Research Papers (RP)

Permanent URI for this community

https://repository.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1282

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 8263

1,8-Cineole: An attractant for the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus
(Elsevier, 1996-07) Hassanali, Ahmed; Ndiege, I. O.; Budenberg, W. J.; Otieno, D. O.
1,8-Cineole was identified as one of the electrophysiologically active components of the volatiles from banana cultivars susceptible to the banana weevil. It was also shown to be an attractant for the banana weevil Comopolites sordidus in laboratory behavioural bioassays. The resistant cultivar did not contain 1,8-cineole. β-Phellandrene, which exhibited electrophysiological activity, but did not show any attraction to the banana weevil, was found only in the resistant banana cultivar.
105 - Biocontrol of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in Kenyan tomato varieties using habitat-adapted endophytes
(Deutsche Pflanzenschutztagung, 2014-09) Schouten, Alexander; Grundler, Florian M. W.; Kuska, Matheus; Kariuki, George M.; Bogner, Catherine Wanja
Plant parasitic nematodes, especially root-knot nematodes, pose a major threat to the increasingly important tomato production in the coastal humid tropics of East Africa. Tomato endophytes collected from Kenya were identified and screened for their biocontrol activities in the tomato cultivar moneymaker, various local Kenyan varieties and AVRDC accessions. In particular, Trichoderma and Fusarium oxysporum isolates could significantly reduce root-knot nematode egg densities when compared to the non-inoculated control. Split-root experiments and synchronized infection studies have shown that the fungus initiates certain systemic plant defense responses that affect both penetration and overall development of the nematode. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the induced defense responses leading to this reduction in nematode infection, specific tomato mutants that are impaired in particular defense pathways are analyzed with respect to root-knot nematode colonization in the presence and absence of the beneficial endophytes. At the same time, the expression of several marker genes and the activity of certain enzymes, all involved in the various induced defense responses, are being monitored. In addition, the effects of fungal metabolites on M. incognita and the initiation of defense responses is being studied. The use of habitat-adapted endophytic fungi may provide a safe, efficient, reliable and affordable approach to control root-knot nematodes.
12-Month Substance Use Disorders among First-Year University Students in Kenya
(PLOS ONE, 2023-11) Jaguga, Florence; Mathai, Muthoni; Ayuya, Caroline; Francisca, Ongecha; Musyoka, Catherine Mawia; Shah, Jasmit; Atwoli, Lukoye
Objectives The period of entry into university represents one of vulnerability to substance use for university students. The goal of this study is to document the 12-month prevalence of substance use disorders among first year university students in Kenya, and to test whether there is an association between substance use disorders and mental disorders. Methods This was a cross-sectional online survey conducted in 2019 and 2020 as part of the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) survey initiative. A total of 334 university students completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic characteristics of the participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between substance use disorder and mental disorders after adjusting for age and gender. Results The 12-month prevalence for alcohol use disorder was 3.3%, while the 12-month prevalence for other substance use disorder was 6.9%. Adjusting for age and gender, there was an association between any substance use disorder and major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar 1 disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, social anxiety disorder, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and non-suicidal self-injury. Conclusion These findings highlight the need to institute policies and interventions in universities in Kenya that address substance use disorders and comorbid mental disorders among firstyear students
16S rRNA Gene Profiling of Bacterial Communities Mediating Production of Tsetse Attractive Phenols in Mammalian Urine
(OASIS, 2019) Musonye, Harry; Njeru, Ezekiel; Hassanali, Ahmed; Langata, Lydia; Mijele, Dominic; Kaitho, Titus; King’ori, Edward; Nonoh, James
