bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Petroleum Consumption on Economic Growth in Kenya
Authors: Wambui Eunice Wanjiku , Gor Dr. Omondi S. , Machyo Dr. P. O. 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to find the relationship between petroleum consumption and economic growth in Kenya.Methodology: A modified Cobb-Douglas production function was used to analyse the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth. In this study, secondary annual time series data covering the period 1980-2009 was used. All variables were expressed in natural logarithms. The data on GDP, population, labor force and private capital and petroleum consumption were collected from the various issues of the annual Kenya Economic surveys and statistical abstracts (1980-2008). Relevant data on petroleum consumption was also obtained from the ministry of Energy.Results: The estimation results of the long-run relationship revealed that the relationship between petroleum consumption and GDP, and private capital and GDP was positive and statistically significant. Estimation of Error-correction model showed that in short run there was a positive and statistically insignificant relationship between GDP and lagged petroleum consumption. Finally, Granger causality tests imply a unidirectional Granger causality running from petroleum consumption to GDP.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Given the long-term positive effects on the economy, the study recommended that an energy growth policy in the petroleum consumption should be adopted in such a way that it stimulates growth in the economy. To encourage petroleum consumption, both supply side and demand side dynamics should be addressed. For instance, the domestic price of petroleum should be reduced to a level that stimulates both household and industry demand. Structural problems such as the lack of proper storage facility that could stabilize prices during petroleum stocks were indeed necessary
AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE BENEFITS OF REGIONAL INTEGRATION FROM COMESA FOR ZAMBIA
Authors: Jambo Habeenzu Lennon , Sundjo Fabien 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The world at large in the last three to four decades has shown greater impetus for regionalism, from Europe’s EU, South America’s MERCOSUR, Southeast Asia’s ASEAN, North America’s NAFTA and Africa’s numerous RECs among which eight are recognized as building blocks for the now AfCFTA among others. While for other parts of the world, the driving force to regionalism may be different, for Africa, Pan Africanism and African Renaissance have been the push forces behind regionalism. This study therefore took interest to look at the benefits of belonging to a REC, with the ultimate objective of empirically investigating the benefits of COMESA’s integration for Zambia’s growth for the period 1975-2017.Methodology: Using a variable that represented the presence of integration and time series data, the ordinary least squares (OLS) technique was estimated to establish significance and relevance of integration on growth. Findings: The findings among others revealed that the variable representing integration had no significant effect on long-run GDP growth, FDI and trade. However, it did have a significant effect on investment. On the other hand, the findings of the analysis of COMESA programmes being implemented in Zambia revealed that Zambia largely benefits from COMESA, citing among others the infrastructure development of four of the five border posts shared by Zambia and its neighbours.Contributions to theory, policy and practice: The study recommends that Zambia and indeed all COMESA Member States refrain from the use of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs). Additionally, Safeguard Measures must be sought for countries seeking to protect their infant domestic industries and adherence to the NTBs and TBTs resolution framework under COMESA. These if unchecked have a potential of undermining the benefits Member States can obtain from COMESA integration.
CONTRIBUTION OF NATIONAL IMAGE, BUSINESS CLIMATE, AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO FDI AMONG SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA NATIONS
Authors: Chen Yuwei , Ndemo Bitange , Ogutu Martin , Iraki W. N. 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the contribution of National Image, Business Climate, and Technology Transfer to FDI among Sub-Saharan Africa nations.
Methodology: This study was based on positivism approach and study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. The population of the study was all of SSA 46 countries and a census survey of all the countries in SSA was done hence no sampling was done. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. A structured research questionnaire was used in collecting primary data. The questionnaire was administered to the Heads of Foreign Missions of each of the 46 SSA countries in Kenya. Secondary data was used for data on FDI obtained from the UNCTAD publications. Data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Testing of hypothesis was done through Adjusted R2 F-ratio test (Analysis of Variance) and regression of the coefficient.
Results: The study established the synergistic contributions of national image, business climate and technology transfer to FDI among Sub-Saharan Africa countries. Adjusted R square shows that the overall model explained 88.5% of changes in FDI. The overall model was also statistically significant (F= 95.709, p-value< .05). The influence of individual variables was statistically significant for business climate (B= 1.240, p-value< .05) and technology transfer (B= .540, p-value< .05) and not statistically significant for national image (B= .282, p-value> .05).
