Pedagogical Factors Affecting Integration of Computers in Mathematics Instruction in Secondary Schools in Kenya

The paper reports findings of a study which sought to examine the pedagogical factors that affect the integration of computers in mathematics instruction as perceived by teachers in secondary schools in Kenya. This study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A descriptive survey design was used for this study. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 200 teachers that was drawn independently and randomly from the stratum of secondary schools. Questionnaires, interview and observation schedules were used to collect data from respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics frequencies and percentages and inferential statistics including one way analysis of variance and regression analysis. The results indicate that mathematics teachers’ use of computer technology is significantly related to pedagogical factors such as knowledge and skills in computer, perceived usefulness, access to hardware and software and technical support and pedagogical routine practice. The study provides a basis upon which recommendations on appropriate remedies can be formulated to enhance the integration of computers in mathematics instruction by teachers. This also provides a guideline for the selection of sound instructional approaches in mathematics instruction in secondary schools. Keywords: ICT pedagogy, instructional software, mathematics classroom

Combination and monotherapy of Leishmania major infection in BALB/c mice using plant extracts and herbicides

Background & objectives: Leishmaniasis is a growing health problem in many parts of the world. Efforts to findnew chemotherapeutics for leishmaniasis remain a priority. This study was carried out to determine the effect ofcombination and monotherapies using plant extracts and herbicides on Leishmania major infection in BALB/cmice.Methods: The herbicides and saponin extract were purchased from Sigma. Roots of Plumbago capensis werecollected from Karura forest, Nairobi, Kenya. Plant extractions were done in KEMRI at Center for TraditionalMedicines and Drugs Research.Results: Lesion sizes after infection of BALB/c mice were similar in all the experimental groups till the onset oftherapeutic treatments (p >0.05). At 15 days post-treatment, significant differences (p < 0.05) were discerned inthe lesion sizes of the BALB/c mice in all the mono- and combined-treated groups. However, the combinedtherapies caused total elimination of the parasites from the lesions and significantly reduced parasite burden inliver and spleen compared to the untreated controls at the end of the experiment.Interpretation & conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that combination therapy using alternativeadministration of saponin, acriflavine, trifluralin and plumbagin is effective in treating L. major infection inmice. In this regard, an investigation into the efficacy of these combined therapies against other Leishmaniastrains should be explored further. Furthermore, studies with these combination therapies should be done onnon-human primates such as the vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops)

Revisiting the modified Baermann extraction method: extraction efficiency of Radopholus similis using different extraction materials

Open Access Article; 29 Sept 2021In order to determine the threat that plant-parasitic nematodes pose to crop production, it is essential to establish an accurate estimation of their presence. The extraction efficiency from soil, therefore, is a critical step in establishing disease pressures presented by nematodes or the conditions of soil health. To achieve high nematode extraction efficiency, various methods and modifications have been developed over time (Oostenbrink, 1954; Seinhorst, 1956; Harrison & Green, 1976; Viaene et al., 2021) with variations being introduced locally, depending on the availability or access to certain materials

Immunoglobulin heavy variable (IgHV) gene mutation and micro-RNA expression in Burkitt\u2019s lymphoma at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Western Kenya

Introduction: Burkitt\u2019s lymphoma (BL) is a virus associated childhood B-cell cancer common in Eastern Africa. Continued survival of B-cells in germinal centres depend on expression of high affinity immunoglobulins (Ig) to complementary antigens by somatic hypermutation of Ig genes. Cellular microRNAs, non-coding RNAs have been reported to play role in cell cycle regulation. Both viral antigen dependent mutation and micro-RNA expression maybe involved in BL pathogenesis. Objective: To describe immunoglobulin heavy variable (IgHV) rearrangement and micro-RNA expressions in BL tumours. Methods: Genomic DNA were extracted and purified from BL tissue blocks at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, before amplification using IgHV consensus primers and sequencing. The sequences were then aligned with germline alleles in IMGT/ V-QUEST\uae database. Total RNA extracted from tissue blocks and cell lines were used to determine relative expression of hsamiR-34a and hsa-miR-127. Results: In all tumours, allele alignment scores and number of mutations range were 89.2-93.2%, 15-24 respectively. The range of IgHV amino acid changes were higher in EBER-1+ (15-25) than EBER-1- (9-15). In MYC+ tumours, the relative expression were: hsa-miR-127(2.09);hsa-miR-34a (2.8) and MYC- hsa-miR-127 (1.2), hsa-miR-34a (1.0). Conclusion: B-cell in BL contained somatic mutated IgHV gene and upregulated cellular microRNAs with possible pathogenetic role(s)

