Using Fanghanel’s (2007) Framework to Explore the Micro, Meso, and Macro Factors Influencing Undergraduate Student Mentoring Programs

Successful undergraduate mentoring programs have the potential to help at-risk students achieve academic success, retention, and ultimately graduation (Terrion & Leonard, 2007). Mentoring involves the provision of general guidance, support, and, in some instances, helping a student learn something new. Studies show mentoring also promotes students’ sense of well-being by challenging the negative opinions they may have of themselves and demonstrating that they can have positive relationships with adults (Coles, 2011). In most instances, the success of such mentoring programs at the university level not only relies on the effectiveness of the mentor-mentee relationship, but also the effectiveness of the coordinator of the program (Pfund, 2016). However, the role that the coordinator plays in the effectiveness of these programs is less understood.In order to better understand these dynamics, this exploratory, theoretical case study will use Fanghanel’s (2007) framework (i.e., Micro, Meso, and Macro levels) to draw conclusions from observational data collected from one semester on two undergraduate mentoring programs from the coordinator’s perspective. Specifically, the results of this analysis indicate that at the Micro level, issues pertaining to approach, networking, training, and expectations are important, whereas at the Meso and Macro level, feedback, logistics, listening, and holistic planning are valuable. The implications from this study provide actionable items that can be used to improve undergraduate mentoring programs from the perspective of the coordinator’s responsibilities. Conclusions for this study will provide avenues for future research that explores the mentees' perspectives on the effectiveness of these approaches

Briquetting and torrefaction of agricultural residues for energy production

Ph. D. ThesisAgricultural residues are a potential feedstock for renewable energy because they are abundant and CO2 neutral. Due to their low energy density and heterogeneity, there are key challenges in handling, storage, transportation and utilization, therefore pre-treatment is required. The aim of this study was to evaluate a range of pre-treatment options of agricultural residues for energy applications. The effect of moisture content (7.14-16.94%), particle size (˂2.36-˂4.00mm), compression temperature (20-80oC), pressure (100-250MPa), and type of agricultural residues (corn cob and bean straw) on briquette properties i.e. density, impact resistant and compressive strength was studied. Torrefaction of corn cob and bean straw were also investigated over a range of temperatures (200-300oC) and holding times (0-90 min) to study the impact of operating conditions on yields and properties of torrefaction products (char, liquid and gas). The results showed that density, impact resistance, and compressive strength significantly increased with increasing compacting temperature (20-80oC) and compacting pressure (100-250MPa) but decreased with increasing moisture content and particle size. Briquettes that satisfied the German Standard DIN 51731(density >1000kg m-3) and European Standard Committee CEN/TC 335 (durability >95%) standards for solid fuels were obtained with particle size ˂4 mm, compression temperature of 80oC and (i) moisture content of 10-12% with pressure of 100-250MPa for bean straw and (ii) low moisture content (<10 %) and high pressure (200-250 MPa) for maize cob. Briquettes derived from a bean straw:maize cob blend had high density and strength at low pressure and temperature compared to those derived from maize cobs due to enhanced bonding via mechanical interlocking, thereby reducing the costs of production. Torrefied solid products obtained at 300oC had properties comparable to coal with energy yields of 74.84-79.47% for maize cob and 90.08-92.93% for bean straw. The gaseous product (3.25-17.41% yield) was predominantly CO2 due to decomposition of hemicellulose within the temperature range studied. Briquettes that met the above certified standards were studied for pyrolysis and combustion in a fixed-bed reactor. The effects of pyrolysis temperature (410-650oC), heating rate (10-20oC min-1), carrier gas flow rate (40-60 cm3 min-1) and briquetting conditions (temperature (20-80oC), pressure (150-200MPa) and blend ratio) on the yields and properties of pyrolysis products from maize cob iv and bean straw briquettes were investigated. It was found that bio-oil and gas yields increased while, char yields from both biomass feedstocks decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature due to an increase in decomposition of lignocellulosic components and secondary decomposition of primary char. Briquetting conditions, heating rate and carrier gas flow rate had negligible effect on product yields and properties. Increasing maize cob content in briquettes resulted in an increase in the yield of bio-oil from 48 to 51% at the expense of char yield, due to the low ash and fixed carbon content of the maize cob. Combustion and pyrolysis of raw/untreated and torrefied maize cob and bean straw in a thermogravimetric analyzer occurred through moisture release, devolatilization and char degradation. The kinetic study of raw maize cob and bean straw combustion/pyrolysis revealed that the average activation energies of maize cob and bean straw were 202.26 kJ mol-1 and 165.64 kJ mol-1 for combustion and 214.15 kJ mol-1 and 252.09 kJ mol-1 for pyrolysis. Modelled data of pyrolysis and combustion of bean straw and maize cob using the obtained kinetic parameters agreed well with the experimental data, which will be useful in reactor design for energy generation via pyrolysis and combustion from agricultural residues. The findings of this study could help in promoting the use of agricultural residues for energy generation which will potentially lessen the impacts of global warming, diversify and decentralize the energy supply through the improved management/utilisation of agricultural wastes. Briquette production, torrefaction and pyrolysis could provide opportunities for the local population to increase employment and income in rural areas. This study will also provide a reference for future research on densification and utilisation of agricultural residues for energy generation.Commonwealth Scholarship Commissio

