Kyambogo University Institutional Repository
Not a member yet
2178 research outputs found
Sort by
The actors' symbiosis in the recurrence of slums after in-situ housing redevelopment initiatives. Perspectives from Namuwongo slum, Kampala city
No full textThis paper examines the roles played by various actors in household mobility and the eventual
reoccurrence of slums in the city of Kampala amidst the slum upgrading initiatives.The paper
adopted a case study approach, utilising a mixture of both qualitative and quantitative
techniques. A total of 60 semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the Slum
Community, and 40 interviews were held with various key informant respondents. The analysis
was primarily done through content analysis. The results indicate that the influence of slum
upgrading actors in the low-income household mobility and reoccurrence of the Namuwongo
slum was exhibited through three thematic areas. These included tracking the residential
mobility tendencies, fit-for-purposes of the upgrading programs/initiatives, and actor
collaboration. This paper concludes that actors' collaboration and participatory involvement in
low-income slum-dwelling households should enable the adequate fit-for-purposes of the in-
situ upgrading initiatives. This could go a long way in limiting slum reoccurrence as the key
drivers of household mobility would be understood and well incorporated into the programs
Data Mining and Machine Learning Algorithms for Optimizing Maize Yield Forecasting in Central Europe
No full textP.(1-22) ;Artificial intelligence, specifically machine learning (ML), serves as a valuable tool for
decision support in crop management under ongoing climate change. However, ML implementation
to predict maize yield is still limited in Central Europe, especially in Hungary. In this context, we
assessed the performance of four ML algorithms (Bagging (BG), Decision Table (DT), Random Forest
(RF) and Artificial Neural Network-Multi Layer Perceptron (ANN-MLP)) in predicting maize yield
based on four different input scenarios. The collected data included both agricultural data (production
(PROD) (ton) and maize cropped area (AREA) (ha)) and climate data (annual mean temperature C
(Tmean), precipitation (PRCP) (mm), rainy days (RD), frosty days (FD) and hot days (HD)). This
research adopted four scenarios, as follows: SC1: AREA+ PROD+ Tmean+ PRCP+ RD+ FD+ HD;
SC2: AREA+ PROD; SC3: Tmean+ PRCP+ RD+ FD+ HD; and SC4: AREA+ PROD+ Tmean+ PRCP.
In the training stage, ANN-MLP-SC1 and ANN-MLP-SC4 outperformed other ML algorithms; the
correlation coefficient (r) was 0.99 for both, while the root mean squared errors (RMSEs) were
107.9 (ANN-MLP-SC1) and 110.7 (ANN-MLP-SC4). In the testing phase, the ANN-MLP-SC4 had
the highest r value (0.96), followed by ANN-MLP-SC1 (0.94) and RF-SC2 (0.94). The 10-fold cross
validation also revealed that the ANN-MLP-SC4 and ANN-MLP-SC1 have the highest performance.
We further evaluated the performance of the ANN-MLP-SC4 in predicting maize yield on a regional
scale (Budapest). The ANN-MLP-SC4 succeeded in reaching a high-performance standard (r = 0.98,
relative absolute error = 21.87%, root relative squared error = 20.4399% and RMSE = 423.23). This
research promotes the use ofANNas an efficient tool for predicting maize yield, which could be highly
beneficial for planners and decision makers in developing sustainable plans for crop management.
Keywords: maize yield; climate; multilayer perceptron; random forest; optimum mode
Investigation of mechanical properties of ceramic tiles developed from selected clay deposits in Uganda
No full textxii, 80 p. : ill. (some col.) ;In this study the characteristics of Buwambo kaolin, Lunya feldspar, Ntawo ball clay and Liddo beach sand were determined. The Modulus of Rapture (MOR) and Compressive Strength (CS) of the tiles produced using kaolin:feldspar of different composition ratios were determined. The composition ratios of kaolin:feldspar used were 4:3, 3:4, 5:9 and 2:5 by mass. On the other hand, a fixed composition ratio was used for ball clay:sand of 5:1 by mass (Ochen et.al 2012). The samples were fired at 1100 0C for 8 hours.
