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Total flavonoid content, total phenolic content and Antioxidant activity of uveriodendron Anisatum root and fruit Methanol extracts
No full textMedicinal plants have gained favor among many researchers globally. This has been attributed
to their therapeutic properties that has been key in management of many diseases including
microbial infections, inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. This pharmacological
properties are as result of the bioactive compounds such as phenolics that are widely distributed
in many plants. These compounds play a great role as antioxidants that aid in quenching free
radicals preventing the development of oxidative stress and its related disorders. The evaluation
of these bioactive compounds and their pharmacological properties is still insufficient. This
study aimed at evaluating the total phenolic, total flavonoid and radical scavenging activity of
methanol fruit and root extract of Uvariodendron anisatum. Folin-Ciocalteu’s method and
calorimetric aluminum chloride method were used to evaluate total phenolic content and total
flavonoid content respectively. The 2.2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) free radical
scavenging assay was used to evaluate the antioxidant. L-ascorbic acid, gallic acid and catechin
were used as the standards for antioxidant, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content
respectively. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid were calculated from the regression
equation of the gallic standard and catechin standard curve and presented as mg GAE/ g of dry
weight and CE /g of dry weight respectively. The methanol root and fruit extract recorded total
phenolic content of 14.627±0.078 mg GAE /g and 15.013±0.047 mg GAE /g and total
flavonoid content of 7.894±0.002 mg CE /g and 8.057±0.009 mg CE /g respectively. The total
phenolic content of fruit extract was significantly higher from that of root extract (P<0.05).
However, the total flavonoid content in both the two extracts were not significantly different
from each other (P>0.05). The 2.2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) free radical scavenging
activity results showed a dose depended activity in both the fruit and root methanol extract of
Uvariodendron anisatum and L-ascorbic acid. The methanol root extract at 0.01 µg/ml,0.1
µg/ml and 1 µg/ml recorded significantly higher percentage radical scavenging activity as than
both methanol fruit extract and L-ascorbic acid (p<0.05). The standard, L-ascorbic acid at 10
µg/ml, 100 µg/ml and 1000 µg/ml significantly recorded high percentage radical scavenging
activity as than both methanol root and fruit extracts (p<0.05). Methanol fruit and root extract
recorded IC50 of 4.680 µg/ml and 5.080 µg/ml for fruit and root respectively while L-ascorbic
acid record the IC50 of 3.420 µg/ml. The methanol fruit extract showed higher antioxidant
activity that correlated to its higher phenolic compound. In conclusion, this plant is a potential
antioxidant agent with the ability to scavenge the free radical
Analysis of Technological factors influencing adoption of ICT in Teaching and Learning: A Case of Githunguri Sub-County Kenya
Get PDFLiving in the digital age, it is hard for any aspect of human endeavor to be carried on effectively
without information communication technologies. Empirical literature revealed that, the level
of input on ICT resources for adoption of ICT fails to commensurate. The study established
lack of conclusive research hence a research gap on technological factors influencing adoption
of ICT. Literature revealed that ICT rapid change poses technological challenges to adoption of
ICT, hence the need to review the adoption models. Critical review of identified models and
theories indicates that, there are serious inconsistencies; knowledge gaps, which these theories
and models have not explained; various models reviewed could not be self-sufficient and serve
in all circumstances. Thus, leaving this study with a gap to establish technological factors in
adoption of ICT and develop a technological adoption model. The study investigated how well
Innovation Diffusion Theory DIO can be used to facilitate ICT adoption. The researcher
adopted an exploratory research design, discussing the finding of the study on adoption of ICT,
taking the case of Githunguri sub-county in the central part of Kenya. The researcher employed
Descriptive Survey Design. Thirty-two schools gave a sample size of 637 respondents for the
research. Quantitative data collected using questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive and
inferential statistical techniques. To enhance understanding, the meaning of quantitative data
the researcher used Qualitative data collected using interview and observation procedures. A
wide range of literature was reviewed; among the developed countries where ICT is widely
adopted are: Albania, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, FYRO Macedonia, Republic of
Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Turkey. In developing countries, some of which classified as
economies in transition; Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, Hong
Kong Special Administrative Region of China, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore East Asia,
Republic of Korea, Maldives in South and West. In Arab countries include; Egypt, Jordan,
Oman, Palestine and Qatar. In Africa some of the countries considered are; Botswana, Gambia,
Zambia, Niger, Guinea and Kenya. The scope of this study was technological factors emerging
from the technology characteristics, limited to technological factors affecting current ICT, with
no regard to any advancement of ICT while the study was in progress. This study assumed that:
The state of ICT technological factors remained constant over the study period. This study
investigated and established technological factors with strong significance on influencing
adoption of ICT as; ICT infrastructure, ICT Trialability, ICT technical support, ICT complexity,
ICT relative advantage, ICT hardware architectural rapid change, software portability, ICT
adaptability. The researcher guided by the theoretical model developed and tested a
technological adoption model. The researcher also developed an automated tool for assessing
status of technological factors in adoption of ICT. The researcher recommends that, the
government to establish policies and strategies for technical support. The ministry of
communication and technology to adopt the model developed in this study to quicken the rate
of adopting ICT. This study calls for more review on the theoretical model and the automated
assessment tool
Child Obesity Determinants and Management: An Emerging Pandemic in the City of Gaborone, Botswana.
