Social media and journalism: how twitter impacts news coverage in Kenya

Twitter had been extensively adopted by the public, journalists, and news organizations as a new digital tool for disseminating information. Therefore, if Twitter is considered a new and effective way of gathering information that makes up news content, an investigation on how it impacts news coverage, journalists, and newsroom practices is significant. The present study conducted said investigation and came up with findings that significantly contributed to the available information about the relationship between Twitter and news dissemination. It particularly investigated how Twitter impacts news content and coverage, journalistic routines, and newsroom practices in Kenya. This study draws its data from a review of journalists from four major media organizations in Kenya. The results suggest that Twitter has had a significant impact on both news content and coverage and journalistic routine. However, the platform was found to not have a significant impact on newsroom practices. Further explanation of the results is provided in the document

Completion of Intravenous Fluids Administration Regimen by Nurses Working in Adult Medical and Surgical Wards at a County Referral Hospital, Kenya

Introduction: Intravenous fluids are administered to patients in order to correct the status of their body fluids or electrolytes. Correct and complete intravenous fluid volume administration practices are critical in prevention of complications related to intravenous fluids therapy. Study objective: To assess the completion of intravenous fluid administration regimen by nurses working in adult medical and surgical wards at a County Referral Hospital in Kenya.  Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from the 52 randomly selected nurses using self-administered semi-structured questionnaires. An observational checklist was used to collect data on completion of intravenous fluid administration regimen from the patients' fluid balance charts. Relevant approvals/ authorities to collect data were also obtained. Results: The prescribed fluid volumes were administered in only 34.2% of the patients. Conclusion: Completion of intravenous fluid administration among the patients was suboptimal. Keywords: Intravenous fluids, Administration, Completion

The dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist quinpirole increases checking-like behaviour in an operant observing response task with uncertain reinforcement: a novel possible model of OCD.

Excessive checking is a common, debilitating symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In an established rodent model of OCD checking behaviour, quinpirole (dopamine D2/3-receptor agonist) increased checking in open-field tests, indicating dopaminergic modulation of checking-like behaviours. We designed a novel operant paradigm for rats (observing response task (ORT)) to further examine cognitive processes underpinning checking behaviour and clarify how and why checking develops. We investigated i) how quinpirole increases checking, ii) dependence of these effects on D2/3 receptor function (following treatment with D2/3 receptor antagonist sulpiride) and iii) effects of reward uncertainty. In the ORT, rats pressed an 'observing' lever for information about the location of an 'active' lever that provided food reinforcement. High- and low-checkers (defined from baseline observing) received quinpirole (0.5mg/kg, 10 treatments) or vehicle. Parametric task manipulations assessed observing/checking under increasing task demands relating to reinforcement uncertainty (variable response requirement and active-lever location switching). Treatment with sulpiride further probed the pharmacological basis of long-term behavioural changes. Quinpirole selectively increased checking, both functional observing lever presses (OLPs) and non-functional extra OLPs (EOLPs). The increase in OLPs and EOLPs was long-lasting, without further quinpirole administration. Quinpirole did not affect the immediate ability to use information from checking. Vehicle and quinpirole-treated rats (VEH and QNP respectively) were selectively sensitive to different forms of uncertainty. Sulpiride reduced non-functional EOLPs in QNP rats but had no effect on functional OLPs. These data have implications for treatment of compulsive checking in OCD, particularly for serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor treatment-refractory cases, where supplementation with dopamine receptor antagonists may be beneficial

A Novel QTL for Resistance to Phytophthora Crown Rot in Squash

Phytophthora capsici Leonian causes significant yield losses in commercial squash (Cucurbita pepo) production worldwide. The deployment of resistant cultivars can complement integrated management practices for P. capsici, but resistant cultivars are currently unavailable for growers. Moderate resistance to Phytophthora crown rot in a selection of accession PI 181761 (C. pepo) (designated line #181761-36P) is controlled by three dominant genes (R4, R5 and R6). Introgression of these loci into elite germplasm through marker-assisted selection (MAS) can accelerate the release of new C. pepo cultivars resistant to crown rot, but these tools are currently unavailable. Here we describe the identification of a quantitative trait locus (QTL), molecular markers and candidate genes associated with crown rot resistance in #181761-36P. Five hundred and twenty-three SNP markers were genotyped in an F2 (n = 83) population derived from a cross between #181761-36P (R) and Table Queen (S) using targeted genotyping by sequencing. A linkage map (2068.96 cM) consisting of twenty-one linkage groups and an average density of 8.1 markers/cM was developed for the F2 population. The F2:3 families were phenotyped in the greenhouse with a virulent strain of P. capsica, using the spore-spray method. A single QTL (QtlPC-C13) was consistently detected on LG 13 (chromosome 13) across three experiments and explained 17.92–21.47% of phenotypic variation observed in the population. Nine candidate disease resistance gene homologs were found within the confidence interval of QtlPC-C13. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers within these genes were converted into Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) assays and tested for association with resistance in the F2 population. One SNP marker (C002686) was significantly associated with resistance to crown rot in the F2 population (p < 0.05). This marker is a potential target for MAS for crown rot resistance in C. pepo

