Education for all (EFA): reaching Nomadic communities in Wajir, Kenya - challenges and opportunities

This new study examined and discussed the challenges inhibiting nomads from accessing formal education in the light of Kenya’s domestication of Education for All (EFA) which the government committed itself at various world conferences. The research investigated the disproportionate disparity in school enrolment among the different regions in Kenya despite heavy investment and efforts in education. It looked at the programmes geared towards achieving EFA such as Free Primary Education, boarding schools, school feeding programme and bursaries. These and other features of EFA are discussed as they are deemed to provide a feasible route for educating nomads. The research used a mixed methods approach to collect data using semi-structured interviews designed for nomadic parents, focus group discussions with education officials and teachers, and a questionnaire for nomadic students in secondary schools. The research instruments were designed to find out the challenges, perceptions, preferences and policies concerning nomadic education from 78 purposively selected individuals comprising eight interviews, 50 questionnaires and 20 focus group discussion participants. The findings from the field illustrate the continuing under-participation of nomads in education. Informants cite the location of schools, poor facilities, poor transport, attitude of parents and poverty among other issues as the inhibiting factors affecting participation of nomads in formal education. If fuller participation is required, the main issues arising are the need to revamp existing facilities, entrench mobile schools in the Koran schools and strengthen legislation for compulsory education while concurrently improving the infrastructure for nomadic people. In this way, education can be provided that respects the nomadic lifestyle. The research concludes by proposing a multifaceted approach to the education of nomads. However, mobile schools with a non-formal curriculum package may be an especially attractive option due to expected suitability in nomadic setting and their relatively low cost, given expected financial constraints. It is also recommended that further research is routinely conducted to explore nomadic friendly learning programmes before the implementation of any of these recommendations

IMPACT OF SALINE WATER IRRIGATION ON DATE PALM (Phoenix dactylifera) ASSOCIATED BULK SOIL BACTERIAL COMMUNITIES IN OASES AGROECOSYSTEM OF UAE

Irrigation of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) with saline groundwater is routinely practiced in the arid agroecosystems of United Arab Emirates (UAE), due to freshwater scarcity. Saline groundwater irrigation is known to deposit salts in the top layers of soil and increase soil salinization. However, how increasing soil salinization affects the belowground bacterial communities, is not well investigated. Soil samples were collected from 14 different date farms where irrigation water source was either non–saline water or saline groundwater. Soil bacterial communities were identified using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. The results showed that bacterial diversity (including Shannon diversity, richness, and evenness) didn’t vary between irrigation sources (non-saline water vs saline groundwater). However, distinct soil bacterial communities were observed between irrigation water sources, and they were significantly related to the irrigation water electrical conductivity. Of total 5155 OTUs, 21.3% were uniquely present in the soil while saline groundwater irrigation and 31.5% while non–saline water irrigation, and only 47.15% OTUs were shared. The abundance of Proteobacteria was higher in soil while saline groundwater irrigation, and pattern contrasted for Actinobacteriota. Compositional shift at genera level was also evident, wherein abundance of Subgroup_10, Novibacillus, Bauldea and Mycobacterium was higher while saline groundwater irrigation and Microvirga, Marmoricola, Ammoniphilus and Lysinibacillus abundance was low. Mycobacterium and Steroidobacter were the key indicator taxa while saline groundwater irrigation and Solirubrobacter and Sorangium were indicator of non–saline water irrigation. The results of this study indicate that soil determine colonization of bacterial communities under different irrigation water sources (non–saline water and saline groundwater irrigation) and it is influenced by salinity of irrigation water. The project results revealed that salinity of irrigation water selects distinct bacterial communities in soil, which are essential for maintaining soil health in oases agroecosystem of arid environments

Pelaksanaan Pengawasan Kerja Karyawan (Kasus pada Karyawan Kebun PT. Perkebunan Nusantara V Unit Terantam)

One of the companies belonging to BUMN engaged in the palm oil industry is PT. Plantation terantam V Riau, which is located in subdistrict Tapubg Hulu, district Kampar. It is a company that is doing the processing of fresh fruit bunches (FEB) that is derived from their own gardens. PT. Plantation Terantam V Riau also been known to have a good image because always able to achieve the target set by the company. However, in the last few years, the company get a drop in achieving the target.The purpose of this research was to investigate the implementation of surveillance conducted by the leader in the company. Which after meticulous, it turn out the implementation of the existing surveillance on the archipelago PT. Plantation Terantam V Riau which has been classified in a accordance with a score of 2361 which is in the range 1828-2390. Therefore the leaders in the company should pay more attention and more about implementation of supervision so that the results can be realized with good companyKeyword: Work Supervision, Leadership, Labour

