EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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A Journey through Moduli Space
Get PDFEvery mathematical landscape has its terrain, and moduli spaces form one of the richest terrains of all. They are the maps we draw to navigate families of shapes, curves, and structures, capturing both their similarities and their hidden symmetries. This work explores the rich theory of moduli spaces, which are geometric objects that classify families of algebraic or topological structures up to isomorphism. Starting with moduli functors, the study examines the conditions under which fine and coarse moduli spaces exist, and the role of algebraic stacks, especially within the framework of algebraic stacks, in handling cases involving automorphisms. The exposition also connects moduli theory to topology through classifying spaces and homotopy theory, and discusses how deformation theory reveals the local structure and behaviour of moduli spaces. Overall, the journey through moduli space unifies diverse mathematical tools and perspectives to provide a unified understanding of classification problems in geometry and beyond. This work is an invitation to walk through that landscape—from the first guiding ideas to the more intricate pathways of stacks, classifying spaces, and deformation theory—before ending by looking toward new horizon
A Critical Comparison of African and Western Catholic Models of Moral Upbringing
Get PDFThis article surveys the modes of ethical upbringing in African and Western Catholic education in an effort to appreciate the fact that moral living is not universal, but contextual, given the different contexts in Africa and elsewhere in the world. The data collection tool employed is document analysis. It engages four Catholic moral theologians, three of whom are Africans, namely, John Samuel Mbiti of Kenya, Laurent Magesa of Tanzania and Benezet Bujo of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The fourth moral theologian, Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), is an epitome of Western Catholic moral reflections.
African refers to what is related to the continent of Africa in terms of various cultures, traditions, customs, descent, ethnicity, nationality, languages, literature, art, music, spirituality, and history (Mbiti, 1969).
Western Catholic refers to the Roman Catholic Church, whose supreme head is the Pope, as opposed to the Eastern Catholic Churches (O’Collins and Farrugia, 2020, p. 2). Froebel (1886) defines education as an activity, “that raises man to a free, conscious living in accordance to the divine. It guides man to clearness about himself and in himself to peace with nature and to union with God” (p. 3
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Psoriatic Arthritis among Psoriasis Patients on Follow-up at the Dermatology and Rheumatology Units, Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya
Get PDFBackground: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a serious and potentially debilitating condition that frequently occurs in individuals with psoriasis. The burden of PsA ranges between 6 – 42 percent globally and occurs in approximately 30% of patients with psoriasis. However, the burden of PsA has not been fully investigated within the local context. Purpose of the study: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with psoriatic arthritis among psoriasis patients on follow-up at the Dermatology and Rheumatology units, Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital. A consecutive sampling technique was used to sample 80 patients diagnosed with psoriasis. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The CASPAR criteria were used to screen for PsA. The prevalence of PsA was obtained as a proportion of patients with PsA over the total sample size and expressed as a percentage. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were done to investigate factors associated with PsA using binary logistic regression. A STATA version 16 was used to analyse the data. Results: The Majority of the patients were male (65%), 47.5% were aged between 31 and 49 years, with the youngest being four years and the oldest being 75 years. Further, 52.5% had psoriasis for more than 48 months, and 33.8% had a family history of psoriasis. The average PASI score was 11.5 (SD=8.9). The common type of psoriasis was plaque (70%), and the common site of psoriasis included the extremities (78.8%). The prevalence of psoriasis arthritis was 23(28.8%) with a 95%CI: 19.4% to 40.2%. The common psoriatic arthritis subtypes included polyarticular arthritis (39.1%), spondylarthritis (26.1%), and oligoarticular arthritis (21.7%). The multivariable analysis revealed that significant factors associated with Psoriatic Arthritis include gender (females, aOR = 10.11, 95% CI: 1.12, 91.61, p = 0.040), history of smoking (aOR = 21.37, 95% CI: 2.45, 186.71, p = 0.006), nail involvement (aOR = 5.44, 95% CI: 2.69, 42.1, p = 0.006), onycholysis morphology (aOR = 11.39, 95% CI: 1.42, 91.50, p = 0.022), Oil drops (aOR = 12.11, 95% CI: 1.44, 34.12, p = 0.034), and the PASI score (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.34, 6.11, p < 0.001). Conclusion and recommendations: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) burden is high, with polyarticular arthritis being the most common subtype. Female gender, smoking history, nail involvement, onycholysis morphology, Oil drops, and a higher PASI score are key contributors to the likelihood of developing PsA. Early monitoring for these factors is recommended
Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Patients Diagnosed with Pemphigus Vulgaris Attending Clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital
Get PDFBackground: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes. Prevalence of PV ranged from 0.38 to 30 per 100,000 people, with more than 50% of these patients having a low quality of life. The visible nature of PV lesions can lead to emotional distress, affecting self-esteem and body image. PV patients may face social isolation due to misunderstandings about the disease's contagiousness. However, the quality of life of these patients has not been exhaustively investigated. Purpose of the study: To determine the quality of life and associated factors among patients diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris attending the dermatology clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology: This was an analytical cross-sectional study utilising quantitative and qualitative approaches conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital. A consecutive sampling technique was used to sample 76 PV patients attending the dermatology clinic. The quality of life was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). A structured questionnaire including these validated tools and patient-specific information such as demographic and clinical characteristics, depression level and quality of life. Descriptive analysis was done where the mean DLQI score was calculated and scores were characterised using the DLQI validated scoring, which was summarised using frequencies and percentages. Student t-test and ANOVA were conducted to investigate differences in DLQI scores based on patient characteristics and presenting symptoms. Significance was assessed at a p-value less than 0.05. Performed using Stata version 17. Thematic analysis was performed, where themes and subthemes were obtained. Conducted using Dedoose v7.1.1. Results: The average age was 47.9±14.2 years, and 69.7% were female. Clinical characteristics revealed that 48.7% had the disease for between 2 – 5 years, and 31.6% had a family history of autoimmune disorders. Common symptoms included blisters (65.8%) and itching (42.1%). Strong social support was seen in 52.6% of the patients. The mean DLQI score for the 76 patients in this study was 13.0 (Standard Deviation [SD] ± 7.7), indicating a medium to high impact of the disease on their quality of life. Further, 26.3%, 34.2% and 22.4% had medium impact, high impact, and very high impact. Female patients, inpatients, social support, duration of disease, current medication, family history, as well as presenting with itching, were associated with a higher impact on their quality of life. There was also limited knowledge of disease and treatment experiences, and emotional coping was a key identified theme. Conclusions and recommendations: There is a significant impact of PV on patients' quality of life, particularly among females, those on active medication, and those with a family history of autoimmune disorders. Itching exacerbates symptoms, and limited knowledge about PV's autoimmune nature is prevalent. There is a need for patient education on PV’s causes and management
Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors among Adult Patients Admitted to Medical and Surgical Wards at Bossaso Town Hospitals, Puntland, Somalia
Get PDFDepression disorder presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, poor concentration, problems with thinking and making decisions. Further, to the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted to determine depression and associated factors among adult patients admitted to medical and surgical wards in the study area. Objective: To assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors among adult patients admitted to medical and surgical wards at Bossaso town hospitals, Puntland, Somalia. Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 416 patients admitted to medical and surgical wards from June 2022 to July 2022. Three hospitals were selected using simple random sampling. Sample frame: The study participants were selected by using a simple random sampling technique using hospital registration books. Depression was assessed Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 item. Data was coded and entered into EpiData version 3.1 software and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of depression, and a statistically significant result was determined at a p-value less than 0.05. Results: The prevalence of depression was found to be 20.9% (95% CI: 16., 24.0). In the multivariable logistic regression, female sex (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.14-4.0), duration of hospital stays 1-2 week (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.45-5.31), admission at surgical ward (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.48-4.56), previous history of mental illness (AOR=2.5,95% (1.41-4.75) and being cigarette smoking (AOR = 3.0,95% CI: 1.60-5.68) were factors significantly associated with depression. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among admitted patients was high. Female sex, duration of hospital stays, admission to surgical ward, previous history of mental illness and being cigarette smoking were factors significantly associated with depressio
Determinants of Hypertensive Crisis among Patients at Adult Emergency Department of Selected Public Hospitals in Jigjiga City, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia, 2022: A Case-Control Study
Get PDFBackground: Hypertension is a critical health issue that has the potential to cause considerable morbidity and mortality across the world. It has an estimated global population of 1.13 billion people. Hypertensive crises affect 1-2% of the population. In low-income nations like Ethiopia, hypertensive crisis is becoming a major health concern. However, limited studies have been conducted in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess determinants of hypertensive crisis among patients at the adult emergency department of selected public hospitals in Jigjiga city, Somali region, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 88 cases and 177 controls at the adult emergency department of selected public hospitals in Jigjiga city, from May 20 to July 5, 2022. Patients presented with hypertensive crisis were considered cases, and hypertensive patients, but without hypertensive crisis, were considered controls. Data were collected by trained nurses using a structured questionnaire and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported into SPSS version 27 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were done and presented using text, frequency tables, charts, and graphs. Binary logistic regression was used, and variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were eligible for the final model. A multivariable logistic regression was also performed. Finally, a statistically significant level was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05. Result: The proportion of participants presented with a family history of hypertension was higher among cases than controls (62.5% and 47.5%) respectively and the likelihood ratio of hypertensive crisis was 3.3 times (AOR=3.359: 95% CI 1.298, 8.694) higher among participants with a family history of HTN compared to those without a family history of HTN. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a statistically strong association of DM, family history of HTN, regular follow-up and participants’ knowledge of HTN with HTN crisis. The government, health facilities, and health care workers should educate the public that regular follow-up can prevent hypertensive crisis, and give training to build communities’ knowledge on hypertension and give attention to DM Patients with hypertension