Get PDFWorld Health Organization estimated “overweight and obesity to cause 3, 4 million deaths, 3.9% of quality years lost and 3.8% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) worldwide”. These alarming figures are a growing concern of adult Obesity emanating from effects of the child Obesity, which has reached pandemic status globally in the developed world and gradually creeping in regionally and nationally at an alarming rate, becoming a major public health issue. The past three years has shown the greatest increase of recorded child obesity cases across Africa and Botswana being in the top three. This alarming increase is worrisome looking at the fact that obese children eventually lead to obese Adults while it is completely avoidable and preventable. This study investigates child obesity based on the following objectives. To identify Socio economic factors that influences Child Obesity. To determine effects of Child Obesity. To establish Parents role is controlling Obesity Gaborone. To analyze relevant interventions that is already in place. The literature of this study was reviewed to determine the extent of child obesity in Botswana and current implemented health interventions to curb the problem. A descriptive cross sectional study design was initiated to describe current obesity trends, buying behaviors, child obesity perceptions, and to analyse current implemented measures to curb child obesity. The major concerns of child obesity lies in mental disorders such as anxiety, depression and Low self-esteem, affects quality of life and attributed to social problems such as bullying and stigma with high incidences of cardiovascular diseases, mental clinical depression, physical injuries and deterioration in educational performance. Ethical issues were highly considered as obesity is a sensitive issue and a signed consent was sought from all participating parents before commencing the research. The study has established that common cause of obesity amongst under 5 children of Gaborone top being food as 80% of respondents agreed food is the main contributor while 55% selected inactivity. Government has no strategies in place to regulate food entering Botswana and the nutritional value of food given to children. The study established that maternal employment; lifestyle, food, buying and eating habits are the number one contributors of child obesity. Lack of outdoor facilities and lack of governmental food regulations also contribute to high prevalence of child obesity in the city of Gaborone. There’s need to sensitize people about the high prevalence of child obesity and show them the dangerous of obesity from infant stages to adulthood. Physical education should be more of practical than theory. Play time should be included in the curriculum of children to encourage the physical aspect of the children as most of them are not physical at home
Total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of launaea Cornuta leaf methanol and aqueous extracts
No full textPlants contain chemical constituents identified as phytochemicals which are vital in their
therapeutic properties. These bioactive compounds have seen a wide application of medicinal
plants in managing various conditions both chronic and acute. Phenolic compounds such as
flavonoids constitutes the huge percentage of phytochemicals present in plants. These
compounds are characterized by presence of hydroxyl groups. This characteristic feature has
seen them possess the antioxidant activity elicited through free radical scavenging mechanism.
The use of plants as alternatives to the conventional medication has seen growth in the
percentage of research basing on pharmacological properties of plant. This study aimed at
evaluating the total flavonoid content and the antioxidant activity of methanol and aqueous leaf
extract of Launaea cornuta. The total flavonoid content was evaluated using the aluminum
chloride calorimetric method while DPPH free radical scavenging method was used to evaluate
the antioxidant activity. Catechin was used as the standard flavonoid while L-ascorbic acid was
used as the standard antioxidant. From the catechin standard calibration curve the total
flavonoid content in methanol and aqueous extract was 8.004±0.005 mg CE/g dw 7.986±0.028
mg CE/g dw respectively. The total flavonoid content of both extracts was not significantly
different (p>0.05). The DPPH free radical scavenging activity results showed that L-ascorbic
acid significantly scavenged the free radicals more as compared to both methanol and aqueous
leaf extract from 1 µg/ml to 1000 µg/ml (p<0.05). Aqueous leaf extracted showed higher
antioxidant activity as compared to methanol leaf extract between concentration levels 0.01
µg/ml to 10 µg/ml. However, methanol leaf extract recorded significantly higher antioxidant
as compared to aqueous extract between concentration levels 100 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml. L ascorbic acid, methanol and aqueous leaf extract recorded IC 50 values of 4.0800 µg/ml, 4.620
µg/ml and 5.140 µg/ml respectively. In conclusion, this study revealed that Launaea cornuta
has free radical scavenging activity
Strategies Of Paternal Involvement In Promoting Holistic Development Of Male Child In Africa Inland Churches, Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textThe study sought to investigate implementation strategies for paternal involvement in
promoting holistic development of a male child in African Inland churches in Kiambu
County. The purpose of this study was to investigate the strategies for paternal
involvement in promoting holistic development of male child in Africa Inland Church
churches in Kiambu County. The study objectives included to explore biblical and
theological foundations on paternal involvement in promoting holistic development of a
male child; To investigate the influence of paternal involvement in promoting holistic
development of a male child; To examine the effect of team parenting in promoting
holistic development of a male child; and to seek strategies that enhance paternal
involvement in the promotion of holistic development of a male child. Social learning
theory by bandura 1969 was used to guide the study. The target population was 1734,
Kijabe Mission Church, Maingi Church, Kijabe Town Church, and Machani Church.