Several types of odours are involved in the location of host animals by tsetse (Diptera: Glossinidae), a vector of animal African trypanosomiasis. Host animals' ageing urine has been shown to be the source of a phenolic blend attractive to the tsetse. Nevertheless, limited research has been performed on the microbial communities' role in the production of phenols. This study aimed at profiling bacterial communities mediating the production of tsetse attractive phenols in mammalian urine. Urine samples were collected from African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), cattle (Bos taurus) and eland (Taurotragus oryx) at Kongoni Game Valley Ranch and Kenyatta University in Kenya. Urine samples, of each animal species, were pooled and left open to age in ambient conditions. Bacteriological and phenols analyses were then carried out, at 4 days ageing intervals, for 24 days. Phenols analysis revealed nine volatile phenols: 4-cresol, ortho-cresol, 3-cresol, phenol, 3-ethylphenol, 3-propylphenol, 2-methyloxyphenol, 4-ethylphenol and 4-propylphenol. Eight out of 19 bacterial isolates from the ageing urine revealed the potential to mediate production of phenols. 16S rRNA gene characterisation of the isolates closely resembled Enterococcus faecalis KUB3006, Psychrobacter alimentarius PAMC 27887, Streptococcus agalactiae 2603V, Morganella morganii sub.sp. morganii KT, Micrococcus luteus NCTC2665, Planococcus massiliensis strain ES2, Ochrobactrum pituitosum AA2 and Enterococcus faecalis OGIRF. This study established that some of the phenols emitted from mammalian urine, which influence the tsetse's host-seeking behaviour, are well characterised by certain bacteria. These results may allow the development of biotechnological models in vector control that combines the use of these bacteria in the controlled release of semiochemicals.
2-Chlorobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxamide and 2-chlorobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxamide as precursors of bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-one and bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one: resolution, absolute configuration and hydrogen-bonding properties
(Elsevier, 2005-08-15) Thuo, M. M.; Plettner, Erika; Mohle, Ashley; Griscti, Johanna; Patrick, Brian O.; Nair, R; Batchelor, R. J.; Einstein, F
The absolute configuration of bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one has not been correlated with a crystal structure of a chemical precursor. The only chemical correlation available had an ambiguity, which could have reversed the assignment. Herein, we report the resolution of 2- hlorobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-exo-carboxamide on a cellulose triacetate column and the crystal structures of the enantiomerically pure and racemic a-chloroamide. We found the absolute configuration (1R,2R,4R) for the (+)-enantiomer of the a-chloroamide. This compound was converted to (+)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-one by base hydrolysis, and the 5,6-unsaturated compounds converted to the saturated congeners. This is the first unambiguous experimental determination of the absolute configuration of bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one and of cyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-one. The three crystal structures of 2-chlorobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-exo-carboxamide reported herein reveal H-bonded dimers, with two distinct orientations of the bicyclic portion relative to the carboxamide dimer. In the racemic crystal, each dimer is composed of two enantiomers, and the bicyclic portions have their bridge carbon atom (C-7) on opposite sides of the H-bonded carboxamide dimer moiety. In the enantiomerically pure crystals, the major dimer had both C-7 atoms on the same side of the carboxamide dimer moiety while the minor dimer had the C-7 atoms on opposite sides. The dimers are present in solution, and can be easily monitored.
2-Hydroxy-4-Methoxybenzaldehyde: Larvicidal Structure-Activity Studies
(2005) Ndiege, Isaiah O; Lwande, Wilber; Akenga, Teresa O; Mahanga, Geoffrey M.
2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (1), a compound isolated from Mondia whytei (Hook) Skeels (Asclepiaceae) roots exhibited larvicidal activity (LD5022 mg/mL). A total of 18 other derivatives and closely related congeners revealed varying levels of larvicidal activity. Several closely related congeners, like 2-benzyloxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (2), 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (12), 2-benzyloxybenzaldehyde (3) and benzylphenyl ether (4), showed marked improvement in activity (LD5010, 9, 4.8, 1.2 mg/mL, respectively) against Anopheles gambiae larvae. 2-Benzoyloxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (5) exhibited similar activity level (LD50 28 mg/mL) as 1.
The 2008 Global Economic Crisis and Public Expenditure: A Critical Review of the Literature
(Advances in Management & Applied Economics, 2014-04-10) Gatauwa, James M.
