Direct imaging of domain-wall interactions in Ni80Fe20 planar nanowires

We have investigated magnetostatic interactions between domain walls in Ni80Fe20 planar nanowires using magnetic soft x-ray microscopy and micromagnetic simulations. In addition to significant monopole-like attraction and repulsion effects we observe that there is coupling of the magnetization configurations of the walls. This is explained in terms of an interaction energy that depends not only on the distance between the walls, but also upon their internal magnetization structure

Comparing Between the Awareness and Adoption of Sustainable Construction Practices in Kenya

Despite the numerous advantages of adopting sustainable construction practices, the approach is reportedly not being adopted by Kenyan construction industry stakeholders as would have been expected. This research sought to evaluate the extent of awareness and adoption of sustainable construction practices. The research adopted a survey design using questionnaires with closed-ended and open-ended questions. A sample size of 217 respondents was drawn from Architectural firms, Quantity Surveying firms, Engineering firms (civil, electrical & mechanical), Construction Management firms, Construction Project Managers, Building Contractors, Property Developers, and Real Estate Agents. A response rate of 83% was achieved.   The study established a high level of awareness of 79.0% and described it as ‘a very good understanding’ based on the scale used. The overall extent of adoption of sustainable construction practices in Kenya was estimated to be 72.3%. Further, the study established a statistically significant moderate positive relationship between the extent of awareness and that of adopting sustainable construction practices. It was concluded that though the levels of awareness and adoption of sustainable construction practices in Kenya are now relatively higher compared to previous years, there still exist barriers to achieving 100% awareness and adoption. One of the recommendations made by this research is that the government needs to formulate an elaborate legal and regulatory framework for sustainable construction. Such a framework should provide clear implementation guidelines including the institutional framework, financial incentives, and penalties associated with sustainability in the construction secto

The Effect of E-Promotion Marketing Strategy on Performance of Small and Medium Manufacturing Enterprises in Embu County, Kenya

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) significantly contribute to Kenya’s economy but face challenges affecting their growth and sustainability, especially from the promotional perspective. While research has consistently shown that e-promotion can enhance organizational performance, existing literature has not adequately examined the effect of e-promotion on the performance of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises in Embu County. This study investigates the effect of e-promotion marketing strategies on the performance of manufacturing SMEs in Embu County, Kenya. Guided by Dynamic Capability Theory and Innovation Diffusion Theory, a descriptive survey design was employed, gathering data from 45 SMEs through structured questionnaires. Descriptive analysis showed a positive perception of e-promotion (mean = 3.87), with managers agreeing that digital tools like social media and websites improve sales and market reach. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between e-promotion and SME performance (r = 0.501, p < 0.01). Regression results indicated that e-promotion has a significant positive effect on performance (β = 0.534, p = 0.000), meaning a one-unit increase in e-promotion strategy leads to a 0.534 unit increase in SME performance. The findings highlight the importance of digital marketing in enhancing SME competitiveness and growth in a dynamic business environment

Synthesizing resilience: Key insights from a technical working group meeting

Titukulane was designed to reduce the number of chronically food insecure households by enhancing the capacities of local and national governance structures to implement resilience-focused policies. To achieve this Titukulane is implementing interventions that build resilience and improve food security and nutrition outcomes for communities. Specifically, under Purpose area 3, these interventions are aimed at building institutional and local capacities to reduce risk and increase resilience among ultra-poor and chronically vulnerable households. Specific interventions implemented under Purpose 3 are disaster risk management, natural resource management and overall coordination of the National Resilience Strategy especially at district level

