9th International Research Conference of Chuka University 2022

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Effectiveness of Prison Decongestion Programs in Selected Prisons in Kenya: An Empirical Analysis
(Chuka University, 2023) Mosoti D.; Mbuba J. M.; Kiboro C. N.
This paper analyses prison decongestion programs in Kenya and their effects on prison populations in the country. The analysis is based on primary data collected from a sample of 266 prison officers and 16 probation officers. The analysis shows that overall, prison decongestion programs contribute to a reduction of prison population. Based on the evidence generated, the paper recommends adoption of community-based sentences especially on petty crime offenders to reduce overcrowding in prisons.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates On the Establishment and Yield of New Sugarcane Cultivars in Kibos, Kisumu County
(Chuka University, 2023) Omoto G.,; Jamoza J.; Otieno V.
Sugar industry plays an important role in economic development of Kenya. Nitrogen is the primary nutrient limiting sugarcane production throughout the world. A study was conducted in Kibos during the year 2015-2018 on the effect of nitrogen fertilizer rates on the yield of new sugarcane. The aim was to determine the optimal nitrogen rates for the new sugarcane cultivars and to analysis the cost benefits of N fertilizer rates on new sugarcane yields. The treatments consisted of 11 cultivars KEN 98-367, KEN 98-530, KEN 98-533, KEN 98-551, KEN 00-13, KEN 00-3548, KEN 00-3811, EAK 73-335, KEN 82-121, KEN 82-601, KEN 82-493 and 3 levels of N fertilizer rates; 0kg Nha-1, 80kg Nha-1 and 160 kg Nha-1 as top-dress at five months after planting. The experiment was laid out as 11 x 3 factorial in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) having three replications with a gross plot size of 5 rows 6m long and spaced at 1.2 m apart. Clean seedcane aged 10 months was used. The trial was harvested at 17 months for plant crop (PC) and 16 months for ratoon1 (R1). Data was analyzed by ANOVA. The results showed that significant differences were noticed in girth, stalk heights, R1sugarcane yields and nitrogen rates of R1. Stalk population, pol% juice and nitrogen rates of PC did no differ. KEN00-3811 out yielded all the other cultivars and EAK 73-335 was the worst performer. Therefore, there is a need for further evaluation on Kibos soil before appropriate nitrogen fertilizer rate is recommended. And the cultivar recommendation should be site specific.
Influence of Concentrates Supplementation On Microbial Activity of Male Goats
(Chuka University, 2023) Maragara, E. N.; Musalia L. M.
Ruminants have a unique characteristic to utilize fibrous fodder material through anaerobic fermentation. The rumen of a ruminant animal is a complex, open and self-contained ecosystem where nutrients consumed by the microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa and fungi are digested anaerobically. The rumen located at the beginning of the gastro intestinal tract plays a major role because over 50% of the digestion takes place at the rumen. The feed consumed by ruminant animals is fermented by rumen microbes to volatile fatty acids and microbial biomass that serve as source of energy and protein for the host animal. Microbial activities in the rumen differ according to the type of roughages fed to the animals. Short- chain volatile fatty acids such as acetic, propionic, butyric acids, carbon dioxide, and methane and ammonia nitrogen are the products of fermentation in the rumen. Dry mature pastures provide unbalanced levels of nutrients and subsequently do not create the environment for efficient rumen metabolism and thus do not ensure an efficient utilization of absorbed nutrients. Feed intake and the nutrients absorbed from such diets are insufficient to meet the maintenance requirement of the animal and thus animals are bound to lose weight if they do not receive additional nitrogen and mineral supplements. Supplementation with crude protein, minerals, fermentable carbohydrates provide energy that enhances rumen microbial growth and improve voluntary feed intake despite being fed with low quality roughages. The addition of bypass protein such as sunflower seed cake results in a synergistic effect that could trigger considerable improvement on the average daily gain of ruminants and hence become more efficient in using available nutrients
Kipsigis Cultural Values and Participation Rates among Boys in Public Day Primary Schools in Trans-Mara East Sub-County, Narok County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2023) Kirui B. K.; Mwanzia R.; Kamoyo J.
