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EFFECT OF TOP MANAGEMENT SUPPORT ON OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN NANDI COUNTY, KENYA
(European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies, 2009) Praxidis Jemutai Sirma1, Meshack Misoi2, Francis Omillo2
This paper looks at the effect of top management commitment and support on operational performance of commercial banks in the County of Nandi, Kenya. Commercial banks’ operational performance is pegged on reliability of services, dependability of services and also speed to which critical operations are performed for improving customer satisfaction. However, over the years the Kenya’s banking industry has consistently been characterized by persistent operational inefficiency and customer problems due to poor services. The study adopted ex-post facto research approach strategy. The target population consisted of 177 commercial bank employees in Nandi County. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 123 employees. The study used questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The study found out that top management support was a regular QMS practice evidenced in Nandi County commercial banks. Through top-down approach, regular top down communication thrived well and the top management regularly reviewed organizations’ QMS at planned intervals to ensure effectiveness and continuity. Correlation statistics computed showed that there existed significant positive effect (p <0.05) of top management support on commercial banks operational performance. The study recommends that: there is need for creation and sustenance of shared values and fairness for all employees working in the bank without discrimination.
Assessment of air pollution in residential areas of Kinondoni municipality in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania
(2009-08) Msafiri M. JACKSON
The quality of the ambient air at residential areas has been assessed for Kinondoni Municipality in Dar es Salaam City. Three air pollutants namely Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulate matter (SPM), and particulate lead (Pb) were measured in Mikocheni, Kijitonyama, Sinza, and Manzese. Saltzman, filtrations, and Atomic Absorption Spectrometric methods were correspondingly used for analysis of NO2, SPM, and particulate lead. Results have shown that with exception of NO2, the other pollutants were present at levels above the WHO guidelines. The SPM concentration varies from 418.7 μg/m3 to 804.0 μg/m3 while the WHO guideline value is 230 μg/m3. The particulate lead range from 7.4 to 12.0 μg/m3 exceeding the quarterly WHO standard of 1.5 μg/m3. Hourly average nitrogen dioxide concentration ranges from 16.0 μg/m3 to 74.0 μg/m3, which is below the WHO guidelines value of 200 μg/m3. The carcinogenic risk assessment due to particulate lead pollution was undertaken considering people who spend most of their time in the residential areas. The additional unit risk realised was 78.8 x 10-6 for adults and 25.1 x 10-6 for children, both scenarios showing additional risk higher than the United States of America Environmental protection agency (USEPA) acceptable risk of 1 x 10-6. The obtained additional unit risk is equivalent to 48 people getting cancer out of 606767 exposed adult population and 12 children out of 476746 exposed children in Kinondoni Municipality. From these results it can be concluded that Kinondoni municipality dwellers, are living in hazardous atmospheric environments.
Cooking as a source of indoor air pollution in rural areas of Tanzania
(International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 2009-10) Msafiri M. JACKSON
This study was concerned with the assessment of the contribution of cooking fuelwood, charcoal and kerosene to indoor air pollution in households in Msangani, Chahua and Kazimzumbwi villages in the Coast Region, Tanzania. It has also assessed the performance of Single Compartment Model in predicting indoor pollution levels under Tanzania conditions. The methods used in this study were household survey, measurements, and observation. The pollutants measured were Carbon monoxide (CO), Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen oxides (NOX) using a combustion analyzer CA-6200-CALc manufacured by RAECO of USA, and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) using a filter and vacuum pump. It was observed that 97.3% of the 112 families surveyed utilized simple “three stones” fires for cooking. Other observed cooking facilities in the study areas were charcoal stoves and kerosene stoves. The overall pattern shows that the population in the three villages spent about 76.8% of their time indoors. The hourly indoor average SPM levels during cooking period ranged from 13571 μg/m3 to 305798 μg/m3. Compared with SPM levels recorded in similar studies, these values were much higher, and may contribute to health problems observed in the study areas. The CO concentrations before cooking, for households that use fuel wood, exceeded the WHO hourly standard of 30 mg/m3 in 69.4 % of the surveyed households, while the concentrations for those households using charcoal and kerosene were zero. The overall average CO concentrations in mg/m3 at all households during cooking were 325 ± 211 and 148 ± 44 when fuelwood and charcoal biomass were used respectively. The measured values of CO were above the recommended WHO guidelines with an hourly objective value of 30 mg/m3. A Single Compartment Model provided a satisfactory approximation of the measured CO concentrations with an average ratio of measured/modelled CO concentration at 1.1± 0.3. The study recommends improvement to the ventilation system including the provision of an adequate number of windows and installation of chimneys for removal of combustion pollutants from indoor environment.