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The findings of this study support the need for Sub-Saharan Africa countries to create a national image individually as countries and as a block as this will go a long way in attracting FDI which will eventually translate to economic development. It is therefore prudent for countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to understand the national image dimensions in the regional context in order to carry out frequent analysis and develop strategic approaches relevant to their FDI competitiveness.
Educational Intervention to Improve adherence to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Control Practice Among Nurses at Two Hospitals in Egypt
Authors: Wafaa Mahmoud Elboraey Elsayed , Amany Mohamed Shebl , Heba Abd El Kader Ali , Eman Sobhy Omran 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve adherence to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus control practice among nurses at two Hospitals in Egypt. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen and the most common multidrug-resistant bacterium which is responsible for nosocomial infections, with elevated morbidity and mortality rate. Nurses need a comprehensive intervention to improve adherence to MRSA control practice in order to decrease the rate of its spread.
Research design: Pre /post-quasi-experimental design was used in this study. This study was carried out at two hospitals in Egypt (Mansoura Chest Disease and Benha University Hospital). A convenient sample of 80 nurses. Tool I- Nurses’s Structured Interview Questionnaire in Arabic language. Tool II - Observational Checklist for MRSA and Infection Control Practice. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize the data. Chi-square and r (correlation) were used to correlate between the studied variables.
Methodology: Before the application of educational intervention 32.5% of nurses has poor practice levels and the percentage decreased to 7.5%, 14.5 immediately and 2 months post-educational intervention respectively.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The educational intervention was effective in improving adherence to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus control practice among nurses at the two hospitals as there is a statistically significant difference between all phases of the study regarding nurses' practice. Emphasizing the importance of following the latest updated evidence-based approaches to infection control in continuing training programs, and infection prevention with national guidelines (standard precautions) should be provided.
EVALUATION OF STEREOTYPED MOVEMENTS USING HIGH TECHNOLOGY DEVICES FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF AUTISM
Authors: Ribeiro Louise Bogéa , Silva Filho Manoel da 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Delays and motor deficiencies in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are extremely common and often announce the appearance of widespread atypical development. However, they are not properly emphasized in the diagnostic or assessment criteria for ASD. Thus, our paper provides a literature review on the motor evaluation of stereotyped movements of ASD individuals in relation to early diagnosis, treatment and possible interventions.
Methodology: Computerized searches (Pubmed) and manual searches were performed to identify the most relevant studies. We used the following keywords and search terms: autism spectrum disorder, autism, ASD, motor skills, motor disorders, stereotyped movement, assessment, evaluation, measurement, diagnosis, detection. Identified studies were screened by abstracts and conclusions for relevance. The criteria for the inclusion in the review were as follows: peer-reviewed studies; published after 2010; English-language. The following exclusion criteria were applied: published before 2010; participants diagnosed with other developmental disorders than ASD; studies focusing on participants with ASD that did not evaluate motor skills and development.
Findings: Early diagnosis of ASD is essential to develop effective interventions and mitigate the ASD main symptoms. Our results show that objective and quantitative measures of motor function should be considered as a priority for future research on the subject.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Specific motor and movement deviations such as stereotyped movements must be evaluated using high technology devices to promote the early diagnosis of children with ASD. Thus, motor deficits should be considered to effectively diagnose ASD. We highly recommend evaluating movement using quantitative methods to assess significant gaps in motor function of ASD individuals.
LIPID PEROXIDATION AND EXPRESSION OF PARAOXONASE-1 (PON-1) GENE IN PATIENTS WITH PREECLAMPSIA
Authors: Arobasalu B. O. , Akinlua I. 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To evaluate lipid peroxidation and expression of paraoxonase-1 (pon-1) gene in patients with preeclampsia.
Methodology: The study comprised of 160 participants, in which 80 were normotensive pregnant women (Group A) and 80 were preeclamptic pregnant women (Group B). Serum MDA levels and PON-1 gene activity were estimated. The expression of data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 20.0. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the test samples, p value <0.05 was considered significant.