Education is the foundation of economic development of human resources. A country that provides free access to quality education for all its citizens is far more likely to reduce poverty, promote economic growth, lower child and maternal mortality and achieve social inclusion. Despite efforts by the Kenyan government to attain gender parity in access and participation of school by both boys and girls, there are still gaps in Trans Mara East Sub- County, Narok County with boys’ participation being low. This study aimed at establishing the influence of the Kipsigis cultural values on participation rates among boys in selected public day primary schools in Trans Mara East Sub-County, Narok County. The study used descriptive survey research design. Study was conducted in twelve public day primary schools selected randomly from sixty primary schools in Trans Mara East Sub-County. The target population for this study was 10,060 comprising of 120 parent representatives, 60 Head teachers, 9600 pupils in class six, seven and eight and 240 class teachers. Simple random sampling was used to select 144 pupils while purposive sampling was used to select 12 head teachers, 31 class teachers and 12 parent representatives from which a sample of 199 participants was achieved. A pilot study was carried out in Mogondo zone that was not part of the actual study involving 33 respondents. Reliability of the instruments was tested using Cronbach’s Alpha and a reliability coefficient of 0.758 was obtained. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0. The descriptive data was presented using tables of frequencies and percentages, while the Spearman Rho’ Correlation Coefficient was used to infer on the relationship between Kipsigis cultural values and the primary school participation among boys. The findings of the study showed that there is a moderate positive correlation between Kipsigis cultural values and participation rates (r =0.587). The study concluded that Kipsigis cultural values greatly influenced primary school participation among boys in public day primary schools. Based on the study, the researcher recommends positive cultural values to be used as instrumental tools to instill positive values in enhancing participation of boys in primary schooling. It is hoped that the findings of this study may be useful in helping primary school administrators and managers, the ministry of education, and other key educational stakeholders in coming up with ways of strengthening primary school participation among boys.
The Utilization and Preservation Practices of Jute Mallow (Corchorus Olitorius) in Western Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2023) Muita J. N.; Kaindi D. W. M.
Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) is a nutritious African leafy vegetable that is grown and consumed by local communities in Kenya. However, despite its nutritional superiority, its utilization is limited primarily due to its seasonality. This study sought to document the utilization and preservation practices of jute mallow in Western Kenya. A cross-sectional study, that involved a household survey (n=139), of jute mallow producers in Kakamega County of Western Kenya was conducted. Half (50.4%) of the households sourced their vegetables from their farms, while 37.4% sourced them from roadside vendors during the dry season. Jute mallow was mainly (57.6%) consumed as an accompaniment with other vegetables including African Nightshade and Amaranth. Approximately half (52.51%) of the households, employed a method of preservation. There was a significant association (P=0.01) between age and preservation practices, where middle-aged people (35-50 years) had a higher likelihood of employing a preservation method. Women were also significantly (P=0.024) more likely to preserve vegetables than men. Sun drying was practiced by 15.8% of the study population,18.7% practiced fermentation, while 18% practiced both fermentation and sun-drying. The methods of sun-drying were well developed, where prior blanching, was incorporated by 33.3% of the participants. Sun-drying extended the shelf-life of jute mallow by 4.02 ± 3.151 months, while fermentation was 7 days. The leaves of both forms of preservation had relatively high acceptability ratios to the fresh forms at 40% and 48% for fermented and dried forms, respectively. There is a huge potential for low-cost preservation methods in ensuring the availability of jute mallow. However, it is necessary to investigate the viability of these methods on the nutritional quality and safety of jute mallow to improve food security.
Rationale Behind Roman Catholic Church’s Toleration of Miraa Production and Consumption in Igembe Deanery, Meru Diocese, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2023) Iruki M. M.; Nkonge D. K.; Orina H.
Drugs are a global phenomenon that has spread to all corners of the globe. The; Roman Catholic Church has been a leading voice in opposing the use of pharmaceuticals outside of medical necessity in every society it has encountered. Roman Catholic Church has taken a hard-line approach against any form of drugs legalization, including recreational drugs. On the contrary Igembe Deanery, Meru Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, a contentious drug that many consider a drug, Khat (Miraa) production is tolerated. This; study is on the rationale behind Roman Catholic Church’s toleration in Khat production and consumption, which is extensively grown in Igembe Deanery, Meru Diocese. Due; to Roman Catholic Church rules that prohibit the use of all narcotics except for therapeutic purposes and the variety of contradicting incidents seen by Khat farmers and merchants who are also members of the churches in the study area, this study was inspired. The study employed a descriptive research design. Data; was obtained from questionnaires, oral interviews, focus group discussion, participant observation and primary and secondary sources to ensure the validity and reliability of the study. The; discussion starts with the various reasons for the Roman Catholic Church’s toleration of Miraa. Structural-functionalism was used to establish the rationale behind the Roman Catholic Church’s toleration in Miraa production and consumption of the study area. The findings of the study were that the economic, social, cultural, religious, and educational benefits of Miraa in Igembe Deanery are all the reasons for the Roman Catholic Church’s in Igembe Deanery to tolerate Miraa farming, trade and consumption in the study area. This study has contributed to the church, particularly the African church, and to academicians studying religion and culture in higher education.