The United States of America subprime mortgage market precipitated the occurrence of the 2008 global economic crisis that has made financial disruptions the world over. Therefore there has been the need to evaluate the extent to which this crisis affected economies globally. Hence, the effect of the 2008 global economic crisis on public expenditure was reviewed. The paper concludes that economies whose public expenditures were significantly affected by the crisis were those closely integrated to the US financial markets, those with imprudent macroeconomic measures at the pre-crisis period and those with a high level of export dependence. Also the interrelation between macroeconomic factors and public expenditure as influenced by economic policy indicates that the crisis caused the macroeconomic factors to deteriorate. Hence this led to governments adopting economic policy measures that could curtail the crisis effect on public expenditure.
2520-0461
(AJPO, 2018) Jumanne, Andrew Shangarai; Njoroge, Jane
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of structural change management on employee performance in the Parliamentary Service Commission (PARLSCOM) and it was undertaken through descriptive research design. Methodology: The study targeted all the nine hundred and fourteen employees of PARLSCOM. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of ninety one participants from the target population. Self-administered questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect primary. Secondary data was obtained from PARLSCOM’s annual reports, government publications and earlier research. Reliability of the instruments was tested using Cronbach’s alpha reliability. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Multiple linear regression analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2013 Analysis ToolPak and output used to test study hypotheses. Results: The results indicated that structural change management had a positive significant effect on performance of employees in PARLSCOM. Unique contribution to the theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that structural change management is a critical factor in increasing employee performance, therefore HR managers should ensure clarity and stability in the organization’s structure during change management in order to enhance employee performance. Finally, the study recommends further research be done by replicating the same study in other organizations and also using other independent variables other than the ones used in this study.
2D-Euler Deconvolution and Forward Modeling of Gravity Data of Homa-Hills Geothermal Prospect, Kenya
(2014-02-25) Ambusso, W.; Odek, A.B.; Odek, A.; Githiri, J.G.
In order to fully assess the potential of Homa Hills Geothermal prospect, the heat source which is one of the main features of a geothermal system had to be located based on its perturbation on the gravity field. Ground gravity survey was conducted in an area covering about 76 km2 and the data processed to remove all other effects which are not of geological interest. Qualitative interpretation was attempted and cross sections drawn across the anomalous areas on the complete Bouguer anomaly map. Quantitative interpretation attempted involved both Euler Deconvolution and 2‐D Forward modelling. The parameters obtained from Euler Deconvolution were used as the start up parameters for 2‐D Forward modeling. Well clustered Euler solutions were obtained at a shallow depth of approximately 200‐750 m which is consistent with the modeled shallow dike like intrusive probably of carbonatite origin.
2D-Forward Modeling of Ground Magnetic Data of Homa-Hills Geothermal Prospect Area, Kenya
(SAGE Publications, 2014) Ambusso, W.; Githiri, J.; Abuga, V.; Odek, A.; Adero, B.
Two dimensional (2D) Euler de-convolution techniques was applied on the selected profiles of reduced ground magnetic data collected in Homa Hills area. Depth estimates of causative bodies were quantitatively analysed in the an omalous areas on the residual magnetic intensity map. These depth estimates were later used as start up parameters for 2D-forward modelling using “mag2DC” software. Results of the analyses show that the magnetic anomalies in the region are caused by shallow-seated thermal intrusive structures of carbonatite origin. 2D-Euler solutions revealed subsurface faulting activities up to a depth of 250m and the presence of fluid-filled zones within the survey area which are marked by absence of magnetic sources. It is postulated from 2D-forward modelling that the heat sources are shallow intrusive bodies such as dykes, plugs and sills taping from a deeper magmatic body and that the thermal intrusive structures form along fracture zones
The 3rd Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS) Biennial Congress: Lessons Learnt to Advance Lung Health in Africa
(PATS, 2024-03) Kagima, Jacqueline; Irungu, Anne; Ongaya, Asiko; Miheso, Barbara; Chakaya, Jeremiah; Masekela, Refiloe
Lung health in Africa is of great public health concern. To exchange knowledge, communicate the latest scientific advances in lung health, build the capacity of young researchers, and provide a platform for networking of lung health stakeholders in Africa, the Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS), in partnership with the Respiratory Society of Kenya organized and held the 3rd Biennial PATS congress, from June 7–10, 2023 in Mombasa, Kenya. There were a total of 30 conference sessions, which included six skills building workshops, two research dissemination workshops, six plenary sessions, and five each of pediatric, adult, and thoracic surgery symposia. A total of 60 abstracts were presented, including 27 oral abstracts and 33 posters. A wide range of issues for lung health in Africa emerged. These include the emerging role of the environment, especially climate change and global warming, on lung health, the threat posed by the use of tobacco and other nicotine products in Africa, the high burden of lung infections, insecurity of medical oxygen supply systems, and high burden of chronic respiratory disease. In this paper, we summarize the proceedings of this conference and draw lessons that can be used to advance lung health in the African continent.
