Valley Province Research Articles

The Importance of Disturbance versus Physiography in Defining Vegetation Composition and Predicting Possible Successional Trajectories

ABSTRACT Regional (climate/soils) and local (aspect) physiography determine plant community composition. However, changes in initial floristic composition after a disturbance may be severe enough to alter the successional trajectory predicted by physiography. We addressed the question of which is more important, disturbance or physiography, in determining vegetation composition and the consequent successional trajectory. We evaluated understory vegetation of forest communities exposed to four disturbance types (control, single burn, diameter-limit cut, and first-removal shelterwood) 2–5 yr postdisturbance. Study sites were located within each disturbance type on northeast and southwest aspects within the Appalachian Plateau and the Ridge and Valley provinces. Vegetation composition was analyzed with nonmetric-multidimensional scaling, two-way nonparametric multivariate ANOVA, and indicator species analysis. The relationship between disturbance and key environmental variables, including canopy opening and ...

Characterization of the seismically imaged Tuscarora fold system and implications for layer parallel shortening in the Pennsylvania salient

The Tuscarora fold system (TFS) is located in the Pennsylvania salient in the foreland of the Valley and Ridge province. The TFS is imaged in high quality 3D seismic data and comprises a system of small-scale folds within relatively flat-lying Lower Silurian Tuscarora Formation strata. We characterize the TFS structures and infer layer parallel shortening (LPS) directions and magnitudes associated with deformation during the Alleghany Orogeny. Previously reported LPS data in our study area are from shallow Devonian and Carboniferous strata (based on outcrop and core analyses) above the shallowest of three major detachments recognized in the region. Seismic data allows us to characterize LPS at depth in strata beneath the shallow detachment. Our LPS data (orientations and inferred magnitudes) are consistent with the shallow data leading us to surmise that LPS during Alleghanian deformation fanned around the salient and was distributed throughout the stratigraphic section – and not isolated to strata above the shallow detachment. We propose that a NW-SE oriented Alleghanian maximum principal stress was perturbed by deep structure associated with the non-linear margin of Laurentia resulting in fanning of shortening directions within the salient.

Training Needs for Head-Teachers in Management of Ecde Curriculum Implementation in Primary Schools in Marakwet District, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate the training needs of primary school head-teachers in the management of early childhood development education curriculum implementation in Marakwet district of Rift Valley province. The study was guided by the needs assessment process as defined by English and Kaufman. Descriptive survey research design was used in conducting the study since the design enables gathering of data at a particular point in time with the intention of describing the nature of the existing conditions, identifying the standards against which existing conditions can be compared and determining the relationship that exists between specific events (Orodho, 2005). The respondents were the quality assurance and standards officers (QASOs), Primary school head-teachers, deputy head-teachers and teachers of ECDE. The selection of the study sample was done using simple random sampling, stratified random sampling and purposive sampling. Schools were stratified into educational divisions from which 38 schools out of the total of 97 were proportionately sampled from the district. To obtain the specific schools to participate in the study, simple random sampling was used. All head-teachers and deputy head-teachers from the selected schools were purposively sampled for inclusion in the study. Seventy six out of the total 198 ECDE teachers were selected through simple random sampling while all the 10 QASOs in the district were purposively sampled. The questionnaire, document analysis and an interview schedule were used to collect data for this study. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means, standard deviations and percentages. Presentation was done using tables, graphs and charts. The findings of this study revealed that there were various factors that influence the implementation of the ECDE curriculum such as supervision of teachers and teaching/learning resources. It was also observed that the head-teachers utilized various competencies while managing the ECDE curriculum implementation process. There also existed a gap between what should be, and what was in all the macro-competencies studied regarding the training needs of primary school head-teachers in their capacities as managers of the ECDE curriculum implementation process. The study recommended that the government through the Ministry of Education should train primary school teachers in management of the ECDE curriculum and the colleges preparing teachers in ECDE should introduce courses specifically addressing ECDE curriculum management.

