Linkages Between Sustainable Biodiversity and Cultural Values: A Case Study of Ramogi Hill Forest and Its Environment

The study investigates how Luo belief system and a more inclusive ecosystem approach contribute to sustainable biodiversity of Ramogi Hill Forest and it’s environ.We adopted descriptive survey research design for this study. The target population was 6,490 comprising Luo elders, elites and youth leaders. A sample of 330 was drawn through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. A questionnaire was used to collect data through face to face interviews with informants and was analysed qualitatively. The response rate was 85% which was considered reasonable enough for statistical generalizations. Secondary data was obtained from existing literature, reports and journals based on the study area.The findings of the study show that the Luo people of Ramogi Hill believe that the earth is a self-regulating complex super organism, the ecosystem processes are linked and humans are part of the system and so humans do not exist in isolation. The study demonstrates that the biodiversity in Ramogi Hill and its environs is part of complex historical interactions among bio-physical and social-cultural systems. Protecting these areas, by isolating them, will certainly create resentments and resistance among those who cultivated these forest landscapes for generations. Therefore humanity’s collective knowledge of biodiversity and its use and management resides in diversity of culture which helps to strengthen cultural integrity and values. This  advocates  for  incorporation  of  indigenous  knowledge  and  livelihoods  into  conservation policy. Indigenous people should not be treated as passive objects in central state dominated activities related to the use and conservation of natural resources.The study has empirically brought out the need for policymakers to incorporate cultural and religious values and indigenous knowledge in measures to maintain biodiversity and promote sustainable use of natural resources to accelerate socio-economic development. Keywords: Kenya, Ramogi Hill, biodiversity, sustainability, conservation, preservation, spiritualit

Analysis of effective resistance calculation methods and their effect on modelling evapotranspiration in two different patches of vegetation in semi-arid SE Spain

International audienceEffective parameters are of major importance in modelling surface fluxes at different scales of spatial heterogeneity. Different ways to obtain these effective parameters for their use in meso-scale and GCM models have been studied. This paper deals with patch-scale heterogeneity, where effective resistances were calculated in two patches with different vegetation (Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss shrubs, and herbaceous plants) using different methods: aggregating soil and plant resistances in parallel, in series or by an average of both. Effective aerodynamic resistance was also calculated directly from patch fluxes. To assess the validity of the different methods used, the Penman-Monteith equation was used with effective resistances to estimate the total ?E for each patch. The ?E estimates found for each patch were compared to Eddy Covariance system measurements. Results showed that for effective surface resistances, parallel aggregation of soil and plant resistances led to ?E estimates closer to the measured ?E in both patches (differences of around 10%). Results for effective aerodynamic resistances differed depending on the patch considered and the method used to calculate them. The use of effective aerodynamic resistances calculated from fluxes provided less accurate estimates of ?E compared to the measured values, than the use of effective aerodynamic resistances aggregated from soil and plant resistances. The results reported in this paper show that the best way of aggregating soil and plant resistances depends on the type of resistance, and the type of vegetation in the patch

Evaluation of a measles vaccine campaign by oral-fluid surveys in a rural Kenyan district: interpretation of antibody prevalence data using mixture models

We evaluated the effectiveness of a measles vaccine campaign in rural Kenya, based on oral-fluid surveys and mixture-modelling analysis. Specimens were collected from 886 children aged 9 months to 14 years pre-campaign and from a comparison sample of 598 children aged 6 months post-campaign. Quantitative measles-specific antibody data were obtained by commercial kit. The estimated proportions of measles-specific antibody negative in children aged 0–4, 5–9 and 10–14 years were 51%, 42% and 27%, respectively, pre- campaign and 18%, 14% and 6%, respectively, post-campaign. We estimate a reduction in the proportion susceptible of 65–78%, with ~85% of the population recorded to have received vaccine. The proportion of ‘weak’ positive individuals rose from 35% pre-campaign to 54% post-campaign. Our results confirm the effectiveness of the campaign in reducing susceptibility to measles and demonstrate the potential of oral-fluid studies to monitor the impact of measles vaccination campaigns

Analysis of effective resistance calculation methods and their effect on modelling evapotranspiration in two different patches of vegetation in semi-arid SE Spain

