bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AN ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING LECTURER PRODUCTIVITY IN PRODUCING SCIENTIFIC WORK
Authors: Juliastuti  , Suherman  , Aceng Hasani  
Published: February 2025

Scientific work produced by lecturers is an important indicator in assessing the academic productivity of lecturers. The academic productivity of lecturers is one of the indicators of university performance. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the productivity of lecturers in producing scientific papers. The type of research in this study is descriptive-qualitative. The method used in this research is the meta-analysis method. Based on the results of literature research conducted by researchers, it shows that: 1). Discipline affects lecturer productivity; 2). Individual characteristics affect lecturer productivity; 3).Work culture affects lecturer productivity; 4). Motivation affects lecturer productivity; 5).Work environment affects lecturer productivity; And 6). Competence affects lecturer productivity.
Enhancing Security and Operational Efficiency in Tourisms Sectors through Blockchain Technology: The Role of Trust and Regulatory Environment under institutional economics
Authors: Kumar. S Santhosh , Sateeshchandra Navya Gubbi , Chelabi Kaddour , Hadziahmetovic Nereida , Sambiri Benjamin Bensam , Ray Samrat 
Published: February 2025

Purpose: The tourism industry is more and more turning to cutting-edge technologies to tackle issues concerning security, operational effectiveness, and confidence. The decentralized, transparent, and unchangeable characteristics of blockchain technology provide a revolutionary opportunity to improve these areas. This study investigates how blockchain can protect operational processes, secure data, and support service providers and regulators. This research explores the relationship between trust, technology adoption, and regulation by suggesting ways to incorporate blockchain in the tourism industry with a focus on both innovation and responsibility. Design/methodology/approach: The study used quantitative methods to survey 326 professionals in the tourism industry and frequent travelers to explore their interactions with tourism services based on blockchain technology. Data underwent analysis through the utilization of SPSS and SmartPLS 4. This method sought to comprehend the various viewpoints on the advantages and difficulties of incorporating BCT into their activities. Findings: This study Outcomes show the blockchain adoption is perceived. Although some believe that BCT has the potential to improve security and operational efficiency, there are also positive opinions on the matter. Both customers and providers agree on BCT's trustworthiness, however, they have differing opinions on privacy and security improvements. Moreover, the research highlights the crucial importance of regulatory enforcement in promoting blockchain adoption, as blockchain presents valuable chances for ensuring compliance and reducing risks. Implication: This study adds to the current knowledge by offering perspectives from service providers and customers on blockchain technology in the travel sector. It highlights the challenges of integrating new blockchain technologies and urges further research to tackle the raised issues, providing a fresh perspective on utilizing distributed ledger technologies to improve security and operational effectiveness
Relationship between Teachers’ Conduct and Teachers’ Performance in Public Primary Schools in Igembe North Sub-County, Meru County
Authors: Gitonga Harriet Karamana , Kibaara Tarsila , Gichohi Paul Maku 
Published: February 2025

The Teachers Service Commission has put in place mechanisms to evaluate the performance of primary school teachers via the teaching competence standards outlined in the Performance Appraisal and Development manual. In spite of this effort, low performance of primary school teachers has continued to raise concerns from different stakeholders. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the teachers' conduct and the teacher's performance in public primary schools in Igembe North Sub-County, Meru County. The correlational research design was adopted. A sample size of 202 teachers, 14 head teachers, and one Sub-County Education Officer participated in the study. A proportionate simple random sampling technique was used in selecting teachers and head teachers, while the Sub-county Education Officer was purposively selected. Data was collected using questionnaires and an interview guide whose content validity and reliability were verified. Factor analysis, mean and standard deviation, correlation and regression analysis were used in analyzing the quantitative data. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the qualitative data. Information was presented in tables, and excerpts. The poor state of teachers' performance in public primary schools, which was attributed to personal, school-based, and employer-related factors, was noted. The study found out a statistically significant predictive relationship between the teacher's conduct and the teacher's performance. It recommended that TSC empowers head teachers with skills to nurture, counsel, and mentor teachers' conduct. It should also embark on an affordable continuous teacher's development program to amplify professional conduct. Results have implicated leadership, mentorship programs for teachers, and human resources management practices in public primary schools, and contributes new knowledge in staff performance and appraisal management.
How Utilization of Augmentative and Alternative Assistive Technologies affect the Academic Performance in Primary Schools for Learners with Hearing Challenges in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties, Kenya
Authors: Murithi Sabina , Mwirichia Severina , Gichohi Paul Maku 
Published: February 2025