Evaluation of Seed Quality of Jute Mallow (Corchorus Olitorius)
(Chuka University, 2023) Rutto D. K. L.; Omami E. N.
Production of high quality seeds helps to increase crop yields. Currently, there are no high quality seeds of Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) from breeders to farmers, resulting in farmers using re-cycled planting seed whose quality is not assured. This has resulted in low yields due to many reasons, one of them being poor quality seeds. Yields of crop has remained low 2-4 tons/ha/annum compared to expected yield of 5-8 tons/ha/annum. Farmers use up to 7kg/ha seed instead of 5kg/ha, indicating 40% extra seeds used. Though Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) are focusing her efforts on generation of appropriate strains of the vegetable, little is being done to examine seed used by farmers for its quality. Objective was to examine seed quality of Jute mallow used by farmers at planting. A field survey was conducted using structured questionnaires in five Counties of Keiyo, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, and West Pokot and Simlaw Seed Company. A sample size of 500 farmers were visited and interviewed by use of stratified random sampling method and seed simultaneously collected. Seed quality tests and data analysis on analytical purity, germination and seed vigor was done using ISTA (2004) procedures. Results showed high seed analytical purity of 99% from both Simlaw seeds and Uasin Gishu, indicating superior quality seed (above 98%). Lowest purity was from West Pokot (95%). Germination results showed Simlaw Seed (89%) was highest, while Nandi (37%) was lowest. Germination from three counties of Keiyo (57%), West Pokot (49%) and Nandi (37%) does not meet seed quality standard (above 60%). Electrical conductivity (E.C) results showed highest seed vigor was from Simlaw (2.3 μScm-1g-1) and lowest from Nandi (8.2 μScm-1g-1). It was concluded that planting seed used by farmers were of poor physiological quality and recommended they be trained on quality seed production.
Ranking Individuals Based On Predicted Performance Using Mean Normalized Discounted Cumulative Gain Value
(Chuka University, 2023) Chesang S.; Muasya T. K.; Ngeno K.
Accuracy of genomic prediction always relies on an appropriate choice of a statistical model to capture the relationship between the genetic architecture of a trait and the underlying marker calls in a panel of high-density marker data. However, the ranking problem has become an important subject in machine learning (ML) models, due to its widespread applications in many decision-making processes because the measures of rank quality are usually based on sorting, which is not directly optimizable. To counter this, mean normalized discounted cumulative gain value (MNDCGV), a standard quality measure in information retrieval with capabilities of ranking individuals according to breeding values has been proposed. Few studies have emphasized on the ranking of individuals based on predicted phenotypic values using MNDCGVs but none have been reported in animals. The focus of this study, therefore, was, to evaluate the prediction performance of DeepGS, RR-BLUP and Ensemble GS models using MNDCGV. The MNDCGV results showed the accuracy of GEBVs estimated using DeepGS was approximately equal to 0.75~0.78, RR-BLUP 0.66~0.76 and Ensemble 0.76~0.79 as a result of top-ranked alpha increasing from 10% to 70%. The Ensemble and DeepGS model outperformed the conventional RR-BLUP model by a significant margin (P<0.05), therefore they can be used as a supplement to RR- BLUP. Thus, Ensemble and DeepGS models can be given a top priority as GS model and as an alternative to conventional GS models in predicting the performance and ranking of individuals with high breeding values to be used for selection purposes in indigenous chicken breeding programs. Ensemble model performed very well in ranking individuals with better performance compared to DeepGS and RR-BLUP, with improvement values of 0.01 and 0.11, respectively. Thus, Ensemble model can be given a top priority as GS model for performance improvement.
Evaluation of Tomato Early Blight Pathogens’ Characteristics and Susceptibility of Locally Grown Tomato Varieties to Early Blight Infection in Kirinyaga County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2023) Ogolla O. F.; Muraya M. M.; Onyango O. B.