Effective parameters are of major importance in modelling surface fluxes at different scales of spatial heterogeneity. Different ways to obtain these effective parameters for their use in meso-scale and GCM models have been studied. This paper deals with patch-scale heterogeneity, where effective resistances were calculated in two patches with different vegetation (Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss shrubs, and herbaceous plants) using different methods: aggregating soil and plant resistances in parallel, in series or by an average of both. Effective aerodynamic resistance was also calculated directly from patch fluxes. To assess the validity of the different methods used, the Penman-Monteith equation was used with effective resistances to estimate the total λE for each patch. The λE estimates found for each patch were compared to Eddy Covariance system measurements. Results showed that for effective surface resistances, parallel aggregation of soil and plant resistances led to λE estimates closer to the measured λE in both patches (differences of around 10%). Results for effective aerodynamic resistances differed depending on the patch considered and the method used to calculate them. The use of effective aerodynamic resistances calculated from fluxes provided less accurate estimates of λE compared to the measured values, than the use of effective aerodynamic resistances aggregated from soil and plant resistances. The results reported in this paper show that the best way of aggregating soil and plant resistances depends on the type of resistance, and the type of vegetation in the patch.This work received financial support from several different research projects: the PROBASE (ref.: CGL2006-11619/HID) and CANOA (ref.: CGL2004-04919-C02-01/HID) projects funded by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science; and the BACAEMA (“Balance de carbono y de agua en ecosistemas de matorral mediterráneo en Andalucía: Efecto del cambio climático”, RNM-332) and CAMBIO (“Efectos del cambio global sobre la biodiversidad y el funcionamiento ecosistémico mediante la identificación de áreas sensibles y de referencia en el SE ibérico”, RNM 1280) projects funded by the regional government Junta de Andalucía. The first author enjoyed a pre-doctoral grant from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology

Prevalence Of Anemia Among Teenage Pregnant Girls Attending Antenatal Clinic In Two Health Facilities In Bungoma District, Western Kenya

Severe anemia is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality among teenage pregnant girls who are susceptible because of their rapid growth and associated high iron requirements. Teenage girls often enter pregnancy with less adequate stores of nutrients and are thus unable to withstand the demands imposed by pregnancy. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among teenage pregnant girls. The study was conducted at Maternal Child Health Clinic of   Bungoma district hospital and Bumula Health Centre. This was a cross section study. Teenage pregnant girls attending ANC were recruited. Food frequency questionnaires were used to assess the dietary intake and factors associated with anemia. Blood sample and stool were used to determine the hemoglobin levels and presence of intestinal worms. The prevalence of anemia was 61% (Hemoglobin < 110 g/L). 20.5% had severe anemia, (hemoglobin < 60 g/L), 31.2% had moderate anemia (hemoglobin < or = 90 g/L), and 48.3% had mild anemia.  Iron intake was significantly associated with perceived food shortage (OR: 2.548; 95% CI: 1.632 – 3.980). Hookworm affected calcium intake (OR: 3.074; 95% CI: 1.089 – 8.698) and malaria parasites affected folate intake (OR: 0.355; 95% CI: 0.226 – 0.557). Those with hookworm were 3 times more likely to have inadequate calcium intake as compared to those without. Anemia was high in the study population. Parasitic infestation and food intake were associated with anemia. De-worming with correction of anemia should be encouraged. Keywords:Anemia, teenage girls, pregnancy, nutrient intake, iro

Once versus thrice daily intra-muscular gentamicin in children with systemic infections

A clinical report on the use of gentamicin as a medical prescription in children with systemic infections in a Zimbabwean hospital.Aminoglycosides are commonly used worldwide in the treatment of severe bacterial infections especially aerobic gram-negative infections. Due to its low cost, gentamicin is commonly used in developing countries. In the paediatric medical wards at Harare Central Hospital (HCH), gentamicin was the fifth most commonly used antimicrobial agent in1992

Farmers’ perceived pathways for further intensification of push-pull systems in Western Kenya

Push-pull technology provides farmers in East Africa with an eco-friendly strategy that increases crop yield and household income in smallholder cereal systems by controlling pests and improving soil health. Though promising for a sustainably intensified production, push-pull has been used at limited scale, primarily in maize-and sorghum-based production systems. Expanding the scope, applicability and acceptance of the practice in smallholder farming systems, will leverage the full potential of push-pull as a widely applicable sustainable farming practice. Using key informant interviews and focus group discussions, we explored farmers’ needs and perceived pathways for integrating push-pull and other sustainable intensification practices in synergy with existing cropping systems in Kisumu, Vihiga and Siaya Counties in Western Kenya. We found that farmers in the region typically grow and intercrop a variety of crops, with maize being the most common crop. Farmers commonly practice crop-livestock farming, intercropping, crop rotation, manure and fertilizer use, and use improved varieties to increase maize production. Across the counties, integration of food legumes, agroforestry and crop-livestock farming, were identified as fundamental pathways for stretching the benefits of push-pull. Limitations to farmers’ aspirations and key enablers for facilitating spontaneous adoption of identified sustainable intensification practices for push-pull farming systems are discussed