Genetic Loci Associated with Resistance to Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus in Squash

Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV) is an aphid-transmitted potyvirus that causes severe yield losses in squash (Cucurbita moschata) production worldwide. Development of resistant cultivars using traditional breeding approaches relies on rigorous and resource-intensive phenotypic assays. QTL-seq, a whole genome re-sequencing based bulked segregant analysis, is a powerful tool for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) in crop plants. In the current study, the QTL-seq approach was used to identify genetic loci associated with ZYMV resistance in an F2 population (n = 174) derived from a cross between Nigerian Local (resistant) and Butterbush (susceptible). Whole genome re-sequencing of the parents and bulks of resistant and susceptible F2 progeny revealed a mapping rate between 94.04% and 98.76%, and a final effective mapping depth ranging from 81.77 to 101.73 across samples. QTL-seq analysis identified four QTLs significantly (p < 0.05) associated with ZYMV resistance on chromosome 2 (QtlZYMV-C02), 4 (QtlZYMV-C04), 8 (QtlZYMV-C08) and 20 (QtlZYMV-C20). Seven markers within the QTL intervals were tested for association with ZYMV resistance in the entire F2 population. For QtlZYMV-C08, one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker (KASP-6) was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with ZYMV resistance, while two SNPs (KASP-1 and KASP-3) and an indel (Indel-2) marker were linked to resistance within QtlZYMV-C20. KASP-3 and KASP-6 are non-synonymous SNPs leading to amino acid substitutions in candidate disease resistant gene homologs on chromosomes 20 (CmoCh20G003040.1) and 8 (CmoCh08G007140.1), respectively. Identification of QTL and SNP markers associated with ZYMV resistance will facilitate marker-assisted selection for ZYMV resistance in squash

Letters and ViewpointsSome Factors Influencing Natural Regeneration of Selected Tree Species in Kakamega Forest, Kenya

Poor regeneration of valuable timber species under closed forest canopy is a major problem affecting regeneration of tree species in Kenyan moist and Afromontane natural forests. This study was conducted in 1998 – 1999 to investigate the influence of shade tolerance, seed sources and insect herbivory on the regeneration of selected heavily exploited timber species (Maesopsis eminii, Zanthoxylum gilletii, Polyscias fulva, and Prunus africana) in Kakamega forest. 58 woody species were recorded in the sample area, most of which occurred at low densities. Twenty species contributed 81.5% of the total stocking. Shade tolerance, seed source, and insect herbivory had influence on the regeneration of the species in varying degrees. Regeneration of Maesopsis eminii and Polyscias fulva appeared to be more influenced by shading (light regime) than insect herbivory. The latter species also seemed to regenerate from seeds stored in soil seed bank. Phytophagous insects seemed to play more significant role in the regeneration of Zanthoxylum gilletii and Prunus africana than that of Maesopsis eminii and Polyscias fulva. As a recommendation, natural forest management should involve creation of “regeneration gaps” to enhance the regeneration of shade intolerant species like Prunus africana and Zanthoxylum gilletii. Sustainable selective logging of valuable timber species is suggested as a way of creating the gaps. Key Words: Natural forest, regeneration, Insect herbivory, Maesopsis eminii, Zanthoxylum gilletii, Polyscias fulva, and Prunus africana Résumé La régénération pauvre des espèces à bois de valeur sous une canopie forestière fermée constitue un problème majeur pour la régénération des espèces d\' arbres dans les forêts humides montagneuses au Kenya. Cette étude, conduite en 1998-1999, a examiné l\'influence de l\'ombrage, de l\'origine des graines et des insectes herbivores sur la régénération des espèces d\'arbres les plus exploitées (Maesopsis eminii, Zanthoxylum giletii, Polyscias fulva et Prunus africana) dans la forêts de Kakamega. Cinquante huit (58) espèces de plantes ligneuses ont été enregistrées, la plupart à faible densité dans les endroits échantillons; 20 espèces constituaient 81.5% du stockage total. Les trois facteurs éxaminés influencent la régénération des espèces étudieés mais á des degrés variés. La régénération de Maesopsis eminii et Polyscias fulva est plus sensible á l\'ombre qu‘à l\'attaque par des insectes. Polyscias fulva se développe aussi à partir des graines enfuies dans le sous sol. Des insectes phytophages influencent plus significativement la régénération de Zanthoxylum giletii et Prunus africana que celle de Maesopsis eminii et Polyscias fulva. Ainsi, l\'aménagement des forêts naturelles doit considérer la création des \"trous de régénération\" pour favoriser des espèces d\'arbres hostiles à l\'ombrage comme Prunus africana et Zanthoxylum giletii. L\'exploitation séléctive soutenue des arbres de valeur est proposée comme moyen de création des ouvertures dans la canopie forestière. Mots clés: Forêt naturelle, régénération, insectes herbivores, Maesopsis eminii, Zanthoxylum giletii, Polyscias fulva, Prunus africanaDiscovery and Innovation Vol 16 (3&4) 2004: 117-12

