Mathematical modelling of the effects of peer-educators’ campaign on the dynamics of HIV/AIDS in Rwanda

In this paper, we analyse the effects of peer-educator’s campaign on the dynamics of HIV. We present a sex-structured model for heterosexual transmission of HIV/AIDS in a community. The model is formulated using integro-differential equations, which help to account for a time delay due to incubation period of infective before developing AIDS. The sex-structured HIV/AIDS model divides the population into two subpopulations, namely; females and males. Both disease Free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium points for the model are determined and their stability are examined. The model is extended to assess the effect of peer- educational campaigns in slowing or eradicating the epidemic. The exposure risk of infection after each intervention is obtained. Basic reproductive numbers for these models are computed and compared to assess the effectiveness of each intervention in a community. The models are numerically analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the treatment free measure, namely; peer educational campaign on the transmission dynamics of HIV/AIDS using demographic and epidemiological parameters of Rwanda. The study demonstrates the use of sex-structured HIV/AIDS models in assessing the effectiveness of educational campaigns as a preventive strategy in a heterosexually active populationMathematics Subject classifications (MSC 2010): 34D20, 34K60, 92D25, 34K25, 34K28Keywords: Population dynamics, Stability, Basic reproductive numbers, Equilibriu

Research Paradigms: Theory and Practice

This paper reflects on the ontological, epistemological and methodological underpinnings of the two major research approaches i.e the quantitative and the qualitative approaches. Their differences, occasioned by these philosophical foundations are discussed and practical implications examined. It is our view that this paper will have positive impact on the work of researchers and students undertaking courses in research studies. Key words: Research paradigms, ontology, epistemology, methodology, quantitative, qualitativ

Information Technology Innovation and Organizational Policy: Implications on Employee Privacy

Issues relating to workplace privacy and how organizations address privacy have sparked a lot of public debate in recent years. Research reveals that potential employers have exploited employees seeking job opportunities by asking information to do with: disclosure of confidential information about the past employer’s work, financial background, and family intimate issues not relevant to the job being sought among others. This paper establishes the implications of information technology innovation on organization policies with emphasis on employees’ privacy. The study was done in two organizations and it adapted a case study approach. Data was collected from 74 respondents using questionnaires. Respondents were sampled using purposive technique. Frequency distribution tables were used in data presentation followed by discussions. The findings of this study are critical in informing the policy makers in organizations on procedures and strategies of inclusive policy formulation and implementation as well as provide HR managers with insight on managing privacy issues in dynamic organizational setups. Key words: Employees’ Privacy policy, Information Technology, Surveillanc

Constraints to the Success of Women Small Scale Entrepreneurs in Kenya. A Case of Microfinance Institution Borrowers in Rongai District of Nakuru County, Kenya

The study aimed at determining the constraints to the success of women small scale entrepreneurs in Kenya with specific reference to micro finance Institution borrowers in Rongai District, Nakuru County, Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to determine five markets. The survey achieved the targeted sample size of 90 interviewees. Stratified sampling followed by simple random sampling was used to select the sample. A regression model was used and the findings revealed that the success level of women small scale entrepreneurs was sensitive to all the factors investigated. However, some determinants were more influential than others. The most significant variable was the level of education followed by well as business training. Keywords: Women Small Scale Entrepreneurs, Microfinance Institutions, constraints to the success leve

Hybrid Power Systems for Commercial Application in Kenya

The cost, availability and stability of power are parameters that greatly define the quality of energy supplied by a generating system. A hybrid power system with different sources of energy must be properly designed in order to capitalize on the positive features of the deployed resources. Hybrid power system optimization is a process that allows for deliberate attainment of desired output from a power system. In this paper, a learning institution, East African School of Aviation (EASA) was selected as a case study for investigating the outcome of harnessing local energy resources to serve a commercial consumer in Kenya. A cost competitive hybrid power system was obtained through Simulation and optimization processes

Socio-Economic Effects of Liberalization of Small Scale Tea Sector in Kenya: Evidence from Tea Farmers in Konoin District

Liberalization in Kenya started in 1990’s and continued ro date with far reaching effects on various sectors of Kenyan economy. The aim of this study was to investigate socio-economic effect of liberalization of small scale tea sector. The study sought to: Determine how liberalization has affected the living standard of the farmers, to investigate the impact of liberalization of tea sector on the competitiveness of small scale tea farmers and analyze the effect of liberalization on the performances of KTDA managed tea factories. A case study design was used in the study. The target population was 380 from which a sample of 38 was selected. In collecting data , a questionnaires was used. Descriptive statistics were computed. The findings revealed that Liberalization has exposed the smallholder and factories stiff competition due to entrants of new firms into the tea business. Factories have been ‘forced’ to streamline their operations to cope with completion. Effects of liberalization to farmers is mixed: On the positive farmers have been relieved of monopolistic tendencies of KTDA such as unilateral price determination and farmers have had a much bigger say in the management of tea factories. Negative effects include: Declining bonuses that farmers used to earn. Keywords: Liberalistaion, Tea secor, small-scale tea farmer