Validity, reliability, and measurement invariance of an adapted short version of the HIV stigma scale among perinatally HIV infected adolescents at the Kenyan coast

Background: There is a dearth of instruments that have been developed and validated for use with children living with HIV under the age of 17 years in the Kenyan context. We examined the psychometric properties and measurement invariance of a short version of the Berger HIV stigma scale administered to perinatally HIV-infected adolescents in a rural setting on the Kenyan coast. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 201 perinatally HIV-infected adolescents aged 12-17 years between November 2017 and October 2018. A short version of the Berger HIV stigma scale (HSS-40) containing twelve items (HSS-12) covering the four dimensions of stigma was evaluated. The psychometric assessment included exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and multi-group CFA. Additionally, scale reliability was evaluated as internal consistency by calculating Cronbach\u27s alpha. Results: Evaluation of the reliability and construct validity of the HSS-12 indicated insufficient reliability on three of the four subscales. Consequently, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to identify problematic items and determine ways to enhance the scale\u27s reliability. Based on the EFA results, two items were dropped. The Swahili version of this new 10-item HIV stigma scale (HSS-10) demonstrated excellent internal consistency with a Cronbach alpha of 0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84-0.89). Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated that a unidimensional model best fitted the data. The HSS-10 presented a good fit (overall Comparative Fit Index = 0.976, Tucker Lewis Index = 0.969, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.040, Standardised Root Mean Residual = 0.045). Additionally, multi-group CFA indicated measurement invariance across gender and age groups at the strict invariance level as ΔCFI was ≤ 0.01. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the HSS-10 has good psychometric properties and is appropriate for evaluating HIV stigma among perinatally HIV-infected adolescents on the Kenyan coast. Further, study results support the unidimensional model and measurement invariance across gender and age groups of the HSS-10 measure

Market arrangements used by small scale bean farmers in Kenya: What needs to change for sustainable trade volumes?

