scholarly journals Factors perceived to influence the adoption of improved technologies in arable farming in the southern district of Botswana

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 193-202
Author(s):  
Gagoitsiwe Moremedi ◽  
Keba Hulela ◽  
Tonic L. Maruatona
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Role Models ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Theoretical Implication ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
Southern District ◽  
Arable Farming

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of farmers regarding the adoption of new technologies in arable farming. This was a phenomenological qualitative study conducted in the southern district of Botswana. Data was gathered from 16 purposively selected arable farmers who adopted improved technologies to enhance productivity in arable agriculture. Semi-structured interviews on a face to face survey and personal records kept upon a visit to farms were used to collect data. Both qualitative and quantitative sets of data were gathered during a visit to the farms. The study found that the majority of the arable farmers inherited their farms from their parents and were influenced by parental role models, individual family members, credit availability of social interactions, commercialisation as well as extension training workshops to adopt improved technologies. This study has shown that farmers’ perceptions regarding improved technologies to enhance productivity in arable farming are important and influenced by several factors revealed in this study. The theoretical implication of improved technologies in arable farming implies that the when technology is adopted it increases productivity in arable agriculture as compared to no technology adoption and the adoption is influenced by how farmers perceive its benefits. This study being one of the few studies in the district will add value to the importance of technology in agriculture and increase knowledge about technology to address food security issues.

scholarly journals ONLINE MEDICAL EDUCATION AMID THE LOOMING THREAT OF COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Muhammad Saaiq ◽  
Ikram Ullah
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Role Models ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Postgraduate Medical Education ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Educational Activity ◽  
Learning Material ◽  
Face To Face

In the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic, the health professions education (HPE) has witnessed a powerful paradigm shift. The lock downs, social distancing and precautionary measures against the potential spread of corona virus, all strongly favor the online instructional formats1. The online learning carries an enormous untapped potential for the developing countries like Pakistan. It can strongly supplement the on-campus face to-face learning sessions. It can be easily applied to the entire continuum of HPE, which includes undergraduate medical education, postgraduate medical education and continuing professional development2. The online learning offers certain added advantages. For instance it is student centered and promotes self-directed learning. It is convenient and low cost. It allows for flexibility of schedules as well as instructional formats3. In the online learning sessions, the health professions educators carry some added responsibilities. For instance they should anticipate and hence circumvent issues such as system failures, communication blocks, lack of technical know-how on part of the participants and the possibility of cognitively overloading the participants. These inhibitors adversely affect the satisfaction as well as learning of the participants. The online course designers should make every possible effort to minimize these issues4. High level of motivation of the learners constitutes the cornerstone of any successful educational activity. An enthusiastic teacher is equally crucial for its success. These principles apply even more to the online instructional formats. At the very outset, the teacher should skillfully instill eagerness among participants towards achieving the desired learning objectives. He should carefully address the leaning needs of his students. During the activity, he should maintain a positive emotional milieu. At the conclusion, he should reinforce the learning through positive feedback and pointing out the competencies achieved. Additionally he should promote active interactive learning as well as produce communities of learners5. The online learning environment can be enhanced by efficient use of the available information technology tools alongside abiding to the basic principles of andragogy. The learning experience can be amplified by paying attention to fine details regarding the learning needs and preferences of the learners, design and delivery of the learning material and characteristics of the learners6. In the online learning sessions, certain added efforts are also required on part of the learners. For instance, they should have extra commitment and computer skills. They should develop positive attitude towards modern ways of learning and teaching. They should be tech savvy and employ the new technologies in their routine practices7. We conclude that the online learning sessions efficiently supplement the traditional face-to-face contact sessions. When refined further, they can even replace the contact sessions. The future medical teachers should not be mere role models and facilitators of learning but also the architects of more yielding online educational programs8.

scholarly journals Challenges in the adoption of improved arable technologies and possible solutions: a perspective of farmers in the southern district of Botswana

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-266
Author(s):  
Moremedi Gagoitsiwe ◽  
Hulela Keba
Keyword(s):  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Southern District ◽  
Field Note ◽  
Arable Farming ◽  
The Face ◽  
Producer Prices ◽  
Improved Technology

