Journal of Environmental Sustainability Advancement Research (JESAR)

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DENSITY FUNCTIONAL STUDY OF STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF Ca AND Mg DOPED TiO2
(chuka university, 2022) Mbae, J.K; Muthui, Z.W
The scarcity of affordable and environment-friendly sources of energy has led to emergence of photocatalysis to mitigate this problem. This is especially so if the photo catalysts are active in as much a wide region of the solar energy spectrum as possible. Environment-friendly, non-toxic and economical photocatalysts would find application in water treatment, providing another solution to the problem of clean water for domestic use. Of many materials available for photocatalysis is Titanium (IV) oxide (TiO2). It possesses many merits such as low cost, high photocatalytic activity, non-toxicity and high availability. However, drawbacks that limit its application include its optical absorption that falls in the ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum and rapid electron-hole recombination, which limits its photoquantum efficiency. To extend the optical absorption to a wider region of the solar energy spectrum, various dopants have been added to the oxide. In this study, the effect of doping rutile TiO2 with alkaline earth metals Ca and Mg is investigated using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method as implemented in the Quantum ESPRESSO simulation package, treating the exchange correlation potential with the Generalised Gradient Approximation. The optimized cell parameters for pure rutile crystal system are 𝑎 = 𝑏 = 4.603Å 𝑐 = 2.992Å, with a volume of 63.393 (Å)3 . On doping there is a slight expansion of the crystal structure and its volume slightly increases by 8.753 (Å) 3 and 28.816 (Å) 3 with Mg and Ca doping respectively. The calculated band gap of undoped rutile is 1.8 eV. Mg and Ca doping raises the valence band edge by 0.2 eV in both Ca and Mg doped rutile. Dopant inter band and intra band states are observed that would be useful in mitigating against charge recombination hence enhancing the efficiency of the photocatalysts. Isolated O 2p states are observed in the Projected Density of States (PDOS) of the doped systems which are normally attributed to enhanced optical absorption of photocatalysts in the visible region. Alkaline earth metal doping of TiO2 rutile modifies the structural and electronic properties of rutile TiO2 in a manner that would make it a more efficient photocatalyst. Co-doping with the alkaline metal dopants could be attempted to investigate the combined effect.
EFFECT OF SERVICE RELIABILITY ON CUSTOMER LOYALTY TO SUPERMARKETS IN MERU COUNTY, KENYA
(chuka university, 2022) Nyaga, J.W; Nkari, I. M; Otiso, H
Although supermarkets in Meru have launched quality customer service programs aimed at ensuring customer loyalty to the supermarkets, their effect has not been evaluated. Supermarkets therefore risk losing loyal customers to online and other platforms. Increased interest in service quality is mostly motivated by understanding that the outcome of customer loyalty is as a result of better service quality. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of service reliability on customer loyalty to supermarkets. A descriptive research design was adopted. The target population was the 4140 Meru County Government staff who visit the 36 supermarkets in Meru County. A sample of 364 shoppers was picked using simple random sampling technique. The study employed a questionnaire to collect primary data which was collected by the help of a questionnaire. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics was utilized with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26. Multiple linear regression model was employed in analyzing data and the hypotheses was tested at 5% level of significance. The findings of the study were then presented in form of tables, figures and equations. There was a positive significant effect of service reliability on service quality with regression coefficient of 1.153 and a p=0.000. It is anticipated that the findings of the study will help the management of supermarkets to devise strategies geared towards increasing loyalty for the stores and hence increasing their profitability.
