Indexing

Abstract: Motivation of employees has always been quantified in financial attributes. For productivity to occur then there is need for using non-financial motivational initiatives. This study purposed to analyze the role of motivational initiatives on employee   productivity with specific reference to commercial banks in Bungoma County. The study was guided by the objective:  to establish the role of grievance resolution on employee productivity. The study adopted a survey design with a focus on 536 bank employees of different job cadres drawn from 11 banks. A sample size of 229 was obtained using Yamane’s formula. Stratified sampling technique was employed with six strata’s obtained from six job cadres from top management to clerical staff. Structured questionnaires were the main data collection tools and analysis was aided by use Statistical Program for Social Scientist (SPSS) where descriptive and inferential statistics was applied and there after presentations of findings was done using tables. There was a positive strong correlation between grievance resolution and employee productivity. r = .754, p (0.00) < α (0.05). The study concludes that the non-financial motivation strategy influenced employee productivity in commercial banks. The study recommends introduction of impartial dispute meetings to resolve grievances.

Abstract: This paper explores the socio-economic situation of women in Lesotho. Based on secondary data obtained from Bureau of Statistics, Land Administration Authority, country analytical annual reports ministerial reports as well as Lesotho government website; it analyzes the status of Basotho women with regard to access and control over economic opportunities. Main indicators discussed include access and control of resources like in education and land ownership, participation in decision making e.g. political participation. The issue of women and discriminatory laws is also addressed. This study is restricted to the relevant and available data and information on access on August 2015. The statistical data in this paper suggest that female is a dominating gender as far as land ownership is concerned. With regard to economic decision making and political participation, there is gender imbalance with men as a dominating gender. Women have been victims of discriminatory laws which denied them opportunity to own or inherit land and immovable property and hold senior positions in companies. These laws were later amended although gaps still exists. The finding shows that Lesotho has relatively high literacy and net primary school enrolment, but with a reversed gender gap signifying discrepancy to the advantage of girls. Gender related policies should be formulated and implemented so as to increase women’s representation and inclusiveness in political participation and economic decision-making. Given the responsibilities of women, improvement of women’s socio economic status in all sectors will not only be of essence to women alone, but also families and communities as well. This will also enhance women empowerment and contribute to inclusive sustainable economic growth, reduce poverty and social injustices and other forms of inequalities.Measures need to be developed to improve access to education for boys so as to ensure a balanced human development outcome. Amendments on Laws of Lerotholi should be a well understood public knowledge.

Abstract: This work models the loss of properties from fire outbreak in Ogun State using Simple Weighted Least Square Regression. The study covers (secondary) data on fire outbreak and monetary value of properties loss across the twenty (20) Local Government Areas of Ogun state for the year 2010. Data collected were analyzed electronically using SPSS 21.0. Results from the analysis reveal that there is a very strong positive relationship between the number of fire outbreak and the loss of properties; this relationship is significant. Fire outbreak exerts significant influence on loss of properties and it accounts for approximately 91.2% of the loss of properties in the state.

Abstract: This study was conducted to examine the nutrient removal efficiency of pilot scale Constructed Wetland (CW) designed to treat dairy wastewater. Two pilot scale fiber glass wetland units were constructed to function as Subsurface Horizontal Flow (SSHF) CWs. A gravel based medium was layered for inlets and outlets of each unit. Constructed Wetland bed was filled with sand and the upper layer was filled with compost: top soil mixture (1:2). Both units were planted with Schoenoplectus grossus (Giant bulrush).After establishing plants for three months, the treatment unit was saturated with seven Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) loads of diluted and neutralized dairy wastewater ranging from 5g/m2d , 16g/m2d, 20g/m2d, 24g/m2d,33g/m2d, 48g/m2d and 186 g/m2d. Seven days were maintained as effective retention time under each BOD load. Control unit was maintained without the addition of dairy wastewater. Samples were collected from the inlets and outlets of each unit and analyzed for BOD, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD),Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorous (TP).Removal efficiencies of BOD, COD, TN and TP were calculated. The results of this study showed BOD removal efficiencies in the range of 30%-100%, COD removal efficiencies in the range of 75%-92%, TN removal efficiencies in the range of 40%-100% and for TP in the range of 0%-100% with respect to studied loading rates. Based on these results this paper suggests that this type of pilot scale SSHF CWs planted with Scheonoplectus grossus is appropriate for removal of BOD, COD, TN and TP in dairy wastewater arising from small and medium sector dairy industries.

Abstract: In this study Methanolic and chloroform leaf and root extract of Rauvolfia serpentina was studied for its antibacterial activity. Antibacterial activity of leaf and root extracts was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella pneumonia by disc diffusion method.  Methanolic extract of root was showed the maximum zone of inhibition for all test organisms than the leaf extract. According to observations of root extract of 50µl/ml concentration 15.4mm, 16.2mm, 12.3mm,10.1mm and 15.0mm zones of inhibition and for concentration of 100µl/ml 22.5mm, 23.1mm, 15.1mm, 18.0mm, 22.0mm zones of inhibition were formed against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella pneumonia respectively. 50µl/ml concentration of leaf and root chloroform extracts showed no zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, maximum zone of inhibition was observed 15.0mm and 15.5mm against E. coli for leaf and root chloroform extract respectively.  100µl/ml concentration showed maximum zone of inhibition against all test organisms for both leaf and root extracts. All the bacteria were more susceptible to methanolic extracts than the chloroform extracts.

