T. Musa, Lovel Fornah, Akintunde Tosin Yinka, U. Ghimire, Hassan Hussein Musa, Idriss Hussein Musa, Kayode Olayinka Afolabi
{"title":"Mapping of research Productivity on Chikungunya indexed in Web of Sciences Core Collection","authors":"T. Musa, Lovel Fornah, Akintunde Tosin Yinka, U. Ghimire, Hassan Hussein Musa, Idriss Hussein Musa, Kayode Olayinka Afolabi","doi":"10.47787/pasj.v2i2.16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47787/pasj.v2i2.16","url":null,"abstract":"Significant research progress has been made towards understanding the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV); however, the research productivity and milestones remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the global research outputs on CHIKV and assessed the landscape and future research directions. The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database was used to identify the relevant publications. A bibliometric analysis was performed using the bibliometrix package in R, HistCite, and VOSviewer v. 1.6.6. A total of 3,423 relevant studies published from 1963 to 2020 were identified on October 1st 2021. The mean citation score per document was 24, while Hirsch index and Collaboration Index were 124 and 3.8 respectively. The United States contributed the highest number of articles (n=659). The Institut Pasteur took the lead as the most prolific institution, having the highest number of publications (n=178). The top journal was Journal of PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases with 167 publications. Lastly, most funding for CHIKV research was from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the most significant evolution in the field of CHIKV research in terms of authors, journal, country, institution, research direction, and funding agencies.","PeriodicalId":405253,"journal":{"name":"Pan Africa Science Journal","volume":"21 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116453223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Investigating the efficiency of Vertical Sub-Surface Flow Constructed Wetlands on Reduction of Faecal Indicator Bacteria and Organic matter Under Varied Sizes of Gravel Substrate Aggregates","authors":"Khasisi D. Lukhabi, W. Muia, J. Kipkemboi","doi":"10.47787/pasj.v1i02.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47787/pasj.v1i02.15","url":null,"abstract":"Constructed wetlands (CWs) polish wastewater prior to discharge into aquatic receptacles. Size variabilities of substrates used in CWS may have effects on the treatment efficiencies though there is scanty information regarding this aspect in VSSF CWs. To address this knowledge gap, a laboratory scale mesocosm experiment was set up to investigate the potential of a VSSF CW to reduce organic matter and FIB using various gravel substrate aggregate sizes. These consisted of three gravel size treatment units; <12.5, 12.5-18 and 18-24 mm in triplicates. 70 liters of pre-treated wastewater from final wastewater stabilization pond (WSP) of Egerton University’s WSPs was added to the units, allowed to settle for 6 weeks for development of biofilms, followed by periodic feeding of equal wastewater quantity on weekly basis and influent and effluent samples collected for 8 weeks for analysis. Results disclosed reduction efficiency of 95.2, 94.3 and 88.4 % for E coli in the fine, medium and coarse gravel aggregates respectively. Less than 20 % reduction efficiency was recorded for BOD5 in all gravel aggregate sizes. There was no significant variation on performance of the three gravel aggregate sizes in reduction of both FIB and BOD5 (p˃0.05). Poor performance in BOD5 reduction was related to absence of wetland macrophytes in the study. The relatively high reduction efficiency for FIB was attributed to other factors and processes such as predation, mechanical interactions, starvation, microbial interactions and natural die-offs. The study recommends assessing the combined effort of wetland macrophytes, increased hydraulic retention time and substrates.","PeriodicalId":405253,"journal":{"name":"Pan Africa Science Journal","volume":"201 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132129028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Edrisa Jawo, A. Kargbo, Evelyn Anuli Mendy, Matty Kah, Pierre A. Mendy, Edward Mendy, Fatmata Ceesay, O. Jallow, Moses Edache Entomu