First report of the bee louse Braula schmitzi (Diptera: Braulidae) in apiaries of the “Los Chillos” Valley, Province of Pichincha, Ecuador

Braula spp. (Diptera: Braulidae) or bee lice, are pests widely distributed in the world, comprising five species. The present study reports for the first time the presence of Braula schmitzi in hives (n = 166) of bees (Apis sp.) in Ecuador. The findings were conducted within an epidemiological study on Varroa sp. between February and April 2015. Adult lice were separated from bees according to a protocol well established for Varroa sp., from samples obtained from bee hives (n = 25) located in Los Chillos Valley province of Pichincha. The hives were located between 2486 and 3279 m above the sea level. The specimens were identified as B. schmitzi on the basis of the morphological characteristics using scanning electron microscope. Description of males and females in ventral and dorsal view, structure of comb and comparisons with Braula coeca were included in the study. Although the potential as vector of viruses and other diseases has not been evaluated, this first report of B. schmitzi, in Los Chillos Valley, puts on alert the situation of beekeeping in Ecuador. This study would complement the missing information on the presence of this pest throughout South America.

PERCEPTIONS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ON THE NEED FOR SEX EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ELDORET MUNICIPALITY, KENYA

It is estimated that 23% of the girls in secondary schools in Kenya drop out of school each year as a result of teenage pregnancy. Findings of the Kenya Aids Indicator Survey of 2007 indicate that the HIV and STI prevalence rate is 7 for Rift Valley province, that is, 7 out of every 1000 people have HIV and STI. The drop-out rate for girls in Uasin Gishu district is 2.1% while that of boys’ stands at 2.4%, according to Uasin Gishu development plan 2002 -2007. This is attributed to factors such as HIV, STIs and teenage pregnancies among others. In response to the rising number of HIV, STIs and teenage pregnancies and the resultant dropout rates in schools, the Ministry of Education intended to introduce sex education in secondary schools in Kenya to create awareness on the consequences of sex abuse in order to reduce school dropout rate on teenage pregnancies and STIs related infections. Debates on introduction of Sex Education in schools rages on and a lot of studies have been done on the pros and cons of this. But the opinion of children has not been sought. However, the intentions of the ministry were not realized because religious groups opposed it. In African indigenous culture, children are not consulted in decision making, but according to the United Nations Convention of 1989, children have a right to access information, participate and take responsibility in the society. Hence, need to seek their views. Therefore, this study sought to find out the perception of secondary school students on the need for sex education in secondary schools in Eldoret municipality, Kenya. Perceptions are vital since they shape students behaviour and attitudes towards their sexuality as well as morality. The research design for this study was a cross sectional descriptive survey aimed at collecting qualitative and quantitative primary data from students on their perceptions on the need for sex education. This was done through structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. A sample of 325 students was obtained through stratified and simple random sampling. The findings of the study showed that 53% of the students perceived the need to introduce of Sex Education in schools and so the idea is perhaps worth revisiting. The researcher therefore concludes that many students’ perceptions’ towards introduction of sex education in secondary schools is positive. Article visualizations:

A scorecard for assessing functionality of community health unit in Kenya.

IntroductionIn 2005, Kenya’s Ministry of Health (MOH) in its quest to improve health outcomes developed the Community Health Strategy (CHS) as a key approach. The MOH and partners grappled with the challenge of managing the functionality of the Community Health Units (CHUs). Amref Health Africa in Kenya developed a replicable CHUs Functionality Scorecard for measuring and managing the functionality of CHUs.MethodsWe designed and piloted the CHU Functionality Scorecard at 114 CHUs in Rift valley province in Kenya. The scorecard categorized CHUs as Functional, Semi-functional, or Non-Functional. We used before and after design to assess the functionality of the CUs.ResultsOver seven quarters (January 2012 to September 2013). The proportion of functional CHU increased from 3.5% to 82.9%, Semi-Functional reduced from 39% to 13% while Non-Functional reduced from 58% to 4%. The greatest improvements were noted in Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) receiving stipends, CHVs with referral booklets, monthly dialogue days, actions planning, chalk boards, and CHVs reporting rates.ConclusionThe CHU functionality scorecard is a valuable tool for the management of performance, resource allocation, and decision making. We recommend the adoption of the Functionality Scorecard by the Kenya Government for country-wide application. We recommend: further work in defining Advanced Functionality and incorporating the same into the scorecard; and implementation research on long term sustainability of CHUs.

