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Increasing energy efficiency in the cement production process at PT Semen Padang is carried out by reusing exhaust gas to produce electricity using Waste heat recovery power generation (WHRPG) with a capacity of 8.5 MW. WHRPG is a technology for utilizing exhaust gas heat as a source of heat energy to heat feed water into steam by using a suspension preheater (SP) boiler and air quenching cooler (AQC) boiler. This study aims to calculate the power potential of the steam heat influenced by the steam temperature and the mass flow rate of the steam produced by the boiler, to calculate the efficiency of the boiler using the direct method by comparing the boiler output heat against the boiler input heat, to calculate the turbine efficiency based on the difference between the steam enthalpy enter the turbine against the steam enthalpy out of the turbine and the isotropic enthalpy of the steam out of the turbine and to calculate the power generated by WHRPG at PT Semen Padang. The results obtained in this study are the total potential power of steam heat is 19.778 MW, the boiler AQC efficiency is 70.30%, the boiler SP efficiency is 94.04% and the turbine efficiency is 78.64%. The electricity generated by PT Semen Padang's WHRPG is 3.70 MW.

Qualitative researchers position themselves more as ‘insiders’ than ‘outsiders’ due to the nature of the research paradigm. In this paper, I will present and discuss my role and experiences as an insider researcher during my doctorate research journey. I begin by exploring the debate surrounding the role of an insider in qualitative research, in addition to highlighting key arguments within the literature, while reflecting on my personal experiences as a PhD candidate. In particular personal experiences that made the researcher play the role of an ‘insider’ more as compared to an ‘outsider’ researcher will be discussed. The first part of this paper will cover the conceptualisation of the terms ‘insider’ and ‘outsider’. This will be followed by a discussion and presentation of key discourses based on the role of an ‘insider’ in qualitative research. Being an insider researcher, I was able to access research institutions to collect data without having to organise ‘settling in’, which made it possible to collect data every day of the week at any time of the day, thus providing continuity in the data collection process. More so, I was able to control the research process by using stories, voice, and transcripts. Since it was a sensitive study, as an insider researcher, I did consider ethical concerns and the importance of counselling the participants. Challenges based on the risk of insider struggling between their role as a group member and a researcher are presented. In addition, the delicate balancing that the researcher engaged in while deciding how much of the insider information is to be shared with the participants is discussed

Contemporary trends and issues in the hospitality and tourism industry often generate opportunities and challenges. The hospitality and tourism environments are constantly changing. Customers’ needs and preferences dictate consumption and business success in the service-driven and experiential industry. This review paper explores contemporary trends and issues in Hospitality and Tourism. The review adopted a qualitative approach with a focus on the collection of secondary data and subsequent thematic analysis. The paper looks at hospitality and tourism products, services, experiences, markets and environments. It also reviews the existing opportunities and challenges in the industry. The paper lastly recommends that hospitality and tourism firms understand, embrace and take advantage of modern trends and opportunities that emerge in the environment. They should also devise strategies for managing inherent challenges in the industry.

Numerous studies have indicated that personality traits have both a positive and negative impact on marriage quality. However, such researches with Catholic married people in Kiambu Deanery are lacking. The study objective was to determine the association between personality traits and marital quality among married people in Kiambu Catholic Deanery, Archdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya. The study made use of a correlational research design. A sample size of 193 participants was chosen for the study using proportionate stratified sampling. The Big Five Inventory Scale and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale were used to collect data for the study. SPSS version 32 was used to do correlational analysis on the data. Apart from negative emotionality, the data revealed that all four personality qualities linked favorably with marital quality. The study suggests that future studies be conducted with married couples rather than married individuals

Este artigo propõe uma análise crítico-literária do conto “Rolézim”, de Geovani Martins. Teremos como direcional o conceito de “corpo-documento”, de Beatriz Nascimento (NASCIMENTO, 2018; RATTS, 2006). Desse conceito, elucidaremos como, no conto, os corpos negros sentem as consequências da Maafa (ANI, 1994; NJERI, 2020); para tal, nos alicerçaremos nos estudos sobre o papel do arquétipo do “Senhor do Ocidente” (QUIJANO, 2005; NJERI, 2020); e sobre a homogeneização alienadora do Outro, em que o epistemicídio (CARNEIRO, 2005; SANTOS; MENESES, 2009) é posto em prática, apagando ou se apropriando as contribuições civilizatórias negras na história da humanidade. Assim, apontaremos em “Rolézim”, como a literatura registra a identidade e sobrevivência na Maafa desse “corpo-documento”.

