Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Discipline
Institution
Keyword
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type
File Type

Articles 799801 - 799830 of 5158728

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Creating The Experience: Engaging Millennials In Museums With A Focus On Jewish Millennials And Museums, Sarah G. Drozda Dec 2021

Creating The Experience: Engaging Millennials In Museums With A Focus On Jewish Millennials And Museums, Sarah G. Drozda

Museum Studies Theses

In this research, I explore two main ideas: The relationship that millennials have with museums and what programming excites them into coming back to the museum. To do this, I did a background review of the motivations and passions of the millennial generation, as well as various programming that have engaged millennials in museums. As someone who is a millennial and passionate about Jewish museums and Jewish engagement, I focused my research on how museums can help to bring Jewish millennials closer to their heritage, culture, and Jewish identity. A good segment of Jewish millennials is not drawn to traditional …

Go to article

An Investigation Into The Feasibility Of Streamlining Language Sample Analysis Through Computer-Automated Transcription And Scoring, Carly Fox Dec 2021

An Investigation Into The Feasibility Of Streamlining Language Sample Analysis Through Computer-Automated Transcription And Scoring, Carly Fox

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of the study was to investigate the feasibility of streamlining the transcription and scoring portion of language sample analysis (LSA) through computer-automation. LSA is a gold-standard procedure for examining childrens’ language abilities that is underutilized by speech language pathologists due to its time-consuming nature. To decrease the time associated with the process, the accuracy of transcripts produced automatically with Google Cloud Speech and the accuracy of scores generated by a hard-coded scoring function called the Literate Language Use in Narrative Analysis (LLUNA) were evaluated. A collection of narrative transcripts and audio recordings of narrative samples were selected to …

Go to article

Field Evaluation Of A New Third Generation Push-Pull Technology For Control Of Striga Weed, Stemborers, And Fall Armyworm In Western Kenya, Duncan Cheruiyot, Frank Chidawanyika, Charles A.O. Midega, Jimmy O. Pittchar, John A. Pickett, Zeyaur R. Khan Dec 2021

Field Evaluation Of A New Third Generation Push-Pull Technology For Control Of Striga Weed, Stemborers, And Fall Armyworm In Western Kenya, Duncan Cheruiyot, Frank Chidawanyika, Charles A.O. Midega, Jimmy O. Pittchar, John A. Pickett, Zeyaur R. Khan

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Production of cereal crops in sub-Saharan Africa is threatened by parasitic striga weeds and attack by stemborers and the invasive fall armyworm (FAW), compounded by increasing hot and dry conditions. A climate-smart push-pull technology (PPT) significantly reduces effects of these biotic challenges. To improve further resilience of the system to climate change, more adapted and suitable companion plants were identified and integrated in a new version of PPT, termed 'third generation PPT'. Our study evaluates field performance and farmer opinions of this new version in comparison with the earlier version, climate-smart PPT, and farmers' own practices of growing maize in …

Go to article

Occurrence, Diversity And Distribution Of Trypanosoma Infections In Cattle Around The Akagera National Park, Rwanda, S. Richard Gashururu, Ndichu Maingi, Samuel M. Githigia, Methode N. Gasana, Peter O. Odhiambo, Dennis O. Getange, Richard Habimana, Giuliano Cecchi, Weining Zhao, James Gashumba, Joel L. Bargul, Daniel K. Masiga Dec 2021

Occurrence, Diversity And Distribution Of Trypanosoma Infections In Cattle Around The Akagera National Park, Rwanda, S. Richard Gashururu, Ndichu Maingi, Samuel M. Githigia, Methode N. Gasana, Peter O. Odhiambo, Dennis O. Getange, Richard Habimana, Giuliano Cecchi, Weining Zhao, James Gashumba, Joel L. Bargul, Daniel K. Masiga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background African Trypanosomiases threaten the life of both humans and animals. Trypanosomes are transmitted by tsetse and other biting flies. In Rwanda, the African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) endemic area is mainly around the tsetse-infested Akagera National Park (NP). The study aimed to identify Trypanosoma species circulating in cattle, their genetic diversity and distribution around the Akagera NP. Methodology A cross-sectional study was carried out in four districts, where 1,037 cattle blood samples were collected. The presence of trypanosomes was determined by microscopy, immunolog-ical rapid test VerY Diag and PCR coupled with High-Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis. A parametric test (ANOVA) was …

