Benefits and challenges of using ATLAS.ti

The first time I used ATLAS.ti was during my master’s program. Part of the program was to take a course that would benefit faculty members, students at the college and other nursing college back home on my return through capacity building. Therefore, learning about ATLAS.ti was ideal as it had not yet been introduced at the college in 2002. The model used to acquire knowledge and skills of ATLAS.ti was the participatory empowerment model by Fetterman. This was to be realized by enrolling in an ATLAS.ti course, practice using different data sets as well as mentor at least four people on my return home to evaluate my knowledge and skills. The first experience was when I used the software to analyse data of my thesis. The major benefit noted was that the software directs the researcher, through use of different types of codes that enhances formulation of categories and themes, thus reducing time used to analyse data manually. At college level it meant sharing of new knowledge on data management which is congruent with the academic tradition. The challenges were lack of adequate software; technical support and time to practice. Based on my experience, I recommend that knowledge and skills of ATLAS.ti are important in this era of technology and when working at a higher institution of learning. The college needs to build capacity and encourage faculty to know and use this software

The impact of conservation agriculture adoption on farmer welfare: a comparative assessment of Zambia and Zimbabwe

A comprehensive study on the impact of conservation agriculture on farmer welfare has largely remained empirically untested in Africa. Where the impact of conservation agriculture has been estimated, essential non-monetary services such as food security, soil health, social cohesion, gender disparities, resilience to drought, adaptation to climate change and environmental sustainability have not been studied together. In addition, no study compares the adoption and impact of CA between Zimbabwe and Zambia. This study uses pooled cross-sectional data from 279 project and 127 non-project participants drawn from Zambia and Zimbabwe to test whether conservation agriculture (CA) causally improves smallholder farmer welfare. We estimated the propensity score matching model using the nearest neighbour, stratification and kernel matching algorithms to determine the causal impact of conservation agriculture on farmer welfare. The results show that CA has statistically significant causal impact on increasing total agricultural yield (t=6.332, p=0.000), maize yield (t=4.806, p=0.000), resilience to drought (t=7.102, p=0.000), adaptation to climate change impacts (t=6.496, p=0.000), number of meals per day (t=5.103, p=0.000), food security (t=3.639, p=0.000), household income (t=1.694, p=0.10), accumulation of productive assets (t=2.338, p=0.05), ability to address agricultural calendar bottlenecks (t=6.123, p=0.000), increasing production costs (t=2.639, p=0.01), addressing gender disparities (t=5.743, p=0.000), improving soil health (t=6.581, p=0.000) and reducing the amount of forest area cleared per year (t=2.951, p=0.01). However, CA had no statistically significant impact on the number of food-insecure months and social cohesion. We observe that Zimbabwe farmers have access to 2.7 meals per day compared to Zambia’s 2.9 meals per day. It shows that conservation agriculture has had more impact in Zambia than in Zimbabwe. Since the cross-country analysis shows that farmers in Zimbabwe are more likely to adopt CA, policy in Zambia could similarly increase adoption rates by focussing on promoting the technology among older farmers, especially those who perceive soil fertility as low. This study shows that CA improves the welfare of smallholder farmers through improved agronomic, food security, economic, social and environmental benefits that it offers. Therefore, the results point to the need to promote extension services to build capacity among farmers, improve markets for inputs such as jab planters and Chaka hoes (CA specialised weeding hoes), and introduce and train farmers on the use of herbicides to reduce labour demands. Agriculture extension remains the most reliable source of information on better production methods and agricultural practices, including labour saving and production intensification. Keywords: Conservation agriculture, propensity score matching, welfare outcomes, Zambia, Zimbabwe.Dissertation (MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics))--University of Pretoria, 2021.Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural DevelopmentMSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)Unrestricte

Perceptions of pregnant adolescents on the antenatal care received at Ndirande Health Centre in Blantyre, Malawi

Background Rates of adolescent pregnancies in Malawi remain high at 29%. Early childbearing is a major health issue because of its increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to older women. Although antenatal care is believed not to directly reduce maternal mortality, comprehensive antenatal care, especially in developing countries, may promote safe motherhood as actual and potential problems related to pregnancy are identified and treated in a timely manner. While antenatal services in Malawi are meant to provide antenatal care for adolescents, much of the care provided seems to be limited. The purpose of this study was to explore views of pregnant adolescent girls about the antenatal care they received at Ndirande clinic. Understanding adolescents’ views about the care they receive may provide an opportunity to identify gaps in the care and ultimately improve the care for pregnant adolescent girls. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional exploratory study on pregnant adolescent girls’ perceptions of the antenatal care received at Ndirande Health Centre in Blantyre, Malawi, from 7 to 28 October 2011. We interviewed 15 purposively selected pregnant adolescents aged 14 to 19 years using a semi-structured interview guide. All the interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and translated from Chichewa into English. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings Two major themes emerged from the findings: a) caring b) motivation for attending antenatal care. The findings indicate that pregnant adolescents view the establishment of a clinic as acceptable and feasible. However, the care was inadequate, as it did not meet the expected standards and the needs of the pregnant adolescents. Conclusion The antenatal care adolescent girls received at Ndirande clinic is inadequate as it does not meet their needs. Innovative models of care that embrace the principles of youth friendly services should be employed