The SKA PAthfinder Radio Continuum Surveys (SPARCS) are providing deep-field imaging of the faint (sub-mJy) extra-galactic radio source populations through a series of reference surveys. One of the key science goals for SPARCS is to characterize the relative contribution of radio emission associated with AGN from star-formation (SF) in these faint radio source populations, using a combination of high sensitivity and high angular resolution imaging over a range of spatial scales (arcsec to mas). To isolate AGN contribution from SF, we hypothesise that there exists a brightness temperature cut-off point separating pure AGN from SF. We present a multi-resolution (10-100 mas) view of the transition between compact AGN and diffuse SF through a deep wide-field EVN+e-MERLIN, multiple phase centre survey of the centre of the Northern SPARCS (SLOAN) reference field at 1.6 GHz. This is the first (and only) VLBI (+e-MERLIN) milliarcsecond angular resolution observation of this field, and of the wider SPARCS reference field programme. Using these high spatial resolution (9 pc - 0.3 kpc at z ~ 1.25) data, 11 milliarcsecond-scale sources are detected from a targeted sample of 52 known radio sources from previous observations with the e-MERLIN, giving a VLBI detection fraction of ~ 21%. At spatial scales of ~ 9 pc, these sources show little to no jet structure whilst at ~ 0.3 kpc one-sided and two-sided radio jets begin to emerge on the same sources, indicating a possible transition from pure AGN emissions to AGN and star-formation systems., 14 pages, 10 figures

This study examines destination attributes through tourist reviews in the Maasai Mara ecosystem using the Kano model. Overall, positive reviews were dominant, and most tourists were satisfied with the Mara wildlife tourism experiences. However, some attributes led to dissatisfaction. The highest contribution to tourist satisfaction was due to excitement attributes such as witnessing the great migration of the wildebeest. Attributes such as safety and service-related aspects also negatively affected tourist satisfaction. The findings are useful in promoting sustainable wildlife tourism by government, private industry, and community-based tourism organizations.

Purpose: Diaspora matters have consistently attracted attention of many global actors. Today, many international organizations, as well as continental, regional and national entities, engage with their diaspora across the globe. The overall objective of this study was to examine role of natives in diaspora and Africa development. A critical literature review Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps. Findings: This study concluded that relevant Governments are crucial and instrumental in promoting meaningful contributions by the diaspora towards economic development of homeland. Therefore, the government was required to increase her involvement through various ways to encourage the participation of stakeholders as well as building an enabling environment for diaspora abroad to increase their contributions towards the economic development. It was incumbent upon the government to create a strict investor environment and level playing ground regulations as well as the rule of law for the diaspora abroad aimed at promoting their participation in the economic development of the country. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study recommended that there was a need to establish diaspora database to include diaspora geographic distribution, mapping out of diaspora economic activities, investment flows, diaspora skills, and competencies. The database should also include annual economic trends especially regarding African diaspora contributions towards Africa economic development. The information from the database would inform definite plans for adequate engagement with diaspora as well as harness their contributions. There was need to deploy and embrace new technologies, particularly, digital technologies that facilitate increased social networks, connectivity, and timely information sharing. The new technologies would create a platform where all stakeholders in diaspora matters would interact more freely as they share their experiences and thoughts.

Marketing strategy is the fundamental theme of the entire company, be it a small business or a well-known multinational corporation. The task and task of the organization is to formulate, establish and implement a coherent and elegant marketing strategy to promote its business development to attract the right types of customers and allocate resources for business growth. It does this by using profitability as a measure of business growth. Largely assessed financial efficiency. This search has led to increased competition in the Kenyan hotel industry. This has resulted in hotels developing lean marketing strategies to maintain their relevance in the extremely aggressive Kenyan hotel market. The1main1goals1for1this1findings1is1to1find1out the impacts of marketing mix on business growth in 51star1hotels1in1Nairobi1City1County1Kenya.1A1case1of1Hilton hotel. This study aims to test the degree of product differentiation in marketing strategy: the impact of price marketing strategy, niche marketing strategy, and advertising marketing strategy on profitability, market share, Hilton Kenya consumer service and sales quantity, effects of product differentiation strategy, pricing strategy, placement strategy and advertising strategy on the earnings, market values, number of customers, customer service and volume. Nairobi sales department. Research will rely on the Promotion Mix Theory, Marketing Mix Model, and Marketing Impact and Continuity Model in order to provide a more proper knowledge of the marketing mix and business growth. The study population includes 5-star hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya, including Sankara Nairobi, Dusit D2 Nairobi, Villa Rosa Kempinski, Sarova Stanley, and Hilton Nairobi. 5 Star Hotels in Nairobi, Kenya The target group will be 84 employees outside of the Hilton hotel headquarters in Nairobi. A stratified random sample is utilized to sample 42 employees at the headquarters, who make up 50% of the total population be to choose a delegate and unbiased sample in order to improve the reliability and validity of the survey results. The questionnaire is used as a data collection tool. A questionnaire will be sent to the research director to check its effectiveness and a pilot study will be undertaken to improve the reliability of the instrument. The quantitative evaluation of the data is carried out with the software SPSS Version 21 and is represented by applying tables of statistical distribution, charts, and pie charts for easy comprehensive. On the other hand, analyzing the qualitative data through content analysis, the research will help various stakeholders of the Hilton hotels understand the importance of the marketing mix and its impact on the business growth of the organization and provide references for forthcoming researchers and academics.

