149 research outputs found
Comparative studies of the microbial composition and diversity of container-dwelling mosquitoes
No full textThe growing problem of mosquito resistance to chemical insecticides has reinforced the urgent need to develop alternative vector control strategies that exploits current advances in mosquito biology including mosquito-microbe interactions. The goal of this research was to develop a better understanding of mosquito microbiota and how their composition and diversity is influenced by host species, life stage, larval habitat type, and larval exposure to commonly used pesticides. Analysis of the microbial communities of larval stages of Aedes japonicus and Aedes triseriatus collected from tree hole and waste tire habitats revealed the bacterial richness to be highest in Aedes japonicus, intermediate in Aedes triseriatus, and in water samples from their larval environment. The microbial communities also clustered by mosquito species, habitat type (used tires vs. tree holes) and study sites. Experimental microcosms were also used to evaluate how exposure of mosquito larvae to sublethal concentrations of atrazine, permethrin, and malathion affects the composition and diversity of mosquito gut microbiota. Bacterial community composition differed according to sample type (larval stage vs. adult stage vs. water sample), but not by pesticide treatment. Bacterial OTU richness was highest in larval samples receiving malathion and permethrin treatments, intermediate in the water and larval samples from the atrazine treatment, and lowest in adult samples irrespective of the treatment. Finally, the microbiota associated with egg rafts and midguts of Cx. pipiens L. and Culex restuans were characterized to gain insights into their community composition and diversity. For each mosquito species, bacterial richness was significantly higher in mosquito egg rafts compared to the midguts. The bacterial community composition differed significantly between egg raft and midgut samples for Cx. restuans, but not for Cx. pipiens L. samples. Overall, these studies have shown that mosquitoes harbor variable microbial communities that are also influenced by the host species, life stage, and the larval habitat. These results provide a basis for future studies aiming to leverage the understanding of mosquito host- microbial symbiont relationships for mosquito vector management.Submission published under a 24 month embargo labeled 'U of I Access', the embargo will last until 2022-05-01The student, Elijah Juma, accepted the attached license on 2019-12-17 at 17:57.The student, Elijah Juma, submitted this Dissertation for approval on 2019-12-17 at 18:10.This Dissertation was approved for publication on 2019-12-18 at 16:06.DSpace SAF Submission Ingestion Package generated from Vireo submission #14834 on 2020-08-25 at 17:26:19Made available in DSpace on 2020-08-26T23:51:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 3
JUMA-DISSERTATION-2020.pdf: 4488942 bytes, checksum: 98e3a1b507bbd7a4abe544049137faaf (MD5)
LICENSE.txt: 4208 bytes, checksum: 2e70f23d9d81e086aba386f7962cae74 (MD5)
PROQUEST_LICENSE.txt: 4554 bytes, checksum: e9dde335fe481bc23623245501d37d36 (MD5)
Previous issue date: 2019-12-18Embargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 115687
Lift date: 2022-08-26T23:51:32Z
Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD systemEmbargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 115687
Lift date: 2022-08-26T23:54:40Z
Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD systemEmbargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 115687
Lift date: 2022-08-26T23:55:59Z
Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD systemEmbargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 115687
Lift date: 2022-08-26T23:57:28Z
Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD systemEmbargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 115687
Lift date: 2022-08-26T23:58:55Z
Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD systemAuthor requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD systemU of I Onl
Development in Africa and Agricultural Innovation
No full textOn the world stage, Africa is a diverse continent of contrasts and misconceptions. Juma is a well-qualified author with roots in Kenya and significant experience, including as professor of practice of international development at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government and director of the Science, Technology, and Globalization Project. Juma is widely recognized for his practical work on sustainable development
Using instrumental and sensory evaluation to determine flavor components and potential meaty flavor enhancement of raw and cooked shiitake and portobello mushrooms