{"title":"Knowledge and Attitude towards Exclusive Breast Feeding among Mothers Attending Antenatal Care (ANC) in Brikama District Hospital, Brikama, Gambia","authors":"Edrisa Jawo, A. Kargbo, Evelyn Anuli Mendy, Matty Kah, Pierre A. Mendy, Edward Mendy, Fatmata Ceesay, O. Jallow, Moses Edache Entomu","doi":"10.47787/pasj.v1i02.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47787/pasj.v1i02.13","url":null,"abstract":"The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recommend starting breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, exclusively breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months, and continuing for up to two years or beyond, in addition to adequate complementary foods. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from 384 mothers attending antennal health care at Brikama District Hospital in Brikama, Gambia, from 1st June to 30th June. The mean age (standard deviation (SD)) of the women was 26.69(±5.67) years and ranged from 16 to 49 years. Majority of the women were married (92.19 %) and from extended families (67.19 %). The findings indicate that majority of participants knew about EBF (88.28%) from health workers (58.22%). Furthermore, most mothers preferred breastfeeding for up to two years of age (58.85%) and agreed that babies should be breastfed on demand (65.63%). The knowledge and attitude of mothers towards EBF was very high and positive. Overall, most respondents knew about (85.94%) and favored (69.79%) EBF. ","PeriodicalId":405253,"journal":{"name":"Pan Africa Science Journal","volume":"22 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121541041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rayori Douglas, Getabu Albert, O. Reuben, Orina Paul, Nchore Hellen, Gisacho Boniface, O. Nyabaro, A. Omondi, Omweno Job
{"title":"Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations (Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn) in Wastewater from Gusii Treatment Plant in Kisii County, Kenya","authors":"Rayori Douglas, Getabu Albert, O. Reuben, Orina Paul, Nchore Hellen, Gisacho Boniface, O. Nyabaro, A. Omondi, Omweno Job","doi":"10.47787/pasj.v1i02.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47787/pasj.v1i02.12","url":null,"abstract":"The concentrations of heavy metals were determined from wastewater samples collected from the Gusii wastewater treatment plant, from May to July, 2021. Heavy metal analysis was done using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer, model AA 7000 Shimadzu, Japan. The results showed that the concentrations of Zinc and Cadmium were below the detection limit for all the sampling sites. The concentrations of Lead and Copper (Mean ± SE) ranged between 0.34 ± 0.06 mg/L and 0.86 ± 0.08 mg/L and 0.25 ± 0.05 and 0.34 ± 0.01 mg/L respectively. The month of July exhibited a higher mean Cu concentration of 0.35 ± 0.004 mg/L compared to the mean Cu concentration (0.2 ± 0.02 mg/L) of May. Likewise, the mean lead concentration of May (0.60 ± 0.04 mg/L) was higher than the mean (0.53 ± 0.05 mg/L.) of July. The independent sample t-test showed that mean Cu concentration difference was significant between the sampling months (t (34) = 21.58; p < 0.05) while for Pb it was not significant between the sampling months (t (30) = 1.241; p = 0.274). The percentage removals of Copper and Lead were generally low at 12.61 % and 6.27 %, respectively. The continued discharge of effluent into River Riana may lead to accumulation of heavy metals in the environment, which in turn poses health risks to the general public. Therefore, the study recommends that Gusii Water and Sanitation Company continue monitoring and assessing the levels of heavy metals in the treatment plant for its sustainability.","PeriodicalId":405253,"journal":{"name":"Pan Africa Science Journal","volume":"15 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125281246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Angima Merceline, Akama John, A. Omondi, Omweno Job, Mungai Dan
{"title":"Abundance, diversity and distribution of Macrophytes in lotic wetlands: A case study on Sironga and Kapkatet Wetlands, Kenya","authors":"Angima Merceline, Akama John, A. Omondi, Omweno Job, Mungai Dan","doi":"10.47787/pasj.v1i02.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47787/pasj.v1i02.11","url":null,"abstract":"Wetland macrophytes provide important ecological and social-economic values. However, the recent increase in anthropogenic influences has compromised the ecological integrity of most lotic wetlands, which has ultimately threatened their structure and functioning, causing degradation and loss of macrophytes. This study was aimed at assessing the biodiversity, distribution and abundance of macrophytes in Sironga and Kapkatet wetlands with respect to various anthropogenic activities. Sampling was conducted for a period of six months, covering both dry and wet seasons from February – July 2019. Macrophytes were identified using identification keys and diversity indices such as the Shannon-Wiener, Simpson’s, and Species evenness were used to determine macrophyte diversities. The numbers of different macrophytes species was enumerated from five randomly sampled line transects along the water ways and another fifteen also randomly distributed on the wetlands on a monthly basis. There were three main lifeforms of aquatic macrophytes found in both Sironga and Kapaktet wetlands namely, emerged, submerged and floating, which were dominated by Centella asciatica and Cyperus sp. and the floating macrophytes, Potamogeton schwenfurthii dominated Kapaktet wetland. The study found that macrophyte distribution, abundance and biodiversity were highly affected by predominant economic activities resulting to wetland conversion, nutrient influxes and unsustainable exploitation of macrophytes. We recommend a further study