Purpose: Among the communication methods significant to diplomacy is signaling. Signaling in diplomacy is characterized by ambiguity that is deemed creative as well as constructive. The overall objective of this study was to examine use of E-government technologies in Kenyan foreign affairs diplomacy. Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps. Findings: This study concluded that that there are several studies that have explored the concept of digital diplomacy at various levels of analysis especially in the developed countries. Nonetheless, there were several gaps identified when it came to examining the concept of digital diplomacy in developing countries particularly those in the African continent. Diplomatic communication was noted to have transitioned as communication did. Some of the notable communication technologies that have influenced diplomatic communication included the telegraph, air mail, radio, television, telephone and modern-day information communication technologies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study recommended that in addition to the efforts of further equipping the ministry with high tech digital equipment’s, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade needs to consider that digital resources toolkits should be matched with the needs of digital diplomacy. This is because certain pieces of technology are best suited in pursuant of identified foreign policy objectives. Moreover, procuring of digital resources should be matched with extensive training of the staff on how they can utilize them to achieve maximum benefits.

Affordable housing remains a major problem for National and County Governments as the increase in population, particularly low-income earners, rises significantly annually. It is evident that despite efforts from both the national and county governments, Kiambu County still lags in the provision of affordable housing. The housing development agenda seems not to be getting the required traction at the county level with little participation by the private developers. This paper therefore, aims to establish the constraints experienced in the effective implementation of affordable housing in Kiambu County. The research design adopted in this study was survey research whereby questionnaires were used. The target population is comprised of 60 real estate developers who have an intention or have ongoing projects in Kiambu County and 100 housing officers and sub-county planners from the department of lands involved in the policy-making of affordable housing in the Kiambu County government. A sample size of 67 was adopted and a response rate of 83 per cent was achieved. The study established that the provision of affordable housing in Kiambu County is faced with various challenges such as inadequate incentives by the government, limited building technology, ineffective housing policies, inadequate supporting infrastructure, lack of access to project finance, high cost of building materials, high cost of land, and lengthy approval process. These have led to the inadequate provision of affordable housing in the county. The key recommendations of this study include; shortening the process of approving building plans and acquiring the necessary permits, making efforts towards reducing the cost of local building materials such as building stones by reducing or scraping cess fees collected from trucks transporting building materials, and the provision of adequate incentives to developers of affordable housing in the county

Purpose: Very few deposit-taking microfinances institutions are profitable. Most of them report loses in every financial year. The making of the losses may be a result of inefficiency in short term debts. The overall objective of this study was to examine influence of equity financing on the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises. Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps. Findings: From the findings of the study, the study concludes that short term debt had a positive and significant association on the profitability of the deposit-taking microfinance. The study also concludes that short term debt has a positive and significant relationship on the profitability of the deposit-taking microfinance. This means that profitability would increase with a proportionate increase in in the level of the short-term debt when all other factors affecting the profitability of the organizations are held constant. The study showed that when the company borrows, availability of sufficient funds to finance the available assets of the company, which in return improves in the level of performance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Based on the coefficients of determination, the study recommends that policymakers in the microfinance institutions should use short term debt for the financing of the activities. The cost of the short-term debts is minimal and generally offers lower interest charges, and most lenders do not charge interest until all credit allowance period is breached and therefore becomes useful for companies

Purpose: Investors can be categorized as either institutional or individual. The management is concerned with the formulation of investment decisions. These investments are key to attaining success thus ensuring increased firm valuation. The overall objective of this study was to assess examine influence of equity investments and financial performance of business in Africa. Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps. Findings: The study concluded that equity investments have a weak link on explaining the profitability of investments business in Africa. The findings also affirmed that equity investments have a positive significant effect on liquidity. The results indicated that an increase in the equity holding within the firm will result in improvements in the current ratio within the firm. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommends that the capital markets authority to rely on the findings of this study when developing benchmark guidelines on the minimum holding on various investment portfolios. This will ensure there are set regulatory requirements that will guide collective investment schemes in the management of their investors funds which can significantly improve the public confidence in the institutions and drive their financial performance.

