Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal最新文献

{"title":"The Utilization of Instructional Processes in Higher Education Institutions of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia","authors":"Tadesse Melesse","doi":"10.4314/STAR.V4I4.26","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/STAR.V4I4.26","url":null,"abstract":"This study focused on re-visiting the instructional processes in Universities and Colleges of Teacher Education (CTEs) of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The research design was of descriptive survey type and data were obtained from 204 instructors, department heads and deans. Both University and CTE instructors’ practices of the instructional processes and their conceptions on effective teaching were examined. Results indicated that in order to bring learning into effect, the three interactive instructional processes (instructional planning, teaching and assessment) were not adequately implemented in an integrated manner. Significant differences were observed between Universities and CTEs in the application of instructional planning and various continuous assessment techniques. CTEs were in a good position than universities. However active learning strategies that enhance higher order thinking and assessment for learning were not adequately applied in both institutions. Attitudinal problems, lack of knowledge, work load and shortage of time were taken as factors affecting the instructional processes in Universities and CTEs.","PeriodicalId":196424,"journal":{"name":"Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal","volume":"R-34 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126540655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"EFL Teachers’ Productive Skills Errors and their Effects on Students English Language Proficiency: The Case of Selected Preparatory Schools in East Wollega Zone","authors":"T. Olana, Zeleke Teshome","doi":"10.4314/STAR.V4I4.24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/STAR.V4I4.24","url":null,"abstract":"The objective of this descriptive study was to investigate the types of oral and written errors EFL teachers make, the sources of the errors and their potential effects on students’ English language proficiency. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 16 teachers found in 4 preparatory schools in East Wollega Zone. The schools were selected purposively according to their locations and the teachers were selected by availability sampling technique. To get the quantitative and the qualitative data on the types of written and the oral errors, essays and interviews were used. The sources and effects of the written and oral errors were found through classroom observations, dictation of English words and interview. The written errors were grouped as grammatical, lexical, semantics and mechanics, and the oral ones were grouped as grammatical, lexical and semantic. The findings indicated that the teacher-participants made 380 written errors which occurred in 19 categories 360 oral errors which occurred in 16 categories. The analysis of the interview data attributed sources of the teachers’ written errors to the grammatical, lexical, semantics and mechanics errors made as intralingual transfer. From the dictation of 30 English words made by the researchers. It was found out that the teacher-participants’ primary school experiences had an interlanguage error transfer on them such that their spelling errors were due to a lack of appropriate pronunciation teaching by their primary and secondary school teachers. The other source of teachers’ written errors was the mismatch between their English language learning experiences with their current teaching experiences. The findings also indicated that the fact that teachers made oral and written errors undeservedly, posed problems on their students language proficiency. Thus, it could be concluded that the targeted teachers need lots of trainings and workshops not to let them spoil their students’ language proficiency.","PeriodicalId":196424,"journal":{"name":"Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114589447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"EFL Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices in Relation to Peer Assisted Learning in University English Classes: The Case of Debre Birhan University","authors":"B. Mamo, A. Yigzaw, Mesafint Muche","doi":"10.4314/STAR.V4I4.23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/STAR.V4I4.23","url":null,"abstract":"This study examined EFL teachers’ beliefs about instructional roles of peer-assisted learning and their classroom practices at Debre Birhan University (DBU) where such a learning scheme has been introduced as a classroom instructional strategy. The study involved 16 English language teachers, and employed questionnaire and interview to elicit the teachers’ beliefs and practices related to PAL. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as one sample t-test and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient were utilized for analyses. The one sample t-test revealed that the teachers had significantly high belief about the importance of PAL in relation to enhancing student learning, self- confidence, and achievement in English. The result also indicated that the teachers employed PAL in the classrooms. However, the Pearson’s Correlation (r) analysis indicated that there was no significant relationship between teachers' beliefs and  practices of PAL. The results also showed that most of the teachers did not put PAL into practice in their English classes. Finally, it was unraveled that the majority participant teachers practiced peer-assisted learning differently than DBU expected it to be. Based on the findings and the conclusions made, it was recommended that training be given to teachers on the structure, implementation and benefits of peer-assisted learning to improve instructional practices in PAL","PeriodicalId":196424,"journal":{"name":"Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal","volume":"72 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114728005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phytochemical Analysis, Antifungal and Antioxidant Activity of Leaf and Fruit of Zizyphus xylopyrus (Retz.) Willd. (Rhamnaceae)","authors":"H. Raghavendra, K. T. Prashith, S. Akarsh, H. Ashwini","doi":"10.4314/STAR.V4I4.