This study adopted descriptive survey research designed, purposive sampling,
questionnaires, focus groups and interview schedules were used as tools of collecting
data by the researcher. A pilot study was done in the neighboring Africa Inland Church
Mutati Church. Test re-test method was used to evaluate the reliability of the research
instrument. Quantitative data was analyzed with tables and pie-charts according to
statistical package for social sciences while qualitative data was analyzed, organized,
and presented thematically according to the objectives. The findings justified that the
church has put in place biblical and theological foundations on paternal involvement of
a male child. Paternal involvement influences the holistic development of a male child.
The study recommends that stakeholders such as the church and non-governmental
organizations should engage with each other and develop manuals to provide guidelines
while training fathers on issues pertaining to parenting. Employing authorities such as
government bodies and private organizations should consider on how they engage
parents so as to facilitate availability for their families. That the church should increase
on the frequency of strategies that should be diverse in nature so as to capture all issues
that touch on paternal involvement
Effects of Hiv/Aids among Adolescents Attending the comprehensive care center at Kangundo level 4 Hospital.
No full textThe study was carried out at Kangundo Level 4 Hospital between the month of April 2020 and August 2020, to determine the effects of HIV/AIDS among adolescents at the Comprehensive Care Centre. The objectives of the study included was to assess the knowledge of adolescents and parents /caretakers on HIV/AIDS.
The study was significant to determine the attitude of adolescents and parents/caretakers on HIV/AIDS and to assess the effects of HIV/AIDS among adolescents at the hospital. A descriptive study method was applied in study. The targeted population was 100 adolescents. A random simple technique was used to give a sample size of 40 which was 40% of the targeted population. Validity and reliability was tested through criticism by supervisors and other experts and carrying out a pilot study. Data analysis was done and presentations simplified via bar graphs, pie charts and tables.
From the study, the age group between 15-20 years was the highly affected due to early exposure to sexual activities as a result of peer pressure and early marriages. The female gender reported a higher percentage of those infected together with those who never attended school.
A lot of individuals believe that HIV/AIDS reduces the life span of a person. The researcher recommended that the community, adolescents and parents/care takers be trained and sensitized on HIV/AIDS, its management and prevention. The government should put up programmes to train health care providers, develop treatment protocols and improve laboratory suppor
The influence of α,α′-diimine bridging ligand on the reactivity of binuclear para-cymene ruthenium(II) complexes. Kinetic, mechanistic and computational study
No full textSubstitution kinetics of the aqua ligands in four binuclear ruthenium(II) para-cymene complexes with different α,α′-diimine bridging ligands [2-pyridylaldazine (Ru-1), p-phenylenebis(picoline)aldimine (Ru-2), p-biphenylenebis(picoline)aldimine (Ru-3) and p-xylenebis(picoline)aldimine (Ru-4)] was investigated as a function of nucleophile concentration and temperature under pseudo-first order conditions using thiourea nucleophiles. The rates of the simultaneous substitution of the aqua ligands decreased in the order: Ru-1 > Ru-4 > Ru-3 > Ru-2. The reactivity of the complexes is controlled by the inherent electronic and steric contributions of the bridging ligand. The strong π-acceptor bridging ligand is responsible for the high reactivity observed in Ru-1 compared to the rest of the complexes. From Ru-2 to Ru-4, the reactivity increases with decrease in steric congestion around the metal centres. The cage effect plays a role in the enhanced reactivity of Ru-4 compared to Ru-3 and Ru-2. Reactivity trends are excellently supported by computational results. All the complexes showed a stepwise deprotonation of the coordinated aqua ligands except Ru-4 and the pKa values increased from Ru-1 to Ru-4 due to progressive increase in σ-donicity of the spacers. The activation parameters (ΔH≠ > 0, ΔS≠ < 0) obtained for all the complexes support an associative mechanism of activation
Antimicrobial activity of the phytexponent against methicilin resistant staphylococcus aureus