Development of an Atmospheric Particle Dry Deposition Model
(Taylor and Francis, 2010-11-30) Kenneth E. Noll; Msafiri M. Jackson; Ali K. Oskouie
BIOENERGETICS OF THE FRESH WATER FISH Clarias batrachus EXPOSED TO TREATED SAGO EFFLUENT
(Baraton Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 2011) Ramesh Francis, K. Nagarajan, and A. Gracelyn Portia
Bioenergetics of the fresh water fish Clarias batrachus was studied after exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of treated sago effluent. The concentration chosen were 25%, 50% and 75%. Estimation of growth was calculated by weighing the fish at 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days of the experiments. The growth rate, conversion rate and conversion efficiency were reduced with increasing concentrations of sago effluent. The study reveals that there are more physiological stresses to the fish exposed in higher concentrations of treated sago effluent than the lower concentrations. Key Words: Clarias batrachus, Sago effluent, bioenergetics.
An investigation of the effect of hall current and rotational parameter on dissipative fluid flow past a vertical semi-infinite plate
(Journal of Engineering and Technology Research, 2011-10) J. G. Abuga; M. Kinyanjui; J. K. Sigey
Magneto hydrodynamics (MHD) stokes problem for a vertical semi-infinite plate in a dissipative rotating fluid with hall current has been considered. The partial differential equations governing the problem are framed and then solved using numerical methods of implicit finite difference approximations. An analysis of effects of parameter on the velocity (both primary and secondary) profiles and temperature distribution profiles are shown graphically and the results are discussed.
An Analysis of the Pragmatic Functions of Vague Language in Ekegusii
(Journal of Language, Technology & Entrepreneurship in Africa, 2012) Hellen Ondari; Martha Michieka
This paper provides an analysis of the pragmatic function of vague language use in everyday interactions in Ekegusii. The paper analyses the types of meanings conveyed by referring expressions such as: The plural “you” for singular reference, The inclusive “we”, The pronoun “they”, Down toners and Placeholders. The analysis applies Grice’s (1975) Cooperative Principle and Brown and Levinson’s (1987) Politeness Principle. The paper maintains that vague language is not a deviation from precision and clarity, but that it has a critical role that cannot be achieved through precise language.
Nitrate anion levels in water from selected wells and points along Kimondi River, Nandi
(African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 2012) Magut Hillary; Terer Erick Kipngetich
This paper focuses on the comparative determination of nitrate anion concentration from selected wells and points along the Kimondi River using UV-Visible spectrophotometric method. The areas monitored were Tulon, Sitatunga swamp, Sironoi, Kimondi Bridge, kipchabo tea factory and Samoo. This research was to determine whether nitrate anions in water are beyond the threshold limit which is harmful to both plant and animal life. Relatively high concentrations of NO3 usually have their origin in processes of organic pollution and excessive use of inorganic fertilizers. In the case of agricultural areas for example, Nandi County where our analysis was based, these activities may generate great quantities of nitrates. The water was sampled from both the river point and one selected borehole in the respective areas. Three samples were obtained from each of the sampling points and were analyzed for nitrate using the UV-Visible spectrophotometer set at 420 nm. The average of the three-absorbance values was computed and converted to concentration in mg/L. The research showed that levels of nitrate ion in both river and well waters were below the threshold limits.
UNDERNUTRITIONOF ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN: A COMPARISON OF CASH TRANSFER BENEFICIARIES AND NON BENEFICIARIES IN KOROGOCHO SLUMS, NAIROBI
(East African Journal of Public Health, 2012-12) Albert Wakoli; G A Ettyang; Alice Lakati
To assess the prevalence and associated factors for undernutrition among the beneficiaries of Kenya Cash Transfer Program compared to non-beneficiaries in Korogocho, Nairobi. Optimal nutrition reduces the prevalence of undernutrition and contributes to improved child survival and development. A comparative descriptive cross-sectional study design in which a total of 336 children were sampled from the two groups each consisting 168 children. A questionnaire was administered to caregivers. A Food Frequency Questionnaire and a 24 Hour Recall sought information on foods consumed. Anthropometric measurements were taken based on standard procedures. Wasting, underweight and stunting were determined based on a z-score of > or = -2 or < -2 SD. A chi-square test was used to test significance associations of wasting, underweight and stunting with other variables. A majority (89.3%) and (73.8%) of the principal caregivers were females among the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries respectively. Among the beneficiaries, prevalence of wasting was 6%, underweight 6% and stunting 32.7%. Among non-beneficiaries, undernutrition was higher with wasting 9.5%, underweight 17.9% and stunting 37.5%. There was a significant difference (chi2 = 11.351, df = 1, p = 0.001) for underweight among the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Nutrient inadequacies were high in vitamin A, folate and zinc in both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. In beneficiaries, undernutrition was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with number of children aged 6-59 months in the household, cash transfer used on food, carbohydrate intake, protein intake and frequency of breastfeeding. Among non-beneficiaries, undernutrition was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with number of household members, number of children 6-59 months in the household and income spent on food. There was improved nutritional status among the beneficiaries compared to non-beneficiaries. However, there is need of training beneficiaries on the best use of the cash transfers and educating them on consumption of adequate food to improve nutrient intake and eventually their nutritional status.
