Family Determinants of Career Awareness among Students in Public Secondary Schools in Meru South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

The aim of this study was to investigate the family determinants of career awareness among students in public secondary schools in Meru South Sub County. Career awareness is a sign of one's level of democracy and personal freedom in determining their professional development. Career awareness equips learners with a holistic understanding of their talents, personality, interest and capability in preparation for their future endeavours.  Uncertainty drive students towards making wrong career choices and as result feel frustrated at a job they had never wished for. Despite the schools having career teachers and Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) providing career guidance, students portray unawareness on occupation matters. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 368 respondents comprising of 12 deans of studies, 12 guidance and counselling teachers,12 form three and 12 form four parents’ representatives, 8 principals and 312 form three and four students participated in the study. The study established that family determinants had an influence on the students’ career awareness, especially on the career information. The socioeconomic status of the parents, career path of the family, parental career advice and elder siblings were found to have a great influence on career awareness. However, parent’s level of education was of low significance on career awareness. Parents and guardians should be sensitized on the importance of career awareness to their children. KEY WORDS: Career, Career Awareness, Family Determinants, Attitude, Parental Factors, Structural Functionalism DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-33-05 Publication date: November 30th 202

Molecular Identification of Soil Bacteria by 16srDNA Sequence

In this current study, 16S rDNA (genotypic) identification technique is focused on identification of conventionally unidentifiable isolates those are unevaluated in isolated by employing molecular techniques and Bioinformatics in uploading and retrieving isolate gene sequences which are rapid, reliable and accurate in differentiation of various soils isolates. This study is an automaton of 16Sr DNA gene sequence that allows a queue comparison analysis of published sequences deposited in the microbial genome database was used. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 16SrDNA gene using the consensus bacterial primer and separation of the resulting polymer chain reaction amplicon  by cloning, temperature gradient electrophoresis are major ecological techniques that are used in the description of soil bacteria. The isolated gene was cloned using PTZ57r or T cloning Vector amplified using 16SF and 16SR primer transformed in DH5? Cells resulting PCs 16s Plasmid hybrid. The primer 16S F2 obtained from M13 forward primer was used and aligned using BLAST and submitted to EMBL+GENEBANK+DDBJ+ PDB. 99% similarity was observed and later it was analyzed with the existing sequence in ribosomal database project II.  RDP classifier was used for confirmation with 100 % similarity. The bacteria were identified as Burkholderia cenocepacia  when the  sequence was submitted and retrieved via the World Wide Web and new sequence compared with those held in the database  using the basic local alignment tool (BLAST). A segment of 734 out of 736 nucleotide of 16S rDNA gene of Burholderia Cenocepacia is the region of choice for primer construction because of proximity that provides a successful discrimination in strains of Burholderia Cenocepacia in soil. 16S rDNA gene account to 99%  similarity score in molecular typing and identification of bacteria which concerns deposition of sequences into established microbial genomic database Key Words: Burkholderi; Bacterial transformation; Characterization; DNA based technique

Morphological and Molecular Identification of the Causal Agent of Anthracnose Disease of Avocado in Kenya

Anthracnose disease of avocado contributes to a huge loss of avocado fruits due to postharvest rot in Kenya. The causal agent of this disease has not been clear but presumed to be Colletotrichum gloeosporioides as reported in other regions where avocado is grown. The fungus mainly infects fruits causing symptoms such as small blackish spots, “pepper spots,” and black spots with raised margin which coalesce as infection progresses. Due to economic losses associated with the disease and emerging information of other species of fungi as causal agents of the disease, this study was aimed at identifying causal agent(s) of the disease. A total of 80 fungal isolates were collected from diseased avocado fruits in Murang’a County, the main avocado growing region in Kenya. Forty-six isolates were morphologically identified as Colletotrichum spp. based on their cultural characteristics, mainly whitish, greyish, and creamish colour and cottony/velvety mycelia on the top side of the culture and greyish cream with concentric zonation on the reverse side. Their spores were straight with rounded end and nonseptate. Thirty-four isolates were identified as Pestalotiopsis spp. based on their cultural characteristics: whitish grey mycelium with black fruiting structure on the upper side and greyish black one on the lower side and septate spores with 3-4 septa and 2 or 3 appendages at one end. Further molecular studies using ITS indicated Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum boninense, and Pestalotiopsis microspora as the causal agents of anthracnose disease in avocado. However, with this being the first report, there is a need to conduct further studies to establish whether there is coinfection or any interaction thereof

Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Urinary Tract Infectious Bacteria and the Effect of Different Antibiotics

Introduction: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) defines a condition in which the urinary tract is infected with a pathogen causing inflammation which is a common, distressing and occasionally life threatening condition. UTI affects people of all  ages and both gender. In all patients with UTI are reported with asymptomatic bacteriuria. Female are more susceptible to  UTIs compared to  male. To ensure appropriate therapy, current knowledge of  the  organisms  that  cause  UTI  and  their  antibiotic  is  susceptibility is mandatory. Methods: This study focused on the frequency of uropathogens and  their antibiotic susceptibility in different gender in Madurai District. Cultural and biochemical characterization  of  uropathogens revealed  the  prevalence  of  both  gram-positive and gram-negative organisms Results: E. coli was the predominant isolate isolated from the urine specimen followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis. Among the antibiotics tested, chloraphenicol and ciprofloxacin (100%) were found to be effective for empirical treatment of UTI and has covered the majority of urinary pathogens followed by tetracycline,  gentamycin and kanamycin (83%), Ampicillin (67). Streptomycin, Rifampicin and amoxicillin were less effective (50%). Conclusion: Some of the isolates were resistant to penicillin-G, Streptomycin, rifampicin and amoxicillin which are more frequently prescribed and indicates that increased consumption of a particular antibiotic leads to acquisition of resistance by the uropathogens.   Resistance rates among common uropathogens continue to evolve and appear to be increasing too many commonly used antimicrobial agents and a continued surveillance of resistance rates among uropathogens is needed to ensure appropriate recommendations for the treatment of the urinary tract infections. Keywords: Urinary tract infection, Drug resistence, Uropathogens, Biochemical tests

PERCEPTIONS DES FEMMES ACCOUCHEES SUR L’ACCOUCHEMENT A DOMICILE DANS LA VILLE DE LUBUMBASHI: Cas de la Commune de Kampemba, Quartier Bongonga 2021

CONTEXT  Home births remain a global concern. Despite efforts to ban them, they are frequent and continue to claim many victims (3) the objectives of this study are to describe the socio-demographic profile, assess their knowledge of the risks, their perceptions, and determine the factors favoring home births in the Bongonga district. METHOD:  A qualitative study of phenomenological approach was  made for a period of one month on a population made up of women who gave birth at home. The data collection makes semi-structured interviews from an interview guide; data entered and encoded on Word, the analysis is the subject of an audition and transcription in theme. Then proceed to group the units of significance. By confronting similarities and contradictions, in order to identify free and imaginary variation and then achieve triangulation. RESULTS On 13 interview of women the result shows that the age of the women interviewed was 30 years old varying up to 43 years old. 6 out of 13 had given birth once at home; 4 out of 13 had given birth twice; 3 out of 13 had given birth 3 times at home. Their socio-demographic profile shows that 11 out of 13 were married, the major factors being the lack of money, occupation and the negligence of the care providers. CONCLUSION: The results of the qualitative study of phenomenological approach on home births is a real problem and women need help. However, they have a negative perception and remain optimistic about the resolution of the problem. Reproductive authorities needed to find lasting solutions to this situation.  CONTEXT  Home births remain a global concern. Despite efforts to ban them, they are frequent and continue to claim many victims (3) the objectives of this study are to describe the socio-demographic profile, assess their knowledge of the risks, their perceptions, and determine the factors favoring home births in the Bongonga district. METHOD:  A qualitative study of phenomenological approach was  made for a period of one month on a population made up of women who gave birth at home. The data collection makes semi-structured interviews from an interview guide; data entered and encoded on Word, the analysis is the subject of an audition and transcription in theme. Then proceed to group the units of significance. By confronting similarities and contradictions, in order to identify free and imaginary variation and then achieve triangulation. RESULTS On 13 interview of women the result shows that the age of the women interviewed was 30 years old varying up to 43 years old. 6 out of 13 had given birth once at home; 4 out of 13 had given birth twice; 3 out of 13 had given birth 3 times at home. Their socio-demographic profile shows that 11 out of 13 were married, the major factors being the lack of money, occupation and the negligence of the care providers. CONCLUSION: The results of the qualitative study of phenomenological approach on home births is a real problem and women need help. However, they have a negative perception and remain optimistic about the resolution of the problem. Reproductive authorities needed to find lasting solutions to this situation. &nbsp

Uganda's experience in Ebola virus disease outbreak preparedness, 2018-2019.

