Vol 4 Issue 5 September 2017-October 2017

Abstract:Innovation is a word that is used within industry and the provision of public services but what does it mean? This paper looks at the history of innovation, different academic definitions of what innovation means and different academic models of innovation. It looks at the relationship with creativity which has been highlighted as an important part of the innovation process. The paper then looks at academic studies on the application of innovation within the social housing sector in the United Kingdom. The paper identifies that innovation is either a new product or service or an existing product or service that is improved

Abstract:The smooth running of institutions of learning depends on the quality of communication. Poor management of communication in these institutions contributes a great extent; to the provision of poor quality services, hence low quality education. This paper argues that the methods employed in the management of communication should take into consideration the paradigm shift in global communication trends. The purpose of this study is to establish the utilization of ‘Information Systems’ (IS) on communications in public secondary schools in Nyamira County. A survey design and mixed method approach were used in the study and a questionnaire was the main tool for collection of data. The target population was 182 principals of public secondary schools distributed in 5 sub-counties. Stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 80 principals. This questionnaire was utilized to obtain information from the principals. The data collected was analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings of the study show that Website and e-mail were found to be the main channels of communication from schools to education headquarters and has greatly reduced the cost of incurred in the process. It was found that Information Systems utilization has a direct relationship with its outcomes on management of public secondary and communication.

Abstract: Underwriting agricultural insurance in Kenya is characterized by several challenges and the numbers of underwritten contracts keep dwindling. The challenges are mainly in the areas of underwriting of crops, livestock and aquaculture. The purpose of this study, was to assess the challenges faced in underwriting agricultural insurance in Kenya. A descriptive survey design was adopted with a target population of twenty five general insurance companies transacting agricultural insurance in Kenya, and a census was conducted since the population was small. Questionnaires were designed and administered to the heads of underwriting in charge of agricultural insurance in the twenty five non-life insurance companies, and the data was analysed through descriptive statistics using SPSS (version 20). The findings of this study established that underwriting agricultural insurance in Kenya is experiencing many challenges, including a lack of agricultural risk infrastructure, a lack of farming knowledge and understanding of risks, and a lack of insurance culture. Moreover, it is evident from the study that the major agricultural risk challenges are drought, pests, and diseases. There is need to enhance training regularly and focus on the need to take up insurance besides the awareness programmes to farmers on risks which are associated with agricultural activities. More training should also be offered to farmers about insurance products and how they can be accessed. The education can extend to cover the players in the insurance industry about underwriting crop, livestock and aquaculture risks.

Abstract:Microorganisms can carry out extremely useful processes under extreme environmental condition and they are the best preferable sources of thermostable enzymes like amylase compared to plant and animal. Thermostable amylases are the most important enzymes in present with potential industrial applications such as detergent, food, pharmaceutical, paper, beverage, textile and fine-chemical industries. The application of enzyme increases more with the discovery of thermostable enzymes because thermophilic process is more stable, faster, needs lower costs. This work aimed to isolate thermostable amylase producing bacteria from hot spring found in Arba Minch Nech Sar national park for use as flour fermentation in bakery industry. Isolation of amylase producer was undertaken using starch containing nutrient agar medium. A total of 72 thermophilic bacteria were isolated from the study area. Out of 72, ten amylase positive isolates were screened on the basis of clear zone formation and from these, four potential isolates (isolate 1-4) were selected based on thermo tolerance ability. All four isolates were found to be positive for Gram reaction, citrate utilization, methyl red, catalase tests; and rod shaped morphology. However, they found to be negative for VP test. The crude enzyme from all potential isolates (isolate-1 -4) were rise 20gm of wheat flour dough from 1cm to maximum of 4.7cm after 22hrs incubation with 3ml crude enzyme. These properties suggest that thermostable amylase enzyme produced in this study could find potential application in bread making process and replace conventional yeast technology which have an economic implication.

Abstract: Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, incidences of violent conflicts associated with commercial vehicle drivers have been on a steady increase in Nigeria. The inclination and propensity of commercial vehicle drivers for violence have transformed these essential service providers into a notorious group, which the populace now associate with chaos and violence. In Ekiti State, the conducts of commercial vehicle drivers have become a subject of concern particularly, in Ado Ekiti the state capital. Their penchant for violence have manifested in the incessant destruction of lives and properties, as well as disruptions of the peace and tranquillity of the state, with government and politicians fingered as instigators of most of these violence. With the use of both primary and secondary sources of data, and Ado-Ekiti as the unit of analysis, the study examined the nexus between the State and violent disruptions of commercial vehicle drivers in Ekiti State. A total of 750 structured questionnaires were administered directly to respondents in Ado-Ekiti metropolis, with 734 retrieved. Also, a total of 71 people were interviewed including drivers, traders, security personnel and government officials. Findings of the study revealed that the State/government played a major role in the violence being perpetrated by commercial vehicle drivers in the state. This is done essentially for regime perpetuation and the intimidation of ‘perceived’ political opponents. The study recommended the need for value re-orientation, particularly for commercial drivers, prohibition of the sale of alcohols in motor parks, as well as intelligence gathering for proactive response by security agencies.