Effectiveness of Practical Work in Physics on Academic Performance among Learners at the selected secondary school in Rwanda

The current study investigates the effectiveness of practical work in physics on academic performance among learners of a secondary school in Rwanda. The study employs a quasi-experimental research design specifically pretest-posttest control group design (control group and experimental group). Two groups of learners of senior one at Groupe Scholaire Rugoma were treated differently through an expository and practice-based approach respectively. Physics achievement test prepared to evaluate the effect of practical work indicated that learners in the experimental group outperformed those of the control group treated by the expository teaching method. Various factors that may advance or hinder the implementation of practical work were identified and views from science teachers were collected. Most of the respondents strongly agreed that those factors have a significant impact on the implementation of practical work which in turn influence learners’ overall academic performance during Physics Achievement Test (PAT). A significant difference was observed from the statistical analysis performed by using SPSS version 21.0. (Pretest and posttest among learners in the experimental group; t = 27.243; 32.743; MD = 8.4239; 13.12500 respectively whereas the pretest and posttest among learners are as follow, t = 28.442; 32.627; MD = 9.82500; 2.38005 respectively and for all performance evaluation hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. Based on the observed results, it was found that practical work was more effective in improving learners’ performance in Physics. It was therefore concluded that practical work continues to be a promising approach in teaching sciences, particularly teaching Physics in secondary schools

Design Of Hydraulic Structures For Sustainable Runoff Control In Kinamba Sub-Catchment, Rwanda

The process of urbanization is among the causes of the continuous increase of flood hazard events and the associated losses worldwide; mainly due to the increasing impervious surfaces and the exposure of people and their wealth. (Muis et al., 2015)  In Rwanda, mainly in Kigali City, heavy rainfall events cause rapid surges in the flow of rivers and drainage systems leading to floods in the downstream. It has been identified that inadequate drainage system in Kinamba sub-catchment located in Nyabugogo catchment is the major cause of flooding in the downstream of that area.The aim of this study was to design hydraulic structures for sustainable runoff control in Kinamba Sub-catchment. Daily rainfall data for 30 years have been collected from Gitega meteorological station. The peak runoff water discharge has been calculated by using the rational method and its prediction in 30 years by using the linear model. In this research ArcGis played a key role while analyzing spatial data.The results showed that the two existing culverts are capable of carrying water discharges at 91.168 m3/ sec while the estimated current peak runoff discharge is 108.73 m3/sec while considering daily maximum rainfall of 98mm. The population growth rate increase compelled to estimate the future area to be covered for facilitating human settlement. It was found that in next 30 years, all easily usable area will be covered by population leaving around 6.5% area. The remaining catchment area would be covered by houses and roads  with a predicted discharge rate of 118.41m3/sec during next 30 years.Based on the needs, a trapezoidal channel of designed 14.27 m2 cross section has been recommended along with a rectangular  box culvert with 6 boxes of 2.8m depth and 2m width with a discharge carrying capacity of 118.41 m3/sec. It is also recommended to have household level water harvesting and management of catchment area by keeping balance in housing and open area while respecting Rwanda housing policy

Effect of project-based learning: learners’ conceptualization and achievement in science education

Over the past decades, academic interests in teaching and learning approaches emerged alongside the modernization discourse of the education sector. Since then, a paradigm shift from consideration of education as art to science is observed. Although project-based learning approach seems important in enhancing the overall academic achievement of learners, a willingness of teachers to implement it, remains critical and its implication in science education became an integral matter of serious concern. The current study used a quasi-experimental design to determine the effect of the project-based learning approach (PBLA) on the academic achievement of learners in science education in Rwanda. This article provides an insight into how educators consider the use of some specific teaching approaches relevant in the 21st century and articulates the advantages of PBLA. The null hypothesis was rejected based on the results obtained as the p-value was less than 0.05 (p<0.05). Though some participants demonstrated a strong confusion about the role of the project-based learning approach, the current study exposed unparalleled benefits linked to the proper design and implementation of PBL in the teaching and learning process. There is a positive effect in overall academic performance of learners in science subject when PBL is properly designed and integrated into teaching and learning processes