Go to article

Temperature-Dependent Modelling And Spatial Prediction Reveal Suitable Geographical Areas For Deployment Of Two Metarhizium Anisopliae Isolates For Tuta Absoluta Management, Ayaovi Agbessenou, Komivi S. Akutse, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Sospeter W. Wekesa, Fathiya M. Khamis Dec 2021

Temperature-Dependent Modelling And Spatial Prediction Reveal Suitable Geographical Areas For Deployment Of Two Metarhizium Anisopliae Isolates For Tuta Absoluta Management, Ayaovi Agbessenou, Komivi S. Akutse, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Sospeter W. Wekesa, Fathiya M. Khamis

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Tuta absoluta is one of the most devastating pests of Solanaceae crops in Africa. We previously demonstrated the efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae isolates ICIPE 18, ICIPE 20 and ICIPE 665 against adult T. absoluta. However, adequate strain selection and accurate spatial prediction are fundamental to optimize their efficacy and formulations before field deployment. This study therefore assessed the thermotolerance, conidial yield and virulence (between 15 and 35 °C) of these potent isolates. Over 90% of conidia germinated at 20, 25 and 30 °C while no germination occurred at 15 °C. Growth of the three isolates occurred at all temperatures, but …

Go to article

Molecular Prevalence And Risk Factors Associated With Tick-Borne Pathogens In Cattle In Western Kenya, Tatenda Chiuya, Jandouwe Villinger, Daniel K. Masiga, Dickens O. Ondifu, Maurice K. Murungi, Lillian Wambua, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Eric M. Fèvre, Laura C. Falzon Dec 2021

Molecular Prevalence And Risk Factors Associated With Tick-Borne Pathogens In Cattle In Western Kenya, Tatenda Chiuya, Jandouwe Villinger, Daniel K. Masiga, Dickens O. Ondifu, Maurice K. Murungi, Lillian Wambua, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Eric M. Fèvre, Laura C. Falzon

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are of global importance, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where they represent a major constraint to livestock production. Their association with human disease is also increasingly recognized, signalling their zoonotic importance. It is therefore crucial to investigate TBPs prevalence in livestock populations and the factors associated with their presence. We set out to identify TBPs present in cattle and to determine associated risk factors in western Kenya, where smallholder livestock production is important for subsistence and market-driven income. Results: Tick-borne pathogen infections in blood samples collected from cattle at livestock markets and slaughterhouses between May 2017 and …

Go to article

Satellite-Based Modelling Of Potential Tsetse (Glossina Pallidipes) Breeding And Foraging Sites Using Teneral And Non-Teneral Fly Occurrence Data, Stella Gachoki, Thomas Groen, Anton Vrieling, Michael Okal, Andrew Skidmore, Daniel Masiga Dec 2021

Satellite-Based Modelling Of Potential Tsetse (Glossina Pallidipes) Breeding And Foraging Sites Using Teneral And Non-Teneral Fly Occurrence Data, Stella Gachoki, Thomas Groen, Anton Vrieling, Michael Okal, Andrew Skidmore, Daniel Masiga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: African trypanosomiasis, which is mainly transmitted by tsetse flies (Glossina spp.), is a threat to public health and a significant hindrance to animal production. Tools that can reduce tsetse densities and interrupt disease transmission exist, but their large-scale deployment is limited by high implementation costs. This is in part limited by the absence of knowledge of breeding sites and dispersal data, and tools that can predict these in the absence of ground-truthing. Methods: In Kenya, tsetse collections were carried out in 261 randomized points within Shimba Hills National Reserve (SHNR) and villages up to 5 km from the reserve …

Go to article

Global Overview Of Locusts As Food, Feed And Other Uses, J. P. Egonyu, S. Subramanian, C. M. Tanga, T. Dubois, S. Ekesi, S. Kelemu Dec 2021

Global Overview Of Locusts As Food, Feed And Other Uses, J. P. Egonyu, S. Subramanian, C. M. Tanga, T. Dubois, S. Ekesi, S. Kelemu

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The term 'locusts' refers to insect species which can aggregate into migratory swarms that cause wide-scale destruction of crops and pasture, causing significant effect to food security. This review assesses the potential of harnessing locust swarms for beneficial uses. Among 21 known locusts, ~10 species have been traditionally consumed by humans or fed to animals for millennia in 65 countries. Their nutritional composition is comparable or superior to that of conventional meat. However, insecticide residues, microbial contaminants and allergens may compromise their safety. Some countries have developed regulations on edible insects, locusts inclusive. Safe and efficient harvest of locusts could …

