An Evaluation of the Performance Contracting on Organisation Performance: A Case of Kenyatta University, Kenya

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the performance contracting on organization performance. Specific objectives included: an evaluation of the effect of performance contracting on the improvement of service quality at Kenyatta University; an assessment of the influence of the performance contract on the improvement of efficiency at Kenyatta University and a determination of whether performance contracting improves effectiveness at Kenyatta University.Content and descriptive analyses were employed to analyse the respondents’ views on effect performance contracting on performance. The data was then be coded to enable the responses to be grouped into categories. Descriptive statistics was also used mainly to summarize the data. A Likert scale and the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 12.0), was employed. Tables and graphs were used as appropriate to present the data collected for ease of understanding and analysis.The study concluded that performance contracting indeed increases service delivery in institutions, and greatly so. Performance contracting was found to indeed increase overall efficiency in institutions to a great extent. With standards and performance targets as well as monitoring and evaluation in performance contracting as proxies in determining organizations’ effectiveness, the study establishes that performance contracting improves institutions’ overall effectiveness. Key Words: Performance Contracting, Kenyatta Universit

Studies of Biodegradation of Ipomea Carnea Weed from Kavinadu Big Tank in Pudukkottai District (India)

Introduction: The adverse effect of aquatic vegetation on the environment is an increasingly serious world-wide problem. Challenging the international community. The development of control method will require innovative thinking and creative research. The rapid growth rate, spread, and adaptability from aquatic to xerophytic habitats indicate this plant may potentially become another ecological disaster in India like water hyacinth and Salvinia spp. Methods: Sterile bag samplers were used to collect the water from various sampling site and were processed after collection. Water sample was aseptically passed through 0.22 µM pore size filters and placed on nutrient Agar plates and incubated. After incubation the isolated bacterial colonies were picked with sterile toothpicks and stabbed into nutrient agar contained in screw capped vials for further process. Sediment samples were collected in polypropylene tube with a hole drilled in the bottom and serially diluted samples were spread on the nutrient agar plates. Then the plates were incubated for 24 hrs. After incubation the isolated bacterial colonies were picked with sterile toothpicks and stabbed into nutrient agar contained in screw capped vials for further process. Results: The predominant microbial load was isolated from the samples and they were identified as Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. By biochemical characterization and selective media. Bacteria, Actinomycetes and fungal growth in aquatic biocompost were gradually increased. The organic content of biocompost also increased. The pH of Ipomoea carnea compost was 7.61.  Highest number of thermophilic bacteria (43x106) was observed at 50ºC Biocompost of 30th day, 26x106 was observed at 60 ºC. Thermophilic fungal growth was not observed in other compost Conclusion: Composting is one of the most promising ways to recycle the wastes generated from power    plants, as the process reduces the volume and stabilizes the waste. The high organic matter content in the compost product also preserves soil fertility.  A large variety of thermophilic micro-organisms have been reported in composting and other self-heating organic materials. Such information is of particular interest because these bacteria may be the major active organisms in the thermophilic stages of composting. Keywords: Ipomoea carnea, Vermicompost, biodegradation, thermophili

Mwingilianomatini katika tamthilia za Kiswahili: Mashetani na Kijiba cha Moyo

Tamthilia ya Kiswahili imedhihirisha, kwa njia moja au nyingine, uhusiano wa kimwingilianomatini. Makala haya yanadhamiria kuchunguza viwango na aina za mwingilianomatini baina ya tamthilia mbili za Kiswahili. Tamthilia hizi ni Mashetani (Hussein 1971) na Kijiba cha Moyo (Arege 2009). Tathmini hii inaongozwa na nadharia ya mwingilanomatini. Tumeteua na kuhakiki tamthilia hizi kwa misingi kwamba, kwa muda mrefu, Ebrahim Hussein ameaminika kuwa mmojawapo wa watunzi bora wa tamthilia ya Kiswahili katika eneo la Afrika Mashariki. Wahakiki wa fasihi wanaelekea kukubalia na kwamba Ebrahim Hussein ameathiri watunzi wengi wa baadaye wa tamthilia kimtindo, kimaudhui na usawiri wahusika. Lengo la makala haya ni kujaribu kuonesha jinsi tamthilia za Mashetani na Kijiba cha Moyo zinavyofanana kwa kuchunguza viwango vya mwingilianomatini baina ya tamthilia hizo kwa kurejelea, motifu, maudhui, matumizi ya lugha, na wahusika. Je, ni kwa kiwango gani mtunzi wa Kijiba cha Moyo ameathiriwa na mtunzi wa Mashetani? Je, amemnukuu, kudondoa au kumwiga mtangulizi wake kwa kiwango gani

Isolation and Characterization of Micro-organisms with Industrial Importance From Sisal Bole Rots

Investigation of microorganisms naturally acclimatized to Agave hybrid H 11648 (sisal bole rot) was conducted, with the aim of isolating and characterizing Aspergillus niger strains for industrial use. Microorganism were identified morphologically and then confirmation made by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed the existence of four major groups, listed in order of abundances as follows; Aspergilli (36.0±0.8) %, Penicillin (28.0±0.1) %, Yeast (15.0±1.6) %and Fusarium (10.0±0.12) %. The main groups of Aspergilli strains were A. nidulans, A. tamari and A. niger in ratios (3:2:2), respectively. Several endo-spore forming non-enteric gram (-) rods and coccid bacteria identified by API20 NE identification systemincluded,Brevundimonas diminuta sp, Shewanella putrefaciens sp, Brevundimonas vesicularis sp and Pasteurella sp. Results showed that sisal bole rot stems hosts a high bio-diversity of microorganism species other than A. niger. Exploitation of the individual strains is recommended. This could eventually produce strains forprecursors of industrially and therapeutically metabolites