A 4-Alkyl-substituted Analogue Of Guaiacol Shows Greater Repellency To Savannah Tsetse (Glossina spp.)
(Springer-Verlag, 2007-05) Hassanali, Ahmed; Saini, R. K.
The responses of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood to guaiacol (2-methoxyphenol), a mild repellent constituent of bovid odors, and seven analogues comprising 2-methoxyfuran, 2,4-dimethylphenol, 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol (4-methylguaiacol), 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol (4-ethylguaiacol), 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol (4-allylguaiacol; eugenol), 3,4-methylenedioxytoluene, and 3,4-dimethoxystyrene were compared in a two-choice wind tunnel. The 4-methyl-substituted derivative (2-methoxy-4-methylphenol) was found to elicit stronger repellent responses from the flies compared with guaiacol. None of the other analogues showed significant repellent effects on flies. 4-Methylguaiacol, guaiacol, and eugenol (which was included because of previous reports of its repellency against a number of arthropods) were further evaluated in the field with wild populations of predominantly Glossina pallidipes Austen. The presence of guaiacol or eugenol near odor-baited traps caused some nonsignificant reduction in the number of tsetse catches at relatively high release rates (∼50 mg/hr). In contrast, the 4-methyl derivative at three different release rates (2.2, 4.5, and 9.0 mg/hr) reduced trap catches of baited traps in a dose-response manner. At 10 mg/hr release rate, it reduced the catches of baited and unbaited traps by ∼80 and ∼70%, respectively. In addition, the compound not only reduced the number of tsetse attracted to natural ox odor (∼ 80%), but also had an effect on their feeding responses, reducing the proportion that fed on an ox by more than 80%. Our study shows that the presence of a methyl substituent at the 4-position of guaiacol enhances the repellency of the molecule to savannah tsetse and suggests that 4-methylguaiacol may represent a promising additional tool in the arsenal of techniques in trypanosomiasis control.
A Hybrid Model for Detecting Insurance Fraud Using K-Means and Support Vector Machine Algorithms
(Open Journal for Information Technology, 2023) Muthura, Brian Ndirangu; Matheka, Abraham
Private stakeholders and governments across the globe are striving to improve the quality and access of healthcare services to citizens. The need to improve healthcare services, coupled with the increase in social awareness and improvement of people’s living standards, has seen an increase in medical policyholders in the insurance industry. Even so, the healthcare sector is grappled with increased costs every other year, leading to revision of premiums and increased costs for the policyholders. One of the main factors contributing to the increased costs is fraudulent claims raised by the service providers and the policyholders, leading to unprecedented risks and losses for insurance firms. The insurance industry has set up fraud detection and mitigation systems to mitigate losses brought about by fraudulent claims, which come in two flavors: rule-based systems and expert claims analysis. With rule-based systems, conditions such as missing details, location of the claim vis a vis the location of the policyholder, among other rules, are evaluated by systems to assess the validity of the claims. On the other hand, insurance firms rely on the human intervention of experts using statistical analyses and artificial rules to detect fraudulent claims. The rule-based and expert analysis methods fail to detect patterns or anomalies in claims, which is central to efficient fraud detection. Data mining and machine learning techniques are being leveraged to detect fraud. This automation presents enormous opportunities for identifying hidden patterns for further analysis by insurance firms. This research aims to analyze a hybrid approach to detect medical insurance fraud using both K Means (unsupervised) and Support Vector Machines (supervised) machine learning algorithms.
