East African Journal Of Science, Technology and Innovation
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Genetic diversity and selection signatures within the major histocompatibility complex of local chicken ecotypes in Kenya
Get PDFDiseases remain a major challenge in chicken population leading to reduced performance and economic losses. Whenever possible, chicken population should be reared under production systems with minimum predisposing factors to diseases and other shortcomings during their productive lifetime. Selection for resistance is an attractive option when responding to the diseases challenge. The chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a highly polymorphic region associated with immune response and disease resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate genetic diversity and as well as identify signatures of selection within the MHC, which help local chicken ecotypes to withstand disease and environmental challenges. A total of eight local chicken ecotype populations from different ecological zones in Kenya and two commercial layers (CL) chicken populations were assessed using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the two populations, local chicken ecotypes and commercial chickens were distinct. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.21 to 0.28 in local chicken ecotypes and was 0.26 in commercial layers. As expected, inbreeding was much higher in commercial chicken layers at 0.51 - 0.64 than indigenous chickens at 0.04 - 0.27. Selection signature analysis using fixation index (FST) detected two major regions of divergence in commercial and indigenous chickens, within the MHC region mapping to seven genes: KIFC1, ZNF 692, TRIM 7, TRIM 7.2, TRIM 39.2, BLEC 3 and YLEC 1, in local chicken ecotypes which are associated with immune response and disease resistance. This result shows that local chicken ecotypes possess significant genetic diversity within the MHC region, which can be exploited to improve the chicken breeds for disease resistance. However, a comprehensive study using a larger sample size is needed to provide more insight on the viability of the MHC region
Effect of Agroforestry on community wellbeing in Kyannamukaaka Sub County, Masaka
Get PDFCommunity wellbeing is dependent on agroforestry, which provides social, economic, health and ecological benefits for man, and has proved essential in the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper purposely examines the effect of agroforestry on community wellbeing with a focus on the benefits of tree-crop interactions on community’s wellbeing, and limitations to adoption of tree-crop interactions in Kyanamukaaka Sub County. The paper employs a cross-sectional survey design using qualitative data collection approaches. The paper targets 35 farmers from which 32 practicing in tree-crop interactions were determined by Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination table. Respondents were purposely selected and participated in the study. Data was collected through interview, observation and documentary review. Later, it was organized, transcribed and triangulated to develop themes for interpretation, analysis and discussion. Results indicate that tree-crop interactions offer socioeconomic [food (96.9%), local herbs (100%), fodder (52.6%), raw material (62.5%), firewood and income (90.6%), employment (37.5%) and ecological (conserves soil fertility and moisture conservation (50%), controls soil erosion runoff (59.4%), protect soil health (28.1%) and act as habitats organisms (34.4%)] benefits. Furthermore, other themes included; climate change (84.4%), land size and ownership (90.6%), inadequate competences (50%) anthropocentrism (56.2%), poor quality and high costs of farm inputs (96.9%) and diseases (93.7%) as limitations to adoption of tree-crop interactions. The paper concludes that tree-crop interactions were of benefit to the community. However, observations show that some households had no trees while the others cut trees unsustainably on their farmlands. Therefore, to increase adoption of tree-crop interactions and diversity, Kyannamukaaka Sub County and Masaka District should create awareness and build farmers’ capacity in climate change resilience, underground forestry management, tree growing and energy efficient technologies.