A survey to document toxic hazards in the zone surrounding volcanoes national park, a habitat for mountain gorillas, an endangered wildlife species in Rwanda

IntroductionIn recent years, Volcanoes National Park has seen a rise in its wildlife population, primarily due to the diligent efforts of the Rwandan government in safeguarding endangered species, notably the mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei spp. beringei). This population growth has led to a pressing need for more expansive habitats, ensuring these creatures have ample space, sustenance, and shelter for their wellbeing. Consequently, there are planned park expansion activities on the horizon. However, before initiating this expansion, a critical prelude involves identifying potential threats, particularly toxic substances stemming from agricultural activities in the surrounding environment of Volcanoes National Park.MethodsTo address this concern, a comprehensive study was conducted, aimed at pinpointing potential toxic hazards and assessing the awareness of the local population regarding the harm these hazards pose to wildlife species. Data was collected from individuals with no prior knowledge of the study using a pre-tested questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into three sections: socio-demographic issues, potential toxic hazards assessment, and a section to determine awareness and risk of potential toxic hazards to humans, animals, and the environment. Respondents were selected based on specific criteria, which included being 18 years or older and residing within the National Volcano Park (NVP) area.ResultsThe study's findings revealed four main categories of potential toxic hazards, which include household chemicals, pharmaceutical products, agricultural pesticides, and poisonous plants. These hazards could jeopardize the health and survival of wildlife species if they consume or come into contact with them. Furthermore, the study exposed an inadequacy in the knowledge and skills of the local community in preventing these toxic hazards, which can result in death of wildlife species and ecosystem contamination and degradation.ConclusionStudy results also underscored the significance of education and training in enhancing the awareness of local communities concerning these toxic threats. Therefore, it is imperative to implement immediate measures to mitigate the adverse effects of these toxic hazards on wildlife species, especially in light of the planned park expansion

Unlocking pre-basic bean seed supply bottlenecks through mutually beneficial public-private sector partnerships in Malawi and Zimbabwe

Common bean is a widely cultivated and consumed pulse crop in both Malawi and Zimbabwe. Market opportunities are frustrated lack quality grain despite prolific release of improved varieties. Similar to most other countries, the production of certified seed is liberalized, but early generation seed still remains a preserve of the public sector. However, the public sector is often inadequately resourced to produce sufficient early generation seed (EGS) and this has bottleneck effect on certified seed and grain production. This results in delayed use of newly released varieties and/or shortage of improved bean seed on the market. This paper presents possible solutions to the EGS challenge

Biogas-slurry derived mesoporous carbon for supercapacitor applications

This research article published by Elsevier Ltd., 2017This study reports on the transformation of biogas slurry into mesoporous carbon for supercapacitor electrodes. Pore structures have been modified by altering activation time, temperature and KOH/carbon mass ratio. The mesoporous carbons are successively developed as evidenced by type IV isotherms obtained in nitrogen sorption studies. BET, micropore and mesopore surface area of 515, 350, and 165 m2 g−1, respectively as well as a narrow pore width distribution of 3–4.5 nm are obtained. X-ray photoelectron results have confirmed the presence of functional groups of oxygen and nitrogen in the samples which facilitates the pseudocapacitance. The electrochemical measurements in 6 M KOH using a three electrode cell with Ag/AgCl as reference electrode and platinum as counter electrode has been performed. The materials activated at 700 °C, 3:1 KOH to carbon mass ratio, and for 120 min exhibit high specific capacitance of 289 F g−1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1. Shortening activation time to 30 and 60 min reduces specific capacitance to 163 and 182 F g−1, in that order. Additionally, at 3:1 KOH to carbon mass ratio and 60 min activation time, specific capacitances of 170 and 210 F g−1 at 600 and 800 °C, respectively are obtained. Moreover, specific capacitance increases with increasing the KOH to carbon mass ratio from 148 F g−1 for 1:1–163 F g−1 for 3:1 at 700 °C. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies demonstrate that material has high conductivity. In addition; capacity retention of 96% after 20,000 cycles is shown at scan rate of 30 mV s−1. The study shows that high performance electrodes can be designed from biogas slurry derived porous carbon

Fish bladder-based activated carbon/Co3O4/TiO2 composite electrodes for supercapacitors

This research article published by Elsevier B.V., 2019Cobalt oxide/titanium dioxide/activated carbon (Co3O4/TiO2/Ac) composite was synthesized using simple sol-gel method before annealing at 300 °C. Fish bladder derived porous carbon used for the composite was synthesized by pyrolysis followed by chemical activation. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction displayed Co3O4 and TiO2 phases well embedded onto the carbon matrices. Cyclic voltammetry in 6 M KOH electrolyte demonstrated that the composite has an excellent specific capacity of 946 Fg-1 for Co3O4/TiO2/Ac as compared to Co3O4/Ac, TiO2/Ac, and Ac with specific capacitances of 845, 340, and 308 F g−1, respectively at 5 mVs−1. Impedance spectroscopy reveals that the composite has good capacitive behavior with a series resistance of 0.6 Ω. Besides, Co3O4/TiO2/Ac maintains 89.7% of the initial capacitance after 2000 cycles. This study shows that the synergistic effect of the metal oxides and the carbon in the composite can enhance capacitance for practical supercapacitor applications

Computational analysis of missense mutations from the human Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) protein by Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Dynamic Residue Network Analysis:

Missense mutations are changes in the DNA that result in a change in the amino acid sequence. Depending on their location within the protein they can have a negative impact on how the protein functions. This is especially important for proteins involved in the body’s response to infection and diseases. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is one such protein that functions to recruit white blood cells to sites of inflammation