Go to article

Distribution And Mating Type Characterization Of Chickpea Blight (Didymella Rabiei (Kov.) V. Arx) In Ethiopia, Gezahegne Getaneh, Tadele Tefera, Fikre Lemessa, Seid Ahmed, Jandouwe Villinger Dec 2021

Distribution And Mating Type Characterization Of Chickpea Blight (Didymella Rabiei (Kov.) V. Arx) In Ethiopia, Gezahegne Getaneh, Tadele Tefera, Fikre Lemessa, Seid Ahmed, Jandouwe Villinger

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

We have assessed the distribution and mating type of chickpea blight (Didymella rabiei (Kov.) v. Arx) from a total of 350 and 272 fields in major chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) growing areas of Ethiopia for two consecutive cropping seasons 2017 and 2018, respectively. The prevalence of D. rabiei was 20 % for the year 2017 and 7% for 2018. Severity range of 2−9 and incidence of 10–100 % were recorded for both seasons in only 7–20 % of the assed fields. Field prevalence of 2017 and 2018 seasons were significantly different (df = 31; p < 0.001 and df = 31; p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, the disease prevalence of both seasons was significantly different (df = 31; p < 0.001). The disease prevalence ratio frequency was highly deviated from (1:1) for both seasons (X2 = 213.62 p= <0.001; X2 = 144.36 p = 0.01). Genomic DNA of Representative samples were extracted from single spore culture and Mating type 1 (MAT1-1) specific primer SP21, Mating type 2 (MAT1-2) specific primer Tail 5, and a flanking region-specific primer Com1 assay were multiplexed in a single PCR reaction to determine the occurrence of D. rabiei mating type in Ethiopia. Out of 156 samples, only 15 samples were positive to MAT1-1 (∼10 %) with the ratio of 9:1. MAT 1−2 type was the most dominant and possibly the asexual reproduction of D. rabiei is the major type in Ethiopia. The result is important for Ascochyta blight management in breeding strategy.

Go to article

The Dilemma Of Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus Maximus): A Valued Pasture Grass And A Highly Invasive Species, Aaron C. Rhodes, Robert M. Plowes, John A. Goolsby, John F. Gaskin, Boaz Musyoka, Paul André Calatayud, Massimo Cristofaro, Eric D. Grahmann, Dino J. Martins, Lawrence E. Gilbert Dec 2021

The Dilemma Of Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus Maximus): A Valued Pasture Grass And A Highly Invasive Species, Aaron C. Rhodes, Robert M. Plowes, John A. Goolsby, John F. Gaskin, Boaz Musyoka, Paul André Calatayud, Massimo Cristofaro, Eric D. Grahmann, Dino J. Martins, Lawrence E. Gilbert

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

On a global scale, invasive grasses threaten biodiversity and ecosystem function. Nevertheless, the importation of forage grasses is a significant economic force driven by globalization. Pastureland and rangeland are of critical economic and ecological importance, but novel grass species may lead to invasion. Recognizing that economically important species can also be ecologically damaging creates a contentious debate for land managers, policymakers, and ecologists alike. Many Afrotropical perennial grass species have been intentionally introduced pantropically given their high forage production and resistance to stress. However, these traits may also confer competitive ability, increasing the possibility of unintended escape and invasion. Further, …

Go to article

Mating Behaviour, Mate Choice And Female Resistance In The Bean Flower Thrips (Megalurothrips Sjostedti), Adeyemi O. Akinyemi, Sevgan Subramanian, David K. Mfuti, Tom W. Pope, Amanuel Tamiru, William D.J. Kirk Dec 2021

Mating Behaviour, Mate Choice And Female Resistance In The Bean Flower Thrips (Megalurothrips Sjostedti), Adeyemi O. Akinyemi, Sevgan Subramanian, David K. Mfuti, Tom W. Pope, Amanuel Tamiru, William D.J. Kirk

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Many species of thrips (Thysanoptera) in the family Thripidae form mating aggregations, but the adaptive significance of these aggregations and the extent of male and female mate choice is poorly understood. We studied the mating behaviour of the bean flower thrips Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), which forms male aggregations and occurs across sub-Saharan Africa. We tested whether males choose mates by female age or mating status. No-choice mating bioassays with one male and one female were used to simulate the way males usually encounter only one female at a time in aggregations in the field. Virgin females violently resisted …

Go to article

Root Exudate Chemical Cues Of An Invasive Plant Modulate Oviposition Behavior And Survivorship Of A Malaria Mosquito Vector, Trizah K. Milugo, David P. Tchouassi, Reginald A. Kavishe, Rhoel R. Dinglasan, Baldwyn Torto Dec 2021

