bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sanitary Provision and Measures in Markets during Covid-19 Pandemic in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya
Authors: Kemboi F.J. , Letema S. 
Published: October 2023

Markets are public gathering places for people and provide affordable food for city dwellers, especially in developing countries. On the other hand, markets have been linked to significant disease outbreaks, raising public health concerns. This paper examines the adequacy of sanitary facilities and sanitary measures during Covid-19 pandemic in Eldoret markets.The study employed a cross-sectional research design and collected primary data through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. A total of 282 traders were selected using stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data, which was then presented through tables and figures.The findings indicate that water supply is adequate and reliable in all three markets, toilet and urinal facilities are fairly supplied, and showers are adequate in the Municipal Market, fair in the Main Market, and inadequate in the West Market. Hand washing was done at the entrance as a coronavirus containment precaution in all three markets, but no hand sanitisers were used. During the period, most traders in the markets donned face masks, and the markets were not fumigated. As a result, market compliance with Covid-19 public health measures was low, posing a danger to Covid-19 spread.In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of adequate sanitary facilities, proper sanitisation, and adherence to social distancing measures in marketplaces during the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings call for increased awareness and compliance with public health guidelines among traders, market authorities, and relevant government agencies. By implementing necessary improvements and enforcing stricter measures, marketplaces can contribute to mitigating the spread of Covid-19 and ensuring the health and safety of traders and customers. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying factors contributing to low compliance and to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving market hygiene and Covid-19 containment measures.
Strategies for Minimising Failure of Public-Private Partnership Infrastructure Projects in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Gognaje Y.B. , Ganiyu B.O. , Oyewobi L.O. , Oke A.A. 
Published: October 2023

The global adoption of the public-private partnership (PPP) concept has been driven by the growing demand for public infrastructure. However, many PPP projects have faced challenges and yielded unfavourable outcomes such as failures, delays, and concession revocations. This research paper aims to investigate the key factors influencing private investments in PPP markets in developing countries like Nigeria. The study employed an empirical questionnaire survey, collecting data from PPP experts involved in six PPP construction projects in northern Nigeria. Based on previous research, a set of 19 success factors and 21 failure factors were identified and used as the basis for quantitative data obtained. The data were analysed using the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) methodology. The findings of the study revealed that three critical failure factors (CFFs) played a role in the varying degrees of failure in the studied PPP projects. These factors include public sector corruption, lack of competition and transparency in procurement processes, and political interference during project implementation. On the other hand, six critical success factors (CSFs) contributed to the success of the PPP projects to different extents. These factors encompassed the availability of suitable financial markets, a favourable investment environment, appropriate risk allocation, competition in the procurement process, a comprehensive and realistic assessment of costs and benefits, and trust among stakeholders. The results of this study can serve as a valuable reference for PPP stakeholders seeking to minimize failure in the implementation of PPP infrastructure projects.
Assessment of Cost and Time Performance of Tertiary Educational Trust Fund (TETFund) Construction Project in South-West Nigeria
Authors: Ijigah E.A. , Ojo O.J. , Lawal A.F. , Olowokere E.N. 
Published: October 2023

Funds have been allocated to TETFund annually for infrastructural development in Nigeria to address decays of educational facilities and create an enabling environment for teaching and learning. This study evaluates time and cost performance of public building construction projects funded by TETFund in South-West Nigeria. The study adopted questionnaire survey by self-administering two hundred and fifty (250) questionnaires to project clients, consultants and contractors engaged in TETFund projects in South-West Nigeria. One hundred and eighty-six 186 (74.4%) of the questionnaires were retrieved from the respondents and were used in the study. Also, record of project cost and duration were purposively obtained from two hundred and fifty-four (254) TETFund sponsored projects from Institutions in South-West Nigeria. Mean Score (MS) was used to rank the various items and components while regression analysis was used to forecast future project cost and time. The top three factors that influence cost and time based on the perceptions of the respondents are client satisfaction with the project (MS= 3.86), construction time predictability (MS= 3.85) and construction cost predictability (MS= 3.83). From the TETFund project records analysed, a total sum of ₦10,856,167,497.14 was spent on TETFund building construction projects in South-West Nigeria from 2003-2013 with a contingency sum of ₦163,248,265.44. The average percentage cost overrun for TETFund projects was 1.62% and that of time overrun was 112.23%. Regression analysis of the predicted project time and cost was significant and can be used to forecast time and cost of future TETFund projects. Therefore, it was recommended that accurate cost estimate, adequate project planning and good specification should be carried out by project stakeholders before contracts are awarded to enhance construction project performance. Also, the developed regression model of estimated project cost and time can be used to predict cost and time of future construction projects.
The effects of prenatal exposure to varying doses of pantoprazole on the maternal and fetal outcomes in albino rats (<i>rattus norvegicus</i>)
Authors: Nyaga Anne Njoki , Kweri Joseph Kariuki , Kanyoni James Mwangi , Mwangi Ann Wairimu , Sigei Caroline Chepng’eno , Segut Jennifer Chepkemoi , Kuria Jane Wanjiru 
Published: October 2023