No full textImproper use and misuse of available antibiotics has led to emergence of many bacteria strains that are resistant to many antibiotics previously used against them. Very few antibiotics are remaining and only 50 antibiotics are currently in the pipeline. This has risen the concern as the infections caused by these resistance bacteria are a threat to humanity. Majority of these bacteria have been studied and even placed under the WHO priority list as bacteria that need urgent alternative antimicrobial agents. Among the 50 antibiotics currently in pipeline, only 32target the WHO priority pathogens.Traditionally, plants have been valuable source of new antibiotic and in the current treatment of antibiotic resistance, plant extracts containing a vast array of structurally diverse compounds acting in synergy in various pathways, this may hold a greater promising opportunity in fighting antimicrobial resistance. In present study the antimicrobial activity of the phytexponent at both low and high concentrations against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated. The diffusion technique using filter paper discs was used. The bacteria strain was sub-cultured on nutrient agar culture media and later on the inoculant prepared in sterile normal saline. At low concentrations of 100 %, 50 %, 25 %, 12.5 %, 6.25 % and 3.125 % of phytexponent was analyzed while at high concentrations, 100% of phytexponent was added in increasing volumes of10 µl, 20 µl, 30 µl, 40 µl and 50 µl . Ciprofloxacin at 0.1 ug/ml was used as standard antibiotic. The results showed that the phytexponet at high concentration greatly inhibited the growth of methicillin resistant Staphylococous aureus with zones of inhibition ranging between 10.66±0.33 mm and 26.33±0.33 while at low concentration of phytexponent ,the zones of inhibition ranged between 8.333±0.33 and 16.33±0.33 mm. Ciprofloxacin recorded zone of inhibition of 34.00±0.578 mm. In conclusion phytexponent at high concentration is effective against resistant bacteria strains such as methicillin resistant Staphylococous aureus
MKU shines in its quest to excel in research
No full textThe implementation of Competency Based Curriculum and commendable success in transforming the TVET sector have left higher education institutions grappling with a ripple effect.
This is as focus shifts to skill competence rather than academic excellence.
In response, universities have started realigning these two innovations to properly fi t within their mandate as well as producing competitive candidates for the job market that will soon be guided by competence rather than academic certificate
A case study of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of methanol rhizome extract of Beta Vulgaris (Beet Roots)
No full textThe huge cost of medication and treatment of many chronic conditions that are caused by bacteria and the oxidative stress as a result of imbalance between the antioxidant and excess free radicals continue to be a major hindrance to better health for many people. Addition to the cost, the increased side effects and toxicity of modern medicine and reduced efficacy that has seen many bacteria strains gain resistance are some of demerits of the conventional drugs. The increased use of medicinal plants has been witnessed recently. The aim of this has been to be able to get alternatives that are potent and safer at the same time. Recent studies have weighed in and shown that vegetables and fruits play a great role in disease prevention. The health benefits of these products has been nailed at the many biologically active compounds synthesized by these plants. Beta vulgaris is a common vegetable in many countries and many pharmacological activities have been reported. Based on its beneficial claims from various sources, the baseline of this study aims to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanol rhizome extracts of Beta vulgaris. Standard methods for antioxidant and antimicrobial assays were used and the extract was evaluated at different concentration. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging method while the antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the disc diffusion method. L-ascorbic acid and Ciprofloxacin was used as the standard antioxidant and antibiotic respectively. Three bacteria strains; Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used. The methanol rhizome extract showed antimicrobial activity against both the gram negative and gram positive bacteria. The extract inhibited more the positive bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus with zone of 14.5±0.5 mm followed by the gram negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli with zones of 12.0±1.0 and 11.0±0.00 mm respectively. Ciprofloxacin recorded the highest inhibition against E. coli with zone of 38.5±0.5 mm, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa with zone of 31.5±0.5 mm and Staphylococcus aureus had the least inhibition with zone of 30.0±0.0 mm. The antioxidant activity of the methanol rhizome extract recorded percentage radical scavenging activity of 88.983±0.141, 72.310±3.299, 20.007±4.366, 6.040± .317, 4.713±1.431 and 3.269±0.385 %. The antioxidant activity was high at 100 ug/ml and 200 ug/ml concentration level. The antioxidant activity of the Beta vulgaris extract was however, lower than that of the standard at all concentration levels. In conclusion the present study revealed that Beta vulgaris is a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial agen