Kisii University

First-principles approach was used to explore the structural, mechanical, electronic and optical properties of the chalcogenide compound La _2 ZrSe _5 in its orthorhombic phase. To the best of one’s knowledge, a number of this compound’s physical characteristics, including its electronic properties, mechanical behavior, optical dispersion behavior and vibrational characteristics are still understudied. The calculated lattice parameters and unit cell volume are compared with those from previous research to check the reliability of our findings. By analyzing its elastic constants, the mechanical stability of La _2 ZrSe _5 is evaluated, showing its mechanical resilience. The material’s analysis of mechanical descriptors, including the independent elastic coefficients of bulk, shear and Young’s modulus, as well as ratios such as Pugh’s and Poisson’s ratio, suggests anisotropic and ductile behavior. The electronic properties were further examined by figuring out the band structure, partial and total density of states. According to the findings, La _2 ZrSe _5 is a semiconductor with a fundamental band gap of approximately 1.25 eV as computed using hybrid functional, suggesting that it may find use in optoelectronics such as photodetectors, field effect transistors, light-emitting diodes and electronics. This work will provide helpful guidance for future experiments and theoretical investigations of the material.

Globally, mealtimes provide key insights into cultural and social values and practices. We examine mealtime environments and eating practices in two different African settings using quantitative observational and questionnaire data. Participating families (N = 80) were recruited from two rural locations in Zambia and Kenya. Results following descriptive analysis showed that meals are typically taken as a family in a sociable context, providing opportunities to nurture children's positive behaviours. In both communities, mothers (71.25%) were most likely to be present and typically prepared meals and provided the food. We observed a few distractions being used during mealtimes, and children finished their food with little to no conflict. Plate sharing varied across the two sites and was more common in Zambia, where we also observed more traditional practices such as eating with hands (as opposed to cutlery) and sitting on mats on the ground (as opposed to seated on chairs or sofas). Overall, our findings suggest more similarities in the cultural and social values across the two African contexts despite slight differences in mealtime practices. In particular, positive mealtime behaviours (little food refusal, lack of conflict) were common across all contexts, regardless of the extent to which traditional practices (such as plate-sharing and sitting on the floor) were used. Findings align with Family Systems theory, which states that the family is understood best by conceptualizing it as a complex, dynamic, and changing collection of parts, subsystems, and family members.

In recent decades, seaweed farmers in East Africa have faced declines in production and income, largely attributed to varying environmental conditions. Subtidal farming, promoted for its relatively more stable environmental conditions, has been proposed as a potential mitigation strategy, although empirical evidence remains limited. This pilot study assessed the technical feasibility and economic viability of cultivating three red seaweed species (Kappaphycus alvarezii, Eucheuma denticulatum, and Gracilaria salicornia) at three depths (0.5 m, 2 m, 4 m) in coastal Kenya, using different cultivation techniques: off-bottom, long-line, and bamboo raft. Seaweed was grown at three sites at the south coast of Kenya (Kibuyuni, Kijiweni, and Mwazaro) in one single cultivation cycle during the SEM season over a 45-day period, after which survival, growth and biomass were evaluated. Regardless of treatment and location, K. alvarezii exhibited the highest RGR (i.e. 2.5 +/- 1.5% day-1) and biomass production among the three species examined, followed by E. denticulatum and G. salicornia (i.e. 1.3 +/- 0.5% day-1 and 0.75 +/- 1.3% day-1, respectively). Survival decreased significantly at 4 m compared to 0.5 m for all three species. Site-specific variations were evident, with seaweed growth in Kibuyuni consistently exhibiting lower growth rates and biomass than Kijiweni and Mwazaro, indicating underlying environmental differences, despite the absence of strong differences in measured environmental parameters. Off-bottom farming at 0.5 m depth yielded the highest eucheumatoid biomass per rope (0.75 kg DW). Subsequent economic assessments revealed that, under current market conditions (USD 0.50 kg-1 DW), profitability is attained solely by off-bottom farming in its present form, with break-even occurring after 29 cultivation cycles (approximately 3.7 years). In contrast, deeper water cultivation systems require substantial optimization before they can be recommended as viable options. Together, these results provide a practical evidence base for future scientists, aquaculture practitioners and policymakers seeking to design sustainable seaweed farming strategies in East Africa.

Rationale of Study – The conceptualisation of the Bukusu Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) in western Kenya presented in this paper constitutes a coherent body of knowledge used to maintain social order and governance within the community. Going beyond descriptive ethnography, the paper uses a sociocultural knowledge systems approach to analyse the role of moral norms, family governance, initiation rites and elder-dominated authority structures as an integrated Indigenous Knowledge Management System (IKMS). Methodology – Using a case study approach and a qualitative design of semi-structured interviews with elders and knowledge holders in Bumula sub-county, the study investigated the lived experiences and practices of Bukusu knowledge custodians regarding indigenous governance mechanisms. Findings – The study identified three prevalent governance practices in the area: moral regulation through shared norms and taboos; family-based role socialisation supported by gendered role responsibilities; and initiation-based mentorship as formalised civic education. The results show that Bukusu IKS is a relational, legitimacy-based system of accountability grounded in community obligation rather than in force or law. Implications – The paper concludes that acknowledging such systems as governance-oriented knowledge architectures is useful for decolonising knowledge management theory and can provide culturally anchored innovation for participatory and locally legitimate community governance. Originality – This paper contributes to the decolonisation of knowledge management research by empirically examining a complete non-Western Indigenous Knowledge Management System (IKMS) and demonstrating how Ubuntu philosophy translates into tangible information practices, governance processes and accountability frameworks.

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