Volume 7, Issue 10, October 2019 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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GREEN MANUFACTURING FOR SUSTAINABLE CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION []


ABSTRACT Different approaches have been adopted to advance the course for climate change adaptation and mitigation. There should be deliberate effort to re- direct production / manufacturing towards climate change conservation concerns. Recently, the world is going green ranging from greening TVET, green economy, green collar jobs, and green manufacturing. This work is a review of the elements of this subject matter and its impact to climate change mitigation and adaptation struggle. It considers social partnering and social dialogue on green manufacturing, the career structures in green manufacturing with respect to green collar jobs, merits, de-merits and inhibitors of green manufacturing. The work review and highlights global strategies for enhancing green manufacturing and its implications to global climate change progress. Based on this a conclusions and suggestions was made on the subject matter as it relates to global climate change adaptation and mitigations. Keywords: green manufacturing, climate Change, green economy, greening TVET, green collar jobs.

Access and Retrieval of Electronic Resources in Academic Libraries []


The study aimed to evaluate the access and retrieval of electronic resources of Academic Libraries in Cebu City. Specifically, the study sought to identify the available electronic resources, the purpose of the library users in using the electronic resources, and the problems encountered by the users. This study employed the descriptive method of research. This method designed to gather factual and evidence-based information on the utilization of the electronic resources. Furthermore, the researcher used the observation approach to identify the problems encountered by the users. This study revealed that there are two electronic journals subscribed by the university library namely, InfoTrac Custom 100 and Educator’s Reference Complete. Furthermore, it was found out that the purpose of the users in using electronic resources was for education, research, and projects. However, the problems encountered by the users were the internet connection is very slow, electricity dependent, it takes time to view or download the information, overload of information on the internet, difficulty in finding relevant information, and lack of knowledge or need assistance. The advancement of the available ICT facilities in the university library, utilization of electronic resources will be improved. The primary contributing factor in the library operation is the provision of fast delivery of library services, quick access and retrieval of electronic resources, and immediate demand from the library users. The university library in the 21st century knowledge management is the ideal learning environment of the modern library users. In the world of technology, library users have sufficient discovery of new knowledge using technological advancement and development of the global perspective.

The effect of organizational citizenship behavior as moderating on the effect of job satisfaction and organizational commitment to performance of teachers []


This study aimed to examine and analyze the effect of job satisfaction and organizational commitment with Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) as moderating variable toward teachers in SMAN 1 Tilatang Kamang. This study was explanatory research and used quantitative method. The sampling technique was census method and the sample size was 57 samples. The data was analyzed by using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equations Modeling (PLS-SEM) and smartPLS application. The result showed job satisfaction had positive significant correlation with teacher performance, organizational commitment had positive significant correlation with teacher performance, organizational citizenship behavior not moderate job satisfaction and organizational commitment toward teacher performance in SMAN 1 Tilatang Kamang.

Prospecting and drying method of the local drying fig in northern of Morocco []


In Morocco, local dried figs are not of great commercial interest, they are often of poor quality and do not attract consumers. This paper presents a study on dry fig varieties in the northern region of Morocco and their drying methods. According to this study, most varieties are dried. We have noticed that there is a problem of marketing dried figs which is related to the quality of drying and the lack of interest of farmers in the drying of figs in general, because they consider that the product is not profitable. There is also the lack of experience and means for drying figs, so dried figs are exposed to dust and parasitic attacks.

UTILIZATION OF PAPAYA MICRO SIMPLICIA IN THE FEED ON SURVIVAL RATE AND GROWTH OF GIANT FRESHWATER PRAWN (MACROBRACHIUM ROSENBERGII) JUVENILE []


Feed is one of the main factors in supporting growth in giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) farming. Addition of papain in the feed can optimize the utilization of protein by giant freshwater prawns. Papain is derived from papaya. Papain is a protease enzyme that is able to hydrolyze proteins. The purpose of this research were to determine the optimal dose of papaya micro simplisia in feed on survival and growth of giant prawns. The research used experimental method by completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 3 replications. The treatment consists of 0% papaya micro simplisia (A); 2.25% papaya micro simplisia (B); 3.75% papaya micro simplisia (C); 5.25% papaya micro simplisia (D) and 6,75% papaya micro simplisia (E). The observed variables in this study were survival rates, daily growth rates, and feed utilization efficiency. The results showed that survival rates, daily growth rates, and feed utilization efficiency did not differ significantly among each treatments. However, the addition of papaya micro simplisia dose to feed as much as 3.75% gives the highest value on survival rates (82%), daily growth rates (1.74%/day), and feed utilization efficiency (40%).