Ethnopoetics and gender dynamics : Identity construction and power relations in Acoli song performance

The study explores the intricate relationship between Acoli song performance, gender identity construction and gender power relations. The investigation is guided by the understanding that gender identity construction does not only influence gender power relations but it is also part and parcel of the contextual performance of power relations. The study involves a contextual socio-cultural discussion of the gender situation in Acoli society, and with it the role of the performing arts in the gender identity construction and power relations. Gender performativity theory is revisited in light of the genre-based performance of one’s gender, as manifested in the Acoli song performances. The analysis is guided by the argument that to understand gender one needs to pay attention to the genres through which it is expressed. Despite over a century of gender theorisation, gender theorists are still not agreed on what constitutes power, neither has any offered an irreproachable and convincing conception of power. Given current debates in gender theorisation, the study attempts to make fresh empirical investigation to make valid and concrete entry into gender debates by deriving a situated gender concept of “power” based on field research evidence. By analysing Acoli song performances, the major sites of power in the society are elucidated and the positions of the two genders vis-àvis these sites of power are examined to determine the nature of the gender power relations matrix. Song performance does not only act as a catalyst in gender performativity but it is an integral part of it, as the study reveals; and through song performance the Acoli females have particularly invested in the differential gender notions to make themselves visible and achieve their aspirations as ‘women’

Business skills training guide for potato associations.

European UnionInternational Fund for Agricultural Developmen

Chewing-Stick Practices Using Plants with Anti-Streptococcal Activity in a Ugandan Rural Community

Background: The high dental disease burden in developing countries has created a need to explore and develop cheap and accessible methods of dental disease prevention. Traditional toothbrushes (chewing-sticks) prepared from specific plants have been used for dental hygiene for generations. When properly used, chewing-sticks may be as effective as synthetic toothbrushes. This study set out to describe traditional chewing-stick practices in a Ugandan rural community, and evaluate the antibacterial activity of two most commonly used plants. Methods: Interviews were done to identify chewing-stick plants and obtain socio-cultural information relating to the practice in two villages in rural Uganda. Field walks were done to pick and voucher the plants, for taxonomical identification and storage. For the two most reported plants, aqueous extracts were prepared and tested for antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans using the agar-well diffusion method. Results: Of the 21 key informants interviewed, all were using or had used chewing-sticks in the past. A total of eight plants were identified as sources of chewing-sticks, with Rhus vulgaris and Lantana trifolia most commonly mentioned. Chewing-sticks were preferred over synthetic tooth brushes because they were less likely to traumatize the gums. Their use has been limited of recent due to scarcity of some plants. R. vulgaris and L. trifolia aqueous extracts showed antibacterial activity against S. mutans with mean diameters of inhibition of 24.33 ± 0.58 and 14.17 ± 0.29 mm on Blood agar respectively, compared to benzyl penicillin control 30.67 ± 0.29 mm. Conclusion: R. vulgaris and L. trifolia are the most common sources of chewing-sticks for cleaning teeth in this community. The plants contain compounds that are active against S. mutans. These plants merit further studies as they are possible sources of cheap dental health care for the rural poor

The quality of drinking water used by the communities in some regions of Uganda

The study was done to assess the suitability of drinking water sources used by some communities in Uganda and the associated consumption risks. Water samples were collected, treated and tested according to standard methods of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Results of physicochemical and microbiological parameters were: NOu- 3 (0.01-4.6 mg/l); turbidity (&lt; 5-97.6NTU); Total dissolved solids (59- 420.9 mg/l); conductivity (28-760 µS/cm); pH (5.3-7.2); temperature (23-25.90 °C), total coliform (0-940 cfu/100ml), faecal coliform (0-200 cfu/100ml). Risk of Contamination (ROC) assessment agreed with water quality analysis that found boreholes to be the safest (&lt;1 CFU/100mL) water source, followed in order by rainwater, standpipe taps and protected springs. Shallow wells, unprotected springs and surface water (e.g. streams) were high risk (≥100 CFU/100 mL) water sources. Nitrate.nitrogen, faecal coliform and total coliform were higher than WHO standards for drinking water in most of the water springs and wells. The management of community water sources is discussed.Keywords: Bacteriological, risk of contamination, physicochemical, communities water sources