Using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), the Buwambo kaolin had a porous cellular structure of irregular-shaped particles of average size of 0.202 ± 0.131 μm. Liddo beach sand had porous particles with average particle size of 0.168 ± 0.198 μm, the Lunya feldspar had irregular confined particles with average particle size of 0.153 ± 0.105 μm and the Ntawo ball clay had fine grained uniform rounded particles of average size of 0.095 ± 0.055 μm. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy were used to determine the elemental composition. The XRF on Liddo beach sand showed that it is mainly composed of 99.5 % SiO2 with trace amounts of Al2O3 and Fe2O3 each 0.2 %. The EDX revealed that Buwambo kaolin mainly had 11.15 % Aluminium and 10.83 % Silicon. The Lunya feldspar mainly had 19.53 % Silicon and 5.46 % Sodium. The Ntawo ball clay mainly had 12.91 % silicon and 4.52 % aluminium. X-ray diffraction (XRD) on Liddo beach sand showed a broad reflection peak at 2θ = 22.86 o indicating its amorphous nature. The Lunya feldspar showed major peaks at 20.69, 26.40 and 29.52 o which are within the acceptable range of sodium feldspar. The Ntawo ball clay showed major peaks at 2θ = 20.82, 26.53 and 27.35 o. For Buwambo kaolin, the major peaks were located at 2θ = 12.29 and 27.40 o. The MOR and CS were significantly dependent on composition ratios at significant levels α = 0.01 and α = 0.05 and therefore the null hypotheses that the CS and MOR of the tiles produced are not affected by the composition ratios of the clay mixture rejected at the two levels of significance. The sample with the highest kaolin-feldspar ratio of 4:3 had the highest MOR of 30.84 ± 2.67 MPa at α = 0.01 and 30.84 ± 1.60 MPa at α = 0.05. It also had the highest CS of 1.36 ± 0.06 MPa at α = 0.01 and 1.36 ± 0.04 MPa at α = 0.05. Similarly, the sample with the lowest kaolin-feldspar ratio of 2:5 had the least MOR of 18.58 ± 0.51 MPa at α = 0.01 and 18.58 ± 0.31 MPa at α = 0.05. It also had the least CS of 0.82 ± 0.03 MPa at α = 0.01 and 0.82 ± 0.02 at α = 0.05. Further investigation should be carried out using other clay deposits to find out how the variation in the amount of kaolin and feldspar in them would affect the CS and MOR of tile samples developed using these clays
The impact of floricultural activities on vegetation cover and water quality in Lutembe Bay Wetland, namulanda, Uganda
No full textxi, 56 p. : ill. (some col.) ;Floriculture is becoming a key activity around most of the wetlands in Uganda since they provide quick avenues for disposal of effluents. In a bid to understudy the impacts of such floricultural activities on water quality and vegetation cover. A study was undertaken in Lutembe wetland to evaluate the effects of floriculture on vegetation cover and water quality. Water samples were obtained from three different flower farms in different seasons for analysis in the Laboratory for pesticides and nutrient content. In addition, field vegetation cover assessments were undertaken being guided by the pre-produced GIS land use maps of the area. Results portrayed a total of 113 different pesticides thirteen of which were of very high concentration following under all WHO pesticide classes. The concentrations of these pesticides significantly differed among samples collected, and flower farms studied. In addition, eight land uses were observed with settlements and agriculture greatly replacing the wetland cover. The studied sites were dominated by plant species such as Cyperus papyrus, Mimosa pudica, Lersia hexandra, Marantachlora sp and Pheonix reclinata. Furthermore, there was severe clearance of the ordinary wetland cover at the edges that saw emergence of invasive species such as Mimosa pudica. Water nutrient content differed across the selected flower farms within Lutembe wetland. Indeed, floricultural activities have significant impact on the pesticide loading within the wetland more so during peak flower farming months. Such flower activities also contribute significantly to nutrient loading within the wetland. Thus there is need for the floriculture industry around and within the wetland should practice integrated pest and weed management (IPM) practices to reduce on over dependence on pesticides and herbicides and further research on seasonal and longitudinal effect of floriculture activities on water quality should be conducted
Organisational Justice, Employee Mentorship and Turnover Intentions among Non-Teaching Staff at Kyambogo University
No full textxii, 92 p. ;The study examined how organizational justice and employee mentoring affected non-teaching staff members' intentions to leave KYU. Data were gathered from a random sample of 257 respondents using structured questionnaires and a correlation survey approach. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. According to the study, turnover intentions and organisational justice were positively correlated (r =.507, P< 0.01).Non-teaching Staff were able to have a sense of belonging and enthusiasm for their work because of distributive and interactional fairness. Due to the role modelling, career development, and social support that strengthened the sentiments of commitment among workers to their organisation and made them want to stay and work for it, there was a positive and significant association between employee mentoring and turnover intentions (r =.297, P< 0.01).Additionally, there was a strong and positive correlation (r=.560, P< 0.01) between organisational justice and employee mentoring. Together, organisational justice and employee mentoring successfully predicted turnover intentions (r=.48, p<0.05). Employee mentorship increased its contribution by (r2 change=0.01) of organisational justice to turnover intentions. This is because employee mentorship led employees to feel that KYU values them and, thus, they were grateful to stay and work for it. Therefore, for Universities to address the issue of turnover intentions, retention strategies to address the mentoring requirements of staff members must be put in place. Programmes to empower employees to have effective participation and engagement in sustaining distributive and interactional justice, as well as role modelling, should freely be available to reduce turnover intentions among non-teaching staff.