An Analytical Study Of Vulnerability And Adaptive Measures To Flood Disaster In Rivers State: A Case Of Ahoada West Local Government Area. []


The study was carried out to analyze the vulnerability and adaptive measures to flood disaster in Rivers State focusing on Ahoada west local government area. Structured questionnaire was used in collecting data from a total of number of one hundred and eighty (180) respondents in Ahoada west local government area out of which one hundred and seventy two (172)were retrieved. Data for this study were collected from primary and secondary sources. The primary source was from structured questionnaire as mentioned above while the secondary data was collected from books, journals, past student project newspaper etc. The data for this study were analyzed with simple descriptive statistical tools like frequency and percentage. The study analyzed the socioeconomic characteristics of recipient in the study area, identified the causes of flood outbreak, ascertained how often flood outbreak occurred in the study area, identified factors militating against the efficient management of flood disaster and how vulnerability of flood disaster can be minimized and identified in areas most vulnerable to flood disaster and adaptive strategies adopted by the people.

ANALYSIS OF FIRE DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS, RIVERS STATE/ NIGERIA []


Fire emergency has become a recurring phenomenon in school environment. Unlike the developing countries, the availability of preparedness measures in most of the schools in developed countries has tremendously reduced the impact of incidences (U.S. Fire Administration, National Fire Data Centre, 2007). In developing countries, however, the contrary is the case, the lack of or inadequate preparedness measures in most schools, and the increase in fire incidents are raising alarm. The physical, financial and emotional devastation are the common impacts to both developing and developed countries. The closure of schools, damage of school properties, death, injuries and trauma are very common depending on the magnitude and severity of the fire itself (Blackaby, 2007). This study was conducted to analyze fire disaster preparedness among secondary schools in Port Harcourt metropolis. The objective was to established the adequacy of firefighting equipment within the schools premises, to determined the extent to which schools building are constructed in accordance to five safety standard, to establish how secondary schools in the study area have put in place five evacuation/ safety plans as a measure of fire disaster preparedness, also to determine whether secondary schools train teachers, workers, and student in appropriate response procedure in case of fire incident. Descriptive design method was adopted for this study. A sample size of 132 secondary schools was selected from a total of 661 secondary schools in the study area. The study area was stratified into 5 constituencies and 30% of the total number of schools was selected from each constituency. Primary and secondary method of data collection was used including questionnaire, interview and observation as well as published data from the state ministry of education and other publish source. The result from the study reveals that fire disaster preparedness among secondary schools in port Harcourt was very inadequate as there was inadequate five fighting equipment, inadequate structures built to fire safety standard, inadequate training for secondary schools stakeholders, as well as inadequate five evacuation plans. On the other hand the t- test result shows that there was a statistically significant difference between public and private schools on the above measured variables at 0.005 levels of significant, 12.180 and 22.142 t, with a mean different of 2.452 and 2.485 for public and private schools respectively. This means that private secondary schools fare better in the provision of some of the above variable. It was therefore concluded that secondary schools in Port Harcourt metropolis are highly vulnerable to fire disasters and need to take fire safety measures seriously in there daily operation to prevent fire emergencies. More specifically, government needs to allocate more resources to improve on the fire safety situation in public schools.

VULNERABILITY OF COMMUNITIES TO THE IMPACT OF CRUDE OIL EXPLOITATION IN GOKANA LGA OF RIVERS STATE []