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is a highly consumed and produced vegetable crop with an annual global production of over 185 million tonnes, due to its nutritional and health benefits. However, tomato production is characterized by inconsistent quality and yields partly emanating from biotic constraints attributed to fungal foliar diseases. In Kirinyaga County, where tomato production is a significant source of livelihoods, there exists knowledge gap on the identity of pathogens causing early blight in different Agro-ecological zones (AEZs) and on the susceptibility of locally grown tomato varieties to the infection. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of early blight pathogen isolated from tomato leaves collected from different AEZs and assess the susceptibility level of some tomato varieties grown in Kirinyaga County to the early blight pathogens isolates. Pathogen characterization was carried out using morphological and molecular approaches while susceptibility of tomato varieties to fungal pathogens was evaluated by artificial inoculation. Molecular characterization for fungal pathogen involved BLASTIN analysis of DNA amplicon Sanger sequenced nucleotides and use of NCBI databases. The susceptibility assay was carried out in the greenhouse using a completely randomised design (CRD). Data on the fungal conidia lengths (µm) were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and significant means separated by Least Significance Difference (LSD) at α = 0.05. Data on the susceptibility (%) of tomato varieties to fungal pathogens isolates was subjected to ANOVA and significance means separated using LSD at α = 0.05. Morphologies of early blight pathogen pathogens differed significantly (p < 0.05) with conidia lengths from 52.8 and 204.20µm. Molecular characterization of some selected culture implicated Alternaria solani and A. alternate involvement in causing early blight. Tomato varieties differed in their susceptibility to early blight pathogens (p < 0.05). Kilele F1 was the most susceptible variety (73.84%) while Terminator F1 was least susceptible (56.48%) to early blight pathogens. It can be concluded that Terminator F1 was the least susceptible among tomato variety cultivated by farmers in Kirinyaga County and can serve as source for genetic improvement of tomato varieties for Kirinyaga pathosystem.
Prevalence And Characterization of Avocado Fruit Fungal Diseases in Embu County, Kenya, And the Efficacy of Aloe Secundiflora Crude Extracts in Their Control
(Chuka University, 2023) Mwongeli M.F.; Githae E.W; Mwangi J.M
Avocado production faces various constraints that include common post-harvest fungal diseases. Most of these diseases are difficult to control using cultural measures while use of chemicals leads to pathogen reistance in addition to being harmful to human and environment. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence of the fungal avocado fruit diseases in Embu County, isolate and characterize the causal pathogens and test the efficacy of Aloe secundiflora extract in the diseases. Questionnaires were administered to a total of 120 respodents to gather additional information on avocado production, marketing and management. The stores and avocado bags were randomly identified and the fruits assessed for the prevalence of fungal avocado diseases. Aloe leaves were collected in the field and phytochemical analysis done using standard procedures. The efficacy of Aloe secundiflora extract against the avocado fungal diseases was done in the laboratory using a Completely Randomized Design. The extracts were then assessed for antimicrobial activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (scab disease), Sphaceloma perseae (anthracnose) and Cercospora purpurea (Cercospora spot). In the results, chemicals were widely used to control the pathogens. The mean percentage prevalence of scab, cercospora spot and anthracnose diseases was 36.4%, 35.15% and 35.0%, respectively, among the markets, although anthracnose was highly prevalent within each market. Four avocado varieties were commonly sold with Fuerte and Puebla being the most susceptible to the fungal diseases. There were significant variations in the morphological characteristics of the pathogen isolates. The aloe extract revealed the presence of steroids, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and phenolics. The extract prepared using ethanol had a high inhibitory activity against C. gloeosporioides (15.59mm) and Cercospora purpurea (7.22mm), while hexane solvent extract had minimal antimicrobial activity (10.53 and 5.22mm respectively). Aloe crude extract is therefore a potential antifungal agent against C. gloeosporioides and Cercospora purpurea.
The Modes of Agricultural Practices Embraced by The People of Abogeta Sub- County Before 1937.
(Chuka University, 2023) Kaburu L. G.; Kithinji C. M.; Nkonge D. K.
Agricultural activities are a very crucial part of a people's economic engagements. This study is about the history of the transition from subsistence to cash crop farming in Abogeta Sub-County in Meru County, Kenya, from 1937-1980. The people in Abogeta Sub-County's economic activities were farming and keeping livestock. Farming practices were mainly for subsistence. Crops that were grown included millet, sorghum, peas, arrowroots, yams, beans, and cowpeas. Later Changes occurred in the agricultural sector by 1937. This research aimed to examine the transition from subsistence to cash crop farming and its effects on food production in Abogeta Sub County of Meru from 1937 to 1980. The study investigated modes of agricultural practices embraced by Abogeta Sub-County people from 1937- 1980. The study employed a qualitative research design to describe the events as they occurred systematically. The target population was 179608 as per the 2019 census. A total of 30 respondents were randomly sampled and interviewed from Abogeta Sub County. Data collection instruments were interview schedules, focused group discussions, and observation. Study findings revealed that the people from Abogeta Sub County engaged in subsistence farming before 1937. The study established that the transition in agriculture occurred in Abogeta Sub- County due to the introduction of cash crops like coffee and tea. This study also noted that the transition positively and negatively impacted the people. Policymakers in the government may use the study investigations to find solutions to food insecurity in Abogeta Sub-County of Meru County.
Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Larvae Meal as A Substitute Protein Source in Fish Feed
(Chuka University, 2023) Muiruri D. W.
The world fastest-growing industry for producing food is aquaculture contributing to food security. Aquaculture is currently thought to provide 50% of the food fish needs, and by 2030, it's anticipated that this percentage will increase to 60–70%. Due to the cost and food-feed competition, the use of fish meal in aquaculture is progressively becoming unsustainable; therefore, there is a need to look for an alternate protein sources. The scarcity and the prohibitive cost of the fish meal renders the fish feed expensive, halting the growth of the sector, therefore an alternative protein sources which is cheaper and sustainable to relief overreliance on fishmeal and insects such as the Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, is one of these insects that has a high protein and fat content and the micronutrients increasing its potential for use in the formulation of aqua feed. Both the protein content and the amino acid composition in H .Illucens larvae are comparable to those found in numerous protein-rich foods including fish meal. BSF has the capacity to convert organic waste into a rich supply of nutrients, including proteins, lipids, micronutrients and chitin, helps to lessen the strain on the environment and the possibility for pollution resulting from the buildup of organic waste. This review shows black soldier fly larvae as a substitute protein source in fish feed. The study recommends the farmers to adopt the use of BSF larvae meal in poultry keeping.
Phytochemical Analysis, In Vitro Testing Of Antibacterial Properties, Anti- Inflammatory Activity, and Cytotoxicity of Aqueous and Dichloromethane Leaf Extracts Of Solanum Incanum and Tamarindus Indica
(Chuka University, 2023) Ngurari S.W.; Kiruki S; Gichumbi J. M.
Most communities use medicinal plants to treat and prevent various diseases. The use of the plants demonstrates the need to study the efficacy of selected medicinal plants. There is limited information on the antibacterial, anti- inflammatory activity, and cytotoxicity of Solanum incanum and Tamarindus indica leaves extracted using polar and less polar solvents. This study focused on analyzing phytochemicals present in aqueous and dichloromethane leaf extracts of the two plants and testing their antibacterial, anti- inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. The phytochemical analysis was done using standard chemical tests followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy of dichloromethane extracts. The antibacterial potency of the extracts was tested against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus using disc diffusion, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, and Minimum Bactericidal concentrations. The anti- inflammatory potency of the extracts was tested using an Erythrocyte stabilization assay, while the toxicity of the extract was tested using brine shrimp lethality tests. The chemical test revealed that all the plant extracts contained flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, and alkaloids. The T. indica dichloromethane and S. incanum water extracts had no glycosides, while anthraquinones were absent in all the plant extracts. The chromatographic analysis demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, phenols, and alkaloids in the selected plant extracts. The antibacterial activity revealed no significant difference in antibacterial activities between the two plants at α= 0.05. E. coli and S. Typhi were the most sensitive, while S. aureus was the least sensitive to the extracts. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of T. indica ranged between 62.5 µg/mL and 125 µg/mL among the test organisms, while the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of S. incanum ranged between 62.5 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of both plants ranged between 125 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL. The T. indica dichloromethane extracts had the highest stabilization, 57.64 ±13.90%, while S. incanum water extract had the lowest erythrocyte stabilization percentage, 19.06 ±14.43%. T. indica plant was more effective at 45.59 ±27.09% compared to S. incunum, 37.12 ±15.70%. The dichloromethane extracts of the two plants were more effective, 56.41 ±19.71% than water extracts at 26.30 ±12.53%. T. indica dichloromethane extract has the highest toxicity (LD50 of 113.57 µg/mL) while S. incanum was least toxic (LD50 of 2341 µg/mL). The assays demonstrated that the two plants are effective in treating bacterial infections and managing inflammation. In addition, the two plants were toxic at higher doses.
