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- Documents that relate to, published about or published by Bomet University College
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The Isolation, Screening, and Characterization of Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Producing Bacteria from Hypersaline Lakes in Kenya
(Journal of Bacteria, 2023-05-08) Omare, Godfrey M.; Muigano, Martin N.; et.al
Extremophilic microorganisms such as those that thrive in high-salt and high-alkaline en vironments are promising candidates for the recovery of useful biomaterials including polyhydrox yalkanoates (PHAs). PHAs are ideal alternatives to synthetic plastics because they are biodegrada ble, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly. This work was aimed at conducting a bioprospec tion of bacteria isolated from hypersaline-alkaliphilic lakes in Kenya for the potential production of
PHAs. In the present study, 218 isolates were screened by Sudan Black B and Nile Red A staining.
Of these isolates, 31 were positive for PHA production and were characterized using morphological,
biochemical, and molecular methods. Through 16S rRNA sequencing, we found that the isolates
belonged to the genera Arthrobacter spp., Bacillus spp., Exiguobacterium spp., Halomonas spp., Para coccus spp., and Rhodobaca spp. Preliminary experiments revealed that Bacillus sp. JSM-1684023 iso lated from Lake Magadi had the highest PHA accumulation ability, with an initial biomass-to-PHA
conversion rate of 19.14% on a 2% glucose substrate. Under optimized fermentation conditions,
MO22 had a maximum PHA concentration of 0.516 g/L from 1.99 g/L of cell dry weight and 25.9%
PHA conversion, equivalent to a PHA yield of 0.02 g/g of biomass. The optimal PHA production
media had an initial pH of 9.0, temperature of 35 °C, salinity of 3%, and an incubation period of 48
h with 2.5% sucrose and 0.1% peptone as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. This study
suggests that bacteria isolated from hypersaline and alkaliphilic tropical lakes are promising candi dates for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates.
Extracts of Jamun seeds inhibited the growth of human (Hep‑2) cancer cells
(Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2023-04-07) . Mauti , Godfrey O
Introduction: In the last century, the human laryngeal epithelioma has become a life‑threatening disease leading to a high rate of
mortality worldwide. The current investigation is focusing on the antiproliferative effect of Eugenia jambolana seed extracts against
Hep‑2 cancer cells.
Methods: The active compounds from the seeds of E. jambolana were extracted by the decoction extraction method using acetone,
ethanol, and methanol. The filtrates from the different solvents were subjected to liquid‑liquid separation before drying by a rotary
evaporator. In various doses, the crude extracts and carcinoma were subjected to a methylthiazolyl diphenyl tetrazolium bromide
assay. Cell viability was determined under ultraviolet visualization at an absorbance of 540 nm. The data of the viable cells were
subjected to analysis of variance at P ≤ .01.
Results: Crude compounds of E. jambolana seeds extracted by acetone, methanol, and methanol extract had an anticarcinoma
effect. Among the extracts, methanol extract possessed a recommendable anti‑carcinoma effect compared to acetone and ethanol
crude extracts. At a concentration of 125 µg/mL, the crude extracts of methanol, acetone, and ethanol destroyed 49.57, 35.01,
and 27.67 carcinomas, respectively. The concentration of 31.25 µg/mL of acetone extract and 125 µg/mL of ethanolic extract
affected 28.11 and 27.67 carcinomas, respectively.
Conclusions: E. jambolana seeds possess anticarcinoma potency and thus can be administered in the reduction of proliferative
carcinoma. The study recommended further studies which will involve the elution of pure compounds from the methanol extract of
E. jambolana that possess antitumour and antiproliferative activity against Hep‑2 cell lines.
Effect of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on nutrients and anti-nutrients of African black nightshade and African spider plant
(ELSEVIER, 2023-06-14) Wafula, Eliud Nalianya; et.al
African black nightshade is a leafy vegetable consumed in many parts of Africa. African spi der plant is also a very important indigenous leafy vegetable consumed all around Africa.