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used in the management of hypergastric secretions and gastroesophageal reflux during pregnancy. However, its prenatal effects on maternal and fetal outcomes are not well reported when administered at varying doses and at different gestational periods. A post-test-only experimental study design was adopted in conducting this study. A sample size of 30 female albino rats was used for the study. The 30 albino rats were grouped into two broad study categories: 3 control rats and 27 treatment rats. The 27 treatment rats were subdivided into three study groups of nine rats each according to the doses administered as follows: 9 low-dose rats, 9 medium-dose rats, and 9 high-dose rats The nine rats assemblies were further divided up into three subgroups, each of three rats, according to the time of exposure, as follows: three rats for trimester one, three rats for trimester two, and three rats for trimester three. Daily maternal weights were recorded every morning, and then at gestation day 20, all animals were humanely sacrificed and the fetuses harvested. Continuous data included the maternal and fetal weights, and discrete data included the litter sizes, number of devoured fetuses, resorbed glands, and number of embryolithalities. Data was recorded, coded, and entered in the computer using MS Excel spreadsheets version 13, and analyzed using the SPSS programme for Windows version 25 (one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc multiple comparisons test). The results were expressed as means ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Results with a P < 0.05 were considered significant in the study. This study observed that pantoprazole, at high doses, was associated with a decrease in the mean maternal weight gain, reduced litter sizes with increased numbers of resorbed endometrial glands, and devoured fetuses.
Determination of gold nanoparticles sizes from their plasmon resonance within the optical spectrum
Authors: Gitonga Mbae John , Mugo Simon Waweru , Ngaruiya James Mbiyu 
Published: October 2023

Nanoparticles have exciting properties that can be tailored by altering their size, density, and shape. A number of important properties of the nanoparticles have been investigated for various applications. One such property that is strongly affected by nanoparticle size is localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The resonance from metal nanoparticles has been used in dye-sensitised solar cells to improve their performance. In this work, the dependence of plasmonic properties on nanoparticle sizes is shown. The gold nanoparticles were prepared using a reduction process where hydrogen tetrachloroaurate acid was used as the base gold salt and reduced by sodium citrate at different molarities ranging from 0.015 to 0.035 mol/L. The method produces monodispersed nanoparticles whose sizes are sensitive to the concentration of chemicals used and the completeness of the reduction process. The process took approximately 18 minutes, and the colour changed from pale yellow to wine-red. The absorbance of the resulting gold nanoparticles was determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer within the range of 300 nm to 800 nm. The LSPR peaks were found to occur within 518 nm to 520 nm, and from a Gaussian fit, the FWHM ranged from 45.5 to 51.0 nm. The absorption peaks had a narrow range of 14 nm over the range of molarity of sodium citrate. A high molarity concentration of 0.035 mol/L produced a small particle with a diameter of 17.04 nm, while a low concentration of 0.015 mol/L produced a size of 26.55 nm. The interaction of electrons in the specific orbitals, sp- and d-, of nanoparticles exhibited pronounced multiple resonances with the reduction of nanoparticle sizes.
Augmenting climate-resilient energy infrastructure through National and International Standards for Renewables
Authors: Ochieng Francis Xavier , Kamau Joseph Ngugi , Kamweru Ephantus Mbugua 
Published: October 2023

