Browsing School of Science, Engineering and Health by Title
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Jethro, S Johnson; Opiyo, Monica N; Thomson, Marian; Karim, Gharbi; Andreas, Heger; Chapman, Karen E (The Journal of Endocrinology, December , 2016)
[more][less]Abstract: 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. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/2965 Files in this item: 1
11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1.pdf (1.269Mb) -
Johnson, Jethro S; Opiyo, Monica N; Thomson, Marian; Gharbi, Karim; Seckl, Jonathan R; Heger, Andreas; Chapman, Karen E (Journal of Endocrinology, 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: 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. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3978 Files in this item: 1
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Wambua, Anthony; Maake, Benard (IST-Africa Institute and IIMC, May , 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: Student engagement is an overarching problem in the learning context that instructors continue to grapple with. Several attempts that utilize features within the Learning Management Systems (LMSs) have been made to increase student engagement and motivation for online courses. This paper presents the findings of the adoption of completion tracking and conditional activities to enhance engagement in Moodle, a leading LMS. To investigate the effectiveness and the potential of completion tracking and conditional activities in enhancing engagement, data was collected from 90 students across four courses, further Moodle logs were examined. The research findings indicate completion tracking and conditional activities significantly increase learner engagement in online classes. These findings have significant implications on instructors conducting online classes and the development of student engagement for online courses. The present research fulfills the need to study how completion tracking and conditional activities features can be used to enhance learner engagement in Moodle LMS. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3994 Files in this item: 1
Adopting Course Completion Tracking.pdf (553.7Kb) -
Ngure, Veronica; Sitati, Noah; Shisia, Silvanus; Kinuthia, Geoffrey (Journal of Natural Sciences Research, January , 2015)[more][less]
Abstract: Elevated levels of metals due to anthropogenic activities are a cause of environmental concern because of their effects on human health. Eldoret Municipality, in Kenya, is one of the fastest growing municipalities with both industrial and agricultural developments. The study aimed at determining the concentration of five elements namely zinc (Zn), lead (Pd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) in five sample sites within the municipality and established the possible health risks in the residents. Measured concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu and Cd in surface horizon soils were used to estimate the geochemical load indices and their spatial distribution. Four soil samples were collected monthly from each sample site on the same farms totaling 200 soil samples. The samples were dried, ground and sieved for metal digestion using varied acids in the laboratory and analysis was done against metal standards using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Only Cd concentration (0.0286mg/kg) in all sites was above the recommended unpolluted soils. Epidemiological data were obtained from the residents and hospitals to establish associated health risks. Determination of metals’ combined effects using multivariate Principal Component Analysis showed that varying concentrations of Zn and Pb tended to increase incidences of cancer, hypertension and stroke. Metals Zn, Pb and Cu concentrations correlated with development of cardiovascular diseases. Awareness rising to residents of Eldoret Municipality on high Cd concentration in the soil and use of alternative forms of fertilizers and related chemicals with low Cd content is recommended. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3977 Files in this item: 1
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Kiarie, Martha; Collince, Odero O (ASIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, July 30, 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: Globally, diarrhoea disease is a major cause of morbidity among children under 5 years (under-fives). In Africa, there are 696 million cases of diarrhoea among under-fives every year. Diarrhoea accounted for about 4.7% of outpatient visits among under-fives in Kenya, a common observation in many developing countries. It appears that even with the well drummed up public health and maternal health programs among the developing countries, diarrheal infections continue to be a major challenge in the lives of children under five years. The object of this study was to examine the behavioral determinants of diarrhoea morbidity among children under 5 years. This was driven by observation of the challenges posed by diarrheal infections in the lives of young children in Migori county in Kenya. Study design involved a descriptive study where a questionnaire was used as the research instrument for data collection. A sample of 216 respondents was studied. Results: According to results, the behavioral factors associated with under five diarrhoea included hand washing with soap (p<0.001; food storage method (p<0.001); and heating stored food before feeding (p<0.001). Hand washing is important because it prevents transmission of infectious agents of diarrhoea after being in contact with excreta such as after changing babies’ nappies. In addition, leftover food can act as a breeding ground for bacteria since the food has been in contact with saliva and skin. There is a need for interventions that promote appropriate practices in food storage method and emphasize heating storage foods. In conclusion, the study emphasizes that hygiene practices should be encouraged, and intervention programmes should be implemented to create awareness on proper refuse and wastewater disposal. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4176 Files in this item: 1