Crude oil exploitation became popular in Nigeria in the early 50s. It has since being the dominant economic stay of the country. Majority of the crude deposit are found in the Niger delta region of the country including Gokana the study area. As the main source of revenue for the government, crude oil exploitation has not come without it antecedence consequences. It was therefore necessary to conduct the present study to analyze how communities in Gokana are vulnerable to the negatives effect of crude oil exploitation. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 525 respondents from the four communities of K-Dere, Kpor, Biara and Bodo all in Gokana LGA River state. The communities were selected using an oil impacted map of the study area through a Simple random approach. The result reveals that there was a significant negative effect of crude oil exploitation on socio-economic wellbeing of Gokana inhabitant at (β= 0.148; t=2.716; p< 0.01). Majority of the respondent know about the degree to which unrefined petroleum misuse posture danger to the work and resource of the general population, also respondent agreed that poverty was the major factor that increases the peoples vulnerability to the impact of crude oil exploitation, Specifically, the people are aware of the hazard and risk associated with crude oil exploitation, Majority of the respondents had built their capacity to include incorporate procurement of new unaffected area for development, and taking part in non-cultivating exercises. It was therefore recommended that a multi-sectoral approach to disaster management be employed which basically involves preventing the risk of disaster, further recommendation include that a permanent disaster management institution be established and also an adequate preparedness, rehearsal, knowledge and development should be enhanced.

Evaluation of the Inhibitive Effect of Exudates / Resins on Corrosion Reduction in Flexural Strength Capacity of Reinforcing Steel in Concrete []


The research work is aimed at curbing the formation of surface films covering reinforcing steel and localized corrosion attack and pitting. Direct application of exudates / resins extract of inorganic products with less hazardous to environment on reinforcing steel with coated thicknesses of 150µm, 300µm and 450µm were embedded into concrete beam, immersed in corrosive media with accelerated process performed on both non-coated and coated members and monitored the mechanical properties of reinforcing steel for 150 days period and ascertained surface modification and changes. Results of corroded flexural failure load averaged of -27.7590554% percentile value against 38.42565% and 38.37247% non-corroded and exudates coated specimens. Midspan deflection average values with 51.48852563% percentile value against -33.9884% and -27.2624% non-corroded and coated specimens. Average yield strength summed up to 100% with 0.00% of percentile value difference. Average ultimate tensile strength with -10.6626053% percentile values against 11.93521% and 11.81749% of non-corroded and coated specimens. Average strain ratios with -9.97537599% percentile values against 11.08072% and 11.90186% of non-corroded and coated specimens. Averaged elongations with-14.688599% percentile values against 17.21763% and 14.4865% for non-corroded and coated specimens. Summed up results of corroded members showed high yield properties with low flexural failure load, high elongation and midspan deflection. General results of corroded members showed reduction in diameter cross – section and weight loss mechanical properties of reinforcing steel.

ACCESS TO ARTEMISININ COMBINATION THERAPY AMONG MOTHERS OF UNDER FIVE YEARS OLD CHILDREN IN KISUMU CITY, KISUMU COUNTY []


Background: Antimalarial subsidy policy on artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) was adopted to increase access to the most effective treatment option against malaria in Kenya. However, there is a paucity of data on access to ACT among mothers of children under five years from malaria prone areas of western Kenya. Therefore, this study was designed to determine access to ACT and the factors that influence access to ACT among mothers of children below the age of 5 years. Methods: To this end, this study adopted a cross-sectional study design and data was collected using questionnaires from 181mothers with under-five year old children within Manyatta Slum in Kisumu city, which is within malaria-endemic region. Data collected was checked in the field and cleaned at the end of each day to ensure completeness, consistency, credibility and eligibility. This was done to correct errors or to fill in missing information before another day of data collection. Quantitative data for the study was analysed. For variables with two possible outcomes (knowledge of malaria treatment policy and factors influencing knowledge of ACT) a multivariet logistic regression was used to determine factors that influence access to ACT. For knowledge of ACT, analysis was performed by chi-square tests. Statistical significance was assessed at a p≤0.05. For demographic characteristics of the study population, data was presented using frequencies. Results: The results of this study revealed that 171study participants (94.5%) were aware of ACT as a drug for malaria treatment, 167(92.3%) had access while 164 (90.6%) knew the correct dosages. Further analysis using binary logistic regression analysis revealed that those who were aged between 21-30 years (Adjusted Odds, 1.86; 95% C.I 0.16-22.13; P=0.624) and those aged between 31-40 years (Adjusted Odds, 4.29; 95% C.I 0.42-44.15; P=0.6221) were more likely to access ACTs relative to those aged below 21 years. Those having secondary education (Adjusted Odds, 11.12; 95% C.I 1.15-107.64;P=0.038) were more likely to access ACTs relative to those with primary education and those who perceived ACT to be affordable were more likely (Adjusted Odds, 152.87; 95% C.I 10.52-2221;P=0.0001) to access it relative to those who perceived it not to be affordable. The results reveal that those who were aged between 31-40 years (Adjusted Odds, 10; 95% C.I 10.52-23.21;P=0.0005), were more likely to be knowledgeable about malaria treatment policy relative to those below 21 years. In addition, those with tertiary education (Adjusted Odds, 15.97; 95% C.I 1.48-172.64; P=0.023) were more likely to be knowledgeable about malaria treatment policy relative to those with primary education. Those who were employed were more likely (Adjusted Odds, 1.32; 95% C.I 0.3-5.74; P=0.0714) to be knowledgeable about malaria treatment policy relative to those who were not employed. Conclusion: These data reveal that age, education level employment status and perception of affordability are key predictors of access to ACT. There is need of programmatic interventions that target young mothers and those with low socioeconomic status to ensure that there is prompt access to ACT that will result in effective treatment of malaria among children aged below five years.