Kenya’s Energy sector has an installed capacity of 3.601 GW (grid-connected 3.321 GW and captive 280.76 MW), with 80.48% coming directly from Renewable energy sources. This huge percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix, however, is not reflected in the adoption or development of Standards. Standards help enhance the safety and efficiency of products, security, and quality assurance while ensuring interconnectivity and interoperability of components. Standards enable the dissemination of new technologies, good practises, and ultimately a climate-resilient energy infrastructure (CREI). To achieve CREI, standards act as a catalyst for advancing the attainment of economies of scale for renewables while also providing technical specifications to accelerate their deployment. This study thus addresses the ominous gap that exists due to the lack of a proper standard inventory across all renewables. In this way, this work addresses the irregular and at times inconsistent gap between the direct causal link between policy and standards on the one side and application areas such as management, information systems, and social use of renewable energy on the other. The study employed the Mixed Methods Research (MMR) approach to enable an understanding of the Renewable Energy (RE) standards environment in Kenya. In addition, realistic literature reviews and metaanalysis literature reviews were employed to deal with complex standards within the renewable energy sector. The study demonstrated that in the majority of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs), major gaps in terms of standards exist for various RETs, the import of this being that the majority of RETs cannot be manufactured locally. The study also concludes that a low awareness exists of standard implementation, and further, due to a lack of awareness of technological innovations on the global level, the development of national standards and capacity building of competent staff (including techno-financial support for renewable energy technologies) have been significantly hampered. Subsequently, the study does appreciate the role of universities and higher educational institutions as being central in the research and analysis of renewable energy technologies as well as the adaptation and/or adoption of local and international standards.
Digital Citizenship as a Requisite competence for Teacher Educators in Malawi
Authors: Gondwe Foster , Mwakilama Elias , Maseko Bob 
Published: October 2023

This paper explores digital citizenship, defined as norms of behaviour regarding technology use, as a technology competence for teacher educators in Malawi. Developing teacher educators as digital citizens is essential as teacher education institutions change, such as transitioning to online instruction following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. We reviewed the research literature and teacher education policy documents to show how teacher educators can facilitate the development of ethical use of educational technology in Malawi. Theoretically, by foregrounding the ethical use of digital technology in education, we join critical scholarship that reflects on the socio-political implications of digital technology and imagine the future of education through technology. We have proposed professional development activities and content areas for teacher educators. We have also discussed further research that can advance scholarship on the role of teacher educators in facilitating the development of ethical use of educational technology in Malawi.
25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations negatively correlated with HbA1c in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a cross-sectional study in Mampang, South Jakarta
Authors: Alvina  , Pusparini  
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION: Insulin resistance plays a central role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Another possible cause of T2DM is a deficiency o f 25-hydroxy vitamin D [ 25(OH)D], although the underlying mechanism is not yet clearly understood. The most frequently used laboratory parameters for monitoring T2DM are fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c. Determining any association of vitamin D with HbA1c and FBG in T2DM.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 100 T2DM patients with the following characteristics: 18-year and older persons of both genders, not having kidney and liver disease, not on insulin therapy, not pregnant or lactating, a nd n ot consuming vitamin D i n t he last three months. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was use d to test any association of 25(OH)D with HbA1 c and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p<0.05).
RESULTS: Subjects comprised 74 females and 26 males with a median age of 56 years. Median HbA1c, 25(OH)D, and FBG were 8.05%, 11.2 ng/mL, and 127 mg/dL, respectively. The Spearman correlation coefficient for vitamin D and HbA1c was r=-0.217 (p=0.03), and for vitamin D and FBG,it was r =-0.153 (p=0.128).
CONCLUSION: There was a significant negative correlation of vitamin D with HbA1c but not with FBG. Administration of vitamin D should be considered for additional treatment of T2DM.
Use of pain assessment tools and associated factors among nurses caring for hospitalized children in District Hospital in Rwanda
Authors: Mukaziboneye T , Uwimana P. , Gakende G. 
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION: The majority of children will experience pain in their childhood. Nurses play a crucial role in caring for children in pain. Pain assessment tools aid nurses in providing effective care for these children. This study aimed to assess the use of pain assessment tools and associated factors among nurses caring for hospitalized children at a selected district hospital in Rwanda. METHOD: This descriptive cross-sectional study occurred at Kabgayi District Hospital in Southern Province, Rwanda. 153 nurses caring for children below 15 years were sampled. Pretested and validated questionnaires, in addition to patients' files, were used as data collection tools. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS: At Kabgayi District Hospital, the majority (60.4%) of nurses used pain assessment tools, mostly the verbal pain rating scale. More than eighty percent (83.8%) cited inadequate resources hindering tool utilization. A high workload for nurses made performing appropriate pain assessment procedures difficult. The use of pain assessment tools was associated with the nurses' working shifts (p=0.022). Day-shift nurses implemented tools more than their night-shift counterparts.
CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that there are still barriers to the use of pain assessment tools among nurses caring for hospitalized children at Kabgayi District Hospital. Reducing a high workload for nurses will improve the effective use of pain assessment tools. Training for nurses in the form of continuing professional development (CPD) using other appropriate types of pain assessment tools, such as Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC), and Wong-Baker Faces pain rating scale, should be enhanced.
Hoarseness of voice and accompanying symptoms among patients at a tertiary hospital, Tanzania
Authors: Richard Enica , Ndasika Jonas William 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Hoarseness of voice is a common complaint in otolaryngological practice and is an early manifestation of a large variety of conditions directly or indirectly affecting the larynx, ranging from inflammatory to malignant. Hoarseness has a prevalence of 6% in the general population, rising to 11% for professional voice users (30% of the patients whose work requires excessive voice use). Despite the high prevalence many people are unaware that persistent hoarseness may be a red flag indicating cancer. Any patient with hoarseness lasting longer than two weeks, in the absence of an apparent benign cause, requires a thorough evaluation of the larynx by direct or indirect laryngoscopy. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hoarseness among patients attending otorhinolaryngology services at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania.
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 427 patients were recruited. Standard questionnaires were used to collect clinical and socio-demographic information. If hoarseness was identified, further evaluation was carried out including indirect and direct laryngoscopy. Biopsies were taken from the patients with laryngeal mass after direct laryngoscopy under general anaesthesia. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Confidentiality was maintained.
Results: The prevalence of hoarseness was 65 (15.2%), which was more common in males 40 (17%) and the age group above 60 years. Common laryngoscopic findings among patients with hoarseness were laryngeal mass 47 (63%) and the leading accompanying symptom was difficulty in breathing 25(32%).
Conclusion: Hoarseness of voice is a common complaint and accompanies various symptoms. It can also be a red flag for upper aero-digestive malignancies. Therefore, these patients should be evaluated with a high degree of suspicion.
Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Neem, and a Tomato Intercrop on Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya
Authors: Ngugi Ceciliah N. , Mbaka Jesca N. , Muthengi Hellen W. 
Published: October 2023

