bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability of Mining Drilling Equipment
Authors: Javad Rahimdel Mohammad , Ghodrati Behzad 
Published: April 2024

Drilling represents the initial and most crucial phase in open pit mining operations that utilize the drilling and blasting method. The mobility of all drilling machineries, facilitated by the undercarriage moving between drilling sites, is essential. Any malfunction in this system can hinder movement and, ultimately, halt drilling activities. The reliability, maintainability, and availability of such equipment are vital for continuous production and pose significant challenges for mining companies aiming to enhance system utilization. This research focuses on evaluating the reliability, maintainability, and availability of rotary drilling machines’ transmission systems through a case study conducted in Iran. The study involved collecting failure data from four different drilling machines and proposing preventive maintenance schedules for each. The findings reveal that the transmission system’s reliability significantly decreases to zero after 1000–3500 hours of operation. From a maintainability perspective, most machine failures were repaired within 10–45 hours. The study underscores the importance of enhancing the transmission system’s maintainability to boost the overall reliability of drilling operations in mining environments.
Influence of Directive Leadership Style on the Innovative Behavior of Senior Managers in the Manufacturing Sector in Kenya
Authors: Nancy Mutonyi  , George K’AOL  , Caren OUMA  
Published: April 2024

This study sought to determine the influence of directive leadership style on the innovative behavior of senior managers in the manufacturing sector in Kenya. Positivism research philosophy and descriptive correlational research design were used. The target population comprised of 802 senior managers in manufacturing firms in Kenya. Stratified random sampling method was used to determine a sample size of 267 senior managers from the total population. Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data and a response rate of 85% was achieved. Descriptive statistical analysis techniques used were percentages, means, and standard deviations. Inferential statistics used for data analysis included; Pearson’s correlation, Chi-square, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Ordinal Logistic Regression. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used as the data analysis tool for this study.
The ordinal logistic regression (Nagelkerke Pseudo R-square) results showed that directive leadership style explained 4.4% of the variance in innovative behavior (R2 =.044). The goodness-of-fit results showed that there was a good fit between the observed data and the hypothesized model, [X2(22, N = 228) = 0.008, p =1.000, p>.05]. The parameter estimates results revealed that directive leadership style positively and significantly predicted innovative behavior (β =.626, p =.003, p<.05), thus rejecting the null hypothesis that directive leadership style does not significantly influence the innovative behavior of senior managers.
This study concludes that directive leadership style influenced the innovative behavior of senior managers. The findings of this study will provide knowledge to the leaders in the manufacturing sector on the influence of directive leadership style on the innovative behavior of senior managers, to improve their performance. The study recommends that further research should be conducted on the influence of directive leadership on innovative behavior in small-scale manufacturing organizations in Kenya.
Factors Associated with Health Seeking Behavior for Reproductive Tract Infections among Young Street Females in Eldoret, Kenya
Authors: Violet Chepchirchir Maritim  , Anthony WANYORO  , Jackim NYAMARI  , John MAINGI  , Lillian ABALLA  , Eunice KIMANI  
Published: April 2024

Introduction: A reproductive tract infection (RTIs), among young women is a public health concern, especially in developing countries like Kenya. When a reproductive tract infection occurs, urgent treatment should be done to avoid short and long term consequences.
However, few studies have evaluated factors associated with RTIs and healthcare seeking behaviours especially, among young street women in low and middle-income countries.
Objective: This study aimed at determining the factors associated with healthcare seeking behavior for RTI infections among young street females in Eldoret town in Kenya.
Methodology: This study utilized a cross-sectional study design. The study participants were young street females aged between 10-24 years. The independent variables of the study were age, education level, occupation, marital status, and healthcare associated factors such as distance to the facility, and health care perspectives on reproductive health were assessed.
Informed consent was obtained from participants while assent was obtained from guardians for minors and persons in charge of street families.
Results: A total of 77 young street females were enrolled. Those aged ≤15 years were 10 (13%) while those aged ≥ 20 years were 48 (62.3%). The study established that participants aged between 16 to 19 years were less likely to report having had an RTI compared to those aged between 20 to 24 years (95% CI; 0.216 (0.070-0.671), p=0.006).
Majority had heard of RTI (62, 80.5%). Out of the fifty respondents (65%) who reported having ever experienced RTI in their lifetime, 36 (72%) sought treatment for the illness with 46 respondents (94%) seeking treatment after two days post-onset of symptoms. Additionally, the main first points of seeking treatment were pharmacies (21, 43%) and health facilities (25, 51%).
Conclusions: The study findings show there’s a high burden of STIs among young street females in Eldoret.
Prevalence of Polydrug Use in Patients Undergoing Methadone Assisted Therapy in Nairobi County
Authors: Rose N. Kiiru  , Charity W. Waithima  , Peterson K. Mwangi  
Published: April 2024