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Kinuthia, Geoffrey K.; Lugalia, Reuben; Mwanyumba, Panuel J.; Ngeiywa, , Moses M.; Anjili, Christopher O.; Tonui, Willy K. (African Journal of Health Sciences, June , 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: A laboratory based study was designed to characterize 43 cryo-preserved Leishmania-like flagellates. These Leishmania-like flagellates were originally obtained from non-human hosts that included spiny mice (Acomys subspinosus), plated lizards (Gerrosaurus major) and sand flies of the Genus Sergentomyia caught at Masinga location, Machakos District in Kenya. Morphological features and isoenzyme banding patterns of the flagellates were studied. The isoenzyme markers which were used for isoenzyme electrophoresis included Malate dehydrogenase (MDH), Phosphoglucomutase (PGM), Glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI), Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), Malic enzyme (ME), 6 phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) and Mannose phosphate isomerase (MPI). The isoenzyme banding patterns of the flagellates’ lysates were compared with those of six WHO Leishmania reference strains and those of seven well characterized reference strains of Trypanosoma, Crithidia, Herpetomonas and Leptomonas species. The results showed that the morphological changes of the Leishmania-like flagellates in the growth medium were indistinguishable from those of Leishmania WHO reference strains used. The isoenzyme profiles of the flagellates were all distinguishable from the reference strains used except for isolate NLB-1236 from G. major which had an enzyme profile identical to that of L. tropica (NLB-305) in 6 enzymes (MDH, GPI, MPI, ME, PGM, and G6PD). The banding pattern of isolate NLB-1261 from A. subspinosus was indistinguishable from that of L. major (NLB-326) in 3 enzymes only (MDH, GPI and ME) while isolate NLB-1231 from A. subspinosus had an enzyme profile identical to those of L. tropica (NLB-305) and L. arabica (NLB-664) in six enzymes (MDH, GPI, ME, PGM, MPI, and 6PGD). More than 80% of the Leishmania-like flagellates had enzyme profiles indistinguishable from each other, in all the isoenzyme markers. The morphological traits of the flagellates suggested that they were Leishmania or strains closely related to Leishmania. Isoenzyme analysis suggested that Sergentomyia sand flies most likely feed on both lizards (reptiles) and rodents (mammals). There is need to carry further investigations on NLB-1236 (from plated lizards), NLB-1261 (from wild spiny mice) and NLB-1231 (from wild spiny mice). Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4003 Files in this item: 1
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Wambua, Anthony W.; Maake, Benard (International Journal of Software Engineering and Computer Systems, August , 2022)[more][less]
Abstract: Given the increased reliance on technology, Software Quality Assurance(SQA) has become a vital area in Software Engineering (SE). SQA practices require training, cost and often take more time than actual code writing. Owing to these requirements, software developers often ignore or partly implement SQA practices, leading to potentially poor quality software development. The goal of the study is to characterise SQA practices of software developers in Kenya. As such, quantitative empirical research was conducted. Seventy-seven (N=77) completed questionnaires were received and analysed to yield the required insights. The analysis of the findings indicates compliance with SQA practices. However, the research unearths concerns such as failure to comply with Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models as having the potential to lower the quality of software products. The assessment found that Unit testing was the most common type of software test. Based on the findings and literature, recommendations are made. The need to improve software engineering education and invest in software testing is underscored. The results can be generalised to most developing countries and used by software developers and trainers to identify areas in SQA that need strengthening Description: Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3891 Files in this item: 1
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Wegs, C; Creanga, AA; Galavotti, C; Wamalwa, E (Plos One, April 28, 2016)[more][less]