The effect of top management demographics on the relationship between enterprise risk management and performance in Kenyan State-Owned corporations []


This journal is a conceptualization of the top management demographic’s on the relationship between Enterprise risk management, and performance of state owned corporations Some researchers have argued that Enterprise risk management influence performance positively whereas others have advanced that the influence is negative whereas others have contended that this strategic management practice is fairly recent, adopted to varying extent and its influence on performance is yet to be fully realized. There is also no agreement on the intervening influence of Top management demographics on the relationship between Enterprise risk management and performance. The moderating influence of the Macro-environment on the relationship between Enterprise risk management and performance is also not conclusive. It was for this reason that there was need to explore the existence of these relationships. The context of the study was Kenyan State-owned corporations.

The significance of neuropilin-1 for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients []


Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer in adults and is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Approximately 750,000 new HCC cases are diagnosed annually. Despite advances in prevention techniques, screening, and new technologies in diagnosis and treatment, incidence and mortality continue to rise. Furthermore, biomarkers that are currently used clinically to predict the prognosis of HCC patients after curative surgical resection remain unsatisfactory in terms of both accuracy and reproducibility. Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) plays an important role in angiogenesis and malignant progression of many human cancers. However, the role of NRP-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well understood. Aim of this work: to determine whether neuropilin-1 is a marker for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Subjects and methods: patients were categorized into two groups: forty five HCV patients with liver cirrhosis and thirty HCV patients with liver cirrhosis and HCC with ten healthy subjects of matched age and sex. All patients were subjected to: detailed history taking, systemic physical examination, measurement of BMI, MBP and abdominal ultrasonography. Laboratory investigations including: serum creatinine, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, total proteins, albumin, bilirubin (Total and direct), CBP, prothrombin activity, INR, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus antibodies, determination of serum AFP and neuropilin-1. Assessment of Child-Pugh score, MELD score and ALBI score. Results: The mean value of neuropilin-1 was statistically significantly higher in patients groups than control group and also statistically significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis and HCC than in those with liver cirrhosis alone and it showed positive statistical significant correlation with child class score, MELD score and ALBI score in patients with liver cirrhosis and HCC. Conclusions: Higher neuropilin-1 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma signifies its importance as a marker for diagnosis of patients with HCC and may play a role in pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

ASSESSMENT OF SENSORY, FUNCTIONAL AND PASTING PROPERTIES OF DIFFERENT YAM CULTIVAR FLOURS SUBJECTED TO THE SAME PROCESSING CONDITION []


Yam cultivars (Dioscorea spp) were used to produce a popular food consumed by both adults and children using the same processing conditions. The functional and pasting properties as well as sensory qualities were evaluated using standard procedures. The results obtained from the flour samples showed that there were significant (p≤0.05) differences in the functional properties evaluated. Bulk density ranged from 0.63 to 833g/ml, water absorption capacity ranged from 119.08 to 253.65, pH varied between 3.55 to 4.35, foaming capacity varied from 3.92 to 15.15%, foam stability ranged from 91.50 to 97.17%, wettability ranged from 62.5 to79.0 seconds, sedimentation varied from 4.10 to 6.15% while the swelling capacity ranged from 11.50 to 14.50%. The pasting properties which included peak viscosity trough, breakdown, final viscosity, set back, peak time and pasting temperature were all significantly (p≤0.05) different from each other. The amala paste prepared from white yam flour was the most preferred in terms of colour, taste, mould-ability aroma and overall acceptability.

