African Water Laws: Plural Legislative Frameworks For Rural Water Management in Africa: an international workshop, Johannesburg, South Africa, 26-28 January 2005

Water law / Water management / Water policy / Poverty / River basins / Irrigation systems / Institutions / Wetlands

Kung’s Theory of Paradigm Shifts in Church History: An Evaluation

The theory of paradigms is a broad subject that has been discussed extensively from various perspectives including science, religion and history. Its strengths and weaknesses have been aptly considered. This research article seeks to investigate the extent of the theory\u27s applicability to church history. The question that we wish to address is: To what extent, is this theory of paradigms applicable in explaining the changes that have taken place through the history of Christianity

Factors that Contributed to the Growth of the Kenya Assemblies of God Church: An Analysis of Multi-paradigms

Many churches in Africa lack recorded history for various reasons, such as scarcity of funds and/or scholars in the field of church history (cf. Kalu, 1993:166ff). This situation is more prevalent among the Pentecostal movements which, initially and for genuine reasons, were anti-intellectualist and emphasized ministry alone (Clark & Lederle et al, 1983:41; McNamee, 1974:27; and Hollenweger). Another possible explanation results from the fact that these churches are relatively young compared to their counterpart mainline churches. This lack of recorded history poses a hindrance to any efforts in evaluating the growth of such churches. There is an immediate need to understand the complex nature of the Pentecostal churches and how growth is motivated within their congregations. This is only possible if history is documented. Marwick (1989: 14) states that as memory is to the individual, so history is to the community or society. To fully appreciate history, it is necessary to have it recorded, not just for the present but also for future generations. A church may not be able to adequately evaluate its growth or understand itself without recorded history. This fact applies also to Assemblies of God Church (hereafter KAG) as one of the major Pentecostal movements in Kenya and other parts of the world (Anderson, 1992 & 1993; and Saayman, 1993). Recorded history is a treasure to any people, society or organisation (Brumback, 1977:iii). If history is not recorded within the life-span of pioneer members, it is likely that when the pioneers have departed, important information that makes the history complete, may die with them. The KAG church has over three decades worth of history and obviously, most of the pioneer members (both missionaries and nationals) are either gone or leaving the stage, one way or the other. As such, a reflection on its history is timely for the purpose of . evaluating both its growth and significance (cf. McIntire, 1984:40)

Kung’s Theory of Paradigm Shifts in Church History: An Evaluation

The theory of paradigms is a broad subject that has been discussed extensively from various perspectives including science, religion and history. Its strengths and weaknesses have been aptly considered. This research article seeks to investigate the extent of the theory\u27s applicability to church history. The question that we wish to address is: To what extent, is this theory of paradigms applicable in explaining the changes that have taken place through the history of Christianity

Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and prevalence of ESBLS among E.coli isolates recovered from people working in hospitality industry within Nairobi, Kenya

Objective: To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles with key focus on ESBL-producing E.coli strains isolated from participants working in the hospitality industry in Nairobi, KenyaStudy design: A cross sectional descriptive study.Setting: Centre for Microbiology Research at Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi.Subjects: A total of 323 food-handlers working within Nairobi County were recruited.Results: High resistances were recorded for Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (70%), Ampicillin (44.6%), Streptomycin (42%) and Tetracyclines (41%) while Imipenem and Cefepime were effective against 99% of the isolates. A third of all isolates were multidrug resistant. The prevalence of ESBLs was 3.4% while CMT, IRT and pAmpC-phenotypes accounted for <2%. About 1% of the ESBL-producers were also resistant to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. The blaTEM accounted for 37%, blaSHV (25%), blaCTX-M (12%) and blaOXA-1 gene (7%). Majority of MDR strains were obtained from young individuals working in middle class hotels. Genetic relatedness of the MDR isolates was apparently influenced by the resistance profiles, hotel type and clinical characteristics.Conclusion: This study revealed that apparently healthy people working in the hospitality industry carry MDR E. coli that could potentially be transmitted to the general public. Infections by such strains could result in limited treatment options increasing the chances of patient mortality. Therefore, there is need to contain the spread of such strains through promotion of rational use of antimicrobials, properhygiene and certification of food handlers based on proper laboratory investigations

Risk factors for placental malaria and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes in Rufiji, Tanzania: a hospital based cross sectional study