Timbuktu civilization and its significance in Islamic history

Timbuktu civilization began as a seasonal settlement for trade caravans in the early 11th century. It later flourished in trade and as one of the early African centres of Islamic culture. This paper reviews the trend of Timbuktu civilization from prehistoric period up to the current state of its political impact of the region. The paper further focuses on the role Timbuktu played in African history by serving as academic and commercial centre. The significant of this paper is to reveal the fact that Africa has a long Islamic civilization. The paper provides evidences from reliable sources of the symbolic representation of the impact and influence of the early schools and universities between 11th and 15th century that existed in West Africa. The manuscript of Timbuktu serves as a living testimony of the highly advanced and refined civilization in Africa during the middle ages. The history of monuments, artefacts as well as architectural land marks that signifies the historical origin of this ancient city is presented. The early heroes that stood firm towards the development and civilisation of Timbuktu are outlined. Analysis of the development as well as the factors that led to the civilization is presented in this paper

Impact of Monovalent Metal Halides on the Structural and Photophysical Properties of Halide Perovskite

This chapter discusses the importance and impact of metal halide additives into perovskite to enhance its semiconductor quality and realize highly efficient and stable perovskite photovoltaic devices. Monovalent metal halides have been introduced as the most promising candidates due to their loading capacity and chemical compatibility with the perovskite materials, as well as ease of incorporation and their remarkable positive impact on the crystal growth, optoelectronic properties, and subsequently the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Among all the monovalent metal cations, Cs is the only one that could fit in the perovskite structure and forms photoactive perovskite. The other monovalent cations are located at the interstitials sites, grain boundaries, and crystalline surfaces. We also discuss the key roles of monovalent metal halide additives that include modulating morphology of perovskite films, modification of structural and optoelectronic properties, adjusting energy level alignment in PSCs, inhibiting non-radiative recombination in perovskites, eliminating hysteresis, and enhancing operational stability of PSCs

Islamic mathematical sciences

In Islam Mathematics is seen as an important tool for life. The Qur’an considers the rules of mathematics to be a pathway to discover God’s will. This Paper discusses some of the contributions made in mathematics by some Muslim scholars. These remarkable inputs are due to the fact that mathematics is one of the renowned physical sciences which started right from antiquity. The inputs worth discussing in this paper include those of Al–Khawarizmi, Al–Kashi, Al–Khayyam and Al–Khazin. All have invented some vital concepts used in modern day mathematics

Media and Digital Technologies for Mixed Methods Research in Public Health Emergencies Such as COVID-19: Lessons Learned From Using Interactive Radio-SMS for Social Research in Somalia.

Radio shows which invite audience participation via short message service (SMS)-interactive radio-SMS-can be designed as a mixed methods approach for applied social research during COVID-19 and other crises in low and middle income countries. In the aftermath of a cholera outbreak in Somalia, we illustrate how this method provides social insights that would have been missed if a purely qualitative or quantitative approach were used. We then examine the strengths and limitations associated with interactive radio-SMS through an evaluation using a multimethod comparison. Our research contributes an application of a mixed methods approach which addresses a specific challenge raised by COVID-19, namely utilizing media and digital technologies for social research in low and middle income countries

The concept of Itqan and its role in Muslim professional life

Professional Ethics which concern one's conduct of behavior and practice when carrying out professional work needs Itqan. The word itqan is an Arabic word which has a close meaning to the English word pelfection. Islam as a perfect and comprehensive religion set the bases for quality work. The order, discipline, accuracy, beautiful work, well thought out tasks and justice are all part of quality Islamic work and performance. Quran as the final divine revelation from Allah provides a code of conduct for every believer and is the commandment and warrant for him to be committed in hislher work and be sincere about it [5]. Adhering to the Quranic teachings on itqan equips the Muslim professional an effective approach to problem-solving preceded by steady and thorough examination before undertaking an activity and enables the Muslim to tackle problems in an orderly and disciplined manner. This prompts us to the institutionalization of Codes of Conduct and Codes of Practice which are common in many professional bodies for their members to observe. This paper attempts to investigate the importance of this concept and its role in the Muslim life

Investigating the Factors Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Undergraduate Students’ Interests in Coursework

Today the world is suffering from coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic illness, and people all around the world stay at home due to its rapid spread. People including students gather information and government instructions through TVs, social media and others around them. Since the classes were canceled in many countries, the novel coronavirus affects students’ interest in coursework. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of TV news, social media and communication with people on interest in coursework, and mediating roles of fear of contamination, depression, and anxiety on these effects. A path analysis was carried out with the data collected from 773 college students. The results showed that interest in coursework was most strongly affected by communication with people. This was due to its direct and indirect effects. Social media and TV News did not directly affect interest in coursework, but indirectly affected. The study also found that among the three mediator variables, the mediator roles of anxiety was bigger than the others. Understanding the findings of this research has become very important to us, especially at a time when face-to-face lessons have been canceled all over the world and transitioned to online education. Specific recommendations for practitioners and limitations for future research were also provided in the study