Daystar University Publications

Permanent URI for this community

https://repository.daystar.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2827

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 1040

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 deficiency alters the gut microbiome response to Western diet
(The Journal of Endocrinology, 2016-12) Johnson, Jethro S.; Opiyo, Monica Naomi; Thomson, Marian; Karim, Gharbi; Andreas, Heger; Chapman, Karen E.
The enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) interconverts active glucocorticoids and their intrinsically inert 11-keto forms. The type 1 isozyme, 11β-HSD1, predominantly reactivates glucocorticoids in vivo and can also metabolise bile acids. 11β-HSD1-deficient mice show altered inflammatory responses and are protected against the adverse metabolic effects of a high-fat diet. However, the impact of 11β-HSD1 on the composition of the gut microbiome has not previously been investigated. We used high-throughput 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing to characterise the gut microbiome of 11β-HSD1-deficient and C57Bl/6 control mice, fed either a standard chow diet or a cholesterol- and fat-enriched ‘Western’ diet. 11β-HSD1 deficiency significantly altered the composition of the gut microbiome, and did so in a diet-specific manner. On a Western diet, 11β-HSD1 deficiency increased the relative abundance of the family Bacteroidaceae, and on a chow diet, it altered relative abundance of the family Prevotellaceae. Our results demonstrate that (i) genetic effects on host–microbiome interactions can depend upon diet and (ii) that alterations in the composition of the gut microbiome may contribute to the aspects of the metabolic and/or inflammatory phenotype observed with 11β-HSD1 deficiency.
12-month substance use disorders among first-year university students in Kenya
(PLoS ONE, 2023-11-27) Jaguga, Florence; Mathai, Muthoni; Ayuya, Caroline; Ongecha, Francisca; Musyoka, Catherine Mawia; Shah, Jasmit; Atwoli, Lukoye
Objectives The period of entry into university represents one of vulnerability to substance use for university students. The goal of this study is to document the 12-month prevalence of substance use disorders among first year university students in Kenya, and to test whether there is an association between substance use disorders and mental disorders. Methods This was a cross-sectional online survey conducted in 2019 and 2020 as part of the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) survey initiative. A total of 334 university students completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic characteristics of the participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between substance use disorder and mental disorders after adjusting for age and gender. Results The 12-month prevalence for alcohol use disorder was 3.3%, while the 12-month prevalence for other substance use disorder was 6.9%. Adjusting for age and gender, there was an association between any substance use disorder and major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar 1 disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, social anxiety disorder, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and non-suicidal self-injury. Conclusion These findings highlight the need to institute policies and interventions in universities in Kenya that address substance use disorders and comorbid mental disorders among first-year students.
The 21st Century Educated African Person and the Loss of Africans’ Educational Identity: Towards an Afro Education Model
(Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2013-03) Amukowa, Wycliffe; Ayuya, Caroline
Africa like other parts of the world strongly believes in the axiom of education per excellence, that is, African nations share in the vision of education as a pivot for social change and integrated development. However review of literature shows a discontent from some African scholars over the practice of Western formal education on the Continent of Africa. This discontent stems from the belief that Western formal education destroys Africa; resulting into the loss of Africans’ educational identity, underdevelopment, moral decadence and cultural erosion. Several concerns emerge in the light of this discontent: 1).What is Education? 2).Who is an educated person? 3) Who is responsible for Africans loss of educational identity? This paper engages a critical appraisal and review of this discontent with the intentions of arriving at an understanding of the 21st Key Words: Africa, Colonialism, Culture, Development, Education, European, Schooling Century educated African Person and proposes an educational model for Africa in this regard.
A Christian Approach to the Study of Language
(School of Communication, Daystar University, 2006) Oladipo, Rebecca
A Comparative Study on Effectiveness of Mindfulness Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and 12-Steps Model on Relapse Prevention Among Persons with Substance Use Disorder in Selected Rehabilitation Centers in Nairobi and Kajiado Counties in Kenya.