Both the African black nightshade and African spider plant are popular despite their te dious preparation techniques which involve boiling and discarding the first water or a
lengthy boiling duration to remove bitterness. However, this preparation technique reduces
heat-labile and water-soluble nutrients. Fermentation can be a better alternative process ing technique since it has been observed that fermented products have better nutritional
content and increased safety. However, there is still limited literature on the effect of
fermentation on the nutrients and anti-nutrients content of these vegetables. This study
aimed to ferment African black nightshade and African spider plant using Lactobacillus
fermentum and Lactococcus lactis cultures and determined the effect of the fermentation
on their nutrients and anti-nutrients content. Both vegetables were submerged in a 3%
sugar and 3% salt brine solution. Total ash, crude proteins and crude fibres significantly
increased in starter culture inoculated vegetables. However, both β-carotene and ascorbic
acid were slightly reduced in all fermented batches. Anti-nutrients were significantly re duced in all fermented batches. In conclusion, lactic acid fermentation of these vegetables
demonstrated the ability to maintain or increase nutrients while reducing of anti-nutrients
The effectiveness of Mass Media Frames in promoting Organic Farming practices in Kenya
(Great Journs, 2023-04-30) Koech, Leornard
The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of mass media frames in promoting organic
farming practices in Kenya. The study was guided by Social Learning Theory is highly relevant to the study on the
effectiveness of mass media frames in promoting organic farming practices in Kenya. This theory posits that people
learn by observing others, and that media can be a powerful tool for social learning. The study employed a quasi experimental design with pre-test and post-test measurements to determine the impact of mass media frames on
promoting organic farming practices in Kenya. The study used purposive sampling to select farmers who practice
organic farming in Kenya. The farmers were selected from different regions across the country to ensure diversity in the
sample. Additionally, a control group of farmers who do not practice organic farming will be selected to establish a
baseline for comparison. The study used both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to collect data. The
following data collection methods was used: A pre-test survey was conducted before the mass media campaign, and a
post-test survey was conducted after the campaign to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviorstowards
organic farming practices. Focus group discussions was conducted to gain insights into the farmers' perceptions of the
mass media frames and their effectiveness in promoting organic farming practices. The study used both descriptive and
inferential statistics to analyze the quantitative data collected from the surveys. The qualitative data collected from the
focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were analyzed thematically. Ethical considerations such as informed
consent, confidentiality, and privacy was observed throughout the study. The researcher concluded that, the
effectiveness of mass media frames in promoting organic farming practices in Kenya can be evaluated by measuring
changes in farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards organic farming practices, as well as the reach and
engagement of the mass media campaign.
The findings may vary depending on the specific campaign, the target audience, and the context in which the campaign
is implemented. However, an effectivemass media campaign should lead to increased awareness and knowledge of
organic farming practices among farmers, a positive shift in attitudes towards organic farming practices, and increased
adoption of organic farming practices by farmers. Additionally, the campaign should have a significant reach and
engagement with the target audience, and any challenges and limitations identified should be addressed to ensure the
campaign's sustainability. The findings on the effectiveness of mass media frames in promoting organic farming
practices in Kenya can inform policy and practice in the agricultural sector, contribute to the body of knowledge on the
effectiveness of mass media campaigns in promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and guide future mass media
campaigns aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture practices in Kenya and other similar contexts. Based on the
findings of the study on the effectiveness of mass media frames in promoting organic farming practices in Kenya, the
following recommendations can be made: Ensure that the mass media campaign is designed to meet the specific needs
and interests of the target audience, using appropriate language and channels of communication to effectively reach
and engage the audience. Develop and implement comprehensive follow-up support and resources to enable farmers
to adopt and sustain organic farming practices after the mass media campaign.
Relationship between Watching ‘Gengetone’ Music and Drug Abuse among the Youth in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
(East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2021-04-30) Koech, Leonard K.
Drugs, substance and alcohol abuse by many youths is as a result of
various factors. Research conducted in the past have looked at how mass
media channels (video and TV) and their influence on abuse of drugs
and other substances among the youth. The purpose of this paper is to
investigate how drug-related information portrayed on Gengetone music
influences drugs and substance abuse among youths in Eldoret town.
The research objectives were to investigate how the acceptability level
of ‘Gengetone’ music and videos among youths, to examine ways in
which ‘Gengetone music lyrics communicate information on drugs,
substance and alcohol abuse and establish the effect of listening of
Gengetone music on drugs and substance abuse among youths in Uasin
Gishu County. The study adopted George Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory.
The study utilised descriptive survey. Questionnaires and interviews
were utilised to collect data from selected youths aged 20 – 30 years
residing in Eldoret town four estates numbering 80 and one county
officer in charge of NACADA North Rift office. Analysis of data was
done through qualitative (content analysis method) and quantitative
approaches (descriptive statistics); The study found out that indeed
lyrics, images and videos contained in some Gengetone music promoted
drugs, substance and alcohol abuse by young people in the study area.
This means that music preference performed a significant role in
determining the level of drugs and substance abuse by youth in Eldoret
town. This calls for stakeholder involvement in educating the upcoming
artist on the importance of developing Gengetone music that is clean and
creates awareness on the dangers of youth addiction to drugs, other
substances and alcohol.