An African-European network of design universities fostering the goal of sustainable energy for all

This paper presents the intermediate results of the Learning Network on Sustainable Energy Systems (LeNSes) an African-European multi-polar network for curriculum development on Design for Sustainability (DfS) focused on Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) and Sustainable Product-Service Systems (S.PSS). The paper discusses the convergence between the S.PSS and DRE models as promising approaches to provide sustainable energy solutions for all by increasing its access and improving efficiency in use. Currently, the project partners are collaboratively developing new curricula focused on these combined approaches. The paper examines the S.PSS and DRE models and how they can be used to develop and implement sustainable energy solutions for all within the African context. The research hypothesis is that S.PSS could be applied to DRE to offer a range of benefits such as: economic, environmental and socio-ethical. The paper describes some of the project activities that includes: development of a new modular and adaptable package of learning resources focused on DRE and S.PSS for the design discipline; implementation of pilot courses at African Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) targeted at undergraduate and graduate students, practitioners and companies; and development of an open web platform for distributed production and transfer of knowledge and know-how in this area. The innovation of the project described in the paper is twofold, firstly by developing unique curricula based on design for sustainability focused on S.PSS and DRE applied to the African contexts, and secondly by delivering it through an open platform for free and in copy-left. This will equip design students in African universities with a broad knowledge base, as well as effective methods and tools with which to play an active role in the development and diffusion of sustainable energy systems

Designing Sustainable Energy for All. Sustainable Product-Service System Design Applied to Distributed Renewable Energy

Access to energy is one of the greatest challenges for many people living in low-income and developing contexts, as around 1.4 billion people lack access to electricity. Distributed Renewable Energy systems (DRE) are considered a promising approach to address this challenge and provide energy access to all. However, even if promising, the implementation of DRE systems is not always straightforward. The book analyses, discusses and classifies the promising Sustainable Product-Service System (S.PSS) business models to deliver Distributed Renewable Energy systems in an effective, efficient and sustainable way. Its message is supported with cases studies and examples, discussing the economic, environmental and socioethical benefits as well as its limitations and barriers to its implementation. An innovative design approach is proposed and a set of design tools are supplied, enabling readers to create and develop Sustainable Product-Service System (S.PSS) solutions to deliver Distributed Renewable Energy systems. Practical applications of the book’s design approach and tools by companies and practitioners are discussed and the book will be of interest to readers in design, industry, governmental institution, NGOs as well as researchers

Designing Sustainable Energy for All. Sustainable Product-Service System Design Applied to Distributed Renewable Energy

This book aims to share its contents with everyone who is interested to know more about designing Sustainable Product-Service System (S.PSS) applied to Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE), towards sustainable energy access for All. The book is organised to provide an overview of the topic and as well to support the design in practice. For this reason, the book includes strategies and guidelines, as well as a collection of case studies of Sustainable Product-Service System (S.PSS) applied to Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) solutions. Additionally, are presented the method and support tools for designers

Predictors of Adequate Ambulatory Anticoagulation among Adult Patients in a Tertiary Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya

Background: Local anticoagulation services are inadequate and substantially underutilized despite compelling evidence showing that their appropriate use significantly reduces the risk of thromboembolic complications. Objectives: To determine the predictors of adequate ambulatory anticoagulation services in Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology: A cross sectional study between December 2014 and April 2015 among 102 adult outpatients on anticoagulation using consecutive sampling was done. Information abstracted into a predesigned data collection tool included participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, regular sources of supply of anticoagulant, clinic pre-appointment reminders, indications of treatment and international normalized ratio tests. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0 and logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of adequate anticoagulation, which was defined as international normalized ratio ranging 2 - 3. Results: Females were majority (76.5 %) and only 27.5 % of patients  had adequate anticoagulation control. The indication of warfarin for heart valve surgery (p=0.014) and deep venous thrombosis (p=0.021) were associated with adequate anticoagulation. Age above 60 years was associated with poor anticoagulation (p=0.006). Logistic regression revealed that the independent predictor of adequate anticoagulation was warfarin use due to heart valve surgery (OR=3.1; 95% CI: 1.2 – 7.9, p=0.017). Conclusions: Ambulatory anticoagulation control in the hospital is poor. Further investigation is required to find out the reasons behind adequate anticoagulation in heart valve surgery patients. Key Words: Ambulatory anticoagulation, anticoagulant, outpatient, international normalized ratio tests

‘Bottom up’ approach: A community-based intervention in fighting non-communicable diseases in urban informal settlements Kenya

Objective: The main objective of this study was to identify challenges faced by healthcare front-liners towards health promotion in the prevention and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) amongst the urban 25 - 59-year olds living in urban informal settlements within Kamukunji, Nairobi County. Design: Using the design thinking methodology, this qualitative research aimed at exploring the use of an innovative communication strategy using community-based interventions as a new approach towards NCDs prevention and management. Setting: This study was carried out in two community units within California Ward, in Kamukunji Sub-county, one of the most populous sub-counties in Nairobi Participants: 7 CHVs, 6 Sub-county health officers and 3 Design Thinking practitioners were included in this study. Intervention: A ‘bottom-up approach’ of involving healthcare front-liners in communities in decision making about their health choices and what works best for them, is an unexplored area in health promotion programmes in Kenya. Towards this end, a co-design workshop conducted with the key stakeholders helped in framing and designing health promotion and communication messages that could have a major impact in the reduction of NCDs and related risk factors and increase health-seeking behaviour within the community. Results: The significance of the findings from this qualitative study identified major challenges which included irrelevant and poor health information, education and communication (IEC) material, poor health education and training methods and tools, socio-cultural barriers as well as limited health literacy levels amongst the community members. It was also observed that the current health promotion programmes used were designed and implemented by the National Government, who were not fully aware of the challenges faced at the grassroots. Conclusion: This paper argues that community engagement in designing health promotion programmes goes a long way in influencing healthbehaviour change among community members. &nbsp

System design for sustainable energy for all: A new knowledge base and know-how developed within the LeNSes European and African project

Design for Sustainabilit