Application of X-ray Imaging and Glass Transition Principles in Understanding Rice Kernel Fissure Formation

Rice kernels with internal fractures of the endosperm, fissures, tend to break during milling, leading to head rice yield (HRY) reductions. Minimizing kernel fissuring is thus an important goal of the rice industry. To minimize fissuring during the drying process, a better understanding of the fissuring process and the kinetics thereof is required. The goal of this research was to use X-ray imaging and glass transition principles to better understand rough rice kernel fissuring. First, because the instance when the fissuring process is initiated and completed during the drying process is not well known, an X-ray imaging setup that allows for in-situ rough rice drying was used to elucidate rough rice fissuring kinetics. For harsh drying air conditions, fissuring occurred and appear instantaneously whereas, for mild conditions, a time delay was required before fissures appeared. Second, a hypothesis known as the glass transition hypothesis has been used to explain fissure formation during the drying process. However, the hypothesis has not been validated from a fundamental fissuring standpoint. With the availability of an X-ray system for fissure visualization in rough rice kernels during the drying process, the glass transition hypothesis was evaluated. Results showed that the glass transition principles proposed to explain fissure formation are valid for various drying air temperatures, rice moisture contents (MCs), and drying air equilibrium MCs associated with rough rice. Third, tempering rice immediately after drying has been shown to minimize fissure formation. However, the effect of tempering on minimizing fissure formation has not been quantified. This study showed that drying followed by tempering can reduce kernel fissuring by up to 50% and increased the percentage points (pp) of MC reduction that can be safely achieved in a single drying pass by 1-2 pp. Finally, grain inverters have been used in commercial cross-flow dryers to improve MC uniformity across the grain column. However, the effect of grain inversion on fissuring and HRY reduction is not known and was therefore evaluated. Results showed that grain inverters in a cross-flow dryer can significantly minimize fissuring and HRY reduction at plenum air temperatures between 55°C and 60°C

Application of X-ray Imaging as a Technique for Fissure Detection in Rough Rice Kernels

Fissured rice kernels break during milling, leading to head rice yield (HRY) reductions. Conventional fissure detection instruments cannot be used to observe fissures in rough rice kernels, the form in which rice in normally dried and stored. X-rays can penetrate hulls allowing visualization of the internal structure of a rough rice kernel. This study evaluated the capability of X-ray imaging to adequately detect fissures in rough rice and established a correlation between HRY and the fissured kernel percentage (FKP) in a rough rice sample. Fifteen long-grain rice cultivars, harvested in Arkansas in 2015 and 2016 were dried using heated air at 60ºC, 10% relative humidity (RH) for various combinations of drying durations and post-drying treatments that resulted in varying degrees of fissuring and HRYs. Fissure detection was conducted using an X-ray system with rough rice and compared to that of a grainscope, a conventional fissure detection instrument, with brown rice. A strong correlation (R^2 = 0.95) was shown to exist between sample HRY and the FKP of the rough rice sample after drying, resulting in a regression equation that could be used to estimate HRY. Having confirmed the impact of fissured kernels on HRY, the X-ray system, with an augmented drying apparatus, was used to evaluate the impact of kernel thickness and moisture content (MC) on rice fissuring. Two long-grain rice cultivars were harvested in Arkansas in 2016, each at two MC levels (high and low), and fractionated into three thickness fraction sub-lots (thin, medium, and thick). The fissuring susceptibility of kernels from each sub-lot was evaluated during drying. Generally, with increase in kernel thickness, the FKP increased for high-MC lots. In regards to MC, high-MC had greater FKPs than the low-MC lots. Overall, these findings show the importance of kernel fissuring to the rice industry, and highlights the role of kernel properties on fissuring during drying

THE EFFECTS OF ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE ON THE EMPLOYEES MOTIVATION IN CHILD-FOCUSED NGOs WITHIN KAJIADO WEST, KENYA