BACKGROUND: Since the declaration of the 10th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in DRC on 1st Aug 2018, several neighboring countries have been developing and implementing preparedness efforts to prevent EVD cross-border transmission to enable timely detection, investigation, and response in the event of a confirmed EVD outbreak in the country. We describe Uganda's experience in EVD preparedness. RESULTS: On 4 August 2018, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) and the National Task Force (NTF) for public health emergencies to plan, guide, and coordinate EVD preparedness in the country. The NTF selected an Incident Management Team (IMT), constituting a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) that supported activation of the District Task Forces (DTFs) and District Rapid Response Teams (DRRTs) that jointly assessed levels of preparedness in 30 designated high-risk districts representing category 1 (20 districts) and category 2 (10 districts). The MoH, with technical guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), led EVD preparedness activities and worked together with other ministries and partner organisations to enhance community-based surveillance systems, develop and disseminate risk communication messages, engage communities, reinforce EVD screening and infection prevention measures at Points of Entry (PoEs) and in high-risk health facilities, construct and equip EVD isolation and treatment units, and establish coordination and procurement mechanisms. CONCLUSION: As of 31 May 2019, there was no confirmed case of EVD as Uganda has continued to make significant and verifiable progress in EVD preparedness. There is a need to sustain these efforts, not only in EVD preparedness but also across the entire spectrum of a multi-hazard framework. These efforts strengthen country capacity and compel the country to avail resources for preparedness and management of incidents at the source while effectively cutting costs of using a "fire-fighting" approach during public health emergencies

Suppression of Stem-End Rot on Avocado Fruit Using Trichoderma spp. in the Central Highlands of Kenya

Demand for organic avocado fruits, together with stringent food safety standards in the global market, has made producers to use alternative, safe, and consumer-friendly strategies of controlling the postharvest fungal disease of avocado fruits. This study assessed the in vitro efficacy of Trichoderma spp. (T. atroviride, T. virens, T. asperellum, and T. harzianum) against isolated avocado stem-end rot (SER) fungal pathogens (Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Neofusicoccum parvum, Nectria pseudotrichia, and Fusarium solani) using a dual culture technique. The Trichoderma spp. were also evaluated singly on postharvest “Hass” avocado fruits. Spore suspension at 5 × 104 conidial/ml of the Trichoderma spp. was applied on the avocado fruits at three time points, twenty-four hours before the fungal pathogen (preinoculation), at the same time as the fungal pathogen (concurrent inoculation), and 24 hours after the fungal pathogen (postinoculation). In the in vitro study, T. atroviride showed the highest mycelial growth inhibition against N. parvum (48%), N. pseudotrichia (55%), and F. solani (32.95%), while T. harzianum had the highest mycelial growth inhibition against L. theobromae. Trichoderma asperellum was the least effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of all the pathogens. Similarly, T. virens showed the highest mycelial growth inhibition against N. pseudotrichia at 45% inhibition. On postharvest “Hass” fruits, T. atroviride showed the highest efficacy against N. parvum, N. pseudotrichia, and F. solani in all the applications. Trichoderma virens and T. harzianum were most effective against all the pathogens during postinoculation, while Lasiodiplodia theobromae was best controlled by T. virens, T. harzianum, and T. asperellum during postinoculation. Both T. atroviride and T. harzianum present a potential alternative to synthetic fungicides against postharvest diseases of avocado fruits, and further tests under field conditions to be done to validate their efficacy. The possibility of using Trichoderma spp. in the management of SER on avocado fruits at a commercial level should also be explored

Identification and Pathogenicity of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Stem End Rots of Avocado Fruits in Kenya