Lack of or poor public participation in politics, policy discussions, and the ability to demand accountability of the government is a major deficit of democracy in Kenya. The general objective of the study was to analyse the influence of community participation on economic development projects in the Kajiado West sub-county, Kenya. The variables of interest were to examine the influence of community participation in project planning, project implementation, project monitoring and evaluation, and project coordination on economic development projects. The research methodology was mixed triangulation research which involved the use of both qualitative and quantitative approaches in data collection, analysis, and data interpretation. The study adopted a descriptive research design to allow the collection of comprehensive data. The target population was 1500 participants out of the entire population of the Kajiado West sub-county, which was approximately 104,376 people as per the 2009 population census. The sample size was 150 respondents from five wards. The collection of data was carried out using questionnaires and interview schedules. Questionnaires were circulated to traders, village elders, religious leaders, and farmers, while structured interviews were conducted with MCAs, chiefs, and assistant chiefs. The qualitative data was analysed using content analysis, while the quantitative data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics entailed mean, standard deviation, and frequencies, while the inferential statistics entailed the person correlation and regression analysis. The study found that community participation in project planning, project implementation, project monitoring and evaluation, and project coordination on economic development projects were positively and significantly associated.

This study assessed the effects of fear of infection of covid-19 in the marketplace on the psychological well-being of the micro business enterprise traders in Nakuru City Top Market between June and December 2020. The study was guided by Rational Emotive Behaviour theory. The study deployed a cross-sectional survey design. Quantitative data collection was done with a structured questionnaire tool. In addition, a structured Schedule interview questionnaire was used to collect qualitative data. Before the tools were adopted for the actual research, a pilot study was conducted in Naivasha Municipal Market for the purpose of testing the tools’ reliability. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse quantitative data, and qualitative data were analysed thematically. To safeguard the well-being of the respondents, ethical considerations were observed throughout the duration of the study. The study revealed that the effects of COVID-19 on microbusiness trade affected the psychological well-being of the microbusiness traders in Nakuru City Top Market. The study recommended that group counselling interventions should be introduced to help the traders recover from the post effects of the pandemic and equip them with skills to cope with future catastrophes of a similar nature. The study also recommended psychological wellbeing awareness campaigns to disseminate information to microbusiness traders in Nakuru City Top Market.

The impacts of climate change on global health and populations are far-reaching, yet they disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, thereby exacerbating disparities. As humanity reckons with the emergency of climate change, our global health community needs to contend with our own contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. We know that transformation is possible and that climate action is the antidote to the existential challenge. As a global health community, we have an immense opportunity, responsibility, and commitment to lead, support, inspire, and empower climate action, research, and innovation that align deeply with our mission and core values.

Through a critical reading of Gisèle Pineau’s La Grande Drive des esprits (1993) and Raphaël Confiant’s Adèle et la pacotilleuse (2005), this article examines the practice of ‘writing back’ to the canon as a privileged mode of Caribbean literary and critical discourse. The study demonstrates that evoking the riotous spirit of carnival performance, Confiant’s novel cannibalizes a historical drama, whose title character crumbles under the cultural, social and real weight of paternal legacy. The film’s protagonist ‐ Victor Hugo’s daughter ‐ famous for her mental health struggles, reappears in Confiant’s novel as a means of encouraging reflection on the paradoxical play of absence and silence, as well as on the limitation and power of language. Confiant further makes deliberately strategic references to Hugo’s first novel ‐ set in the Caribbean ‐ in a bid to appraise the corporeal and cultural exploitation of Caribbean peoples through (neo)-colonial designs. While less straightforward in its ‘writing back’ strategies, Pineau’s novel references Victor Hugo to make a commentary on the intersections of colonialist and masculinist underpinnings of Caribbean cultures, and women’s dislocation within them. The metaphor of madness as a marker of otherness in Pineau’s novel draws attention to the implications of language as a site of conflict.

Background: Malaria remains a major Public health problem. In 2019, it was reported that Uganda accounts for 5 % of the total global cases of malaria related deaths after Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo.Various risk factors may be responsible for poor treatment outcomes. Thus the main aim of this study was to evaluate the Risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum recurrence in Artemether-lumefantrine treated population from Bushenyi district, Uganda. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in four selected health centers of Bushenyi district, Uganda by using questionnaire, direct observations and laboratory based studies. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 23 windows) for descriptive statistics. Logistic regression analysis was done to evaluate the association between Plasmodium falciparum recurrence and associated risk factors. Results: Statistically independent predictor risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum recurrence at p

The study examined the factors that drive decisions to adopt and use irrigation technologies among smallholder farmers in Machakos County, Kenya. Data were collected from a sample of 300 smallholder farmers. Cross-sectional survey design, a multistage sampling procedure and random sampling method were employed. Percentages, means and econometric analysis were used in data analysis. Results showed that, 31.7% of the respondents practiced irrigation. Sex of household head, education, farm size, off-farm income, credit accessed and access to extension services positively influenced adoption of irrigation technologies. Adoption intensity was positively influenced by gender, off-farm income, farming experience, primary occupation and extension services. As a result, it is suggested that while formulating development strategies and programs for smallholder farmers, agricultural extension organizations should give priority to these factors.