No full textMushrooms are edible fungi that have been used for millennia to enhance savory foods and are increasing in popularity worldwide. Investigating all the aroma compounds in mushrooms is key to understanding how and why mushrooms have a culinary significance. This study aimed to identify the volatile constituents in raw and cooked mushrooms and determine the type of aroma compounds that could enhance meaty flavor. Shiitake and portobello mushrooms were prepared in raw, roasted, and sautéed forms and their volatile components were isolated using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and solid-phase extraction (SPE), followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. SPE-GC-MS identified 79 combined volatiles in portobello with 33 newly identified. The most abundant of these were 1-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-ethanone sulfurol, butyl isobutyrate, and (E)-3-hexen-1-ol. There were 168 combined volatiles identified in shiitake mushrooms by SPE-GC-MS with 106 volatiles having never been previously reported in shiitake. The most abundant of these were 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine, 3-phenylpropanol, (2-isothiocyanatoethyl)-benzene, 2,3-dihydro-thiophene, 2-methylbutyl isothiocyanate and 1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol. SPME-GC-MS identified 111 total compounds in the portobello and 159 compounds in the shiitake with 36 and 67 new compounds, respectively. Nitrogen-containing compounds were more abundant and numerous in the sauteed mushrooms regardless of variety or isolation method. Three different flavors (mushroom, roasted, and grilled) were formulated based on the volatile profile identified in the mushroom analysis and prepared in a warmed synthetic broth containing a formulated meaty flavor, and then evaluated by a consumer testing panel (n=82). The grilled flavor significantly increased meat flavor intensity, the roasted flavor significantly decreased the overall liking of the broth, and the mushroom flavor did not significantly impact any attribute. The number of newly identified volatiles in the mushroom samples demonstrated the value of using two methods of volatile isolation and the specific advantages of using the SPE method. This is the first recorded instance of increasing a formulated meat flavor using only aroma compounds which demonstrates how incorporating certain aromatic notes from cooked mushroom could be utilized in the food industry
Examining the effects of whey protein supplementation on the inflammatory response in polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos)
No full textThe current study investigated the effects of whey protein supplementation on glucose concentrations, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and interleukins IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Six PCOS women and eight control, or women without PCOS, were included in this study. Participants consumed 35g of whey protein 30 minutes before their afternoon meal daily for 40 days. Subjects came to the clinic at day 1, day 20, and day 40 for collection of blood samples to analyze the dependent variables previously mentioned. On days 1 and 40, blood samples were taken from fasted participants. They were then given a protein drink with 35g of whey protein. Thirty minutes after the consumption of whey protein, another blood draw was taken. On day 20, only a fasted blood draw was taken. Statistical analyses tested within and between groups, and correlations between all dependent variables. There were no statistical differences between groups or within groups at Day 1, 20, or 40. At baseline, there was a statistically significant correlation in the PCOS group between TNF-α and IL-6 (r = .856) and IL-4 (r = .882). TNF- α and IL-6 are elevated in the chronic inflammatory state. The correlation with pro-inflammatory TNF- α and anti-inflammatory IL-4 may be due to the aberrant expression of cytokine concentrations in a chronic inflammatory state. However, there were no significant correlations at Day 40 in the PCOS group, which may be an improvement in overall inflammatory ratio. At baseline in the control group there were significant positive correlations between changes in glucose and MCP-1 (r = .805) and IL-6 and TNF-α (r = .766). The correlation between MCP-1 and increased glucose concentration changes, as well as the correlation between IL-6 and TNF-α has been associated with chronic disease. At day 40 in the control group there was a strong positive correlation between IL-6 and TNF-α (r = .869) and MCP-1 (r = .925) and also IL-4 and IL-10 (r = .857). Although not significant, it appears that over time there may have been an overall reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines in the PCOS group. The PCOS group demonstrated a reduction of 22% in glucose spike when comparing Day 1 pre- and post-protein consumption to Day 40.
Whey protein supplementation may also help to restore some balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations. The present study did demonstrate a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines by the end of the study. This may suggest that whey protein could have a beneficial effect in reducing chronic inflammation in PCOS.
