Volume 12, Issue 3, March 2024 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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ANALYSIS OF PERFORMANCE OF AGRICULTURE SECTOR AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN TANZANIA []


This paper explores performance of agricultural sector and its contribution to economic growth and poverty reduction. The empirical analysis draws on representative surveys of farm households in Mbeya and Iringa, two cash crop growing regions in Tanzania. The paper find that poorer households do not only possess fewer assets, but are also much less productive. The paper find that agricultural productivity directly affects household consumption and hence overall pov-erty and welfare. Stochastic production frontier analysis indicates that many farmers are farming well below best prac-tice in the region. Analysis of allocative efficiency suggests that family labour is substantially over utilized, a sign of con-siderable excess labour supply. Use of intermediate inputs, on the other hand, is well below what is commensurate with the estimated value of their marginal productivities. An important reason for low input use is lack of credit to purchase inputs, but difficult access to the inputs themselves, being connected to the economy, and food security and self-insurance considerations are also important impediments. Easy access to credit is positively associated with being a member of a savings association or being in a contractual arrangement with a cooperative or firm. The findings support a continuing emphasis on increasing agricultural productivity in designing poverty reduction policies. Better agronomic practices and increased input use will be crucial in this strategy. Financial constraints might be relieved through fostering institutional arrangements facilitating contract enforcement and institutions that facilitate saving by the households themselves. They may also be relieved by the provision of more adequate consumption safety nets.

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS’ ATTITUDES AS DETERMINANTS IN HIV CARE-SEEKING BEHAVIOURS IN MEN HAVING SEX WITH MEN IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA []


Background: HIV/AIDS remains a significant health burden in Kenya, with an estimated prevalence of 5.5% in Uasin Gishu. Men having Sex with men (MSM) have a Human-Immunodeficiency Virus prevalence rate of 18.9% in Kenya and 3.7% in Uasin Gishu. Objective: To investigate healthcare providers’ attitudes as determinants in HIV care-seeking behaviours in MSM in Uasin Gishu county, Kenya. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult MSM population in Uasin Gishu in 2020. Participants were identified through Queer-Initiative and a total of 286 participants enrolled through purposive and snowballing sampling. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires and in-depth interviews respectively and the healthcare providers’ attitudes were assessed using Likert Scales. Fisher's exact test was used to determine associations, with a statistical significance of p<0.05 and qualitative data was analyzed using thematic coding. Results: The median age for MSM was 23 years old. 51.6% of the participants believed that care providers treated MSM differently (p=0.018). MSM who felt comfortable revealing their sexual orientation were more likely to seek HIV care (p=0.044). MSM who revealed their sexual orientation were more satisfied with the care provided (p=0.004). Younger participants (18-25 years) were more likely to engage in unprotected anal sex (p=0.048). MSM that accessed quality care services were more likely to refer their peers to the specific care centres (p=0.012). Major themes from the qualitative analysis included stigma associated with sexual orientation, abuse while seeking HIV care, difficulties in accessing HIV care, and risky sexual behaviors. 20.5% of the participants reported having visited Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for HIV care, while 29.5% visited Pioneer Hospital and 22.5% visited QI. Conclusion: Healthcare providers’ attitudes were significant in determining the HIV care-seeking behaviors of MSM. MSM-friendly care facilities included Pioneer Health Centre, QI, and MTRH. MSM used referrals or avoided revealing their orientation to access safe care.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN SCIENCE EDUCATION: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF SCIENCE TEACHERS’ LIVED EXPERIENCES IN THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES EDUCATION PROGRAM []


This study explored the lived experiences of teachers handling science subjects in the IPEd program in the IP schools of Caatijan Elementary School and Caatijan National High School, Boston District, Schools Division of Davao Oriental. It utilized a qualitative research approach and applied a phenomenological design to describe and examine the challenges and opportunities faced by science teachers assigned in the two IPEd schools. There were four teachers who consented to participate in the research and involved in the in-depth interview. In order for the results to be validated, one school head, one learner, and a parent were purposively chosen and interviewed. The main instrument used in the study is the interview schedule and guide questions prepared by the researcher and were subjected to pilot testing to establish its validity and reliability. Guide questions were focused on the teachers’ lived experiences in terms of delivering science lessons, issues or challenges in teaching science in IPEd as well as their triumphs. The data from interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the IPEd program faced problems concerning science education. A significant result of the study revealed that science teachers teach contextually within the learners’ culture and lacks adequate learning materials and laboratory in instruction to support learning of the IP learners. These findings clearly showed that support from DepEd and Tribal Council is needed to teach science in the IPEd program effectively.

ON THE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF THE TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS AND CONTROL OF CERVICAL CANCER DISEASE FOR OPTIMAL HUMAN HEALTH []


Human Papilloma Virus which causes Cervical Cancer was studied in terms of its prognosis. A Mathematical Model of the Dynamics and Control of Cervical Cancer Due to Human Papilloma Virus Infections was formulated using compartmental analysis modeling approach. Preventive and treatment control measures were incorporated into the model. The next generation matrix operator was used in computing the effective reproduction number, Re. The resulting effective reproductive number was used in determining the sensitivity indices of the various parameter of the formulated epidemiological model by applying the normalized forward sensitivity index. The results showed the most sensitive parameter to be vaccinated rate, ω_1 followed by the transmission coefficient β and wanning rate, σ of the vaccinated women. The paper called on women to present themselves for both screening and hence, vaccination for optimal human health.