Despite the government of Kenya supporting the training and employment of teachers to deliver quality education to learners with hearing challenges, the academic performance in primary schools for learners with hearing impairments has been poor. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of augmentative and alternative assistive technology devices on academic performance in primary schools for learners with hearing challenges in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, Kenya. The study was guided by the capability theory. The mixed-methods approach and descriptive research design were adopted. The target population was the three primary schools for learners with hearing impairments in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties. It interviewed head teachers and County Educational Directors of Education and issued questionnaires to learners. Staff participated in a focused group discussion. The learners, teaching and non-teaching staff, were selected using simple random sampling technique, while the three head teachers and the two County Educational Directors of Education were selected purposively. Descriptive statistics and correlation were used in the quantitative data analysis, while thematic technique was used on qualitative data. Analysis of data was done by computing inferential and descriptive statistics using SPSS. Dismal academic performance was reported in the three primary schools. The study noted inadequate and poorly maintained augmentative and alternative assistive technology devices, inadequate learners’ skills, weak guidelines for using the devices and insufficient support from the government. The utilization of augmentative and alternative assistive technology devices was low. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should purchase all the required augmentative and alternative assistive technology devices, allocate adequate funds for their maintenance and establish a policy that fosters the utilization of augmentative and alternative assistive technology devices in the school. The findings suggest changes in the curriculum, qualification of staff, funding, and teaching pedagogies.
Self-Medication Practice and Associated Factors in under-Five Children by Parents in Bortown, Jonglei State, South Sudan
Authors: Dhieu Bior Daniel , Mogere Dominic , Ngonjo Teresia 
Published: February 2025

Parents who self-medicate children under-five risk exposing them to serious health consequences such as drug resistance, worst treatment outcome and toxicity. Despite these health consequences, self-medication among children under-five years in BorTown is on the rise. Thus, the study sought to determine self-medication practice and associated factors among children under-five years in BorTown, South Sudan. Descriptive cross-sectional design, which involved stratifying the population by location and drawing representative sample using probability proportional to size formula, was utilized. 373 households with children under-five were chosen using simple random selection. In-person interviews using pre-test questionnaire were conducted. SPSS was used to analyse data. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics and the relationship between constructs was determined using chi-square. All statistical tests were deemed significant at P-value < 0.05. The findings of the study indicated that self-medication was practiced by 88.3% (n=323/). Women were the majority (66.4%), and farmers made up 91.1% of the self-medicating population. Self-medication was associated to age (p -value 0.005) and occupation (p -value 0.008). Leftover medications from prior treatments were the leading cause of self-medication (98.1%), followed by the low cost/no consultation or laboratory expenses (97.8%). 37.2% of self-medication medicines came from unused prescriptions, and 34.4% came from local pharmacies. Self-medication was most often driven by diarrhoea (40.7%), followed by fever (20.5%). Antimalarial (36.6%) and antimicrobials (29%) were the main medicines used for self-medication. Factors causing self-medication, features of self-medication and perceptions on self- medication were associated to self-medication (p-value 0.000). Self-medication, irrational use of medicines and myths on self-medication are public health problems in BorTown. Therefore, this study called for public health education and promotion for parents and health care providers, and should stress risks associated with parents’ self-diagnose of children under-five, indiscriminate use of antimalarial and antimicrobials, inappropriate sources of medicines, and wrong perceptions on self-medication.
The Aspect of Assurance of Digital Institutional Repository Service Provision to Postgraduates Students at Selected Universities in Meru County
Authors: Mjeni Sophia Tsenga , Gichohi Paul Maku , Gichoya David 
Published: February 2025

