Reflexive Integration of Research Elements in Mixed-Method Research

This article highlights “reflexive integration” as a methodological tool that can facilitate the explicit integration of quantitative or qualitative elements in mixed-methods research. Reflexive integration of research elements (RIRE) is advocated as a mechanism that can be used in any mixed-method study to enhance depth of inquiry and transparency of the steps involved in mixed-method research. An illustrative example is presented to show the step-by-step process of reflexive integration at various stages of a mixed-method study.Temple University. College of Liberal ArtsCriminal Justic

Large-Area Scintillator Hodoscope with 50 ps Timing Resolution Onboard BESS

We describe the design and performance of a large-area scintillator hodoscope onboard the BESS rigidity spectrometer; an instrument with an acceptance of 0.3 m^{2}sr. The hodoscope is configured such that 10 and 12 counters are respectively situated in upper and lower layers. Each counter is viewed from its ends by 2.5 inch fine-mesh photomultiplier tubes placed in a stray magnetic field of 0.2 Tesla. Various beam-test data are presented. Use of cosmic-ray muons at ground-level confirmed 50 ps timing resolution for each layer, giving an overall time-of-flight resolution of 70 ps rms using a pure Gaussian resolution function. Comparison with previous measurements on a similar scintillator hodoscope indicates good agreement with the scaling law that timing resolution is proportional to 1/$\sqrt{N_{\rm pe}}$, where $N_{\rm pe}$ is the effective number of photoelectrons.Comment: 16 pages, 14 figure

Critical Themes in Some Nigerian Diaspora Short Stories

The current spate of migrations of Nigerians to other parts of the world such as Europe, the United States of America and South Africa has been of concern to many. Of recent, several migrants and those who have close insight into migrant experiences have been writing of migrants lives in diverse forms of literature. These writings have provided insight into Nigerian migration issues. The article uses postcolonial theory in studying critical themes in some Nigeria diaspora short stories in order to understand issues surrounding migrant life both abroad and at home in Nigeria. The article identifies about four critical themes that are common to most diaspora short stories such as reasons that prompt migration, perception versus reality of overseas countries, sexual issues of migrants, and racism faced by migrants abroad. The article finds that experiences migrants go through brings them to a point of recognition of the harsh realities of life in foreign countries. These conditions force them to become nostalgic of home, resilient in their attitude to life, and sometimes to decide on returning home. The article suggests that migrants and governing authorities could do more to improve social conditions at home which in effect would go a long way in stemming the high tide of migration out of the country.Key Words: bigamy, critical, diaspora, Migrants

Measurements of Atmospheric Antiprotons

We measured atmospheric antiproton spectra in the energy range 0.2 to 3.4 GeV, at sea level and at balloon altitude in the atmospheric depth range 4.5 to 26 g/cm^2. The observed energy spectra, including our previous measurements at mountain altitude, were compared with estimated spectra calculated on various assumptions regarding the energy distribution of antiprotons that interacted with air nuclei.Comment: Accepted for publication in PL

The Persistence of the Practice of AFIYE-Caste System in Yala Nation and Modernity

The paper presents an ethnographic approach to the study of culture change, here the culture of the practice of Afiye (Caste system) among the Yala communities of Cross River State and why the persistence of such culture by a homogenous community such as the Yala community? The paper further, wonders why after the high status achieved by the Yala people in every facet of life and indeed the influence of factors of change, such as Christianity, globalization, technology and modernity, that the Afiye practice still remained unchanged. It is the discovery of this paper that the factors responsible for the persistence of this practice against all factors of change are anchored on the religious factor, cultural identity, socio-political factors and, economic factors. It is the argument of this paper that instead of the factors above contributing to its persistence, it should be the ready factors to its discontinuity. For the advantages outweigh any given disadvantages. It is therefore the conclusion of this paper that the persistence of this practice be used to abrogate the practice which will in turn leads to an egalitarian Yala society, built on trust, unity and a mutual acceptance of one another, as a people, who indeed appreciate and love themselves as exemplified in their greetings

The Implication of the Practice of Afiye (Caste System) on Human Development Among the Yala Communities of Cross River State of Nigeria

