The Effect of Frenectomy Procedure on Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy

Structural restrictions from tongue-tie are associated with altered sucking and decreased self-efficacy in breastfeeding mothers. Frenectomy is a procedure to correct tongue-tie by detaching the frenulum. There is a need to review the evidence regarding the effect of tongue-tie release on maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy. This review aims to examine the effect of frenectomy on a mother\u27s confidence in breastfeeding using the BSES-SF tool. Database searches were conducted in PubMed and CINAHL. Keywords: Frenectomy AND Breastfeeding self-efficacy. Exclusion criteria: non-English studies. Evidence suggests that frenectomy is associated with improvement in breastfeeding self-efficacy and nipple pain in the short-term. The BSES-SF tool is an excellent measure of maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy following a frenectomy procedure. To improve maternal self-efficacy, clinicians need to assess tongue-tie in infants and recommend frenectomy procedure

Toward a three-dimensional conceptualization of performance anxiety :conceptual model, measurement development and initial validations

EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Matrix Growth Models for a Natural Forest in Shasha Forest Reserve Nigeria

Matrix growth models were developed for a natural forest stand in Shasha forest reserve Nigeria. Data were collected from permanent sample plots in the forest in 2006 and 2012 by complete enumeration of trees with a minimum diameter of 5cm at breast height. All observed trees were classified into three species groups; top, middle, and under storey species. Within each species group, trees were classified into diameter classes with a width of 5cm. Linear regressions were used to estimate the ingrowth, mortality and upgrowth transition probabilities for a six year growth period. The models were developed, calibrated and validated with data from the permanent sample plots. Simulations suggested a recovery in the tree population of the forest stand given minimal disturbances. Validation of the models gave reliable predictions of stand population and diameter distributions for the forest. The x2 statistics for the species groups revealed no significant differences between the predicted and observed number of trees at 0.05 significance level. The models provided some vital information which can be employed for sustainable management of the natural forest. Keywords: Matrix models, Transition probabilities, Diameter distribution, Forest dynamics, Forest managemen

INTERNAL CURRICULUM SUPERVISION OF LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS: A CASE OF LUGARI SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Internal curriculum supervisors (ICSs) have a vast of roles to play to enhance effective implementation of the school curriculum. This paper is a report of a study that was undertaken in the year 2014 in secondary schools in Lugari sub-county in Kenya. The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of ICSs in the implementation of Life Skills Education (LSE). The research objectives were: To determine the frequency at which the ICSs oversaw the preparation of the professional documents by teachers of LSE; and to assess how often the ICSs undertook classroom observation on LSE lessons. The study was guided by the behavioural theory of leadership. It utilized a mixed method research methodology and a descriptive survey research design. The sample size for the study comprised of 203 respondents that included 19 Heads of Departments (HODs), 19 Principals and 165 teachers of LSE. The teachers of LSE were selected through systematic random sampling method while the Principals and HODs were purposively selected. The research instruments used were questionnaires, interview schedules and document analysis. The results of the study showed that ICSs rarely approved professional documents for LSE. Moreover, ICSs rarely conducted classrooms observation to check how LSE was being implemented by teachers in the schools. The lack of regular supervision affected the implementation of LSE in public secondary schools in Lugari sub-county in Kenya. The study recommended that ICSs should sensitize the teachers of LSE to prepare the required professional documents. They should check and approve them as required to enhance instruction in LSE. In addition, there is need for ICSs to conduct regular classroom observation for LSE lessons to ensure effective implementation of the curriculum. The findings are useful to the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Kenya to ascertain the level of supervision of LSE. It creates awareness to ICSs on how best they can supervise LSE.  Article visualizations

Forest structure analysis of Akopi Forest in Benue State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the structure of Akopi forest to facilitate its sustainable management. Data was collected from seven 0.25 ha sample plots in the  forest stand using the systematic line plot sampling design. All trees in the sample plots with stem diameter at breast height of ≥ 5 cm were identified and measurements taken for stand structural attributes which include tree stem diameter at breast height (DBH), total tree height (THT), tree crown diameter (CD) and tree crown height (CH). Forest structure was analyzed based on tree density (tress/ha), size class distributions and diversity indices (Shanon-Weiner index, Pielou evenness idex and mean structural diversity index). The results of the analysis produced low Shanon-Weiner index values (1.185 to 1.521) for all the structural attributes indicating low structural diversity. Pielou evenness (0.661 to 0.761) for all structural attributes and the Mean structural diversity (1.354) for the forest stand also revealed low structural diversity. The results of this study suggest Akopi forest is undergoing deforestation. Sustainable management measures that will enhance structural diversity should be considered  and implemented. Keywords: structural diversity, diversity indices, forest structure, tree size distribution, forest density

Growth space requirements models for Prosopis africana (Guill & Perr) Taub tree species in Makurdi, Nigeria

All parts of Prosopis africana (Guill & Perr) Taub are used by rural communities in Nigeria, and this exposes it to degradation and a regeneration problems. There is lack of information on inventory on natural forest estates for management and decision-making. This species is facing a regeneration problem and overexploitation. The aim of this study was to developed model that can predict the growth space requirements for P. africana plantation establishment. Growing space was associated with crown size; seven crown and stem diameter relation models were tested on data recorded from P. africana trees in Makurdi-Nigeria; simple random sampling technique was used to collect data. The linear model (crown-stem diameter relation) provided the best model fitted with R2 values of 0.778 with adjusted R2 0.777. For optimum planting, fast growth and high production/yield the tree species would require a planting spacing of 4 x 4 meters; for example, that a dominant free-growing tree of diameter 52.90 cm would required 0.008 hectare of growing space with a stocking of 125 tree per hectare for P. africana. Stand density converges around 0.000016 m2. The baseline information provided by this study could serve as a guide for optimum planting distances and tree stocking in large scale plantations of P. africana species in Nigeria and international, this to avoid extinction of the economic tree