ConfBits: A Web Based Conference Management System

ConfBits is a Web-based Conference Management System (CMS) developed to aid effective organization and management of professional, academic and technical conferences. The web based application is an object-oriented and multi-conferences platform that is made up of four major actors which are authors, reviewers, administrators (otherwise known as Program Committee (PC) chair) and participants. Conference organizers in any Anglophone country can subscribe to the platform via the Internet to access and utilize the different features which include; abstract and full paper submissions, assignment of papers to reviewers, sending email notifications to authors and reviewers, participants management and conference program scheduling. The prototype of the platform is already deployed on the Internet and the trial Universal Resource Locator (URL) is www.cucms.com.ng. From our review of existing online CMSs, ConfBits (although still at a prototype stage) is the first of such system from a developing clime. We hope the platform will serve to bridge the hitherto wide digital divide between the developed and developing nations especially with respect to scholarly online content

Dynamic Measurements with Scanning Probe Microscopy: Surface Studies Using Nanostructured Test Platforms of Metalloporphyrins, Nanoparticles and Amyloid Fibrils

A hybrid imaging mode for characterization of magnetic nanomaterials has been developed, using atomic force microscopy (AFM) combined with electromagnetic sample actuation. Instead of using a coated AFM probe as a magnetic sensor; our strategy is to use a nonmagnetic probe with contact mode AFM to characterize the vibration of magnetic and superparamagnetic nanomaterials responding to the flux of an AC electromagnetic field. We refer to the hybrid imaging mode as magnetic sample modulation (MSM-AFM). An oscillating magnetic field is produced by applying an AC current to a wire coil solenoid placed under the sample stage for tuning selected parameters of driving frequency and strength of the magnetic field. When the AC field is on, the AFM probe is scanned in contact with the sample to sense periodic changes in the force and motion of vibrating nanomaterials. With MSM, responses of both the amplitude and phase signal along with spatial maps of the topography channel can be collected simultaneously. A requirement for MSM is that the samples can be free to vibrate, yet remain attached to the surface. Particle lithography was used to prepare well-defined test platforms of ring structures of magnetic or superparamagnetic nanomaterials. Capillary filling of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds was applied to generate stripes of FeNi3 nanoparticles with microscale dimensions as test platforms. The MSM-AFM imaging mode was used successfully to characterize nanomaterials of FeNi3 nanoparticles, cobalt nanoparticles, octa-substituted porphyrin nanocrystals and ionic liquid nanoGUMBOS with dimensions ranging from 1 to 200 nm. Dynamic MSM-AFM measurements can be obtained by placing the tip on a vibrating nanoparticle and sweeping the frequency or field strength. Changes in frequency spectra and vibrational amplitude can be mapped for nanoparticles of different sizes, shapes and composition. The MSM-AFM imaging mode provides a useful tool for investigating changes in size dependent magnetic properties of materials at the nanoscale. Samples of designed amyloid proteins were characterized ex situ using scanning probe microscopy. The progressive growth and fibrillization of amyloid â over extended time intervals was visualized with high resolution using AFM

Effect of Buyer-Suppliers Relationships on Buying Firm Competitiveness in Medium and Large Scale Hotels and Restaurants in Nakuru Municipality

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of buyer-suppliers relationships on the buying firm competitiveness in medium and large scale hotels and restaurants in Nakuru municipality in relation to trust and commitment. The study was guided by resource based view theory (RBV) which encourages sharing of resources and building long-term relationships between buyers and suppliers to ensure that both parties achieve competitive advantage. Explanatory research design was used in this study because it analyses the cause-effect relationship. Census survey technique was employed in picking respondents for the study. Data was collected from a sample of 162 purchasing officers. Five point Likert type of questionnaire was used to solicit primary data. The data analysis methods used were descriptive and inferential statistics, utilizing a multiple regression analysis model. the findings of this study indicated that both trust and commitement in buyer –supplier relationship postively and sinficantly affect firm competitiveness.The study concludes that there is a clear link between the relationship the buyer firm has with its major suppliers and its competitive position in its customer market. Therefore, it’s recommended for a buying firm to establish and develop positive relationships with its major suppliers. Keywords: Buyer, Supplier, Trust, Commitment, Firm Competitivenes

Architecture, Craftwork & Empowerment: A Craft Center for Maasai Women in Kajiado, Kenya.