Root Exudate Chemical Cues Of An Invasive Plant Modulate Oviposition Behavior And Survivorship Of A Malaria Mosquito Vector, Trizah K. Milugo, David P. Tchouassi, Reginald A. Kavishe, Rhoel R. Dinglasan, Baldwyn Torto

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Gravid female Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes identify suitable oviposition sites through a repertoire of cues, but the influence of allelochemicals, especially root phytochemicals in modulating this behavior and impacting subsequent progeny bionomics remains unexplored. We addressed these questions in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae and its invasive host plant Parthenium hysterophorus. Using chemical analysis combined with laboratory behavioral assays, we demonstrate that a blend of terpenes, namely α-pinene, α-phellandrene, β-phellandrene, 3-carene and (E)-caryophyllene emitted from P. hysterophorus root exudate treated-water attracted gravid females. However, fewer eggs (55%) hatched in this treatment than in control water (66%). The sesquiterpene lactone parthenin, identified …

Go to article

Feasibility Of Implementing Recommendations To Improve Neglected Tropical Diseases Surveillance And Response In Kenya: A Modified Delphi Study, Arthur K.S. Ng’Etich, Kuku Voyi, Clifford M. Mutero Dec 2021

Feasibility Of Implementing Recommendations To Improve Neglected Tropical Diseases Surveillance And Response In Kenya: A Modified Delphi Study, Arthur K.S. Ng’Etich, Kuku Voyi, Clifford M. Mutero

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Effective health information systems (HIS) are critical towards achieving timely response to preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs) and their eventual elimination. Strengthened HIS enable prompt case detection and effective response to halt disease transmission and prevent probable outbreaks. This study aimed to assess the importance and feasibility of implementing recommendations for improving surveillance core functions, support functions and surveillance attributes concerning PC-NTDs in Kenya. Methods: A descriptive web-based Delphi process comprising of two survey rounds was used to achieve group consensus on the importance of recommended actions and feasibility of their implementation. In the first round, participants were …

Go to article

An Update On The Distribution Of Glossina (Tsetse Flies) At The Wildlife-Human-Livestock Interface Of Akagera National Park, Rwanda, Richard S. Gashururu, Samuel M. Githigia, Methode N. Gasana, Richard Habimana, Ndichu Maingi, Giuliano Cecchi, Massimo Paone, Weining Zhao, Daniel K. Masiga, James Gashumba Dec 2021

An Update On The Distribution Of Glossina (Tsetse Flies) At The Wildlife-Human-Livestock Interface Of Akagera National Park, Rwanda, Richard S. Gashururu, Samuel M. Githigia, Methode N. Gasana, Richard Habimana, Ndichu Maingi, Giuliano Cecchi, Massimo Paone, Weining Zhao, Daniel K. Masiga, James Gashumba

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Glossina (tsetse flies) biologically transmit trypanosomes that infect both humans and animals. Knowledge of their distribution patterns is a key element to better understand the transmission dynamics of trypanosomosis. Tsetse distribution in Rwanda has not been well enough documented, and little is known on their current distribution. This study determined the current spatial distribution, abundance, diversity, and seasonal variations of tsetse flies in and around the Akagera National Park. Methods: A longitudinal stratified sampling following the seasons was used. Biconical traps were deployed in 55 sites for 6 consecutive days of each study month from May 2018 to June …

Go to article

Calibration Of The Spearpesticides Bioindicator For Cost-Effective Pesticide Monitoring In East African Streams, Akbar A. Ganatra, Faith Jebiwot Kandie, Ulrike Fillinger, Francis Mcodimba, Baldwyn Torto, Werner Brack, Matthias Liess, Henner Hollert, Jeremias M. Becker Dec 2021

Calibration Of The Spearpesticides Bioindicator For Cost-Effective Pesticide Monitoring In East African Streams, Akbar A. Ganatra, Faith Jebiwot Kandie, Ulrike Fillinger, Francis Mcodimba, Baldwyn Torto, Werner Brack, Matthias Liess, Henner Hollert, Jeremias M. Becker

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Pesticides are washed from agricultural fields into adjacent streams, where even short-term exposure causes long-term ecological damage. Detecting pesticide pollution in streams thus requires the expensive monitoring of peak concentrations during run-off events. Alternatively, exposure and ecological effects can be assessed using the SPEARpesticides bioindicator that quantifies pesticide-related changes in the macroinvertebrate community composition. SPEARpesticides has been developed in Central Europe and validated in other parts of Europe, Australia and South America; here we investigated its performance in East African streams. Results: With minimal adaptations of the SPEARpesticdes index, we successfully characterized pesticide pollution in 13 streams located in …