Polydrug Use (PDU) among Methadone Assisted Therapy (MAT) continues to be a global concern with users engaging in concurrent intake of more than one psychoactive substance. However, due to the increased risks of drug abuse in society today, polydrug users are now seeking opioids use disorder (OUD) treatment in Methadone Assisted Therapy (MAT) which is undoubtedly associated with withdrawal and craving challenges. This paper therefore evaluates the prevalence of polydrug use among MAT patients in Nairobi County Kenya. Guided by the social learning theory, this study used a mixed methods approach comprising both quantitative and qualitative data. The target population comprised 2121 patients from two MAT clinics in the county from which a sample of 120 respondents was drawn through random sampling technique with 60 in treatment group and 60 in control group. A quasi-experimental research design with pre and post strategy was utilized in experimental group site 1 and control group site 2. Both treatment and control group received baseline and endline assessment and MAT treatment. The experimental group receive MI with instant assessment and feedback through engaging, focusing, evoking and planning and assessment for readiness to reduce polydrug use through self-rating readiness ruler. Control group received Zero MI treatment. Base line assessment was done for 5 to 10 minutes using TimeLine Fallback for polydrug use while End line assessment was done using the same tools after 3 months. Data analysis was descriptively conducted to determine the prevalence of polydrug use among MAT patients used with findings presented in tables and charts.
A Longitudinal Assessment of Written Communication among Students at a Private University in Kenya
Authors: Naom Nyarigoti  
Published: April 2024

Regular assessment of program outcome is a fundamental part of efficient curriculum review and improvement. Accrediting commissions expect that by the time of graduation, each student should have achieved the expected program learning outcomes. All accredited programs undergo an assessment process to demonstrate program outcome achievement. This paper presents findings of a longitudinal assessment of students’ writing skills at United States International University (USIU-A). The main objective of this study was to assess the progress made by students in written communication competence right from entry to their final level of the English courses offered at the institution. This was aimed at providing instructionally relevant feedback to instructors which could be used to inform curriculum review and classroom instruction to improve students' writing skills. The study used an analytical rubric to assess students written scripts at different levels from entry to their final level of the English courses. Findings show general improvement in the students writing skills safe for syntax and grammar. A few recommendations are made from the findings including; providing students with a language intensive program before they begin their degree program, promoting writing across the curriculum (WAC) approach, and limiting language class sizes to 30 for effective teaching, evaluation, and feedback.
First Principles Study of Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) in Manganese Nitride materials
Authors: Nicholas Langat  , Philip Nyawere  , Elicah Wabululu  
Published: April 2024

We report ab initio study of the electronic, mechanical and structural properties for the negative thermal expansion (NTE) application of antiperovskites manganese nitrides materials Mn3XN (X=Al, Ga, Zn). Using first principle calculations based on generalized gradient approximation (GGA), the electronic, structural, and mechanical properties of the Mn3XN (X = Al, Ga, Zn) phases were investigated. The optimized lattice parameters give the first reference to the upcoming theoretical and experimental studies. THERMO_PW as a post-processing code was used for the computation of elastic constants that were used to derive bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G), Young's modulus (E), Poisson's ratio (õ), and hardness. The calculated elastic constants are in excellent agreement with the available data. Moreover, obtained elastic constants revealed that both the Mn3ZnN and Mn3GaN phases are brittle. The band structure and density of states analysis showed that these phases are electrical conductors, having strong directional bonding existing near the Fermi level between Mn -N atoms due to Mn-d and N-p hybridization. The Mn3GaN compound has the highest Debye temperature (452.8K), while Mn3ZnN has Debye temperature of (283.4K) indicating that they are thermodynamically and dynamically stable and can be synthesized experimentally. Mn3AlN compound has Debye temperature (0.000K) indicating the system is unstable for compressional deformation.
A STUDY OF MARITAL CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AMONG COUPLES IN AINAMOI DIVISION OF KERICHO COUNTY
Authors: Eunice Wambui Njenga  , Julius Langat  
Published: April 2024

