CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR ADOPTION OF CLOUD COMPUTING IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA

Cloud computing technology is a distributed computing approach whereby users access shared resources under various service models through the internet. It allows individual access to information technology resources through the internet upon demand. Cloud computing is an essentially growing terminology in the IT world and has become increasingly present in the life of institutions of higher learning. Institutions of higher learning consider cloud computing and construction of digital content platforms as a way of enhancing resource utilization and improvement of service delivery. The sudden and frenzied rush for cloud computing by universities has been aggravated by exponential growth in data traffic and the need for innovative learning such as e-learning and virtual classrooms amid COVID 19 pandemic (Kenya Education Network-KENET, 2021). Perhaps it is from that realization and the need to adhere to COVID 19 protocols that most public universities in Kenya have adopted cloud computing. In this study, we sought to find out the critical success factors for adoption of cloud computing in public universities in Kenya. The study set out three (3) objectives and consequently three (3) null hypotheses to guide it. Quantitative research design was adopted for this study. Similarly, International Business Machines-IBM (2011) model for cloud adoption offered theoretical guidance. At a confidence interval of 95%, an online sample size calculator was used to arrive at three hundred and sixty two (362) respondents out of six thousand two hundred (6200) target population. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique and an online list randomizer were used to select respondents in the selected universities to participate in the study. Multiple regression was used to test the hypotheses in this study based on empirical data obtained by a survey questionnaire of thirty nine (39) questions from the two (2) public universities. Multiple regression results showed significant positive effect of Management Support (β=.257), Technical Support (β=.353), and User Preparedness (β=.475) on adoption of cloud computing at p<.05. Regression results gave a coefficient of determination R2=.908 which means 90.8% of the variation in adoption of cloud computing can be explained by Management Support, Technical Support, and User Preparedness combined. Based on the coefficient of determination (R2), the three null hypotheses (H01, H02, & H03) were rejected at p<0.05. Regression analysis showed that Management Support, Technical Support and User Preparedness are critical success factors in cloud adoption in public universities in Kenya. This study provides new and relevant insights to literature on cloud adoption in higher education service in Kenya.  Article visualizations

Molecular markers associated with aluminium tolerance in Sorghum bicolor

Background: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, L. Moench) production in many agro-ecologies is constrained by a variety of stresses, including high levels of aluminium (Al) commonly found in acid soils. Therefore, for such soils, growing Al tolerant cultivars is imperative for high productivity. Methods: In this study, molecular markers associated with Al tolerance were identified using a mapping population developed by crossing two contrasting genotypes for this trait. Results: Four SSR (Xtxp34, Sb5_236, Sb6_34, and Sb6_342), one STS (CTG29_3b) and three ISSR (811_1400, 835_200 and 884_200) markers produced alleles that showed significant association with Al tolerance. CTG29_3b, 811_1400, Xtxp34 and Sb5_236 are located on chromosome 3 with the first two markers located close to AltSB, a locus that underlie the Al tolerance gene (SbMATE) implying that their association with Al tolerance is due to their linkage to this gene. Although CTG29_3b and 811_1400 are located closer to AltSB, Xtxp34 and Sb5_236 explained higher phenotypic variance of Al tolerance indices. Markers 835_200, 884_200, Sb6_34 and Sb6_342 are located on different chromosomes, which implies the presence of several genes involved in Al tolerance in addition to SbMATE in sorghum. Conclusion: These molecular markers have a high potential for use in breeding for Al tolerance in sorghum. Keywords: Aluminium tolerance, Mapping population, Molecular markers, Net root length in aluminium, Sorghum bicolo

Cell membrane integrity, callose accumulation, and root growth in aluminum-stressed sorghum seedlings

Aluminum stress usually reduces plant root growth due to the accumulation of Al in specific zones of the root apex. The objectives of this study were to determine the localization of Al in the root apex of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moech. and its effects on membrane integrity, callose accumulation, and root growth in selected cultivars. Seedlings were grown in a nutrient solution containing 0, 27, or 39 μM Al3+ for 24, 48, and 120 h. The Al stress significantly reduced root growth, especially after 48 and 120 h of exposure. A higher Al accumulation, determined by fluorescence microscopy after staining with a Morin dye, occurred in the root extension zone of the sensitive cultivar than in the tolerant cultivar. The membrane damage and callose accumulation were also higher in the sensitive than resistant cultivar. It was concluded that the Al stress significantly reduced root growth through the accumulation of Al in the root extension zone, callose accumulation, and impairment of plasma membrane integrity

