier Inc., 2025) Orce, José Nicolás; Lawrie, Elena Atanassova
Theoretical models often invoke axially-asymmetric nuclear shapes to explain elusive collective phenomena, but such an assumption is not always easy to confirm experimentally. The only model-independent measurement of the nuclear axial asymmetry (or triaxiality) γ is based on rotational invariants of zero-coupled products of the electric-quadrupole (E2) operator — the Kumar-Cline sum rule analysis — which generally requires knowledge of a large number of E2 matrix elements connecting the state of interest. We propose an alternative method to determine γ using only two E2 matrix elements, which are among the easiest to measure. This approach is based on a standard rotational description of a nucleus with stable triaxial deformation, where all underlying assumptions are either empirically proven or unnecessary. It is applied to the 2+ states of the ground-state and the γ bands of even–even nuclei and is model-independent provided these 2+ states have rotational nature. This technique was applied to a number of deformed even–even nuclei for which the ratio of the energies of the yrast 4+ and 2+ states was R4/2> 2.4. Where sufficient experimental data were available for performing Kumar-Cline analysis, good agreement was observed between the γ values deduced in these two approaches. The agreement shows that (i) the 2+ states of the selected nuclei have indeed rotational nature, and (ii) the proposed method represents a simple and reliable deduction of γ. In the present work more than 60 even–even rotating nuclei were associated with axially-asymmetric nuclear shapes.
Violating Nigerian medical doctorcontract: Do I remain committed to my employer and nation?
(AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, 2025) Fashola, Timileyin M; Aderibigbe, John K.
Orientation: In recent years, the healthcare sector in Nigeria has faced significant challenges, including high turnover rates among medical professionals. Previous studies have only focused on monetary reasons for turnover, but there is a gap in understanding how psychological factors predict turnover.Research purpose: This study examined how psychological contract violation affects the intention to remain or leave among medical doctors in Nigeria. Motivation for the study: Having an understanding of how medical doctors navigate the breach of their contract and their commitment is important for improving retention strategies and subsequent overall healthcare system in Nigeria. Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted and quantitative data were gathered from 362 medical doctors. More of the respondents (69.6%) were doing their residency. Main findings: Findings revealed that employee retention had a significant relationship with perceived breach and feelings of violation (p < 0.01). The dimensions of psychological contract violation accounted for about 53% variance in employee retention [R2=0.53; F (2, 359)=201.01; p < 0.01]; also, perceived breach and feelings of violation were significant independent predictors of employee retention. Practical/managerial implications: The study recommends that the Ministry of Health in Nigeria consider reviewing the bond and terms of the working relationship between medical doctors and employers to reduce the brain drain of medical doctors. Contribution/value-add: The study helps to connect psychological and organisational factors in the turnover rate of medical doctors, unraveling that non-monetary factors also play a crucial role.