Artificial Intelligence and Cultural Tourism in Kenya: A Systematic Review of Development Opportunities and Challenges
Get PDFThis paper presents a systematic review of the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and cultural tourism in Kenya, with a particular focus on the Mount Kenya region. It examines the potential of AI to enhance sustainable cultural tourism through digital heritage preservation, targeted marketing, and enriched visitor experiences. The study employs a qualitative systematic review methodology, analyzing peer-reviewed journal articles, policy documents, case studies, and global best practices relevant to AI applications in cultural tourism. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns, opportunities, and challenges. The findings reveal that AI holds considerable promise in addressing infrastructure gaps, enhancing inclusivity, and increasing the global visibility of Kenya’s cultural heritage. Nonetheless, inadequate policy frameworks, inadequate financial investment, and widespread digital illiteracy are among the substantial challenges that have persisted. This study has made recommendations on the formulation of a vigorous policy context, investing in digital capacity building, and promoting public-private partnerships (PPTS) to realize an enabling environment for AI-integrated cultural tourism in Keny
Compliance with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards in University Libraries in Uganda
Get PDFThis study assessed the compliance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services in Ugandan university libraries with national and international standards, using a mixed-methods design, juxtaposing the quantitative data obtained from library users and staff (n=433) in 12 universities with qualitative data from interviews, observations, and document reviews. Partial successes were recorded in forcing ICT acceptance on libraries, with libraries offering access to e-resources (mean=4.02) and to operational systems (mean=4.16), with libraries still facing challenges with the availability of computers (mean=2.48), slow Internet services (mean=2.69), limited off-campus access (mean=3.50), and inadequate training of users (mean=3.18). The study concludes that while basic ICT services exist, lapses in compliance are triggered by inadequate funding, lax policy implementation, and technological inefficiencies, calling for infrastructural overhauls, strengthened training provisions, implementation of cloud solutions, tightened ICT policy, and additional manpower to bring Ugandan university libraries to a global rank and promote academic excellence
Development of Life Cycle Maintenance Prediction Model for Cost Efficiency in Low Volume Paved Roads: A Case Study of Namtumbo District in Tanzania
Get PDFThis study aimed to develop and validate a life cycle maintenance prediction model for cost efficiency in low-volume paved roads (LVPRs) in Namtumbo District, Tanzania, to enhance cost-effective infrastructure management by identifying key factors influencing maintenance costs and providing a predictive tool for resource allocation. To accomplish this objective, a quantitative approach was employed, involving a survey of 60 respondents, including TARURA engineers, contractors and stakeholders. The data were collected concerning five factors, namely, traffic patterns, resource availability, age of road, weather and climate, and maintenance techniques, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, RII and MLR, with the help of SPSS, so as to identify cost drivers and develop the model, which was validated through R-square, ANOVA, MAE, and prediction of cost efficiency metrics. The results indicated that weather, climate, and road age were the most significant cost drivers, with high rainfall and temperature fluctuations accelerating deterioration, and older roads requiring intensive repairs. Moreover, resource availability and traffic patterns had notable impacts, while maintenance techniques were less influential due to limited adoption. The results further indicated that the developed and validated regression model explained 71.7% of cost variance, with a predicted cost efficiency of 91.75%. This model provides a tool for TARURA to forecast maintenance costs, prioritise interventions, and optimise resource use in Namtumbo road maintenance projects. The findings underscore the need for climate-resilient designs, lifecycle-based maintenance, and improved resource access to reduce cost
Effect of Traffic Load Variability on Pavement Performance and Design Life Reliability
Get PDFThis study presents a quantitative assessment of critical traffic and environmental factors affecting pavement performance on the Kilombero road network using data from 10 observation points. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) were employed to systematically evaluate key determinants of pavement deterioration based on correlation strength, frequency of impact, and severity of effect. Axle Load Distribution emerged as the most critical factor (total effect = 30), indicating its dominant influence on structural damage through concentrated stresses. Traffic Load Variability (27) and Traffic Volume and Composition (24) were also highly influential, reflecting the effects of temporal weight fluctuations and heavy vehicle proportions on pavement fatigue. Factors such as Lane Distribution and Load Repetition (21), Road Geometry & Alignment (18), and Deceleration Patterns (10) exhibited moderate impacts, primarily affecting localised pavement stress and deterioration. Seasonal and Daily Fluctuations (8) and Ecosystem & Climate Impacts (6) were identified as less critical but still relevant under specific operational conditions. Normalisation and scoring frameworks enabled fair comparison of diverse variables, while correlation and coefficient of variation analyses highlighted periods of heightened risk. The results provide a systematic basis for prioritising maintenance interventions, optimising road design, and managing traffic loads, supporting data-driven strategies to extend pavement service life and ensure sustainable infrastructure performance