Perioperative medical management is challenging because of the rising complexity of patients presenting for surgical procedures. A key part of preoperative optimization is appropriate management of long-term medications, yet guidelines and consensus statements for perioperative medication management are lacking. Available resources use recommendations derived from individual studies and do not include a multidisciplinary focus on formal consensus. The Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement identified a lack of authoritative clinical guidance as an opportunity to use its multidisciplinary membership to improve evidence-based perioperative care. The Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement seeks to provide guidance on perioperative medication management that synthesizes available literature with expert consensus. The aim of this consensus statement is to provide practical guidance on the preoperative management of immunosuppressive, biologic, antiretroviral, and anti-inflammatory medications. A panel of experts including hospitalists, anesthesiologists, internal medicine physicians, infectious disease specialists, and rheumatologists was appointed to identify the common medications in each of these categories. The authors then used a modified Delphi process to critically review the literature and to generate consensus recommendations.

The growth of technology has seen development of smart devices that are connected to each other giving rise to device-mesh technology. This has given rise to many owners of these devices sharing data through various web applications such as online marketplaces. The protection of data is paramount for every organization dealing with such data. An evaluation of Blockchain technology as a solution to data privacy is studied. The study concludes that though blockchain is the technology to pursue for securing and protection data, it has numerous challenges and limitations towards data privacy. More research is needed to guarantee an absolute data privacy protection.

Purpose: Diabetes is one of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) of great global public health and development concern. This NCD has adverse effects on the social well-being of patients, their households, and the whole society. The overall objective of this study was to determine the effects of health care system responsiveness on diabetes management among the patients seeking care at St. Mary’s Mission Hospital in Nairobi. Methodology: This study drew on descriptive study design, involving quantitative and qualitative methods, particularly closed and open questions. The sample size was 269 respondents included in the study through purposive and convenient sampling. These sampling techniques were preferred in this research since data was gathered from the respondents during their visit to the hospital. The researcher collected data through interviewer-administered questionnaires containing both open and closed questions. Qualitative data was grouped, coded, and categorized, picking on cross-cutting issues, then compiled, analysed, and interpreted accordingly. Quantitative data was coded then entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 for windows. SPSS was used to run frequency distributions and cross-tabulations for analysis and interpretation, and Microsoft Excel was used for graphical presentation. Findings: The study established unequal distribution of health care facilities for diabetes management across the Counties in Kenya. This leads to a late diabetes diagnosis. The respondents reported that the health care system in Kenya does not offer an affordable quality of care to diabetes patients. This makes some patients skip days or weeks without medication. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends the hospitals to form support groups or devise other forums for patients’ education and encouragement on diabetes management. They should also look into the possibilities of having diabetes services in one building. This would ensure rapid diagnostic tests and treatment for diabetes patients.

The world today is on revolution 4.0 which is data-driven. The majority of organizations and systems are using data to solve problems through use of digitized systems. Data lets intelligent systems and their applications learn and adapt to mined insights without been programmed. Data mining and analysis requires smart tools, techniques and methods with capability of extracting useful patterns, trends and knowledge, which can be used as business intelligence by organizations as they map their strategic plans. Predictive intelligent systems can be very useful in various fields as solutions to many existential issues. Accurate output from such predictive intelligent systems can only be ascertained by having well prepared data that suits the predictive machine learning function. Machine learning models learns from data input using the ‘garbage-in-garbage-out’ concept. Cleaned, pre-processed and consistent data would produce accurate output as compared to inconsistent, noisy and erroneous data.

