Students’ Skill Needs for Achieving Content in an ‘Intercultural Management and Communication’ Course in a Moroccan University of Economics

Research into language skill needs to students' disciplinary knowledge in English-Medium Instruction settings is largely under-explored. To contribute to identifying these needs, this study set out to explore self-assessed challenges to content achievement facing university students in an ‘Intercultural management and communication’ course. The study is situated in a university of Economics, Morocco. (N= 46) postgraduate students participated in the study. Analysis of qualitative data from written accounts of students’ perceived challenges/needs resulted in five themes: 1- affective impact of the course, 2- awareness of its primary goal, 3- academic language skills, 4- knowledge acquisition and academic development needs, and 5- content achievement and assessment requirements. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted on quantitative data from a self-perception/evaluation questionnaire in order to obtain a typology of challenges/needs students face in achieving content in the course. Considering both perceived skill importance and skill level, emphasized needs were associated with exam content revision, academic communications and academic English skills. The study findings bear implications for considering a skill approach to perceived needs, emphasizing the importance of students’ awareness of assessment requirements, task-based instruction in enhancing academic English and communication skills, and teachers’ roles in balancing goals for language and content improvement

Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disorders Risk Factors by REBA and QEC Methods in an Aluminum Industry

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common problems in workplaces. The present study assessed the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the level of risk for these disorders among workers of an aluminum industry in Tehran. Method: In this cross-sectional study, Nordic questionnaire was used in order to assess musculoskeletal disorders among all workers in production line of the mentioned industry (82 workers) and to determine musculoskeletal disorders risk levels, workers’ body posture was assessed by REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and QEC (Quick Exposure Check) techniques. Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi-square test and through SPSS16 software. Results: According to the results, 83.9 percent of the subjects have complained from pain in at least one of ​​their body areas during the past year. The highest prevalence of disorders was respectively allocated to the low back (48.2%), knee (35.7%) and wrist/hand (33.9%). The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders showed significant correlation with age, job experience and BMI. But, REBA and QEC final scores had no significant correlations with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. According to REBA and QEC, respectively 43.6 and 67.2 percent of postures were categorized in high and very high risk levels. Conclusion: High prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and levels of risk, prioritize the necessity of corrective actions. Higher percent of high risk level in QEC than REBA can be attributed to the capability of this tool in combined investigation of work posture, work related risk factors and mental disorders affecting the incidence of these disorders

The Covid-19 Pandemic and its Effect on the Elderly: A Review

In 2019, the world experienced a global public health concern when the novel coronavirus originated from China and affected around fifty-seven thousand people around the world by March 2020. The quick rise in the number of cases and the death toll overwhelmed the scientific and medical community. While all the focus was driven towards finding the epidemiology, the treatment and the management, the mental health aspect of the quarantine was being overlooked. The purpose of this review is to create awareness about the long-term consequences of quarantine, with the focus on the elderly community in Pakistan.

A Qualitative Study on Factors Affecting Elderly Physical Activity

Background: Physical activity has several benefits for the physical and mental health of the elderly and through participation in physical activities, this vulnerable group can prevent aging-related complications.The purpose of this quality study was to investigate the affecting factors (motivational and barriers) on elderly physical activity. Methods: This qualitative study was part of a study with Grounded theory methodology carried out during 2015-2016. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 40 elderly and 10 experts in elderly sports and taking field notes. Data analysis was carried out based on Corbin and Strauss (2008) approach. Results: Based on open and axial coding, motivational factors and barriers of physical activity were categorized as interpersonal, intrapersonal and environmental subcategories. Lack of security, poor transportation services, bad weather, inappropriate walking paths, poor sports facilities and programs, negative views, personal health problems and negative self-image were important barriers of physical activity in elderly. Existence of peer social groups and sports assistants, physician advice, encouragement of family and following religious and national values ​​can be effective in encouraging the elderly to do physical activities. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, authorities are advised to enforce the motivational factors of elderly physical activity and remove barriers of physical activity

Mengintegrasikan Nilai-nilai Anti Korupsi Dalam Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam Di Sekolah Menengah Atas

This paper discusses the anti-corruption values which are supposed to provide a solution to the problems of crime of corruption that are befalling the nation. The research aimed to describe and integrate anticorruption values into subjects of Islamic Education in High School. This is done because the subjects of Islamic Education in High School has a strategic role in achieving the goals of national education which is then internalized into the psyche of learners. The approach used is qualitatively using literature study. From the results of this study found a draft of lesson plan, contained in them values such as honesty, caring, self-reliance, discipline, responsibilities, hard work, temperance, courage and justice