The practice of Afiye (Caste System) among the Yala communities of Cross River State of Nigeria, settled in Yala Ogoja, Yala Obubra, and Yala Ikom, is an age long practice, which no one today can precisely point to its exact origin. The practice of Afiye and the Ayiwoole (slaves and freeborn), without considering the grave consequences, here analysed as implication of the system. The implication involves the political implication which tends to hinder the political rights of members of this caste, through its social structure. There is also the implication on Human Right, whereby members of this caste are denied freedom of association and movement. There is also social discrimination, which has equally affected their social standing in their different communities, such that they cannot be Ochuole (Traditional Rulers) or be allowed to participate in traditional burial rites of the traditional ruler that is regarded as the father of all. The economic factor is not left out as dispute bothering on land matters are usually and often settled in the palace and since they are the unwelcome species of human beings in the palace, there are left with no other opportunity than to be disempowered. Of course, there is the strained relationship and conflicts between the Ayiwoole and the Afiye, what Ralph Darendorf called the dialectical conflict theory. This has led to under development, Anger, bitterness and uncooperative attitude and indeed suspicion and all manners of negative tendencies among the Yala communities. It is the submission of this paper therefore, that the practice of this caste with its antecedent implications be put to a stop in order to bring about a meaningful development to Yala land

The practice of Afiye (caste system) among the Yala people of Cross River State

The story of incarceration of some members of the society is a topical and current issue that requires urgent attention. The culture of some societies of the world, and in particular the Yala communities of Cross River State of Nigeria, seems to ignore the essence of human equality and dignity. The aim of this article is the documentation of stratification of the Caste practices among the three Yala communities in Cross River State. From this article, it is obvious that for any society to be peaceful, progressive and to realize its full developmental capabilities and potentials, all forms of discriminatory practices must not exist. Nevertheless, where this is an acceptable socio-cultural practice of a people and in the light of present day realities of religious pluralism and globalization, the time has come that the Yala people should not preserve that aspect of culture which hinders its progress

Peran Kepala Sekolah dalam Menciptakan Iklim Kerja yang kondusif di SD IT Ummi Aida Medan

This study aims to determine: 1) the efforts made byhead master in creating a conducive working climate at SDIT Ummi Aida Medan, 2) Supporting and inhibiting factors in creating a conducive working climate at SDIT Ummi Aida Medan. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative method of case study research. The data sources of this research are primary and secondary data, the main informants are head master, teachers and students at SDIT Ummi Aida Medan as characteristics of the research object, equipped with documents and archives that support the research data. The sampling technique used was Purposive sampling. Data collection techniques used were observation, interviews and documentation. The data analysis used is an interactive analysis which includes data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the research that have been carried out are as follows: 1. The efforts of the head master in creating a conducive working climate at SDIT Ummi Aida Medan are a. The principal establishes interactive communication with teachers through formal and informal approaches in an effort to create harmony, b. Head Master gives rewards in the form of praise and gifts as a form of appreciation for the quality of teacher work, c. Provide opportunities for teachers to help students develop skills through extracurricular activities, especially in the fields of religion and the arts. 2. Supporting and inhibiting factors in an effort to create a conducive work climate at SDIT Ummi Aida Medan, namely: a. Teacher awareness of the importance of teamwork in maximizing work, b. support from the foundation in facilitating and providing facilities that contribute to a comfortable working environment for teachers. the inhibiting factor is the teacher's different personalities and personal principles

Change through Tradition in the Work of \u27Zulu Sofola Rehearsal Presentation Outline

This paper highlights the struggle Nigerian playwright \u27Zulu Sofola underwent to impart her message. She attempted to confront gender oppression through tradition without contradicting herself in her play, \u27Wedlock of the Gods.\u27 ‘Zulu Sofola wrote commentaries about social problems and the influence of Western culture. Her goal was to maintain a traditional framework in the face of encroaching Western perspectives. She advocated enacting change through tradition, irrespective of Western ideologies about change. Sofola focused on gender oppression as a social problem. She intended to address gender oppression rooted in tradition by teaching traditional customs to her audience in order for audiences to make informed and progressive decisions about what to change within traditional practices. Thus, her traditionalist approach to change requires cognizance and recognition of tradition as an initial step. Sofola argued against the influences of Westernization that shift the focus of change from confronting customs through tradition to confronting customs through Western ideology