The impact of conventional and organic farming on soil biodiversity conservation: a case study on termites in the long-term farming systems comparison trials in Kenya

A long-term experiment at two trial sites in Kenya has been on-going since 2007 to assess the effect of organic and conventional farming systems on productivity, profitability and sustainability. During these trials the presence of significant numbers of termites (Isoptera) was observed. Termites are major soil macrofauna and within literature they are either depict as ‘pests’ or as important indicator for environmental sustainability. The extent by which termites may be managed to avoid crop damage, but improve sustainability of farming systems is worthwhile to understand. Therefore, a study on termites was added to the long-term experiments in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to quantify the effect of organic (Org) and conventional (Conv) farming systems at two input levels (low and high) on the abundance, incidence, diversity and foraging activities of termites. The results showed higher termite abundance, incidence, activity and diversity in Org-High compared to Conv-High, Conv-Low and Org-Low. However, the termite presence in each system was also dependent on soil depth, trial site and cropping season. During the experiment, nine different termite genera were identified, that belong to three subfamilies: (i) Macrotermitinae (genera: Allodontotermes, Ancistrotermes, Macrotermes, Microtermes, Odontotermes and Pseudocanthotermes), (ii) Termitinae (Amitermes and Cubitermes) and (iii) Nasutitiermitinae (Trinervitermes). We hypothesize that the presence of termites within the different farming systems might be influenced by the types of input applied, the soil moisture content and the occurrence of natural enemies. Our findings further demonstrate that the organic high input system attracts termites, which are an important, and often beneficial, component of soil fauna. This further increases the potential of such systems in enhancing sustainable agricultural production in Kenya

Validation of three geolocation strategies for health-facility attendees for research and public health surveillance in a rural setting in western Kenya.

Understanding the spatial distribution of disease is critical for effective disease control. Where formal address networks do not exist, tracking spatial patterns of clinical disease is difficult. Geolocation strategies were tested at rural health facilities in western Kenya. Methods included geocoding residence by head of compound, participatory mapping and recording the self-reported nearest landmark. Geocoding was able to locate 72·9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 67·7-77·6] of individuals to within 250 m of the true compound location. The participatory mapping exercise was able to correctly locate 82·0% of compounds (95% CI 78·9-84·8) to a 2 × 2·5 km area with a 500 m buffer. The self-reported nearest landmark was able to locate 78·1% (95% CI 73·8-82·1) of compounds to the correct catchment area. These strategies tested provide options for quickly obtaining spatial information on individuals presenting at health facilities

Marshall University Music Department Presents a Guest Faculty Recital, Anyango Yarbo-Davenport, violin, Music for solo Violin!, 12 p.m.

https://mds.marshall.edu/music_perf/1208/thumbnail.jp

Review of the Kenya Tax Exemption Policy on Disability and Role of Family Caregivers

Persons with severe disabilities in Kenya face challenges in terms of engaging in economic activities and heavily rely on close relatives for assistance. Kenya tax exemption policies apply to individuals living with disabilities with incomes while disregarding family caregivers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine roles of family caregivers in the lives of individuals living with disabilities and the impact of introducing tax exemptions to caregivers. The theories that were used for this study were the policy feedback theory, which involves what happens after adopting a policy in terms of resources and interpretative effects, and the social justice theory, which involves equitable distribution of resources while recognizing diversity in society. The study involved using a phenomenological approach, with one research question involving the impact of introducing tax disability exemptions on caregivers of individuals living with disabilities. The research sample consisted of 17 working family caregivers of individuals living with severe disabilities in Nairobi, Kenya. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using qualitative analysis. Main themes of the study were financial support, social support, physical support, financial relief, improved welfare, and accessibility. Findings indicated that introducing the disability tax exemption to caregivers leads to financial relief, improved welfare, and accessibility. The study includes insights to aid positive social change through the government, policymakers, and implementing institutions in order to develop policies on disability tax exemption in Kenya that factor in caregivers

Investigation of the Active Site Maturation and Catalytic Mechanism of Nitrile Hydratases (NHase, E.C.4.2.1.84)