Women's work is vital to the survival of impoverished households and a key ingredient in the sustenance of local communities. In developing countries, and especially in their rural areas, weak job markets, gender inequality issues, lack of education, insufficient technology, and limited skill capacity altogether undermine women's abilities to engage in activities that would promote and sustain their economic well-being. This thesis seeks to employ architecture and design as a tool that could improve the lives of rural women by supporting and enhancing their economic ventures. Focus will be given to the Maasai community of Kajiado, an arid region in East Africa, Kenya, where women face additional challenges posed by the harsh climatic conditions. These Maasai women have been doing beautiful, colorful beadwork for generations. The ornaments produced are worn to express their cultural identity, celebrate ceremonies and signify their social status within the community. In a desperate effort to earn an income to support their families, Kajiado women have tried to sell their products to local and international communities. However, poor business and marketing skills, lack of proper guidance and innovation, limited access to financial advice and support encumber their creative endeavors. This thesis project proposes a craft center in Kajiado that would host facilities and programs which would preserve, promote and progress Maasai bead-working with the aim of strengthening the women's social and economic capacity. `Women working in the informal sector are unrealized potentials trapped in poverty. It is essential to provide an enabling environment and skills to pull them out of poverty.' UND

COMPATIBILITY OF MENUS TO CHILDREN’S NEEDS IN SELECTED HOTELS IN NAIROBI, KENYA

This paper examined the compatibility of hotel menus to children’s needs. The study used a survey research design. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents from the target population. The target population comprised of hotel employees, parents and children. Data was collected using questionnaires and non-participant observations were occasionally employed to supplement the information that was captured by the questionnaire. Data was cleaned, analyzed quantitatively and presented using frequency tables and graphs. The findings revealed that many Kenyan hotels do not have identified children’s menus thus children are left to eat from adult menus which totally vary in presentation, nutrition, portion sizes and also in delivery. The population of children is therefore left without many choices as they seem to be a forgotten lot. It is therefore recommended that hotels provide foods compatible to children in terms of texture, presentation, nutrient content and color so as to encourage them to eat as well as enjoy their meals. In addition hotels should offer special feeding facilities for the children to enable them get pleasure from their feeding experience and also employ trained employees in their food production to cater for children. Key words: Children, Compatibility, Hotel, Menu, Nairobi, Keny

Minimal effect of honey beehive fences on native bee diversity and abundance at the farm scale during the dry season in southern Kenya

International audienceAbstractBeehive fences are an effective solution to resolve conflicts between humans and crop-raiding elephants in Kenya. They produce win-win scenarios; elephants are protected from aggression from humans as they are deterred from crop raiding, while farmers benefit from crop protection, pollination, and valuable products from maintaining honeybee hives. However, artificially increasing the density of these super-generalist pollinators in the landscape may impact wild bee species as honeybees may out-compete them for floral resources. We studied bee communities in Sagalla, Kenya, where beehive fences have been implemented for crop protection for many years. Despite the long-term presence of the beehive fences, honeybee densities were low when the study was conducted because of a severe drought and did not differ between beehive and control fences in our collections. When we compared farms with and without beehive fences, we found little difference in the abundance, species richness, and community composition of the resident wild bee communities. This suggests either (a) beehive fences have little permanent impact on wild bee communities, or (b) wild bee communities recover quickly when honeybee densities are low

Investigation of in vitro prostate-specific membrane antigen expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast tumour cells

National Research Foundationhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/18ZHR2pTZ3kocMdmAHy2_xOoICb-01e3T/view?usp=sharinghttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XKJ5RaIFxQX6cH8epnd5PRiRe412-W4b?usp=sharinghttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pSta6YT69dR4AmQ8CLEP9fPauw9ovUFV?usp=sharin

Mobile application to assist cancer patients access healthcare and funding in Kenya

Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) at Strathmore UniversityCancer has posed to be a killer disease over time. Most patients die of cancer due to lack of access to early screening and effective treatment and lack of medical funds. Cancer treatment is deemed expensive thus most patients would need a health insurance fund or donor to offset the hospital bill. Cancer patients also need information on where they can access quality health service. There are several stakeholders who have joined forces to overcome the cancer burden. The government of Kenya has spearheaded the initiative by introduction of NHIF cover, covering cancer treatment. Cancer patients can be treated at NHIF approved hospitals using the capped cover amount. There are also Non-governmental organizations and cancer fund drives that have been organized to assist in the cancer burden in Kenya. Data was collected using questionnaires, the data collected was used to find out the challenges faced when accessing health care and funding. Data was analyzed using Google analytics tools and results obtained were used to guide the researcher in the design of the mobile and web application. Agile software methodology was used to develop the application. A mobile and web application was developed to assist cancer patients to access health care and funding. Users of the system are required to register their details that consist of their bio data as well as their NHIF number. The details of the user are sent to the donor to assist in paying the monthly contribution as well as the deficit amount to cover the full cancer treatment. Users are also referred to an oncologist and Hospital facility upon appointment request

