A Role of Unfolded Protein Response in the Cellular Response to Flavivirus Infection

Flaviviruses are responsible for a myriad of epidemics globally. Factors like movement and climate change perpetuate their spread making control rather challenging. The understanding of host-virus interactions is therefore cornerstone in attempts to produce efficient vaccines and/or therapies. The host immune system is indispensable in fighting infections but viruses have developed evasion strategies which abrogate the response that would otherwise function in virus clearance. The unfolded protein response (UPR), an intrinsic cellular proteostasis pathway is increasingly associated with innate immunity in response to cellular insults including viral infection. UPR activation by external stimuli elicits an earlier induction of IFNβ and antiviral ISGs suggesting UPR as a priming event that potentiates a more robust response against flaviviruses. Prerequisite to the core of this study, an analysis of the effects of TM and TG (UPR chemical inducers) as used in our current experimental settings show that they are only cytostatic but not cytotoxic. Afterwards, I delve into the search for alternative UPR inducers as potential alternatives for the ones currently in use. I show that E, NS1 and NS2B proteins of TBEV can induce UPR and several antiviral ISGs when ectopically expressed, an effect that inhibits TBEV in infection. Of the three proteins studied, NS2B seems to be the most potent inducer of UPR and antiviral ISGs. Furthermore, expression of NS2B together with RIG-I augments the IFNβ promoter activity suggesting a possible role in innate signaling independent of infection. The findings of this work open up possible avenues that require further investigation particularly in the case of NS2B, which is not a well-documented flavivirus protein apart from the context of its function as a protease cofactor. The mechanism by which it induces ER stress is especially intriguing because unlike E and NS1 proteins, it is not a glycoprotei

Parental Involvement as a Predictor of Pre-Primary School Learners’ Acquisition of Collaborative Competencies in Ganze, Kilifi County Kenya

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental involvement and collaborative learning competencies among pre-primary school learners in Ganze, Kilifi County, Kenya. A descriptive research design was employed to gather data from parents, teachers, and learners. The researchers utilized a stratified random sampling technique to ensure a representative sample. The study reveals that parental involvement is a significant predictor of pre-primary school learners' acquisition of collaborative competencies in Ganze, Kilifi County, Kenya. The model utilized in the study explains 88.3% of the total variance in collaborative competencies, indicating a strong relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The results demonstrate that parental involvement, learners' achievement of collaborative skills, and determinants of parental involvement significantly influence collaborative competencies. Specifically, when the independent variables are held constant, parental involvement/activities contribute 27.6%, learners' achievement of collaborative skills contributes 20.2%, and determinants of parental involvement contribute 44.5% towards collaborative competencies. These findings highlight the importance of actively involving parents in supporting and promoting collaborative learning among pre-primary school learners. By recognizing and fostering parental involvement, educators and stakeholders can enhance the development of collaborative competencies in young learners, ultimately contributing to their overall educational outcomes. The study made various recommendations: To strengthen parental involvement and collaborative competencies, actively engage parents in learning activities and establish a strong partnership with educators, maintain regular communication with parents, provide resources, and offer training opportunities to support their involvement, Keywords: Parental Involvement, Collaborative Competencies DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-26-05 Publication date:September 30th 2023

Trade liberalization and the structure of production in Tanzania

This thesis explores the role of trade and trade liberalization policies on Tanzanian economy with special focus on the performance of agricultural sector. In terms of methodology, we first use parametric and non-parametric tests to evaluate the impact of liberalization policies on the growth rate of exports. Secondly, we use ordinary least square and instrumental variable to test the “inverse relationship hypothesis” and then we estimate the effect of liberalization on land productivity. We also extend this analysis to Uganda in order to ascertain whether similar findings could be replicated in other developing countries. Thirdly, we employ the co-integration technique to evaluate the effects of openness on economic growth. The parametric and non-parametric tests shows that: despite the marked variation in the composition of traditional exports especially during the late 1990s; largely from coffee and cotton to cashewnuts and tobacco, the contribution of trade liberalization in fostering export growth is rather weak. Second, although the volume of food crops during the post reform period is much higher than before the reforms, there are no symptoms of increased growth overtime. The empirical evidence from econometric analysis shows the existence of diminishing returns to land in the agricultural sector. On the other hand, the impact of trade liberalization on land productivity is mixed; while in some traditional exports its impact is negative and significant, in others the impact is positive but not significant. Contrary to the conventional wisdom as documented in the traditional theories of comparative advantage, the problem with Tanzanian agriculture is not related to the land size but low productivity. Interestingly, these results are also replicated in the Ugandan case. The cointegration analysis shows that the share of trade to GDP is negatively correlated with economic growth. In general, the contribution of this thesis has wider implications in the development policy, at least for the case of Tanzania and other developing countries. First, trade liberalization policies are counterproductive unless diminishing returns to land is squarely addressed. Secondly, the existence of diminishing returns to land is incompatible with the simple prediction of the theory of comparative advantage. The presumption behind trade liberalization is that specialization according to the “comparative advantage” doctrine would inevitably enhance increased productivity (i.e., efficiency). Our results do not conform to this presumption. Third, diminishing returns means that as production increases with international specialization, every additional unit of commodity produced would be more expensive to produce. Fourth, the persistence of diminishing returns to land is incompatible with poverty reduction