Arboviruses are responsible for epidemics and are emerging and re-emerging in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the risk factors for arboviral diseases are poorly described in Kenyan children. Knowledge of risk factors can facilitate earlier diagnosis and better treatment and implementation of effective prevention in children.This study determined risk factors for seropositivity to Yellow fever (YFV), Dengue (DENV), Chikungunya (CHIKV) and West Nile (WNV) viruses among children at two facilities in Teso Sub-County in Western Kenya.In a hospital-based cross-sectional survey, the risk factors for seropositivity to the arboviruses were assessed. Eligible children aged 1 to 12 (n = 656) who visited Alupe Sub County Hospital and KEMRI Alupe Clinic in Teso Sub County were recruited. Socio-demographic, environmental, behavioural and medical information was collected using a questionnaire. Blood drawn from these children was screened for antibodies to YFV, DENV, CHIKV and WNV using Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise seroprevalence, socio-demographic, clinical and environmental variables. Binomial logistic regression described the relationship between the risk factors and arbovirus seropositivity.Seropositivity to at least one arbovirus was found in 27.7%, with 15.7% being positive for DENV, 9.6% for WNV, 5.6% for CHIKV and 4.4% for YFV.The factors that significantly increased the risk to at least one of the arboviruses were: age 6-9 years (by 18%,p=0.006) compared to those 1-3 years, school attendance (by 66%,p=0.000) compared to none, the primary caregiver being “Other” (by 17%, p=0.026) and not the parent, the use of Olyset (by 7%,p=0.039), or an unknown mosquito net (by 26%,p=0.020) compared to Permanet.The risk of yellow fever seropositivity was increased where vegetation was close to the house (by 5%,p=0.042) compared to where vegetation was far. The risk was decreased by the use of an unknown bed net (by 4%, p=0.046) compared to Permanet and having a past history of rash (by 6%, p=0.018).For Dengue Fever, females were at an increased risk (by 8%,p=0.002) compared to males and having water bodies near the house (7%,p=0.030).The risk of chikungunya was increased by school attendance (by 25%,p=0.021) compared to not, the use of mosquito repellents (by 10%,p=0.006) compared to no interventions and having had a rash in the past (by 6%,p=0.043). The risk was decreased by roofing with iron sheets (by 3%,p=0.048) compared to grass-thatching. WNV seropositivity risk was higher in those aged 3-6 years (by 8%,p=0.004) and 6-9 years (by 15%,p=0.004) than in those aged 1-3 years. It was increased in those attending school (by 37%,p=0.006) compared to those not, and those using Olyset (by 11%,p=0.000) or an unknown bed net (by 30%,p=0.001) compared to Permanet. The risk was lower by between 25% and 33% (pAuthor SummaryYellow fever, Dengue, Chikungunya and West Nile are viruses (Arboviruses) transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. These infections are common in Sub-Saharan Africa and often affect children. However, the risk factors associated with arboviral infections are not well described, and yet, knowledge of these predisposing factors in children is essential for early diagnosis, correct treatment, and prevention. We carried out this study to determine the factors associated with these infections. We recruited 656 children aged between 1-12 years who sought health services at Alupe Sub-County Hospital and KEMRI Alupe Clinic in Teso Sub-County, Western Kenya. We used a structured questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic, behavioural, environmental, and clinical factors. We then drew blood from these children and screened it for the four arboviruses. Out of 656 participants, 182 (27.7%) were seropositive for at least one of the four arboviruses, 29 (4.4%) for Yellow Fever, 102 (15.7%) for Dengue, 36 (5.6%) for Chikungunya and 62 (9.6%) for West Nile virus. We established that gender, age, school attendance, the primary caregiver, design of the house, type of mosquito nets used, skin rashes and other mosquito control methods all influence the risk of seropositivity. These behavioural, environmental, sociodemographic and clinical factors that influence arbovirus seropositivity are amenable to interventions that can be implemented within the community to reduce the risk and prevalence of arboviruses in children in endemic areas in Kenya.

“African Space Art as a New Perspective on Space Law” analyses African space art told through the work of African artists who retell an alternative history of spaceflight from an African cultural archive that produces a more inclusive history for humanity in space. A mix of artworks are analyzed, including the MaaSci (2017) series by Jacque Njeri, and the short film Afronaut (2014) by Nuotama Bodomo. The artworks expose different moral and ethical viewpoints that provide new ideas about the future of space governance. The artworks show how African histories, cultures, and philosophies can decolonize space travel through a deconstruction of the familiar tropes of the white, male astronaut. Space travel’s history of colonization and frontier thinking is challenged through exploring the African archive that is embedded in the artworks, so that spaceflight’s future is directed by the female Afronaut/cyborg embodying the next generation of space travelers protecting space from commercial exploitation.

Background Currently, chemotherapy stands out as the major malaria intervention strategy, however, anti-malarial resistance may hamper global elimination programs. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) stands as the drug of choice for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 gene mutations are associated with artemisinin resistance. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluating the circulation of P. falciparum k13 gene polymorphisms from Kisii County, Kenya during an era of ACT deployment. Methods Participants suspected to have malaria were recruited. Plasmodium falciparum was confirmed using the microscopy method. Malaria-positive patients were treated with artemether-lumefantrine (AL). Blood from participants who tested positive for parasites after day 3 was kept on filter papers. DNA was extracted using chelex-suspension method. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted and the second-round products were sequenced using the Sanger method. Sequenced products were analysed using DNAsp 5.10.01 software and then blasted on the NCBI for k13 propeller gene sequence identity using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). To assess the selection pressure in P. falciparum parasite population, Tajima’ D statistic and Fu & Li’s D test in DnaSP software 5.10.01 was used. Results Out of 275 enrolled participants, 231 completed the follow-up schedule. 13 (5.6%) had parasites on day 28 hence characterized for recrudescence. Out of the 13 samples suspected of recrudescence, 5 (38%) samples were positively amplified as P. falciparum, with polymorphisms in the k13-propeller gene detected. Polymorphisms detected in this study includes R539T, N458T, R561H, N431S and A671V, respectively. The sequences have been deposited in NCBI with bio-project number PRJNA885380 and accession numbers SAMN31087434, SAMN31087433, SAMN31087432, SAMN31087431 and SAMN31087430 respectively. Conclusions WHO validated polymorphisms in the k13-propeller gene previously reported to be associated with ACT resistance were not detected in the P. falciparum isolates from Kisii County, Kenya. However, some previously reported un-validated k13 resistant single nucleotide polymorphisms were reported in this study but with limited occurrences. The study has also reported new SNPs. More studies need to be carried out in the entire country to understand the association of reported mutations if any, with ACT resistance.