Automated Waste Bin Utilizing Machine Learning for Waste Categorization []


Proper waste management and disposal are crucial for maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment. Many developing countries like Nigeria are faced with such challenges for an effective waste management due to improper disposal practices. This paper aimed to address this issue by developing an automated waste bin system that utilizes machine learning techniques for waste classification. The system comprises of hardware that would accept the waste from the disposers and machine learning model that would predicts and classifies the waste. The system hardware was designed with camera and implemented using bottom-up approach. The waste images were gathered using smart phone’s camera and properly labelled empty, organic and inorganic images to build up the dataset. A Teachable Machine platform embedded with deep learning algorithm was used to upload images and trained. The trained model with an accuracy of 98% was stored in the automated waste bin system’s memory and tested. During testing, an organic or inorganic material is brought close to the camera, the system senses the object and captures a real-time image of the waste material using attached camera and sends to the controller. The controller calls the model that processes the image. The model accepts the image and compares it with the ones stored in the dataset. If it matches, it accurately classifies the waste into organic or inorganic categories and activates light emitting diode (LED) ON, then sends signal to the disposer to drop it in the exact waste bin. The test was conducted successful and is encouraged to be deployed in strategic waste places to ensure healthier environment always.

IDENTIFICATION OF BIOACTIVE MOLECULES AND MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDIES OF TURMERONE FROM Curcuma longa ROOT EXTRACT []


The investigation of bioactive molecules and molecular docking studies of Curcuma longa roots extract was conducted using various techniques, cold extraction method was used to obtain the extract from the Curcuma longa roots, Phytochemical Screening allowed the identification of various phytochemicals in the Curcuma longa roots extract, such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids and glycosides, GC-MS analysis of Curcuma longa root extract revealed the presence of twenty-two chemical compounds, five (5) compounds ( Tumerone, Caryophyllene oxide, Stigmasterol, Gamma-sitosterol, Cholest-4-en-3-one) were identified as the most active providing information on the individual compounds present. Molecular docking studies shows the potential binding energies and modes of action (-6.8 against 4PQE and -7.5 against 1XV8). of the chosen bioactive molecule in the extract. The results of these studies have shown that turmerone could exhibits significant antibacterial activity against the strains of bacteria.

SUSTAINABLE FINANCING OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN THE BANGSAMORO REGION []


The Philippines, an archipelago with over 7000 islands and a coastline of 33,900 km, is situated within the Coral Triangle, the world's most bio-logically diverse marine area and one among its regions is the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which was newly established pursuant to Republic Act No. 11054 of 2018, faces environmental challenges due to the pressure on production goals. Marine Protected Areas and emerging sustainable financing faces challenges such as insufficient funding, unpredictable revenue sources, and competing financial priorities of the region. These obstacles threaten the long-term viability of MPAs, hindering their effectiveness in achieving conservation goals and posing a threat to marine ecosystems. The ongoing decline in marine resource abundance and ecosystem degradation is a consequence of policies structured around unsustainable approaches to marine resource use. Sustainable financing, specifically in the context of natural resource management, is essential for overcoming funding challenges in conservation efforts. Establishing a network of MPAs is a strategic approach to conserve coastal and marine ecosystems, leveraging interconnectivity among organisms and safeguarding their habitats throughout various life stages. Studies underscore the positive impacts of networking MPAs in protecting marine life during critical life cycles. The success of MPAs in Bangsamoro relies on community involvement and aligning initiatives with Bangsamoro cultures and traditions. The research aims to address global challenges by exploring financial mechanisms crucial for sustaining marine ecosystems, emphasizing the urgency of addressing overfishing and promoting conservation.

Extent of Use and Perceived Benefits of YouTube Videos []


This study explored the relationship between YouTube usage and the English-speaking skills of Grade 11 and 12 General Academic Strand students of Southern De Oro Philippines College Senior High School and Carmen National High School during the 2023-2024 academic year. It sought to determine the extent of YouTube video consumption among students, differentiating between academic and personal usage. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the student’s English-speaking proficiency, focusing on grammar, and vocabulary. Through a quantitative research design, data were collected using a survey questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. The findings indicated substantial YouTube usage among students for both academic and personal purposes, along with a commendable level of proficiency in various aspects of spoken English. However, there is a significant correlation was found between YouTube usage and English-speaking proficiency. These results underscore the need for a comprehensive pedagogical approach that integrates diverse strategies to foster language learning among students. Keywords: YouTube, English speaking skills, academic usage, personal usage.

The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on The Export Capacity of Ghanaian Manufacturing Enterprises []


This study examines the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on the export capacity of manufacturing companies in Ghana using time series data from 1990 to 2022. The analysis employs regression models and correlation techniques to examine the relationships among foreign direct investment (FDI), political stability, tariff rates, gross domestic product (GDP), currency rates, and product exports. The study's findings suggest a strong and positive correlation between foreign direct investment (FDI) and the ability to export goods. This implies that there is a positive correlation between higher levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) and an enhanced ability to export goods and services. Moreover, there is a positive association between foreign direct investment (FDI) and political stability, whereas tariff rates are negatively correlated with political stability. Nevertheless, the direct financial influence of political stability on the ability to export seems to be insignificant. Regression analysis provides additional support of the significant impact that foreign direct investment (FDI) has on the export of commodities. Export capacity does not show statistically significant correlations with other variables, such as gross domestic product (GDP), currency rates, and tariff rates. The paper highlights the importance of attracting foreign investment and promoting political stability in order to improve the export competitiveness of Ghana's manufacturing industry.