A Tale of Grievance and Opportunity: Evaluating The Effects of Counterterrorism Policies, Marginalization of Groups and Irredentism on the Rise of Terrorism in the Horn of Africa.

Scholars examining conflict studies have explored multiple explanations for causes of terrorism. The Horn of Africa shares the devastating effects of domestic and international terrorist attacks. Remarkably little is known about sub-regional factors and conditions which results in terror attacks within this region. What scholars have overlooked is how grievance and opportunity relate to terrorism. In addition, despite numerous counterterrorism funding why do we still observe a rise of terrorism in the Horn of Africa? Motivated by the Horn of Africa, this study posits that three factors when combined increase the likelihood of a terrorist attack: heavy-handed counterterrorism policies, irredentist claims and the marginalization of groups. I utilize a qualitative approach to test these hypotheses. The findings should assist existing scholarship adopting a broader view of causes of terrorism including sub-regional factors in the analysis and study of terrorism in Africa

The Determinants of Firm’s Competitiveness in the Textile and Apparel Industry in Tanzania

This study explores the determinants of firm’s competitiveness in the Textile and Apparel Industry in Tanzania. Data were collected from 204 respondents through cross-section survey design and non-probability sampling method from three regions; namely, Dar es salaam, Mwanza and Arusha. The Maximum Likelihood technique was used to estimate the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in order to compute the fit indices of both measurement and structural models. In doing so, Factor Analysis was used in the preliminary step before estimating SEM in order to filter out key variables that need to be embedded in gauging competitiveness of the textiles and apparel industry. Thereafter, the principle component analysis (PCA) was used to extract the relevant constructs in the SEM. The estimated results show that value chain management, core competencies, competition, availability of alternative products and barriers to entry are statistically significant constructs in explaining the competitiveness of firms operating in the textile and apparel industry in Tanzania. Keywords: Firms, Competitiveness, Textile and Apparel Industry, Maximum Likelihood, Structural Equation modeling, Factor Analysis, Tanzani

Micro Insurance: A Positive Intervention to Household Income and Poverty Reduction? Experience from Marangu Tanzania

This paper builds on logical and systematic understanding of the micro insurance as a coping strategy towards improved household income and poverty reduction in Marangu Tanzania. The study determines the impact of micro insurance on the welfare of poor families in rural settings. Specifically the study aimed at examining risks that low income households face and strategic measures to mitigate them, it also assess demands for micro insurance among low income households and propose appropriate micro insurance products and mechanisms to relieve household poverty. An in-depth analysis used both secondary and primary data gathered through focus group, interviews, observation and documentary review. Data were analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistics aided by SPSS and MS-Excel. Hypothesis was tested by person correlation coefficient  and it was discovered that micro-insurance contributes positively to the lives of people in a way of handling their medical expenses though health insurance, accessing balanced diet, build modern houses, pay school fees and able to save. Micro-insurance were also found to be a powerful tool in protecting the poor and their assets from nega­tive external shocks, compensating the effects of covariate shocks (e.g., natural disasters), they address gender-specific vulnerabilities, and freeing up household capital for investment in small enterprises. Micro insurance offers the potential for significant innovation in public-pri­vate partnership arrangements, cooperation across volun­tary and private sectors, rural and urban services sector development, and the extension of social protection to underserved populations, for years to come. The study wrap up by concluding that Micro-insurance are a powerful addi­tion to the social risk management product toolbox, and one that is flexible enough to be successfully implemented under a variety of institutional forms or frameworks. Nonetheless, careful attention and expertise are vital in designing micro insurance products and pro­grams as they are considerably more complex than savings and credit programs offered by different organizations. Keywords: Micro Insurance, Household, Poverty reduction, Social Protection, Marangu, Tanzani