Keywords: Organisational Justice, Employee Mentorship and Turnover Intentions
Work ethics and employee performance: a case of bugweri district local government
No full textxii, 65 p. ;The study sought to establish how work ethics affect employee performance. Specifically, the study: investigated the effect of Accountability on an organization’s performance, assessed the effect of Professionalism on an organization’s performance, and examined the effect of Time management on an organization’s performance. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted and a Quantitative approach was used in the study's data collection, analysis, and presentation. The survey was conducted on a study population of 1082 employees of Bugweri DLG using Close-ended Questionnaires and the sample was 233 respondents. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. The respondents' demographic data, including frequency counts, percentages, averages, and standard deviations of respondents' perceptions in Bugweri DLG was analysed. Correlation and regression analysis were performed to establish the statistical relationship between variables and to quantify the association between work ethics and employee performance. Results from the correlation analysis indicated that accountability, professionalism and time management all had a positive and significant relationship with employee performance. Accordingly, regression results revealed that accountability, professionalism and time management explain variations in employee performance at the Bugweri District Local Government. Any single unit improvement in accountability, professionalism and time management in turn leads to an improvement in employee performance at Bugweri DLG. Therefore, these findings imply that accountability, professionalism and time management are key to fostering an employee performance. In conclusion, it was evident from the findings of the study that work ethics have a significant effect on employee performance and therefore, when local governments embrace work ethics, they are likely to register a performance improvement. The study recommends that Bugweri DLG integrate work ethics in all HRM systems and enforce them in all departments. The study also recommends MDA to ensure that work ethics most importantly, accountability, professionalism and time management are made a prerequisite during recruitment and selection in addition to other qualifications.
Key terms: Work Ethics, Accountability, Professionalism, Time Management and employee performance
Efficacy of dietary polyphenols from whole foods and purified food polyphenol extracts in optimizing cardio metabolic health: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
No full textThe evidence from clinical trials concerning the efficacy of dietary polyphenols on cardiometabolic health is divergent. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the pooled effect of dietary polyphenols on cardiometabolic risk markers and compare the difference in efficacy between whole polyphenol-rich foods and purified food polyphenol extracts. We conducted a random-effect model meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of polyphenols on blood pressure, lipid profile, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), fasting blood glucose (FBG), waist circumference, and markers of inflammation. Effect size was expressed as weighted mean difference and 95% CI. RCTs published in English between 2000 and 2021 involving adult participants with cardiometabolic risks were searched in electronic databases. Forty-six RCTs involving 2494 participants with a mean age of 53.3 10 y were included in this review. Whole polyphenol-rich food but not purified food polyphenol extracts significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP, 3.69 mmHg; 95% CI: 4.24, 3.15 mmHg; P ¼ 0.00001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, 1.44 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.56, 0.31 mmHg; P ¼ 0.0002). Concerning waist circumference, purified food polyphenol extracts led to a larger effect ( 3.04 cm; 95% CI: 7.06, 0.98 cm; P ¼ 0.14). Significant effects on total cholesterol ( 9.03 mg/dL; 95% CI: 16.46, 1.06 mg/dL; P ¼ 0.02) and TGs ( 13.43 mg/dL; 95% CI: 23.63, 3.23; P ¼ 0.01) were observed when purified food polyphenol extracts were considered separately. None of the intervention materials significantly affected LDL cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, FBG, IL-6, and CRP. When both whole food and extracts were pooled together, there was a significant reduction in SBP, DBP, FMD, TGs, and total cholesterol. These findings suggest that polyphenols both as whole food and purified extracts can be efficacious in reducing cardiometabolic risks. However, these results must be interpreted with caution because of high heterogeneity and risk of bias among RCTs. This study was registered on PROSPERO as CRD42021241807
Fluidity and hybridity of customary marriage traditions in contemporary Uganda
No full textThe ideology that customary marriages are celebrated according to ancestral
traditions and customs is rife in Africa. There is however continuous invention
and evolution of institutions associated with customary marriage rendering it
burdensome to trace the visibility of ancient ‘traditions’ therein. This
argument is anchored in the theoretical perspective of ‘invention of tradition’,
to analyse the extent to which the celebration of customary marriages in
Uganda has maintained the ancestral ‘traditional’ status quo owing to the
influences of colonisation, westernisation globalisation and modernisation.