In recent years, robots that recognize people around them and provide guidance, information, and monitoring have been attracting attention. The mainstream of conventional human recognition technology is the method using a camera or laser range finder. However, it is difficult to recognize with a camera due to fluctuations in lighting 1), and it is often affected by the recognition environment such as misrecognition 2) with a person's leg and a chair's leg with a laser range finder. Therefore, we propose a human recognition method using a thermal camera that can visualize human heat. This study aims to realize human-following autonomous movement based on human recognition. In addition, the distance from the robot to the person is measured with a stereo thermal camera that uses two thermal cameras. A coaxial two-wheeled robot that is compact and capable of super-credit turning is used as a mobile robot. Finally, we conduct an autonomous movement experiment of a coaxial mobile robot based on human recognition by combining these. We performed human-following experiments on a coaxial two-wheeled robot based on human recognition using a stereo thermal camera and confirmed that it moves appropriately to the location where the recognized person is in multiple use cases (scenarios). However, the accuracy of distance measurement by stereo vision is inferior to that of laser measurement. It is necessary to improve it in the case of movement that requires more accuracy.

Purpose Crises are major events or periods faced by individuals, groups and society. This paper aims to explore the value of facilitating (un)learning in and from crises. Educators have a key role in building futures literacy (FL) for dealing with uncertainties, understanding emergence and responding to rapid, complex change. Integrating crisis learning as part of FL is important for enhanced anticipatory and crisis responses. Design/methodology/approach Adapting from causal layered analysis (CLA) methodology, experimental virtual futures workshops were designed and hosted during the coronavirus pandemic. Participants discussed COVID-19 crisis responses and imagined the “new normal”. Sessions explored mindsets applied to make sense and derive meaning from the crisis, myriad ways of adapting to uncertainty, as well as lenses used to imagine post-crisis futures. Findings In the exploratory and participatory CLA exercises, participants shared on the COVID-19 pandemic and imagined post-crisis futures. Related hopes and fears concerned self, collectives and nature. Overall, despite the dramatic nature of crises, opportunities exist for learning and transformation. Educators play a central role in heightening awareness about the dynamics and nature of crises, and integrating crisis learning into FL, as important and transformative capabilities. Research limitations/implications In exploratory dialogues, the “new normal” was applied as a frame for uncertainty. The workshops were hosted during the COVID-19 pandemic as a specific type of crisis. The workshop design is intended to be replicable in various crisis contexts and for iterative rounds with diverse groups. Therefore, futures images exemplify context-specific crisis-time sentiments. The findings presented here do not aim to be generalizable. They are liable to change across different crises, as a crisis evolves and across diverse stakeholders. Practical implications Dramatic change and crisis events offer potential moments for development, advancement and transformation. Educators have an important role in facilitating (un)learning in and from crises, elevating FL and expanding futures consciousness. The CLA methodology can assist educators to engage with multiple facets, layers and dimensions of crises. By considering crises intently, educators can help in anticipating emergence, imagining and preparing for diverse alternatives. Social implications The contemporary world is volatile, complex and ambiguous volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA), as revealed by multiple crises. Crises can spotlight new possibilities and horizons and may be possible turning points. The COVID-19 is an example of a crisis disruption, which provoked thinking and contributed to action about novel prospects. To realise transformative change however, it is important to integrate crisis learning as part of FL, and here educators are an important influence. Originality/value Integrating crisis learning into FL is proposed to improve responses to the rapid pace of change and uncertainty as well as to boost crisis preparedness. As part of this, there is value in applying and developing techniques such as CLA that help explore and question assumptions, to understand diverse, possible and transformed futures. This way, we can explore, imagine and expand new horizons.

Purpose: Diabetes is one of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) of great global public health and development concern. This NCD has adverse effects on the social well-being of patients, their households, and the whole society. The overall objective of this study was to determine the relationship between social roles of family members and effectiveness of diabetes management of patients seeking care at St. Mary’s Mission Hospital, Nairobi. Methodology: This study drew on descriptive study design, involving quantitative and qualitative methods, particularly closed and open questions. The sample size was 269 respondents included in the study through purposive and convenient sampling. These sampling techniques were preferred in this research since data was gathered from the respondents during their visit to the hospital. The researcher collected data through interviewer-administered questionnaires containing both open and closed questions. Qualitative data was grouped, coded, and categorized, picking on cross-cutting issues, then compiled, analysed, and interpreted accordingly. Quantitative data was coded then entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 for windows. SPSS was used to run frequency distributions and cross-tabulations for analysis and interpretation, and Microsoft Excel was used for graphical presentation. Findings: The study established that diabetes management is costly and not affordable to many patients. Hence, it affects the social well-being of the patients and their families. Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: The study recommends free or affordable and available medication for diabetes patients, and continuous awareness programs for patients, family members and the community across all Counties to address the effects of diabetes management on the patients, families, and the Nation. This would contribute to the social well-being of the patients and their families and the Nation's economic development.

