Research Publications
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Item Unpacking modified idiomatic expressions in Kenyan political discourse: A cognitive linguistic perspective(2022) Ogal, George Ouma; Kirigia, Eliud Kiruji; Ntabo, Victor OndaraPolitical discourse employs colorful expressions to establish strong relationships with the audience. Speakers or writers exploit the relationship between human language and socio-political experiences to initiate creative discourses through modification of expressions. Against this background, this study sets out to investigate the meaning of modified idiomatic expressions in Kenyan political discourse. The study has two objectives: to describe the structural and lexical modification of idiomatic expressions and to interpret the modified forms using vital relations. The study employs descriptive research design. The study randomly sampled ten idioms used during the 2017 General Elections and used content analysis to establish the lexical and structural relationships between the canonical and modified expressions. The idioms were analyzed using the Conceptual Integration Theory to preserve the link between two expressions and account for the emergent meaning. The study found that Kenyan political discourse achieves figurative competencies through modified idioms. Interpretation of modified idioms requires a thorough understanding of vital relations and pragmatic inferences. Further, Cognitive Linguistics establishes backstage cognition and supplies the elements omitted by grammar. The study concludes that modified idiomatic expressions achieve contextual significance. Consumers of modified idiomatic expressions should immerse themselves in the socio-political backgrounds to unmask the emergent meaning.Item Representation of young people in Ekegusii proverbial metaphors: An image schematic account.(2023) Ndung’u, Catherine Waithera; Ntabo, Victor OndaraProverbial metaphors are useful resources for communicating known truths about life in a given community. Most African proverbial metaphors, however, make reference to customs and situations that might be unfamiliar to some language users especially young people. On the basis of this background, this study employed image schemas to interpret Ekegusii proverbial metaphors that allude to young people. The research was anchored within descriptive research design. Primary data was collected from four Ekegusii respondents of an advanced age of at least seventy years old through an interview schedule. The collected data were then subjected to the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universities (MIPVU) in which four annotators were used to identify Ekegusii proverbial metaphors. Seven Ekegusii proverbial metaphors that refer to young people were identified through MIPVU. The identified proverbial metaphors were then subjected to the FORCE and CONTAINER schemas and their subsidiary schemas for analysis. The paper reveals that there are norms and customs regarding young people that are conveyed through Ekegusii proverbial metaphors. In addition, image schemas are fundamental in explaining the role, place, and cultural expectations of young men and women in Gusii. The study concludes that proverbial metaphors are useful tools of communication, and should be interpreted using Cognitive Linguistics paradigm.Item The Role of Plantosemic Metaphors in the Conceptualization of the Males in Ekegusii: A Cognitive Linguistic Approach(2023) Ndung’u, Catherine Waithera; Ntabo, Victor OndaraPlants are fundamental in the transference of semantic aspects that are helpful in structuring maleness in society. As a result, plantosemic metaphors which enhance conceptualization of omosacha (a man) are ubiquitous in Ekegusii. This study employed conceptual mappings to evaluate Ekegusii plantosemic metaphors. The study adopted descriptive research design. First, an interview schedule was utilised to establish the terms used to describe men in Ekegusii from 48 Ekegusii native respondents purposively sampled using the criterion of gender. The collected terms were then subjected to the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit (MIPVU) in which four annotators undertook the MIPVU procedure. Through MIPVU, ten metaphors were identified. The study then selected three metaphors that describe a man as a plant hence the Ekegusii plantosemic metaphors for analysis. The study reveals that Ekegusii plantosemic metaphors are critical in validating the culturally assigned roles to men among Abagusii. Moreover, the principle of conceptual mappings is useful in divulging critical issues concerning gender relations between men and women in Gusii. The paper concludes that metaphor is a valuable tool of communication and should be explained using the Cognitive Linguistics framework.Item Influence of Lean-Green Practices on The Relationship Networks and Performance of Medium Hotels in the Kenyan Cities(2023-09-30) Ngunga, Joseph Karimi; Kyalo, Teresia; Gichuhi, DavidPurpose: Examine the influence of lean-green practices on the relationship between networks and performance of medium hotels in the Kenyan cities. Design/methodology/approach: The study was anchored on dynamic capability theory. Pragmatic research paradigm employing mixed method was applied which utilized concurrent triangulation research design. The target population was 534 medium hotels. Stratified random sampling technique was used to determine a sample size of 229 hotels. Findings: The study found that networks positively influenced performance of medium hotels in Kenyan cities and lean-green practices positively and significantly influences on the relationship between networks and performance of medium hotels in Kenyan cities. Designing, implementing and utilizing lean-green practices in collaboration with networking in medium hotels is important in production matrix. Research limitations/implications: Focus was on medium hotels in the Kenyan cities. Practical implications: Results of this research shows that lean-green practices constitute one of the most important strategies resulting in performance. Originality/value: This research is original because the research was conducted in Kenya and there is no other similar research in Kenya.Item Effectiveness of albendazole on soil transmitted nematodes among school children-: a case of Kakamega County, Kenya(2019-03-25) Ngonjo, T.W.; Okoyo, Collins; Simiyu, Elses; Kihara, Jimmy; Lelo, Agola Eric; Kabiru, Ephantus; Mwandawiro, CharlesBackground: Recent assessment by WHO on Soil Transmitted Nematodes (STN) point that their morbidity is still high in people mainly in children. A. lumbricoides globally infects 1.2 billion people and T. trichiura 795 million worldwide. Infections with Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus 740 million leading to 135,000 deaths per year. It became necessary to find out the effectiveness of Albendazole on soil transmitted Nematodes among school children- a case of kakamega county, kenya. Methodology: Study respondents were selected fom public primary school children in Kakamega County. A total of 731 and 665 (pre & post) children in 7 primary schools in three sub counties of Kakamega County were recruited in the study. Pre-treatment survey was done in March, 2014 and follow up in September 2014. Fecal samples were examined for the presence of STN . 14 days after treatment using Kato- Katz method. The total number of eggs were expressed as eggs/gm of feaces (epg). Pretreatment prevalence was 43.5% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 1.8% for hookworm and 0.9% for Trichuris trichiura. Results: Mean intensity of hookworm, A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections in the pre-and post-surveys were reduced by 1.2%, 98.4% and 100% respectively. Prevalence decreased to 2.3% for Ascaris lumbricoides and 0 % for T. trichiura. Post treatment prevalence of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections were significantly reduced by 94.8% and 100% respectively. A slight increase in hookworm prevalence was observed. However, this increase was not significant (p=0.993). Conclusion: The therapeutic efficacy of Albendazole indicated a good reduction in parasite burden. Albendazole satisfactorily reduced STN infection while for hookworm there was a non-significant increase in prevalence.Item Plasmid mediated penicillin and tetracycline resistance among Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from Kenya(2020) Kivata, Mary Wandia; Mbuchi, Margaret; Eyase, Fredrick; Bulimo, Wallace Dimbuson; Kyanya, Cecilia Katunge; Oundo, Valerie; Mbinda, Wilton Mwema; Sang, Willy; Andagalu, Ben; Soge, Olusegun O.; McClelland, Raymond Scott; Distelhorst, JohnBackground: Treatment of gonorrhea is complicated by the development of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) to the antibiotics recommended for treatment. Knowledge on types of plasmids and the antibiotic resistance genes they harbor is useful in monitoring the emergence and spread of bacterial antibiotic resistance. In Kenya, studies on gonococcal antimicrobial resistance are few and data on plasmid mediated drug resistance is limited. The present study characterizes plasmid mediated resistance in N. gonorrhoeae isolates recovered from Kenya between 2013 and 2018. Methods: DNA was extracted from 36 sub-cultured GC isolates exhibiting varying drug resistance profiles. Whole genome sequencing was done on Illumina MiSeq platform and reads assembled de-novo using CLC Genomics Workbench. Genome annotation was performed using Rapid Annotation Subsystem Technology. Comparisons in identified antimicrobial resistance determinants were done using Bioedit sequence alignment editor. Results: Twenty-four (66.7%) isolates had both β-lactamase (TEM) and TetM encoding plasmids. 8.3% of the isolates lacked both TEM and TetM plasmids and had intermediate to susceptible penicillin and tetracycline MICs. Twenty-six (72%) isolates harbored TEM encoding plasmids. 