Fire Regimes of Remnant Pitch Pine Communities in the Ridge and Valley Region of Central Pennsylvania, USA

Many fire-adapted ecosystems in the northeastern U.S. are converting to fire-intolerant vegetation communities due to fire suppression in the 20th century. Prescribed fire and other vegetation management activities that increase resilience and resistance to global changes are increasingly being implemented, particularly on public lands. For many fire-dependent communities, there is little quantitative data describing historical fire regime attributes such as frequency, severity, and seasonality, or how these varied through time. Where available, fire-scarred live and remnant trees, including stumps and snags, offer valuable insights into historical fire regimes through tree-ring and fire-scar analyses. In this study, we dated fire scars from 66 trees at two sites in the Ridge and Valley Province of the Appalachian Mountains in central Pennsylvania, and described fire frequency, severity, and seasonality from the mid-17th century to 2013. Fires were historically frequent, of low to moderate severity, occurred mostly during the dormant season, and were influenced by aspect and topography. The current extended fire-free interval is unprecedented in the previous 250–300 years at both sites.

Gully erosion and freeze-thaw processes in clay-rich soils, northeast Tennessee, USA

This study examines gully erosion in northeast Tennessee hillslopes in the Southern Appalachian Valley and Ridge physiographic province, where a thick sequence of red clay Ultisols (Acrisol, according to the World Reference Base for Soil) overlies dolomite and limestone bedrock. The role of freeze-thaw processes in gully erosion was examined weekly from 6/3/2012 to 9/17/2014 using a network of n=78 erosion pins in three geomorphic areas: channels, interfluves, and sidewalls. Freeze-thaw days were identified using meteorological data collected on site. When freeze-thaw days occurred, erosion and deposition increased and gully conditions were more dynamic. When daily temperature did not plunge below freezing, more stable gully conditions persisted. Ordinary Least Square regression models of erosion pin length using freeze-thaw events explained significant portions of variability in channels (R²=0.113, p<0.01), interfluves (R²=0.141, p<0.01), and sidewalls (R²=0.263, p<0.01). Repeat analysis on only the winter-spring months minimally improved the sidewall model (R²=0.272, p<0.01). Erosion in interfluves exhibited a lagged effect, and was best correlated to freeze-thaw events during the prior period while erosion in channels and sidewalls was related to freeze-thaw events in the current week. Of the three geomorphic areas studied, sidewall erosion was best modeled by freeze-thaw events which contribute to widening of gullies through mobilization of sediment and mass wasting. This research demonstrates that freeze-thaw processes are a significant contributor to erosion in gully channels, interfluves, and especially sidewalls, and therefore temperature variability should be considered in erosion studies in similar climates.

Learning Resource Centers: Adequacy and Relevance of Resources in Public Primary Teacher Training Colleges in Kenya.

-The purpose of this study was to investigate the adequacy and relevance of resources that are in public primary teachers training colleges in Kenya. It was guided by three objectives namely: to determine whether the materials available are adequate and relevant, to establish whether the materials are well maintained and to find out whether there is enough space in the learning resource centers in PPTTCs in Kenya. The study was carried out in Tambach Teachers Training College, Keiyo district, Rift Valley province of Kenya. This was a case study design and the target population was 1121. Data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that there were inadequate relevant materials in the LRC such as course books used in both college classes and teaching practice in various departments, syllabuses, catalogues, computers, educational journals and other publications. This was attributed to poor planning of replenishment of LRC materials (low budgetary allocation to LRC) and the fact that tutors were not involved in sourcing of LRC materials. The findings point to the fact that the materials in the LRC are well maintained and that there is adequate space. The study will enhance the effective use of the learning resource centre at Tambach Teachers Training College and possibly all the TTCs in Kenya.

