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The Point Prevalence of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition, Neuropathy and Safety Awareness among Flower Farm Workers in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya.
(Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2024-03) Mathenge, Scholastica; Ojola, Patroba; Mwangi, Hannah Wanjiru
Acetyl cholinesterase catalyses the hydrolysis of acetylcholine in the nerve synapses, thereby terminating nerve impulse, however, it is inhibited by organophosphates and carbamates. This study aimed to assess the level of acetyl cholinesterase inhibition and the resultant neuropathy in flower farm workers as well as the farmers’ awareness of safety measures and predisposing factors while handling pesticides. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 217 participants from different flower farms. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data to assess level of safety and predisposing awareness and to assess for neuropathy. Blood samples were collected to determine the cholinesterase levels using spectrophotometry technique at 405 nm. The mean serum cholinesterase level in flower farm workers in Naivasha was 5873.26 U/L. There was a positive correlation (R= 0.07) between the numbers of years worked in the industry and serum cholinesterase levels as shown by Karl Pearson`s coefficient. The point prevalence of cholinesterase inhibition in Naivasha was 14% indicating a significant risk of adverse health effects. The level of safety awareness and predisposing factors among workers on pesticide exposure was 65%, suggesting that while the majority of workers had some level of safety awareness, there is still room for improvement. The point prevalence of neuropathy was 38% of the participants presenting with varying symptoms of adverse effects of pesticide exposure. Musculoskeletal impairment was leading at 19.81%, followed by skin irritation at 13.36%.These findings highlighted the need for better safety measures and awareness campaigns in the flower farm industry to reduce the risk of acetyl cholinesterase inhibition.
Kenyatta University 56th Graduation Ceremony Booklet
(Kenyatta University, 2024-12-13) Kenyatta University
Predictors of Stunting among Children Aged 6-59 Months in Kitui County, Kenya
(African Health Sciences, 2024-12) Chui, Morris K.; Osero, Justus O.; Mugo, Judy W.
Background: Stunting in children below the age of five is a significant public health problem in Kenya. Stunting has transitory and lifelong effects on people and communities, including high risk of morbidity and death, lowered mental and physical growth, and decreased productivity. Objective: To investigate the predictors of stunting in children aged 6 to 59 months in Kitui County, Kenya. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical survey that used multistage cluster sampling. Data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews with key informants and discussions with focus groups. Anthropometric measurements were taken to assess the rate of stunting. Results: The stunting rate was 26.6%. The independent predictors of stunting included birth weight < 2500 grams (AOR = 2.302; 95% CI: 1.027-6.150; p: 0.043), having secondary education (AOR = 5.404; 95% CI: 1.607-18.173; p: 0.006), mother’s MUAC < 23 cm (AOR = 2.845; 95% CI: 1.125-7.192; p:0.012), and having no access to a latrine/toilet (AOR = 0.008; 95% CI: 0.009-0.561; p: 0.013). Conclusions: Stunting was high and was influenced by sociodemographic factors, and the household environment.
British Suppression of the Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya and its aftermath: A Critical look at what Transpired in Detention Camps
(Kenyatta University, 2024-12-27) Kimani, Gitonga
The early 19th century witnessed a huge influx of Europeans to Africa for evangelization and trading activities which eventually culminated into colonization of Africa by the end of the century. Kenya was colonized by the British and got independence close to 70 years later. The Mau Mau uprising in Kenya was one out of many that broke out in Africa as an expression of resistance to colonial rule and exploitation. This Study sought to shed more light on the brutal suppression of the Mau Mau Rebellion by the British government that involved mass relocation of the Kikuyu population into crowded and guarded villages, arrest and detention of Mau Mau Warriors and supporters, sexual abuse on both men and women and extra-judicial killings. The historical research design was utilized. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. Interview schedules were organized for fifteen key informants identified through purposive and snowballing sampling. Data was analyzed qualitatively. The Study concluded that to suppress the Mau Mau uprising, the British focused beyond the guerilla warriors and dealt wholesomely with the entire Kikuyu community which was part and parcel of the struggle through subscribing to the Mau Mau ideology cemented by oath taking. Moreover, there were other communities
beside the Kikuyu who supported the rebellion both militarily and materially. Proper compensation for the war atrocities committed by the British government can only be done when the entire community and other communities affected are all considered. Piece meal compensation done in the past is not commensurate with the extreme suffering occasioned by the war atrocities whose negative effects have continued to be felt to date. Finally, former detention camps which became prisons after independence should be changed to other less intimidating institutions like schools and museums so as to erase the bad memories of the suffering of the African people during the independence struggle in Kenya
Investigating the effect of seaweed extract and humic acid on the quantitative and qualitative performance of sugar beet under water stress
(Islamic Azad University, 2025-01-16) Ajirlu, Tawakkel Fekri1; Farzaneh, Salim; Tobe, Ahmed; Sharifi, Rauf Seyed; Nouri, Mohsen; Gitari, Harun; Heydarzadeh, Saeid
Water stress is one of the major limitations in crop production and performance stability. This study aimed to investigate the effect of biological stimulants on the quantitative and qualitative performance of sugar beet under drought stress. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of irrigation regimes (irrigation after 80, 160, 240, and 320 mm of water evaporation from the class A pan) and the application of biological stimulants at 5 levels (control, seaweed extract at 3 and 6 kg ha⁻¹, humic acid at 3 and 6 kg ha⁻¹). The results showed that the highest gross sugar (15.99%), extraction coefficient (77.31%), and pure sugar (12.37%) were obtained under irrigation conditions after 240 mm of water evaporation, while the highest levels of sodium (16.4%) and nitrogen (3%) were ob tained under irrigation conditions after 320 mm of water evaporation. The use of biological stimulants caused a significant increase in gross sugar and pure sugar and a reduction in sodium and nitrogen compared with the control treatment. The maximum root yield (74.06 t ha⁻¹) and pure sugar yield (8.42 t ha⁻¹) were obtained in the foliar application of 6 kg ha⁻¹ of humic acid under irrigation conditions after 80 mm of water evaporation. In general, 6 kg ha⁻¹ of seaweed extract and 3 kg ha⁻¹ of humic acid under moisture stress conditions reduced sugar beet root impurities such as sodium and harmful nitrogen. As a result, the efficiency of root sugar extraction was significantly improved, and the sugar percentage of molasses was reduced