Background: Prevention and treatment of malaria during pregnancy is crucial for reduction of malaria in pregnancy and its adverse outcomes. The spread of parasite resistance to Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) used for Intermittent Preventive Treatment for malaria in pregnancy (IPTp), particularly in East Africa has raised concerns about the usefulness and the reliability of the IPTp regimen. We aimed to  assess the effectiveness of two doses of SP in treating and preventing occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.Methodology: The study was an analytical cross sectional study which enrolled 350 pregnant women from Kibiti Health Centre, South Eastern Tanzania. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain  previous obstetrics and medical history of participants and verified by reviewing antenatal clinic cards. Maternal placental blood samples for microscopic examination of malaria parasites were collected after delivery. Data was analyzed for associations between SP dosage, risk for PM and pregnancy outcome. Sample size was estimated based on precisionResults: Prevalence of placental maternal (PM) was 8% among pregnant women (95%CI, 4.4-13.1%). Factors associated with increased risk of PM were primigravidity (P<0.001) and history of fever during pregnancy (P= 0.02). Use of at least 2 doses of SP for IPTp during pregnancy was insignificantly associated with reducing the risk PM (P=0.08), low birth weight (P=0.73) and maternal anemia (P=0.71) but associated significantly with reducing the risk of preterm birth (P<0.001).Conclusion: Two doses of SP for IPTp regime are ineffective in preventing and treating PM and adverse pregnancy outcome. Hence a review to the current IPTp regimen should be considered with possibility of integrating it with other malaria control strategies.Keywords: Placental malaria, intermittent preventive treatment, Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine, Malaria in pregnanc

Exploring Effective ICT Integration Strategies in Education: A Case of Two Public Primary Schools in Mombasa, Kenya

Purpose: The contemporary education landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, largely driven by the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). This paper explores the experiences of educators as they incorporate ICT into teaching and learning. Methodology: The study was conducted in Mombasa City, Kenya, and utilized qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and classroom observations, in a case study design involving two urban primary schools. The research meticulously documented the experiences of 16 participants. Findings: The findings of the study highlight several advantages of using ICT in teaching and learning, including easy access to information, interactive and personalized learning opportunities, as well as collaboration. However, the data also revealed significant challenges faced by educators, such as unstable electricity, inadequate ICT gadgets, internet fluctuation, and a lack of skills to integrate ICT into teaching. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: Educators consistently stressed the importance of continuous support and professional development to enhance their ICT integration skills. Furthermore, the research emphasized several promising recommendations, including the installation of alternative sources of electricity, sourcing for additional ICT devices, supervising learners while using ICT gadgets, and conducting professional development initiatives tailored to the creation of a collaborative community of practice (COP), which have the potential to effectively address these challenges. To fully leverage the potential of ICT for enriching the learning experience, equipping students with essential digital skills, and preparing them for a digital-centric world, educational institutions, and policymakers must prioritize investments in technological infrastructure and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among educators

Parafoveal processing of orthographic, morphological, and semantic information during reading Arabic: A boundary paradigm investigation

Evidence shows that skilled readers extract information about upcoming words in the parafovea. Using the boundary paradigm, we investigated native Arabic readers\u27 processing of orthographic, morphological, and semantic information available parafoveally. Target words were embedded in frame sentences, and prior to readers fixating them, one of the following previews were made available: (a) Identity preview; (b) Preview that shared the pattern morpheme with the target; (c) Preview that shared the root morpheme with the target; (d) Preview that was a synonym with the target word; (e) Preview with two of the root letters were transposed thus creating a new root, while preserving all letter identities of the target; (f) Preview with two of the root letters were transposed thus creating a pronounceable pseudo root, while also preserving all letter identities of the target; and (g) Previews that was unrelated to the target word and shared no information with it. The results showed that identity, root-preserving, and synonymous preview conditions yielded preview benefit. On the other hand, no benefit was obtained from the pattern-preserving previews, and significant disruption to processing was obtained from the previews that contained transposed root letters, particularly when this letter transposition created a new real root. The results thus reflect Arabic readers\u27 dependance on morphological and semantic information, and suggest that these levels of representation are accessed as early as orthographic information. Implications for theory- and model-building, and the need to accommodate early morphological and semantic processing activities in more comprehensive models are further discussed. Copyright

“Fever means antibiotic”, the Omani public’s attitudes to the use of antibiotics for treating the common cold

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide concern to reserve the effectiveness of antibiotics in therapy. The irrational use of antibiotics is one of the factors contributing to antimicrobial resistance. In depth exploration of the public’s attitudes towards the use of antibiotics for treating the common cold will improve understanding of the factors that cause the indiscriminate use of antibiotics; and could have an impact on antimicrobial resistance. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals recruited from public places, within governorate of Muscat, Oman. The interviews explored public perceptions about self care of minor ailments. The data was analysed by applying the principles of constructivist grounded theory. Results: Twenty-one participants were interviewed. Emerging themes included attitude to medicines in general, comprising specifically the use of antibiotics. Some participants indicated that it was necessary to take antibiotics for conditions associated with fever or severe sore throats. They believed that fever and inflammation is always a sign of bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. Participants did not understand the concept of bacterial resistance but thought that overuse of antibiotics affected their immunity to colds and sore throats. Access to antibiotics for treating the common cold is highly influenced by physicians’ prescribing behaviours, and there was a clear variance percieved between the private and public primary health sectors with regards to antibiotic prescribing practice. Conclusion: Due to misunderstanding, people believe that antibiotics are needed to treat colds and sore throats. These findings suggest there is a need for educational intervention and better enforcement of regulations in Oman