Markets and marketing of common beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a major issue of concern to small scale farmers and other actors in the bean value chain in Kenya, particularly inconsistency in supplying sufficient volumes required for trade. This case study assessed market arrangements used by small scale farmers in the Lake Basin and Lower Eastern bean corridors of Kenya, to determine which markets work for rural producers and what changes are needed to produce and supply sufficient quantities for trade. Using exploratory research, data were collected through Focus Group Discussions with six farmer groups, representing a total of 1255 bean farmers; and key informant interviews with extension staff. The results indicated that 94% of the farmers produced beans before identifying buyers, while only 6% participated in group marketing. Though spot-market transactions with brokers and traders provided ready cash for the farmers, formal buyers were perceived to be more reliable, but difficult to find, and operated the stringent requirements, which were a barrier to entry. Based on the study findings, sustainable production and supply of sufficient volumes for trade should entail a transformation agenda at four levels of the value chain; namely intensification of production through pure stand models with greater use of certified high yielding varieties; stable price guarantees; market-driven research and extension service; and an enabling policy and business environment in the bean value chain. Further research is needed to pilot these changes in a case control study.Les march\ue9s et la commercialisation des haricots communs ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) constituent un sujet de pr\ue9occupation majeur pour les petites entreprises les agriculteurs et d\u2019autres acteurs de la cha\ueene de valeur du haricot au Kenya, en particulier les incoh\ue9rences dans l\u2019approvisionnement volumes suffisants requis pour le commerce. Cette \ue9tude de cas a \ue9valu\ue9 les accords de march\ue9 utilis\ue9s par les petites d\u2019agriculteurs dans les couloirs de haricots kenyans du bassin du lac et du Bas-Est, afin de d\ue9terminer les les march\ue9s fonctionnent pour les producteurs ruraux et quels changements sont n\ue9cessaires pour produire et fournir suffisamment quantit\ue9s pour le commerce. \uc0 l\u2019aide de recherches exploratoires, les donn\ue9es ont \ue9t\ue9 recueillies lors de discussions de groupe avec six groupes d\u2019agriculteurs, repr\ue9sentant un total de 1255 producteurs de haricots; et entretiens avec des informateurs cl\ue9s personnel de vulgarisation. Les r\ue9sultats ont montr\ue9 que 94% des agriculteurs produisaient des haricots avant d\u2019identifier acheteurs, alors que seulement 6% ont particip\ue9 au marketing de groupe. Bien que les transactions sur le march\ue9 au comptant avec des courtiers et les commer\ue7ants fournissaient de l\u2019argent disponible aux agriculteurs, les acheteurs formels \ue9taient per\ue7us comme plus fiables, mais difficile \ue0 trouver et appliquait les exigences strictes, qui constituaient une barri\ue8re \ue0 l\u2019entr\ue9e. Bas\ue9 sur r\ue9sultats de l\u2019\ue9tude, la production durable et la fourniture de volumes suffisants pour le commerce devraient impliquer une programme de transformation \ue0 quatre niveaux de la cha\ueene de valeur; \ue0 savoir l\u2019intensification de la production par mod\ue8les de peuplements purs utilisant davantage de vari\ue9t\ue9s certifi\ue9es \ue0 haut rendement; garanties de prix stables; ax\ue9 sur le march\ue9 service de recherche et de vulgarisation; et une politique favorable et un environnement commercial dans le haricot cha\ueene de valeur. Des recherches suppl\ue9mentaires sont n\ue9cessaires pour piloter ces changements dans une \ue9tude cas-t\ue9moins

SWOT analysis of the use of digital health technologies in primary health care in the Sub-Saharan African Region: a qualitative study

Background: In many health systems globally, digital health technologies (DHT) have become increasingly commonplace as a means of delivering primary care. COVID-19 has further increased the pace of this trend. While DHTs have been postulated to reduce inequalities, increase access, and strengthen health systems, how DHT implementation has been realised in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) healthcare environment remains to be further explored. Objective: To capture the multidisciplinary experiences of SSA experts and primary care healthcare providers using DHTs to explore the strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats regarding the implementation and use of DHTs in SSA primary care settings. Methods: A combination of qualitative approaches was adopted (i.e., online focus groups and semi-structured interviews), using an online platform. Participants were recruited through AfroPHC and researchers contact networks, using convenience sampling, and included if having experience with digital technologies in primary health care in SSA. Focus and interviews were conducted, respectively, in November 2021 and January-March 2022. Topic guides were used to cover relevant topics in the interviews and focus groups, using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) framework. Transcripts were compiled verbatim and systematically reviewed by two independent reviewers using thematic analysis to identify emerging themes. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist was used to ensure the study meets the recommended standards of qualitative data reporting. Results: Strengths of DHT use ranged from improving access to care, supporting the continuity of care, and increasing care satisfaction and trust, to greater collaboration, enabling safer decision-making, and hastening progress towards universal health coverage. Weaknesses included poor digital literacy, health inequalities, lack of human resources, inadequate training, lack of basic infrastructure and equipment, and poor coordination when implementing DHTs. DHTs were perceived as an opportunity to improve patient digital literacy, increase equity, promote more patient-centric design in upcoming DHTs, streamline healthcare resource expenditure, and provide a means to learn international best practices. Major threats identified include the lack of buy-in from both patients and providers, insufficient human resources and local capacity, inadequate governmental support, overly restrictive regulations, and a lack of focus on cybersecurity and means for patient data protection. Conclusions: The research highlights the complex challenges of implementing DHTs in the SSA context, as a fast-moving health delivery modality, as well as the need for multi-stakeholder involvement. Future research should explore the nuances of these findings across different technologies and settings in the SSA region, and its implications on health and health care equity, capitalising on mixed-methods research, including the use of real-world quantitative data to understand patient health needs. The promise of digital health will only be realised when informed by studies that incorporate patient perspective at every stage of the research cycle

Surveillance of malaria vector population density and biting behaviour in western Kenya

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a great public health burden and Africa suffers the largest share of malaria-attributed deaths. Despite control efforts targeting indoor malaria transmission, such as insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and deployment of indoor residual spraying, transmission of the parasite in western Kenya is still maintained. This study was carried out to determine the impact of ITNs on indoor vector densities and biting behaviour in western Kenya. METHODS: Indoor collection of adult mosquitoes was done monthly in six study sites in western Kenya using pyrethrum spray collections from 2012 to 2014. The rotator trap collections were done in July–August in 2013 and May–June in 2014. Mosquitoes were collected every 2 h between 18.00 and 08.00 h. Human behaviour study was conducted via questionnaire surveys. Species within Anopheles gambiae complex was differentiated by PCR and sporozoite infectivity was determined by ELISA. Species distribution was determined and bed net coverage in the study sites was recorded. RESULTS: During the study a total of 5,469 mosquito vectors were collected from both PSC and Rotator traps comprising 3,181 (58.2%) Anopheles gambiae and 2,288 (41.8%) Anopheles funestus. Compared to all the study sites, Rae had the highest density of An. gambiae with a mean of 1.2 (P < 0.001) while Kombewa had the highest density of An. funestus with a mean of 1.08 (P < 0.001). Marani had the lowest density of vectors with 0.06 An. gambiae and 0.17 An. funestus (P < 0.001). Among the 700 PCR confirmed An. gambiaes.l. individuals, An. gambiaes.s. accounted for 49% and An. arabiensis 51%. Over 50% of the study population stayed outdoors between 18.00 and 20.00 and 06.00 and 08.00 which was the time when highest densities of blood fed vectors were collected. Anopheles gambies.s. was the main malaria parasite vector in the highland sites and An. arabiensis in the lowland sites. Bed net ownership in 2012 averaged 87% across the study sites. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that mass distribution of ITNs has had a significant impact on vector densities, species distribution and sporozoite rate. However, shift of biting time poses significant threats to the current malaria vector control strategies which heavily rely on indoor controls

Metagenomic analysis of viruses associated with maize lethal necrosis in Kenya

Background: Maize lethal necrosis is caused by a synergistic co-infection of Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and a specific member of the Potyviridae, such as Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) or Johnson grass mosaic virus (JGMV). Typical maize lethal necrosis symptoms include severe yellowing and leaf drying from the edges. In Kenya, we detected plants showing typical and atypical symptoms. Both groups of plants often tested negative for SCMV by ELISA. Methods: We used next-generation sequencing to identify viruses associated to maize lethal necrosis in Kenya through a metagenomics analysis. Symptomatic and asymptomatic leaf samples were collected from maize and sorghum representing sixteen counties. Results: Complete and partial genomes were assembled for MCMV, SCMV, Maize streak virus (MSV) and Maize yellow dwarf virus-RMV (MYDV-RMV). These four viruses (MCMV, SCMV, MSV and MYDV-RMV) were found together in 30 of 68 samples. A geographic analysis showed that these viruses are widely distributed in Kenya. Phylogenetic analyses of nucleotide sequences showed that MCMV, MYDV-RMV and MSV are similar to isolates from East Africa and other parts of the world. Single nucleotide polymorphism, nucleotide and polyprotein sequence alignments identified three genetically distinct groups of SCMV in Kenya. Variation mapped to sequences at the border of NIb and the coat protein. Partial genome sequences were obtained for other four potyviruses and one polerovirus. Conclusion: Our results uncover the complexity of the maize lethal necrosis epidemic in Kenya. MCMV, SCMV, MSV and MYDV-RMV are widely distributed and infect both maize and sorghum. SCMV population in Kenya is diverse and consists of numerous strains that are genetically different to isolates from other parts of the world. Several potyviruses, and possibly poleroviruses, are also involved