A national survey of demographics composition of Kenyan journalists

This national survey conducted in 2012–2013 (N = 504) examines demographic characteristics of the Kenyan journalists. Findings indicate that the typical Kenyan journalist is male (66%), married (57%), and in his mid-30s (M = 34 years). He tends to have a Bachelor’s degree (46%) and has received college-level training in journalism or communication (91%). However, when it comes to majoring in journalism or communication, most of the journalists were trained at the level of associate degree (45%), followed by Bachelor’s degree (38.5%) and Master’s degree (13.6%). Thirty-three percent of the Kenyan journalists work in daily newspapers, with 73 percent of them employed on full-time basis. In ethnic grouping, about a quarter (24.9%) of Kenyan news people belong to the Kikuyu tribe, followed by Luhya tribe (20%). The results also indicate that the majority of the journalists are from the Rift Valley province (21.4%) – Kenya’s largest administrative unit – followed by Western (19.5%) and Central (15.5%). By religion affiliation, 62.3 percent of the journalists are Protestants and 22.5 percent Roman Catholic. While the majority of the Kenyan journalists (22%) fall in the monthly salary bracket of $375–$625, a significant number of them (17%) earn less than $375 a month.

School leadership challenges along Kenya’s Borabu-Sotik border

This article is based on a qualitative multi case study carried out in southwestern Kenya along the border areas of Nyanza and Rift Valley province. The purpose of the research was to examine the challenges public secondary school principals faced in their leadership roles and suggest efforts they might adopt to minimize the effects of these challenges. Data was drawn from interviews with six secondary school principals, document analysis as well as participant observation. Findings indicated that principals of public secondary school are faced with challenges associated with overdependence, uncertainty and vulnerability.

The upper crust of the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone: Insights from potential fields inversion

The study investigates the crustal structure of the eastern Tennessee seismic zone (ETSZ) by means of potential field inversion through the located Euler deconvolution method. Inversion of magnetic field data shows that the top of the magnetic basement ranges between 6 and 12km depth in the Valley and Ridge physiographic province while it is shallower (<2km depth) and locally outcropping in the Blue Ridge and Cumberland Plateau provinces. The estimated depth to the top of the magnetic basement is in general agreement with existing sedimentary cover maps of the broad study area. The inversion of gravity data is much more ambiguous, pointing to a generally deeper source, than magnetic data inversion. The findings support the interpretation of ETSZ seismicity as originating in basement structures not related to Appalachian orogeny and likely dating to Grenville age.

The Solanum nigrum Complex (Black Night Shade) Grown in the Rift Valley, Western and Nyanza Provinces of Kenya

The Solanum nigrum Complex (Black Night Shade) Grown in the Rift Valley, Western and Nyanza Provinces of Kenya

Hunting Apprenticeship as Indigenous Form of Education for Sustainable Conservation of Wildlife in Mau Forest of Kenya.

Mau Forest, the home of the majority of the Ogiek people is located in the Rift Valley Province and straddles Kericho, Nakuru, Narok and Bomet districts .Traditionally, the Ogiek as hunter-gatherers have distinctive histories of interaction with the natural environment. Over the years, the Ogiek have inhabited in the Mau Forest with little impact on the environment. The paper focuses on the influence of hunting apprenticeship as Indigenous Form of Education for sustainable conservation of Wild life in Mau Forest of Kenya. The study was informed by the General Systems Theory and the Cultural Ecology Theory. The argument of the general systems theory is that the intricate relationship of the parts cannot be treated in isolation from the whole. In this case, an analysis of the Ogiek superstructure affirmed that the society’s institutions must be contextualized in their totality. Arguably, an understanding of the Ogiek in general is related to how the community interacts with nature. On the other hand, the cultural ecologists argue that there exist a clear link between the society’s culture, mode of subsistence and the natural environment. An ethno-historical approach was employed in the design, instrumentation, data collection, analysis and interpretation. To achieve systematic collection of data, purposive sampling techniques were used. Forty-five (45) members of the Ogiek community, mainly key cultural consultants were interviewed for the study. Cultural consultants provided the most complete and representative information about particular aspects of Ogiek life because of their experience and training. The main instruments for data collection were observation and interview schedules. In addition to oral interviews, this study used a variety of documentary sources. The information obtained from the various sources was checked for validity and reliability using triangulation as well as external and internal criticism approaches to data analysis. The paper reveals that hunting apprenticeship as indigenous education as practised by the Pre-colonial Ogiek society facilitated sustainable conservation of wild life in Mau Forest of Kenya. In essence, it was arguably revealed that the Ogiek hunting practice and broader socio-cultural contexts as well as human-animal relations incorporated a number of conventions and practices that helped to support and sustain wild life populations. Article visualizations:

Influence of Trainee Teacher Philosophy about Teaching and Learning on Integration of Computer Technology into Future Teaching Practices

The study sought to establish the influence of trainee teacher philosophy about teaching and learning on integration of computer technology into future teaching practices. This was done in the light of the fact that the Kenya government has launched the national laptop project in public primary schools which is expected to run from July, 2016.It is expected that the teachers who are undertaking training in Primary school Teacher Training colleges are key to effective implementation of computer use. The study was carried out in five public Teacher Training Colleges in the Rift Valley Province, Kenya. This study employed a correlational research design. The research population for the study was all teacher trainees in pubic teacher training colleges in Rift Valley. The colleges have a total population of 5,075 student teachers. Using a table of random numbers, the researcher then selected proportional samples from each stratum in every Teacher Training College to ensure that there was uniform representation of the different groups. The total sample from the five TTCs was 357 trainee teachers. The primary data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of two scales. The study established that there was a statistically significant influence of trainee teachers’ philosophy about teaching and learning on prospective ICT integration. Trainee teachers who believed that learners construct their own knowledge with the teacher as a guide scored highly on intentions to integrate ICT in the classroom than those who believed that the teacher is the source of knowledge. Trainee teachers who intended to use child-centered teaching practices viewed ICT integration positively. It is therefore important that teacher trainers in TTCs emphasize learner-centered teaching methods in order to promote ICT integration.

The Determination of Some Agronomic Properties of Lines Selected among Domestic Dry Bean Populations Collected from Kelkit Valley and Artvin Province

The Determination of Some Agronomic Properties of Lines Selected among Domestic Dry Bean Populations Collected from Kelkit Valley and Artvin Province

TIGER BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: CARABIDAE: CICINDELINAE) OF COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE, MINDANAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

The first faunistic record of tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cicindelinae) in Compostela Valley Province, Mindanao with notes on their habitat is presented. Opportunistic sampling, standard light trapping and photo documentation were conducted in selected areas from January to April 2013 and in September 2015. One hundred four tiger beetles belonging to twelve species and seven genera were recorded. An astonishing (100%) endemicity was observed identified to subspecies level. Thopeutica and Calomera species, specifically Thopeutica anichtchenkoi Wiesner, 2015 and Calomera mindaoensis Cassola, 2000 were observed to be abundant in the samples mostly found in the mountainous and forested open riparian ecosystem of Cagan, New Bataan. Cylindera (Ifasina) discreta elaphroides (Dokhtouroff 1882) was the most common species and was found in different habitat types, but the majority of the species showed a narrow and specialized habitat preference. Protection and conservation of remaining forest areas in Cagan is especially important in preserving endemic species.

Paleomagnetism of the Oatka Creek Member of the Marcellus Formation: A Devonian paleopole for North America