A Blend of Green Algae and Sweet Potato Starch as a Potential Source of Bioplastic Production and Its Significance to the Polymer Industry
(International Journal of Green and Herbal Chemistry, 2012-12) Terer Erick Kipngetich; Magut Hillary
Our research focus was to obtain an alternative source of biodegradable plastic from blue green algae and sweet potato starch to obtain a sustainable source of plastic synthesis. Different concentrations of starch and dried green algae were used to produce biopolymers. The amount of algae that produced the best bioplastic was the objective of the research. High percentages of dry algae produced material with high strength with a deep black colour. The concentration in percentage of sweet potato starch was varied from 25-87.5 while the algae powder was varied from 21.-75%. Cross-linking of cellulose polymers together through chemical processes produces tough material, which can be converted to various forms. The manufacture of plastics is a form of polymerization reaction. Bio-plastic or organic plastic is a polymer material obtained from renewable biomass sources such as vegetable oil, corn starch, potato starch, and pea starch unlike fossil-fuel plastics derived from petroleum. Starch is made of long chains of glucose molecules joined together. It contains two polymers: amylase which is straight chain and amyloceptin which is branched. When starch is dried from an aqueous solution it forms a film due to hydrogen bonding between the chains. However, the amyloceptin inhibits the formation of the bio-plastic. The reaction of starch with Hydrochloric acid breaks down the amylopectin forming an appreciable plastic.
EXISTENCE OF SOLUTIONS FOR IMPULSIVE PARTIAL NEUTRAL FUNCTIONAL EVOLUTION INTEGRODIFFERENTIAL INCLUSIONS WITH INFINITE DELAY
(International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics, 2013) T. Gunasekar; F. Paul Samuel; M. Mallika Arjunan
This paper investigates a class of impulsive partial neutral func- tional integrodifferential evolution inclusions with infinite delay in Banach spaces. The existence of mild solutions of these inclusions is determined under the mixed Lipschitz and Caratheodory conditions by using another nonlinear alternative of Leray-Schauder type for multivalued maps due to D. O’Regan. At the end, one example is presented. AMS Subject Classification: 34A60, 34A37, 34G25, 34B15
Influence of Sago Effluent on the Levels of the Enzyme Lactate Dehydrogenase in the Liver of the Fresh Water Fish Clarias batrachus
(International Journal of Advances in Science and Technology,, 2013) Ramesh F.; K.Nagarajan
The levels of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase has been observed in the liver of fresh water fish Clarias batrachus exposed to different concentrations of treated sago effluent. . The concentration chosen were 25%, 50% and 75% of treated sago effluent. The levels of LDH were increased with increase in concentrations of the effluent. The control group recorded 20u/l whereas the experimental groups such as 25%, 50% and 75% treated sago effluent showed 54.2u/l, 82.9u/l and 104.4u/l respectively.
Histopathological changes in the retina of the fish Clarias batrachus exposed to untreated and treated sago effluent
(International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 2013) F. Ramesh; K. Nagarajan
The histopathological changes are observed in the retina of the fresh water fish Clarias batrachus exposed to different concentrations of untreated and treated sago effluent. The concentration chosen for untreated effluent and treated effluent were 50% and 100%. The histology of retina showed various degrees of deterioration when compared to control. The deterioration was very much reduced in the treated sago effluent when compared to the untreated sago effluent.
Muundo wa Kimofo-Sintaksia wa Kitenzi (Kt) cha Kinandi kwa Mtazamo wa Kiunzi cha Kanuni Finyu (Kkf)
(Nordic Journal of African Studies, 2013) Hellen Chesang BARNO
This study investigated morphosyntactic levels of verb phrase structure (VP) of Nandi language using Minimalist Program (MP). The components of MP that were used included: feature checking, merge, move and also X-bar theory. Nandi sentences were generated and verified by native speakers of the Nandi language. The findings of this study show that the agreement subject (AgrS) can be projected in the functional nodes of the agreement subject 1 (AgrS1) while the agreement object (AgrO) can be projected in the functional nodes of the agreement object 1 (AgrO1). AgrS comes before the root of the verb in present tenses and after the root in the past and future tenses. The negative elements in a verb change depending on number and person. In conclusion, Nandi verb has morphosyntactic features which can be projected in the functional nodes in the VP structure.