This phenomenological study explored the experiences and perceptions of arable farmers in the Southern District of Botswana who have adopted improved technology in arable farming. The purpose of the study was to explore and document the experiences of farmers involved with the occurrence of technology adoption in arable farming in Botswana. A purposive selection of 16 farmers was used to identify participants for this study. Five villages which form the Southern District participated in the study. Data collected through face to face interviews recorded on audio tapes were transcribed coupled with observational field note. The face-to-face interviews were used to gather data analysed using spiral processes, concept mapping as well as thematic areas. Six predominant themes came out clearly to describe areas posing challenges that included education and training for both farmers and extension workers, climate and environmental issues, formation of farmers’ clubs and associations, economics and policy issues, and psychosocial issues. Four possible solutions were suggested to consider strengthening and supporting farmers’ organizations, increasing producer prices, providing extension workers with practical farming skills and improve farmers’ access to credit. A quantitative study would add value as it would compare the results of this study.

scholarly journals Las TIC, educación rural y currículum / ICT, Rural Education and Curriculum

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Guerrero Cárdenas
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
Training Materials ◽  
Nuevas Tecnologías ◽  
Information And Communication

ABSTRACTThe development of new technologies allowed incorporating tools that facilitate the teacher teaching process. Competitiveness and versatility of these applications to be integrated into the teaching methodology is precisely that ensures their utility and promotes the advance accelerated in the field of education. Teaching both primary, secondary and University based in training materials, teaching action and evaluation, must take advantage of the technologies of information and communication to develop an effective process and quality that meets a growing student population. The object is to design strategies, techniques and methods for the use, handling and application of ICT to provide an effective tool in teaching performance and incorporate different role models that conform to the requirements of the teacher on the distribution and use of ICTs as support for the design and optimization of the development of the session of face-to-face classes in subjects using the computer as an instructional tool. ICT, must be in traditional teaching still using memory proceedings and dominated once comes to its implementation; While on the teaching of ICT, the transition is easier, since there will be an environment specifically, where the student plans, runs real action, controls, checks and make mistakes; set out anew and alongside this direct experimentation, the computer will provide in due time, of the symbolic and/or graphic development of all and each of the actions undertaken. It is thanks to this course of action that makes a transition between action and instruction.RESUMENEl desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías permitió la incorporación de herramientas que facilitan al docente el proceso de enseñanza. Precisamente la competitividad y versatilidad de estas aplicaciones para ser integradas a la metodología de enseñanza es la que asegura su utilidad y promueve el avance acelerado en el campo educativo. En la docencia tanto universitaria como secundaria y primaria sustentada en los materiales didácticos, la acción docente y la evaluación, se debe aprovechar las ventajas de las tecnologías de información y comunicación para desarrollar un proceso efectivo y de calidad que permita atender a una población creciente de estudiantes. El objeto es diseñar estrategias, técnicas y métodos didácticos para el uso, manejo y aplicación de las TIC que proporcionen una herramienta eficaz en el desempeño docente e incorpore diferentes modelos de acción que se ajusten a los requerimientos del docente, en lo referente a la distribución y uso de TIC, que sirva de soporte para el diseño y optimización del desarrollo de las sesiones de clases presenciales en asignaturas que utilicen el computador como herramienta instruccional. Las TIC deben radicar en que en la enseñanza tradicional se siguen utilizando procedimientos memorísticos y una vez dominados, se procede a su aplicación; mientras que a través de la didáctica de las TIC la transición es más sencilla, puesto que existirá un medio ambiente concreto, en donde el alumno planifica, ejecuta acciones reales, las controla, verifica y comete errores, recomienza y paralelamente a esta experimentación directa, la computadora proveerá en su debido momento del desarrollo simbólico y/o gráfico de todas y cada una de las acciones realizadas. Es gracias a esta forma de proceder, que se hace una transición entre la acción y la instrucción.

scholarly journals Career Advancement: The Experiences of Minority Nurses in Accessing Leadership Positions in a Tertiary Care Setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-84
Author(s):  
Naima Bouabdillah ◽  
Amélie Perron ◽  
Dave Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Care Setting ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Leadership Roles ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Leadership Positions ◽  
Diverse Workforce ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Tertiary Care Setting

Minority nurses are underrepresented in leadership roles in the Canadian healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to explore MNs’ perceptions and experiences with regards to career development and MNs in leadership positions. Twelve nurses, four Caucasian and eight from the Caribbean and Africa in a tertiary care setting were recruited through purposive sampling. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using critical ethnography. Findings revealed lack of social support, of equal opportunities, of recognition and of trust. Despite negative experiences, minority nurses recognized the value of their work experience at the hospital where they were employed. Committing to a diverse workforce in leadership roles can ultimately have an effect on patient care. Minority nurses’ leadership is needed to provide role models and to ensure the delivery of competent care to diverse populations.