Abstract: Use of family planning (FP) is powerfully shaped by social and gender norms, including the perceived acceptability of FP and gender roles that limit women’s autonomy and restrict communication and decision-making between men and women. This study evaluated an intervention that catalyzed ongoing community dialogues about gender and FP in Siaya county, Nyanza Province, Kenya. Specifically, we explored the changes in perceived acceptability of FP, gender norms and use of FP. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4172 Files in this item: 1
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Wambua, Anthony; Wambugu, Geoffrey Mariga (I.J. Intelligent Systems and Applications, February , 2023)[more][less]
Abstract: Regression testing is carried out to ensure that software modifications do not introduce new potential bugs to the existing software. Existing test cases are applied in the testing, such test cases can run into thousands, and there is not much time to execute all of them. Test Case Prioritization (TCP) is a technique to order test cases so that the test cases potentially revealing more faults are performed first. With TCP being deemed an optimization problem, several metaheuristic nature-inspired algorithms such as Bat, Genetic, Ant colony, and Firefly algorithms have been proposed for TCP. These algorithms have been compared theoretically or based on a single metric. This study employed an experimental design to offer an in-depth comparison of bat and genetic algorithms for TCP. Unprioritized test cases and a brute-force approach were used for comparison. Average Percentage Fault Detection (APFD)- a popular metric, execution time and memory usage were used to evaluate the algorithms’ performance. The study underscored the importance of test case prioritization and established the superiority of the Genetic algorithm over the bat algorithm for TCP in APFD. No stark differences were recorded regarding memory usage and execution time for the two algorithms. Both algorithms seemed to scale well with the growth of test cases. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4203 Files in this item: 1
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Wamalwa, Emmanuel; Neyole, Edward; Poipoi, Moses; Ringera, William; Otomu, Geoffrey; Bitok, Monicah; Mbaluka, Rosemary (Open AIDS, November 13, 2015)[more][less]
Abstract: The male condom remains the single, most efficient and available technology to reduce sexual transmission of HIV as well as sexually transmitted infections. This study sought to establish condom use determinants and practices among people living with HIV (PLHIVs) in Kisii County, Kenya. We interviewed 340 PLHIVs and 6 health workers. Although most PLHIVs had correct knowledge and approved condoms as effective for HIV prevention, consistent use and condom use at last sex were notably low especially among PLHIVs aged 18 – 24, those who depended on remittances from kin as main source of income, as well as during sex with secondary and casual partners. This study notes that knowledge on various benefits of using condoms is associated with enhanced condom use practices. Non-disclosure of HIV status to secondary and casual partners remains a key barrier to condom use among PLHIVs Our observations highlight the need to further promote condom use among specific PLHIVs socio-demographic groups who continue to exhibit low condom use rates. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4174 Files in this item: 1
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Murimi, Mary W.; Moyeda-Carabaza, A F (Cambridge University Press, 2017)
[more][less]Abstract: Maternal and child health (MCH) consists of an interdependent reproductive system that collectively determines the survival of the mother during childbirth, and determines the health and survival of the child. This interdependency underscores the importance of appropriate and timely interventions during pregnancy through the first 1000 d at the minimum. The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) recommended the use of the continuum of care for the development of interventions by addressing all the stages of MCH. The purpose of the present paper is to review the factors that contributed to the attainment of the MDG 4 and MDG 5 by analysing the interventions conducted by the countries that achieved at least 5·0 and 5·5 %, respectively, and determine the level of their intervention based on the MCH conceptual framework. Out of the eighteen selected countries discussed, fifteen countries achieved their target for either MDG 4 or MDG 5 or both, while three countries did not achieve their target. The countries that were more likely to achieve their targets addressed the societal, underlying and direct causes, and implemented country wide policies. In contrast, the countries that did not succeed were more likely to address the direct causes with poor policy implementation. Understanding the motivation and limitations of the target population, including nutrition education and targeting behaviour change has the potential to result in sustainable MCH. This information has the potential to enlighten the policymakers as we progress to the sustainable development goals, specifically goals 2 and 3. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/2978 Files in this item: 1
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Otieno, Christopher Oyuech; Oboko, Robert Obwocha; Kahonge, Andrew Mwaura (Journal of Software Engineering and Applications, 2022)[more][less]
Abstract: This study aimed to develop a clinical Decision Support Model (DSM) which is software that provides physicians and other healthcare stakeholders with patient-specific assessments and recommendation in aiding clinical decision- making while discharging Breast cancer patient since the diagnostics and discharge problem is often overwhelming for a clinician to process at the point of care or in urgent situations. The model incorporates Breast cancer patient-specific data that are well-structured having been attained from a prestudy’s administered questionnaires and current evidence-based guidelines. Obtained dataset of the prestudy’s questionnaires is processed via data mining techniques to generate an optimal clinical decision tree classifier model which serves physicians in enhancing their decision-making process while discharging a breast cancer patient on basic cognitive processes involved in medical thinking hence new, better-formed, and superior outcomes. The model also improves the quality of assessments by constructing predictive discharging models from code attributes enabling timely detection of deterioration in the quality of health of a breast cancer patient upon discharge. The outcome of implementing this study is a decision support model that bridges the gap occasioned by less informed clinical Breast cancer discharge that is based merely on experts’ opinions which is insufficiently reinforced for better treatment outcomes. The reinforced discharge decision for better treatment outcomes is through timely deployment of the decision support model to work hand in hand with the expertise in deriving an integrative discharge decision and has been an agreed strategy to eliminate the foreseeable deteriorating quality of health for a discharged breast cancer patients and surging rates of mortality blamed on mistrusted discharge decisions. In this paper, we will discuss breast cancer clinical knowledge, data mining techniques, the classifying model accuracy, and the Python web-based decision support mod-el that predicts avoidable re-hospitalization of a breast cancer patient through an informed clinical discharging support model. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4042 https://www.scirp.org/pdf/jsea_2022072814415397.pdf Files in this item: 1
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Kiarie, Martha; Nzau, Anastasia; Ngumbi, Philip; Waithima, Abraham K.; Bowen, Michael; Nzunza, Rosemary; Ingonga, Johnstone; Ngure, Peter (International Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 2016)[more][less]
Abstract: Objective: To establish the level of knowledge, attitude, practices and beliefs related to kala azar among residents of Marigat sub - County, Baringo County. Methods: The sub-County is divided into 37 sub-locations and of these 8 herein referred to as villages were considered for this study. A total of 670 households were randomly drawn from the 8 villages, and this formed the sample population. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews of key informants. Results: The findings indicated that the respondents were well informed on kala azar; the cause and treatment. They also had favorable attitude toward the disease. They were aware that the disease was curable and sought treatment from health facilities as opposed to traditional alternatives. In seeking treatment, the residents were faced with challenges such as the long distance to health facilities, long period of treatment and the attendant cost of caring for a leishmaniasis patient. The respondents were aware that the disease was spread by an insect; however, they were not aware of preventive measures. Most live in destitute houses which predisposed them to the infective bite of the vector. Most of the respondents are not employed and the cost of treatment, in addition to attendant costs places a heavy economic burden on them. Conclusion: The results showed good awareness of leishmaniasis, positive attitude and practices among the respondents which are important attributes in community participation. These findings are quite encouraging to researchers planning control programs because such a community would be more receptive to suggested control measures. Description: Published Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3543 Files in this item: 1
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Gitonga, Myra O.; Wambua, Anthony W (CEDRED Publications, 2020)[more][less]
Abstract: eLearning can be defined as learning conducted via electronic media, or technology assisted learning typically over the Internet. It is an area that came into existence more than a decade ago and has then evolved slowly being introduced as part of technology assisted learning, especially in Kenya. First it has been integrated into a blended learning as both learners and teachers ensure pedagogy and proper use of tools. However, with the present pandemic of COVID-19, countries have been forced to close institutions of learning indefinitely. Education has a direct impact on sustainable development therefore learning needs to go on. So, it is on this basis that various learning tools have quickly been adapted with speed so that learning may progress. In Kenya, different university lecturers adopted several eLearning tools informally or formally. This paper investigates tools that are being used during this difficult period. Further, the effectiveness of the tools as far as the learners and field of study is concerned is investigated. Another objective was to find out the extent to which mobility devices were used for eLearning. Effectiveness is