Isolation And Characterization of Actinomycetes from Land Use Systems in Meru South Sub-County, Kenya and Screening Their Antibacterial Activities
(Chuka University, 2023) Gitari J. M., Muraya M.M., Onyango B. O. and Maingi J. M.
To combat the growth of multidrug resistance to existing antibiotics, the quest for novel bioactive compounds from Actinomycetes in virgin environments has become increasingly crucial. In this study, Actinomycetes were isolated, characterized, and tested for antibacterial activity from the land use system in the Meru South sub-county, Eastern Kenya. Using morphological, biochemical, and molecular techniques, Actinomycetes were described after being cultivated on Starch Casein Agar, Luria Bertani (M1), and International Streptomyces Project Medium (ISP-1 and ISP-4). The isolates were tested for their ability to combat the following six pathogenic bacterial strains; Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Listeria monocytogenes (NCTC 11994), Streptococcus mitis (NCTC 12261), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Vibrio furnissii (NCTC 11218), and Rauotella planticola (NCTC 19528). Further identification of potential isolates was done based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Phylogenetic analysis was done using Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA X), and a phylogenetic tree constructed using the Neighbor-Joining methodThe results for morphological characters showed that isolates’ morphology colours ranged from grey to purple to pink to brown to yellow to red to cream- white. The biochemical examination revealed that the majority of them were gram-positive, capable of hydrolyzing starch, urea,casein, and lipase. Few isolates were positive for the cellulose and catalase test. The antibiotic activity of the Actinomycetes isolates against Listeria monocytogenes varied significantly (p=0.05) among them. In comparison to standard streptomycin (16.3mm), isolate L6 (16.23mm) demonstrated the strongest antagonistic activity against L. monocytogenes, followed by isolates C50 (15.5mm) and C52 (12.25mm) against Raoultella planticola. In the phylogenetic tree created using the combined sequences and neighbour joining, isolate P4 was shown to be associated with Streptomyces celluloflavus, isolate C45 with Streptomyces griseobrunneus, isolates Pxiv and C8 with Streptomyces pratensis, isolate P1b with Streptomyces crystallinus, and isolates C10b, C10a, and C3 (Streptomyces eurocidicus). This study shows soil Actinomycetes obtained from land use system in Meru South sub- County has antibacterial activity and may be useful in biomedical applications.
Characterization of Antibiotic Producing Actinomyces from River Tana and Lake Elementaita.
(Chuka University, 2023) Shikuku B. O.; Kiruki S.; Kuria E.
The aquatic environment has many Actinomyces such as Streptomyces species, that produces anti-tumors, enzymes, antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. Actinomyces species have produced antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, streptomycin, gentamycin, among others. The increased prevalence of bacterial infections has been a major challenge to the human population with devastating high morbidity and mortality rates. This situation has been worsened by increasing antibiotic resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria, reduced effectiveness of antibiotics in the market, and the emergence of new bacterial infections. This study aimed at isolation and molecular identification of antibacterial Actinomyces species. The experiments for this study was laid out in Complete Randomized Design and replicated three times to determine the difference between the inhibition zones (mm) of isolates against the tests organisms. A total of six antibiotic producing Actinomyces species were isolated from river Tana and lake Elementaita and identified through morphological and molecular characterizations. There was significant (p<0.05) difference on antibacterial activity of Actinomyces isolates against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. The findings of this study can help in developing new or alternative antibiotics that can be used for treatment of pathogenic and resistant bacteria.
On Unitary Quasi- Equivalence and Partial Isometry Operators in Hilbert Spaces.
(Chuka University, 2023) Anyembe L.; Musundi S.W.; Kinyanjui J. N.
Properties of almost similarity and unitary equivalence operators on different classes of operators have been established by various researchers in the recent past. On the other hand, unitary quasi- equivalence has been shown to preserve unitary, normality, hyponormality and binormality of operators. However, properties of unitary quasi-equivalence on partial isometric operators has not been fully established. This study therefore, determines properties of unitary quasi-equivalence on partial isometric operators.
Deep Learning in African Languages Translation-A Review
(Chuka University, 2023) Gitari T. M., Kinyori S., Mwathi G., Too E. C. and Ireri H. K.