Findings: MDA levels were significantly elevated in preeclamptic pregnant women when compared to normotensive. Also, PON-1 gene expression levels were significantly decreased in preeclamptic pregnant women when compared to normotensive.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The significant increase in the plasma level of Malondialdehyde and decreases expression of PON-1 gene could be responsible for the presence of oxidative stress and its associated complications in PE patients.
EFFECTS OF ADIPONECTIN ON GLUCOSE AND LIPID METABOLISM IN PORT HARCOURT RESIDENTS
Authors: Kiyesi Adekemi , Ogamba Michael , Meka Ijeoma , Tokunbo Ajala 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The study determined the effects of adiponectin on glucose and lipid metabolism in Port Harcourt residents, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Methodology: The study was conducted in the Medical Outpatient Clinic and Chemical Pathology Department of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), among 384 individuals who presented with metabolic disorders or for routine medical screening, using a sample size of 50% prevalence for insulinemia and employing the formula; N= Z2pq/d2. 5ml of venous blood was taken from the median cubital vein into an EDTA bottle for the laboratory analysis, while data analysis was done using SPSS version 22 and the results presented in tables as frequencies and percentages.
Results: The socio-demographic characteristics was mostly 31-40 years, 273(82.0%) old, mainly females, 204(61.3%), mostly married, 182(54.7%), Christians, 333(100.0%) and had secondary education, 166(49.8%). Triglyceride level was mostly normal, 309(92.8%), HDLc was mostly low, 177(53.2%), LDLc was mostly good, 326(97.9%) and total cholesterol was mainly high, 322(96.7%). Fasting Blood Sugar was mostly normal, 197(59.2%) and high, 134(40.2%), Body Mass Index was mostly normal, 232(69.7%), Blood Pressure was mostly normal and high (138(41.4%) and 104(31.2%), and adiponectin level was mostly normal, 286(85/9%).
The association between adiponectin and plasma lipids was not statistically significant for all the lipids (triglycerides, HDLc, LDLc and total cholesterol) at 0.780, 0.616, 0.556 and 0.172 respectively, while the relationship between adiponectin and glucose metabolism shows that BMI was not statistically significant, 0.129, but FBS was weakly significant, 0.069. Similarly, there is a strong correlation between adiponectin and nutrients like glucose and lipids.
Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: It is important to undertake routine medical checks, as certain deviations in nutrient metabolism may not manifest immediately, but transient changes can be revealed by routine investigation and early interventions initiated to either remedy or avert occurrence.
THE UTILIZATION OF MOSQUITO NETS IN THE MAROUA II MUNICIPALITY IN THE DIAMARE DIVISION OF THE FAR NORTH REGION OF CAMEROON
Authors: Fombang Nancy Ambo , Mouliom Moungbakou Ibrahim Bienvenu 
Published: January 2023

Purpose
One of the highly recommended strategies to “Roll Back Malaria” was the utilization of treated mosquito nets as personal protective devices to kill or repel mosquitoes. Since the adoption of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) as a key preventive tool in 2002, several campaigns of free distribution of ordinary nets and of late, long lasting insecticidal treated nets (LLINs) were conducted all over the country. The aim of this study is to show that there is a lot of misuse of mosquito nets in the Maroua II municipality.
Methodology
This research is based on both direct and indirect sources of information as 25 key informants were randomly selected and interviewed. Primary data is collected through interviews with key informants. Direct observation was also used during which, many photographs illustrating the various uses of mosquito nets were shot. Secondary data was collected from documentations with relevant information pertaining to this study. The data collection tools used were a question guide, a recorder, dicta phone, a note book, a pen and above all a field aider who assisted most of the time on the field in translating from Fulfude language to French language. Data collected from this study was analyzed by explaining and describing phenomenon with the aid of photos and tables.
Findings
In Maroua II municipality, mosquito nets have both the universal and necessary functions as it is very hard to regulate or prevent the inappropriate uses in a country where so many people are poor. While some see the treated nets as a lifesaving gift, others see them as a discomfort that provides only partial protection against a trivial illness, this is why many uses of nets have been created which means that these mosquito nets are versatile. 28% use mosquito nets for malaria prevention, 32% for economic activities, 20% for esthetics, 8% for sports and 12% had no use for the nets. 96% of the treated mosquito nets owned in Maroua II were acquired free of charge. The nets are being used for so many other purposes other than the prevention of malaria. 72% of the respondents did not use the nets for the right purpose. Items acquired free of charge are not valued that is why these nets were used for other things rather than preventing malaria.