assessed using factors such as the satisfaction of the students in relation to the achievement of their learning objective is assessed. In addition, as this research seek to finds out eLearning tools that were applied it will relate effectiveness to how favorable the learner’s environment and infrastructure supported their application. Primary data was collected using online questionnaires to the learners and teachers using an online research tool. The scope covered a study of science and computing students in a private institution of higher learning in Kenya. A total of 48 students from the faculty of science of a private university participated in the research. The analysis of the effectiveness of eLearning Description: Book Chapter URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3810 Files in this item: 1
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Ngure, Peter; Kasili, S; Anjili, CO; Karanja, RM; Kaburi, J; Mwangi, M; Kinuthia, Geoffrey; Kiarie, Martha; Nzau, A; Kepha, S; Maniania, NK; Ndegwa, PN; Irungu, L; Ngumbi, MP (Health Sciences, December , 2015)[more][less]
Abstract: Leishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases that pose a threat to people in the endemic regions. In Africa, transmission is through the bite of an infected female phlebotomine sand fly. Disease control with chemotherapy is logistically difficult, toxic and expensive. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) hold great potential as alternative agent for the control of sandflies as demonstrated by their efficacy in recent laboratory experiments. The impressive results have merited testing of the effect of EPF on sand fly populations in their natural habitats. The aim of this study was to test the effect of EPF on sand fly populations on a small scale in a leishmania-endemic area in Kenya. Entomopathogenic fungi isolates were cultured on sabourand dextrose agar (SDA) in petri dishes and incubated at 22-280C. Conidia were produced on long white rice substrate and harvested by sifting the substrate through a 295 μm mesh size sieve and stored at 4-6 0C before being used in the experiments. Metarhizium anisopliae isolates were selected for use in the field after showing 76.8 and 100% mortality in laboratory bred target insects. 2.0 x 1014 of dry conidia of the fungus were introduced into ten termite mounds through the shafts using a modified foot pump in Rabai, Marigat area of Baringo County, Kenya. The site harbours both Phlebotomus martini and P. duboscqi leishmaniasis vectors. Sand fly densities, mycoses and survival after capture from the mounds were observed from week one post-treatment to week thirteen. Results indicate that the fungi in termite mounds caused three to ten-fold mortalities in the population of sand flies nine weeks after application. Longevity of sand flies collected from treated termite mounds was reduced to less than nine days after collection, whereas 90% of those from control mounds lived well over the nine days. Sand flies collected from the treated termite mounds during week nine had 100% mortality compared to 10.7% of those from the control mounds. Metarhizium anisopliae infection was observed in 42% of the sand fly cadavers collected from the treated termite mounds and 0% in the control group. From the findings of this study sand flies have shown to be susceptible to Metarhizium anipilae and can be controlled by the same. Further studies to determine the best methods for delivery and application in the diverse ecological settings of various leishmaniasis vectors are recommended. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4162 Files in this item: 1
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Electrophoretic Deposition of TiO2/Nb2O5 Composite Electrode Thin Films for Photovoltaic ApplicationNguu, John Njagi; Aduda, Bernard Odhiambo; Nyongesa, Francis Wanjala; Musembi, Robinson Juma (Electrophoretic Deposition of TiO2/Nb2O5 Composite Electrode Thin Films for Photovoltaic Application. Journal of Energy and Power Engineering 8 (2014) 757-764, April , 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: Nano sized powders of TiO2 (titanium dioxide) and Nb2O5 (Niobium (V) oxide) were used to fabricate TiO2/Nb2O5 composites thin films by EPD (electrophoretic deposition) technique. The metal oxide powders, together with magnesium nitrate hexahydrate pellets, were suspended in propan-2-ol inside an EPD cell. The electrodes, placed 1.2 cm apart, were partially immersed in the suspension and a DC potential applied across them. Key EPD process parameters, which include applied DC electric field, deposition time and solid concentration in suspension, were optimized through visual inspection and from UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer spectra. The highest (55%) transmittance was obtained for films with deposition time of 90 s, powder concentration of 0.01 g/40 mL, and 35 V DC (direct current) voltage. XRD micrographs confirmed that TiO2 and Nb2O5 particles were presented in the composite film. SEM (scanning electron microscope) micrographs of the composite electrode thin films showed that porous films of high quality with well controlled morphology were deposited by using the EPD technique. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3958 Files in this item: 1
Electrophoretic deposition.pdf (623.7Kb) -
Ayiro, Laban Peter; Sang, James K. (Emotional Intelligence – New Perspectives and Applications, 2012)
[more][less]Abstract: The notion of quality is hard to define precisely, especially in the context of tertiary education where institutions have broad autonomy to decide on their own visions and missions. Any statement about quality implies a certain relative measure against a common standard; in tertiary education, such a common standard does not exist. Various concepts have evolved to suit different contexts ranging from quality as a measure for excellence to quality as perfection, quality as value for money, quality as customer satisfaction, quality as fitness for purpose, and quality as transformation (in a learner) (SAUVCA 2002). Some institutions have adopted the International Standards Office (ISO) approach in some of their activities. Depending on the definition selected, quality implies a relative measure of inputs, processes, outputs or learning outcomes. Institutions, funders, and the public need some method for obtaining assurance that the institution is keeping its promises to its stakeholders. This is the primary goal of quality assurance. The leadership of the quality assurance directorates in universities has therefore come into sharp focus. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/2837 Files in this item: 1
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Odero, Collince; Kiarie, Martha (December 13, 2019)[more][less]
Abstract: Background :Globally, 2.5 billion cases of diarrhoea occur among under-fives every year. Diarrhoea, a major cause of morbidity accounts for over 70% of childhood diseases in Africa. In Kenya, diarrhoea is a major public health problem, listed amongst the leading causes of mortality and morbidity amongst under-fives. Objective: To determine the environmental factors associated with diarrhoea among children under 5 years in Migori County. Methodology: Quantitative approach was used where data collection involved a questionnaire. A total of 216 under- five children were sampled using multistage sampling technique. Analysis of data included generating descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square tests). Results: Findings revealed that the environmental factors including method of refuse disposal (p<0.001); latrine availability (p = 0.001); latrine type (p = 0.037);latrine sharing (p<0.001); source of drinking water (p = 0.009); water storage (p = 0.002); method of drawing water (p = 0.005); scooper cleaning (p<0.001); cleaning water container before refilling (p = 0.034); and drinking water treatment (p = 0.010)had an effect on the occurrence of diarrhea in under-five year old children. Discussions :A number of other environmental characteristics of mothers (or caregivers) of under-fives were found to be associated with diarrhoea in this study. Under five diarrhoea morbidity can be minimized if concerted efforts are made to improve waste disposal, increase latrine availability, reduce latrine sharing, improve drinking water source, treat drinking water, improve water storage and hygiene. Conclusion: The environmental determinants of diarrhoea morbidity identified should be addressed to prevent occurrence of diarrhoea disease among under-fives. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3953 Files in this item: 1
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Murimi, Mary W.; Kanyi, M; Mupfudze, T; Amin, M; Mbogori, T; Aldubayan, K (Journal of Education Nutrition and Behavior, September 3, 2016)
[more][less]Abstract: To examine systematically factors that contribute to the efficacy of nutrition education interventions in promoting behavior change for good health based on their stated objective. In a departure from previous reviews, the researchers investigated factors that lead to success of various types of interventions. Critical analysis of these factors constituted the outcome of this review. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/2960 Files in this item: 1
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Mbwayo, Anne; Kiarie, Martha; Ndegwa, Jacinta (SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, March , 2022)[more][less]
Abstract: Depression is a serious mental disease that affects both young and old people in the society. People who have gone through adverse life events are more likely to develop depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction, and worsen the affected person’s life situation and the depression. The objective of this study was to establish the factors related to depression among university students in Kenya. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted, where two Kenyan public universities were conveniently sampled. Experimental sample was obtained from one university and control sample from the other university. .The study data was collected using questionnaires and the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). The prevalence of depression was determined through proportions obtained from the data from the BDI at the different stages of the study. The findings revealed that interpersonal relationships were key in determining depression levels among the students. The study concluded that various factors are related to depression among university students which include age, year of study, expenditure, friendship, dependents, leadership and club membership. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3976 Files in this item: 1
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