Study on Potentiality of Biogas Plants and Their Role for the Conservation of Environment

This study presents the potentiality of biogas plants and their role for the conservation of environment. It is basedon primary data collected from 84 household surveys, 6 key informant interviews and two focus group discussions. It was observed that more than 95% of the people residing in the VDCs were using firewood as a main source ofenergy. The total amount of firewood consumed was 510.570 ton/year which emits 775.052tCO2e/year. Due to the presence of agriculture based livestock holding population, there is a great potential of biogas technology. Thestudy showed that biogas technology could saved 34.40% of firewood which conserves 5.415 ha of forests area. There is a potentiality of 58 biogas plants of size 6 cu.m which will reduce 440.800 tCO2e/year.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/njst.v15i2.12114Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 15, No.2 (2014) 51-56

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Drivers and barriers to workplace-based HIV self-testing among high-risk men in Uganda: a qualitative study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11041-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Patience A. Muwanguzi ◽

Robert C. Bollinger ◽

Stuart C. Ray ◽

LaRon E. Nelson ◽

Noah Kiwanuka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Hiv Testing ◽

Private Security ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Private Security Companies ◽

Self Testing ◽

Key Informant ◽

Hiv Testing Services ◽

Security Companies

Abstract Background Men in Sub-Saharan Africa are less engaged than women in accessing HIV testing and treatment and, consequently, experience higher HIV-related mortality. Reaching men with HIV testing services is challenging, thus, increasing the need for innovative ways to engage men with low access and those at higher risk. In this study, we explore men’s perceptions of drivers and barriers of workplace-based HIV self-testing in Uganda. Methods An exploratory study involving men working in private security companies employing more than 50 men in two districts, in central and western Uganda. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results Forty-eight (48) men from eight private security companies participated in 5 focus group discussions and 17 key informant interviews. Of the 48 men, 14(29.2%) were ages 26–35 years. The majority 31(64.6%) were security guards. The drivers reported for workplace-based HIV self-testing included convenience, autonomy, positive influence from work colleagues, the need for alternative access for HIV testing services, incentives, and involvement of employers. The barriers reported were the prohibitive cost of HIV tests, stigma, lack of testing support, the fear of discrimination and isolation, and concerns around decreased work productivity in the event of a reactive self-test. Conclusions We recommend the involvement of employers in workplace-based HIV self-testing to encourage participation by employees. There is need for HIV self-testing support both during and after the testing process. Both employers and employees recommend the use of non-monetary incentives, and regular training about HIV self-testing to increase the uptake and acceptability of HIV testing services at the workplace.

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Kinship construction variability among Nigerian international migrants: The context of contemporary Diaspora

Human Affairs ◽

10.2478/s13374-011-0044-2 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Olayinka Akanle ◽

Olanrewau Olutayo

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Life Histories ◽

First Century ◽

Primary Data ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Kinship Networks ◽

Methodological Triangulation ◽

International Migrants ◽

Depth Interviews

AbstractUnderstanding the selves, situations and actions of Africans can never be comprehended outside kinship. Local and foreign worldviews are first pigeonholed into culture and defined within kinship realities in Nigeria and Africa. There have been studies on kinship in Africa. However, the findings from such studies portrayed the immutability of African kinship. Thus, as an important contribution to the on-going engagement of kinship in the twenty-first century as an interface between the contemporary Diaspora, this article engaged kinship within international migration. This is a major behavioural and socio-economic force in Nigeria. Methodological triangulation was adopted as part of the research design and primary data were collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs), and life histories of international migrants were documented and focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with kin of returnees. The article found and concluded that while returnees continued to appreciate local kinship infrastructures, the infrastructures were liable to reconstruction primarily determined by dominant support situations in the traditional African kinship networks.

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Investigating the Contributions of International Oil and Gas Firms to Local Development in Ghana: Dilemmas and Challenges

European Scientific Journal ESJ ◽

10.19044/esj.2020.v16n28p74 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (28) ◽

Author(s):