Recommendations
There is need for intense sensitization on the utilization of mosquito needs in the community. Mosquito nets should not be given free of charge as so many people do not value gifts. All those who use mosquito nets for other activities rather than to prevent malaria should be severely punished.
A perspective review on the paradigm shift in Local Economic Development interventions in developmental Uganda
Authors: Mwesigwa David Mwesigwa , Acanga Alfred Acanga , Oryang Alex Chono , Oboi Alex Oboi 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to investigate the success of one LED intervention – the youth livelihood program from obtainable literature.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk review method using secondary data from obtainable policy, theoretical and empirical literature.
Findings: Results suggest a recurrent problem in the selection of beneficiaries, inept business management skills of the youth selected and/or administrative incompetence of fund administrators. Consequently, the need to refocus the current training on agricultural value addition training with a view of meeting the credit value criteria of Commercial Banks and relevant agencies tasked with disbursement of Youth Entrepreneurship Funds is key.
Recommendations: It is encouraged that training of youth in business development, scaling, marketing, and management be integrated into the BTVET curriculum and supported by mentorship programs upon completion of their formal training. Also, mentorships and business incubators and/or hubs need to be set up and to be accessed by the youth themselves country wide.
Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This analysis contributes to the LED policy and YLP practice seeing that it targets household level income generation, creation of prosperity and enhanced sources of revenue, as well as giving support to the active poor to progress basing on the available means.
The Role of Access to Finances and Poverty Reduction in Developing Countries. A Critical Literature Review
Authors: Kimani Hannah Kimani 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Financial institutions improves the well-being of participants through job creation, increasing income and building assets (wealth). It makes poor people to be homeowners through schemes such as housing microfinance. The overall objective of this study was to examine influence of access to finances and poverty reduction in developing countries. A critical literature review
Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.
Findings: This study concluded that access to home improvement finances led to improvement in living conditions from living in shanties to permanent dwellings hence better living conditions and reduction in poverty. Access to school fees loans led to higher enrolment rates in schools improving literacy levels in developing countries and hence reducing poverty. Lower interest rates led to more access to microfinance loans and in the long run a reduction in poverty, availability of collaterals meant ability to pay and credit worthiness of respondent’s hence easier access to microfinance loans which leads to poverty reduction in the long run. Favourable credit policy led to increased access to microfinance loans and vice versa.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study recommended that financial institutions that are able to give out loans to help serve the poor, should arrange mechanisms to improve technical and business skills of the poorest through training and loan utilization. This will enhance their business skills to use credit and establish market channels for their products.
Counter Measures Used by Pastoralist in Arid Areas on Environmental Hazards. A Critical Literature Review
Authors: Kariuki Robert Kariuki 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Climate variability, population explosion, and poverty have lowered the adaptive capacity to climate variability of pastoralists in arid and semi-arid areas. The overall objective of this study was to examine counter measures used by pastoralist in arid areas on environmental hazards. A critical literature review
Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.
Findings: The study concluded that about 14.8% of the residents in arid and semi-arid areas depend on relatives for economic support, while 3.3% depend on friends, 0.7% on loans for women groups, and 1.3% on government projects for support. About 73.0% do not have other sources of livelihood. Dependence on relatives and friends for economic support increases vulnerability to climate variability because it does not provide a consistent income source. Moreover, a lack of livelihood diversification increases vulnerability to climate variability. About 94.70% of the residents do not benefit from cash transfer programs. The 5.30% who receive cash transfers receive it from the government and NGOs. However, most residents do not benefit from cash transfers, which is a sign of poor coordination between the government and NGOs.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study recommended that the relevant governments in arid and semi-arid areas should formulate and implement appropriate policies and strategies to improve adaptive capacity of women to climate variability in arid and semi-arid areas because most of the taboos in arid and semi-arid target women and reduce their ability to cope with climate variability. Programs to strengthen their adaptation strategies should also be introduced because most of their livelihood diversification methods such as charcoal burning contribute to environmental degradation and consequently to global warming.