Purpose This study aims to recognize the challenge of identifying deceptive information and provides a framework for thinking about how we as humans negotiate the current media environment filled with misinformation and disinformation. Design/methodology/approach This study reviews the influence of Wilson’s (2016) General Theory of Information Behavior (IB) in the field of information science (IS) before introducing Levine’s Truth-Default Theory (TDT) as a method of deception detection. By aligning Levine’s findings with published scholarship on IB, this study illustrates the fundamental similarities between TDT and existing research in IS. Findings This study introduces a modification of Wilson’s work which incorporates truth-default, translating terms to apply this theory to the broader area of IB rather than Levine’s original face-to-face deception detection. Originality/value False information, particularly online, continues to be an increasing problem for both individuals and society, yet existing IB models cannot not account for the necessary step of determining the truth or falsehood of consumed information. It is critical to integrate this crucial decision point in this study’s IB models (e.g. Wilson’s model) to acknowledge the human tendency to default to truth and thus providing a basis for studying the twin phenomena of misinformation and disinformation from an IS perspective. Moreover, this updated model for IB contributes the Truth Default Framework for studying how people approach the daunting task of determining truth, reliability and validity in the immense number of news items, social media posts and other sources of information they encounter daily. By understanding and recognizing our human default to truth/trust, we can start to understand more about our vulnerability to misinformation and disinformation and be more prepared to guard against it.

Gibberellic acid (GA) is a vital phytohormone for plant growth and development. GA biosynthesis is a complex pathway regulated by various transcription factors. Here we report a stress-associated protein 8 (OsSAP8), negatively involved in GA biosynthesis. Overexpression of OsSAP8 in rice resulted in a semi-dwarfism phenotype and reduced endogenous GA3 content. In contrast, an OsSAP8 knockout mutant exhibited higher endogenous GA3 content and slightly increased plant height. Sub-cellular localization analysis of OsSAP8 showed that it could enter the nucleus. Based on electrophoretic mobility shift assay and yeast one hybrid experiments, OsSAP8 was found to bind to the cis-acting regulatory element GADOWNAT of ent-kaurene oxidases (KO2, KO3, KO5). The results from dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that OsSAP8 does not activate LUC reporter gene expression. However, it could interact with basic leucine zipper 58 (OsbZIP58), which has strong transcriptional activation potential on OsKO2. Moreover, the interaction between OsSAP8, rice lesion simulating disease 1-like 1 (OsLOL1), and OsbZIP58 could reduce the promotive effect of transcription factor OsbZIP58 on OsKO2. These results provide some new insights on the regulation of GA biosynthesis in rice.

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to determine the interrelationship among the components of students’ internet insight as an academic resource tool in universities based in Kenya. Methodology: The study was conducted in Moi University and Daystar University. The study was based on the Social learning theory by Bandura focusing on internet self-efficacy and supplemented by Technology acceptance model by Davies. Quantitative research approach was undertaken. An ex post facto research survey design was adopted. The researcher used a representative sample of 435 (Moi University) and 175 (Daystar University)adding up to 610 Third year student teachers of the academic year 2015/2016 drawn from School of Education in the two universities. Stratified sampling was used to categorize students by gender from each stratum; participants were chosen randomly. Questionnaires were used as instruments of data collection. Content validity was established by use of expert judgment in the school of education. Test re-test method was applied to check if the instruments that collected data were reliable. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze data. In descriptive statistics data frequencies, percentages and mean was used. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi square and Post hoc tests were used to test the hypotheses. Results: The findings indicated that more participants concurred with almost all accounts on internet knowledge, self-efficacy, perceived internet usefulness and perceived internet ease of use. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The results of the paper are useful in designing educational programs in Kenyan institutions of higher learning and also, present a platform to close the gap of knowledge in digital divide field which is used later in technology acceptance studies.

Through an �everyday� lens, the articles presented in this supplementary issue draw together diverse discourses, experiences, theorisations and interpretations of everyday peacebuilding. This introduction seeks to locate peacebuilding as a policy agenda and centres the idea of the everyday lens that is useful in countering the dominant focus of liberal peacebuilding that privileges external actors. The authors do not engage in the philosophical dates of everyday but rather uses it as placeholder for �the local�; more as a referent to a scale of analysis than a substantive characteristic of distinct phenomena in its own right. This, as presented here, is taken to mean quite distinct things to different scholars, as is illustrated in the collection of articles by the various authors in this supplementary issue.