Volume 8, Issue 8, August 2020 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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EFFECTS OF REWARD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE RETENTION AT FOUR-STAR HOTELS IN SOUTH COAST, DIANI []


Reward management practices is a very important aspect in human resource management in every industry and/ or organization. The main aim of this research study was to determine the effects of reward management practices on employee retention at Four Star Hotels in South Coast, Diani. Specifically, the study was determined to establish the effects of compensation management practices, job recognition at work, career advancement policies and job security on employee retention at Four Star Hotels in South Coast, Diani. Concurrently, the study adopted Equity theory and Maslow Needs Hierarchy Theory. The sample size was 88 obtained from the total population of 112 employees. Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data was collected by use of structured questionnaires and rated on a five-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1-5. To establish the relationship between the dependent and independent variables, Pearson correlation coefficient was computed at 95% confidence level. Regression analysis was computed to test hypothesis. On demographic information, all the parameters were found to be valid and the research instrument measured by Cronbach Alpha was found to be reliable for making conclusion. The findings showed that compensation management practices, job recognition, career advancements and job security significantly affected employee retention at Four-star hotels in the South Coast, Diani. The study recommended that compensation management practices, job recognitions, career advancements policies and job security should be prioritized by the management in the hotels. The study also recommended that further research could be done using other determinants of employee retention in other industries.

THE ROLE OF LEADERSHIP AND LEADERSHIP STYLES AS ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR ENHANCED EMPLOYEES PERFORMANCE IN SITEP-CAM COMPANY LIMITED BAMENDA CAMEROON []


This paper examined the role of leadership and leadership styles as an essential ingredient for enhanced employees’ performance (a case study of SITEP-CAM COMPANY LIMITED BAMENDA CAMEROON). An Agro Industrial Company for the Processing and Marketing of Electric Poles. Historical and current theories are presented and discussed. Theory understanding and implementation are essential for increased motivation in the organization. Data from leadership style studies is presented showing that situational determinants, traits, and wide style range are essential to promote motivation and effective leadership. There is no single “narrow” leadership style for all occasions rather; the whole leadership is needed for optimum productivity. In view of the findings, all the styles of leadership have effect on the employees’ productivity. No single leadership style is the best or effective in all situations. The situational approach in which the leader applies the style that suits the prevailing situation is the most effective. Therefore, for a manager to be effective, he or she should be able to understand the various styles of leadership, the situation under which each of them can be applied and should be able to adopt and apply each of the styles taking into cognizance of the situations. The organization also should understand the styles and the respective situations under which each of them can be applied and should employ the manager that can apply styles that suite the prevailing organizational situations in order to achieve organizational objectives. It is recommended that leaders should be flexible and be able to apply situational styles as the application of the wrong style leads to job dissatisfaction, resentment, lack of commitment to the job and ultimate decrease in productivity of the employees. Keywords: Leadership, Leadership Style, Performance and Transformation

The Post Covid era: Lessons learnt in the education system []


The world as a global village has faced a global pandemic. In this case it does not matter whether you belong to the haves or the have nots, developed or developing country. This animal called COVID 19 knows no boundaries, knows no colour, race, class, level of education and religion. The good thing is that information and knowledge is power and we can also learn from others. We are taking lessons from COVID 19 era. The dramatic spread of COVID 19 disrupted the way of living. This really shows that we are living in the DVUCADD environment, an environment characterized by dynamic, volatile, uncertainty, volatile, ambiguity, disruptive and diversity. It was learnt that it is no longer business as usual, ICT is a human right that should have been accessed by anyone, we need to continue with hygiene way of living, the effective management of virtual working is called for and we need to institutionalize home based learning. Proactivity rather than reactive in called for and a transdispilinary approach is a necessity in order to survive in this much changing environment. Key words: COVID 19, education, education system, global village, lessons. The Post COVID 19 era, web 2.0, ICT, libraries, the inner and the outer circle model, system, transdisciplinary.

PERFORMANCE OF WARM MIX ASPHALT BY INTEGRATING RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT. []