Jupiter Environment Tool

The Jupiter Environment Tool (JET) is a custom UI plug-in for STK that provides an interface to Jupiter environment models for visualization and analysis. Users can visualize the different magnetic field models of Jupiter through various rendering methods, which are fully integrated within STK s 3D Window. This allows users to take snapshots and make animations of their scenarios with magnetic field visualizations. Analytical data can be accessed in the form of custom vectors. Given these custom vectors, users have access to magnetic field data in custom reports, graphs, access constraints, coverage analysis, and anywhere else vectors are used within STK

Nozzle Plume Impingement on Spacecraft Surfaces: Effects of Surface Roughness

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing this collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports (0704-0188), 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR'S ACRONYM(S) Air Force Research Laboratory (AFMC) AFRL/PRS SPONSOR/MONITOR'S Pollux Drive NUMBER(S) Edwards AFB CA 93524-70448 AFRL-PR-ED-JA-2005-306 DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for public release; distribution unlimited (PA no. AFRL-ERS-PAS-2005-219). SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Published in Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, AIAA-2005-5065. ABSTRACT An experimental and numerical effort was undertaken to assess the effects of a cold gas (T 0 -300 K) nozzle plume impinging on simulated spacecraft surfaces. The nozzle flow impingement is investigated experimentally using a nano-Newton resolution force balance and numerically using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) numerical technique. The Reynolds number range investigated in this study is from approximately 2 to 350 using nitrogen propellant. The thrust produced by the nozzle was first assessed on a force balance to provide a baseline case. Subsequently, aluminum plates were attached to the same force balance parallel to the plume flow to simulate spacecraft surfaces in proximity to the thruster. Three plates were used in this study, an electropolished plate with smooth surface, and two rough surface plates with equally spaced rectangular and triangular grooves. A 15% degradation in thrust was observed both experimentally and numerically for the plate relative to the free plume expansion case. The effect of surface roughness on thrust was found to be small due to molecules backscattered from the plate to the nozzle plenum wall. Additionally, the influence of surface roughness in the diverging part of the nozzle on thrust was examined numerically and found to be significant at Reynolds numbers less than 10. Abstract An experimental and numerical effort was undertaken to assess the effects of a cold gas (T 0 =300 K) nozzle plume impinging on a simulated spacecraft surface. The nozzle flow impingement is investigated experimentally using a nano-Newton resolution force balance and numerically using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) numerical technique. The Reynolds number range investigated in this study is from approximately 2 to 600 using nitrogen propellant. The thrust produced by the nozzle was first assessed on a force balance to provide a baseline case. Subsequently, aluminum plates were attached to the same force balance parallel to the plume flow. Three plates were used in this study, an electropolished plate with smooth surface, and two rough surface plates with equally spaced rectangular and triangular grooves. A 15% degradation in thrust was observed both experimentally and numerically for the plate relative to the free plume expansion case. The effect of surface roughness on thrust was found to be small due to molecules back scattered from the plate to the plenum wall. Additionally, the influence of surface rougness in the diverging part of the nozzle on nozzle thrust was examined numerically, and found to be significant at Reynolds numbers on the order or less than 10

Training community healthcare workers on the use of information and communication technologies: a randomised controlled trial of traditional versus blended learning in Malawi, Africa

Background: Despite the increasing uptake of information and communication technologies (ICT) within healthcare services across developing countries, community healthcare workers (CHWs) have limited knowledge to fully utilise computerised clinical systems and mobile apps. The ‘Introduction to Information and Communication Technology and eHealth’ course was developed with the aim to provide CHWs in Malawi, Africa, with basic knowledge and computer skills to use digital solutions in healthcare delivery. The course was delivered using a traditional and a blended learning approach. Methods: Two questionnaires were developed and tested for face validity and reliability in a pilot course with 20 CHWs. Those were designed to measure CHWs’ knowledge of and attitudes towards the use of ICT, before and after each course, as well as their satisfaction with each learning approach. Following validation, a randomised controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the two learning approaches. A total of 40 CHWs were recruited, stratified by position, gender and computer experience, and allocated to the traditional or blended learning group using block randomisation. Participants completed the baseline and follow-up questionnaires before and after each course to assess the impact of each learning approach on their knowledge, attitudes, and satisfaction. Per-item, pre-post and between-group, mean differences for each approach were calculated using paired and unpaired t-tests, respectively. Per-item, between-group, satisfaction scores were compared using unpaired t-tests. Results: Scores across all scales improved after attending the traditional and blended learning courses. Self-rated ICT knowledge was significantly improved in both groups with significant differences between groups in seven domains. However, actual ICT knowledge scores were similar across groups. There were no significant differences between groups in attitudinal gains. Satisfaction with the course was generally high in both groups. However, participants in the blended learning group found it more difficult to follow the content of the course. Conclusions: This study shows that there is no difference between blended and traditional learning in the acquisition of actual ICT knowledge among community healthcare workers in developing countries. Given the human resource constraints in remote resource-poor areas, the blended learning approach may present an advantageous alternative to traditional learning