Remy Nyukorong

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Oil And Gas ◽

Local Development ◽

Primary Data ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Face To Face ◽

Oil Companies ◽

Priority Needs ◽

Oil And Gas Firms

Ghana is relatively new to oil and gas extraction and there is little empirical knowledge about the key players in the oil and gas business, what they do to contribute to local socio-economic development, and the quandaries these firms struggle with while operating under difficult circumstances. The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of international oil companies to local development in Ghana and to evaluate the challenges and dilemmas faced by these firms. The study adopted a qualitative, interpretive case study design that relied on face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions to gather primary data. Interview responses were analysed, compared, and categorised with the results of transcription of the focus group discussions, and later triangulated and interpreted to draw conclusions. The study revealed that most international oil companies in Ghana are transparent in reporting on their business activities and operations. Despite the efforts by these firms to support local development by funding developmental projects, paying taxes, and providing employment opportunities to local youth, international oil companies are still a target of criticism for unsatisfactory performance. Local populations would like to see extractive firms finance community infrastructural projects matching with local priority needs and focus more on impact rather than the quantity of money disbursed or the number of projects funded. International oil companies should change their engagement approach from a mere consultation to a realistic, democratic, and broad-based involvement of the publics. This study has enriched existing frameworks applied to evaluate business organisations’ contributions to local development.

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MOTIF PEREMPUAN BERKENDARA SEPEDA MOTOR TANPA HELM: STUDI KASUS DI KOTA SIDOARJO, JAWA TIMUR

Journal of Indonesia Road Safety ◽

10.19184/korlantas-jirs.v1i2.14784 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 72

Author(s):

Irvan Rifai ◽

Fajar Santoso

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Primary Data ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Social Rules ◽

Online Newspapers ◽

Primary Data Analysis ◽

Key Factor

This case study is aimed at revealing motives of women riding motor bike without helmet in Sidoarjo, East Java. The data in this study are garnered through interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and artefact including online newspapers, whilst thematic analysis is utilised as a primary data analysis. The findings of the study indicate that; first, distance from home to school is a most salient motive of women riding bike without helmet. Second, the absence of policeman on the street is a key factor of not wearing helmet. Third, social identity is another reason for not wearing helmet. Fourth, styles and its influence of feeling discomfort of wearing helmet. Fifth, social rules and its impracticality of not wearing helmet. The findings of this study are expected to have contributions of the ways to educate people about safety riding by involving students, students’ parents, teachers and or stakeholders. This study, however, cannot represent all women perspectives of not wearing helmet when riding motor bike within Indonesia. Further research, therefore, is expected to consider areas and characteristics which might differ from the present study. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap motif perempuan pengendara sepeda motor tanpa helm di daerah Kabupaten Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur, dengan menggunakan metode wawancara, Focus Group Discussion, observasi, dan analisis terhadap tulisan-tulisan yang ada di media sosial, seperti koran online. Analisis yang dilakukan menggunakan metode analisis tematik. Dari hasil analisis data diperoleh 5 tema yang menjadi pembahasan pada penelitian ini, yaitu: pertama, Jarak dari rumah ke sekolah menjadi pertimbangan utama responden tidak memakai helm; kedua, Kehadiran aparat kepolisian dan motif tidak memakai helm; ketiga, Identitas sosial sebagai alasan tidak memakai helm; keempat, style dan pengaruh ketidaknyamanan memakai helm; dan ke lima, aturan sosial dan ketidakpraktisan memakai helm. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan bisa memberikan kontribusi informasi terhadap upaya mengedukasi masyarakat dalam keselamatan berkendara sepeda motor dengan melibatkan peran serta siswa, orang tua siswa, guru dan pemangku kepentingan. Namun demikian, dikarenakan penelitian ini terbatas pada studi kasus di Kota Sidoarjo, terdapat kemungkinan bahwa hasil yang diperoleh tidak dapat merepresentasikan perspektif perempuan pengendara sepeda motor di kota-kota lain di Indonesia. Untuk itu, penelitian ini diharapkan dapat dilanjutkan untuk kota-kota yang mempunya karakteristik berbeda dengan lokasi penelitian ini.

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Assessing determinants of programmatic performance of community management of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea in children in Africa: Protocol and data collection for a mixed-methods evaluation of iCCM (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.33076 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aliya Karim ◽

Don de Savigny ◽

Serge Ngaima ◽

Daniel Mäusezahl ◽

Daniel Cobos Muñoz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Focus Group ◽

Child Health ◽

Data Collection ◽

Intervention Effectiveness ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Middle Income ◽