Abstract: The impact of environment, economic and safety challenges have provoked the need to partially substitute petrochemical based polymer with bio degradable ones. [Poly lactic acid] PLA is the leading biodegradable polymer but its applications are limited by its relatively high cost, poor impact strength and barrier properties, which may be improved by adding reinforcing compounds (fillers), forming composites. Most reinforced materials present poor matrix–filler interactions, which tend to improve with decreasing filler dimensions. The use of fillers with at least one nanoscale dimension (nanoparticles) produces nanocomposites. Nanoparticles have proportionally larger surface area than their microscale counterparts, which favors the filler–matrix interactions and the performance of the resulting material.
Applications of nanomaterials in combination with PLA structures for creating new PLA nanocomposite with greater abilities are also covered. These approaches may modify PLA weakness for some food packaging applications. Nanotechnology approaches are being broadened in food science, especially in packaging material science with high performance and low concentrations and prices, so this category of nano-research is estimated to be revolutionary in food packaging science in the near future. The linkage of the 100% bio originated material and nanomaterial opens new windows for becoming independent, primarily, of petrochemical based polymers and, secondarily, for answering environmental and health concerns will undoubtedly be growing with time.           
This study seeks to overcome PLA limitations by reinforcing PLA with nanoparticles and low-cost agricultural residues. The work presented in this thesis focuses on exploration of following relevant aspects:
• Preparation of PLA nanocomposite from LA [lactic acid].
• Reinforcement of various fillers during preparation.
• Testing of the formed nanomaterial to study the enhanced properties for sustainable green food packaging.
• Comparative study of the newly formed nanocomposites with respect to its properties
Nanotechnology has demonstrated a great potential to provide important changes in food packaging sector.
Nanocomposites are promising to expand the use of bio-degradable polymer, since the addition of nanoreinforcement has been related to improvement in overall performance of biopolymers, making them more competitive in a market dominated by non-biodegradable materials.

Abstract: Urbanization and subsequent creation of urban sprawl have become a major concern to many countries worldwide and particularly, developing countries that experience a rapid rate of urbanization.  This situation is pronounced more in Africa where the annual growth rate were 4.7% and 4.6% between 1960 - 1980 and 1980 - 2000 respectively.  (UN 1969).  In Kenya the big numbers of small urban centres such as Ahero indicate the trend where urbanization is spreading.  This influx of people into specific settlements creates high demand for water. This situation implies that no provision of safe water for domestic use can be expected.  In Ahero town, the provision of adequate supply of safe water for domestic use is lacking.  This has led to other environmental problems including high health risks for the inhabitants.  This study examines the state of and the adequacy of supply of safe domestic water in Ahero town. A survey was conducted that made use of the existing physical development plan for Ahero town. A still camera was used to capture the state of the subject of study and 199 close ended questionnaires.  Discussions were held with key informants and non-governmental organizations in relation to water supply in the town. The data collected was analyzed using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). The study established that there is one water point constructed by the Catholic Mission church. The facility is situated in the mission compound and run by the same church that supplies water at a fee.  Other sources include wells and nearby River Nyando. The study concludes that environmental problems relating to poor and inadequate supply of safe domestic water exists in Ahero town. It recommends that proper strategy and planning for provision of these essential services is made.

Abstract: This paper gives an analysis on the barriers to development and progress of entrepreneurs in Lesotho. It adopts the use of primary data which was collected through personal interview with structured questionnaire and direct observations. The results reveal that all entrepreneurs regardless of gender are equally faced with economic barriers which comprise lack of finance and problems of markets. Furthermore, the socio-cultural factors which involve negative view of society towards women and individual familial factors especially family problems basically affect women; these could be attributed to the fact that women are liable for domestic responsibilities in their families. However, structural barriers are observed to have an insignificant impact on development and progress of Lesotho entrepreneurs. Following these findings, through trade organizations, the government could assist in supporting the establishment of mentoring networks facilitating the development of the emerging entrepreneurs, as well as providing training workshops on women empowerment. Also, mechanisms to support entrepreneurs and assist them in gaining access to international markets should be developed.

Abstract: This paper provides a background on the usage of microalgae which are increasingly recognized as promising for biofuel production. Compared to terrestrial crops, microalgae are very biodiverse and offer considerable versatility for a range of biotechnological applications including; the production of animal feeds, fuels, high value products and waste-water treatment. Microalgae are used as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, as well as other industrial applications. In terms of environmental biotechnology, they are useful for bioremediation of agro-industrial wastewater, and as a biological tool for assessment and monitoring of environmental toxicants such as heavy metals, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Microalgae are being considered as a viable feedstock for large-scale production of biodiesel. However, it may look simpler to obtain lipids from microalgae, the overall process of choosing an algal strain, cultivation, harvesting, dewatering, and extraction of oil is quite complicated and may not be economical at present.