Conflict exists everywhere.Â People experience conflicts in their jobs, families, schools and even in the church. Conflict can neither be avoided nor ignored. Conflict that is not managed correctly diminishes happiness and has the potential to destroy people, it leaves them broken and burnt out. Marital conflict is a part of everyday life and how couples handle conflict in their relationship affects the strength and type of relationship a couple may have. Conflict may have the power to destroy or build a marriage. The study on marital conflict management among couples in Ainamoi Division was conducted through randomly interviewing forty married individuals in Ainamoi Division of Kericho County. The researchers employed a descriptive approach to analyse the data which was displayed through tables, charts, and graphs.Â The research has shown the following factors causing conflict in marriage in their order of priority: communication problems, financial management conflicts, issues surrounding children, in-laws, sexual issues, and finally, behaviour problems. Therefore, there is a need to counsel and teach married couples skills such as communication, financial management and relational skills in order for them to know how to manage marital conflict. This study concludes that marital counselling is in dire need in the society, and so counsellors, pastors and church leaders should come out and make awareness of it in the society
Computational Modeling of 2-Monochlorophenol and 2-Monochlorothiophenol
Authors: Joshua K. Kibet  
Published: April 2024

Substituted phenolic compounds are well established organic contaminants in the atmosphere and natural ecosystems. They are implicated in a variety of health problems such as oxidative stress, cancer and respiratory diseases. Although the chemistry of 2-monochlorophenol is extensively studied experimentally, theoretical studies on this molecule especially on its thermal degradation is scarce in literature. The goal of this investigation is to investigate not only the thermal properties of 2-monochlorophenol and 2-monochrothiophenol but also their electronic properties from a theoretical stand point. To simulate the thermolysis of these pollutants under conditions representative of municipal waste incineration, a temperature range of 300-1000ËšC at typical increments of 100 ËšC at 1 atmosphere was chosen. Gaussian 03 computational suite of programs was employed in this study. The density functional theory (DFT) in conjunction with B3LYP correlation function and a variety of basis sets were used in this study. Two basis sets normally selected for molecular modeling of organic molecules; 6-31+G and 6-31G have been given priority in this work. Thermochemical results show that 2-mochlorothiophenol easily dissociates to 2-monochlorothiophenoxy radical in comparison to the dissociation of 2-monochlorophenol to 2-monochlorophenoxy radical in the whole range of degradation temperature. At a degradation temperature of 1000 K, the change in enthalpy for the formation of 2-monochlorothiophenoxy and 2-monochlorophenoxy radicals are respectively, 70.40 and 84.39 kcal mol-1. The toxicities of these combustion by-products have also been reported in this study.
Mitigation Efforts of the Seventh Day Adventist Church Teachings to the Borabu/ Sotik Border 2007/8 Post Election Violence, Kenya
Authors: Tom Mong'are Nyagwoka  
Published: April 2024

This paper presents mitigation efforts of the Seventh-day Adventist Church teachings to the Borabu/Sotik boarder 2007/8 violence. The paper is an outcome of a study which was conducted whose major objective was to investigate the role of the Adventists in the mitigation efforts to the 2007/8 post election violence along the Borabu/Sotik boarder. The area of study was Borabu Â Sub county. The research is anchored on Aristotleâ€™s institutionalization theory of the natural law which states the importance of natural law in guiding the choices of the Christians. The study adopted descriptive survey study design.Â A sample size of 207 from a total population of 2070 was used.Â A questionnaire with a 5 point Likert type scale was used to collect data. The major findings of the study were; Seventh â€“day Adventists along Borabu / Sotik border failed to abide by their known law and they also participated in the 2007/8 post election violence. Mechanisms of validating Godâ€™s law were found wanting as well. There were also challenges of security, social reform, historical injustices, and negation of both Christian and secular values. The findings will be useful to policy makers as a complimentary document to build a Kenya of love command and rule of law. The researchers recommend teaching of Godâ€™s law which may lead to harmonious co-existence.
Psycho-Therapeutic Concerns in Performance Arts and Community Development in Africa
Authors: Peter Muhoro Mwangi  , Dr. Peter Muhoro Mwangi  , Professor Mellitus Wanyama  
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the position of art as a vehicle of socio-economic development; engineered by playwrights as mouth pieces of their societies. The arts domain has always been a contested field of experimentation in handling community-oriented issues concerning human life. Plato in The Republic, authoritatively condemned arts terming it a less important realm of educationÂ Â as â€œartists begin from ideas advance further ideas and end up in ideas.â€ This view was however challenged by Aristotelian views, clearly stating the value of imitating the right actions. In contemporary societal disposition, there has emerged a new wave of correction ideas for community artists with the development concerns of a people. Art emerges as a mirror of society and so whatever is performedÂ Â for its good builds the psychological needs of the community members. The spirit of togetherness and cooperative movement is best expressed through performing arts while engaging, the people in development projects, for instance; building of community schools, cattle dips, police stations, water projects, social halls and churches among others. There is a great opportunity for developing a peopleâ€™s future through the voice of the performers. Performance and educationÂ Â emerge as important paradigms for shaping not only an individual but community goals, ambitions and aspirations. Ideally, the performance enhances psychotherapeutic ingredient in the audience. An active synergizedÂ Â audience participates in creating an atmosphere of oneness, peopleâ€™sÂ Â power, innovation and societal empowerment. A culture of brotherhood, sisterhood andÂ Â pacification entrenches itself in the minds of community members who are then able to participate in decision-making ventures especially that involve the youth and womenÂ Â groups. In the long run, the ensuing differences and conflicts that rock the community are addressed harmoniously and courageously through dialogue captured in dramatic arts.
Influence of the Professional training of the Clergy on Fostering Cohesion among Ethnic Communities in Nakuru County, Kenya
Authors: William Koros  
Published: April 2024