EFFECT OF LIQUIDITY RISK ON SHAREHOLDERS’ WEALTH IN COMMERCIAL BANKS LISTED AT THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE
(chuka university, 2022) Mogusu, M.W; Nkari, I.M; Wabwire, J.M
Shareholders’ wealth is among key decisions in a firm because it has a bearing on overall investor perception and firm value. There has been concern about declining value of shareholders’ wealth among commercial banks listed at the Nairobi Security Exchange (NSE). Previous studies have linked financial risk to shareholders’ wealth. Researchers however fail to agree on the magnitude and direction of the effect. It is not established how liquidity risk would affect shareholders’ wealth of commercial banks listed at the NSE. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of Liquidity risk on Shareholders’ wealth of Commercial Banks listed at the NSE. Descriptive research design was adopted. The target population was eleven commercial banks that had been constantly listed at the NSE from 2013-2019. A census was conducted to collect data from the eleven banks due to the smallness of the population. Data was collected using a checklist. Data was obtained from published financial statements and the Banking survey publications for seven years from 2013 to 2019. Data was analyzed using simple and multiple regression analysis with the help of SPSS version 25.0. Hypothesis was tested using t-statistic at 5% significance level. The study found that liquidity risk had a negative effect on shareholders’ wealth (regression coefficient -0.556, p-value of 0.023). Firms that have high liquidity have more cash flow and are able to take investment opportunities and hence increase shareholders’ value. Commercial banks should come up with ways of minimizing this risk.
INFLUENCE OF FOOD TABOOS OF THE MIJIKENDA ON THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF UNDER-FIVE-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN
(chuka university, 2022) Nanua, J.N; Mbogoh, P.M
Child-under nutrition leads to high morbidity and mortality in many developing countries. Approximately 3.1 million child deaths annually are attributed to malnutrition related illnesses. Causes malnutrition include household income, political and economic instability, education level, sanitation, climatic conditions, culinary practices, and food beliefs. The influence of food taboos among the Mijikenda on child nutrition is not fully investigated. This study investigated whether Mijikenda food habits and taboos had an influence on the nutrition status of under-five year old children. Focus group discussions with Kaya elders from five Mijikenda subgroups were used to identify food taboos. Structured questionnaire was developed to find out whether these taboos affected food choices by mothers. Anthropometric measurements of children, weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), height-for age z-score (HAZ), skin fold thickness and visual examination were used to determine nutritional status of chidren. Commonly restricted foods were animal products including eggs, fish, gizzards, beef, chicken, liver, pepper and some vegetables. The restrictions targeted women, especially pregnant women, and children but not men. There were significant correlations between WAZ and number of children in the family (r = 0.228, P = 0.009); mother’s education level and number of children (r = -0.346, P = 0.000). There was positive correlation between WAZ and consumption of meat after delivery (r = 0.194, P = 0.029); WAZ and consumption of gizzard (r = 0.285, P = 0.001); HAZ and consumption of liver (r = 0.208, P = 0.019); skin fold thickness and breastfeeding while pregnant (r = 0.199, P = 0.027), Skin fold thickness and consumption of gizzard (r = 0.198, P = 0.025) and negative correlation between HAZ and pumpkin while pregnant (r = -0.173, P = 0.049). Mother’s adherence to the food taboos showed negative nutritional outcomes. This study shows that children from mothers who ignored traditional food restrictions had better nutritional outcomes than for those who adhered to the restrictions. Food taboos should be considered as a significant contributor to malnutrition and needs to be addressed in nutritional intervention programmes.
ETHICAL DILEMMA OF CONDUCTING RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH INTERVENTIONS IN EMERGING DISEASES: THE CASE OF COVID-19 (SHORT COMMUNICATION)
(chuka university, 2022) Mukhwana, E.S
In the recent past, epidemics (such as Covid-19, SARS, Ebola, and MERS) have posed ethical dilemma to health professionals where research and public health programs have to be undertaken concurrently. Clinical research is essential for the development and administration of safe and effective diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccine products. Clinical research should therefore be of scientific and societal value, and should be carried out with the highest scientific validity standards before the vaccines/drugs are used for interventions in public health programmes. In epidemics, however, there emerges an urgent need to control the spread diseases Activities during epidemics end up as hybrids of research and public health intervention. This raises ethical concerns about validity, as well as the ethical obligations that come with conducting research and public health intervention programs. This is because the ethical obligations of conducting research differ from those of carrying out public health programmes. Since determining the techniques or combination of tools and approaches that will ensure that epidemics do not resurge or spread in the future is difficult, a balanced framework with justifications and ethical obligations to address both research and health intervention programmes in epidemics is required. Failure to adhere to the current research regulations puts at risk lives of study participants, while failure to undertake the public health interventions/programmes can lead to high rates of mortality due to rapid spread of diseases during epidemics. Regulations, guidelines and institutional reviews of research conventions should therefore be evaluated and reconfigured in order to address or accommodate the ethical uncertainties and inadequacies encountered in public health intervention programmes in epidemics.