Go to article

Pest Interceptions On Imported Fresh Fruits Into South Africa, Livhuwani R. Nnzeru, Phumudzo P. Tshikhudo, Bester T. Mudereri, Moleseng C. Moshobane Dec 2021

Pest Interceptions On Imported Fresh Fruits Into South Africa, Livhuwani R. Nnzeru, Phumudzo P. Tshikhudo, Bester T. Mudereri, Moleseng C. Moshobane

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Global trade through imports and exports of commodities brings an excessive risk of accidental introduction of invasive alien species in many countries. South Africa imports a range of fresh fruits and other commodities to complement its local production. Despite the substantial impacts of these invasive alien species, relatively little is known about the pathways and origins by which these organisms arrive in South Africa. In this study, we analyzed the susceptibility of South Africa to introduced plant-feeding pests detected from imported consignments of fresh fruits into the country over 10 years between 2009 and 2018. The analysis was conducted from …

Go to article

2021 Taxonomic Update Of Phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), Including The Large Orders Bunyavirales And Mononegavirales, Jens H. Kuhn, Scott Adkins, Bernard R. Agwanda, Rim Al Kubrusli, Sergey V. Alkhovsky, Gaya K. Amarasinghe, Tatjana Avšič-Županc, María A. Ayllón, Justin Bahl, Anne Balkema-Buschmann, Matthew J. Ballinger, Christopher F. Basler, Sina Bavari, Martin Beer, Nicolas Bejerman, Andrew J. Bennett, Dennis A. Bente, Éric Bergeron, Brian H. Bird, Carol D. Blair, Kim R. Blasdell, Dag Ragnar Blystad, Jamie Bojko, Wayne B. Borth, Steven Bradfute, Rachel Breyta, Thomas Briese, Paul A. Brown Dec 2021

2021 Taxonomic Update Of Phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), Including The Large Orders Bunyavirales And Mononegavirales, Jens H. Kuhn, Scott Adkins, Bernard R. Agwanda, Rim Al Kubrusli, Sergey V. Alkhovsky, Gaya K. Amarasinghe, Tatjana Avšič-Županc, María A. Ayllón, Justin Bahl, Anne Balkema-Buschmann, Matthew J. Ballinger, Christopher F. Basler, Sina Bavari, Martin Beer, Nicolas Bejerman, Andrew J. Bennett, Dennis A. Bente, Éric Bergeron, Brian H. Bird, Carol D. Blair, Kim R. Blasdell, Dag Ragnar Blystad, Jamie Bojko, Wayne B. Borth, Steven Bradfute, Rachel Breyta, Thomas Briese, Paul A. Brown

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

In March 2021, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. The phylum was expanded by four families (Aliusviridae, Crepuscuviridae, Myriaviridae, and Natareviridae), three subfamilies (Alpharhabdovirinae, Betarhabdovirinae, and Gammarhabdovirinae), 42 genera, and 200 species. Thirty-nine species were renamed and/or moved and seven species were abolished. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV.

Go to article

Immediate Impacts Of Covid-19 Measures On Bean Production, Distribution, And Food Security In Eastern Africa, Eileen Nchanji, Cosmas Kweyu Lutomia, David Karanja Dec 2021

Immediate Impacts Of Covid-19 Measures On Bean Production, Distribution, And Food Security In Eastern Africa, Eileen Nchanji, Cosmas Kweyu Lutomia, David Karanja

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The outbreak of coronavirus was expected to adversely affect African countries more than any other region in the world. This assertion was based on the existing conditions in sub-Saharan Africa that exposed the region to the dire consequences of the pandemic. Previously existing underlying conditions that affected the food system include a high dependence on trade for inputs supply, the adverse effects of climate change, crop pests and diseases, poverty, low input use, weak institutions and ineffective policies, and insecurity and conflicts. We collected data from farmers, aggregators, bean research coordinators, and urban and peri-urban consumers in five Eastern African …

Go to article

Genomic Analysis Reveals Independent Evolution Of Plasmodium Falciparum Populations In Ethiopia, Deriba Abera, Caleb K. Kibet, Teshome Degefa, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Joel L. Bargul, Lemu Golassa Dec 2021

Genomic Analysis Reveals Independent Evolution Of Plasmodium Falciparum Populations In Ethiopia, Deriba Abera, Caleb K. Kibet, Teshome Degefa, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Joel L. Bargul, Lemu Golassa