This Research is studied about the Warm mix asphalt (WMA) which are gently becoming popular in the road industries in century 21, the use of Warm mix asphalt (WMA) instead of Hot mix asphalt (HMA) because, WMA has great benefits, such as Consumption of low energy, lower emissions, and greater ability to integrate a high proportion of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in the mixtures. Including RAP in WMA can suffiently increase the sustainability benefits and improve the performance of WMA. This research studied about the evaluation performance of WMA by adding RAP in different proportions, from 0 up to 70% by mass of WMA. By adding RAP in WMA then the mixture performance of mixture was compared with the allowable control HMA. The proportion of RAP in WMA is the binder, 80/100 penetration grade, and two types of additives were use: a chemical warm mix additive and a rejuvenator, namely, Evotherm and SylvaroadTM RP1000, respectively. Labouratory test done on the viscosity of binder that are used in WMA and the mechanical performance of mixture such as moisture resistance, fatigue cracking, and rutting resistance. In this study, the semi-circular bending test was investigated to further study its applicability in asphalt pavement testing. Results getting from laboratory tests confirmed that by adding two additive it will have reduced the binder viscosity. Mixtures with the chemical additive (Evotherm) performed better than other mixtures in terms of moisture resistance. Only the WMA mixture with the Sylvaroad rejuvenator showed a higher number of cycles to fatigue failure than the control HMA. For rutting resistance, the increase in RAP proportion greatly improved the performance of WMA mixtures. WMA without RAP had a lower number of cycles to reach maximum rut depth than the HMA. All WMA-RAP mixtures showed considerably better rutting resistance than the HMA. The study of semi-circular bending test showed that the notch depths from 5 to 15 mm are suitable for 100 mm diameter samples. The indirect tensile strengths yielded by the semi-circular test and those from the indirect tensile method could be convertible.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF REGIONAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NORTH TORAJA DISTRICT []


This study aims to test and analyze the analysis of the factors that affect the quality of the financial reports of the North Toraja regency government. The population in this study were accounting employees at the Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency of North Toraja Regency. The sampling technique used non probability sampling with a purposive sampling approach. The samples used in this study were 3 agencies in North Toraja Regency, amounting to 30. In this study the authors used primary data, namely data directly collected by researchers from the first source. The coefficient formulation used is the Pearson Product Moment Test with SPSS version 25. In this study the dependent variable is the quality of financial reports, while the independent variables used are the internal control system, human resource competence, internal audit independence, organizational commitment and technology utilization. information.

THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT BAITS OF FOLDING TRAP ON THE CAPTURE OF MANGROVE CRABS (SCYLLA SPP.) AT PANGANDARAN REGENCY []


The fishing gear used to catch mangrove crabs is folding traps. One of them is the operation of folding traps which is relied on by the type of bait. This study aims to determine the best bait in the operation of folding Bubu on the catch of mangrove crabs and analyze the pro-portion of catches that includes the number and weight of mangrove crabs caught in Pangandaran Regency. This research was conducted in December 2019 - February 2020. The method used in this study was an experimental fishing method with a Randomized Block Design (RBD). This research consists of three treatments based on the type of bait, namely the type of salted peter bait, fresh type of bait, and Mujaer type bait and repeated 6 times. The indicator used in this study is the number and weight of mangrove crabs caught using folding traps with 3 different types of bait. The data obtained were analyzed using variance/variance analysis (ANOVA) with the F Test with a 95% confidence level. The best bait for mangrove crabs is to use Mujaer fish bait with a catch of 24 catches or 50%. The results of mangrove crabs using other types of baits are: 6 catches salted petek and 14 catches fresh petek.

A Review on MERS-CoV Disease Globally and Ethiopian context []


The emerging cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), associated with infection by a novel Corona virus ( CoV) was first publicly reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Since then, laboratory confirmed MERS-CoV cases in human were reported in 27 countries of the world. At the end of September 2018, a total of 2260 laboratory confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), including 803 associated deaths (case–fatality rate: 35.5%) were reported globally; the majority of these cases were reported from Saudi Arabia. Available evidences showed camels are the possible source of the virus to human infections. Once it establishes, human-to-human transmission has resulted in clusters of cases, some associated with multiple rounds of human-to-human transmission. MERS-CoV is enzootic in Dromedary Camel across the Arabian Peninsula and in parts of Africa, causing mild upper respiratory tract illness in its camel reservoir and sporadic, but relatively rare human infections. Precisely how virus transmits to humans remains unknown but close and lengthy exposure to infected camels appears to be the most important predisposing factor for zoonotic transmission. Camels sera collected from a number of countries have been found to have antibodies to MERS-CoV and African countries are considered as a possible source for the establishment of MERS-CoV in Middle East. In Ethiopia, high sero-prevalence of MERS-CoV has been reported in camel population ranging from 93% to 97%. In spite of high seropositivity, only few studies were carried out in Ethiopia on viral isolation and molecular characterization of the virus from camel. Recently study confirmed that unlike the West African MERS-CoV virus the Ethiopian camel MERS-CoV showed a genetic and phenotypic similarity with isolates from camel of Arabian Peninsula suggesting a potential significance for zoonotic transmission to high risk human population of Ethiopia. Thus the objective of this seminar review on the existing knowledge on epidemiology and MERS CoV virological characteristics and overview MERS-CoV status in Ethiopia in order to highlight the gap for future research. Keywords: Review, Globally, Ethiopia MERS-CoV, Dromedary camels, Bats