Machine translation (MT) is the use of computers to automatically translate one language to another. Africa has approximately 2,000 spoken languages, however, only 30 African languages have been machine translated. The main technical factor for the low-rate adoption of MT in Africa is the poor translation accuracy of existing machine translators from one African language into English. Currently, there are two approaches to MT in Africa. The first approach is the classical approach; this approach utilizes the direct mapping of input texts to produce a translated output. Examples of classical MT approaches include: statistical-based machine translators (SBMT), rule-based machine translators (RBMT) and hybridized machine translators (HMT). Classical approaches are the most widely adopted MT approach for African languages, the main reason for the wide adoption is the low cost of computing power in utilizing classical approach. However, classical approach has high-levels of inaccuracy due to language structures differentiation. The second approach is the use of Deep learning (DL) MT. Deep learning MT is a field in artificial intelligence concerned with the application of artificial neural networks to mimic the human brain learning process in language translation. Deep learning MT has the advantage of understanding phrases, complex sentence structures, and even slang when compared to classical MT approach. Deep learning has produced results 60-90% more accurate than the classical approach in translating structured languages such as French into English. However, DL has shortcomings in MT, including, high-costs of training and evaluating models, and, DL is data intensive. These review aims to analyze the current status of machine translation approaches in Africa and provide an output recommendation for universalizing applicable MT in African languages translation. The results of these review will be in both graphical and tabular format.
Characterization Of Β-Lactamases and Multidrug Resistance Mechanisms in Enterobacterales from Hospital Effluents and Wastewater Treatment Plant
(Chuka University, 2023) Christopher Mutuku, Szilvia Melegh, Krisztina Kovacs, Peter Urban, Eszter Virág, and Zoltan Gazdag
Antimicrobial resistance presents a global challenge to the fight against infections in modern time. It is projected that, close to 2.4 million people are likely to die globally by the year 2050 due to infections linked to antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobials indiscriminately discharged into wastewater promote the emergence of antibiotic resistance, facilitated by selective pressure and transfer of resistance genes. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles of enteric bacteria from wastewater and to establish the prevalence of plasmid borne β-lactamases and other mechanisms conferring multiresistance. Enteric bacteria, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter cloacae, and Citrobacter species (n = 126) from hospital effluents and proximate wastewater treatment plant in the city of Pecs, Hungary, were assayed for susceptibility to four antimicrobial classes. The β-lactamase encoding genes harbored in plasmids were genotyped and the plasmid DNA was subjected to the next generation sequencing. A multidrug resistance phenotype was found in 72% (n = 58) of E. coli isolates, 70% (n = 43) of Klebsiella species isolates, and 40% (n = 25) of Enterobacter and Citrobacter species. 86% (n = 50) of E. coli, 77% (n = 33) of Klebsiella species and 25% (n = 4) of Citrobacter species isolates phenotypically expressed extended spectrum β- lactamase (ESBL). ESBL genes, blaCTX-M-27 and blaTEM-1 were found in E. coli, while Klebsiella species harbored blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-30, or blaSHV-12. Genes coding for aminoglycoside modifying enzymes, adenylyltransferases (aadA1, aadA5), phosphotransferases (aph(6)-1d, aph(3")-Ib), acetyltransferases (aac(3)-IIa), (aac(6)-Ib), sulfonamide/trimethoprim resistant dihydropteroate synthase (sul), and dihydrofolate reductase (dfrA) were also identified. Mobile genetic elements namely; plasmids and integrons acquired via horizontal gene transfer are vehicles for multiresistance in enteric bacteria from wastewater. Monitoring wastewater from human sources for acquired resistance in clinically important bacteria may provide a cheaper alternative in regions facing challenges that limit clinical surveillance.
Effects of Agricultural Nutrients Influx on Water Quality in Thiba River Basin, a Sub-Catchment of Tana River Basin in Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2023) Njue J. M., Magana A. M. & Githae E. W.