Nitrile hydratase (NHase, E.C.4.2.1.84) is a metalloenzyme that catalyzes the hydration of nitriles into their corresponding amide under ambient conditions. NHase enzymes contain either a non-heme Fe3+ ion or a non-corrin Co3+ ion in their active site. NHase enzymes have industrial applications as biocatalysts in the large-scale production of acrylamide and nicotinamide, though it’s catalytic and biochemical properties are not fully understood. This research project provides insight into the active site maturation process and catalytic mechanism of NHase using peptide model complexes, site-directed mutagenesis and synthesis of deuterated proteins.Insight into the sequential maturation of the NHase active site has been provided in chapter 2. An eight amino acid peptide mimic of the metal binding motif of PtNHase was prepared and the metal bound complexes were analyzed using optical, EPR and MCD spectroscopy. These metallopeptide mimics clearly revealed that the metal binds into the active site in a high spin divalent state, then the equitorial cysteine residues are oxidized and finally the metal ion is oxidized to the trivalent ion. In chapter 3, the catalytic role of the axial cysteine ligand was examined through site directed mutagenesis, optical spectroscopy, kinetic analysis and X-ray crystallography. The role of the activator protein and the metal ion in active site maturation process was examined by expressing NHase in the absence and presence of Co2+ and/or activator protein and then elucidated through X-ray crytallography and kinetic analysis. This investigation strongly supports the role of activator protein in metal ion insertion and the maturation of the active site in conjuction with the metal ion. The axial ligand has been shown to be necessary for catalysis and metal ion insertion. A neutron diffraction investigation into the protonation states of active site residues supports the fact that a large and well ordered protein crystal is key to full data set collection for neutron diffraction. PtNHase is stable in its perdeuterated and deuterated states and large crystals, that diffract X-ray to \u3e1.9 Å can be obtained. The perdeuterated protein has 60% activity of the wildtype and is able to grow into large crystals

A Model Of Nontraditional College Student Motivation And Success

Despite the increase in their college enrollment, nontraditional students in U.S. postsecondary institutions are less likely to stay in college until they earn their degree. What could explain nontraditional student high attrition rates and overall success beyond what their demographic characteristics reveal? The purpose of this study was to examine the role of achievement motivation in predicting nontraditional student college success using the expectancy-value theory (Eccles et al., 1983) and achievement goals theory (Dweck, 1986; Maehr, 1989; Nicholls, 1984). A Model of Nontraditional College Student Motivation and Success was tested using a sample of undergraduate students enrolled in various majors at a High Research Activity University. The model comprised of nontraditional student status, balance self-efficacy, subjective task value, and achievement goals as the independent variables. Success expectancies, intent to persist, and well-being perceptions were the dependent variables. A 77-item online survey was administered one month into the fall semester and was completed by 377 students. The survey data were analyzed using quantitative statistical methods including t-tests, correlations, and multiple regressions. Findings demonstrated that although nontraditional students exhibited higher odds of failure in college than traditional students, their motivation factors were more robust predictors of their college outcomes. Balance self-efficacy, performance-approach goals, mastery-approach goals, and utility value were positive predictors of nontraditional student success outcomes. These results have theoretical implications for further research on nontraditional student motivation and success, as well as practical implications for educators and practitioners who are looking for ways to enhance these students\u27 success in college

A Gendered Critique of Women in Peace and Conflict Situations in Africa

Many African nations have faced conflicts that have caused many deaths, loss of property and the displacement of the populations. Women always represent the majority of the refugees and internally displaced people after the occurrence of a conflict in Africa. In order to build peace in Africa, women must have an active role prior to and after conflicts just like men. In many peace-building processes, women have taken a back seat even though they are the most affected by conflicts. There are many challenges that prevent African women from participating in peace building processes including domestic roles of women, lack of resources, stereotypes against women, low levels of education, lack of empowerment among other challenges. Women in countries such as Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and many other African countries managed to organize themselves into groups in order to agitate for the peace of their countries. Many reforms in African countries are attributed to women; women’s groups ensured that there were constitutional changes that could recognize the rights of women. Women have been very successful in ensuring there is peace because they often taken moderate positions and ensure that the welfare of every citizen is protected. African women such as Liberian President have been recognized for their efforts in peace building. However, despite the efforts of many women in mediation, some women took up arms and joined men to go and fight against enemies. Some of the women willingly joined armed groups, but others were compelled to join these groups or face death. The paper looks at different conflicts that have occurred in Africa and the role of women in peace in such conflicts. In a detailed manner, the paper discusses challenges women face in the process of agitating for peace and proposes how these challenges can be overcome. Keywords: Women, Peace and Conflict, Afric