Busoga, a predominantly Bantu ethnic society, is used as a representative case
for this analysis. Using a historical and ethnographic approach, it was
established that there is a lot of fluidity and hybridity of contemporary
traditions upon which these marriages are celebrated. The notion that
customary marriages are celebrated based on past traditions is a fallacy,
although at best, efforts have been invested to dramatise past traditions in
contemporary settings
State of teacher made classroom tests and testing as continuous assessment in an inclusive setting for practical outcomes, case study of bachelor of teacher education students in Kyambogo university, Uganda
No full textInclusive education, inclusive classroom, inclusive setting, teacher made classroom
tests and testing are commonly used terms by educators; teachers, teacher educators,
administrators, parents/guardians, communities of practice and stakeholders. A few of
these personnel have the required knowledge, attitudes or values and competences
(practice) of an inclusive learning classroom for practical learning outcomes. The
researcher intends to share on an evaluation of the current state of teacher made
classroom tests and testing as continuous assessment in an inclusive setting for
relevant learning outcomes. The research includes, an introduction (theoretical and
conceptual), purpose and objectives, methodology, results, conclusions and
recommendations based on research emerging issues for action. The researcher used
mixed methodology; action research, evaluative and case study on 351 Bachelor of
Teacher Education students (2018 to 2020) with backgrounds in Teacher Education,
Special Needs Education and Education Primary. Key findings were; inadequate
teacher capacity, limited specific need-based resources, infrastructure, mixed
perceptions of Special Educational Needs, less attention to learner uniqueness. Some
key recommendations included; teacher capacity building through structured need
based Continuous Professional Development including education in emergencies and
crisis
Comparative analysis of occupational health and safety practices in international and indigenous construction companies in Uganda
No full textx, 79 p. ;The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) performance of construction companies has been declining in recent years, resulting in high employee turnover and decreased productivity. The study examined the OHS practices and their impact on employee performance in Indigenous and International Construction Companies in Uganda. A comparative analysis was conducted using a case study approach, focusing on Roko Construction Limited Uganda and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). The research design adopted was a cross-sectional survey, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample of 265 respondents from ROKO and 278 from CCCC were selected, and data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson coefficient and regression analysis. Study findings revealed that both case studies had implemented OHS practices and faced challenges in implementation of these practices. The most implemented OHS practices by both companies were: Safety responsibilities associated with work were clearly spelt out and all machinery regularly checked and inspected. The highly faced challenges in implementing these practices were: high training costs, lack of management support, and low employee involvement. It was revealed that there was a weak positive correlation between OHS and employee performance at ROKO and CCCC with a correlation coefficient of 0.344 and 0.219 respectively. The study concluded that in both indigenous and international construction companies, there is a relatively significant impact of OHS practices on employee performance. The study recommends regular training on safety, and implementation to be conducted by a Safety Committee, hazard and risk information should be shared widely. Similar research can be conducted to evaluate the OHS practices in the Oil extraction stages in Uganda.
Key words: Occupational, Health, Safety, Performance, indigenous, construction