DEVELOPMENT OF SUPPLY CHAIN RISK MANAGEMENT APPROACHES FOR CONSTRUCTION. []


Due to the different parties involved in any construction projects which can face a lot problems during their whole lifecycle of a project. Accordingly, an effective management of risks throughout the project's supply chain is critical to avoid time and cost overruns, that if not controlled properly, will ultimately result in project failure. Despite the great significance of this issue, there is a gap between the literature and practice of project risk management, where managers mostly prefer to rely on their own experiences rather than using available analytical tools. On the other hand, the application of best practices (such as supply chain management and supply chain risk management) from the manufacturing industry in the service industry is highly neglected. To this end, we try to bridge these two gaps by proposing a comprehensive supply chain risk management approach for construction projects that uses, grounded theory, fuzzy cognitive mapping, and grey relational analysis. Moreover, a real world case study is presented to show the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach. Accordingly, various risk mitigation scenarios are developed and evaluated by the proposed approach. Subsequently, scenarios are ranked and the best risk mitigation scenarios are identified. By comparing the proposed approach with similar researches in the literature, it is shown that the proposed approach is capable of capturing and representing expert’s perceptions of risks in an effective and time efficient manner. Moreover, decision-makers are enabled to simulate the long term effects of different risk mitigation strategies on the risks and make more informed decisions. In this study, along with the novel approach proposed, our major contribution is setting the stage for a discussion between project management field's scholars and practitioners with those in the manufacturing industry, which we strongly believe that is an opportunity for mutual growth.

EVALUATION AND COMPARISON OF DISSOLUTION PROFILES FOR DIFFERENT BRANDS OF AMOXICILLIN CAPSULES AVAILABLE IN RWANDA []


Background: Amoxicillin is an oral semi-synthetic, β-lactam antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible microorganisms. It is usually prepared in capsule and powder for oral suspension form. Solid dosage forms for oral administration pose bioavailability problems related to the absorption process. The World Health Organization (WHO) has promoted the use of generic brands in order to make the cost of medicines affordable. Generic substitution could be considered when a generic copy of a reference drug contains identical amounts of the same active ingredient in the same dose formulation and route of administration. However, the presence of generic products that are not interchangeable each other have been reported. Objective: To evaluate the in-vitro dissolution profiles of different generic brands of amoxicillin capsules 500 mg available on Rwandan market in comparison to ClamoxylTM. Methods: We studied six products (coded as A, B, C, D, E, F) according to the monography described in the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP 41 NF 36,2018). The comparison was processed using statistical fit factor/similarity factor procedure. Results: All six products released rapidly more than 85% of the labelled amount within 15min in acid media. Only 62.5% of the tested brands were declared interchangeable with the reference innovator brand and 37.5% were not interchangeable to (ClamoxylTM). However, all the products would pass the dissolution test standard in accordance with the USP requirement for amoxicillin capsule (Q ≥ 85% at 60 min). Conclusion: The generic brands of amoxicillin capsules tested satisfied USP specifications but we cannot completely rule out the presence of bad formulations in the country. Keywords: Amoxicillin capsule, generic products, in vitro dissolution profiles, Rwanda

CHEMICAL AND PASTING PROPERTIES OF FLOURS OBTAINED FROM THREE VARIETIES OF YAM []


The chemical and pasting properties of yam flours obtained from three (3) Varieties of yam were examined using standard analytical methods. The results revealed significant differences (p≤0.05) in moisture, protein carbohydrate, pH, amylose and amylose pectin while fat, ash and energy do not show any significant difference. The moisture content ranged from 3.41 – 9.94%; Protein content ranged from 2.29 – 15.13%, Fat varied from 1.41 – 2.32%; Ash varied between 3.79 – 4.11%, crude fibre ranged from 2.13 – 2.86 % while carbohydrate content varied from 70.23 – 78.84 %. The pH ranged from 6. 15 – 6. 44 while energy values of 1487.62, 1490.65 and 1564.28 Kj / 100g were obtained for the flours of the three yam varieties. Also amylose contents ranged from 21.01 – 35.19% while amylopectin varied from 64.81 – 79.03 %. Peak Viscosity ranged from 4282.33 – 5582.33 BU, with the white yam flour having the highest peak viscosity value. The breakdown viscosity varied from 961.00 – 1549.33 BU (flour from water yam had the highest value). The trough values of the Yam flours ranged from 3147.00 – 4622.00 BU while the final viscosity varied from 4088.67 – 66.25.00 BU. The set back values recorded were 941. 33, 1522. 00 and 2002.00 form the flours with peak time of 5.34,5.14 and 5.21 minutes respectively. Pasting Temperatures of 79.16, 84.10 and 83.2 0C were obtained for the three yam flours. Therefore, understanding yam flour characteristics will further provide information for their end use quality. Keywords: Chemical, Pasting, Properties, Yam Varieties Flours Corresponding Author: Makanjuola Olakunle Moses Department of Food Technology, Federal Polytechnic P. M. B 50 Ilaro, Ogun State , Nigeria E-mail:olakunle.makanjuola@federalpolyilaro.edu.ng Phone Number: +2348037136