Reappraisal of the dimensions of the diaphragma sellae

Morphometric dimensions of diaghragma sellae influence the extent of instrumentation and tumour exposure in the hypophyseal fossa, and the degree of compression of visual fibres from an expanding pituitary tumor. The dimensions show inter-population variations but data from Africans is scarcely available in literature. We aimed to investigate the morphometric dimensions of diaghragma sellae in an adult Kenyan population. One hundred and forty wet open crania (96 males, 44 females) obtained from the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi were studied. The shape of diaphragma sellae was classified as round or elliptical (elliptical was further classified as coronal elliptical or sagittal elliptical). The sagittal and coronal dimensions of the sellae were also determined. The diaphragma sellae was round in 60% of cases, coronal elliptical in 34% and sagittal elliptical in 6%. It was significantly wider in females than males (10.26+2.61mm vs 8.37+1.82mm respectively), p= <0.05. It was also wider in the coronal than sagittal dimension (20.01+2.00mm vs 18.45+2.97mm) and this difference was statistically significant. The significantly wider diaphragma sellae in females may provide better tumor exposure during surgery and may protect the visual fibres from a suprasellar extension of an expanding pituitary tumour. On the other hand, the larger coronal than sagittal sellae dimension should be considered during instrumentation in the hypophyseal fossa to avoid inadvertent neurovascular injury.Key words: Diaphragma sellae, Morphology, Morphometr

Effect of municipal solid waste ash on the strength of earthen bricks and walls

Masonry units are usually joined using cement mortar. A good bond between the bricks is essential and determines how the masonry units transfer and resist stresses due to applied loads. In this study interlocking brickswere used to construct a wall without the use of cement mortar. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different amounts of Municipal Solid Waste Ash (MSWA) on the strength characteristics of the walls subjected to compressive loads. The soil used for making the bricks was stabilized using MSWA applied at the rate of 0%, 2%, 5% and 10% of the weight of soil. The compressive strength of individual soil bricks moulded in a CINVA‐Ram machine was obtained during the curing period and samples were tested on days 7, 14 and 28; after the start of the curing period. Walls, 840 mm high and 1100 mm long, were constructed using the bricks after curing them for 28 days. A compressive force was applied on the masonry walls in a direction normal to joints. Addition of 2% MSWA gave the bricks the highest compressive strength on Day 28. The failure pattern of the wall constructed using bricks stabilized with 2% MSWA followed diagonal cracks and bulging of the wall from the sides. At failure the wall had a maximum crack width of 40 mm and a vertical central deflection of 20 mm at failure. The ultimate stress of the stabilized wall was 2.47N/mm2 occurring at a strain of 11. On the other hand un‐stabilized Juja soil masonry wall had a maximum compressive stress of 2.5 N/mm2 occurring at a strain of 9.5. The failure of the unstabilized Juja soilbrickwall was mainly due to vertical cracks forming below the load application point. For the un‐stabilized brick wall, the central deflection at failure was 14 mm, and was less than the deflection of the stabilized wall at failure. This indicated that the stabilized brick wall was more ductile than the un‐stabilized brick wall. Compared to the wall constructed using bricks stabilized with 2% MSWA which had diagonal cracks, the un‐stabilized walls had nearly vertical cracks. The failure of the stabilized brick wall was consistent with the provisions of the design code BS 5628 Part 1 of the year 2005.Key words: Compressive strength, failure mode, interlocking bricks, municipal solid waste ash (MSWA), stabilizatio

Bridging perspectives: Key insights from a gender & youth integration learning event

In light of the need to learn from and collaborate with other USAID implementing partners on effectively addressing the issues that affect women and youth in their programming, Titukulane organized a focused event in September 2022. Prioritizing the engagement of women and youth in all development activities has immense importance and needs more emphasis. This is particularly true for projects that aim to create lasting impact and positive change in communities. Titukulane, through USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, organized a collaborative meeting with USAID Implementing Partners in Malawi. Through this effort, the implementing partners identified potential areas for integration and collaboration that can further enhance the impact of development programs

Lessons from developing district-level M&E plans to implement the National Resilience Strategy

The National Resilience Strategy (NRS) aims to build resilience against economic and environmental shocks, promoting inclusive growth, food security, and well-being for all Malawians. The NRS consists of four pillars: (1) Resilient Agricultural Growth; (2) Risk Reduction, Flood Control and Early Warning and Response Systems; (3) Human Capacity, Livelihoods, and Social Protection; and (4) Catchment Protection and Management. Titukulane RFSA is piloting the NRS in Zomba and Mangochi districts, working with District Councils to coordinate implementation with various stakeholders. This learning brief highlights the lessons learned from developing the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plans in Zomba and Mangochi districts and offers recommendations for other districts planning to implement the National Resilience Strategy (NRS). The brief also discusses the Opportunities for Collaboration between National and District Pillar Leads and Aligning the NRS with Key Government Strategies, particularly the Malawi 2063 (MW 2063), to foster synergy and impact