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important crop in Kenya, ranked 3rd among the exotic vegetables. Diamondback moth (DBM) is a major cabbage pest that can cause a 100% loss in yield if not well managed. Farmers indiscriminately use synthetic pesticides associated with environmental, health, and pest resistance concerns to manage the DBM. To increase the availability of technologies for effective management of DBM in Kenya, three biopesticides; BioPower (Beauveria bassiana 1.0 x 108 CFUs/g), Dipel DF® (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki), Neemraj Super 3000 (Azadirachtin 0.3% EC), and a tomato intercrop were evaluated. Cabbages (30 plants) spaced at 40 cm x 60 cm were established in 6 m x 6 m plots in 3 replicates per treatment. The treatments applications were; B. bassiana 100 g/20 L, B. thuringiensis 20 g/20 L, and neem 20 mL/20 L. A row of tomato intercrop was established in every two rows of cabbage and distilled water was used on the untreated control. Data on the number of damaged leaves, live larvae, and marketable yields for two seasons was collected from five leaves of ten randomly selected cabbage plants. Results showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between the control and treatments in the mean number of live larvae and the number of damaged leaves. However, there were no significant marketable yield differences between the treatments (P ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, the three bio-pesticides and the tomato intercrop were effective against the DBM damage on cabbage leaves and can be part of integrated pest management (IPM) packages for DBM management on cabbage. There is a need to determine why the treatments did not result in meaningful outcomes against the DBM population and cabbage head weights. In addition, a cost-benefit analysis of each treatment is necessary.
Optical Characterization of Photocatalytic Tungsten Oxide/Tin Oxide (〖WO〗_3/〖SnO〗_2) Thin Films for Use in Degradation of Water Pollutants
Authors: Isahi Victor , Maghanga Christopher , Mwamburi Mghendi , Munyati Onesmus , Hatwaambo Sylvester , Akoto Emmanuel , Isoe Wycliffe , Alam Mir Waqas 
Published: October 2023

Organic pollutants in water have been a challenge and pose significant risks to human health. As a result, research efforts to eliminate these pollutants have been on the rise. Photocatalysis has shown incredible potential in water treatment containing organic pollutants since it is affordable and utilizes solar energy. Tin oxide ( ) has ardently been investigated as a photocatalyst for water treatment due to its remarkable properties such as; non-toxicity, and stability. However, its wide band gap and the tendency for some electrons and holes to recombine during its use have been cited to be among limiting factors affecting its effectiveness. This study, therefore, aimed to optimize thin films by doping it with varied proportions of Tungsten oxide ( ) using Sol-gel technique and investigating the effects of doping on the optical and photocatalytic properties of the prepared films. From the results, the calculated rate constants for and (1.5%wt.) were 0.00256 min-1 and 0.00519 min-1, respectively, and the corresponding band gaps were 3.82 and 3.03 eV, suggesting that doping improved the optical absorbance of the films and caused a red shift of the absorption edge of the films. These results show is a good candidate for photocatalytic water treatment.