Factors affecting leadership effectiveness in public sectors organization []


Leadership is perhaps one of the most important aspects of management. This is because leadership is a major factor which contributes immensely to the general wellbeing of organizations and nations. With this in mind, the main purpose of this study is to identify the factors that affect leadership effectiveness of public service organization of North shoa .For this purpose, 190 leaders in the sectors and 50 individuals from the community have been participated in the study and predetermined survey questionnaire with factors affecting leadership effectiveness likert scale questions were provided to respective parties to obtain information from them. To collect the data, the study have employed simple random sampling to identify respondents from selected woredas of the zone and then applied purposive selection to select respective parties to respond to survey questionnaires. The finding indicated that professional skill, motivation, understanding what is leadership, working experience, corruption are the leading factors that affects the effectiveness of leadership. Therefore, it is advisable the concerned body to consider those above listed variables to link with leadership in order to have effective leadership in the sectors.

IMPLICATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL FACTORS ON INVESTMENT INTENTION WITH RISK PREFERENCE AS AN INTERVENING VARIABLE : A CASE STUDY OF MSMEs IN BONE []


The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct effect between financial literacy and locus of control on investment intention and the indirect effect between financial literacy and locus of control on investment intention through risk preferences. The study uses quantitative approach where in questionnaire based survey was done to collect responses from entrepreneurs (218 usable responses) in Bone. SPSS and Sobel Test have been used to establish the hypothesized relationship between the constructs. The results obtained that financial literacy and locus of control have a positive and significant effect on investment intention. While risk preference can be a mediating variable between financial literacy and locus of control of investment intention.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF REGIONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN NORTH TORAJA DISTRICT []


This study aims to test and analyze the analysis of the factors that influence the performance of regional financial management in North Toraja Regency. This research was conducted within the scope of the government of North Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi Province, namely the North Toraja Regent Office for 3 months effectively. The sample of this research is officials and employees of financial management, especially those who are technically directly related to financial management at 21 offices, 6 agencies, 2 offices, regional secretariats, Regional People's Representative Assembly (RPRA) secretariats and 21 districts so that the total sample is 52. The data used in this study are Primary data is data obtained by conducting observations and interviews with various parties who are considered to be related to the data required in the discussion of the performance of regional financial management in North Toraja Regency. The method for data analysis used is multiple linear regression analysis method. Multiple linear regression analysis. The data analysis technique used in this study is to use quantitative analysis.

ANALYSIS OF EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF RETRIBUTION REVENUE ON THE ORIGINAL REVENUE OF NORTH TORAJA AND TANA TORAJA REGENCIES YEAR 2015-2018 []


This study aims to test and analyze the analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of receiving levies on the regional revenue of North Toraja and Tana Toraja districts in 2015-2018. This research was conducted in North Toraja Regency for two to three months, where the objects studied were the slaughterhouse levies and livestock slaughtering fees outside the Slaughterhouse in North Toraja and Tana Toraja. This study uses secondary data from the annual time series for the 2000-2018 period. Data on slaughterhouse fees and animal slaughter fees outside the slaughterhouse were obtained from the Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency for North Toraja and Tana Toraja Regencies. locally-generated revenue (LGR) data were obtained from the Central Statistics Agency of North Toraja and Tana Toraja Regencies. The method of analysis used in this research is quantitative methods with statistical descriptive approaches. Quantitative methods are used to calculate the potential, effectiveness and efficiency of the slaughterhouse levies and animal slaughtering fees outside the slaughterhouse and their contribution to LGR in North Toraja Regency during the period 2000-2018. The variables in this study were Retribution, Slaughterhouse (RPH), Slaughterhouse Retribution, Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Local Own Income.