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Plasmodium falciparum parasite populations in Ethiopia have been experiencing local selective pressures from drugs and immunity, leading to evolutionary adaptation. However, there was a paucity of data on genomic characterization and evolutionary adaptations of P. falciparum isolates from the central area of Ethiopia. Methods: Whole-genome analysis of 25 P. falciparum isolates from central Ethiopia, specifically from West Arsi, were studied to determine their genetic diversity, population structures, and signatures of selection in known drug resistance alleles against global isolates from Cambodia, Thailand, DR Congo, and Malawi. Results: A total of 18,517 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in Ethiopian …

Go to article

Evaluation Of Health Surveillance System Attributes: The Case Of Neglected Tropical Diseases In Kenya, Arthur K.S. Ng’Etich, Kuku Voyi, Clifford M. Mutero Dec 2021

Evaluation Of Health Surveillance System Attributes: The Case Of Neglected Tropical Diseases In Kenya, Arthur K.S. Ng’Etich, Kuku Voyi, Clifford M. Mutero

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Control of preventive chemotherapy-targeted neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs) relies on strengthened health systems. Efficient health information systems provide an impetus to achieving the sustainable development goal aimed at ending PC-NTD epidemics. However, there is limited assessment of surveillance system functions linked to PC-NTDs and hinged on optimum performance of surveillance system attributes. The study aimed to evaluate surveillance system attributes based on healthcare workers’ perceptions in relation to PC-NTDs endemic in Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional health facility survey was used to purposively sample respondents involved in disease surveillance activities. Consenting respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed their perceptions …

Go to article

Water Immersion Tolerance By Larval Instars Of Stable Fly, Stomoxys Calcitrans, L1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) Impairs The Fitness Performance Of Their Subsequent Stages, Steve B.S. Baleba Dec 2021

Water Immersion Tolerance By Larval Instars Of Stable Fly, Stomoxys Calcitrans, L1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) Impairs The Fitness Performance Of Their Subsequent Stages, Steve B.S. Baleba

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: In holometabolous insects, environmental factors experienced in pre-imaginal life stages affect the life-history traits within that stage and can also influence subsequent life stages. Here, I assessed tolerance to water immersion by the larval instars of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae) and its impact on the life-history traits of their subsequent life stages. Results: After submerging the three larval instars of S. calcitrans in distilled water, I found that the first instar larvae remained active for longer as compared to the second and third instar larvae. Also, the first instar larvae took a longer period to …

Go to article

Ehrlichia Spp. Close To Ehrlichia Ruminantium, Ehrlichia Canis, And “Candidatus Ehrlichia Regneryi” Linked To Heartwater-Like Disease In Kenyan Camels (Camelus Dromedarius), Mario Younan, Daniel O. Ouso, Boku Bodha, Edward K. Keitany, Hezron O. Wesonga, Rinah Sitawa, Joshua Kimutai, Wilson Kuria, Wario Sori Sake, Nicholas Svitek, Tobias Landmann, Diba Dida Wako, Jandouwe Villinger Dec 2021

Ehrlichia Spp. Close To Ehrlichia Ruminantium, Ehrlichia Canis, And “Candidatus Ehrlichia Regneryi” Linked To Heartwater-Like Disease In Kenyan Camels (Camelus Dromedarius), Mario Younan, Daniel O. Ouso, Boku Bodha, Edward K. Keitany, Hezron O. Wesonga, Rinah Sitawa, Joshua Kimutai, Wilson Kuria, Wario Sori Sake, Nicholas Svitek, Tobias Landmann, Diba Dida Wako, Jandouwe Villinger

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

We present findings from an outbreak of a heartwater-like disease in camels that killed at least 2000 adult animals in Kenya in 2016. Clinical signs included excitability, head pressing, aimless wandering, recumbency, and fast breathing followed by death after about 4 days. The observed morbidity in one herd was 40% with an average mortality of 7.5% in animals that received early antibiotic treatments. In untreated adults, the case fatality rate reached 100%. Gross pathology showed pulmonary edema, pleural exudate, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, ascites, enlarged “cooked” liver, nephrosis, and blood in the abomasum and intestine. Using established PCR-based protocols for tick-borne pathogens, …

Go to article

Molecular Detection Of Leishmania Donovani, Leishmania Major, And Trypanosoma Species In Sergentomyia Squamipleuris Sand Flies From A Visceral Leishmaniasis Focus In Merti Sub-County, Eastern Kenya, Barrack O. Owino, Jackline Milkah Mwangi, Steve Kiplagat, Hannah Njiriku Mwangi, Johnstone M. Ingonga, Alphine Chebet, Philip M. Ngumbi, Jandouwe Villinger, Daniel K. Masiga, Damaris Matoke-Muhia Dec 2021