The Effect of Performance Contract Implementation on Service Delivery in Provincial Administration

In order for the Provincial Administration department in Kenya to deliver its mandate, it needs efficient and proper service delivery. The implementation of performance contracting was aimed at addressing quality of service delivery. Despite these reforms, there remain some challenges in terms of quality of service delivery. The study sought to evaluate the effect of implementing performance contract on service delivery in provincial administration and also evaluate the effectiveness of Performance Contracting in improving efficiency in service. The study used descriptive survey research design. Primary data was collected from a sample size of 147 drawn from a target population of 490 consisting of 90 employees of Provincial Administration and 400 members of the public. Both stratified random sampling and purposive sampling were used for Provincial Administration staff and members of the public respectively to pick the respondents. The data was gathered by use of a questionnaire that had both open and closed ended questions. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data in form of frequencies and percentages, and presented in tables. The study revealed that the implementation of Performance Contracting was effective in improving efficiency in service delivery by the department. Keywords: Performance contract, competent, effectiveness, quality service delivery

Impact of African Traditional Termite Control Methods on Conservation of Biodiversity: A Review

Termites cause a wide array of damages to plantations, trees and manmade structures. Both industrial and food crops as well as forest trees are attacked by termite. Reports on economic losses caused by termite infestations have been made worldwide. Consequently, need to eliminate and control termites have risen especially by farmers and property owners as a measure to secure their produce and property respectively. Poverty prevalence in Africa limits accessibility to chemical control methods which are expensive and requires expertise to use hence unaffordable. In response, African communities have devised and applied traditional methods in order to eliminate and or control termites in farmlands and homes. However, these methods have not been scientifically proven and the extent of their efficiency is still questionable. On the other hand, there is a feeling that these methods are environmentally friendly and safer for biodiversity conservation as compared to the conventional methods of termite control.  In order to curb loss of biodiversity experienced globally sustainable methods of termite control should be employed. Usually this loss is accelerated by continuous clearing of natural vegetation to accommodate the ever growing population particularly in Africa.  Depending on the methods used biodiversity can either be conserved or lost in the process. This review therefore explores the traditional uses of termites in Africa, elaborate on the common traditional methods used to control them.  It also details the advantages of these methods over conventional methods on biodiversity and environmental conservation. Key words: Termites, Biodiversity, Africa, Traditiona

Determination of Major Ion Concentration and Ionic Strength of Saline Water: A Case Study of Lakes; Nakuru, Bogoria-Kenya and Nata Saltpan Sanctuary –Botswana

Lakes Nakuru, Bogoria and Nata salt pan are of great ecological and economic importance. They are home to one of the world’s renowned bird sanctuaries with over 400 bird species, lesser flamingoes and breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingoes. These aquatic ecosystems are however; threatened by environmental pollution mainly due to anthropogenic activities in the catchment basins. The current study therefore, sought to determine the concentration of individual ions of saline waters and ionic strength in Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria (Kenya) and Nata Saltpan Sanctuary (Botswana) so as to form the baseline information for periodic monitoring and remediation of such aquatic saline systems amid the environmental pollution. Identification of individual dissolved ions can also be used as an indicator of the source of pollution. Samples were collected during the dry season by stratified sampling technique using Van Dorn Sampler. Water temperatures were generally high and consistent with the ambient air temperatures and pH values were 10.55±0.09, 10.15±0.18 and 9.97±0.33 for Nakuru, Bogoria and Nata saltpan respectively. Mean conductivity of values of 47.77±0.78, 62.50±0.37 and 12.79±0.33 were recorded for Lakes Nakuru, Bogoria and Nata saltpans respectively. Cation concentration were dominated by Na+ followed by K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ and significant amount of trace anions in Lake Nakuru, Bogoria and Nata saltpan. Ionic strength for lakes Nakuru, Bogoria and Nata saltpan waters was 0.166, 0.195 and 0.059 M respectively. The findings of the study showed high level of ions in lakes Nakuru and Bogoria compared to Nata Saltpan. This was attributed to high agricultural and industrial activities in the catchment area. Key Words: Salinity, Conductivity, Ionic strength, Pollution, Water

Elastic Scattering Reaction of on Partial Wave Scattering Matrix, Differential Cross-Section and Reaction Cross-Section at Laboratory Energies of 5-15 Mev: An Optical Model Analysis.

The nuclear optical model has been used in the analysis of elastic scattering for the reaction . This model has six optical parameters; the depth, Coulomb radius and the diffuseness on both the real part and imaginary part potentials. Out of the six, five parameters were chosen and for this case diffuseness parameter on the imaginary part was kept constant. The five parameters were used to calculate the partial wave S-matrix, the differential cross section and the reaction cross section as a ratio to Rutherford cross section. The partial wave scattering data was obtained basing on the quantum mechanical optical code for all the stated Laboratory energies. The angular distribution for the reaction  for both reaction cross section to the Rutherford cross-section and differential cross section ranging from centre of mass angles  of  were also obtained for all the energies, (  and  MeV) and whose data and graphs are presented. Key words: Differential cross-section, Reaction cross-section and Partial scattering matrix