Evaluation of plantain varieties on yield parameters in Murang’a County, Kenya
Get PDFPlantains are commonly grown in the coastal region of Kenya. However their demand in urban areas particularly in Nairobi has been increasing thus triggering demand for suitable varieties by farmers in medium altitude zone. A study was therefore initiated to determine the suitable varieties for this zone in order to meet the requirements and demand of the producers and consumers. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the performance of various plantain varieties in a medium altitude zone of Murang’a, Kenya. Consequently, three plantain varieties locally known as “Mkono wa Tembo”, “Bokoboko” and “Kampala” sourced with others from Kilifi, Busia, Kisii, Nyeri and Tharaka Nithi Counties were evaluated at KALRO HRI (1450m a.s.l) which is located in Muranga County. The design used was Randomised Complete Block (RCBD) with three replicates. Data on bunch weight, fingers per bunch, finger length and finger thickness were collected at full maturity stage. “Mkono wa Tembo” variety had significantly (P= 0.0006) higher mean bunch weight (43kg) than Kampala (24.5kg) and Bokoboko (16.6kg). Similarly, “Mkono wa Tembo” variety had significantly more fingers per bunch (119) than “Kampala” (85) and “Bokoboko” (59). For finger length, “Mkono wa Tembo” variety had significantly (P=0.0027) longer fingers (25.9 cm) compared to “Bokoboko” (20.1) but almost same size with “Kampala” (25.8 cm). On the other hand “Bokoboko” variety had significantly thicker fingers (17.8cm) than “Mkono wa Tembo” (13.0cm) and Kampala (13.6cm). “Mkono wa Tembo” therefore outperformed other varieties in all parameters considered apart from finger thickness which indicates its superior adaptability in this zone. Consumers normally prefer varieties with long and thin fingers thus “Mkono wa Tembo” and “Kampala” would go very well with consumers. In conclusion, “Mkono wa Tembo” variety was the most promising variety followed by “Kampala” variety for production in medium altitude zone of Murang’a
Implementation of Quality of Service-Oriented Distributed Routing Protocol using Fuzzy Logic in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Get PDFA mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a type of wireless network made up of nodes that are both wireless and mobile. This type of wireless network is a non-infrastructure network (without a central manager such as router, servers, etc.) that is hard to manage; providing the Quality of Service (QoS) is also difficult. The fuzzy logic is one of the effective methods required to achieve high QoS in MANET. We propose an Ant-colony Based Cluster-head (ABC) selection a protocol based on artificial intelligence fuzzy logic techniques in this paper. With the proposed protocol, we divide the network into clusters, then, choose a cluster head which is a node having high residual energy, the most trusted; this is achieved using Ant-colony optimization (ACO) algorithm thanks to the use of a probability function which determines the likelihood of various nodes to be selected as cluster-heads. Using the Network Simulator Version-2 (NS-2), we evaluated our Proposed Protocol with ones existing in literature; Quality of Service-Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (QoS-AODV), Bandwidth aware Multi-path Routing protocol in mobile Ad Hoc networks (BMR) and Dynamic Multi-Path Source Routing Method (MSR). We conducted various experimental evaluations varying both the number of the total mobile nodes in the network and the number of receivers from a single sender; all simulation outcomes revealed that the Proposed protocol; Quality of Service-Oriented Distributed Routing Protocol using Fuzzy Logic and clustering techniques in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (QODFL) outperformed the existing ones as compared to existing protocols, it was able to increase both the Packet Delivery Ratio by 10.5% and throughput by 6.7 % , and the End-to-End Delivery ratio by 7.7%
Analysis of E-Exams performance under COVID-19 Pandemic at Kabale University, Uganda
Get PDFThere has been a shift in the mode of conducting exams from the physical appearance of students to the electronic examinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper presents the experiences in the management of e-exams as part of the summative evaluation of students. This was achieved by establishing the readiness strategies for managing e-exams, determining the performance of e-exams management and ascertaining the challenges faced during the management of e-exams. Objectives one and three were achieved by reviewing secondary data gathered from various reports from the University and objective two was achieved by analysing the primary data from the e-learning system. The results of the study indicated that Kabale University was strategically positioned to conduct e-exams through university policies, management support, infrastructural acquisition, competent human resource, technical and awareness training of staff and students. The performance rates of e-exams varied from one faculty to another with the least and most attendance rates being 88.62% and 96.85% respectively, and with an overall performance of 92.18% at the university level. Regardless of the success stories, the study identified challenges which the university is already resolving and others that need more attention. The study identified that the e-exam took the form of multiple-choice questions and take-home exams. The challenges were technical e.g., lack of equipment, unreliable Internet and electricity problems; economical e.g., lack of money to buy data; social e.g., lack of conducive environment to sit for examinations at homes and integrity e.g., difficult to confirm the authenticity of the examinees’ identity. The paper recommends the exploration of viable solutions that support diverse forms of e-exams while regulating exam malpractices, like enabling software applications that limit the students’ ability to navigate and search through the computer and internet, live proctoring option to monitor candidates and having response teams to attend to examinee