Molecular Detection Of Leishmania Donovani, Leishmania Major, And Trypanosoma Species In Sergentomyia Squamipleuris Sand Flies From A Visceral Leishmaniasis Focus In Merti Sub-County, Eastern Kenya, Barrack O. Owino, Jackline Milkah Mwangi, Steve Kiplagat, Hannah Njiriku Mwangi, Johnstone M. Ingonga, Alphine Chebet, Philip M. Ngumbi, Jandouwe Villinger, Daniel K. Masiga, Damaris Matoke-Muhia

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) are of public health concern in Merti sub-County, Kenya, but epidemiological data on transmission, vector abundance, distribution, and reservoir hosts remain limited. To better understand the disease and inform control measures to reduce transmission, we investigated the abundance and distribution of sand fly species responsible for Leishmania transmission in the sub-County and their blood-meal hosts. Methods: We conducted an entomological survey in five villages with reported cases of VL in Merti sub-County, Kenya, using CDC miniature light traps and castor oil sticky papers. Sand flies were dissected and identified to the …

Go to article

Climate Change And Specialty Coffee Potential In Ethiopia, Abel Chemura, Bester Tawona Mudereri, Amsalu Woldie Yalew, Christoph Gornott Dec 2021

Climate Change And Specialty Coffee Potential In Ethiopia, Abel Chemura, Bester Tawona Mudereri, Amsalu Woldie Yalew, Christoph Gornott

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Current climate change impact studies on coffee have not considered impact on coffee typicities that depend on local microclimatic, topographic and soil characteristics. Thus, this study aims to provide a quantitative risk assessment of the impact of climate change on suitability of five premium specialty coffees in Ethiopia. We implement an ensemble model of three machine learning algorithms to predict current and future (2030s, 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) suitability for each specialty coffee under four Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs). Results show that the importance of variables determining coffee suitability in the combined model is different from those for specialty coffees …

Go to article

Mitogenomic Analysis Of Diversity Of Key Whitefly Pests In Kenya And Its Implication To Their Sustainable Management, Fathiya M. Khamis, Fidelis L.O. Ombura, Inusa J. Ajene, Komivi S. Akutse, Sevgan Subramanian, Samira A. Mohamed, Thomas Dubois, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Sunday Ekesi Dec 2021

Mitogenomic Analysis Of Diversity Of Key Whitefly Pests In Kenya And Its Implication To Their Sustainable Management, Fathiya M. Khamis, Fidelis L.O. Ombura, Inusa J. Ajene, Komivi S. Akutse, Sevgan Subramanian, Samira A. Mohamed, Thomas Dubois, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Sunday Ekesi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are devastating agricultural pests of economic importance vectoring pathogenic plant viruses. Knowledge on their diversity and distribution in Kenya is scanty, limiting development of effective sustainable management strategies. The present study is aimed at identifying whitefly pest species present in Kenya across different agroecological zones and establish predictive models for the most abundant species in Africa. Whiteflies were sampled in Kenya from key crops known to be severely infested and identified using 16S rRNA markers and complete mitochondrial genomes. Four whitefly species were identified: Aleyrodes proletella, Aleurodicus dispersus, Bemisia afer and Trialeurodesvaporariorum, the latter being the most …

Go to article

Assessment Of Surveillance Core And Support Functions Regarding Neglected Tropical Diseases In Kenya, Arthur K.S. Ng’Etich, Kuku Voyi, Clifford M. Mutero Dec 2021

Assessment Of Surveillance Core And Support Functions Regarding Neglected Tropical Diseases In Kenya, Arthur K.S. Ng’Etich, Kuku Voyi, Clifford M. Mutero

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Effective surveillance and response systems are vital to achievement of disease control and elimination goals. Kenya adopted the revised guidelines of the integrated disease surveillance and response system in 2012. Previous assessments of surveillance system core and support functions in Africa are limited to notifiable diseases with minimal attention given to neglected tropical diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy (PC-NTDs). The study aimed to assess surveillance system core and support functions relating to PC-NTDs in Kenya. Methods: A mixed method cross-sectional survey was adapted involving 192 health facility workers, 50 community-level health workers and 44 sub-national level health personnel. Data …