A Phenomenological Analysis of Experiences of Parents, Teachers and Students about Examination Malpractices in Kisii County, Kenya
(EANSO, 2024-07) Simiyu, George Mukhebi; Likoye, Malenya; Kandagor, Daniel
While the problem of examination malpractices in Kenya has been a perennial one, the efforts put in place to address it have not fully borne fruits. This study focused on understanding this scenario from the phenomenological perspective that sought to examine the experiences of teachers, parents and students in Kisii County about examination malpractice and the relationship therein. The following was its objective: explore the complexity of examination malpractice, its related ills and the responsibility of the education stakeholders as experienced by the teachers, parents and students in Kisii County. The study focused on parents, students and teachers in secondary schools in the county who have experienced the problem of examination malpractice. It was guided by normative ethical theories to understand its persistence. It utilized descriptive survey research design through focused group discussions and open-ended questionnaires. Purposive and snowball sampling procedures were used to pick the respondents complemented by document analysis. The study adopted hermeneutic and transcendental phenomenological approaches for both prescription and analysis of data. The findings showed that: forms of examination malpractice are either conventional or non-convectional and are grounded in either the positive or negative experiences of teachers, parents and students; The study makes the following conclusions: focusing on both conventional and non-conventional forms of examination malpractice gives a wider understanding of what ails the examination process in Kisii County; understanding the negative and positive experiences of teachers, parents and students in regard to examination malpractice as well as understanding its complexity is key in formulating a comprehensive solution to the menace; and the network to hold those who engage in examination malpractice responsible to be widened. The study recommends more focus on both the conventional and non-conventional forms of examination malpractices to capture in detail what ails the examination process in Kisii County; utilization of both the negative and positive experiences of the students, teachers and parents to come up with more all-encompassing solutions to the issue of examination malpractice that is grounded in their experiential attitudes;-, and more analysis of the complexity of examination malpractice to generate more lasting solutions to the menace.
Abagusii Traditional Environmental Knowledge and HIV/AIDS Management: Implications for English Language Teaching
(International Ecolinguistics Association, 2021) Maroko, Geoffrey Mokua; Mokua, Gladys Nyamoita; Nyakundi, Augustus Onchari; Onyambu, Meshack Ondora
Multidisciplinary and multisectoral interventions are necessary for the management of chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS. One such intervention is the promotion of socially responsible teaching. Anchored within an eclectic theoretical framework involving traditional environmental knowledge, the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, and Vygotsky’s theory of thought, language and culture, this paper analyses the link between Abagusii traditional environmental knowledge and management of HIV/AIDS. Seven groups of people living with HIV/AIDS were engaged in focus group discussions on the management of HIV/AIDS treatment adherence through sustainable production and use of natural products. The paper reveals that the Abagusii have rich ecological knowledge on the production and use of natural products, which could improve treatment outcomes of people living with HIV/AIDS. This ecological knowledge can be harnessed, documented and ploughed into ELT materials for English Language Teaching. A three-tier ELT framework comprising classroom activities, integrated tasks and practical actions could be adopted for teaching integrated English in interesting ways while at the same time restoring the environment, food sufficiency and health.
Ability-Enhancing Practices and Organisational Performance: Does Justice Perception Moderate the Relationship in The Context of Police Force in Nigeria?