(African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2022) Anundo, Jacqueline A. ; Ayuya, Caroline; Ongaro, Kennedy
Abstract High relapse rates present significant challenges for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare effectiveness of mindfulness cognitive behaviour therapy (MCBT) and the 12-Steps model on relapse prevention among persons with SUD in selected rehabilitation centres in Kenya. Objectives of this study were to establish the baseline socio-demographic characteristics; types of substances abused and relapse rates from previous treatments; to compare post-discharge relapse performance of MCBT participants vs 12-Steps participants in selected rehabilitation centres in Kajiado and Nairobi Counties in Kenya. This study adopted quasi-experimental design targeting 96 rehabilitation centres, focusing on participants aged between 18 - 40 years. The study used a sample size of 120 participants from 6 rehabilitation centers. Purposive sampling was used to select the study sites while convenience sampling used to select participants. The rehabilitation centers were grouped into 3 experimental groups (MCBT) and 3 control groups (12-Steps). Data was collected through questionnaires and assessment tools consisting of a Socio-Demographic Questionnaire, Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Advance Warning of Relapse (AWARE) Questionnaire. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive, inferential statistics. The study found that age and religiosity were significant SUD relapse risk factors. Generally, both interventions, MCBT and 12-Steps model, were effective managing SUD, however, it was evident that MCBT had a higher success rate than 12-Steps model in preventing SUD relapse. It is, therefore, recommended that SUD rehabilitation institutions in the country begin adopting MCBT. The study also recommends that among the SUD rehabilitation institutions that opt to continue with the 12-Steps model, their counsellors should be given additional training on MCBT. Finally, religious leaders as well as other stakeholders need to work on destigmatizing addiction and encourage treatment for persons with SUD and especially females with substance use problems.
A Comparison of Transmittance of the Wastewater from Pan African Paper Mills (EA) Limited and River Nzoia Water in Kenya
(Discovery and Innovation, 2001) Achoka, J. D.
Colour (nuisance) chromophoric materials cause visible and negative impacts on water bodies. Coloured materials get into water via natural processes and industrial wastes. Visible colour is characterised by dominant wavelength (D/WL), purity and hue. These characteristics were determined by obtaining the luminous transmittance of wastewater from the kraft pulp and paper mills at Webuye and River Nzoia water samples using a spectrophotometer. The chromophoric materials in the samples were determined at original and adjusted (7.6) pH. It was found that the treated wastewater (DP) contained a higher content of chromophoric materials than both the untreated wastewater (BC) and River Nzoia water (WSC). Seasons did not seem to affect the content of chromophoric materials in treated wastewater as they did in untreated wastewater and River Nzoia water.
A comparison of two sample approaches to regression calibration for measurement error correction
(International Journal of Statistics and Applied Mathematics, 2023) Kamun, Samuel Joel; Nyakundi, Cornelious; Simwa, Richard Onyino
This study compares ways for improving regression calibration. This is a method for combining two samples in order to reduce measurement error and improve the relative efficiency of linear regression models. Since two or more samples are more likely than a single sample to accurately represent the population under study, two samples are used in regression calibration to produce a realistic picture of the actual population. In this investigation, we compared independent estimates derived from two samples using a weight equal to the reciprocal of the estimated sampling probability. The study also examined the estimations produced after combining the two datasets into one, and modified the weight of each sample unit accordingly. The most typical application of regression calibration methods is to account for bias in projected responses induced by measurement inaccuracies in variables. Because of its simplicity, this method is commonly utilized. The conditional expectation of the genuine response is estimated using regression calibration, given that the predictor variables are measured with error and the other covariates are assessed without error. Instead of the unknown genuine response, predictors are estimated and used to examine the link between response and result. Regression calibration programs necessitate extensive knowledge of unobservable true predictors. This information is frequently collected from validation studies that employ unbiased measurements of true predictors. The results of two sample strategies were employed and compared in this study. Device fault, laboratory mistake, human error, difficulty documenting or completing measurements, self-reported errors, and intrinsic vibrations of the underlying instrument can all cause measurement inaccuracies. Covariate measurement error has three consequences: In addition to obscuring data features and making graphical model analysis more difficult, estimates of statistical model parameters might be skewed, and effectiveness in detecting correlations between variables can be severely impaired. This study's two sampling procedures produced satisfactory results.
A Comparison Study of Success in Digital India Program with Kenya’s Leading Mobile Money Provider Safaricom
(International Journal of Computer Science Trends and Technology, 2019-02) Okemwa, Joshua Gisemba
Indian government launched campaign entitled digital India with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledgeable economy. It involves the creation of digital infrastructure, delivery of services digitally and digital literacy. It was meant to enhance development in India especially villages with rural set up. In the 21st century we are dependent on technology, we cannot imagine the world without mobile phones, internet, computer, machines among others. A number of schemes have been launched by the government to motivate the general public, to use technology in their day to day transaction e.g. online purchase, various ticket booking, video conferences in education field, recruitment sectors etc. Digital cashless economy is well advanced in India, i.e. there are enough apps and platforms that help pay digitally UPI, BHIM, AadhaarPay, Paytm, MobiKwik, HDFC PayZapp, SBI Buddy, PayU, Tez, besides credit cards and debit cards. These payment modes are simpler today than the earlier generation ones. The target set by committee in charge, for 2018 is twenty five billion, with half the year gone, less than a third of the total targeted transactions are via digital,. In this paper we will analyze the trend in selected months and recommend a way forward enhancing digitally cashless economy
A cross‑sectional study of antimicrobial use among self‑medicating COVID‑19 cases in Nyeri County, Kenya
(Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 2022) Ojakaa, David; Kimathi, George; Kiarie, Jackline; Njarambah, Lydiah; Onditi, Jorum
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nyeri County in Kenya was among the regions reporting a high number of confirmed cases. This exemplified the increased need of addressing potential antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and self-medication during disease outbreaks. This study examined the extent of self-medication with antimicrobials among COVID-19 confirmed cases in the County. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using phone-based interviews was conducted in August 2021 among a sample of 280 out of 2317 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the County using a pre-coded questionnaire. Descriptive analyses of frequencies and causal logistic regression were conducted using STATA version 13. Results: A total of 193 (68.9%) of the respondents indicated developing COVID-19 related symptoms-mainly cough (41.5%), headache (38.3%), and fatigue (34.7%). Over one-fifth (23.4%) of the respondents had self-medicated with antibiotics, 60.6% of whom did so at the onset of symptoms before the confirmatory test, and 51.5% self-medicating more than once. Common antibiotics used were Azithromycin (40.0%) and Amoxycilline (23.3%), with a considerable 21.7% having difficulty remembering the name of the drugs. Only half (50.4%) of the respondents (128/254) were aware of regulations towards self-medication with antibiotics. Age was the only socio-demographic variable significantly related to reduced self-medication, with older persons less likely to self-medicate. On the other hand, developing COVID-19 symptoms, awareness of COVID regulations, and appreciation of the need for self-medication awareness were related to increased self-medication. Conclusion: Being older, developing COVID-19 symptoms, and appreciating self-medication awareness have influential effects on the use of antimicrobials. Public health interventions should be timely during infectious disease outbreaks to prevent undesirable health-seeking behavior such as irrational antimicrobial use. AMR policies should enhance awareness of the risks of self-medication and address barriers that deter people from timely access of health services during disease outbreaks. Further research should be conducted on the self-medication and AMR nexus, especially during health emergencies.
A Dialectical Justification of Inclusion of Ignorance in the Definition of Education
(Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2013-10) Amukowa, Wycliffe; Ayuya, Caroline
This paper entertains the notion that without their opposites, things, and by extension, human thought would not exist. Without its opposite aspect, each thing or thought loses the condition for its existence. Without life, there would be no death; without death, there would be no life. Without "above", there would be no "below" without "below", there would be no "above". Without misfortune, there would be no fortune; without fortune, there would be no misfortune. Without facility, there would be no difficulty, without difficulty, there would be no facility. Without landlords, there would be no tenants; without tenants, there would be no landlords. A definition of a thing, entity or a concept necessarily implies its opposite. Reflected alongside this contradiction, education in which its definition bears transmission of knowledge cannot exclude ignorance, which implies the absence of knowledge. Without ignorance, there would be no knowledge, without knowledge, there would be no ignorance. It is the object of this paper to qualify ignorance as a dimension of education, hence its inclusion in the definition of education.
A Functional Approach to Educational Research Methods and Statistics: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches
(Edwin Mellen Press., 2012) Ayiro, Laban Peter
The book's most immediate value resides in helping the reader understand the research process. An engaging and informative text on educational research and statistics. This book teaches students how to utilize the outcomes of their research. It examines how studies are conducted across the major traditions of educational research (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods). The text is for graduate students who want to pursue statistics. The book fulfills a need for a systematic account of research concepts and the use of statistics for advanced students. The fact is that research involves interrelated activities. Educators practice research following a general sequence of procedures. This book is demarcated into sections that reflect each step in the process of doing a study.
A Mathematical Model for Multiple COVID-19 Waves Applied to Kenya
(2023-09) Ogana, Wandera; Juma, Victor Ogesa; Bulimo, Wallace D.; Chiteri, Vincent Nandwa
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in December 2019, prompted governments to implement non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to curb its spread. Despite these efforts and the discovery of vaccines and treatments, the disease continued to circulate globally, evolving into multiple waves, largely driven by emerging COVID-19 variants. Mathematical models have been very useful in understanding the dynamics of the pandemic. Mainly, their focus has been limited to individual waves without easy adaptability to multiple waves. In this study, we propose a compartmental model that can accommodate multiple waves, built on three fundamental concepts. Firstly, we consider the collective impact of all factors affecting COVID-19 and express their influence on the transmission rate through piecewise exponential-cum-constant functions of time. Secondly, we introduce techniques to model the fore sections of observed waves, that change infection curves with negative gradients to those with positive gradients, hence, generating new waves. Lastly, we implement a jump mechanism in the susceptible fraction, enabling further adjustments to align the model with observed infection curve. By applying this model to the Kenyan context, we successfully replicate all COVID-19 waves from March 2020 to January 2023. The identified change points align closely with the emergence of dominant COVID-19 variants, affirming their pivotal role in driving the waves. Furthermore, this adaptable approach can be extended to investigate any new COVID-19 variant or any other periodic infectious diseases, including influenza
A Model for the CD4 Cell Counts in an HIV/AIDS Patient and its Application in Treatment Interventions
(American Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2005) Simwa, Richard Onyino; Mugisha, Joseph Y. T
The number of CD4 white blood cells has been established as an important clinical marker of disease progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) for persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The number of CD4 cells per unit volume is expected to decrease with time since infection by the virus. However on introduction of treatment interventions, the process is expected to reverse with the counts increasing to return to the normal level. In this study we deduce that the count per unit volume of blood of an HIV/AIDS patient has a linear relationship with the time since infection during the short period of time immediately treatment usage begins. We show one application of the model in treatment selection strategy.
A multi-national validity analysis of the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24)
(Annals of the International Communication Association, 2019-04) Croucher,Stephen M. , Kelly, Stephanie , Rahmani, Diyako, Jackson, Kelsea ,Badenas, Flora Galy , Lando, Agnes, Chibita, Monica, Nyiranasbimana, Venantie , Turdubaeva, Elira, Eskiçorapçı, Nadirabegim , Condon, Shawn Michael, Stanalieva, Gulzada & Orunbekov, Bakyt
Methodological issues abound when conducting cross-cultural research. In this manuscript we discuss three methodological issues present in many cross-cultural communication studies: lack of geographic diversity, reliability, and validity. To explore these issues the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24) is assessed. The PRCA-24 serves as an exemplar of a US-designed and -validated measure frequently used outside the US without tests of validity or measurement invariance. In fact, since 1990 less than 10 studies have reported validity results, often citing fit issues. The PRCA-24 was administered to respondents from 11 countries and failed to yield acceptable fit statistics in all samples, showing poor construct validity. Implications for crosscultural research are discussed, with particular emphasis on recommendations for increased cross-cultural methodological rigor.
A Perception-Based View of Employees and Strategic Plan Implementation in Public Technical and Vocational Education Training Institutions in Kenya
(European Journal of Education Studies, 2019) Rono, Kipkirui Joseph; Bomet, Emily; Ayiro, Laban Peter
Despite the existence of strategic plans in public Technical and Vocational Education training institutions in Kenya, there seems to be a problem in the implementation process. This study therefore sought to investigate the influence of employees’ perception on strategic plan implementation in public Technical and Vocational Education training institutions (TVET) within Rift valley region, Kenya. The study was guided by the following hypothesis: Ho: There is no statistically significant difference between employee’s perception and strategy implementation in public TVET within Rift valley region, Kenya. Change Management theory supported the specific objectives of the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design using both qualitative and quantitative approach. The target population was 1255 employees in selected public TVET institutions; while a sample size of two hundred ninety four (294) respondents was drawn using purposive and stratified random sampling. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that employees perception based on their level of management and implementation of strategic plan were strongly positively related and significant. It accounted for 94.5% of the total variations in strategic plan implementation. The findings are expected to be of value to the management and decision makers to form a basis for improving implementation of strategic plans in higher education. The study revealed that there was a diversity in opinion between the top management and lower management on strategic plan implementation and thus calls for special attention to all employees so as to ensure successful implementation.
A Randomized Trial of Artemether-Lumefantrine and Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine In The Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria among Children in Western Kenya
(Malaria Journal, 2013) Onyango, Peter; McMorrow, Meredith; Otieno, Kephas; Agarwal, Aarti; Odero, Christopher; Williamson, John; Kariuki, Simon; Kachur, Stephen Patrick; Slutsker, Laurence; Desai, Meghna
Background: Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) was adopted as first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Kenya in 2006. Monitoring drug efficacy at regular intervals is essential to prevent unnecessary morbidity and mortality. The efficacy of AL and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) were evaluated for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children aged six to 59 months in western Kenya. Methods: From October 2010 to August 2011, children with fever or history of fever with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum mono-infection were enrolled in an in vivo efficacy trial in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The children were randomized to treatment with a three-day course of AL or DP and efficacy outcomes were measured at 28 and 42 days after treatment initiation. Results: A total of 137 children were enrolled in each treatment arm. There were no early treatment failures and all children except one had cleared parasites by day 3. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-uncorrected adequate clinical and parasitological response rate (ACPR) was 61% in the AL arm and 83% in the DP arm at day 28 (p = 0.001). PCR-corrected ACPR at day 28 was 97% in the AL group and 99% in the DP group, and it was 96% in both arms at day 42. Conclusions: AL and DP remain efficacious for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria among children in western Kenya. The longer half-life of piperaquine relative to lumefantrine may provide a prophylactic effect, accounting for the lower rate of re-infection in the first 28 days after treatment in the DP arm.
A Reflection on Big Data Business Analytics in Smart Cities
(International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2019-05) Okemwa, Joshua Gisemba; Emeline, Uwacu
Commercial activities are solely executed with an intention of return of investment. In smart cities business depend upon analytics to improve the extent of its operations. Business analytics refers to exploring the past business in order to gain facts. The intention is to identify new insight on related issues and facts on enhancing business. Big data characterized by data sets that are large, diverse and constantly changing they are complex to be processed by traditional processing applications. Smart cities concept is preserved for cities that use information and technology to improve the lives of its citizens by enhancing performance and quality of service delivery. Smart city are dependent upon data and analytics in most of their operations. With (BDBA) dependence on data to enhance return of investment (ROI), Smart cities provide best platform to facilitate availability of large volumes of data which can serve both purposes. In this paper we will reflect on the impact of big data business analytics (BDBA) in a smart cities and challenges arising from its application
A Reflection on the Role of Carbon Markets in Climate Governance in Kenya
(International Journal of Critical Accounting, 2018) Baimwera, Bernard; Wangombe, David
Carbon markets with international carbon offsets have been designed to channel carbon finance for climate change management to poor and developing countries. With the threat of climate change becoming more real and economically untenable, the global carbon markets have become a key response mechanism for mitigating climate change. However, the reasons given as to why carbon markets are good ways to respond to climate change do not explain why such markets have flourished as governance mechanisms in relation to climate. Moreover, carbon markets have not been easily accessible to poor and developing countries, which are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The extent to which these markets have benefited poor and developing countries, especially in Africa, has been put to question. Subsequent changes to carbon financial architecture by the Paris climate agreement is likely to have even more compounding effects for developing countries and the legal and policy frameworks they will adopt for their climate governance
A Review of Leishmaniasis in Eastern Africa.
(Elsevier, 2009-03) Ngure, Peter Kamau; Ng'ang'a, Zipporah W.; Rukunga, Geoffrey; Kimutai, Albert; Tonui, Willy K.
The review presents the epidemiology of leishmaniasis in the Eastern Africa region. We searched PUB MED and MEDLINE with several key words-namely, “leishmaniasis”;“cutaneous”, “diffuse cutaneous”, “mucosal”, and “visceral leishmaniasis”; “kala azar”, and “post kala azar dermal leishmaniasis”, -for recent clinical and basic science articles related to leishmaniasis in countries in the Eastern Africa region. Poverty, wars, conflicts and migration have significantly aggravated leishmaniases in Eastern Africa. Of particular concern is the increasing incidence of Leishmania-HIV co-infection in Ethiopia where 20∼40% of the persons affected by visceral leishmaniasis are HIV-co-infected. Sudan has the highest prevalence rate of post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis(PKDL) in the world, a skin complication of visceral leishmaniasis(VL) that mainly afflicts children below age ten. In view of its spread to previously non-endemic areas and an increase in imported cases, leishmaniasis in Eastern Africa should be considered a health emergency.
A Review of Relevant Literature on Development Communication and its Implications for Kenya
(International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2014-11) Aswani, Daniel Robert
This paper traces the evolution of development communication in terms of theoretical perspectives; approaches to development planning and what these perspectives portend for Kenya. Taking a Kuhnian position, the paper looks at the paradigmatic shifts in the field and explores learning points for a country eager to be industrialized by year 2030. The study takes a historical account of the development of the field and utilizes content analysis from vivid examples drawn from African countries and specifically from Kenya. The paper holds the view that the field has evolved for the better, dropping what has been falsified and adopting new paradigms. The new paradigms explain the failures of the preceding paradigm and explain development concepts in a coherent manner. This is a review of relevant literature on development communication.

Browse

Browsing Daystar University Publications by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options