Carcass fatty acid composition and sensory properties of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on oilseed meals with crude papain enzyme
Get PDFIn this study, proximate body composition, fillets fatty acid and sensory properties of Nile tilapia fed on oilseed meals with crude papain enzyme were determined. A control diet (D1) of 300g/kg crude protein (CP) and (2900Kcal/kg) was formulated using fishmeal (Rastrionaebola argentea) (FM) and test diets by replacing 10% CP of FM by soybean meal (SBM) (D2), canola meal (CM) (D3) and sunflower meal (SFM) (D4). One hundred and one days feeding trial was conducted in a 4x2 factorial design on 4 diets (D1, D2, D3 and D4) with (0.06%) and (0%) enzyme using 720 Nile tilapia fingerlings (7±3g). Fish were fed twice daily at 5% of their biomass at 10am and 4pm in two equal meals. At the end of feeding trial, fish were starved for 24 hrs and weighed. A sample of ten fish representing the average weight of each replicated group was used. The fillets fatty acid profiles were determined by MPA FT-NIR spectrometer. Organoleptic tests of both fresh and steamed fish were carried out by eight semi trained panellists using 5-point hedonic scale. There was increase (p<0.05) in carcass proximate composition in all the treatments. Fillets fatty acid levels were influenced by the crude papain enzyme (p<0.05). Palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and oleic acid (C18:1n-9) were the most abundant fatty acids in the fillets. Fish fed on fishmeal based diet recorded higher percentage (22.56) of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). There was significant difference among the treatments (p<0.05) for general appearance. Fish fed on crude papain enzyme treated diets were less preferred. It is recommended that more research be done on the effect of papain enzyme on the carcass fatty acid and sensory properties of farmed fish
Formulation and evaluation of a herbal shampoo using flavonoid glycosides from Dicerocaryum senecioides
Get PDFTrichophyton tonsurans affecting the scalp skin and hair shaft, is the most common public health problem in children in most countries. Multidrug T. tonsurans resistance has been observed leading to clinical treatment failure and relapse. In the present study, a herbal shampoo was formulated using flavonoid glycosides from Dicerocaryum senecioides as active principal components. Flavonoids glycosides were isolated using a bioassay directed protocol, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) p-iodonitrotetrazolium violet bio-autography. The formulated herbal shampoo efficacy was tested using the poisoned food assay with clinical strains isolated from patients showing resistance to conventional medicines that are marketed locally. Ten volunteers, 6 girls and 4 boys also participated in assessing the efficacy of the herbal shampoo. From the 10 participants, 3 were blindly given shampoos that did not consist of the flavonoids glycosides. Quality characteristics of the shampoo were determined by monitoring pH changes, microorganisms, colour and viscosity changes, and presence of rancid ordors. The herbal shampoo showed significant mycelial growth inhibitory activity of 93.2 ± 0.6% on the poisoned food assay. All the 7 participants administered with the experimental shampoo were healed by washing their scalp once per day and the condition did not appear again while for the 3 administered with the placebo the condition remained. The condition disappeared when they were administered the experimental shampoo later on. Sensory quality analysis shows that pH of 6.85, green leaf colour and smell were maintained throughout the period of study. The viscosity was also consistent. No microorganism or molds were found in the shampoo. The results obtained from this study showed that the herbal shampoo is an effective alternative option against T. tonsurans scalp skin and hair shafts infections. The flavonoid glycosides maybe utilized to make herbal shampoo for scalp infections
Effects of selected drivers of information and communication on awareness and perception of tomato post-harvest loss-reduction technologies in Kaduna, Nigeria