Corrosion Degree on the Mechanical Properties of Reinforcing Steel Embedded in Concrete []


The bond between steel and concrete is affected by corrosion of reinforcement, there is hardly perfect bonding in the presence of chloride in form of salt water and has shortened the service life of reinforced concrete structures. The work enumerated the bond strength of reinforcing steel and concrete of non-corroded, corroded and khaya senegalensis exudates/resin coated specimens. Corrosion accelerated process was introduced to concrete standard cubes with embedded reinforcements of uncoated and coated specimens for 150days and ascertained their effects. Results of percentile averaged failure bond load are corroded -43.622% against 77.3771% and 79.6743% percentile difference of non- corroded and coated exudates/resins members. Averaged percentile bond strength load of corroded is -36.331% against 57.0631% and 106.576% percentile difference of non-corroded and coated specimens. Averaged percentile maximum slip values of corroded is 60.548% against 153.478% and 206.125% percentile difference of control and coated specimens. Obtained results from tables 3.1-3.5 and figures 3.1-3.4 showed in clearly terms that the failure bond loads were higher in corroded specimens to non-corroded and exudates/resin coated members. Bond strength of non-corroded and coated specimens exhibited higher bonding to pull-out as compared to corroded. Exudates/resins coated specimens performance showed the effective use of researched exudates/resins as corrosion inhibitor with its recorded low failure load, high bond and maximum slip strength over corroded specimens.

Lack of Independence for Liberia’s integrity institutions accelerate corruption and affects its development agenda []


In May this year, the Liberian parliament received a bill to restrict the tenure of office for the integrity institutions in the country. It has always been in the interest of the Liberian legislature to give tenure of office to government entities (Outram, 2016). However, the bill went against this code and responsibilities, posing a threat to so many government bodies. The lower house supported this bill and was moving to terminate the tenure of office of government entities with the inclusion of the integrity institutions in the country (Ghosh, 2019). One integrity institution that was to be affected is the Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). The situation to dissolve the tenure of office for these institutions was reversed when the Senate refused to collaborate with the House of Representative in passing the bill. The house of representative had earlier passed the bill with the argument that the independent institutions were not subject to interference by the executive, thereby limiting the powers of the executive (Ghosh, 2019). As it is, any institution made or established by the legislature in Liberia is subject to check by the executive; hence, it was vital to revoke the power to act independently by these institutions and their heads. KEY WORDS: Integrity institutions, Liberian Legislature, Senate, Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, Democracy

The Impact of cultural practices to Liberia developmental agenda []


Liberia is one of the poorest countries in the world today located in West Africa. Having been colonized by the United States, the country has a close relation with America. The two main ethnic divisions in the nation include the American minority and the indigenous majority. The indigenous majority comprises of 17 ethnic groups that practice various cultural practices and beliefs. Some of the cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation, land ownership, and traditional justice could hinder the achievement of Liberia developmental agenda, as discussed in this paper. However, cultural observations such as the leadership, farming, and co-existence cultures in Liberia support economic progress, which will be discussed in-depth in this paper. Importantly, this paper proposes some policy recommendations for economic growth in Liberia. Also, the paper discusses some of the challenges faced such as the high inflation rate, poor infrastructure, lack of governance, and limited resources, to mention a few, that could impede the implementation of the economic reforms.   Keywords: Cultural Practices, Economic Progress, Developmental Agenda

ASSESSMENT-OF-UTILIZATION-OF-CONTRACEPTIVES-AMONG-WOMEN-IN-EFFUTU-MUNICIPALITY-IN-THE-CENTRAL-REGION, GHANA []


Abstract The aim of the Ghana National Contraceptive Security is to provide a conceptual approach at achieving a Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) of 50 percent by 2020. Despite the various activities carried out by Reproductive Health Unit (RHU) across the country on contraceptives, there is an unmet need of 35 percent which largely could be as a result of wrong perceptions or certain myths people have on contraceptives and side effects associated with them. The study accessed the utilization of contraceptives among women (15 – 49 years) in Effutu Municipality in the Central Region. Descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used to collect quantitative data. Questionnaire was used to collect the data from 277 women. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Statistical Package for Solutions and Service (SPSS) version 21.0 and Microsoft Office Excel (2013) were be used to analyze the data collected. The results demonstrate that the knowledge and utilization level on contraceptives was high (87%). The results show that contraceptive use is greatly influence by husband’s approval. Educational programmes on family planning should target men so as that they could allow their partners to use contraceptives. It is recommended that there should be an intensification of educational programmes particularly to address the issue of side-effects perceived to be associated with the use of contraceptives. Keywords: Contraceptives; Prevalence Rate; Reproductive Health; Utilization

THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING ON JOB SATISFACTION AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE []


This study aims to determine: firstly the influence of psychological well-being on job satisfaction of civil servants, secondly the influence of psychological well-being on the performance of civil servants, thirdly the effect of job satisfaction on the performance of civil servants, and fourthly job satisfaction can mediate the influence of psychological well-being on civil servant performance. The population in this study were civil servants at the Directorate General of Industrial Relations Development and Workers' Social Security (Ditjen PHI dan Jamsos) of Indonesian Ministry of Manpower with a sample of 72 respondents taken by random sampling technique. The research method used is a quantitative approach with Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis. The results of this study indicate that (1) psychological well-being has a positive effect on job satisfaction, (2) psychological well-being has a positive effect on employee performance, (3) job satisfaction has a positive effect on employee performance, and (4) job satisfaction can mediate the effects of psychological well-being on employee performance.

Analytical Study of Relationships among Demographic, Economic, Development indicators, and Corruption in the World Countries []


Discussing corruption is extremely difficult as it is a hidden phenomenon in all world countries. The main objectives of the study are to identify the descriptive analysis for corruption indicators and to investigate the relationship between corruption index and demographic, economic, development indicators in the world countries. Data were collected from various sources. The sample involved one hundred thirty eight countries. The statistical methods include descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. The results of both correlation coefficients and multiple regression imply that decreased corruption are more likely to occur among countries that have more life expectancy at birth, more female participation in labor force, high GDP per capita, good quality of infrastructure, more quality of education, more advanced in markets efficiency, highly technology development, and more innovations development. Also, the results suggest that increased corruption is more likely to occur among countries that have more population, more infant mortality rate, highly inflation percent, and more country credit rating. The data from world countries show that this finding is consistent with the research hypotheses. Clearly, corruption will not disappear from world countries, but all efforts are aiming to restrict corruption, and to improve features of socio-economic life standards.

Schistosomiasis Presenting as Acute Appendicitis with Mesenteric Nodule Filled with Bilharzial Ova: Case study []


Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infestation in humans, commonly in developing countries. The infection manifests itself as a variety of different pathologies, based on the location of the parasite and its eggs. An unusual manifestation is that of a common surgical presentation, acute appendicitis. We present a case of a young male who underwent appendicectomy for acute appendicitis caused by a Schistosomiasis infestation, established upon pathological examination of the resected appendix.

EFFECT OF SERVICE DIFFERENTIATION IN MARKETING ON PERFORMANCE OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN NAIROBI COUNTY []


The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of service differentiation in marketing on the performance of private universities in Nairobi County. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the effect of service expected cost on the performance of private universities in Nairobi County; to determine the effect of service promotion on the performance of private universities in Nairobi County; to identify the effect of service uniqueness on performance of private universities in Nairobi County; and to determine the effect of service convenience on the performance of private universities in Nairobi County. Theories that shaped the study were; Differentiation Theory, Marketing Mix Model (MMM) and Marketing Impact and Persistence Model (MIPM). The population of the study included all universities in Nairobi County. The target population for the study was 34 private universities in Nairobi County. This study used census surveys all the 34 private universities with operations in Nairobi County. The sample size was 34 respondents each from the registrar’s office of each of the 34 private universities. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study. This study used primary data which was collected by use questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive and quantitative techniques. Descriptive analysis was through mean and standard deviation. Quantitative analysis was generated with inferential statistics that included regression coefficients. These coefficients were used to test null hypothesis testing at a confidence level of 95 percent. The hypothesis findings at 95% found significant effect on service expected cost, service promotion, service uniqueness and service convenience with performance of private universities in Nairobi County hence rejecting H01, H02, H03 and H04: null hypothesis. Conclusion, recommendations and further studies were suggested.

ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE AND PRACTICABILITY OF BIO-SAND FILTER AT HOUSE HOLD LEVEL AND ASSESSMENT OF ITS NEED BY ANALYZING PERCEPTION OF PEOPLE FACING SAFE WATER SUPPLY []


The Bio-sand Filter developed by Dr. David Manz, has become one of the most widely-distributed devices for household water treatment in developing countries around the world. Over 1 billion people in the world lack access to safe water with a major feature of extreme Poverty. The purpose of this study was to investigate issues related with safe water supply and treatment behaviors in the study area and to analysis Bio-sand filter performance by changing the thickness of sand. Portable Bio-sand filtration unit for households had been constructed using locally available materials. The performance of these filters was also investigated in this study. In order to assess the performance of the slow sand filter that was constructed, samples were taken from both the influent and effluent and analyzed for turbidity, PH, microbial, electrical conductivity, head loss and flow rate and two filters of different sand thickness were compared and analyzed. From turbidity measurements of the influent and effluent of the BSF, The average Turbidity removal of filter1 is averaged to 50% and for filter2 it is 89%. The initial flow rate of filter1 is 13liter per minute per square meter and 9 liter per minute per square meter for filter2. The flow rates of the filter2 after ripening time ranged from about 4.3L per minute per square meter to 7.4 Lper minute per square meter and averaged 6L per minute per meter square. Average turbidity) than the filter with less sand thickness (of 22cm sand thickness) which removed only 50% of the total turbidity. Hydraulic conductivity (K) of filter1 is 5.62m/hr and 4.38m/hr for filter2. Generally the value of PH and electrical conductivity of both filters is decreasing with a detention time increment. The main factor of performance analysis and the design of the Bio-sand filter is sand thickness as it was observed and analyzed with different thickness of sand filter in two filters. The filter with greater sand thickness (28cm sand thickness) was found to be more effective in removing turbidity (89% of the total.

Analysis The Role of Fisheries Sector On Regional Development In Purwakarta District, West Java []


ABSTRACT This research aims to analyze the growth rate of the fisheries sector in Purwakarta District in the last five years (2013-2017), analyze the role of the fisheries sector in the development of the Purwakarta District area and superior fisheries commodities in Purwakarta District. The research was conducted in Purwakarta District, West Java, starting in January 2019 until April 2019. The method of collection was carried out by survey methods, the technique of taking respondents using purposive sampling technique. This research data consists of two types of data, namely primary data and secondary data. The analysis of the data used in this research includes Shift Share Analysis, Analysis Location Quotient (LQ), Analysis Localization Index (LI), and Analysis Specialization Index (SI). The results of analysis of superior commodities using LQ analysis Pangasius (average LQ 3.88), Carp (average LQ 1.76) and Tilapia (average LQ 1, 57). The regional growth rate analysis showed LQ value (mean 0.38), LI (mean -0.01) and SI (average 0.00). The LQ value indicates that the fisheries sector in Purwakarta District is not a base sector. Based on analysis Shift share, the fisheries sector in Purwakarta District is a slow-growing sector.

Homology modeling active site predictive of VP24 protein involved in Ebola Virus []


Ebola is a single stranded RNA virus which has a filamentous structure and belongs to family of RNA virus called Filoviridae and genus Ebolavirus. Ebola virus causes severe hemorrhagic fever and is therefore a fatal disease in humans and non-human primates. Ebola viral protein (VP24) is a secondary matrix protein which has various roles in virulence of virus. VP24 interferes with the interferon signaling pathway by binding to karyopherin-α and blocking the Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT-1) signaling pathway. In the present study we analyze protein sequence and predicted the 3 dimensional structure of VP24 protein using various bioinformatics tools. And we have also predicted the active/binding sites for the protein. These sites can be further use for the drug designing purpose for VP24 protein. It is thus involved in packaging of virus and in turn plays an important role in virulence. Since VP24 is present on the surface of viral envelope that has an affinity for plasma membrane. This protein is also essential for the replication of other proteins of virus as was suggested by Mateo et al and because of these reasons VP24 protein was selected for this study In this study Three dimensional structure predicted and validated by Swiss model and Ramachandran plot respectively. Our work suggests that VP24 protein can acts as target for the inhibition of Ebola virus. The further study of VP24 protein used in the molecular docking and structure based drug designing to inhibit in Ebola virus.