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Stakeholders’ Perception of Critical Success Sub- Factors (CSSFs) for Implementation of Public –Private Partnership Projects
Get PDFAim of study is to investigate Critical Success Sub-factors (CSSFs) contributing to successful implementation of PPP projects. Objectives are to compare perception of stakeholders on importance of CSSFs contributing to successful implementation of PPP projects in Nigeria and also to test whether there is significant agreement between the stakeholders on their rankings of CSSFs. Structured questionnaires were used to collectinformation from professionals and concessionaires who were involved in PPP projects. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting fifty (50) respondents and only thirty-six (36) responses were used for data analysis. Results suggest that CSSFs for successful implementation of PPP project are integrity, complexity of project, project management expertise, realistic cost/benefit assessment, government guarantee, privatesector financial capability and adequate financial market that must be considered by all stakeholders. There is an agreement in the opinion of both the Public and Private sectors on the importance of CSSFs except for strong private consortium where opinions differ. Implications of this study for policy makers in government and stakeholders is for government to provide adequate guarantee for implementation of PPP project that would enable equitable participation of the Private sector and for practice concessionaires with good integrity, financial capability and projectmanagement expertise must be considered for future PPP projects. The study concludes that some CSSFs are important for successful implementation of PPP projects in Nigeria and good agreement was obtained between stakeholders perception on the most important CSSFs for successful implementation of PPP projects. The study recommends that governments must provide good guarantee for PPP project implementation. The proposed CSSFs are recommended to all stakeholders and practitioners for their use and adoption in future PPP projects and governments must consider for future PPP projects in Nigeria such concessionaires that will provide realist cost and benefit assessments of the projects.Keywords: Stakeholders, Perception, Critical Success Sub-Factors, Public-Private Partnership, Nigeria
FLOOD FORECASTING OVER LOWER NZOIA SUB-BASIN IN KENYA
Get PDFReal time flood forecasting is one of the most effective non- structural measures for flood management. In this study, Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) is used with Probability Distributed Moisture model (PDM) to forecast flood events over Nzoia sub-basin. The performance of four variations of EnKF (state updating, parameter updating, dual (state parameter) and dual (parameter-state) updating) were evaluated using the Root Mean Square (RMSE) and Coefficient of Efficiency (CoE) for 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12-hour lead time forecasts. In 1EE01 gauging station, RMSE and CoE values was 30m3/s and 0.70 while 1EF01 station had RMSE and CoE values of 50m3/s and 0.82 respectively. For the state variables, standard deviation of 1.1, 0.32, 0.21 and 0.05 were found for recharge, surface storage, groundwater storage and storage respectively while for the PDM parameters, standard deviation of 4.0, 0.2 and 0.2 were found for maximum store capacity, exponent of recharge function and ground recharge time respectively. Parameter updating performed better in terms of RMSE and CoE and thus potential of improving flood forecasting to enable management of flood related risk on real time basis over the sub-basin.Key Words: Discharge, rainfall, Ensemble Kalman Filter, flood forecasting, rainfall-runoff model
PGF2α Synthase-Like Proteins are Expressed in Promastigotes of Old World Leishmania Species but not in New World Species
No full textBackground: Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and spread by the bite of infected sand fly species. The disease is characterized by an increase in prostaglandin production in the host. PGF2α is among the prostaglandins that are synthesized by Leishmania sp. Objectives: To compare the expression profiles of PGF2α synthase-like proteins in Old and New World species of Leishmania so as to provide insight into the role of these proteins. Methodology: To detect gene expression at transcription level, polymerase chain reaction was carried out using L. major PGF2α synthase gene specific primers and cDNA from L. major, L. donovani, L. tropica, L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis, L. mexicana and L. chagasi promastigotes. To detect expression at translation level, total protein from promastigotes of the above parasites was analyzed on a Western blot using T. brucei-specific rabbit anti-PGF2α synthase polyclonal antibodies. Results: At the transcription level, PGF2α synthase gene expression was detected in Old World species L. major, L. donovani and L. tropica, but was absent in the New World L. amazonensis and L. mexicana. It was expressed at low levels in the New World L. chagasi. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of PGF2α synthase - like proteins in Old World and not in New World species. Discussion: These findings suggest that New World Leishmania may have evolved new ortholog genes to produce PGF2α. Alternatively, the ancestral PGF2α synthase gene may be present in the New World species but has mutated or been lost due to speciation during evolution. Key words: Prostaglandins; PGF2α synthase; Leishmani
Foreign Direct Investment And Economic Growth: An Empirical Analysis Of Kenyan Data