Identification of Species of Botryosphaeriaceae Causing Bot Gummosis in Citrus in California

Members of the Botryosphaeriaceae family are known to cause Bot gummosis on many woody plants worldwide. To identify pathogens associated with Bot gummosis on citrus in California, scion and rootstock samples were collected in 2010 and 2011 from five citrusgrowing counties in California. Symptoms observed on citrus included branch cankers, dieback, and gumming. Various fungal species were recovered from necrotic tissues of branch canker and rootstock samples. Species were identified morphologically and by phylogenetic comparison as ‘Eureka’ lemon, ‘Valencia’, ‘Washington Navel’, ‘Fukumoto’, grapefruit, ‘Satsuma’, and ‘Meyer’ lemon. Species were identified morphologically and by phylogenetic comparison of the complete sequence of the internal transcribed spacer regions, β-tubulin gene, and elongation factor α-1 genes with those of other species in GenBank. A consensus-unrooted most parsimonious tree resulting from multigene phylogenetic analysis showed the existence of three major clades in the Botryosphaeriaceae family. In total, 74 isolates were identified belonging to the Botryosphaeriaceae family, with Neofusicoccum spp., Dothiorella spp., Diplodia spp., (teleomorph Botryosphaeria), Lasiodiplodia spp., and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (teleomorphs unknown) accounting for 39, 25, 23, 10, and 3% of the total, respectively. On inoculated Eureka lemon shoots, lesion length was significantly different (P \u3c 0.05) among 14 isolates recovered from portions of cankered tissues of the original trees. Lesion lengths were significantly longer (P \u3c 0.05) for shoots inoculated with isolates of Neofusicoccum luteum and shorter for shoots inoculated with isolates of Dothiorella viticola (P \u3c 0.05) than those of other species. Identifying the distribution and occurrence of these fungal pathogens associated with Bot gummosis is useful for management applications during occasional outbreaks in California

Impact of serodiagnosis on the management of Lyme borreliosis at Angers University Hospital

Introduction Lyme borreliosis (LB) is an emerging arthropod-borne disease the diagnosis of which is made on clinical and biological data. We assessed the Angers University Hospital physicians’ management of LB, in case of positive serology, and estimated their compliance to European recommendations (EUCALB). Methods We retrospectively included 75 cases with positive ELISA serologies confirmed by Western-Blot, performed at the Angers University Hospital between 2008 and 2012. Results and discussion There were 4 cases of early localized phase, 26 of early-disseminated phase (including 17 cases of neuroborreliosis), and one case of late phase. The curative management complied with EUCALB guidelines in 28 cases out of 31. Conclusion Serology remains a reference diagnostic tool for LB, as long as the practitioner is aware of the main clinical and biological criteria

Deux cas béninois d’entomophthoromycoses (basidiobolomycose et conidiobolomycose) diagnostiqués en 2010 au CHU d’Angers

National audienc

Conidiobolomycose rhinofaciale avec localisations cervicales, thoraciques et brachiales : à propos d’un cas nigérian

We report here the clinical case of a Nigerian adult patient who received medical care during October 2010, at the Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Buruli ulcer in Pobè (Benin). He presented a massive facial tumor associated with several subcutaneous (cervical, thoracic and upper limbs) nodules, evolving since several years. Tissue samples collected at Pobè medical center were addressed to the mycology and histology laboratories of Angers University Hospital (France), according to the medical exchange agreement between the two institutions about the diagnosis and treatment of Buruli ulcer disease. Histological examination showed a Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon, consisting of a granulomatous reaction made of eosinophilic polynuclear cells surrounding rare, large and irregular, non-septate hyphae. A filamentous fungus was isolated by cultivation of the clinical samples, which was identified as Conidiobolus coronatus. The patient was treated orally with daily doses of ketoconazole (400 mg per day). After 4 months of treatment, a marked regression of the facial lesion was obtained. A first constructive facial surgery was achieved, but the patient did not attend the second step. This case report allows us to remind the mycological diagnosis of this exotic mycosis, but also to emphasize the main difficulties encountered in medical management in the developing countries