Genomic Position and Markers Associated with the Hull-Less Seed Trait in Pumpkin

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seeds are nutritious and valued as a source of vegetable oil, protein, healthy fatty acids, and minerals. Pumpkin seeds that are naturally devoid of the seedcoat (hull-less) are preferred by the industry as they eliminate the need for de-hulling prior to use. A single recessive gene, designated as n or h, controls the hull-less seed trait in pumpkin. Visual selection for the trait is easy, however, it is resource intensive when applied to large breeding populations. High throughput genotyping assays can aid in the identification of suitable individuals in segregating populations through marker-assisted selection. In the current study, the QTL-seq approach was used to identify genetic loci, SNP markers and candidate genes associated with the hull-less trait in a segregating F2 population (n = 143) derived from a cross between Kakai (hull-less) × Table Gold Acorn (hulled). The segregation of the hull-less trait in the F2 population fit a 3:1 ratio (p Qtlhull-less-C12) which was significantly associated with the hull-less trait in C. pepo. Twenty-eight SNPs were genotyped in the population, two among which (Ch12_3412046 and Ch12_3417142) were significantly associated (p Qtlhull-less-C12 interval, among them is the No Apical meristem (NAC) domain-containing protein and a Fiber Protein fb11 gene involved in lignin accumulation and cell wall deposition across plant species, respectively. The findings of this study will facilitate the marker-assisted selection for the hull-less seed trait in pumpkin and further our understanding of the functional mechanisms underlying the trait across cucurbit crops

Behavioural abnormalities of the hyposulphataemic Nas1 knock-out mouse

We recently generated a sodium sulphate cotransporter knock-out mouse (Nas1-/-) which has increased urinary sulphate excretion and hyposulphataemia. To examine the consequences of disturbed sulphate homeostasis in the modulation of mouse behavioural characteristics, Nas1-/- mice were compared with Nas1+/- and Nas1+/+ littermates in a series of behavioural tests. The Nas1-/- mice displayed significantly (P < 0.001) decreased marble burying behaviour (4.33 +/- 0.82 buried) when compared to Nas1+/+ (7.86 +/- 0.44) and Nas1+/- (8.40 +/- 0.37) animals, suggesting that Nas1-/- mice may have decreased object-induced anxiety. The Nas1-/- mice also displayed decreased locomotor activity by moving less distance (1.53 +/- 0.27 m, P < 0.05) in an open-field test when compared to Nas1+/+ (2.31 +/- 0.24 m) and Nas1+/- (2.15 +/- 0.19 m) mice. The three genotypes displayed similar spatiotemporal and ethological behaviours in the elevated-plus maze and open-field test, with the exception of a decreased defecation frequency by the Nas1-/- mice (40% reduction, P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between Nas1-/- and Nas1+/+ mice in a rotarod performance test of motor coordination and in the forced swim test assessing (anti-)depressant-like behaviours. This is the first study to demonstrate behavioural abnormalities in the hyposulphataemic Nas1-/- mice. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved