ABSTRACT Mosquitoes are of high public health concern since they are significant disease vectors of different tropical and subtropical life-threatening diseases like malaria, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, zika virus and encephalitis. Use of synthetic insecticides for control of mosquitoes causes development of resistance in vector species and have negative effects to the environment and human. This study aimed to find alternative, effective tools against these vectors from plant essentia...
ABSTRACT The cut-flower industry is one of the fastest growing sub-sectors of the horticultural industry contributing significantly to the continued growth of Kenyan economy. Roses are the most popular cut-flowers world-wide. Rose flower production in Kenya faces significant challenges particularly with regard to pests and diseases. Crown gall disease caused by A. tumefaciens is one of the limiting factors in the production of roses. The disease is widespread in rose flower farms and nurserie...
ABSTRACT In Kenya, maize is a key cereal crop and a major staple food in most Kenyan families. Most maize farmers mainly apply nitrogenous and phosphorus fertilizers to improve on maize yields in the country and Nyamira County in particular. However, acreage yields have been declining yearly despite their use. Application of potassium (K) fertilizers in the region is limited yet it is the third major nutrient required by maize crop in large quantities for optimum growth and yields. Consequent...
ABSTRACT Typhoid fever is a major cause of human mortality throughout large areas of the world. Human typhoid occurs following the ingestion of the Salmonella typhi bacteria, mostly found in contaminated water, animal products or close association with an infected individual. This study aimed to investigate the major factors contributing to the persistent attacks by typhoid fever among people of Mwea region. In addition, the study also aimed at investigating the microbial load of the water an...
ABSTRACT Carotenoids are a group of naturally occurring phytochemicals, many of which are important in human nutrition and health. In particular, lycopene and its analogues may have potent antioxidant properties to protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress and free radicals, and thus contribute to enhancement of immune functions of the body. These antioxidants may also prevent damage to cells and DNA, as well as stimulate the repair of oxidative damage to DNA. Diets rich in these p...
ABSTRACT Lake Victoria is the main source of water in Homa Bay town as well as the surrounding community. Increase in population in the resent past has led to intensified human activities with a possible compromise on the sanitation standards around the town consequently resulting into increased fecal load to the lake through fecal pollution. Increased fecal contamination of the lake has consequently led to an increase in pathogenic microorganisms including waterborne enteric viruses. These v...
ABSTRACT Heavy metal pollution is among the leading health concerns all over the world because of their long-term cumulative effects. Consumption of food crops contaminated with heavy metals is a major food chain route for human exposure. Khat (Catha edulis forsk), a plant used as a stimulant is grown in certain areas of East Africa and the Arab Peninsula. In Kenya, it is cultivated in Embu and Meru counties and distributed to consumers in other counties who include young children. Due to inc...
ABSTRACT Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) are vectors of Animal African Trypanosomiasis and Human African Trypanosomiasis. Two approaches have been used to combat the diseases: parasite and vector control. Parasitic control by trypanocidal drugs has so far failed due to problems of availability, toxicity and resistance development. Vector control by use of insecticides is ineffective. Trapping using baits have been relatively successful, except among pastoralists. Integration of repellants and at...
ABSTRACT Pollution of water resources due to the increasing growth in industrialization continues to pose a great challenge to the rapidly growing population. Textile industries are among the principal polluters of surface water. The development of these textile industries has resulted in severe water pollution due to discharge of dye wastewaters to natural water courses. This laboratory scale study was aimed at establishing an eco-friendly wastewater treatment method dubbed electrocoagulati...
ABSTRACT Trigonometry topics are very important in mathematics education as trigonometric functions have many applications in fields such as adverse physics, mechanical and electrical engineering, music, astronomy and biology. Any challenges encountered by students in learning affect overall performance in the subject. The purpose of the study was to determine the pedagogical factors affecting learning of the topic in secondary schools and recommendation made. The objectives of the study were...
ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB), an ancient scourge of humanity known for several thousands of years, is still a main public health challenge in many countries today even though some progress has been made recently in curbing the disease. Deferred diagnosis, poor treatment regimens and fatality qualify drug-resistant and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB). Unlike other bacterial pathogens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis lacks plasmid mediated mechanisms of resistance. Drug resistance in M. tub...
ABSTRACT Various diseases and injuries are always presented with pain, fever and inflammation. These are considered as symptoms associated with various pathological processes in an animal body. Drugs that are used to alleviate pain, fever and inflammation such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exhibit adverse effects for example cardiac abnormalities, peptic ulcers, liver toxicity and kidney failure. Therefore, there is need to come up with alternative remedies. Herbal medicines are de...
ABSTRACT Radioactive elements are found everywhere in the environment. Detectable amounts occur naturally in soil, rocks, water, air and vegetation and may be ingested if they enter the food chain, or, inhaled. Inhaled and ingested radionuclides lead to internal exposure. In addition, humans also receive external exposure due to the radioactive materials located outside the body. Primordial radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K are the main sources of external radiation exposure to the general pu...
Abstract The problem of estimating the parameters of Poisson-Exponential distribution under progressive type-I interval censoring is considered. Previously, researchers have considered maximum likelihood estimation under the progressive type-I interval censoring scheme for various distribution, but no research has considered Poisson-Exponential. Poisson-Exponential is a two-parameter lifetime distribution having an increasing hazard function. It has been applied in complementary risks problem...
ABSTRACT Acetaminophen is amongst the most widely used over the counter analgesic and antipyretic agent. Its acceptance is attributed to its efficacy and a high safety margin. An oral dose of 325-650 mg/kg is recommended for use. However, over dosage is responsible to half of the reported cases of acute liver failure. So there is need to explore on alternative therapy as the current treatment using N-acetyl cysteine is encountered with severe side effects such as seizures, intracranial hypote...