This study presents paleomagnetic results from the Oatka Creek Member of the Marcellus Formation. Paleomagnetic specimens were subsampled from a 50.8-mm-diameter subsurface drill core obtained from the Valley and Ridge physiographic province of Pennsylvania. Alternating field (AF) demagnetization techniques demonstrate that the Oatka Creek specimens retain multiple components of magnetization. The lowest-coercivity component, component A, was isolated by peak fields up to 20 mT and has characteristics of a drilling-induced remanence. Component B was isolated over a range of peak AF fields between 20 and 50 mT in the upper 100 m of the core, and points south with intermediate downward inclinations in geographic coordinates. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and rock magnetic experiments yield evidence that suggests component B is a detrital remanent magnetization in magnetite. We corrected these directions for bedding tilt and inclination shallowing and calculated a paleopole at lat. 29.4°, long. 116.9°, A95 = 1.3°, with an age of 388–389 Ma constrained by biostratigraphy and radiometric dating. This paleomagnetic pole could help fill a data gap in the paleomagnetic record for North America that spans the Middle Devonian to Early Mississippian Periods. Component C was isolated throughout the core using AF fields between 50 and 100 mT and points south with shallow downward inclinations in geographic coordinates. Component C directions agree with a chemical remanence in pyrrhotite from a previous paleomagnetic study of the Marcellus Formation. Component C is likely also a chemical remanent magnetization in pyrrhotite acquired during maximum burial temperatures achieved in the Permian, which may have catalyzed pyrrhotite formation. Component D was isolated in specimens from the lower 20 m of the core, using peak AF fields between 20 and 100 mT, and it points north with shallow downward inclinations in geographic coordinates. The lower 20 m of the core shows evidence of significant hydrothermal alteration. The component D directions yield a paleopole in good agreement with the Jurassic reference pole, and a pulse of hydrothermal alteration in the lower portion of the Oatka Creek Member is consistent with other thermal events in the region ca. 180 Ma. Our results indicate that subsurface cores from the Appalachian foreland may provide an opportunity to greatly improve the Paleozoic paleomagnetic record for North America.

La circulación interregional en el valle Calchaquí (Provincia de Salta, Noroeste argentino): Una visión integral desde nuevas y viejas evidencias

This work presents the results of the systematic study concerning the circulation of goods, raw materials and ideas in the Calchaqui Valley (Province of Salta, Northwestern Argentina) between the 10th and 16th centuries. Through stylistic and provenance analyses of various materials from museums’ archaeological collections, it was possible to establish the diversity of goods and materials that circulated to and from the valley in different moments of its occupational history. These new findings were considered in relation to already existing information about interregional connections for the Calchaqui societies, and the existence of several potential interaction circuits with different ecological and cultural areas was postulated. Such circuits apparently show certain changes since the Inka arrival to the Calchaqui Valley.

English

French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Kenya is cultivated predominantly in the Central, Eastern and Rift Valley provinces. Despite its importance as an export commodity, there has been little breeding effort devoted to its improvement and no much focus on gaining an understanding of the genetic diversity of the germplasm used in cultivation. The present objective was to evaluate the genetic diversity of a set of 36 Kenyan French bean accessions, based on a combination of morpho-agronomic and simple sequence repeat markers (SSRs). For the former, 20 morpho-agronomic traits were measured in two growing seasons, while for the latter; the germplasm was genotyped at 26 SSR loci. The accessions varied significantly (P≤ 0.05) with respect to pod diameter, pod length, pod number per plant, pod weight per plant and seed weight, but not with respect to the number of days taken to reach flowering, leaf length, leaf width or plant height. There was a large influence of season over flowering time, pod diameter, pod length, plant height and seed weight, and a significant (P≤ 0.05) interaction between accession and season for pod diameter, pod length, pod weight per plant, number of pods per plant and seed weight. The variation in the morpho-agronomic traits split the 36 accessions into four clusters. Shannon-Weaver diversity indices for qualitative, pseudo-qualitative and four selected quantitative traits ranged from 0.23 to 0.88. Of the 26 SSR primer pairs, which successfully amplified all 36 DNAs, 18 were informative, producing a mean of 2.17 alleles per SSR locus and a PIC value between 0.17 and 0.41. The level of gene diversity ranged from 0.19-0.50 (mean 0.36). The low observed mean heterozygosity reflected the predominantly autogamous habit of French bean. The modest amount of genotypic variation uncovered can be attributed to the effect of intensive selection for pod quality. A phylogeny based on the informative SSR loci revealed three major clusters, each representing a different pod diameter class. Combining the morpho-agronomic and DNA-based markers in this assessment of germplasm provides a way of taking advantage of the best features of both marker types that can be useful for identification of French bean varieties and applications of molecular markers to breeding. Key words: French beans, morpho-agronomic traits, simple sequence repeat marker (SSR), genotyping, large-sieve beans, fine-sieve beans.