Key Informant ◽

Low And Middle Income

BACKGROUND Integrated community case management (iCCM) is a child health program designed to provide integrated, community-based care for pneumonia, malaria and diarrhea for children in hard-to-reach areas of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The foundation of the intervention is service-delivery by community health workers (CHWs) who depend on reliable provision of drugs and supplies, consistent supervision, comprehensive training, and community acceptance and participation to perform optimally. The effectiveness of the program may also depend on a number of other elements, including an enabling policy environment, financing mechanisms from the national to the local level, data transmission systems, and appropriate monitoring and evaluation. The extent to which these factors act upon each other to influence the effectiveness and viability of iCCM is both variable and challenging to assess, especially across different implementation contexts. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we describe a mixed-methods systems-based study protocol to assess the programmatic components of iCCM which are associated with intervention effectiveness, and report preliminary results of data collection. METHODS This protocol employs a mixed qualitative and quantitative study design based on a Systems Thinking approach within four iCCM programs in Malawi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger State, and Abia State, Nigeria. Routine monitoring data is collected to determine intervention effectiveness, namely testing, treatment and referral outcomes. Surveys with CHWs, supervisors, and caregivers are performed to collect quantitative data on their demographics, activities, and experiences within the program, and how these relate to the areas of intervention effectiveness. Focus group discussions are conducted with these stakeholders as well as local traditional leaders to contextualize this data. Key informant interviews are undertaken with national and district-level program stakeholders and officers knowledgeable in critical program processes. RESULTS We performed 3,836 surveys and 45 focus group discussions with CHWs, supervisors, and caregivers, and traditional leaders; 120 key informant interviews with district and national-level program managers, health officers, and ministry officials. Policy and program documents were additionally collected for review. CONCLUSIONS Evidence from this study will inform child health programs and practice in low- and middle-income settings, and future policy development within the iCCM intervention.

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A gendered approach to understanding climate change impacts: lessons from a coastal region of Bangladesh.

Gender, climate change and livelihoods: vulnerabilities and adaptations ◽

10.1079/9781789247053.0002 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 11-25

Author(s):

S. Momtaz ◽

M. Asaduzzaman ◽

Z. Kabir

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Focus Group ◽

Adaptive Capacity ◽

Coastal Region ◽

Climate Change Impacts ◽

Household Surveys ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Key Informant ◽

The Face

Abstract The purpose of this chapter is to understand the vulnerability of women's livelihoods to climate change impacts in Bangladesh. Data were collected through a survey of 150 randomly selected women from a sample of households. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, participant observations, and a transect walk, provided supporting information to substantiate the household surveys. The chapter first outlines the theoretical foundation on which the research is based. This is followed by examining women's vulnerability in the study area. The chapter then describes women's coping strategies in the face of climate change-induced disasters. The chapter further explores women's adaptive capacity through the examination of their access to various services. It ends with a set of recommendations for policy makers in order to improve the situation of women's vulnerability.

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Understanding the Livelihood Characteristics of the Migratory and Non-Migratory Fishers of the Padma River, Bangladesh

Journal of Scientific Research ◽

10.3329/jsr.v10i3.34492 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 261-273

Author(s):

M. I. Khan ◽

M. M. Islam ◽

G. K. Kundu ◽

M. S. Akter

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Well Water ◽

Full Time ◽

Age Group ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Key Informant ◽

Part Time ◽

Tube Well ◽

Padma River

The Padma is the second longest and one of the trans-boundary rivers of Bangladesh that significantly contributes to fisheries production and supports the fishers’ livelihoods. This study assesses the livelihood characteristics of the Padma river-dependent migratory and non-migratory fishers, employing household interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews from July to October, 2015. All migratory fishers were full-time fishers, whereas, non-migratory fishers included full time (88.89%), part-time and occasional fishers (11.11%). Maximum fishers were belonging to the age group of 31 to 50 years of which 94.74% were migratory and 57.4% were non-migratory fishers. Half of the migratory and non-migratory fishers were illiterate. 89.47% migratory fishers used river water for drinking and other purposes, whereas, 94.44% non-migratory fishers used tube-well water. Average annual incomes of both migratory (58%) and non-migratory (65%) fishers ranged from Tk. 30,000 to 60,000, whereas 26% migratory and 5% non-migratory fishers had average annual incomes above Tk. 60,000. The overall livelihood status of the migratory and non-migratory fishers was not satisfactory as they have faced problems like conflicts with elite groups for resources, lack of fish preservation facilities. Effective initiatives and their proper implementations are very crucial to develop the Padma river fisher’s livelihood conditions.

