School of Pure and Applied Sciences
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Item A colorimetric and fluorescence turn-on probe for the detection of ascorbic acid in living cells and beverages(2013-12) Mudabuka, Boitumelo; Ondigo, Dezzline; Degni, Slyvestre; Vilakazi, Sibulelo; orto, NelsonWe report on a colorimetric probe based on copper-gold alloy nanoparticles (NPs). The probe is capable of selectively detecting ascorbic acid (AA) as a result of the distance-dependent colour change of the nanoparticles immobilized in an electrospun nylon-6 nanofiber. The resulting white nanofibres undergo a colour change to blue as a result of the aggregation of the NPs induced by AA in the pH range 2–7. The probe is selective for AA even in the presence of dopamine, uric acid, saccharides, amino acids and certain organic acids. It covers the 1.76 x10−2 mg L−1 to 1.76 x105 mg L−1 concentration range, and exhibits a limit of detection of 1.76 x10−2 mg L−1 based on visual detection. Its application was demonstrated by the determination of ascorbic acid in fruit juices, urine, serum, and vitamin C tablets.Item Alternative Risk Scoring Data for Small-Scale Farmers(2023-01) Otieno, Benjamin; Wabwoba, Franklin; Musumba, GeorgeSmall-scale farmers suffer unfairness during credit risk scoring. This arises from the fact that scoring done using computer machine-learning algorithms has an inherent bias, otherwise called algorithm bias. The data that the small-scale farmers present is another source of bias. This paper explores these data types to bring out the specific challenges with the data and how the same can be remedied. The research findings show that of the possible 23 data types lenders ask from farmers, 14 are regarded as important. Out of these 14, 7 are commonly unavailable while the remaining 7 are not, introducing missing data records. The findings also show that other than the personal/behavioral data that the loan-seeker provides, where the lender asks for historical or environmental data, there is room for the loan-seeker to provide misleading information. This paper proposes 14 data types that can improve the quality of credit risk scoring. The study further proposes using the Internet of things and blockchain to source the environmental and historical data to improve the availability of the missing and outlier challenge in data.Item Information Needs of Publishing Personnel in Kenya(LAP LAMBERT Academic, 2018) Mbengei, BernardThis study sought to find out the information needs and information seeking behaviour of publishing personnel in a typical Kenyan book publishing firm, the Longhorn (K) Ltd. The study identified the problems that publishing personnel encounter in their work situation in their endeavour to satisfy their information needs and also suggested possible solutions to some of the problems. Understanding of the information needs and information seeking behaviour of publishing personnel might be helpful in designing better information systems for them. The study employed mainly a qualitative case study approach. An interview schedule was used to guide the researcher in data collection in face-to-face personal interviews with the respondents. Observation and documentary sources were used to complement interviews in data collection. On average, the interview sessions lasted between half to one hour. Altogether, forty two (42) members of staff engaged in work related to publishing were interviewed and the data carefully recorded and analysed. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in analysing data collected from the respondentsItem Prevalence and Intensity of Intestinal Parasites in School age Children in Thika District, Kenya(2012-01) Ngonjo, Teresia; Kihara, Jimmy H; Gicheru, Michael M; Wanzala, Peter; Njenga, Sammy; Mwandawiro, CharlesThe study was conducted in four public primary schools namely, Athena (peri-urban), Kathambara (rural), Kianjau (slum) and St.Patrick (urban); in Thika district, Kenya. Overall prevalence of helminthic infections was 38.9%, 48.9%, 48.9% and 31% for Peri-urban, rural, slum, and urban school respectively. Overall prevalence of protozoan infections was 46.3%, 38.9%, 34.8% and 28.7% for Peri- urban, rural, slum and urban schools respectively. The common infections were Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichiuris trichiura and Schistosoma mansoni. Ascaris lumbricoides infection was significantly higher in slum and rural than in peri-urban and urban schools (χ²=14.425, df=3, p<0.05). Hookworm infection was significantly higher in the rural and peri-urban schools than in urban and slum schools (χ²=15.268, df=3, p<0.01). Entamoeba histolytica was significantly higher in rural and slum schools than in peri-urban and urban schools. (χ²=9.29, df=3, p<0.05). There were 10 cases of Schistosoma mansoni probably acquired from Mwea irrigation scheme since there is no active transmission in Thika District. In this study, there is clear indication that worms and protozoa infections are a problem in urban, slums, peri-urban and rural schools in Thika district. It is therefore our recommendation that schools in this area be included in mass school based deworming programmes. We further suggest that school children be considered for treatment of protozoa especially Entamoeba histolytica which can contribute significantly to diarrhea and intestinal discomfort.Item Current Status of Soil-Transmitted Helminths among School Children in Kakamega County, Western Kenya(2016-01) Ngonjo, Teresia; Okoyo, Collins Omondi; Andove, Julius; Simiyu, Elses; Lelo, Agola Eric; Kabiru, Ephantus Wanjohi; Kihara, Jimmy H; Mwandawiro, CharlesBackground. School age children are at high risk of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) worldwide. In Kenya, STH infections in children remain high despite the periodic administration of anthelmintic drugs. Our study assessed the prevalence and intensity of STH in primary school-aged children in Kakamega County, western Kenya. Methodology. We carried out a cross-sectional study on a population of 731 children attending 7 primary schools in March 2014. Children aged 4–16 years were examined for STH by the quantitative Kato-Katz technique. Infection intensities were expressed as eggs per gram (epg) of faeces. Findings. Among 731 school children examined for STH, 44.05% were infected. Highest prevalence of STH was in Shitaho primary school where 107 participants were examined and 62.6% were infected with mean intensity of 11667 epg. Iyenga had the least prevalence where 101 participants were examined and 26.7% were infected with mean intensity of 11772 epg. A. lumbricoides was the most prevalent STH species with 43.5% infected, while hookworm infections were low with 1.8% infected. Conclusion. Prevalence of STHs infections in Kakamega County remains high. We recommend guidelines and other control strategies to be scaled up to break transmission cycles.Item Fishery Industry in Kenya: Towards the Development of a National Policy(Karatina University, 2006-07) Aloo, PeninahThis book, which is the precursor of the fisheries policy, comprises eight chapters. Chapter One introduces the reader to the fisheries industry including the status, challenges and the rationale for the fisheries policy. The principles and objectives of the fisheries sector and ten broad policy areas are explained in this chapter. Chapter Two gives an overview of the three sub-sectors: marine, inland and aquaculture. Chapter Three to Five, gives an in-depth analysis of each of the three sub-sectors. In the case marine and inland fisheries, the status of each is analyzed in terms of types of fisheries, export, constraints and policy interventions. For aquaculture, the situation in the country, development options and strong justification for its development are discussed. Chapter Six discusses policy statements for each fisheries sub-sector. In this chapter, the key issues are highlighted and actions recommended. Chapter Seven concludes with policy interventions for each of the policy areas and implementationCollection Collection Collection