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/STAR.V4I4.12","url":null,"abstract":"In the present study, phytochemical screening, content of total phenolics, antifungal and antioxidant activity of leaf and fruit extract of  Zizyphus xylopyrus (Retz.) Willd. (Rhamnaceae) was investigated in vitro. The leaf and fruit extracts were obtained by maceration process using methanol as solvent. The extracts were screened for phytochemicals by standard tests. Flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins and phenols were found in both extracts. Antifungal activity of extracts was evaluated by poisoned food technique. Leaf extract suppressed the growth of test fungi to high extent when compared to fruit extract. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging and Ferric reducing assays. Both extracts exhibited radical scavenging and ferric reducing activity in dose dependent manner with marked activity exhibited by leaf extract. Folin-Ciocalteau reagent method was employed to estimate total phenolic content of extracts. Phenolic content was slightly higher in leaf extract. A positive correlation was observed between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The plant can be used against phytopathogenic fungi and to prevent and control oxidative damage. Further studies are to be carried out to isolate active principles from the plant and to determine their bioactivities.","PeriodicalId":196424,"journal":{"name":"Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"117065346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reproductive and Lactation Performance of Crossbreed Dairy Cows in Bishoftu, Ada’a Distict of East Shoa, Eastern Ethiopia","authors":"Zelalem Abera, Biniam Mengiste, Tilaye Demise","doi":"10.4314/star.v4i4.16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/star.v4i4.16","url":null,"abstract":"For several years, Ethiopia ranked first in cattle population in Africa. However, the dairy industry is not as developed as that of East African countries including Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess the reproductive and lactation performance and factors affecting crossbreed dairy cattle in intensive dairy farm in Bishoftu, Ada’a district of Ethiopia. A total of 215 dairy cows’ data were recruited for the study from Ethiopian meat and dairy industry development institute from 2008-2014 data records on 4 upgraded genetic groups of crossbreeds (50% Friesian x 50% Borana F 1  75% Friesian x 25% Borana F 2 , 87.5% Friesian x 12.5% Borana F 3 , 93.75% Friesian x 6.25% BoranaF 4 ). The traits studied were age at first service (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), number of service per conception (NSPC), dry period (DP), lactation length (LL) and milk yield per lactation (MYPL). It was revealed that the mean age at 1st service (23.7±4.08months) and mean age at 1 st  calving (33.36±4.6months) of F 4 were lower (p 0.05). The lowest number of service per conception (1.2±0.34) was determined from F 2  as compared to other genetic groups with statistically difference (p 0.05). Comparatively, highest mean for lactation length and milk yield per lactation recorded from F 4 were 12.68±3.12months and 3579±842 litters, respectively with the absence of statistically difference (p>0.05). In short, the overall mean values for AFS, AFC, CI and NSPC were 24±4.16, 34.6±5.37, 14.64±2.2 and 1.35±0.423 months, respectively was observed. Also the overall mean values for DP, LL and MYPL were 81.32±18.671days, 11.96±2.5months and 3386.22±898.719litters obtained in this finding. Generally, good reproductive and lactation of performances were recorded during this study and the reproductive and productive performance of dairy cows still needs better management practices, improved nutrition and use of new reproductive technology for more improvement.","PeriodicalId":196424,"journal":{"name":"Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal","volume":"43 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122249519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of Some Constraints on Mathematics Instructors’ Problem Solving Practices: Universities in Amhara Region in Focus","authors":"Solomon Melesse Mengistie","doi":"10.4314/star.v4i4.25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/star.v4i4.25","url":null,"abstract":"This study was designed to examine the effect of perceived constraints on four universities mathematics department instructors’ classroom practices of problem solving in teaching mathematics. To this end, the target population of the study includes mathematics instructors in the Amhara Regional state universities. From a total of seven functioning universities, four universities were selected using simple random sampling technique. The four universities’ respective mathematics departments were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Then, all mathematics instructors of the four universities selected using comprehensive sampling technique were samples of this study. Five mathematics instructors from each of the four universities were selected using simple random sampling technique for classroom observation and similarly three instrctors from each of the sample universities were selected using simple random sampling technique for interviewing. Questionnaire, classroom observation, and semi structured interviews were used as the basic instruments for collecting data. The  quantitative data were analysed using one sample t-test whereas the qualitative one was analysed using narration.The findings showed that teachers have claimed to have adequate experience concerning problem-solving teaching in mathematics. This further shows that teachers possess the theories and their application of indirect instruction, organzing mathematics lessons, classroom management using assessment techniques. Teachers have also explained that the training has helped them to relate it with their actual teaching strategies, to organize their lessons into problem-solving approach, to manage the classroom and to align assessment techniques in line with problem-solving approach. In spite of the presence of constraints in implementing problem- solving method at an average level, their obstruction effect was not significant. The findings also implied that there are opportunities to implement problem-solving approach in mathematics in the universities to the expected level. In spite of the existence of opportunities at an adequate level, their extent of availability was found insignificant. In relation to the findings of the study, recommendations are forwarded.","PeriodicalId":196424,"journal":{"name":"Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125887378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Managerial Efficiency and Effectiveness of Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Cooperatives in East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia","authors":"A. Bari","doi":"10.4314/STAR.V4I4.30","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/STAR.V4I4.30","url":null,"abstract":"The