Further research is needed in a larger sample size to confirm the findings of this study. Furthermore, it may be beneficial for each data collection timepoint to fall within the same phase of the menstrual cycle for consistency throughout the duration of the study. Tracking dietary intake should also be considered to control for nutritional variables
Non-Communicable Disease Epidemics Approaches to Prevention and Control in Sub-Saharan Africa
No full textBookNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors are on the increase globally. It is estimated that NCDs accounted for 72 per cent of mortality globally in 2016, with 80 per cent of these NCD deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (WHO, 2013; Forouzanfar et al., 2015). Four out of a large range of NCDs – cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory illnesses – have been identified as being responsible for the greatest share of the burden (WHO, 2013). These four diseases (or disease groups) also share a set of four risk factors, namely tobacco use, unhealthy diet, harmful alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity
CORRELATION BETWEEN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN KENYA
No full textAbstract: This study sought to determine the correlation between transportation system development and the performance of the manufacturing sector in Kenya. This is because; in Kenya contribution of the manufacturing sector to the country’s GDP has been decreasing for the last three years posting 8.4%, 7.9%, and 7.6% in 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively. The study used primary and secondary data to achieve this objective. Data was collected using a questionnaire, documentary analysis guide, and group interview schedule. The data was sourced from 254 managers of manufacturing firms in Kenya, selected by purposive, stratified, and quota sampling. The data were analyzed using a t-test, one-way ANOVA, regression, and correlation analysis. Descriptive statistics namely mean frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations were also used. Qualitative data was analyzed using themes. The findings revealed that the transport system had a positive significant relationship with the performance of the manufacturing sector in Kenya. The null hypothesis was rejected. The challenges facing manufacturers included high taxation, low demand, and transport issues.
Keywords: Infrastructure, Manufacturing sector, Infrastructure development, Manufacturing Sector Performance, Transport Infrastructure.
Title: CORRELATION BETWEEN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN KENYA
Author: John Kanyungu, Alice Omariba, Richard Juma, Nancy Muthoni
International Journal of Novel Research in Interdisciplinary Studies
ISSN 2394-9716
Vol. 10, Issue 2, March 2023 - April 2023
Page No: 39-46
Novelty Journals
Website: www.noveltyjournals.com
Published Date: 09-March-2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7711187
Paper Download Link (Source)
https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/CORRELATION%20BETWEEN%20TRANSPORTATION-09032023-2.pdfInternational Journal of Novel Research in Interdisciplinary Studies, ISSN 2394-9716, Novelty Journals, Website: www.noveltyjournals.co
Data - Barriers to PAC in Burkina Faso, Kenya and Nigeria
No full textThese are the raw data analyzed in this manuscript. </p
Questionnaires - Barriers to PAC in Burkina Faso, Kenya and Nigeria
No full textThese are the tools that were used to collect data for the the analysis conducted in this paper.</p
Missed opportunities for tuberculosis diagnosis.
No full textBACKGROUND: In high tuberculosis (TB) burden, resource-poor countries, sputum smear microscopy remains the mainstay of diagnosis. The low sensitivity of this test means that patients with smear-negative but culture-positive TB pass undetected through the health care system. Such clinical episodes are missed opportunities for diagnosis and interruption of transmission, which might be averted through the application of more sensitive diagnostic tests. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the proportion of incident TB cases that might have been detected earlier than the actual date of diagnosis if a test more sensitive than smear microscopy had been used at an earlier presentation episode. METHOD: Retrospective cohort study in urban Peru, investigating health care facility interactions for symptoms suggestive of TB prior to TB diagnosis through patient interviews and a review of clinical records. RESULTS: Of 212 participants enrolled, 58% had one or more clinical interactions prior to their diagnostic episode. Of those with a prior episode, the median number of episodes was three. The median delay to diagnosis from first presentation was 26 days. CONCLUSION: There are clear missed opportunities for earlier TB diagnosis, delaying treatment initiation and continued spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to the community. The implementation of sensitive diagnostic tests appropriate to resource-poor settings should be given high priority
- …
