Schism or communion? A discussion of the morality of Online Learning through a Christian/Catholic lens

While massive open online courses (MOOCs) garnered plenty of attention at the beginning of the decade, initial findings about their value have been disappointing. In particular, only a narrow range of participants appear to be successful in completing and passing these unmonitored courses: white, educated, affluent males. One prominent Catholic scholar, Jonathan Malesic, went as far as saying that the very nature of MOOCs does not align with Catholic teachings of learning through social interaction, adapting to the needs of the learner, and teaching (i.e., successfully) the masses. Further, by extension, he applied these criticisms to online learning in general. This article examines these criticisms, describes how these problems are present in K-12 online learning, and gives examples of how these issues are mitigated. The article concludes with ideas for using the online learning medium to promote Catholic and Christian values

The epidemiology of pertussis in Germany: past and present

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Current and past pertussis epidemiology in the two parts of Germany is compared in the context of different histories of vaccination recommendations and coverage to better understand patterns of disease transmission.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Available regional pertussis surveillance and vaccination coverage data, supplemented by a literature search for published surveys as well as official national hospital and mortality statistics, were analyzed in the context of respective vaccination recommendations from 1964 onwards.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Routine childhood pertussis vaccination was recommended in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) from 1964 and in former West German states (FWG) from 1969, but withdrawn from 1974–1991 in FWG. Pertussis incidence declined to <1 case/100.000 inhabitants in GDR prior to reunification in 1991, while in FWG, where pertussis was not notifiable after 1961, incidence was estimated at 160–180 cases/100.000 inhabitants in the 1970s-1980s. Despite recommendations for universal childhood immunization in 1991, vaccination coverage decreased in former East German States (FEG) and increased only slowly in FWG. After introduction of acellular pertussis vaccines in 1995, vaccination coverage increased markedly among younger children, but remains low in adolescents, especially in FWG, despite introduction of a booster vaccination for 9–17 year olds in 2000. Reported pertussis incidence increased in FEG to 39.3 cases/100.000 inhabitants in 2007, with the proportion of adults increasing from 20% in 1995 to 68% in 2007. From 2004–2007, incidence was highest among 5–14 year-old children, with a high proportion fully vaccinated according to official recommendations, which did not include a preschool booster until 2006. Hospital discharge statistics revealed a ~2-fold higher pertussis morbidity among infants in FWG than FEG.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The shift in pertussis morbidity to older age groups observed in FEG is similar to reports from other countries with longstanding vaccination programs and suggests that additional booster vaccination may be necessary beyond adolescence. The high proportion of fully vaccinated cases in older children in FEG suggests waning immunity 5–10 years after primary immunisation in infancy. The higher incidence of pertussis hospitalisations in infants suggests a stronger force of infection in FWG than FEG. Nationwide pertussis reporting is required for better evaluation of transmission patterns and vaccination policy in both parts of Germany.</p

Utilizing Mathenge (Prosopis Juliflora) for Charcoal: The Other Side of an Invasive Species

The study used Focused Group Discussions (FGD), seasonal and livelihood calendars, participatory visioning and mapping and training of trainers delivered in partnership with KEFRI. Analysis from the project has showed that the species has potential to provide communities with 14 different products and services with charcoal ranking highest and food for humans the lowest. In terms of contribution to livelihoods, both men and women rank charcoal among the top three livelihood sources after farming and livestock keeping. Pods, another product from Prosopis can be sold as feed for livestock at KES 100 (USD1) per 50kg bag. Management by utilization of the almost 19,000 hectares of Prosopis juliflora in Baringo for sustainable charcoal production presents potential for improving livelihoods and the environment. It presents an opportunity for supplying the growing urban centers with affordable cooking fuel, a strategy that can be scaled out to the other affected counties. Also, there is need for complete removal of mathenge in some pockets to create room for enrichment with native high value multipurpose tree species to enhance biodiversity

Prosopis juliflora – a potential game changer in the charcoal sector in Kenya

Prosopis juliflora, locally known as ‘mathenge’, is a shrub or small tree that is native to Mexico, South America and the Caribbean, and is an invasive species in Kenya. In Kenya, Prosopis juliflora was introduced from 1973 through to the 1980s to arid and semi-arid areas to mitigate desertification and fuel wood shortages (Pimentel et al., 2000; Masakha & Wagulo, 2015). The species was preferred because of its resilience, drought tolerance and fast growth (Meyerhoff, 1991). However, it is aggressively invading about 500-1300 ha per year, causing land use and land cover change, and losses of grasslands, woodlands, croplands, grazing lands and settlements, especially in Turkana, Baringo, Garissa, Tana River and Taita Taveta Counties (Mbaabu et al., 2019; Eckert et al., 2020). By 2016, Prosopis juliflora had invaded 2 percent of Kenyan drylands, covering 18 792 hectares in Baringo County alone. In this County, Prosopis juliflora coverage is estimated to have increased by almost 4 percent or 640 ha per year since 2002 (Mbaabu et al., 2019). In Marigat Sub-County, Ng’ambo is the most highly invaded, whilst Ilchamus and Loboi are relatively less affected. Thus, management and utilization of the current 18 792 ha of Prosopis juliflora in Baringo County for charcoal production using improved kilns and effective transportation and marketing presents potential for improving livelihoods and the environment (Mbaabu et al., 2019). Various technologies with high charcoal conversion efficiencies of about 30 percent have been adapted and/or developed by Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) and other institutions

The charcoal value chain in Kenya: Actors, practices and trade flows in selected sites

The charcoal sub-sector is one of the most important sources of energy in Kenya, especially in urban areas. The sub-sector has been reported to be worth billions of dollars in market value. Between 40-75% of the charcoal is produced in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) using inefficient processing technologies and unsustainable tree harvesting practices. Given the critical role the sub-sector plays in energy provision and economic development, this study sought to assess the charcoal value chain to understand: i) actors and their motivation for engagement; ii) production technologies and processes; iii) the economics of product flow among different actors at different stages of the value chain; and iv) factors influencing performance in the value chain