Organizational culture plays an immense role in the performance of any company or business. This is because it enables the organization to prioritize its goals and then structure itself to meet those goals. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of organizational culture on employee’s motivation, in child-focused NGOs within Kajiado West Sub County. The objectives of the research entailed: to examine the effects of team-oriented culture on employee motivation in child-focused organizations in Kajiado West Sub County; to assess the influence of outcome orientation on employee motivation in child-focused organizations in Kajiado west Sub County; and to analyze the effects of innovation on employee motivation in child-focused organizations in Kajiado West Sub County. The study was guided by the theories of Goal-setting, Equity and Expectancy. Target population of the study was 319 employees of both ChildFund Kenya and Compassion International, of which purposive sampling was used to get the two child- focused organizations. A sample size of 96 respondents was chosen using simple random sampling method. Lastly the researcher used stratified sampling to group respondents consisting of management committee, program/ sponsorship offices, finance and registered members of NGO’s in Kajiado West. The study adopted a mixed method research design and questionnaires used as tools for data collection. The quantitative data coded in SPSS was analyzed using thematic analysis while the qualitative data from interviews managed through descriptive analysis. The study established that team orientation, outcome orientation and innovation played a major role in the motivation of employees working in child- focused NGOs in Kajiado West. The study is available for reference to benefit policy makers, managers of the NGOs and scholars in management. Article visualizations

2D-euler deconvolution and forward modeling of gravity data of Homa-hills geothermal prospect, Kenya

In order to fully assess the potential of Homa Hills Geothermal prospect, the heat source which is one of the main features of a geothermal system had to be located based on its perturbation on the gravity field. Ground gravity survey was conducted in an area covering about 76 km2 and the data processed to remove all other effects which are not of geological interest. Qualitative interpretation was attempted and cross sections drawn across the anomalous areas on the complete Bouguer anomaly map. Quantitative interpretation attempted involved both Euler Deconvolution and 2‐D Forward modelling. The parameters obtained from Euler Deconvolution were used as the start up parameters for 2‐D Forward modeling. Well clustered Euler solutions were obtained at a shallow depth of approximately 200‐750 m which is consistent with the modeled shallow dike like intrusive probably of carbonatite origin.Key words: gravity, anomalies, Homa Hills, heat source, Euler‐Deconvolutio

Effect of Internal Control Systems on Financial Performance of Distribution Companies in Kenya

There is a general consensus that internal Control systems are important management tools in financial management. There has been controversy as to why there is a declining profitability trends among Small and Medium scale Enterprises despite government’s commitment to availability of funds. Economic Survey 2017 statistics indicate a tremendous growth in profitability of small and medium scale Enterprises in Kenya over the last ten years; constituting about 96 per cent of all business enterprises in the country; yet 71% of the business start-ups do not operate beyond their third anniversary. Empirical studies on internal control systems yielded mixed results and focused on different firms rather than SMEs. However, little is known on the effect of internal control systems on the financial performance of distribution companies. The main objective was to analyze the effects of internal control systems on financial performance of small and medium distribution companies. The specific objectives of the study were to: determine the effect of control activities; find out the effect of risk assessment; establish the effect of information and communication on financial performance Moonbluez Enterprises Limited. The study was anchored on Agency and Reliability theory, and a conceptual framework showing the interaction between internal control systems as the independent variable and financial performance as the dependent variable. Correlational and case study design was adopted targeting all the 38 employees while employing census survey technique. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and secondary data was collected from relevant books, journals and periodicals. Reliability and validity of the instrument was checked using test-retest technique and expert reviews and Pilot study was conducted of the 4 employees of Moonbluez enterprises. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics such as Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analysis was employed to analyze the data. Presentation was done by the use of tables and charts. The results of the study may help identify gaps within the systems of internal control at Moonbluez Enterprises Limited and in the distribution industry at large especially among small and medium sized entities. Further the study may also add to the existing knowledge bank regarding book keeping, internal controls and financial performance among small and medium sized enterprises in Kenya. Scholars and researchers who would like to carry out more studies on internal Controls and financial performance in small and medium sized entities may find the study beneficial. Keywords: Financial Performance, Internal control, Risk Assessment, Control activities DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/10-20-02 Publication date:October 31st 201

Personal and Financial Risk Typologies Among Women Who Engage in Sex Work in Mongolia: A Latent Class Analysis