study was designed to examine the managerial efficiency and effectiveness of primary multipurpose agricultural cooperative leaders in serving their member in East Wollega Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. The data were collected from 245 respondents and descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were used for data analysis. The result of the research indicated that the cooperative leaders in the study area are managerially inefficient and ineffective for which the services delivered were inadequate, with no quality, they fail to minimize cost of operation, service are not timely provided as per member need and weak capital mobilization. Thus, the overall management performances of the cooperatives are low consequently resulted in low member satisfaction. The main factors that affect the managerial efficiency and effectiveness of the cooperative leaders negatively are commitment and competency of management committee; market information and market research, cooperative training, incentive and capital inadequacy. For improving the managerial efficiency and effectiveness of the cooperative leaders the cooperatives need to provide programed training and elect leaders with relatively educated and committed among the members; the leaders need to be hunt market information and conduct member need assessment to provide demand driven services so as satisfying members in service. And also cooperative promotion office or the cooperative policy maker required to device motivational, training, education and cooperative professionalization schemes which would be inspire the leader for their striving efforts to serve members efficiently and effectively.","PeriodicalId":196424,"journal":{"name":"Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal","volume":"16 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132261089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of Variety and Plant Spacing on Yield and Yield Attributes of Roselle Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)","authors":"Basazinew Degu Gebremedin","doi":"10.4314/STAR.V4I4.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/STAR.V4I4.4","url":null,"abstract":"A field experiment was conducted to assess the influence of variety and plant spacing on yield and yield attributes of roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa  L.) in 2014/2015 cropping season at Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center experimental site (at Wondo Genet station). Six levels of plant spacing (60 x 30 cm, 60 x 60 cm, 60 x 90 cm, 90 x 30 cm, 90 x 60 cm and 90 x 90 cm) were evaluated using two varieties (WG-Hibiscus- Jamaica and WG-Hibiscus-Sudan) on a plot size of 15.12 m 2 (3.6 m length x 4.2 m width). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with 12 treatments in three replications. SAS (version 9) software was used to compute the analysis of variance. The results revealed that varieties differed markedly in most of the studied parameters. Of the two varieties tested, variety WG Hibiscus-Jamaican showed superior number of capsules/plant, fresh calyx yield/plant, dry calyx yield/plant, seed yield/plant, total number of capsules/ha, total fresh calyx yield/ha, total dry calyx yield/ha and total seed yield/ha. In contrast, variety WG Hibiscus-Sudan had heavier 1000 seed weight than variety WG of the studied parameters except 1000 seed weight were significantly influenced by plant spacing. Moreover, number of capsules/plant, fresh and dry calyx yield/plant and seed yield/plant were significantly influenced by interaction of variety and plant spacing.","PeriodicalId":196424,"journal":{"name":"Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131330521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Southern Nationand Nationality People of Ethiopia Regional State in Amaro Special District","authors":"Tolesa Ebisa, Eyob Hirpa Tola, F. Aklilu","doi":"10.4314/STAR.V4I4.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/STAR.V4I4.15","url":null,"abstract":"A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2014 to April 2015 In Amaro special District of SNNP region to determine the seroprevalence of Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia (CBPP) and to assess the potential risk factors for the occurrence of the disease. In this study a total of 400 sera were examined for the presence of specific antibodies against Mycoplasma mycoides sub species mycoides small colony type by using competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Asssay (c-ELISA). The overall seroprevalence of CBPP in this study was 127/400 (31.8%). The seroprevalence of CBPP at peasant association level was 7%, 28%, 34% and 58% in Jello, Kele, Golbe and Gamule PA’s respectively. There is Statistically significant Variation (P 0.05) with the sero status of the animal. The major risk factors identified during this study were body condition and associated uncontrolled cattle movement. In conclusion the present study indicated that the overall prevalence of CBPP in SNNP region, Amaro special woreda was higher as compared to other research findings. This warrants the need to institute for appropriate preventive and control measures to stop further spread of this economically devastating disease.","PeriodicalId":196424,"journal":{"name":"Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128848890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Total Phenolic Content, Antiradical and Antimicrobial Activity of Hoya wightii and Hoya ovalifolia","authors":"P. Monica, K. Roopa, K. T. Prashith, H. Raghavendra","doi":"10.4314/star.v4i4.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/star.v4i4.10","url":null,"abstract":"Antiradical and antimicrobial activity of leaf extract of  Hoya wightii Hook.f. and Hoya  ovalifolia Wight & Arn. was screened in this study. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of leaf extracts was determined by Agar well diffusion and Poisoned food technique respectively. Antiradical activity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The content of total phenolics was estimated by Folin Ciocalteau reagent method. Extract of H. ovalifolia displayed marked antiradical and antimicrobial activity when compared to extract of H. wightii. Phenolic content was found to be higher in H. ovalifolia . A positive correlation was observed between the phenolic content and antiradical activity of extracts.","PeriodicalId":196424,"journal":{"name":"Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal","volume":"61 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126272552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}