ASSESSING BIOLOGICAL CONTROL METHOD ON THE PROGRESSION OF ANAPLASMOSIS DISEASE IN DOMINANT CATTLE SPECIES IN THE MATABELELAND NORTH PROVINCE. []


The study presents a compartmental (SI) model for the transmission dynamics of Anaplasmosis in resource limited farmer’s cattle subjected to a biological control method. The study seeks to evaluate the stability and control of cattle herds dynamics relative to finite agitation. In gaining the insight of the disease, the following model analysis strategies were used in order to compute simulations, analysis of the model upon varying initial predator population and testing the effects of different predation rate on the disease dynamics. It is essential that the progression of Anaplasmosis be stable after the introduction of tick predators into cattle-tick system because that provides the usability of predation as a control measure. The study brought to light that predictors have been neglected as major contributors to natural control mechanism of Anaplasmosis. Finaly, the investigation of natural predictors and predation behaviour can lead to better control of the Anaplasmosis efficiently and effectively.

Important terminology in pharmaceutical quality assurance: Literature review []


The quality of pharmaceutical is the main concern since inception of world health organization certified and acknowledge the quality assurance terminology used in manufacturing and quality control laboratory. Company employees constitute the most important resource for improving quality. Each employee in all organizational units is responsible for ensuring that their work processes are efficient and continually improving. Quality assurance is the wide ranging concept covers all matters starting from raw material, finished products till to marketing. On the other hand, it is focused on providing confidence that quality requirements are fulfilled. As we all know medications are something that is used for disease or any illness in our body. Thus due to the reason, that the medication could also be harmful to the body, if the quality is not kept up to the requirements. Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Laboratory Practice is a very important aspect of QA, every methods and steps that is implemented should follow the GMP and GLP guidelines. Therefore the terminology used in quality assurance of pharmaceuticals aims to contribute to promoting understanding of the multiple layers of meaning which become apparent when we attempt to understand quality assurance across borders, and across languages. They do not offer a conclusion, but a point of departure for further research and reflection. Keywords: Quality Assurance, Pharmaceuticals, Terminology, Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice.

Effect of test anxiety and revise time on students' test performance []


Almost every student experiences some level of anxiety during before and during a test. If anxiety affects test score, it becomes a challenge. Test anxiety can limit the students’ ability to perform well. Some students have the skills and knowledge to do very well in testing situations, but their excessive anxiety results in poor test score. The act of assessing students’ performance is complex and complicated. In order to assess the work of students without any form of bias and unfairness, educational institutions use several ways, one of which is through tests. We know that testing has become an integral part of our society. Many crucial decisions are based on test results. So, it is not surprising that anxiety during tests has become an issue talked about in schools all over the world. The study focused on test anxiety and revise time and their effects on students’ test performance. The study intended to determine the effect of test anxiety on students’ test performance(score) , the effect of revise time on students’ test performance (score) and also established the relationship between test performance(score), test anxiety and revise time of undergraduate students of the department of statistics and department of mathematics at the University of Cape coast, Ghana. A total of 30 students participated in the study. Each participant completed a questionnaire designed to determine the number of hours the student spent revising his/her notes before the test, whether he or she experienced test anxiety, his/her anxiety level on a scale of 1-10 and his/her score in the test. The study also used One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test to investigate the normality of variables’ distribution. Results based on Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient indicated that there was a strong negative correlation between test score (performance) and anxiety level. Thus, as anxiety level increased, Test score decreased. There was a strong positive correlation between test score (performance) and revise time. Thus, as revise time increased, test score increased. From the regression analysis, a linear relationship was established among revise time, test anxiety and students’ test performance.

Ethnicity, Religion and Governance in Africa: Analyzing the Nigerian Situation []


The mix in politicization of ethnicity and religion especially among minority ethnic groups in response to skewed fragmentation/balkanization of the Nigerian state through creation of regions, states, local government councils, jobs and disbursement of appointment positions largely shape the 'how and what' of governance, character of politics and national integration in Nigeria. The central government became alien to units where access to government turned platform for religious and ethnic nationalism thereby occasioning the dawn of ethnicization and religionization of politics as a way of expressing enticement of politicians and public officers to ethnic or religious spaces. This paper thus traces the nexus between politicization of ethnicity and religion in relation to governance in Nigeria. It through the use of secondary sources of data observed that the embers of kinship and religious ties have continually paved way for political support thereby forming the major desiderata for political/resources mobilization and allocation in Nigeria. While recommending significant devolution and decentralization of powers to be preceded by a nationwide programme of moral and ethical revival aimed at promoting virtues of honesty, transparency, accountability and justice, the paper makes case for good governance along lines of best practices at all levels of government in Nigeria.

OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE AND DIVIDEND PAYOUT OF FIRMS LISTED AT THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE []


This study aimed at establishing the relationship between ownership structure and dividend payout of firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional design. The study adopted multiple regression analysis as an econometric strategy for estimating the association between the study variables. The target population of the study was the 59 firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange and a sample of 39 firms was selected. The study utilized secondary data from the published financial statement of the companies. The study established that ownership structure (P<0.954) has no significant relationship on dividend payout of firms listed at that the NSE. The study recommended that firms listed at the NSE should consider other factors that influence dividend payout given that firms ownership structure, although would affect dividend payout of the firms listed in the NSE; firms need to consider financial performance before deciding on the dividend payout to be advanced to the shareholders.

Utilization of natural microbial sources to improve quality of feseekh produced under controlled conditions []


Feseekh is a traditional salted fermented whole fish product of high nutrition, unique flavor that is popular in Egypt. The aim of this study is using Fresh tobara fish (Liza ramada) for rapid and controlled production of feseekh by natural microbial sources. Sensory evaluation shows that the product was high-quality products, served quality attributes , and has a delicate smell of fessikh, free from any objectionable odours, and the fish body has a good color (pink, homogeneous), in addition to the good taste (slightly salted, free from any unacceptable taste) good texture, firm and not chewy.

CONFRONTING THE DEFICIENCY: ANAEMIA AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS, NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE, EVIDENCED FROM MULTIPLE INDICATOR CLUSTER SURVEY, GHANA []


ABSTRACT Background Despite the introduction of the NHIS, some cases of anaemia have still been reported among under five children in Ghana. For instance, the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) report for Ghana shows that 78% of children suffer some form of anaemia, with 48% moderately anaemic and 7% severely anaemic. Though the NHIS has been in operation since 2003, it has not succeeded in reducing the prevalence of anaemia among children in Ghana. This article, therefore, seeks to examine whether National Health Insurance (NHIS) membership has led to reduced prevalence of anaemia among under five children in Ghana. Specifically, the author sought to examine the correlations that exist between NHIS membership and socio-economic status, and other relevant background factors. The article also seeks to determine the association between NHIS membership and anaemia in children under five years. Methods The study relied on Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in 2011. To this effect, multi-stage stratified cluster sampling was used to select the survey sample, where the list of enumeration areas (EAs) from the 2010 Ghana Population and Housing Census (PHC) served as a frame for the MICS sample. This was proceeded by the use of random systematic sampling to select both the enumeration areas and the households for the survey. Univariate and bivariate analysis between exposure-outcome variables of interest ignoring all other variables was conducted to determine crude association. The multivariate analysis was based on Binary Logistic Regression Models and linear regression techniques to control for the potential confounding effects of the age, sex, socio-economic status, area of residence (rural/urban) of the child, mother’s education and several variables that were considered as potential confounders from literature. Results After adjusting for confounding effects of sex, age in months, wealth index quintile, place of residence and mother’s education. Children within the richest wealth index quintile has 1.67 [95%CI: 1.29-2.16]; P=0.00) times the odds of the poorest within the wealth index quintiles. Thus, when the richest is compared with the poor there is an association between NHIS membership and socio-economic status. When other relevant factors were adjusted for confounding effects, they showed association between various variables. After adjusting for confounding effects of sex, age in months, wealth index quintile, place of residence and mother’s education, children with valid NHIS membership cards had 0.64 [95%CI: 0.52-0.79]; P=0.00) times the odds of reduced anaemia compared with children without membership cards. Hence, when children with valid NHIS membership are compared with those who do not have for anaemia, there is an association between NHIS membership and anaemia prevalence among children.

CONTRIBUTION OF ORIGINAL REGIONAL INCOME TO RE-GIONAL REVENUE OF JENEPONTO DISTRICT []


The purpose of this study is to determine the Contribution of Local Own Revenue (PAD) to regional revenues in Jeneponto Regency. This research is classified into time series research in which data collection is carried out through the Regional Original Income (PAD) report and regional revenue from Jeneponto Regency from 2015-2019.

Assessing and modeling the development of the ethiopian energy sector management system []


Ethiopia is a nation rich with abundant sources of renewable energy and has an enormous potential for the generation of sustainable energy including electricity. However, access to clean, efficient and modern energy services is a critical challenge the nation is facing. The aim of this study was to assess and model the Ethiopian energy sector management system. In doing so, both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed to gather and analyze the necessary data. Unstructured interviews, direct observations, discussions with officials and experts and review and analysis of secondary were used. The findings indicated that the overall energy sector management systems and the national energy policy of the country are incapable of addressing the long term energy challenges. The sector is mainly challenged and characterized by inefficient generation, transmission and utilization of renewable energy sources; poor mixes of energy supply together with highly imbalanced, inadequate, irregular and insecure demand and supply; and visible environmental degradation. To the reverse of this, international and state commitments, the new privatization modality devised for the sector and the demand of electricity shown in the neighboring countries are considered as opportunities of the sector. The models developed in all scenarios revealed that the emissions of CO2 are non-existent by 2030. As a result the supply of energy in the modeling period would be changed to renewable and the primary energy supply system would get diversified from a system dominated by wooden biomass to the use of renewable and other indigenous resources. Due to this, one can dare to say that all the scenarios would lead the country to achieve the 7th goal of Sustainable Development, SDG 7; sustainable energy for all. Key words: Assessment, Energy, Ethiopia, Modeling.