(European Scientific Institute, 2020) Owoeye, Idowu; Kiiru, David; Muli, Jedidah
The knowledge, skills, and abilities constituting employee characteristics are often described as the capacity needed by a firm to attain competitive advantage which in turn occasions performance outcomes at various firm’s levels. While evidence of significant and insignificant relationships between ability-enhancing practices and performance outcomes at firm’s levels has been registered across organisational contexts in human resource management literature, such evidence remains limited and anecdotal in the context of criminal justice system in Nigeria. Using a survey data from 321 police officers, this study investigated the interactional effect of justice perception on the relationship between abilityenhancing practices and performance of police force in Nigeria. The study adopted both descriptive and explanatory designs, and the study instruments were adapted. The validity and reliability of the study instruments were determined via Principal Component Analysis, and thereafter data collected were analysed employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods with the aid of analytical tool of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The moderating effect of justice perception was established using PROCESS macro and the results were interpreted using Baron and Kenny’s (1986) approach for determining mediation effect. The results of the analysis revealed that the performance of police force in Nigeria was predicted by composite construct of ability enhancing practices, and the relationship was completely moderated by justice perception. The results also revealed significant effects of rigorous recruitment and selection, and coaching on performance of police force, however, insignificant effects of job rotation and mentoring practices were found with performance of police force in Nigeria. The study contributes to the body of empirical knowledge that individual’s perception of fairness of the implemented organisational systems to enhance employee knowledge, skills, and abilities is vital to the attainment of favourable performance outcomes. The institution of Criminal Justice System can leverage on the findings of this study to improve human capital development so as to attain desired performance outcomes.
Abnormal Intra-aural Pressure Waves Associated with Death in African Children with acute Nontraumatic Coma.
(Nature Publishing Group, 2015) Gwer, S.; Kazungu, M.; Chengo, E.; Ohuma, E. O.; Idro, R.; Birch, T.; Marchbanks, R.; Kirkham, F. J.; Newton, C. R.
BACKGROUND: We explored the relationship between tympanic membrane displacement (TMD) measurements, a tool to monitor intracranial pressure noninvasively, and clinical features and death in children with acute coma in Kilifi, Kenya. METHODS: Between November 2007 and September 2009, we made serial TMD measurements and clinical observations on children with acute coma (Blantyre coma score (BCS) ≤ 2) on the pediatric high dependency unit of Kilifi District Hospital, and on well children presenting to the hospital's outpatient department for routine follow-up. We examined middle ear function using tympanometry and measured cardiac pulse (CPA) and respiratory pulse pressure amplitudes (RPA) using the TMD analyzer. RESULTS: We recruited 75 children (32 (43%) females; median age 3.3 (IQR: 2.0, 4.3) years). Twenty-one (28%) children died. Higher TMD measurements predicted death. Adjusting for diagnosis, every 50 nl rise in both semirecumbent and recumbent CPA was associated with increased odds of death associated with intracranial herniation (OR: 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 2.41; P = 0.02 and OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.66; P ≤ 0.01 respectively). CONCLUSION: Raised TMD pulse pressure measurements are associated with death and may be useful in detecting and monitoring risk of intracranial herniation and intracranial pressure in childhood coma.
Absence of Molecular Evidence of Filovirus Circulating In Bats and Rodents in Laikipia North Sub-County, Kenya: A Cross Sectional Study
(https://www.one-health.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/7/34, 2022) Ambala, Peris; Hussein, Fatima; Mutura, Samson; Gachara, George; Menza, Nelson; Shields, Lindsey Mccrickard; Vodzak, Megan; Murray, Susan; Valitutto, Marc; Zimmerman, Dawn; Kamau, Joseph
In the recent decade, pathogenic zoonotic viruses have emerged in different geographical locations almost annually. These changes have led to new complex interactions between humans, animals and the environment, creating unique opportunities for pathogens unique opportunities to pass between hosts. Most emerging pathogens are RNA viruses such as filovirus. Numerous factors such as anthropogenic activities, changes in local ecosystem and climate change have contributed to this spillover. While Kenya has not reported any filovirus outbreaks in humans, a filovirus (i.e Bombali Ebola virus) have been detected in Kenyan bats, which have been implicated as reservoir hosts. The goal of this study was to detect and molecularly characterize known and novel filovirus circulating in bats and rodents in Laikipia North sub-County, Laikipia County, Kenya. In May 2018, a total of 477 samples (blood, oral and rectal swabs) were collected from 159 bats and 159 rodents in Laikipia North sub-County, Kenya. Ribonucleic acid was extracted from all samples and screened using consensus polymerase chain reaction targeting the long-gene of filovirus. All samples were negative. These results suggest that circulation of filovirus was uncommon during the month of May, 2018 in rodents and bats from Laikipia North sub-County. Considering our findings, future sampling should be conducted both longitudinally and with significantly larger sample sizes for a more in depth assessment of the prevalence of filoviruses in bats within the region studied.