Go to article

Insect Flower-Visitors Of African Oil Palm Elaeis Guineensis At Different Sites And Distances From Natural Vegetation In Uganda, James Peter Egonyu, Stephen Erisa Sisye, John Baguma, Milton Otema, Gabriel Ddamulira Dec 2021

Insect Flower-Visitors Of African Oil Palm Elaeis Guineensis At Different Sites And Distances From Natural Vegetation In Uganda, James Peter Egonyu, Stephen Erisa Sisye, John Baguma, Milton Otema, Gabriel Ddamulira

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

This survey aimed at generating information to guide improvement of oil palm fruit-set in Uganda by testing the hypothesis that diversity and abundance of oil palm insect flower-visitors were influenced by sampling site, distance from natural vegetation and flower sex. Sampling was done on male and female oil palm flowers from (i) five oil palm experimental fields in different districts and (ii) oil palm plantations on Bugala Island on Lake Victoria. The plantations on Bugala Island were subdivided into near (0–15 m) and far (100–200 m) from natural vegetation. We recorded 162,677 insects in 23 morpho-species, dominated by weevils in …

Go to article

Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis Of Trypanosoma Brucei In Tsetse Fly Vector, Kennedy W. Mwangi, Rosaline W. Macharia, Joel L. Bargul Dec 2021

Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis Of Trypanosoma Brucei In Tsetse Fly Vector, Kennedy W. Mwangi, Rosaline W. Macharia, Joel L. Bargul

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Trypanosoma brucei species are motile protozoan parasites that are cyclically transmitted by tsetse fly (genus Glossina) causing human sleeping sickness and nagana in livestock in sub-Saharan Africa. African trypanosomes display digenetic life cycle stages in the tsetse fly vector and in their mammalian host. Experimental work on insect-stage trypanosomes is challenging because of the difficulty in setting up successful in vitro cultures. Therefore, there is limited knowledge on the trypanosome biology during its development in the tsetse fly. Consequently, this limits the development of new strategies for blocking parasite transmission in the tsetse fly. Methods: In this study, RNA-Seq …

Go to article

Transcriptomic Response Of Anopheles Gambiae Sensu Stricto Mosquito Larvae To Curry Tree (Murraya Koenigii) Phytochemicals, Clarence M. Mang’Era, Fathiya M. Khamis, Erick O. Awuoche, Ahmed Hassanali, Fidelis Levi Odhiambo Ombura, Paul O. Mireji Dec 2021

Transcriptomic Response Of Anopheles Gambiae Sensu Stricto Mosquito Larvae To Curry Tree (Murraya Koenigii) Phytochemicals, Clarence M. Mang’Era, Fathiya M. Khamis, Erick O. Awuoche, Ahmed Hassanali, Fidelis Levi Odhiambo Ombura, Paul O. Mireji

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Insect growth regulators (IGRs) can control insect vector populations by disrupting growth and development in juvenile stages of the vectors. We previously identified and described the curry tree (Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng) phytochemical leaf extract composition (neplanocin A, 3-(1-naphthyl)-l-alanine, lumiflavine, terezine C, agelaspongin and murrayazolinol), which disrupted growth and development in Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquito larvae by inducing morphogenetic abnormalities, reducing locomotion and delaying pupation in the mosquito. Here, we attempted to establish the transcriptional process in the larvae that underpins these phenotypes in the mosquito. Methods: We first exposed third-fourth instar larvae of the mosquito to the …

Go to article

Plant Nutrient Quality Impacts Survival And Reproductive Fitness Of The Dengue Vector Aedes Aegypti, Vincent Odhiambo Nyasembe, David Poumo Tchouassi, Martha Njeri Muturi, Christian W.W. Pirk, Catherine L. Sole, Baldwyn Torto Dec 2021

Plant Nutrient Quality Impacts Survival And Reproductive Fitness Of The Dengue Vector Aedes Aegypti, Vincent Odhiambo Nyasembe, David Poumo Tchouassi, Martha Njeri Muturi, Christian W.W. Pirk, Catherine L. Sole, Baldwyn Torto

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: In a recent study using DNA barcoding, we identified the plants fed upon by four Afro-tropical mosquito species that vector dengue, malaria, and Rift Valley fever. Herein, we have expanded on this study by investigating the role of three of the plants, Pithecellobium dulce (Fabaceae), Leonotis nepetifolia (Lamiaceae), and Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae), on the survival, fecundity, and egg viability of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti. Methods: We tested these effects using females that received (i) an initial three rations of blood meals and (ii) no blood meal at all. Two controls were included: age-matched females fed on glucose solution …

Go to article

First Prev Next Last