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‘Sometimes you are forced to play God…’: a qualitative study of healthcare worker experiences of using continuous positive airway pressure in newborn care in Kenya

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034668 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. e034668

Author(s):

Helen M Nabwera ◽

Jemma L Wright ◽

Manasi Patil ◽

Fiona Dickinson ◽

Pamela Godia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ◽

Focus Group ◽

Airway Pressure ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Positive Airway Pressure ◽

Scale Up ◽

Newborn Care ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Key Informant

ObjectiveTo explore the experiences of using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in newborn care among healthcare workers in Kenya, and to identify factors that would promote successful scale-up.Design and settingA qualitative study using key informant interviews and focus group discussions, based at secondary and tertiary level hospitals in Kenya.ParticipantsHealthcare workers in the newborn units providing CPAP.Primary and secondary outcome measureFacilitators and barriers of CPAP use in newborn care in Kenya.Results16 key informant interviews and 15 focus group discussions were conducted across 19 hospitals from September 2017 to February 2018. Main barriers reported were: (1) inadequate infrastructure to support the effective delivery of CPAP, (2) shortage of skilled staff rendering it difficult for the available staff to initiate or monitor infants on CPAP and (3) inadequate knowledge and training of staff that inhibited the safe care of infants on CPAP. Key facilitators reported were positive patient outcomes after CPAP use that increased staff confidence and partnership with caregivers in the management of newborns on CPAP. Healthcare workers in private/mission hospitals had more positive experiences of using CPAP in newborn care as the relevant support and infrastructure were available.ConclusionCPAP use in newborn care is valued by healthcare workers in Kenya. However, we identified key challenges that threaten its safe use and sustainability. Further scale-up of CPAP in newborn care should ensure that staff members have ready access to optimal training on CPAP and that there are enough resources and infrastructure to support its use.EthicsThis study was approved through the appropriate ethics committees in Kenya and the UK (see in text) with written informed consent for each participant.

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UNDERSTANDING LOW UPTAKE OF MASS TREATMENT FOR INTESTINAL SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN JINJA DISTRICT, UGANDA

Journal of Biosocial Science ◽

10.1017/s002193201400011x ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 47 (4) ◽

pp. 505-520 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

SIMON MUHUMUZA ◽

ANNETTE OLSEN ◽

FRED NUWAHA ◽

ANNE KATAHOIRE

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

School Children ◽

Primary Schools ◽

School Teachers ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

School Feeding ◽

Intestinal Schistosomiasis ◽

Key Informant

SummaryDespite attempts to control intestinal schistosomiasis through school-based mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel using school teachers in Uganda, less than 30% of the school children take the treatment in some areas. The aim of the study was to understand why the uptake of praziquantel among school children is low and to suggest strategies for improved uptake. This was a cross-sectional qualitative study in which 24 focus group discussions and 15 key informant interviews were conducted 2 months after MDA. The focus group discussions were held with school children in twelve primary schools and the key informant interviews were held with school teachers, sub-county health assistants and the District Vector Control Officer. The study shows that the low uptake of praziquantel among school children is a result of a complex interplay between individual, interpersonal, institutional, community and public policy factors. The individual and interpersonal factors underpinning the low uptake include inadequate information about schistosomiasis prevention, beliefs and attitudes in the community about treatment of schistosomiasis and shared concerns among children and teachers about the side-effects of praziquantel, especially when the drug is taken on an empty stomach. The institutional, policy and community factors include inadequate preparation and facilitation of teachers and the school feeding policy, which requires parents to take responsibility for providing their children with food while at school, yet many parents cannot meet the cost of a daily meal due to the prevailing poverty in the area. It is concluded that strategies to improve uptake of praziquantel among school children need to be multi-pronged addressing not only the preparation and motivation of teachers and health education for children, but also the economic and political aspects of drug distribution, including the school feeding policy.

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Levels of Equivalence in Interpreter-mediated Sermons from English into Luhya Varieties

International Journal of English Language Studies ◽

10.32996/ijels.2021.3.5.4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (5) ◽

pp. 26-30

Author(s):

Annet Aromo Khachula ◽

Lucy Mandillah ◽

Bernard Angatia Mudogo

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Participant Observation ◽

Relevance Theory ◽

Target Language ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Source Language ◽

Key Informant ◽

Audio Recorder

Languages have different concepts for conveying meanings; hence there is a problem in finding equivalents between the source language (SL) and the target language (TL) in the process of interpreting. The transfer of meaning is identified as one of the basic problems in interpreting due to the absence of equivalence between two languages. This paper identifies levels of equivalence in the interpretation of selected sermons from English into Luhya varieties. Data was collected through key-informant interviews of interpreters, Focus Group Discussions by the congregants, and the researcher’s non-participant observation during church services. An audio recorder was used to collect the corpus for analysis which was later transcribed and translated for analysis. Relevance Theory by Sperber and Wilson (1986) provided the background for the discussion of the data. The findings revealed the following levels of equivalence in the interpretation of English sermons into Luhya varieties; one to many, one to part-of-one and nil equivalence. Further, it was also revealed that interpreters need to identify these three levels of equivalence in interpreting English sermons into Luhya varieties to determine the appropriate measures to counteract the situation.

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