Anatomical features of renal artery in a black Kenyan population: Correlation with markers of atherosclerosis

Knowledge of anatomical features of the renal artery is important in prediction,  management and control of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. These features show population variations but data from black African populations are scarce. The aim of this study was therefore to describe the anatomical features of the renal artery in a black Kenyan population. Six hundred and ten (610) single renal arteries from 305 adult black Kenyans [206 males, 99 females; age range 22 – 79 years] were studied by dissection at Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Kenya. Specimens with macroscopic features of stenosis and dilatation were excluded. The implantation angle, length and branching pattern were studied. These features were correlated with intima-media thickness and luminal diameter. The  latter were determined by micrometry on Eosin/hematoxylin stained 5 micron  sections obtained from the proximal segment of the renal artery. Data was analysed by SPSS version 16.0. Student’s t-test, was used to test for statistical significance at 95% confidence interval where P value of < 0.05 was taken as significant. The results are presented in a bar graph, tables and macrographs. The mean  implantation angle was 940±150 (range 580-1250). In 26.7% cases, the angle was more than 1000. Mean length was 34±1.4 mm with 21.6 % of arteries measuring ≤ 20 mm. Variant branching pattern was present in 40.5 % of cases. It comprised trifurcation (33 %), quadrifurcation (6.6 %) and pentafurcation (0.8 %). Higher implantation angle, short arteries and variant branching were associated with  statistically significant higher intima - media thickness and luminal diameter. These results suggest that higher implantation angle, shorter length and variant branching pattern constitute geometric risk factors for renal artery atherosclerosis.  Ultrasound screening for individuals with suboptimal geometric features for renal artery atherosclerosis is recommended.Keywords: anatomical risk factors, atherosclerosis, renal arter

Effectiveness of pre-entry active tuberculosis and post-entry latent tuberculosis screening in new entrants to the UK: a retrospective, population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND: Evaluating interventions that might lead to a reduction in tuberculosis in high-income countries with a low incidence of the disease is key to accelerate progress towards its elimination. In such countries, migrants are known to contribute a large proportion of tuberculosis cases to the burden. We assessed the effectiveness of screening for active tuberculosis before entry to the UK and for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) post-entry for reduction of tuberculosis in new-entrant migrants to the UK. Additionally, we investigated the effect of access to primary care on tuberculosis incidence in this population. METHODS: We did a retrospective, population-based cohort study of migrants from 66 countries who were negative for active tuberculosis at pre-entry screening between Jan 1, 2011, and Dec 31, 2014, and eligible for LTBI screening. We used record linkage to track their first contact with primary care, uptake of LTBI screening, and development of active tuberculosis in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. To assess the effectiveness of the pre-entry screening programme, we identified a control group of migrants who were not screened for active tuberculosis using the specific code for new entrants to the UK registering in primary care within the National Health Service patient registration data system. Our primary outcome was development of active tuberculosis notified to the National Enhanced Tuberculosis Surveillance System. FINDINGS: Our cohort comprised 224 234 migrants who were screened for active tuberculosis before entry to the UK and a control group of 118 738 migrants who were not. 103 990 (50%) migrants who were screened for active tuberculosis registered in primary care; all individuals in the control group were registered in primary care. 1828 tuberculosis cases were identified during the cohort time, of which 31 were prevalent. There were 26 incident active tuberculosis cases in migrants with no evidence of primary care registration, and 1771 cases in the entire cohort of migrants who registered in primary care (n=222 728), giving an incidence rate of 174 (95% CI 166-182) per 100 000 person-years. 672 (1%) of 103 990 migrants who were screened for active tuberculosis went on to develop tuberculosis compared with 1099 (1%) of 118 738 not screened for active tuberculosis (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1·49, 95% CI 1·33-1·67; p<0·0001). 2451 (1%) of the 222 728 migrants registered in primary care were screened for LTBI, of whom 421 (17%) tested positive and 1961 (80%) tested negative; none developed active tuberculosis within the observed time period. Migrants settling in the least deprived areas had a decreased risk of developing tuberculosis (IRR 0·74, 95% CI 0·62-0·89; p=0·002), and time from UK arrival to primary care registration of 1 year or longer was associated with increased risk of active tuberculosis (2·96, 2·59-3·38; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: Pre-entry tuberculosis screening, early primary care registration, and LTBI screening are strongly and independently associated with a lower tuberculosis incidence in new-entrant migrants. FUNDING: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Respiratory Infections and NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre