Perceptions of the effectiveness of Kuwait’s strategic education planning policy and processes

Education planning is considered a vital factor in the success of any education system. For educational organisations such as the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Kuwait, strategic planning is very crucial for the achievement of the educational goals that reflect the aspirations of Kuwait’s community, such as preparing graduates to help develop their countries. However, there is a need to build a strategic education plan that integrates the goals and objectives from the educational field, as well as from society. The main purpose of this research is to explore the current strategic education plan in Kuwait in terms of the issues that may arise from the policies that control the strategic education plan’s formulation and implementation. This research adopted a mixed methods approach for data collection, which was conducted in three phases. The first phase depended on exploratory interviews to investigate the nature of the current policy that controls the education system in Kuwait. In addition, the exploratory study aimed to identify issues (if any) result from policies that control strategic education plan’s formulation and implementation. The second phase employed a questionnaire that explored research participants’ perceptions regarding the issues that were identified by the exploratory study. The third phase depended on in-depth interviews to investigate the characteristics of the centralisation policy in the education system. This phase aimed to further investigate the interviewees’ perceptions regarding the issues that had been identified in the first phase. The third phase also sought to investigate how the MoE’s policies might underlie these issues, and they may act strengths or weaknesses in the strategic education plan. The research sample of the three phases consisted of leaders from the three managerial tiers of the Kuwaiti education system (MoE officials, district leaders, and school leaders). The MoE leaders are those who chair different departments within the ministry. The district leaders are those who chair different departments within six education districts in Kuwait. The school leaders consist of head teachers, deputy heads, and department heads. The first phase involved 12 interviewees, the second phase involved 188 participants, and the third phase involved 22 interviewees. The research findings identified the current policy that controls the education system in Kuwait. The findings indicated that the centralisation in education system is extreme, and that the MoE is the ultimate decision maker. The MoE adopts the tenets of centralisation in order to control resource allocation, curriculum planning, in-service programmes for teachers and staff, pupils’ assessments, and educational planning. My research identified seven issues associated with strategic education planning in Kuwait, which are all affected by the centralisation policy, as follows: 1. Efficiency and effectiveness of the strategic plan 2. Comprehensiveness of the strategic plan 3. Implementability 4. Collaborativeness and participativeness 5. Communicative capacity 6. Bureaucratisation 7. Work environment These seven issues are seen as the problems that have resulted from the centralised nature of the strategic plan that affected the education system’s outcome. For each issue, the research results identified a number of reasons as to why these issues can be viewed as weaknesses of the centralised strategic plan. Thus, the research found that the centralisation policy, which is embedded in both the formulation and the implementation of the strategic plan, is an obstacle to the strategic plan’s effectiveness. Additionally, the research identified a relationship between the weaknesses of the strategic plan itself, and the MoE officials’ practices as the ultimate decision makers. Finally, the research concluded that the implementers of the strategic plan tend to participate in decision-making; however, they should exercise a certain degree of autonomy within their workplace in order to identify the best ways through which to achieve the goals of the strategic plan

Review of Recommender Systems Algorithms Utilized in Social Networks based e-Learning Systems & Neutrosophic System

In this paper, we present a review of different recommender system algorithms that are utilized in social networks based e-Learning systems. Future research will include our proposed our e-Learning system that utilizes Recommender System and Social Network. Since the world is full of indeterminacy, the neutrosophics found their place into contemporary research. The fundamental concepts of neutrosophic set, introduced by Smarandache in [21, 22, 23] and Salama et al. in [24-66].The purpose of this paper is to utilize a neutrosophic set to analyze social networks data conducted through learning activities

Cutting-Edge Green Polymer/Nanocarbon Nanocomposite for Supercapacitor—State-of-the-Art

Supercapacitors have attained a special stance among energy storage devices such as capacitors, batteries, fuel cell, and so forth. In this state-of-the-art overview on green synthesis approaches and green materials for supercapacitors, the cutting-edge green polymer/nanocarbon nanocomposite systems were explored by focusing on the design and related essential features. In this regard, various polymers were reconnoitered including conjugated polymers, thermosetting matrices, and green-cellulose-based matrices. Nanocarbon nanomaterials have also expanded research thoughtfulness for green-technology-based energy storage devices. Consequently, green polymer/nanocarbon nanocomposites have publicized fine electron conduction pathways to promote the charge storage, specific capacitance, energy density, and other essential features of supercapacitors. Future research directions must focus on the design of novel high performance green nanocomposites for energy storage applications

QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF PATIENTS REFERRAL LETTERS

This study is a descriptive undertaking aiming at assessing the quality of referral letters submitted to departments of seven selected Medani Hospitals from different levels of health institutions.   Required data was collected by observation and by a check list with a scoring system. Indirectly relevant data was extracted from historical data sources. METHOD:  The total number of the collected referral letters was 412 of which 206 were randomly and systematically sampled out and studied. The letters were checked for items that should be included in a good referral letter. Results and interpretation were obtained manually and with the aid of SPSS. RESULTS: It was found that 171 (83%) letters were of poor quality. Factors that lead to this were: bad handwriting, writing on slips of paper 69 (33.5%), senders poor perception of the importance of mentioning the negative as well as positive findings, improper utilization of health units pharmacies and laboratory facilities and lastly referring of cases without trying to manage first at the site of origin. Recommendations suggested were: training of GPs and health auxiliaries on writing good referral letters as well as having continuous medical education to improve their knowledge and skills on managing cases before instantly referring them. Design a standardized "fill-in- space" form and provide facilities for typing

First principles investigation of ferroelectricity in epitaxially strained Pb2_2TiO4_4

The structure and polarization of the as-yet hypothetical Ruddlesden-Popper compound Pb$_2$TiO$_4$ are investigated within density-functional theory. Zone enter phonons of the high-symmetry K$_2$NiF$_4$-type reference structure, space group $I4/mmm$, were calculated. At the theoretical ground-state lattice constants, there is one unstable infrared-active phonon. This phonon freezes in to give the $I2mm$ ferroelectric state. As a function of epitaxial strain, two additional ferroelectric phases are found, with space groups $I4mm$ and $F2mm$ at compressive and tensile strains, respectively.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Linear forced-rotordynamics analysis for optimizing the performance factors of machine motorized spindle using design explorer method

A machine-tool structure optimization is an important technique that improves the machining efficiency and saves materials and the energy resource. In this work, dynamic design optimization method for Machine-Motorized-Spindle (MMS) subjected to a number of rotating unbalanced forces effects is presented. Linear forced-Rotordynamic analysis with design explorer method has been used to simulate the output response. The Design Variables (DVs) and their limits were carefully chosen and applied to develop the Design-of-Experiment (DOE). The Box-Behnken Design (BBD) method, because of its good organization in providing much information in a minor number of required statistical experiments was used to generate the DOE. The influences of DVs on the dynamic of MMS and their levels optimization were evaluated by utilizing the Response-Surface (RS) method. The results showed that the spindle shaft inner diameter of the motor-rotor seat and its rotating unbalanced mass, and modulus of elasticity have the highest contribution in effect on the dynamic of MMHS. As well, it is found that the proposed optimization method not only improves the structural weight of MMS, but also the potential saving can be achieved in term material and energy resource

Effect of Breed, Sex and Age on Body Measurements of Sudanese Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract: Data on body measurements and weight were obtained on 274 camels (different ecotypes). The purpose of this study was to determine factors affecting body measurements of Sudanese camel breeds and re-grade those camels according to their morphological traits. The results of this study showed that average barrel girth, heart girth, height at shoulders and body weight were 2.45± 0.02 m; 2.02± 0.01 m; 1.90± 0.01 m and 463.25± 4.90 kg respectively. The results also revealed that phenotypic measurements were significantly influenced by type of camel and age group. The Shanbali camel recorded the highest values of barrel girth, heart girth and body weight, followed by those of the Kenani camel. Rashaidi, Anafi and Bishari camel breeds recorded the lowest values. Regarding to the age groups the camels in the second group 7 to 9 years had significantly the highest values of phenotypic measurements, followed by those of the third group 10 to 12 years, while the animals in the first group 4 to 6 years recorded the lowest values. Moreover, the results showed that the sex of camel significantly affected the heart girth, height at shoulders and body weight; and the males had significantly higher (P< 0.5) values than those of females. The study concluded that the Shanbali and Kenani camels are the largest Sudanese camel breed followed by Maalia and Maganeen camels

Fighting the Progress of COVID-19 by Enhancing Immunity: A Review of Traditional Sudanese Natural Products Containing Immune-Boosting Elements

The World Health Organization has classified the coronavirus disease outbreak as a worldwide pandemic as a result of the COVID-19 expansion. According to medical professionals, individuals with strong immunity often outlive infections more frequently than those with poor immunity. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the need for novel approaches to treating the illness and its symptoms. Natural products from plants are increasingly being seen favorably in comparison to synthetic ones in the fight against diseases. As a result, in order to avoid contracting any unanticipated illnesses, individuals must increase their immunity by eating more dietary supplements and by taking drugs that have immune-boosting properties. This review aimed to give a general overview of some traditional Sudanese foods and drinks that are rich in immune-boosting elements, and accordingly, they could be safely recommended as an adjuvant dietary supplement to improve the immune system\u27s ability to fight such infections as COVID-19. Also, this review aims to bring attention to the fact that immune boosters may be found in natural sources, which will help pharmaceutical companies by taking some of the load off of them. Electronic databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Web of Science, were searched for relevant material. The selected articles underwent independent eligibility and information extraction reviews. The review focused on certain traditional Sudanese herbs and their derivatives that are rich in immune-stimulating vitamins and minerals and therefore could possibly be recommended as immune-boosting dietary supplements to help fight COVID-19. This review highlights the fact that the pharmaceutical sector, especially community and hospital pharmacists, could play a vital role in supporting the healthcare system by encouraging their communities to add plants and their products that are rich in immune-boosting vitamins and minerals to their diet

Suspected severe malaria in a sudanese patient affected by sickle cell disease who was treated with hydroxyurea

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common genetic disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The signs and symptoms of SCD usually begin in early childhood. Characteristic features of this disorder include anaemia, repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain. Malaria is one of the infections that can occur in patients with SCD in endemic countries. Many guidelines recommend antimalarial chemoprophylaxis in these patients, although the debate on which drug should be used is still ongoing. Hydroxyurea (HU), which is considered a safe and effective treatment for both children and adults with SCD, seems to affect the incidence and severity of malaria, although these impacts have yet to be fully demonstrated. We report a case of an eight-and-a-half-year-old Sudanese boy with SCD treated with HU admitted for suspected severe malaria who showed a recrudescence after first-line treatment. Although he had undergone splenectomy and thus belonged to a category of patients at high risk for infectious complications, he was not receiving any malaria chemoprophylaxis. This case emphasises the importance of the routine administration of malaria prophylaxis to children with SCD living in endemic areas, even when they are treated with HU, and especially if they are at high risk for infectious complications because they have undergone splenectomy. There is an urgent need for further research to evaluate the most appropriate regimen and its optimal duration