focusing on effects of sedimentation resulting from unsustainable agricultural practices on water quality and macrophytes diversity, distribution and abundance, the effects of changing land-use practices and how different environmental agencies can be involved in the advocacy, conservation and management of the riverine wetlands.","PeriodicalId":405253,"journal":{"name":"Pan Africa Science Journal","volume":"60 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128936432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Natural and anthropogenic changes threatening the ecological and limnological integrity of Lake Baringo, Kenya: A Review","authors":"J. Omweno, S. Opiyo, A. Omondi, Wilfred O. Zablon","doi":"10.47787/pasj.2021.01.23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47787/pasj.2021.01.23","url":null,"abstract":"Lakes are characterized by dynamic responses to ecological and limnologic disturbances that occur within a constrained timeframe. Some endorheic lakes in the Kenyan Rift valley are presently regarded as environmental hotspots because of complex changes that are revealed through multiple proxies; changing lake levels and surface area, turbidity and sedimentation, proliferation of macrophytes and loss of aquatic biodiversity. Lake Baringo is characterized by widespread catchment degradation accompanied by high levels of turbidity during erratic and decline of native fishery based on Oreochromis niloticus baringoensis. A careful analysis implicates potential natural factors such as catchment topography and increasing anthropogenic pressure as the main causes of lake ecosystem degradation. This paper recommends several strategies for restoration of Lake Baringo based on an integrated multi-faceted approach which combines catchment rehabilitation, pollution control and provision of alternative livelihoods such as agriculture to the riparian communities.","PeriodicalId":405253,"journal":{"name":"Pan Africa Science Journal","volume":"2 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129008628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antimicrobial Compounds Biosynthesis and Biocontrol Mechanisms of Lysobacter enzymogenes","authors":"B. Odhiambo","doi":"10.47787/pasj.2021.01.22","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47787/pasj.2021.01.22","url":null,"abstract":"Biocontrol of plant pathogens is considered an environmentally friendly strategy and it is preferred over the use of chemicals which cause environmental pollution. Lysobacter enzymogenes is a bacterium that has been identified as an agriculturally important biocontrol agent. L. enzymogenes possess antagonistic activity against numerous phytopathogens such as fungi, oomycetes, bacteria and nematodes. Its antagonistic activity is conferred by its ability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites such as the Heat-Stable Anti-Fungal Factor (HSAF), Heat-Stable Degrading Metabolite (HSDM) and WAP-8294A2. It can also produce abundant lytic enzymes such as; chitinases, proteases, glucanases and cellulases that can degrade fungal cell walls and therefore inhibit their growth. To design effective biocontrol strategies employing L. enzymogenes, it is important to understand its antagonistic mechanisms. This review crystalizes information on the biosynthesis mechanisms and biocontrol mechanisms of various antimicrobial compounds produced by L. enzymogenes, this information is essential in designing biocontrol strategies against phytopathogens. Further, this review highlights the uncharacterized HSDM and proposes the need for its future characterization, determination of its biosynthetic gene cluster and characterization of its antagonistic mechanisms against various phytopathogens. Also, the mechanism of clp regulation of lytic enzymes biosynthesis needs to be further studied.","PeriodicalId":405253,"journal":{"name":"Pan Africa Science Journal","volume":"22 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134087948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Co-Pathogenesis of Human Herpesvirus with HIV In Africa","authors":"P. Waliaula","doi":"10.47787/PASJ.2020.02.18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47787/PASJ.2020.02.18","url":null,"abstract":"Human Herpesviruses (HHV’s) are ubiquitous in human populations globally, and they cause significant morbidity and mortality. HHV’s establish a latent infection that is accompanied by periodic virus reactivation as a result of HIV infections. Further, HIV/AIDS infection in sub-Saharan Africa is perceived to be a significant health concern as it accounts for up to 70% of infectious diseases in the region. Until now, the role played by HHVs is increasingly being recognized. The co-infection of HIV with HHV’s changes severity or the natural course of HIV infection which defines the AIDS conditions in HIV infected individuals. Presently, treatment of HIV/AIDS by antiviral drugs targets the clinical manifestations of both HIV and HHVs at their productive stage and boost the immunity of HIV infected individuals, but they are ineffective at eliminating these viruses (HHVs and HIV) from the infected persons. This review focuses on outlining the epidemiology, distribution and role played by HHV’s in the pathogenesis of HIV infection in African countries. Additionally, this information is significant in crystallizing and providing an update on recent advancements on HHV’s and HIV infections in Africa and possible future directions in this field of research.","PeriodicalId":405253,"journal":{"name":"Pan Africa Science Journal","volume":"47 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121780216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Mutie, Kenya Marine, E. Waithaka, G. Morara, P. Boera, J. Mwamburi, B. Obegi