DETERMINANTS OF SPATIAL VARIATION AND ADOPTION OF DAIRY GOAT FARMING IN NYERI COUNTY, KENYA
(chuka university, 2022) Mureithi, S.W; Wambugu, S.K; Huho, J.M
The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to examine the spatial variations in adoption of dairy goat farming in Nyeri County and to determine the factors influencing the adoption of dairy goat farming in Nyeri County.The study adopted a descriptive household survey design. Three-stage systematic sampling technique was applied to select a representative sample of 215 households from a population of 248,050. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. Secondary data was collected through a thorough review of available literature while primary data was collected through face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. The results of the study showed that there existed spatial differences in adoption of dairy goat farming in Nyeri County. Chi-square test revealed that traditional goat farming experience, gender, household head age, agro-ecological zone, education, farmers’ group membership and access to extension services had significant impact on farmers’ dairy goat farming adoption decision in the study area. Based on the results, the study recommends enhancement of dairy goat adoption through improving farmers’ access to extension services. More extension service providers should be trained and deployed to farm level to facilitate timely provision of quality agricultural information on dairy goat farming. Policies geared towards empowering women also need to be promoted in order to increase their ability to engage in profitable dairy goat farming enterprises. In this regard, their access to financial resources and land should be improved. Farmers’ associations should also be strengthened so as to better play their role of offering technological, financial and informational support to farmers. The ministry of finance should collaborate with financial institutions to make credit more accessible to farmers. Dairy goat farming promotional campaigns should be carried out in the entire county to reduce the spatial disparity in adoption of the technology among the sub-counties.
SOURCES OF AUTHORITY AND INFLUENCE OF COUNCILS OF ELDERS IN KENYA WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO NJURI NCHEKE OF MERU COUNTY, KENYA
(chuka university, 2022) Orina, H.K
Many communities in Kenya have recently witnessed a cultural and religious revival, and they are employing all possible means to propagate this revival. In some communities, there is a revival of ethnic rites, religious rituals and customs. Nationally, there are efforts to preserve and promote ethnic cultures. On the fore front of the revival of cultural consciousness are Councils of elders. Such councils are treated with respect, honour and reverence as the custodians of these cultures and religious beliefs. An example of a council of elders is the Njuri Ncheke of the Ameru. Generally, there is a resilience of African traditional religion in Kenya as exemplified by the Njuri Ncheke. The Njuri Ncheke council of elders has been resilient in the face of modernization, and in the context of a dynamic society with a modern judicial system, new constitutional laws and new religious structures. In spite of this apparent resilience of Njuri Ncheke in Meru County, there has not been any systematic investigation to unearth the phenomenon. The broad objective of this study, therefore, was to investigate the contributions of councils of elders to the resilience of African traditional religion and in particular, the Njuri Ncheke of Meru County. The study was informed by functionalism theory of religion as understood by Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons and Robert Merton. This was a qualitative study that sought to describe and analyse the resilience of African traditional religion in Kenya with Njuri Ncheke as a case. The findings of the study are significant in making an important contribution to better understanding of councils of elders in Kenya, understanding the role of religious and indigenous institutions in devolved system of governance, the basis of their influence and authority and their rightful place in a modern dynamic society.