Theses, dissertations, reports and other research works by university communities are housed in digital institutional repositories in the library department. Postgraduate students are expected to utilize these resources; hence, the nature of services provided therein is critical. The provision of digital institutional repository service in university libraries is expected to be courteous, professional, and credible. Professionalism is demonstrated through politeness, trustworthiness, honesty, friendliness, respectfulness and competence of the institutional repository staff serving users. These attributes usually communicate assurance and heighten customer satisfaction. The feeling of assurance is also reinforced by the experience that a user gets when interacting with the repository website; for example, the friendliness of the webpages. However, incidences of users getting disinterested and losing patience with institutional repositories have continued to be reported.This paper reports part of findings of a large study which aimed to determine how adopting SERVQUAL model can improve digital institutional repository information services to postgraduate students at universities in Meru County. This paper assessed the assurance of digital institutional repository service provision. It employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population constituted library head of sections and post-graduate students. Purposive sampling was employed to get librarians, while simple random sampling, to select students. A sample size of 101 was adopted. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Data quality was achieved by checking construct, content and face validity, while reliability was ascertained using Cronbach alpha. Data was analysed descriptively and thematically. The study found that the level of assurance in digital institutional repositories at universities in Meru County was moderate. Assurance aspects are supported by elements like: knowledgeable staff, customer-centric service, adequate ICT infrastructure, resources and facilities; customer awareness; and adequate funding. The study recommended creation of awareness, staff training and upgrading the repository technology to enhance assurance aspects.
Influence of Liquidity Risk Hedging on Performance of Real Estate Firms in Meru County, Kenya
Authors: Mburugu Kenneth Kamari , Mutea Fredrick , Rintari Nancy 
Published: February 2025

Real estate investments are long-term and capital intensive projects which outperform other asset classes attracting many investors. Real estate contributes greatly to the gross domestic product of many nations. However, financial risks, such as liquidity risk, may largely affect the performance of real estate firms. Though financial risks are global, Kenya experiences high uncertainty of returns due to market volatility and economic fluctuations. This study aimed to assess the influence of Liquidity risk hedging on the performance of real estate firms in Meru County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and was anchored on the liquidity preference theory. Questionnaires and secondary data schedules were used to collect data from 24 real estate firms. Using stratified random sampling method, a sample size of 131 officers was derived using Krejcie and Morgan formula. The senior managers and financial, operations, risk, sales and legal officers from the 24 real estate firms constituted the respondents. To test the reliability and validity of the instruments, 14 questionnaires were pretested in 3 real estate firms in Tharaka Nithi County. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 23, and results presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that liquidity risk hedging had the highest positive influence on NOI, ROE, but less influence on ROA. The study recommends that banks and the financial market players train the real estate firms on available financial innovations so as to hedge risks. The findings challenge the existing paradigms and offers a new perspective on the use of derivatives in hedging real estate liquidity risk. This research aligns with the Kenyan government housing project agenda, and provides a platform for a further discussion on pitfalls to avoid in real estate investments, and the available opportunities
Enhancing Maize Growth and Yield through Hydropriming in Buuri East Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Kaburu Tabitha Wanja , Mushimiyimana David , Muchiri John 
Published: February 2025

Maize crop is a source of staple diet in Kenya, providing nourishment for millions of humans as well as livestock. However, population growth has outpaced the output of maize, due to low crop yield which has been largely attributed to low water status in the plants, leading to poor nutrient uptake and utilization. This study aimed to explore the effects of hydropriming on plant germination, growth vigour and yields of maize in Buuri East Sub County, Meru County. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was deployed to lay down the experiments. The hydropriming treatments were set at 0 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 36 hours, and effects tested on two maize varieties; namely, H614 and Pioneer 38. Sowing was done on the same day. Data was collected on stem height, leaf length, stem diameter, node length, cob weight, cob length, weight of 100 seeds, and total yields, summarized in Excel and analysed using SPSS version 21. ANOVA was performed to determine which treatments had statistically significant effects at alpha = 0.05. LSD was used to separate the means. Results showed that hydropriming for 24 hrs and 36 hrs had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on plant height, leaf length, stem diameter, node length, cob weight, cob length and weight of 100 maize grains which were parameters for growth vigour significantly affected by hydropriming with 36 hours of soaking performing better. The 36 hour priming yielded highest grain per hectare, producing 9,050kg/ha for H614 and 9,600kg/ha for Pioneer 38 respectively. This was 4-fold compared to the non-primed seeds in both varieties. The study concludes that hydropriming of maize would result in better and improved yields in this area. The study recommends that farmers consider hydropriming at 36-hour priming in order to optimize high seedling growth vigour and total maize yields.
Knowledge and Perception of Women towards Cervical Cancer Screening in Meru County, Kenya
Authors: Kandie G. , Mburugu R. , Onyambu F. , Kapigen M. 
Published: February 2025