{"title":"Population characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in light of varying water quality conditions of adjoined Lakes Naivasha and Oloidien in Kenya","authors":"A. Mutie, Kenya Marine, E. Waithaka, G. Morara, P. Boera, J. Mwamburi, B. Obegi","doi":"10.47787/PASJ.2020.02.20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47787/PASJ.2020.02.20","url":null,"abstract":"Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) is a recent re-introduction in Lake Naivasha and is one of the fish species that has crossed into Lake Oloidien. This study assessed and compared the population characteristic of O. niloticus under different physicochemical conditions of water in L. Naivasha (main) and L. Oloidien. Samples of water for selected water quality parameters and fisheries data from catch survey were collected between 2017 and 2018. Results indicate the highest conductivity levels recorded in 2018 as 2916 ±11.30 µScm-1 and 282.33 ± 4.33 µScm-1 for L. Oloidien and L. Naivasha respectively. Mean total lengths of O. niloticus were 19.1± 1.8 cm and 23.6 ± 2.9 cm for L. Oloidien and L. Naivasha respectively. Mean weight of O. niloticus was 129.3 ± 37.8 g in L. Oloidien and 260.9 ± 81.0 g in L. Naivasha. Length-weight relationship analysis showed a negative allometric growth (b = 2.526) and (b = 2.983; p > 0.05) in lakes Oloidien and Naivasha respectively. The relative condition factor (Kn) values were slightly lower in O. niloticus from L. Oloidien compared to the main Lake. Differences between the two lakes in the population characteristics of O. niloticus may be attributed to the observed differences in the habitat conditions, including the conductivity and pH levels.","PeriodicalId":405253,"journal":{"name":"Pan Africa Science Journal","volume":"46 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130238314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kenya Marine, K. Obiero, E. Waithaka, N. Outa, O. Donde, D. Kyule
{"title":"Understanding selected growth aspects in Redbelly Tilapia, Coptodon zilli (Gervais) and Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède) in Lake Naivasha, Kenya; Fisheries Management Perspective","authors":"Kenya Marine, K. Obiero, E. Waithaka, N. Outa, O. Donde, D. Kyule","doi":"10.47787/PASJ.2020.02.21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47787/PASJ.2020.02.21","url":null,"abstract":"Coptodon zilli and Micropterus salmoides were introduced into Lake Naivasha in 1929 and 1959 respectively. The reasons for the introduction were to boost the fisheries and for recreational fishing respectively. However, the numbers of the two fish species in the lake have been declining over the years. It is therefore necessary to assess various aspects of their growth such as length-weight relationship, condition factor, sex ratio and length at first maturity to inform management and policy making for enhanced recovery and establishment of their populations. Length-weight relationship, condition factor, sex ratio and length at first maturity of the fish were studied from October 2016 to November 2018. A total of 303 fish samples; 193 C. zilli and 110 M. salmoides were studied. Results showed that C. zilli and M. salmoides had an allometry coefficient value of 2.9 and 3.1 and condition factor (K) value of 1.77 and 1.39 respectively. The sex ratios (male: female) of C. zilli and M. salmoides were 1.1:1 and 1.3: 1 respectively. The shortest total length for mature C. zilli and M. salmoides recorded were 12 cm and 26.5 cm while 21.8 cm and 51 cm were for the longest respectively. The fish growth pattern therefore failed to obey the cube law of b=3 thus exhibiting allometric growth. The two fish species were found to be in good condition with K factor above 1. It can therefore be concluded that the fish are generally in a good condition though the early maturity especially for C. zilli could be a sign of pressure either from environmental factors or human induced. Domination of the species by males, although a common feature in African lakes, is a case for concern since it presents uncertainty on the future of the fisheries. Restocking of Lake Naivasha with the two fish species should be considered and proper fishing practices enforced","PeriodicalId":405253,"journal":{"name":"Pan Africa Science Journal","volume":"15 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131493510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}