INFORMATION LITERACY STANDARDS OF SCHOOL LIBRARIES OF NAIROBI AND THARAKA-NITHI COUNTIES, KENYA
(chuka university, 2022) Ireri, J.M; Evans, N; Ocholla, D
Information literacy is described as a set of abilities that require individuals to recognize when information is needed and locate, evaluate, and use the needed information effectively (American Library Association, 2018). Information literacy skills are essential to secondary school students in developing countries such as Kenya. A preliminary investigation by the researcher revealed that many secondary schools in Kenya have poor literacy standards and have no room for information literacy programs for their students, despite the fact that secondary school education is transitional to university education. This study assessed the information literacy standards of school libraries in Nairobi and Tharaka-Nithi Counties. The study selected Nairobi and Tharaka-Nithi counties, which represent urban (Nairobi) and rural populations (Tharaka-Nithi). Data was collected using questionnaires. Systematic sampling was used to select 30 secondary schools (20 schools from Nairobi and 10 from Tharaka-Nithi) out of 304 secondary schools, while stratified random sampling was used to classify the students into four strata (Form 1-4). A total of 385 students were sampled (255 from Nairobi and 130 from Tharaka-Nithi. The results show that more needs to be done towards improving the libraries so that the students can be encouraged to visit them frequently. Secondary school libraries do not have apart from books various formats of information resources that would be more appealing to the students. Secondary school libraries should incorporate in their collection a variety of formats of information resources that are more captivating than books.
PRODUCTION OF MINERAL NUTRIENT-RICH MULTIPURPOSE PUMPKIN LEAFY VEGETABLES USING INTEGRATED NITROGEN, MULCH AND GA3
(chuka university, 2022) Mwaura, M.M; Isutsa, D.K; Munyiri, S.W
Understanding the effect of nitrogen, mulch and gibberellic acid on minerals and metabolites in multipurpose pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch) is important since it is a dependable source of food, providing families producing it with various diets that contribute to household food and nutrition security. However, production of the pumpkin using optimal or integrated inputs has not yet been embraced in most African countries, resulting in underrealization of its maximum potential. To respond to this challenge, a split-split plot experiment arranged in randomized complete block design and replicated three times was conducted for two seasons from January 2019 to July 2020. The nitrogen (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha) was assigned to main plots, mulch (no mulch, black-painted and unpainted rice straws) to sub-plots, and gibberellic acid (GA3) (0 mg/L, 40 mg/L and 80 mg/L) to split-plots. Nitrogen was applied as calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) in two equal doses for each rate at three weeks postemergence and at the beginning of flowering. The black-painted and unpainted rice straws were placed on plots after land preparation. The GA3 solution was sprayed to plants using a 1-L sprayer, starting with 40 mg/L, followed by 80 mg/L, once during the fourth week post-emergence. Data collection was done fortnightly from the fourth week after emergence up to fruit harvest stage. Data values were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS software version 9.3 and means separated using the least significant difference test at α=0.05. All the measured parameters were significantly (P<0.05) different. Highest levels of K and Mg were obtained for 100 kg N/ha. On the other hand, P and beta-carotene were highest where unpainted rice straws were used, while application of 80 mg/L GA3 yielded high amounts of P and K. Results further showed that combined N fertilizer, mulch and GA3 consistently had significant (P<0.05) effects on N, P, K, Mg and beta-carotene (highest 23 ppm was for N1M1GA1). Therefore, sole nitrogen fertilizer, mulch, GA3, and combined rates that promote the desired mineral nutrient and beta-carotene contents in multi-purpose pumpkin leaves should be adopted and applied, depending on the kind.
INFLUENCE OF VARIATION IN BIOPHYSICAL FACTORS ON TREE SPECIES STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION IN KAPSERET FOREST, UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA
(chuka university, 2022) Kutuny, G.K; Njeru, J.R; Mutuma, E
Forests are important for survival and development of human and other fauna. However, they are under degradation due to changes in biophysical factors which affects tree species structure and composition. Understanding these variations and their influence on tree species structure and composition guides conservation of forest. This study aimed at assessing the influence of variation in biophysical factors on tree species structure and composition. Ecological survey was used whereby, tree species and soil samples were studied from 12 sample plots identified through stratified sampling techniques within Kapseret forest. Tree species were enumerated and recorded by species name and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), those with ≥3m height and DBH > 9.5 cm were classified as trees, while those with ≤3m height and less than DBH ≤ 9.5cm were recorded as saplings. Tree species attributes assessed included: tree DBH and diversity, while biophysical variables measured were: soil organic carbon (SOC), soil texture, phosphorous and potassium. A total of 148 tree species were identified with 62.16% being saplings while 35.14% were mature trees. The CCA results indicated positive correlation between tree species diversity with variation in biophysical factors, the presence of gaps with high P levels were associated with majority of the saplings, however, the DBH class distribution did not indicate an inverse J-shape portraying high degradation. The tree species-biophysical factors should therefore be utilized with other environmental factors such as topography,light intensity,temperature and wind when planning and choosing species for rehabilitation and restoration of degraded landscapes.