An exploratory investigation into the physicochemical, antioxidant and cellular effects of a selection of honey samples from the Southern African region

The unique floral biodiversity of Southern Africa would be reflected in the phenolic acid and flavonoid composition as well as the antioxidant activity of honeys from this region. In this exploratory investigation the total polyphenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, antioxidant activity as well as the cellular protective effects of a selection of honeys collected in this region was evaluated. Thirteen honey samples representative of the Western Cape (WCa, WCb and WCc), Eastern Cape (ECa, ECb and ECc), South East Mozambique (SEMa, SEMb and SEMc) and Agricultural: A-E (Eucalyptus) (A-E1 and A-E2), A-L (Litchi) and A-O (Orange) were collected. These samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis, the antioxidant content (TPC and TFC) and both enzymatic (catalase activity) and non-enzymatic activity, using the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) assays was determined. From the DPPH, TEAC and ORAC data the Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI) was calculated. To determine whether high antioxidant activity translates into significant cellular protection, biological and cellular assays were undertaken. Using the pBR322 plasmid assay and the erythrocyte haemolysis assay the ability of honeys to protect against 2,2’-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) oxidative damage was evaluated. Further evaluation was undertaken in the SC-1 fibroblast cell line and the physiologically more relevant Caco-2 cell line. Toxicity and antioxidant effects were evaluated in the SC-1 cell line while antioxidant effects were only evaluated in the Caco-2 cell line. The long-term mitogenic and toxic effects were determined in the SC-1 cell line using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), Neutral Red (NR) and Crystal Violet (CV) assays. Short term, total- and intracellular antioxidant effects were determined in both cell lines using the dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay (DCFH-DA) assay. For all cellular experiments honey at concentrations of 0.01% and 1% were used. The physiochemical properties of the honeys evaluated fulfilled the regulatory standards compiled in the Codex Alimentarius (CODEX STAN12-1981 revision 2001). The results were as follows: SEMb had the highest TPC (167.96 mg GAE/100g) and TFC (51.60 mg CE/100g) while A-E2 had the highest catalase (38.48 µmol H2O2/g) activity. RACI revealed that WCb had the highest antioxidant activity.SEMc showed the highest protection of plasmid DNA against oxidative-induced strand breaks while SEMa showed the highest protection of erythrocytes against AAPH-induced haemolysis. Although correlations were found between antioxidant content and antioxidant activity assays, no correlation was found these parameters and the biological assays. For the long-term cytotoxicity assay, AAPH showed significant cytoxicity at 0.78mM, 1.56mM and 0.28mM when measured using the MTT, NR and CV assays, respectively. Some honeys 4/13 and 3/13 showed a mitogenic effect at a concentration of 0.01% and 1% respectively. Toxic effects, were observed for 1/13 and 8/13 at 0.01% and 1% honey respectively. Toxicity after 72 h exposure varied from 10-30% (CV assay). The same concetrations of honey was used to determine the short-term, 2h, antioxidant effects in both the SC-1 and Caco-2 cell lines. No oxidative effect was found for all honeys at these concentrations. For the DCFH-DA assay using the SC-1 cell line at 1%, 12/13 and 7/13 honeys showed total and intracellular protection respectively. The highest extracellular protection was for SEMa (% Protection (%P) = 95) and SEMb (%P = 93). Intracellular protection was the highest for SEMc (%P = 21) and A-L (%P = 20). At 0.01%, 7/13 and 8/13 honeys exhibited total and intracellular protection, respectively. For both the highest protection was found for SEMc (%P = 43, total and %P = 30, intracellular). For the Caco-2 cell line at 1%, 11/13 and 4/13 showed total and intracellular protection, respectively. Of these the highest extracellular protection was for SEMb (% Protection (%P) = 90). Intracellular protection was the highest for ECa (%P = 28) and WCc (%P = 26). At 0.01%, 4/13 and 8/13 honeys showed total and intracellular protection respectively. The highest extracellular protection was found for SEMc (%P = 62) and intracellular protection was ECc (%P = 28). The SC-1 cell line was found to be the most sensitive to the antioxidant effects of honey compared to the Caco-2 cell line. The honeys SEMa, SEMb and SEMc showed protection against oxidative damage in both cell lines. In conclusion, the antioxidant activity of honeys from Southern Africa is of a high quality. The WC, SEM and EC honeys showed the highest antioxidant effects and could provide health benefits against diseases associated with oxidative stress as indicated by these results. CopyrightDissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011.Anatomyunrestricte