No full textThe paper investigates the main drivers of real Gross Domestic Product growth in Kenya as well as those that drive the foreign direct investment (FDI) in Kenya. It is widely acknowledged that FDI has potential benefits that accrue to host countries. The view suggests that FDI is important for economic growth as it provides much needed capital, increases competition in host countries and helps local firms to become moreproductive by adopting more efficient technology. Kenya’s record in attracting FDI from the 1980s has been poor though it was a favoured destination in the 1970s.The study findings show that FDIs in Kenya are mainly market-seeking and these require growing GDPs, political stability and good infrastructure, market size as well as reduction in corruption levels. The prevalence of crime and insecurity would be impediments to FDI inflow. The policy implications of this study are that Kenya’s FDI’stend to be mainly market seeking and for this reason policy makers in Kenya should focus on improving political stability, emphasize the development of good infrastructure and growing the country’s GDP. This should be coupled with a serious attempt at reducing corruption levels as well as a serious assault on the prevalence of crime and insecurity which are major impediments to this type of FDI inflows. Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment, Economic Growth, Determinants, Keny
ADSORPTION OF DURSBAN (CHLORPYRIFOS) PESTICIDE BY LOAM SOIL FROM LIMURU, KENYA: APPARENT THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
Get PDFThe adsorption phenomenon of chlorpyrifos by suspended loam soil particles from Limuru, Kenya in an aqueous solution was studied using a model which assumes the adsorption/ desorption relations: nSXSnX⇔+, ][]/[][SXSXKnn= and ln[x]ads = ln(nK’) + nln[x]e + [sxn]w, where Xis the chemical species of interest; S is the substrate; K is the adsorption/desorption equilibrium constant; nSX is the particle-pesticide complex. The apparent adsorption equilibrium constant; [X]ads is concentration of X in adsorbed state in suspension. [X]e is the concentration of X in solution at equilibrium and [ nSX]w is the pesticide adsorption site complex in the suspension at equilibrium. The amount of chlorpyrifos adsorbed was determined against variation of mass of sediment, concentration of chlorpyrifos and contact time using UV-Visible spectrophotometer at 254nm. The data obtained in this study best fitted the quasi-langmuir adsorption isotherm with regression values of up to 0.992. The calculated values of the apparent K, n and 'GΔwere found to be 118.665, 0.244 and -11.7946kj/mol respectively. The negative value for 'GΔconfirmed the fact that adsorption reaction occurs spontaneously as expected. Moreover, adsorption of chlorpyrifos onto suspended/dissolved sediment particles decreased with increase in mass of the substrate.Key words: Adsorption, pesticide, chlorpyrifos, adsorption equilibrium constant, UV-Visible spectrophotometer
Risk Factors and Management of Stress Ulcers in the Critical Care Unit in a Kenyan Referral Hospital
No full textBackground: Stress ulcers develop due to extreme physiological stress among critically ill patients. Data on it management is scant in resource limited settings. Objectives: To determine the incidence, risk factors and management of stress ulcers among adult patients admitted to the Critical Care Unit of a Kenyan referral hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital. The outcome of the prophylaxis was also evaluated. Methodology: This was a retrospective cohort study among 186 critically ill adult patients admitted between January and December, 2012. The data was extracted from patient files. Logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors for development of stress ulcers by manual forward stepwise model building. Results: Ninety percent of the patients received prophylaxis and this was done within 72 hours of admission. Twenty patients did not qualify for prophylaxis but received it. Most (76.4%) patients received prophylaxis with histamine 2 receptor blockers. The incidence of stress ulcers was 36.6% which was mainly treated with ranitidine (57.4% of cases) and omeprazole (38.8% of cases). The only diagnostic criteria were presence of the following clinical signs: epigastric tenderness (60 patients, 36.6%) and melena (3, 4.4%) and hematemesis (5, 7.4%). Mechanical ventilation of patients was the most important risk factor for stress ulcer development (adjusted OR: 43.76, 95% CI [5.067, 377.9]; followed by hospital stay for more than 7 days (adjusted OR: 11.88, 95% CI [3.923, 36.9]). Antibiotics (adjusted OR: 0.044, 95% CI [0.002, 0.936]) and benzodiazepines (adjusted OR: 0.074, 95% CI [0.013, 0.419] appeared to confer protection. Prophylaxis with histamine receptor antagonists did not seem to confer protection. Conclusion: The incidence of stress ulcers was high and methods for prophylaxis of stress ulcer need to be improved. Key words: Stress ulcers, Critical care, antibiotics, benzodiazepines, antibiotics, CNS depressant
What drives women out of Entrepreneurship? The joint role of culture and access to finance
Get PDFThis paper seeks to explore the barriers women entrepreneurs encounter in developing countries. Extending beyond qualitative assessment, the paper explores the magnitude of cultural practices and other factor that impact on the development of female entrepreneurship. The paper reviews existing literature on women entrepreneurship, focusing on the major impediments that curtail women entrepreneurship in developingcountries. The paper reports on empirical evidence drawn from the review of literature on women entrepreneurship. A total of 13 published articles were reviewed forming the basis of the paper. Evidence from the reviewed articles reveal that cultural practices in developing countries play a major role in driving women out of entrepreneurship and by extension curtailing on their development. Women in developing countries are disadvantaged by their lower levels of financial literacy and awareness. Access barriersto financial resources are significant. Women entrepreneurs are still to overcome key challenges like access to training in trade issues, operations management and marketing, as well as access to good mentors and mentorship programs. Based on the reviewed literature, practical implication for policy makers include; the pressing need to develop a legal framework to protect female entrepreneurship, capacity buildingprograms for potential entrepreneurs, holistic training for potential womenentrepreneurs and most importantly, a creation and provision of credit facility dedicated to women entrepreneurs.Key words: Women, Drives, Entrepreneurship, Culture and Financ