“Shhhh! Alex Has Something To Say”: AAC-SGD Use in the Classroom Setting

2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 108-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Mellman ◽  
Laura S. DeThorne ◽  
Julie A. Hengst
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Classroom Community ◽  
Classroom Observations ◽  
Classroom Teachers ◽  
Classroom Setting ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Missed Opportunities

Abstract The present qualitative study was designed to examine augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) practices, particularly surrounding speech-generating devices (SGDs), in the classroom setting. We focused on three key child participants, their classroom teachers, and associated speech-language pathologists across three different schools. In addition to semi-structured interviews of all participants, six classroom observations per child were completed. Data were coded according to both pre-established and emergent themes. Four broad themes emerged: message-focused AAC use, social interactions within the classroom community, barriers to successful AAC-SGD use, and missed opportunities. Findings revealed a lack of SGD use in the classroom for two children as well as limited social interaction across all cases. We conclude by highlighting the pervasive sense of missed opportunities across these classroom observations and yet, at the same time, the striking resiliency of communicative effort in these cases.

New Technologies to Combat Herbicide Resistance

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-92
Author(s):  
Rob Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Herbicide Resistance ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Green Revolution ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Limited Range ◽  
Cultural Control ◽  
Arable Farming ◽  
The Uk

Herbicide resistance in problem weeds is now a major threat to global food production, being particularly widespread in wild grasses affecting cereal crops. In the UK, black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides) holds the title of number one agronomic problem in winter wheat, with the loss of production associated with herbicide resistance now estimated to cost the farming sector at least £0.5 billion p.a. Black-grass presents us with many of the characteristic traits of a problem weed; being highly competitive, genetically diverse and obligately out-crossing, with a growth habit that matches winter wheat. With the UK’s limited arable crop rotations and the reliance on the repeated use of a very limited range of selective herbicides we have been continuously performing a classic Darwinian selection for resistance traits in weeds that possess great genetic diversity and plasticity in their growth habits. The result has been inevitable; the steady rise of herbicide resistance across the UK, which now affects over 2.1 million hectares of some of our best arable land. Once the resistance genie is out of the bottle, it has proven difficult to prevent its establishment and spread. With the selective herbicide option being no longer effective, the options are to revert to cultural control; changing rotations and cover crops, manual rogueing of weeds, deep ploughing and chemical mulching with total herbicides such as glyphosate. While new precision weeding technologies are being developed, their cost and scalability in arable farming remains unproven. As an agricultural scientist who has spent a working lifetime researching selective weed control, we seem to be giving up on a technology that has been a foundation stone of the green revolution. For me it begs the question, are we really unable to use modern chemical and biological technology to counter resistance? I would argue the answer to that question is most patently no; solutions are around the corner if we choose to develop them.

scholarly journals The switching mechanisms of social network densification

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Teruyoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Mathieu Génois
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Context ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Regime Switching ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Social ◽  
Switching Property ◽  
Distinctive Type ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractDensification and sparsification of social networks are attributed to two fundamental mechanisms: a change in the population in the system, and/or a change in the chances that people in the system are connected. In theory, each of these mechanisms generates a distinctive type of densification scaling, but in reality both types are generally mixed. Here, we develop a Bayesian statistical method to identify the extent to which each of these mechanisms is at play at a given point in time, taking the mixed densification scaling as input. We apply the method to networks of face-to-face interactions of individuals and reveal that the main mechanism that causes densification and sparsification occasionally switches, the frequency of which depending on the social context. The proposed method uncovers an inherent regime-switching property of network dynamics, which will provide a new insight into the mechanics behind evolving social interactions.

scholarly journals Telling Our Stories: Resilience during Resettlement for African Skilled Migrants in Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3954
Author(s):  
Lillian Mwanri ◽  
Leticia Anderson ◽  
Kathomi Gatwiri
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
African Migrants ◽  
Cultural Expectations ◽  
The Social ◽  
Resilience Factors