Excessive enrichment of waters with nutrients and the associated adverse biological effects leads to eutrophication, which is one of the major environmental problems across the world. Various studies have revealed the overuse of inorganic fertilizers to increase agricultural productivity in Kenya, which contributes to pollution of water bodies. In order to meet increasing demand for clean water, sustainable use and conservation of available water resources is therefore paramount. This study was done to find out effects of agricultural nutrient pollution in Thiba River, a sub- catchment of Tana River Basin, located in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The study area was divided into four distinct agro- ecological zones based on different anthropogenic activities. Ecological survey design was used in the study. Sampling was done during the wet and dry season. Water samples were analyzed for temperature, transparency, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia and toxic microalgae. All parameters showed both spatial and temporal variations with statistically significant differences. Temperature of the river ranged from 14.57 0C to 28.08 0C due to climatic changes along the agro-ecological zones. The pH ranged from 7.02 to 8.51. The DO values decreased from the highlands to lowland within the range of 9.00 mg/l at the reference site to 5.43 mg/l at the most polluted site. EC ranged from 20.54 µScm- 1 at the reference site during the wet season to 251.2 µScm-1 at the rice irrigation scheme site during the dry season. Water transparency ranged from 15cm to 81cm. This was low during the wet season and high during dry season. The highest values of BOD (3.49 mg/l) were recorded at the rice irrigation scheme during the wet season and the lowest (0.22 mg/l) at the forest edge reference site. The lowest levels of NH4, P, NO2 and NO3 were recorded at the forest edge reference site at 1.088 µg/l, 1.177 µg/l, 0.217 µg/l and 0.148 µg/l respectively during the dry season while the highest values for the same nutrients were recorded at the rice irrigation site at 11.439 µg/l, 4.933 µg/l, 1.518 µg/l and 2.721 µg/l in the same order. There was a high peak of all nutrient levels at the rice irrigation scheme zone which was attributed to the extensive use of inorganic fertilizers. Dam water samples were analyzed for members of Cyanobacteria group of microalgae which are bio-indicators of eutrophic waters. Out of the seven members of this group that were identified four were toxic genera. These were Nostoc, Oscillatoria, Anabaena and Microcystis. During the wet season Nostoc had the highest population followed by Oscillatoria and Anabaena. No Microcystis was observed during the wet season. There was a steady increase of all the genera during the dry season with Microcystis making appearance. Microcystis and Oscillatoria had a very high correlation. This study concludes that various anthropogenic activities especially agriculture along the study site are the main factors of Thiba River pollution hence a major threat to human, livestock and aquatic organisms. Environmental protection laws should be enforced by the government.
Effects Of Agricultural Nutrients Influx on Water Quality in Thiba River Basin, A Sub-Catchment of Tana River Basin in Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2023) Njue J. M., Magana A. M. & Githae E. W.
Excessive enrichment of waters with nutrients and the associated adverse biological effects leads to eutrophication, which is one of the major environmental problems across the world. Various studies have revealed the overuse of inorganic fertilizers to increase agricultural productivity in Kenya, which contributes to pollution of water bodies. In order to meet increasing demand for clean water, sustainable use and conservation of available water resources is therefore paramount. This study was done to find out effects of agricultural nutrient pollution in Thiba River, a sub- catchment of Tana River Basin, located in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The study area was divided into four distinct agro-ecological zones based on different anthropogenic activities. Ecological survey design was used in the study. Sampling was done during the wet and dry season. Water samples were analyzed for temperature, transparency, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia and toxic microalgae. All parameters showed both spatial and temporal variations with statistically significant differences. Temperature of the river ranged from 14.57 0C to 28.08 0C due to climatic changes along the agro-ecological zones. The pH ranged from 7.02 to 8.51. The DO values decreased from the highlands to lowland within the range of 9.00 mg/l at the reference site to 5.43 mg/l at the most polluted site. EC ranged from 20.54 µScm- 1 at the reference site during the wet season to 251.2 µScm-1 at the rice irrigation scheme site during the dry season. Water transparency ranged from 15cm to 81cm. This was low during the wet season and high during dry season. The highest values of BOD (3.49 mg/l) were recorded at the rice irrigation scheme during the wet season and the lowest (0.22 mg/l) at the forest edge reference site. The lowest levels of NH4, P, NO2 and NO3 were recorded at the forest edge reference site at 1.088 µg/l, 1.177 µg/l, 0.217 µg/l and 0.148 µg/l respectively during the dry season while the highest values for the same nutrients were recorded at the rice irrigation site at 11.439 µg/l, 4.933 µg/l, 1.518 µg/l and 2.721 µg/l in the same order. There was a high peak of all nutrient levels at the rice irrigation scheme zone which was attributed to the extensive use of inorganic fertilizers. Dam water samples were analyzed for members of Cyanobacteria group of microalgae which are bio-indicators of eutrophic waters. Out of the seven members of this group that were identified four were toxic genera. These were Nostoc, Oscillatoria, Anabaena and Microcystis. During the wet season Nostoc had the highest population followed by Oscillatoria and Anabaena. No Microcystis was observed during the wet season. There was a steady increase of all the genera during the dry season with Microcystis making appearance. Microcystis and Oscillatoria had a very high correlation. This study concludes that various anthropogenic activities especially agriculture along the study site are the main factors of Thiba River pollution hence a major threat to human, livestock and aquatic organisms. Environmental protection laws should be enforced by the government.

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