Identifying the Causes of Delays in Large Construction Projects of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan []


The construction delay becomes a routine and naturally acceptable problem in large construction project of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Large construction project is very necessary for the development, economy and progress of the province. In research methodology, a questionnaire based survey form is develop involving government departments related to construction, client, contractor, workers and consultant, who plays their key part in delivering the project, to identify the major causes of delay and interview session was conducted with those who were unable to fill out the questionnaire form to record their personal view about the main causes of delay. To evaluate the respond of all the parties we use the RIR (Relative importance Rating) technique to rank the causes and identify the major causes of delay. Then we discuss the 12 main causes which were rank highest according to RIR technique, we will describe all these causes in realtion to some main large construction project of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which are delayed are facing delays and the reason of its delay as per our evaluation result. At the end we suggest conclusion and recommendations to counter these delay in order to complete the project in specified timeline.

Globalization and Africa: Challenges and Opportunities []


This research paper is mainly focused on the challenges and opportunities of globalization in Africa. The meaning of globalization however, depends on how one defines and describes globalization. Since it is a form of interaction, globalization is not new for Africa. It is difficult to decide globalization merely good or bad. Rather it is better to say globalization itself is neither good nor bad for Africa. Because it has both negative and positive impacts on social, economic political and cultural aspects of Africa. But, we can conclude that, currently, its severity is greater than opportunities. Because, there is no doubt that Africa as a continent, is facing a lot of challenges by the phenomenon of globalization. Surprisingly, in the course of history, Africa has at one period or the other become a battle ground for external socio-political, economic and even cultural forces (starting from 15th century up to now). In contrary, we never deny the phenomenon of globalization speeds up and intensifies economic interaction amongst world people’s including Africa. It is also a mechanism of growth and innovation in market throughout the world. But the global market has largely been out of reach for Africa. Today, one setback of globalization, however, individualism has replaced the sense of communal life, and mutual antagonism and suspicion have replaced the unity of Africans. Politically globalization made African officials to have nominal power in their respective states. Socio-cultural and politico-economic decisions which determine the future fate of the continent are imposed by westerners. For instance, job opportunity, access to technology, free movement of peoples, industrialization, emergence of new cities and towns are some of the opportunities of globalization in Africa. Generally, due to the ill-effects of globalization have already hit that continent, where most of its 780 million people, or more than 10 per cent of the world’s population, are distressed by poverty, inequality, exclusion, discrimination, war and disease, as well as bad weather and climate changes. The African leaders and peoples should have to design new policies and strategies to benefit from globalization than opting to neutralize themselves from this world-wide phenomenon. Africa’s fortune lies in her own hands. Meant, Africans should have to seek solutions for African’s problem.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL ON LANDUSE EVALUATION AND OPTIMIZATION WITH REGARD TO FLOOD VULNERABILITY IN THE GEOGRAPHIC NIGER-DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA USING THE SWAT MODEL []