Training community healthcare workers on the use of information and communication technologies: a randomised controlled trial of traditional versus blended learning in Malawi, Africa.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing uptake of information and communication technologies (ICT) within healthcare services across developing countries, community healthcare workers (CHWs) have limited knowledge to fully utilise computerised clinical systems and mobile apps. The 'Introduction to Information and Communication Technology and eHealth' course was developed with the aim to provide CHWs in Malawi, Africa, with basic knowledge and computer skills to use digital solutions in healthcare delivery. The course was delivered using a traditional and a blended learning approach. METHODS: Two questionnaires were developed and tested for face validity and reliability in a pilot course with 20 CHWs. Those were designed to measure CHWs' knowledge of and attitudes towards the use of ICT, before and after each course, as well as their satisfaction with each learning approach. Following validation, a randomised controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the two learning approaches. A total of 40 CHWs were recruited, stratified by position, gender and computer experience, and allocated to the traditional or blended learning group using block randomisation. Participants completed the baseline and follow-up questionnaires before and after each course to assess the impact of each learning approach on their knowledge, attitudes, and satisfaction. Per-item, pre-post and between-group, mean differences for each approach were calculated using paired and unpaired t-tests, respectively. Per-item, between-group, satisfaction scores were compared using unpaired t-tests. RESULTS: Scores across all scales improved after attending the traditional and blended learning courses. Self-rated ICT knowledge was significantly improved in both groups with significant differences between groups in seven domains. However, actual ICT knowledge scores were similar across groups. There were no significant differences between groups in attitudinal gains. Satisfaction with the course was generally high in both groups. However, participants in the blended learning group found it more difficult to follow the content of the course. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that there is no difference between blended and traditional learning in the acquisition of actual ICT knowledge among community healthcare workers in developing countries. Given the human resource constraints in remote resource-poor areas, the blended learning approach may present an advantageous alternative to traditional learning

Neonatal Circumcision for HIV Prevention: Cost, Culture, and Behavioral Considerations

Seth Kalichman discusses a new study that finds neonatal circumcision in Rwanda to be a cost-saving HIV prevention strategy

Knowledge and practices toward COVID-19 among healthcare students: A cross-sectional study at the University of Zambia

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the disruption of physical classes for university students globally, as large gatherings fuelled the transmission of the virus. In the efforts to mitigate its transmission and return to normality, prevention measures, including vaccination, have been encouraged. Therefore, it is critical to understand the knowledge and practices of students regarding COVID-19. This study assessed the knowledge and practices toward COVID-19 among healthcare students at the University of Zambia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was carried out from August 2021 to October 2021 among 478 healthcare students (pharmacy, physiotherapy, nursing, biomedical, medicine, and radiography). We used a previously validated questionnaire to measure knowledge and practice. The predictors of knowledge and practices were assessed using logistic regression with robust estimation of standard errors. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata/BE version 17.0. RESULTS: Of the 478 respondents, 243 (50.8%) were females. A larger proportion, 175 (36.6%) were in Pharmacy training, and 156 (32.6%) were in their fifth year of study. The overall mean knowledge score of the participants was 87.9 (SD = 16.1), being higher at 89.6 (SD = 14.3) among medical students and the lowest at 86.7 (SD = 17.1) among Pharmacy students, although this was statistically non-significant (p = 0.488). The overall mean practice score was 60.0 (SD = 24.7), being significantly higher at 63.5 (23.4) among nursing, physiotherapy and environmental students compared to other students (p = 0.048). In multivariable analysis, the participant training program was non-significantly associated with knowledge and practice toward COVID-19. However, increased age (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.117) and residing in urban areas (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.07-3.01) than in rural areas were associated with higher odds of good practice toward COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The healthcare students generally showed good knowledge levels and poor practices toward COVID-19. Further, there was no evidence of a difference in knowledge of COVID-19 among healthcare students. These findings suggest the need for implementation strategies to be centered on improving the practices of students toward COVID-19