Abundance and Symbiotic Potential of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Nodule Associated Bacteria in Western Kenya Soil
(MAYFEB, 2016) Wekesa, C.; Okun, D.; Juma, K.; Shitabule, D.; Okoth, P.; Nyongesa, P.; Katoo, A.; Mulama, S.; Wamalwa, E.; Mahalo, C.; Koyo, M.; Rotich, A.; Kawaka, F.; Muoma, J.
Plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria are beneficial native soil bacteria that colonize plant roots and result in increased plant growth. Those that colonise the nodules of legumes are known as nodule associated bacteria. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chemical soil factors on the abundance of nodule associated bacteria and the symbiotic efficiency of these bacteria when coinoculated with Phaseolus vulgaris in Western Kenya soils. The soil samples were collected from cultivated lands in Kisumu near Lake Victoria, slopes of Mt. Elgon and Kakamega. In each of these regions, the soil samples were collected from four regions. 1ml of soil solution at 10 fold dilution for seven dilution steps (10-1to 10-7) and three replications for each dilution was used to inoculate common bean seedling in the Leonard jars. They were harvested after four weeks to determine abundance of nodule associated bacteria using most probable number plant infection method. Mt. Elgon region had the highest population of nodule associated bacteria (120000 cells per gram of the soil), followed by Kisumu (1290 cells per gram of the soil) and Kakamega region had the lowest (17 cells per gram of the soil). The effect of plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria on the yield of common beans was significantly higher (p < o.oo1) when co-inoculated with Rhizobia compared to the yield of Rhizobia inoculated alone or negative control (not inoculated) (p < 0.05). This study therefore provides knowledge on the factors that favour the survival of common bean symbiotic bacteria and their symbiotic capability which is necessary for production of plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria inoculants suitable to the soils of Western Kenya
Abundance of Insect Pests and their Effects on Biomass Yields of Single vs. Multi-species Planted Fallows
(Springer Netherlands, 2006) Ogol, C.K.P.O.; Girma, H.; Rao, M. R.; Day, R.
Indigenous and exotic leguminous shrubs that are promising for planted fallow for soil fertility replenishment in east and southern Africa have been found to harbour many herbivorous insects, giving suspicion that widespread adoption of fallow systems may aggravate insect pests. Studies were conducted on farms in western Kenya from 1999 to 2001 to monitor the abundance of herbivorous insects and assess their effects on biomass yields of pure and mixed fallows. The treatments tested were single and two-species mixtures of Tephrosia vogelii, Sesbania sesban and Crotalaria grahamiana and a natural fallow in a split plot design, with the fallow systems in the main plots and protection vs. no protection against insects in sub-plots spread over six farms. Eighteen insect species belonging to seven orders and 14 families were identified as pests of␣the fallows with varied abundance and infestation level across the sites. While Hilda patruelis and Amphicallia pactolicus were most damaging to C. grahamiana, Mesoplatys ochroptera was detrimental to S.␣sesban. T. vogelii hosted fewer insects than others. Nevertheless the pest infestation did not cause significant biomass yield reduction during the study period. Pest attack was generally greater in villages that had been testing the planted fallows for some years compared with villages that took up the fallows recently. This indicates the potential for increased pest infestation with increased adoption of the system by farmers. Multi-species fallows did not indicate any advantage over single species fallows in terms of either reduced pest incidence or increased biomass production.

Browse

Browsing Research Papers (RP) by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options