Enhancing Maize Grain Yield in Acid Soils of Western Kenya Using Aluminium Tolerant Germplasm

Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the world’s most important cereals and is a staple food for many people in developing countries. However, in acid soils (pH < 5.5), its productivity is limited by aluminium (Al) toxicity, besides other factors. The objectives of this study were to: develop Al tolerant maize inbred lines for a maize breeding program in Kenya, develop single cross hybrids (SCHs) from some of the tolerant inbred lines and determine Al tolerance levels of the SCHs. One hundred and seventy five inbreds and 49 SCHs were developed and screened in nutrient culture containing 0 or 222 μM using Relative Net Root Growth (RNRG), hematoxylin staining (HS) and under Al saturated field conditions (44%-45.6%) at Sega and Chepkoilel. Seedling root growth was inhibited in 95% of the inbreds. F1 hybrids obtained from inbreds varying in Al tolerance, exhibited tolerance equal to or greater than that of the more tolerant parent indicating a positive transgressive inheritance to Al toxicity. Fifty eight percent of the F1 SCHs were heterotic for tolerance to Al toxicity. Al tolerance estimated by RNRG was well correlated to that of HS (r2 = 0.88, P < 0.005) but minimally correlated with the field estimates (r2 = 0.24-0.35), implying that RNRG can predict field selection under Al toxic soils by between 24% and 35%. Plant breeders should therefore employ both approaches in selecting cultivars under Al stress. This study has developed and identified Al tolerant inbreds and SCHs for use in the acid soils of Kenya and similar regions

Development of maize single cross hybrids for tolerance to low phosphorus

Low available phosphorus (P) is one of the major hindrances to maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in acid soils. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop P-efficient maize inbred lines, (2) develop single cross hybrids from the P-efficient inbred lines, and (3) determine their response to P application in the P-deficient acid soils of western Kenya. Ninety-eight inbred lines and 49 single crosses were developed and screened at P-deficient (2.0 to 2.2 mg P/kg soil) soils of Sega and Bumala. Mean grain yield (GY) for the hybrids was 75.3% higher with P-fertilizer than without P for the same hybrids. Thirty-three percent (33%) of these hybrids were inefficient but responsive to P application, 27% were efficient and none responsive, only 13% were efficient and responsive, while the rest were inefficient and non-responsive. GY was positively correlated (r = 0.57**) with plant height (PH) and ear height (EH) (r = 0.60**) and PH was correlated with EH (r = 0.86***). This study has developed and identified P-efficient maize germplasm that can be utilized directly or in developing other hybrids for use in acid soils of western Kenya and in other acid soils where P is limiting

Phylogenetic relationship among Kenyan sorghum germplasms based on aluminium tolerance

Eighty nine (89) sorghum lines sourced from various parts of Kenya were used to determine phylogenetic relationships based on 10 DNA fragments at AltSB loci with SbMATE, ORF9 and MITE primers. Nine lines of varying aluminium tolerance levels were selected to compare their SbMATE gene expression via the real-time PCR quantification of SbMATE gene expression. The sorghum line MSCR O2 expressed a thousandfold more SbMATEgene activity than the sensitive lines (MSCRM49, MSCRN84 and MSCRN61) under Al treatment. Analysis was done by agarose gel electrophoresis stained with ethidium bromide. The objective of this study was to assess the level of phylogenetic relationships among the Kenyan sorghum germplasms at a known Al tolerance locus. Hierarchical cluster analysis joined at 70% simple matching coefficient using average linkage similarity level produced nine groups in which 67 lines fell in three major clusters of 39, 15 and 13 lines each. The three Al tolerant lines MSCRO2, MSCRC1 and MSCRN60 were clustered together. Lines MSCRO2, MSCRC1 and MSCRN60, screened to be Al tolerant were genetically related at 70% average linkage similarity level and therefore recommend their further development as a food security measure in Kenya.Keywords: Aluminium (Al) toxicity, Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum bicolor multi-drug, toxic extrusion compound (SbMATE) gene expressionAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(22), pp. 3528-353

Anti-malarial activity of N6-modified purine analogues.