This paper seeks to establish the influence of the Professional training of the Clergy on fostering cohesion in a multi-ethnic setting like Nakuru County in Kenya.Â Professional training of the clergy is not an end in itself but is the means to an end. They preach the whole counsel of God that will eventually produce mature believers who will perpetuate the kingdom values wherever they will be. Yet Kenya, with a population that is majority Christian at 83%, has had a trend of electoral violence since the introduction of multiparty politics in the 1990s with the most recent and severe case being the post-election violence (PEV) of 2007/2008. While Christians are generally credited for being a strong source of identity and value formation, it has not been the case for churches have been involved and affected often with ethnic groups pitted against each other. The study was guided by Burtonâ€™s Human Needs Theory (HNT) and Lawrenceâ€™s self- in-God (SIG) model. The study was conducted in Nakuru, a cosmopolitan County, employed descriptive research design and involved the Africa Inland Church (AIC), Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) and Africa Gospel Church (AGC) Congregations. A sample of 120 members of the clergy selected using purposive, stratified, proportionate and simple random sampling techniques participated in the study. The clergyâ€™s questionnaires (CQ) were used to collect data. The content and face validity of the instruments were examined by experts and their suggestions used to improve the tools before they were used to gather data. The collected data was analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Data was described and summarized using frequency tables and percentages. The Spearmanâ€™s correlations was used to establish the relationship between the clergyâ€™s training and fostering cohesion among communities. The findings of the study established that professional training and qualification of the clergy does not influence fostering cohesion among ethnic communities.
The effect of pasteurisation and storage on aroma compounds in lager
Authors: Gagula Goran , Đurđević-Milošević Dragica , Ncube Thembekile , Magdić Damir 
Published: April 2024

Why was the work done: To investigate the impact of pasteurisation and storage in bottle on aroma compounds in pale lager beer.
How was the work done: Pale lager beer was produced at an industrial scale with 100% pilsner malt and a bottom fermenting yeast. Samples were taken of unpasteurised beer from bright beer tank, after flash pasteurisation and six months after packaging in amber glass bottles.
What are the main findings: Post pasteurisation, a marked increase was found in the concentration of 2,3-pentanedione (50%) and diacetyl (33%), presumably reflecting the decomposition by heat of precurser acetohydroxy acids. There was also a marginal increase in dimethyl sulphide (6%) with little or no change in other aroma compounds. Storage for six months in bottle, also resulted in an increase in the level of 2,3-pentanedione, diacetyl and dimethyl sulphide. The linear (Pearson) correlation was > 0.8 for both dimethyl sulphide and diacetyl, and 2,3-pentanedione and diacetyl. Accordingly, it was concluded that the levels in beer of dimethyl sulphide and 2,3-pentanedione are proportionally related to diacetyl.
Why is the work important: This work provides an insight into the effects on flavour and aroma of lager of flash pasteurisation and subsequent storage in bottle. The inter-relationship between aroma compounds in beer suggests that such synergies may undermine the sensory perception of threshold levels and identification of specific aromas.
Planning for Handling COVID-19: Qualitative Study of COVID-19 at Sukorejo Community Health Center
Authors: Trisnindasari Aisyah Lely , Rasni Hanny , Susanto Tantut 
Published: April 2024

Background: Health workers at Community Health Centers have an important role as the main guard in preventive and promotive efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose: The aim of this research is to analyze the existence of planning for handling COVID-19 at the Sukorejo Jember Community Health Center in accordance with the first pillar in the WHO standards for planning for COVID-19. Methods: This research uses a descriptive phenomenological approach aimed at health workers involved in planning the handling of COVID-19 at community health centers. Data has been saturated in 3 health workers. Researchers analyzed the data using Collaizi analysis. Results: The results of the research have obtained three important themes, including team planning (human resources) in dealing with COVID-19, logistical needs, and preparation of activity implementation plans. Conclusion: Therefore, planning for handling COVID-19 is important in identifying and evaluating appropriate planning in infectious disease eradication programs at Community Health Centers.

Keywords: COVID-19, planning, health care provider, public health center