Turn of The Month Effect: Evidence From The Nairobi Securities Exchange
No full textThis study sought to investigate if Turn of the Month effect exists at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. In carrying out the study, the days of the month were divided into two, the Turn of the Month (TOM) which included the last trading day of the month and the first three trading days of the following month. The other trading days of the month were categorized as Rest of the Month (ROM). The 20 share index was used as the sampling frame and the daily indices were used to compute the daily returns.Secondary data was obtained from the Nairobi Securities Exchange data base. The TOM coefficient was not significant to confirm TOM effect. It is therefore concluded that there is no TOM effect at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. To practice, the study will give vital information to brokerage firms as they will advise their clients on the best time of the month to sell or buy securities. The findings of the study will also be of benefit to policy formulation aimed at improving capital market efficiency.Keywords: Turn of the Month, Rest of the Month, Twenty Share Index, Market Efficiency and Nairobi Securities Exchange
Determinants of Adherence to Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment among Paediatric Patients in A Kenyan Tertiary Referral Hospital
No full textBackground: Non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment increases the risk for development of drug resistance, TB recurrence and mortality. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the rate and predictors of adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment in paediatric TB patients. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study carried out at the Kenyatta National Hospital TB clinic. Caregivers of children were interviewed and the patients requested to provide a urine sample which was tested for the presence of isoniazid to verify adherence to medication. Results: Adherence to anti-TB medications measured by urine testing and self-report, was 91.8% and 44.9% respectively. Patients who administered medication at 24 hour intervals were more likely to adhere to medication (OR = 7.70 [1.85 - 33.33], 95% CI). There was no significant association between adherence and regimen complexity factors, relationship between health care provider and caregiver or the pattern of healthcare delivery. The results suggested a slight agreement between self-reported adherence and the isoniazid urine test (κ= 0.20). Conclusion: Adherence to anti-TB medication in this population of children was relatively high, and could be attributed to the structures that have been put in place to ensure that TB patients have access to treatment services at the community level. Keywords: Adherence, tuberculosis in children, anti-tuberculosis treatment, isoniazi
Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Dombeya torrida (J.F. Gmel) and Hydnora abyssinica (A. Braun)
No full textBackground: The decoction of Dombeya torrida bark is used to treat indigestion while its roots are used for treatment of chest pains and colds. Hydnora abyssinica decoction is used as a cure for throat complaints, as an astringent in dysentery, for treatment of typhoid, anthrax, and East Coast Fever. Objectives: The present study was aimed at investigating the antibacterial and antifungal activities of D. torrida and H. abyssinica. Methodology: The D. torrida stem-bark and leaves and H. abyssinica whole plant were collected from Kiambu County and Embu County, respectively. Extraction of the plants was carried out using chloroform, methanol and water. The extracts were screened for activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epididermis, Bacillus pumilus, Escherichia coli, Saccromyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans using agar diffusion assay and autobioassay. Results: Dombeya torrida bark decoction had the highest activity against S. aureus with an inhibition zone diameter of 16.91 mm. Hydnora abyssinica macerate had least activity against S. aureus with a zone diameter of 8.86 mm. Dombeya torrida bark decoction had the highest activity against S. Epididermis with a diameter of 17.05 mm with Hydnora abyssinica macerate having the least activity. Activity against E. coli was highest for D. torrida bark decoction with zone diameter of 16.56 mm. Hydnora abyssinica chloroform extract had the highest activity against B. pumilus with a zone diameter of 17.04 mm. The highest activity observed against S. cerevisiae was with D. torrida chloroform extract with a zone diameter of 17.69 mm with H. abyssinica macerate having the least activity (7.70 mm). Dombeya torrida chloroform extract was the most active extract against C. albicans with a zone diameter of 20.09 mm. Conclusion: The plants under study, D. torrida and H. abyssinica were chosen on the basis of folklore. Above results support the folklore that H. abyssinica is used as a cure for throat complaints, as an astringent in dysentery, treatment of diarrhoea and amoebic dysentery. Results of D. torrida extracts also supports its folklore use to treat chest pains and colds as many of these conditions are usually caused by bacterial infections. Keywords: antibacterial, antifungal, Dombeya torrida, Hydnora abyssinica, autobioassa