Plasmodium falciparum causes one of the deadliest forms of malaria and resistance to the currently available drugs makes it imperative to develop new, safe and potent drugs. Parasites such as P. falciparum are unable to synthesise purines de novo and to this end often have multiple purine uptake and salvage systems. With this in mind, we have designed and synthesised libraries of purine analogues as potential anti-malarial agents. Herein, we report three compounds with promising activity against the highly chloroquine-resistant VS1 P. falciparum namely: N(6)-hydroxyadenine (1c), 2-amino-N(6)-aminoadenosine (2b) and 2-amino-N(6)-amino-N(6)-methyladenosine (4b)

In vitro anti-malarial activity of N6-modified purine analogs.

A library of N6-hydroxy-, methoxy-, or amino-adenosine analogs was prepared and screened for anti-malarial properties. We found three compounds that possess anti-plasmodial activity in the low micromolar range against the multi-drug resistant VS1 strain, namely N6-hydroxy-9H-purin-6-amine (IC50 5.57 micro M), 2-amino-N6-amino-adenosine (IC50 12.2 micro M), and 2-amino-N6-amino-N6-methyladenosine (IC50 0.29 micro M). More importantly, the compounds were non-toxic, with 2-amino-N6-amino-N6-methyladenosine showing a selectivity index of 5008

A Review of the Ingredients Contained in Over the Counter (OTC) Cough Syrup Formulations in Kenya. Are They Harmful to Infants?

Cough syrups are widely used in the developing world, but safety of their use in infants and children less than two years has not been well documented. Some syrups contain multiple combinations of such drugs as promethazine, diphenhydramine and ephedrine; which are individually now contraindicated in children less than two years. Despite this, the syrups are available as over the counter drugs and may be dispensed to mothers who are unaware of the potentially hazardous effects to their infants. A descriptive cross-sectional study was used to investigate suitability of cough syrups sold within Eldoret municipality for use in children less than two years of age based on their formulations and available literature.Two semi-structured questionnaires were administered to pharmacy attendants and mothers attending sick child clinic at a referral hospital to establish whether cough syrups containing more than one active ingredient of compounds, now contraindicated in children are administered to infants, and awareness of potential serious adverse effects. Data from labeled contents of cough syrups from retail pharmacies was recorded and corroborated with information from literature to determine those deemed to contain the ingredients. The second questionnaire was administered to mothers with children less than two years to ascertain whether they had used the identified syrups. A total of 260 mothers and 55 pharmacy attendants were interviewed.There was widespread use of the syrups in children, including infants, with 192 (74%) of the respondents having used identified syrups and over 90% of these on children less than 2 years including those less than three months.146 (76%) mothers had administered the syrup at double the recommended dose.The regulatory authorities should make concerted efforts to discourage use of cough syrups containing ingredients that pose adverse events to infants, including campaigns to educate pharmacy workers and mothers

Biologia planturum-sept 2014

Aluminum stress usually reduces plant root growth due to the accumulation of Al in specific zones of the root apex. The objectives of this study were to determine the localization of Al in the root apex of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moech. and its effects on membrane integrity, callose accumulation, and root growth in selected cultivars. Seedlings were grown in a nutrient solution containing 0, 27, or 39 μM Al3+ for 24, 48, and 120 h. The Al stress significantly reduced root growth, especially after 48 and 120 h of exposure. A higher Al accumulation, determined by fluorescence microscopy after staining with a Morin dye, occurred in the root extension zone of the sensitive cultivar than in the tolerant cultivar. The membrane damage and callose accumulation were also higher in the sensitive than resistant cultivar. It was concluded that the Al stress significantly reduced root growth through the accumulation of Al in the root extension zone, callose accumulation, and impairment of plasma membrane integrity