25 of the TEM plasmids were of African type while one was an Asian type. Of the 36 isolates, 31 (86.1%) had TetM encoding plasmids, 30 of which harbored American TetM, whereas 1 carried a Dutch TetM. All analyzed isolates had non-mosaic penA alleles. All the isolates expressing TetM were tetracycline resistant (MIC> 1 mg/L) and had increased doxycycline MICs (up to 96 mg/L). All the isolates had S10 ribosomal protein V57M amino acid substitution associated with tetracycline resistance. No relation was observed between PenB and MtrR alterations and penicillin and tetracycline MICs.Item ICT Definition Implication on ICT Career Choice and Exclusion among Women(2016-05) Muchiri, Michael Njoki; Wabwoba, Franklin; Micheni, Elyjoy MuthoniOne of the most noteworthy challenges in society in the 21st century is sustainable development. The usefulness of ICT has led to an overwhelming demand for electronics such as computers and mobile phones. ICT is vital for poverty reduction and in the growth of sectors such as agriculture, business, health, education etc. Applying ICT to drive any development has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, its measurement should be focused on whether the benefits outweigh the pitfalls. The purpose of carrying out this research is because most development initiatives in Africa are being undertaken with the use of ICT. Therefore, this paper surveys the literature on ICT for sustainable development without the digital divide and how ICT can lead to un-sustainability in Africa. Findings indicate that driving sustainable development through ICT initiatives bring much greater benefits than negative consequence.Item ICT for Sustainable Development without Digital Divide in Africa(2020-04-25)One of the most noteworthy challenges in society in the 21st century is sustainable development. The usefulness of ICT has led to an overwhelming demand for electronics such as computers and mobile phones. ICT is vital for poverty reduction and in the growth of sectors such as agriculture, business, health, education etc. Applying ICT to drive any development has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, its measurement should be focused on whether the benefits outweigh the pitfalls. The purpose of carrying out this research is because most development initiatives in Africa are being undertaken with the use of ICT. Therefore, this paper surveys the literature on ICT for sustainable development without the digital divide and how ICT can lead to un-sustainability in Africa. Findings indicate that driving sustainable development through ICT initiatives bring much greater benefits than negative consequence.Item Implementation Evaluation Metrics for Enterprise Resource Planning Solution – A Case of Kibabii University(2019-01-17) Mbuguah, Samuel Mungai; Wabwoba, Franklin; Wanjala, Chrispus KimengichMost institution of higher learning are implementing and Enterprise Resource planning (ERP) in automating various activities. The architecture of most of the ERP is based on the Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) where each module can be called as service. In most of the contract signed between the vendor and the university, payment is tied to the level of implementation. The Question is how to then measure the level of implementation? This paper proposes a metric that could be used in evaluation of the degree of implementation. The metric was derived based on an acceptance test on each of functionality of module as per terms of reference. The result of a test was rated as a Fail, Pass, or Query The result was then coded such that a fail was assigned a zero (0), pass one (1) and query a half (½). From which a metric was derived which measures the level implementation.Item Simplifying the Opaqueness and Dilemma of the Computing Disciplines for the Common Person in Society(2023-12) Mohammed Swaleh Mohammed; Wabwoba, FranklinThe computing fields have grown increasingly influential in modern times, yet their complexities and technical terms can prove problematic for the public to comprehend. This paper proposes to bridge this gap, introducing readers to the five major computing disciplines as per the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), 2016: computer science, Information System, software engineering, computer engineering, and information technology. An additional more recent discipline which does not fall under the 5 ACM disciplines, Information Communication Technology was also introduced. The paper first examines the evolution of the Computing disciplines from the 1960s. Then the paper briefly discusses each discipline and how the disciplines overlap with each other through using secondary data materials. A section on the new and emerging computing technologies outlines the recognition status by the society. The interdisciplinary nature of the computing disciplines necessitated the need to simplify it. Thus, a table was done which summarized various works of various researchers who had researched on the computing disciplines.