Losses associated with stem end rot (SER) of avocado fruits have been reported in all avocado growing regions of the world. In Kenya, mature avocado fruits present SER symptoms during storage and marketing, but the disease causal agent(s) has not been established. This study aimed to identify the fungal pathogen(s) associated with avocado SER in Kenya and evaluate its pathogenicity. Fungal isolates were collected from symptomatic avocado fruits from randomly selected orchards and major markets within Murang'a County, a major avocado growing region in Kenya, between September 2017 and March 2018. A total of 207 and 125 fungal isolates, recovered from orchards and major markets, respectively, were identified morphologically and further confirmed by molecular techniques. The identified isolates were Lasiodiplodia theobromae (39.8%), Neofusicoccum parvum (24.4%), Nectria pseudotrichia (18.4%), Fusarium solani (7.2%), F. oxysporum (5.1%), F. equiseti (3.9%), and Geotricum candidum (1.2%). Geotricum candidum was exclusively recovered from fruits from the market. In the pathogenicity test, L. theobromae, N. parvum, and N. pseudotrichia caused the most severe SER symptoms. Consequently, they were considered to be the major pathogens of SER of avocado fruits in Kenya. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SER pathogen of avocado fruits in Kenya. Given the significant contribution of avocado fruits to household income and foreign exchange in Kenya, this information is significant to further develop management strategies of postharvest loss of avocado fruits in Kenya

The Potential Financial Costs of Climate Change on Health of Urban and Rural Citizens: A Case Study of Vibrio cholerae Infections at Bukavu Town South Kivu Province Eastern of Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: Cholera epidemics have a recorded history in eastern Congo dating to 1971. A study was conducted to find out the linkage between climate variability/change and cholera outbreak and to assess the related economic cost in the management of cholera in Congo.Methods: This study integrates historical data (20 years) on temperature and rainfall with the burden of disease from cholera in South-Kivu province, eastern Congo.Results: Analyses of precipitation and temperatures characteristics in South-Kivu provinces showed that cholera epidemics are closely associated with climatic factors variability. Peaks in Cholera new cases were in synchrony with peaks in rainfalls. Cholera infection cases declined significantly (P<0.05) with the rise in the average temperature. The monthly number of new Cholera cases oscillated between 5 and 450. For every rise of the average temperature by 0.35 °C to 0.75 ºC degree Celsius, and for every change in the rainfall variability by 10-19%, it is likely cholera infection risks will increase by 17 to 25%. The medical cost of treatment of Cholera case infection was found to be of US$50 to 250 per capita. The total costs of Cholera attributable to climate change were found to fall in the range of 4 to 8% of the per capita in annual income in Bukavu town.Conclusion: It is likely that high rainfall favor multiplication of the bacteria and contamination of water sources by the bacteria (Vibrio cholerae).The consumption of polluted water, promiscuity, population density and lack of hygiene are determinants favoring spread and infection of the bacteria among human beings living in over-crowded environments

Sensitivity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Isolates from Diseased Avocado Fruits to Selected Fungicides in Kenya

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a serious postharvest pathogen of avocado fruits worldwide. Kenya lacks any registered fungicides for the management of the disease. Nevertheless, farmers commonly use commercially available fungicides such as Bayleton 25WP (Triadimefon 250 g/Kg), Milraz 76WP (Propineb 70% and Cymoxanil 6%), and Copper oxychloride 500WP for disease management. The efficacy of these fungicides against C. gloeosporioides is not known. The purpose of this study was therefore to test the inhibitory effect of these fungicides against 46 C. gloeosporioides isolates from avocado fruits collected from varieties grown at different agroecological zones in Murang’a County, a popular avocado-growing region in Kenya. Mycelial growth rate and sporulation for each isolate were measured in vitro on PDA plates amended with different concentrations of the fungicides. Plates were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications per treatment. All fungicides were effective in vitro but there were significant differences in sensitivity among isolates. Bayleton had the highest mycelial inhibition followed by Milraz, while copper oxychloride had the lowest mycelial inhibition rates, ranging from 81% to 88%. However, copper oxychloride was more effective in inhibiting sporulation. The inhibitory effect of each fungicide was concentration-dependent, where twice the recommended concentration had the highest inhibitory effect, followed by the recommended concentration. Our results show that the fungicides used by farmers against C. gloeosporioides, the causal agent for anthracnose, are effective. We, however, recommend further field tests in different avocado-growing areas so as to validate their efficacy against various isolates and under different environments