Background: Emigration to Australia by people from Africa has grown steadily in the past two decades, with skilled migration an increasingly significant component of migration streams. Challenges to resettlement in Australia by African migrants have been identified, including difficulties securing employment, experiences of racism, discrimination and social isolation. These challenges can negatively impact resettlement outcomes, including health and wellbeing. There has been limited research that has examined protective and resilience factors that help highly skilled African migrants mitigate the aforementioned challenges in Australia. This paper discusses how individual and community resilience factors supported successful resettlement Africans in Australia. The paper is contextualised within a larger study which sought to investigate how belonging and identity inform Afrodiasporic experiences of Africans in Australia. Methods: A qualitative inquiry was conducted with twenty-seven (n = 27) skilled African migrants based in South Australia, using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Participants were not directly questioned about ‘resilience,’ but were encouraged to reflect critically on how they navigated the transition to living in Australia, and to identify factors that facilitated a successful resettlement. Results: The study findings revealed a mixture of settlement experiences for participants. Resettlement challenges were observed as barriers to fully meeting expectations of emigration. However, there were significant protective factors reported that supported resilience, including participants’ capacities for excellence and willingness to work hard; the social capital vested in community and family support networks; and African religious and cultural values and traditions. Many participants emphasised their pride in their contributions to Australian society as well as their desire to contribute to changing narratives of what it means to be African in Australia. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that despite challenges, skilled African migrants’ resilience, ambition and determination were significant enablers to a healthy resettlement in Australia, contributing effectively to social, economic and cultural expectations, and subsequently meeting most of their own migration intentions. These findings suggest that resilience factors identified in the study are key elements of integration.

scholarly journals PARE0023 ORAL HEALTH IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: LISTENING TO PATIENTS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1297.2-1297
Author(s):  
J. Protudjer ◽  
C. Billedeau ◽  
C. Stavropoulou ◽  
A. Cholakis ◽  
R. Schroth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Oral Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Oral Health Education ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Latent Content

Background:Rates of periodontal disease and tooth loss are increased in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Periodontal disease may exacerbate RA inflammation and complicate RA care. Understanding factors that contribute to the increased burden of periodontal disease in RA is critical to improving oral health and possibly arthritis outcomes. People with RA may have unique needs and/or barriers to maintain oral health.Objectives:To determine from people with RA what are their experiences and perceptions about their oral health, their most important questions relating to oral health, and how they wish to receive oral health information.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with RA patients. Recorded interview transcripts underwent iterative content analysis. Transcripts were initially reviewed to develop a coding guide. Latent content, or larger themes, were then applied to the transcripts. Constructs were considered saturated when no new themes were identified with subsequent interviews. We report identified themes with representative quotes.Results:Interviews with 11 RA (10[91%] female; all on RA medication) averaged 19 minutes (range 8-31 minutes) and were mostly conducted face-to-face. Many believed RA medication contributed to dry mouth. Most participants had not previously considered other links between oral health and RA. Themes identified included the need for complicated oral health routines, barriers of cost and access to dental care, and shame relating to oral health (Table 1). Participants preferred to receive oral health education from their rheumatologists or dentists over printed or online resources.Conclusion:RA patients have unique needs relating to oral health and report poor oral quality of life. Strategies to optimize oral health in RA may include educational tools for optimizing oral self-care appropriate for RA, and improved access to oral care professionals who are aware of the needs of arthritis patients.Disclosure of Interests:Jennifer Protudjer: None declared, Corrie Billedeau: None declared, Chrysi Stavropoulou: None declared, Anastasia Cholakis: None declared, Robert Schroth: None declared, Carol Hitchon Grant/research support from: UCB Canada; Pfizer Canada

Healthcare and Terrorism: The Lebanese Experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Nooreddine Iskandar ◽  
Tatiana Rahbany ◽  
Ali Shokor
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Common ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background: Due to the common instability caused by political and security issues, Lebanese hospitals have experienced acts of terrorism multiple times. The most recent Beirut Explosion even forced several hospitals to cease operations for the first time in decades—but studies show the preparedness levels for such attacks in similar countries are low. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the experience of Lebanese hospitals with terrorist attacks. Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders to assess their experience with terrorist bombings. Data was analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Results: The researchers found that Lebanese hospitals vary greatly in their structures and procedures. Those differences are a function of 3 contextual factors: location, culture, and accreditation status. Hospitals found near ‘dangerous zones’ were more likely to be aware and to have better response to such events. A severe lack of communication, unity of command, and collaboration between stakeholders has made the process fragmented. Conclusion: The researchers recommend a larger role for the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in this process, and the creation of a platform where Lebanese organizations can share their experiences to improve preparedness and resilience of the Lebanese healthcare system in the face of terrorism.

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