The Impact of Fiscal Decentralization on Provision of Quality Education and Education Spending in Tanzania

This article uses panel data from 94 LGAs in Tanzania mainland over the period 2005/06 to 2009/10, to examine the impact of Fiscal Decentralization on education spending and provision of quality education. Using local share of total fiscal expenditure as a proxy for fiscal decentralization, this article concludes that Fiscal Decentralization exerts significant impact on education spending and quality of education in Tanzania.Keywords: Fiscal decentralization, education, government spending, Tanzani

Seventeen Years of Delivery of Open and Distance Education by The Open University of Tanzania (OUT) in East Africa and Beyond

This paper narrates the evolution of The Open University of Tanzania (OUT) since approval by Parliament in 1992, its establishment in 1993 and operationalisation in 1994. The paper shows that OUT has grown tremendously from being simply a national institution into a strong and vibrant university with an international status, serving students from the east and central African regions by 2011. The paper further discusses evolution milestones that OUT has witnessed during the seventeen years of its operation. As part of the major milestones, OUT has established twenty four Regional Centres that are supplemented by the four Coordinating Centres of Zanzibar, Pemba and as well as the two Kenyan Coordination Centres located within Nairobi and Nakuru premises of the Egerton University in Kenya. Three more regional Centres will be inaugurated in July in the envisaged new regions of Njombe, Katavi and Simiyu. In terms of academic programmes, OUT currently offers 20 undergraduate degrees, 3 certificates, 4 diplomas, 2 postgraduate diplomas, 20 masters and 5 PhDs. In order to strengthen the quality assurance of the academic, discourse in teaching, research and consultancy services as well as security and confidentiality of examination matters at The Open University of Tanzania, the Directorate of Examinations Syndicate was established in 2008 to oversee all activities regarding administration of examinations and processing of students results and awards. The quality assurance unit that was established in 2009 is also due to be elevated to a full fledged directorate. Moreover, in order to ensure the culture of strategic planning is consistently cultivated, nurtured and sustained, OUT has over the last six years conducted 12 six monthly review workshops. In an effort to ensure that the strategic planning culture is embraced in the hearts and minds of staff, OUT has since the academic year 2008/09 piloted and adopted the Open Performance Review and Appraisal System (OPRAS) in order to improve objectivity of the annual review process. This has necessitated the abandonment of the old annual confidential review forms used by most east African universities. The paper ends by highlighting the main prospects and challengesthat OUT has faced over the last seventeen years of delivery of ODL education as well as themanner in which it has sought to exploit any emerging opportunities apart from facing the challenges head

Government Expenditure on Growth Strategies and Poverty Reduction in Tanzania. What Have we learned?

This paper explores the relationship between the reduction in income-poverty and government expenditure on growth strategies that have been implemented in Tanzania since the mid 2000s. The paper shows that despite impressive economic growth of about 6 percent per annum that thecountry has enjoyed in the course of implementing growth strategies over the past few years, poverty has declined marginally and remains pervasive in the rural sector. This paper argues that growth strategies in Tanzania have not helped to reduce income poverty significantly because government expenditures to finance such strategies have been allocated to investment in social services which reduce income poverty indirectly and as such, effects take time to be realized. This paper argues that rural income diversification coupled with substantial investment in agricultural sector remain paramount as a panacea to reducing income poverty; and  improvement in the quality of life and social wellbeing.Keywords: Economic Growth, Government expenditure, Income Poverty, Tanzani

Improving Livelihoods through Micro and Small Agribusiness Enterprises: Analysis of Contributions, Prospects and Challenges of Nursery Gardens in Arusha Tanzania

This paper centers on examining the role of nursery gardens as small scale agribusiness enterprises in improving livelihoods in Arusha, Tanzania. It documents, challenges, prospects and contributions to the livelihoods of actors in the industry. Household improvements, access to education, food, health services, regulating weather and climate are some remarkable contributions. Access to financial services, reliable markets, higher input’s prices, room for expansion, institutional support and entrepreneurial skills were challenges noted. The study shows the need for appreciating their existence, increasing productivity and improving the situation which is context specific though applied in other cities of the same milieu. Keywords: Micro and Small Agribusiness Enterprises, Livelihoods, Nursery Gardens, Arusha and Tanzania