Comparative Account of Untreated and Treated Sago Effluent Analysis by Investigating Different Physical and Chemical Parameters
(International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences and Technology, 2013) F. Ramesh; K. Nagarajan; A. Gracelyn Portia
With the rapid growth of industries, pollution in natural waters by industrial wastes has increased tremendously. Due to lack of treatment and improper modes of disposal of wastes, the water bodies are polluted and they carry deadly substances. The present work aims at studying the nature of untreated and treated sago effluent to make a comparison of the quality of effluent water that are discharged into the water system. The untreated and treated sago effluent samples were collected from the factory and the physico chemical parameters were analyzed. The results were compared with ISI standard. The results are tabulated and conclusions are drawn.
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHYTOCONSTITUENTS IN TRAGIA BREVIPES PLANT
(International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research & Analysis, 2013) T Anthoney Swamy1; Ngule Chrispus Mutuku; Makau Elijah Ngule; Ramesh Francis
The study was conducted to analyze the phytoconstituents of Tragia brevipes plant leaves. The plant samples were extracted using methanol and water in the ratio 9:1. The phytoconstituents study was done using standard procedures [18, 19 and 20]. From the study Tragia brevipes was found to contain tannins, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, cardiac glycoside, phenols, steroidal nucleus and steroidal ring, but alkaloids and steroids were found to be absent in the plant extract.
CONTROLLABILITY RESULTS FOR SECOND ORDER IMPULSIVE NEUTRAL FUNCTIONAL INTEGRODIFFERENTIAL INCLUSIONS WITH INFINITE DELAY
(Italian Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics, 2013) F. Paul Samuel; T. Gunasekar; M. Mallika Arjunan
This paper is concerned with the controllability of a partial neutral func- tional integrodi®erential inclusion of second order with impulse e®ect and in¯nite delay in Banach spaces. The controllability of mild solutions using a ¯xed point theorem for contraction multi-valued maps and without assuming compactness of the family of cosine operators.
PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF PLECTRANTHUS ARGENTATUS PLANT IN KENYA
(International Journal of Medicinal Chemistry & Analysis, 2013) T Anthoney Swamy1 , Ngule Chrispus Mutuku1, and Makau Elijah Ngule3
The study was conducted to analyze the phytoconstituents of Plectranthus argentatus plant. The plant sample was extracted using methanol and water in the ratio 9:1. The phytoconstituents study was done using standard procedures [18, 19, and 20]. From the study Plectranthus argentatus was found to contain tannins. saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, alkaloids and steroidal rings, but terpenoids, steroids and steroidal nucleus were found to be absent in the plant extract.
Histopathological Changes in the Muscle Tissue of the Fish Clarias batrachus Exposed to Untreated and Treated Sago Effluent
(Advances in Bioscience and Bioengineering, 2013) Ramesh. F; K. Nagarajan
The histopathological changes are observed in the muscle tissue of the fresh water fish Clarias batrachus exposed to different concentrations of untreated and treated sago effluent. The concentration chosen for untreated effluent and treated effluent were 50% and 100%. The histology of muscle tissue showed various degrees of deterioration when compared to control. The deterioration was very much reduced in the treated sago effluent when compared to the untreated sago effluent.
Influence of Sago Effluent on the Levels of the Enzyme Cholinesterase in the Brain Tissue of the Fresh Water Fish Clarias Batrachus
(Advances in Bioscience and Bioengineering, 2013) Ramesh. F1; Nagarajan. K2
Monitoring of Cholinesterase activity has been widely used in aquatic and terrestrial systems as an indicator of pollutant exposure. The reports regarding impact of sago industry effluent on the level of ChE activity are very scanty. In this paper, an attempt has been made to investigate the in vitro impact of sago industry effluent upon the levels of ChE activity in the brain tissues of the fresh water fish, Clarias batrachus. The concentration chosen were 25%, 50% and 75% of treated sago effluent. The levels of ChE were decreased with increase in concentrations of the effluent. The control group recorded 268 u/l whereas the experimental groups such as 25%, 50% and 75% treated sago effluent showed 199u/l, 132u/l and 117u/l respectively.

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