Globally, epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases is on increase with Cervical cancer associated with human papilloma virus being among leading causes of morbidity and mortality in women.Cervical cancer is preventable but majority of Kenyan women have never been screened yet free services are available in most health facilities. Cervical cancer screening for all women aged 18 to 69 years in Kenya is reported to be 3.2%as compared to the National Cervical Cancer Prevention program target of 70%.Underutilization of screening services is cited to result from lapses in service availability, negative perception among others.The study aimed at assessing knowledge and perception of women towards cervical cancer screening in Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected from 352 respondents (n=352) selected through purposive sampling technique using structured questionnaires. Data was cleaned, coded and entered using SPSS version 23,analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques and presented using tables and charts.Results showed that 69% were aware of cervical cancer while 46.29% were not, 86.9% did not know the cause of cervical cancer.61.9% had heard about cervical cancer screening but 38.1% had not. 78.4% had never heard about human papilloma virus vaccine.The correlation between utilization of cancer screening services and knowledge of cervical cancer screening, was found to be statistically significant r= 0.294, p < 0.001, two tailed. An inverse relationship between screening and perceived pain, r= -0.117, p=0.029 and perceived embarrassment r= -0.109, p=0.041 was also established. This suggests that perception influences utilization of screening negatively.The results would help county managers in decision making and planning for cervical cancer screening as a priority for strengthening service delivery.This study recommends sustained public health education to create positive social change that will include increased awareness, change of perception to cervical cancer and improved screening practices.
Nexus Between Citizen Participation and Performance of County Assemblies in Kenya
Authors: Kaberia Isaac Joseph , Senaji Thomas , Rintari Nancy 
Published: February 2025

Worldwide, public participation in decision making has been advocated as being essential for the effectiveness of public organizations. County assemblies in Kenya are legally required to implement laws guiding public participation in decision making. Though citizen participation in decision making is essential for implementation of the mandate of county assembles (oversight, representation, and legislation), the extent of its relationship with performance of county assemblies in Kenya is not clear. Whilst there is a strong impetus towards conducting public participation by county assemblies in Kenya, there is a gap between the provisions in the legal framework and actual practice on the ground leading to poor public participation which has an effect on the performance of county assemblies in Kenya. This study examined the nexus between citizen participation in decision making and performance of County assemblies in Kenya. Correlation analysis was used to assess the strength and direction of the relationship between citizen participation in decision making and effectiveness in performance of county assemblies in Kenya. The study found a strong correlation between citizen participation and county assembly efficiency (r = 0.448, p). This study filled the gap that existed mainly on involving citizens in decision making. To improve performance of county assemblies, there is need to involve the citizens, to foster collaboration among and within counties, and to network with stakeholders.
Neo-Pentecostals’ Religious Practices and Alleviation of Domestic Water Scarcity in Tigania West Constituency, Meru County, Kenya
Authors: Kiambi James Thambura Ather , Gichohi Paul Maku , Njoroge John Ngige 
Published: February 2025

Neo-Pentecostal Churches have had varied religious practices that have differently been informing their involvement of alleviation of societal problems. This study focused on how these Neo-Pentecostal practices have informed Pentecostal Churches’ role in alleviating domestic water scarcity in Tigania west constituency of Meru County, Kenya. The participation of these churches in the alleviation of societal problems is not felt, contrary to the requirements of Exodus 17:1-7, Numbers 20:1-15, Isaiah 41:17-20, Matthew 25:35 and John 4: 5-15 that teaches that churches be involved such societal affairs. Scarcity of water affects 97 percent of the constituents. The study specifically analyzed the practices of neo-Pentecostal Churches under the theme ‘spiritual warfare’, ‘prosperity gospel’, ‘faith healing and deliverance’, and ‘prophecy’. It was guided by theological reflection and social capital theories. The study adopted interpretivist philosophy, qualitative approach and phenomenological research design. Twenty-two (22) pastors and 59 out of 594 members were sampled using cluster and simple random sampling technique. The pastors were interviewed, while Focus Group Discussion was conducted on 5 groups of Pentecostal churches members. The study further analyzed documents from participating churches. The instruments were validated and tested for reliability. Data collected was then analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The findings indicated that Neo-Pentecostal churches held their religious practices as adequate in alleviation of domestic water scarcity. This outcome necessitated recommendations on the need for Pastors to take measures for enhancing knowledge of ecclesiastical praxis. These measures include seeking advisory from their umbrella bodies. Consequently, the theological institutions ought to include social gospel in their training curricula. Further, Faith Based Organizations should organize conferences, seminars and workshops to train clergies and practicing pastors on the same. This would enable them to balance their epistemology on holistic aspects such as alleviating societal problems like water scarcity