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONTAMINANTS IN NKENYE STREAM IN MERU SOUTH, KENYA
(chuka university, 2022) Kithaka, , S.C; Njagi, E.C; Njagi, J
Access to portable water remains a major global concern due to its dimishing supply and increasing and competiting demand. Water scarcity is aggrevated by the increasing pollution from different sources. Nkenye stream in Meru South is depended upon source of water for domestic, agriculture and agricultural processing, Nonetheless, little attention has been accorded to ascertain the quality of its water despite of the stream being located in an urban area with high exposure to pollutants. Pressure on Nkenye wetlands ecosystem that habour Nkenye stream has seen major destruction of riparian leaving just few plant communities such as Commelina banghalensis whose water purification potential is not well known. A study was conducted to determine water quality of Nkenye stream. Samples were collected at designated locations using ecological survey method and taken to Chuka University for analysis. Macrophyte roots were cleaned and dried then powdered and digested using nitric acid. Sediment samples were dried, ground to pass a 2 mm non-metal sieve.The digested samples were diluted and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry model PG990 at Chuka University. The concentration of anions was determined by ion chromatography at Chuka University Chemistry laboratory. The results obtained from the field and laboratory were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The results showed that Nkenye stream is polluted with iron, copper and lead. However, the concentration of iron and copper were within the allowable concentrations for potable water by the World Health Organization while lead was slightly higher by 0.02 ppm. The results obtained were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The metals contaminants observed in the Nkenye stream water, sediments and root samples may be associated with discharge of wastes from Chuka town particularly wastes from car wash, garages and from farms that surround the stream and the wetland. Considerable amount of lead, copper and iron was observed in the root samples of Commelina banghalensis. This is an indication that Commelina banghalensisfo can be used can be used for the removal of contaminants from water. Local authorities should provide waste management disposal systems and policies that prohibit direct discharge of untreated effluents into the stream.
ASSESSMENT OF BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES AS BIOINDICATORS OF WATER QUALITY IN RIVER NAKA, CHUKA, THARAKA-NITHI, KENYA
(chuka university, 2022) Chuka, University; Chamia, L.K; Kutuny, G.K
Freshwater ecosystems worldwide have been progressively deteriorating leading to a decrease in aquatic biodiversity. Conventionally, evaluation of water quality uses single physical-chemical parameters which may be insufficient to fully assess the quality of freshwaters. This study used bio-indicators to assess water quality of River Naka in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. Fluvial ecosystems support rich and diverse assemblages, making them vulnerable to possible alterations in the habitat. The study assessed the diversity and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrate communities and their use as bioindicators of water quality. Grab sampling was used to collect water samples, a kick sampler and D-frame aquatic net was used to collect 121 benthic macroinvertebrates from three selected sites and determined using EPT Index (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera group). The data obtained was used to determine the index of the sampling sites. Physico-chemical factors were analyzed in-situ (temperature, turbidity and pH) and in the laboratory(nitrates and phosphates). The highest EPT index values (28) at the upstream corresponded to good water quality, while the slightly low values (21) at the midstream indicated moderate water quality and the lowest values (15) recorded at the downstream showed fair water quality. The downstream water quality parameters exceeded World Health Organization limits, posing a health risk to water consumers. Continuous bio-assessment of rivers based on EPT biotic indicators should be conducted on a regular basis to establish a long-term profile of water quality state and ecological integrity of rivers.
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