Get PDFThe Nigerian government\u27s policy on agriculture has supported productivity enhancements among smallholder farmers, yet tomato production is constrained by post-harvest losses leading to over 45 % (750,000 metric tons) loss. Various initiatives are constantly being introduced to make technologies and practices available to reduce these losses. This study was carried out to determine the level of awareness and perception of four technologies. A total of 420 tomato farmers were selected in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Awareness and perception were modelled using the Multivariate Probit Model. The results showed that one or more of the independent variables including cooperative affiliation (p<0.001, for awareness of Reusable Plastic Crate {RP} technique), frequency of extension visit (p<0.001, for awareness of RP), and farm area cultivated (p<0.05, for awareness of Refrigerated Truck {RT}/ Machine Drying {MD}) were significant. For perception, some of the independent variables explored and found significant included multiple sources of information for CS/RT, losses through transit/storage (P<0.01) and the number of technologies adopted (P<0.001) for cheapness; credit access (P<0.001) and farm area (P<0.001) for availability; marital status (P<0.01) and losses through storage (P<0.021) for labour saving perceptions. The awareness and perception of the tomato PHL reduction technologies do not provide common determinants. The study concluded that the communication channels such as Farmer to Farmer, Radio and extension agents (57.9%, 9.3%, 33% for RP, respectively), among others, influenced awareness of the new technologies among farmers. The study recommends the need to drive farmers’ awareness using suitable advocacy channels. A better understanding of constraints that influence farmers\u27 perceptions is important while designing and rolling out technologies
The Epidemiological factors associated with helminths and coccidia in zebu calves under pastoralism in Isiolo County Kenya
No full textIn Kenya, helminthosis and coccidia infections in cattle, are the second highest cause of death in zebu calves up to 12 months old, estimated at 12% mortality rate. The aim of our study was to investigate the factors associated with helminth and coccidia infection among zebu beef calves in Isiolo County Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December on 2020 in Isiolo North and South Constituencies. Garbatulla and Burat wards in Isiolo North and Kinna in Isiolo South were purposively selected due to high number of large cattle herds compared to other areas. A total of 411 calves from 34 herds aged between 3 weeks and 12 months were randomly selected for the study. Calf level and management and environmental data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, observations and physically. Faecal samples were obtained from the rectum or immediately after defaecation for laboratory analysis located in Kinna Ward in Isiolo South Constituency. In the laboratory, faecal egg counts were estimated using the McMaster faecal floatation technique. Descriptive, univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out with outcome as parasites eggs or oocysts per gram of faecal sample. The factors associated with coccidia infections in the final multivariable logistic regression analysis for coccidia were: Location (Constituencies), availability of drinking water, lush pasture, floor condition, availability of extension services and herd size. In the multivariable logistic regression final model for strongyle infection, age of the calf, herd size, co-infestation with other parasites, and availability of extension services were significant. The results of this study indicated that prevalence of helminth and coccidia infections in calves is high and the calf, environmental and management factors were associated with such infections
Hydration and compressive strength of Portland cement blended with kamafugites and carbonatites: Effect of Physical Properties
Get PDFKamafugites and carbonatitic tuffs, though not common natural pozzolans, are the main option for supplementary cementitious materials in regions surrounding the Western part of the East African Rift valley system. The tuffs are silica undersaturated, carbonatitic and largely ultrapotassic. The current study sought to characterise their physical and chemical properties and compare them with those of published works on natural pozzolans. Two samples, a carbonatite and a kamafugite, from the Toro-Ankole geological region of East Africa are investigated for their effect on specific properties of pastes and mortars when used as natural pozzolans in Portland cement. The volcanic tuffs milled to three fineness levels and blended with Portland cement at 0%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 35% replacement levels are tested for effects on hydration and compressive strength. Results show a time dependent variation in heat of hydration which increases for the first 14 hours before decreasing. The variation seems dependent on level of replacement. Compressive strength results show dependence on level of replacement and fineness which was pronounced until 90 days, peaking at 28 days. Increase in replacement level resulted in a general reduction in compressive strength. A compressive strength conversion process that peaks at 10% replacement level is observed in all blended samples leading to compressive strength results at 180 days being lower than those at 90 days of curing. Compressive strength test results, however, sustain the ASTM C618 and BS 3892 minimum requirement for pozzolanic Portland cements indicating that the carbonatites and kamafugites can be gainfully applied in cement production from the resource and energy economy perspectives