The Evaluation of the Rainfall-Runoff Effects to the Variation of Hydrology of Migina Catchment in Rwanda

The basic implementation of agricultural development and crop production increase in marshland of Migina catchment (ca: 257.4 km2) requires strong and technical analysis of the effect and change of hydro-meteorological aspects from rainfall-runoff parameters. This paper focuses on the effect of rainfall and runoff in Migina catchment and describes in details the study of rainfall and runoff availability in Migina catchment. The study was limited to the analysis of hydrological aspects of the catchment including the water balance. Specifically the paper specifies the seasonally hydrologic variation, evaluates the performance of the catchment area on the environmental activities and studies the rainfall-runoff effect on the variation of hydrology of the catchment. The required data were collected from the thirteen (13) meteorological stations located in the catchment (Meteo-Rwanda, 2008) and historical data from other institutions like: Center of GIS of the University of Rwanda, Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI), Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA). Arithmetic mean method was used for the determination of annual rainfall. The annual evapotranspiration has been calculated through evaporation pan at Rwasave and Gisunzu stations for data recorded from 2010 to 2012. Annual discharge was determined using rating curve method at Munyazi, Mukura and Cyihene rivers for discharge data of 2010 to 2012. Simple formulas were used in calculations, and the adjusted crop coefficient was found to be 0.66, and the annual rainfall varies with respect to weather or Climate events like Temperature increase. This can have major effects on society, economy and the environment and was found to be 1569.5mm. The results show that the Migina catchment land use is dominated by the agricultural at 70% (rice, maize and beans) and livestock activities. It is recommended to contribute to the amelioration of Agricultural activities to increase the Rwandan primary sector production and sensitize the population on Rwanda seasonal changes and good governmental catchment protection plan

Artificial Intelligence in Swedish Policies::Values, benefits, considerations and risks

Part 4: AI, Data Analytics and Automated Decision MakingInternational audienceArtificial intelligence (AI) is said to be the next big phase in digitalization. There is a global ongoing race to develop, implement and make use of AI in both the private and public sector. The many responsibilities of governments in this race are complicated and cut across a number of areas. Therefore, it is important that the use of AI supports these diverse aspects of governmental commitments and values. The aim of this paper is to analyze how AI is portrayed in Swedish policy documents and what values are attributed to the use of AI. We analyze Swedish policy documents and map benefits, considerations and risks with AI into different value ideals, based on an established e-government value framework. We conclude that there is a discrepancy in the policy level discourse on the use of AI between different value ideals. Our findings show that AI is strongly associated with improving efficiency and service quality in line with previous e-government policy studies. Interestingly, few benefits are highlighted concerning engagement of citizens in policy making. A more nuanced view on AI is needed for creating realistic expectations on how this technology can benefit society

Blockchain and Government Transformation

In today’s digital age, transactions are made increasingly in the virtual universe. Some do all financial transactions online, but some do not even want to think about this possibility since the consideration is unreliable. To make online financial transactions more reliable, many technologies have already been tested. Since passwords, tokens, physical code generation accessories, there have been many attempts, being the most elaborate, the blockchain. Governments, especially in developed countries, often find it difficult to gain the trust of their citizens, especially when it comes to evidence of service provision and improvement of existing services. In developing countries, blockchain requests from governments would be useful in eliminating some important problems, such as corruption, while ensuring more effective deployment and distribution of resources. The adoption of such technologies can also help to facilitate better use of resources. In this paper, we will analyze the impact of the application of blockchain technology on e-government.2020-2