The influence of artificial intelligence on journalism: Exploring ethical considerations for Kenyan newsrooms

The 21st century is defined by rapid technological advancements, among which artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative force. AI\u27s integration into journalism has redefined traditional workflows, offering unprecedented automation, efficiency, and audience engagement opportunities. However, these advancements raise significant ethical concerns, including biases, transparency, accountability, and privacy. This study examines AI\u27s integration into journalism, focusing on Kenyan newsrooms Tuko News, Nation Media Group, and BBC to explore its impact on journalistic practices and ethics. Employing a qualitative approach, the research captures insights from journalists, editors, and technical staff, examining the specific AI tools in use, their impact, ethical challenges, and strategies for responsible integration. Findings reveal that while AI streamlines content creation, editing, and dissemination, its uneven adoption stems from gaps in training and localised tool customisation. Key ethical concerns, such as algorithmic bias and misrepresentation, highlight the need for robust editorial oversight and ethical frameworks. The study advocates for structured training, localised AI tools, and collaborative innovation to address these challenges. Newsrooms can leverage AI\u27s transformative potential while maintaining public trust by aligning AI technologies with journalistic values and ethical standards. These findings contribute to ongoing discussions about the intersections of technology, ethics, and journalism, providing actionable recommendations for sustainable AI integration in diverse contexts

Marshall University Music Department Presents a Guest Faculty Recital, Anyango Yarbo-Davenport, violin, An Evening of Music for Solo Violin, 8 p.m.

https://mds.marshall.edu/music_perf/1201/thumbnail.jp

Investigation of the challenges Ukrainian, Afghan, and Somali refugees and immigrants face in accessing the labour market in Norway

Master's thesis in Community Development and Social Innovation, VID Specialized University Stavanger, May , 2023(1) Background: In recent times, there has been increased attention on issues faced by refugees and immigrants in accessing the labour markets of their host countries. Most of these people face numerous challenges. The current study sought to examine the experiences refugees and immigrants face in interacting with Norway’s labour market; with the aim of identifying the main barriers that hinder their access to this market. The study used a sample of Ukrainian, Afghan, and Somali refugees to compare their experiences with regard to interaction with the Norwegian labour sector. (2) Methods: data for the study was collected through qualitative semi-structured interviews with 15 respondents residing in Bergen, Norway. Five respondents from each country: Afghanistan, Somalia, and Ukraine. Data was analysed using the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology which aims to examine how individuals make sense of important experiences in their lives. (3) Findings/ Results: The findings showed that refugees and immigrants from the three countries faced discrimination in accessing the labour market based on factors such as language proficiency, accent, name, appearance, religion/culture, nationality, education, gender, age, and family status. While all groups experienced discrimination based on education, language proficiency, accent, nationality, gender, and age; Ukrainians fared better in terms of appearance, name, religion/culture, and family status than Afghans and Somalis. Language proficiency and education were perceived as crucial factors in accessing the Norwegian labour market. Programs and activities run by the government and other humanitarian organizations are also shown to be crucial in helping immigrants and refugees integrate into Norway’s labour market. (4) Conclusions: The findings of the study highlight that there are structural and institutional factors that result in refugees and immigrants being discriminated against in their interaction with Norway’s labour market. From this and based on the institutional theory, the study recommends that it is necessary to disrupt the existing practices and norms and in so doing establish new institutional logics that are more welcoming and accepting for the immigrants and refugees. The specific recommendations are: Enhance language training efforts for refugees and immigrants; offer refugees and immigrants formal education; educate the general public on the importance of diversity and inclusivity; and introduce pertinent integration policy reforms Keywords: refugees and immigrants; integration, Norwegian labour market; interpretative phenomenological analysis; subjective experiences.submittedVersio