Geographically, the Niger Delta region is situated in the southernmost part of Nigeria in West Africa. By definition, the geographic Niger Delta is a coastal region with distinctive geography demarcated by a natural delta of the River Niger system (Reijers et al., 1997). It is located in the Gulf of Guinea between longitude 5 degrees E to 8 degrees E and latitudes 4 degrees N to 6 degrees N, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the south; Cameroon on the east; Lagos State on the west and Onitsha on the north (Tuttle et al.; Abam,1999; Adekola and Mitchell, 2011). The extensive wetland delta is considered the largest in the African continent and the third largest in the world (Abam, 2001; Chiadikobi et al., 2011). The geographic Niger Delta region covers an area of 86,087 km2, i.e. about 10% of the Nigerian land mass. Hence, its southern coastline frames the continental margin of the Gulf of Guinea, spanning 450 km (Reijers et al., 1997). Globally, river deltas e.g. the Huanghe Delta, Liaohe Delta and Niger Delta, are among the most densely populated areas of the world perhaps due to the various benefits they provide for humans such as: flat topography, fertile soils for agriculture, access to harbours for export and trade, access to marine and water resources, extensive biodiversity in addition to subsurface oil and gas deposits (Liu et al., 2000). The Niger Delta region presently host over 30 million inhabitants making up about 20% of the Nigerian population that is attracted to the region (Kuenzer et al., 2014). Hence, the combination of its geography, topography and abundant natural resources, in addition to oil and gas resources, makes it an area of global and regional importance. Nevertheless, a gamut of studies has also demonstrated that the region is very vulnerable to the impact of natural and anthropogenic hazard due to several natural and socio-economic factors (Ologunorisa 2004). The earth surface is being significantly altered by man and this has had a profound effect upon the natural environment thus resulting into an observable pattern in the land use over time. Man continues to explore and exploit the natural resources in his environment and this has brought immense contribution to observable changes in land. "Land use involves both the manner in which the biophysical attributes of the land are manipulated and the intent underlying that manipulation – the purpose for which the land is used" (Turner et al. 1995). Land is the fundamental basis of all human activities, from it we obtain our food we eat, our shelter, our water, the space to work, the room to relax and lots more. The magnitude of land use change varies with the time being examined as well as with the geographical area. The assessment of these changes depends on the area, the land use types being considered, the spatial groupings, and the data sets used. The land use- land cover pattern of a region is the result of interplay of both natural and socioeconomic factors. Issues of Land use-land cover and its impacts on the environment has become of great concern all over the world. A Change in land use pattern has significant effects on local and global environmental conditions such as flooding. Cities in the geographic Niger delta region of Nigeria are growing at an unprecedented rate and as such associated with land use changes which have resulted in severe flooding in the region. Increased flood risk resulting from heavy rainfall, land-use changes and floodplain dwelling is putting millions of inhabitants of geographic Niger-Delta mega-cities in danger. In particular, coastal cities in geographic Niger-Delta region of Nigeria are increasingly at risk of flooding due to worsening natural and anthropogenic influences. Natural forces, including intense precipitation, high tide, and low topography demand careful management. Moreover human influences due to urbanisations that result in rapid landuse changes and increased flood risk requires better management, (Owei et al., 2010). Urbanization is broadly defined as the transition from rural to largely urban societies. There is now a wide consensus that Asia and Africa are more vulnerable to flooding effects due to increased urbanization, climate change, poor planning, weak regulations, poor socioeconomic conditions and poor adaptive capacity (UNFCCC, 2007). Flooding is the most frequent and life-threatening environmental hazard affecting especially coastal areas in the Niger Delta (Abam, 2001). A recent example was the July 2012 flood disaster which affected 12 states around the River Niger. The event left 363 people dead; US$9.5 billion worth of damage; 5,851 injured. About four million people were displaced (GFDRR, 2013). After this event, a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment report (PDNA) showed the damages in Rivers State of the geographic Niger delta alone was worth US$3.4 billion (GFDRR, 2013). This research focuses on the landuse changes as it affects flooding in the geographic Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Description In hydrology, much has been discussed on the effects on flooding such as: increase in peak flow, changes in total runoff, changes in water quality and effects on hydrologic amenities (Leopold, 1968; Verbeiren et al., 2013; Sanyal et al., 2014). Much has also been discussed on the effects on sediment load, effects on infiltration or the loss rate, changes in basin lag time (Harbor, 1994; Meade, 1996; Suriya and Mudgal, 2012; Nikolaidis et al., 2013). Regarding flood risk, much has also been researched on flood hazards, flood vulnerability, flood risk management (Plate, 2002; Smith, 2013; Viglione and Rogger, 2015). Others have researched on adaptation, flood mitigation, flood perception, emergency planning, etc. (Jha et al., 2012; UNFCCC, 2007; Bola et al.,2014).Presently, there is a growing interest in foresight and future studies relating to flood impacts (Ali et al.,2011; Du et al., 2012), flood risk and vulnerability assessment (Wheater and Evans, 2009). This will help our ability to make long-term plans and explore options for flood risk management. In a recent study by Samuels (2012:10) titled “Where next in flood risk management”, emphasis was laid on long term planning and options assessment. The study emphasised on “the urgent need to improve understanding and reduce uncertainty for estimates of decadal timescale changes to floods and their impacts”. Future studies are crucial for planning and formulating long-term adaptation and mitigation strategies for vulnerable areas. One major concern to planners is the options that are likely to significantly impact on the future hydrologic functioning of basins (Leopold, 1968; Pauleit and Durham, 2000). Therefore, there is need to understand the impacts of land-use change scenarios on the flooding of the Niger-delta region of Nigeria.