Women engaged in sex work bear a disproportionate burden of HIV infection worldwide, particularly in low- to middle-income countries. Stakeholders interested in promoting prevention and treatment programs are challenged to efficiently and effectively target heterogeneous groups of women. This problem is particularly difficult because it is nearly impossible to know how those groups are composed a priori. Although grouping based on individual variables (e.g., age or place of solicitation) can describe a sample of women engaged in sex work, selecting these variables requires a strong intuitive understanding of the population.Furthermore, this approach is difficult to quantify and has the potential to reinforce preconceived notions, rather than generate new information. We aimed to investigate groupings of women engaged in sex work. The data were collected from a sample of 204 women who were referred to an HIV prevention intervention in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Latent class analysis was used to create subgroups of women engaged in sex work, based on personal and financial risk factors.This analysis found three latent classes, representing unique response pattern profiles of personal and financial risk. The current study approached typology research in a novel, more empirical way and provided a description of different subgroups, which may respond differently to HIV risk interventions

Newcomers in a hazardous environment; a qualitative inquiry of sex worker vulnerability to HIV in Bali, Indonesia

Background Women new to sex work and those with a greater degree of mobility have higher risk of HIV infection. Using social capital as a theoretical framework, we argue that better understanding of the interactions of micro-level structural factors can be valuable in reshaping and restructuring health promotion programmes in Bali to be more responsive to the concerns and needs of newcomer and mobile female sex workers (FSWs). Methods We conducted interviews with 11 newcomer FSWs (worked  six months). The interviews explored women’s experience of sex work including how and why they came to sex work, relationships with other FSWs and their HIV prevention practices. Results A thematic framework analysis revealed newcomer FSWs faced multiple levels of vulnerability that contributed to increased HIV risk. First, a lack of knowledge and self-efficacy about HIV prevention practices was related to their younger age and low exposure to sexual education. Second, on entering sex work, they experienced intensely competitive working environments fuelled by economic competition. This competition reduced opportunities for positive social networks and social learning about HIV prevention. Finally, the lack of social networks and social capital between FSWs undermined peer trust and solidarity, both of which are essential to promote consistent condom use. For example, newcomer FSWs did not trust that if they refused to have sex without a condom, their peers would also refuse; this increased their likelihood of accepting unprotected sex, thereby increasing HIV risk. Conclusions Public health and social welfare interventions and programmes need to build social networks, social support and solidarity within FSW communities, and provide health education and HIV prevention resources much earlier in women’s sex work careers.School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australi

Acceptability of a microfinance-based empowerment intervention for transgender and cisgender women sex workers in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Introduction: Cisgender and transgender woman sex workers (CWSWs and TWSWs, respectively) are key populations in Malaysia with higher HIV‐prevalence than that of the general population. Given the impact economic instability can have on HIV transmission in these populations, novel HIV prevention interventions that reduce poverty may reduce HIV incidence and improve linkage and retention to care for those already living with HIV. We examine the feasibility of a microfinance‐based HIV prevention intervention among CWSW and TWSWs in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: We conducted 35 in‐depth interviews to examine the acceptability of a microfinance‐based HIV prevention intervention, focusing on: (1) participants’ readiness to engage in other occupations and the types of jobs in which they were interested in; (2) their level of interest in the components of the potential intervention, including training on financial literacy and vocational education; and (3) possible barriers and facilitators to the successful completion of the intervention. Using grounded theory as a framework of analysis, transcripts were analysed through Nvivo 11. Results: Participants were on average 41 years old, slightly less than half (48%) were married, and more than half (52%) identified as Muslim. Participants express high motivation to seek employment in other professions as they perceived sex work as not a “proper job” with opportunities for career growth but rather as a short‐term option offering an unstable form of income. Participants wanted to develop their own small enterprise. Most participants expressed a high level of interest in microfinance intervention and training to enable them to enter a new profession. Possible barriers to intervention participation included time, stigma, and a lack of resources. Conclusion: Findings indicate that a microfinance intervention is acceptable and desirable for CWSWs and TWSWs in urban Malaysian contexts as participants reported that they were ready to engage in alternative forms of income generation