Abstract This study set out to examine and map the spatial variation of infant mortality in Kenya. We used data from Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) database to explore spatial variation. Generalized linear mixed inodel(GLMM) with Enumeration Areas (EA) specific random effects was used to assess the effects of geographical heterogeneity and other covariates. The model based Geostatistical methods were used to quantify the spatial variations of the observations using the variograms and fi...
Abstract This study is a critical review of theoreticalissues that underline the linear mixed effects (LME) and nonlinear mixed effects (NLME) models. These two areas are revisited under maximum likelihood and restricted maximumlikelihood estimation frameworks. We also review methods of estimating parameters in both linear and nonlinear mixed effects models. In the case of LME, we consider different ways of developing the likelihood estimators, key among these methods are the “pseudo-data�...
Abstract This study was undertaken in Kakamega South Sub-County in Kakamega County where small-scale farmers depend on rain fed agriculture and over the years have had frequent crop failure due to seasonal drought. This study’s main objective was to establish adaptive strategies to agricultural drought effects on small scale crop production in Kakamega South Sub-county. The study established the evidence of climate change and agricultural drought on small scale crop production, determined ...
Abstract Sugarcane production worldwide has been declining due to many challenges in several countries as their population grows. Earlier studies in the sugar industry have through years offered suggestions and solutions to how the ailing industry could be revived and improved but have not been successful. In Kenya, some sugarcane industries are closing down yet more sugar is needed. This study examined the challenges facing small scale sugarcane farming in Malava sub–county, Kakamega Coun...
Abstract Urbanization has caused unprecedented land use changes around urban settlements leading to enormous social-economic impacts on peri urban residents. Currently, 55% of the world's population lives in urban areas, a figure that is predicted to reach 60 percent by the year 2030. If existing urbanization trend persist, urban dwellers will hit 68 percent by 2050. In order to satisfy the rising metropolitan population, urban areas have expanded spatially beyond legal limits into their hin...
Abstract The fourth UN Quality Priority states that education is the key to achieving more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), although urbanization factors limit student retention. World economies support the advancement of education. The Kenyan government is committed to the Education for All initiative. This progress, however, is undermined by the issue of access to primary school education. Any obstacle that impedes learning weakens not only the educational objective but also the growt...
Abstract Vihiga Sub-County like most of Western Kenya, is endowed with an equatorial climate, thus supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. On the contrary, the area is susceptible to climate change impacts because, other than one major cause of global warming being emission of Greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane and chlorofloro carbons) in the mainly urban and industrial areas, the major cause of global warming and climate change in Vihiga Sub-County are human related activities ...
Abstract/Overview Land degradation is a problem facing humanity on earth today as it threatens food security as well as viable land use activities. This study considered quarrying as a form of land degradation using human beings as geomorphic agents. The study established the extent of quarrying effects on land degradation on land use activities such as agriculture, transportation and biodiversity. The indicators of land degradation were soil erosion marked by presence of gullies, sand bu...
Abstract This study investigates the impact of debt on economic performance in Kenya, focusing on both internal and external debt. Using regression analysis and correlation techniques, data from 2000 to 2021 was analyzed to understand the relationship between debt levels and economic growth indicators such as GDP. The findings reveal a nuanced relationship: while internal debt shows a positive association with economic growth, external debt demonstrates a negative association. Effective debt...
Abstract Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the world’s richest selections of indigenous fermented foods which constitute valuable cultural heritage with significant socio-economic impact. The review provides an in-depth examination of the diversity of indigenous fermented foods of Kenya in the cultural practices context, interlinked microbiome, associated nutritional and food security aspects while positing valorisation perspective. The traditional fermented foods are profiled into five cluste...
Abstract This study was to investigates the dynamics of inflation in Kenya through the application of advanced time series modeling techniques, specifically Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) analysis. Inflation is a critical economic indicator that directly influences monetary policy, investment decisions, and overall economic stability. Given the dynamic of inflation in emerging economies such as Kenya, a fine understanding of its patterns and the ability to make accurate for...
Abstract Gryllus bimaculatus (field cricket) powder is a prospect in enriching gluten-free food products' protein and mineral contents. However, the technological impacts of replacing common gluten-free cereal flours with G. bimaculatus powder are still incipient. This study aimed to characterise nutritional composition, particle morphology, and particle size distribution of G. bimaculatus powder and the gluten-free flours (maize, rice, finger millet and proso millet). Additionally, it i...
Abstract/Overview Ticks harbor multiple pathogens, most of which can be transmitted to hu mans. The ensuing zoonoses display non-specific symptoms that make defin itive diagnosis difficult. We report here the development and evaluation of multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays for eight tick-borne zoonoses (TBZ). The assays were organized in duo formats of 4-plex each. Format 1 was optimized for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdoferi and Ehr...
Abstract/Overview Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a major source of carbohydrates, calcium, vitamins (B and C), and essential minerals and isthe third most important source of calories in the tropics. However, it is not clear if the traditional processing methods expose the products to microbial contamination. )is study assessed the levels of fungi and aflatoxin contamination in traditionally processed cassava products (Akuoga and Abeta). A total of 38 samples were collected from th...
Abstract/Overview We present norm inequalities for positive elementary operators via Cauchy-Schwarz inequality and Minkowskis inequality techniques. Norm inequalities are presented in Euclidean algebras linked to Minkowski’s light cones. Lastly, we explore the applications in quantum theory particularly in entanglement of states.