Climate-Driven Innovations: How Rainfall and Temperature Influence Pasture Technology Adoption in Isiolo County, Kenya

Pastoralism is the primary livelihood in Isiolo County's arid and semi-arid regions, but severe droughts and climate change frequently disrupt this way of life, causing food shortages for vulnerable communities. This study explored how pastoralists in Isiolo County adopt Technological, Innovation, and Management Practices (TIMPs) to boost pasture production, reduce land degradation, and enhance resilience to extreme weather. It specifically examined the impact of climatic factors on TIMP adoption, guided by Diffusion of Innovation Theory, which focuses on the adoption process of new technologies. Using a descriptive survey research design, the study sampled 382 heads of households and field extension officers from a population of 48,514. Data was collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). A pilot test involving 20 household heads and 1 extension officer was conducted, achieving a reliability coefficient of 0.86 using the Cronbach Alpha formula. Data analysis was performed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 2x, employing Multiple Linear Regression models. The results indicated that temperature had a positive correlation coefficient of 0.791 with TIMP adoption, showing that higher temperatures encourage technology adoption for survival, with a significant effect (p0.05). Policymakers should therefore prioritize temperature-related interventions and reassess rainfall-related strategies to improve local resilience to extreme climatic conditions

Effectiveness of Adaptation Strategies by Resettled Farmers in Unfamiliar Agro-Ecological Zones in Laikipia Central Sub County, Kenya

This study sought to assess the effectiveness of adaptation strategies adopted by resettled farmers in Shalom Resettlement Scheme in Laikipia Central Sub-County. These farmers originated from Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ) II in the Rift Valley that comparatively have better agricultural and livestock production potential than AEZ III to IV in Laikipia Central Sub-county of Central Kenya where they are currently settled. AEZs II to III are characterized by medium potential while AEZ IV has semi-arid conditions. Crops and livestock production has remained the farmers’ main sources of livelihood and in their new AEZs they are compelled to practice different farming practices to sustain their production. The specific objectives for the study were to identify the adaptation strategies adopted by resettled farmers within AEZs unfamiliar to them in Laikipia Central Sub County and to assess the effectiveness of the adaptation strategies used by resettled farmers within AEZs unfamiliar to them in Laikipia Central Sub County.The study employed Impoverishment Risk and Reconstruction Model. A descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The target population for the study was 1525household heads. A sample of 233 households was derived from 15% of the targeted population and 4 community leaders. Key informants were sampled through purposive sampling procedure and census survey was used for 4 community leaders. Data was collected from the household heads using questionnaires as well as through focused group discussions with 4 community leaders. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26.0) and presented as descriptive statistics, tables, figures and graphs. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed and inserted in the text during discussion. A t-test at 0.05 significance level for Shalom Vs. Nakuru and Shalom Vs. Uasin Gishu was performed. The t-test value for Shalom Vs. Nakuru was 0.441 and the p value was 0.034 while for Shalom Vs. Uasin Gishu, the t-test value was 0.2511 and the p value was 0.012. The p-values are less than the typical significance level of 0.05, thus there is a significant difference in agro ecological conditions in Shalom and in Nakuru and Uasin Gishu. To mitigate these differences, most resettled farmers have adopted adaptation strategies like water harvesting and conservation, crop diversification and changing of the planting calendar which they consider as the most effective while migration is considered the least effective as it was adopted by the least number of farmers. The study recommended that effective water resource management strategies be implemented in Shalom resettlement scheme to promote sustainable agricultural development. Techniques such as rain water harvesting and constructing water pans should be encouraged to enhance water availability for agricultural activities. Another recommendation is promoting capacity-building programs for farmers in the Shalom resettlement scheme to empower them with the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to changing climatic conditions. Climate-smart agricultural practices, including efficient water use and crop diversification, can contribute to increased resilience

Assessment of Solid waste generation and composition in Bungoma County Urban Centres for appropriate waste management approaches

The quantity and characteristics of urban solid waste are a result of the interconnectedness of diverse factors at play including social, economic, and environmental factors. These directly influence the choice of management practice at the household or community level. Understanding these relationships can help policymakers and urban planners develop more effective waste management strategies. This study aimed at assessing solid waste generation and composition in Bungoma County urban centers to inform on strategies for effective management of urban waste.  The study was carried out in Bungoma county urban centers, specifically Bungoma town, Webuye, Kimilili, Kapsokwony, Chwele, and Sirisia townships. The study applied a stratified sampling technique to select the urban and peri-urban centers while random sampling was used to select respondents in residential dwellings, business people, urban residents, and officers from government institutions including public health and environment, water, and natural resources were interviewed. Ancillary data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules while historical data was obtained from the Bungoma County Department of Environment and used to validate observed data. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and summarized using tables, charts, and graphs. Our findings show that the highest waste was generated from residential homes, commercial, and municipal services. In terms of composition, biodegradable waste had the highest proportion, followed by plastics and glass waste. Population growth could be a key factor in the increased generation of the waste

Temporal changes in rainfall and Temperature influence on Solid Waste Generation in Bungoma County Urban Centres, Kenya

Globally, temperature and rainfall play an integral role in the management of solid waste in urban areas. This is because many countries especially, the developing countries conventionally rely on both variables in the management of waste. However, the urban environment faces many threats as a result of challenged waste management practices due to these climate stressors. This research aimed to assess how temporal changes in temperature and rainfall influence solid waste generation.  The study was carried out in Bungoma county urban centres, specifically Bungoma town, Webuye, Kimilili, Kapsokwony, Chwele, and Sirisia townships. The study applied a stratified sampling technique to select the urban and peri-urban centres while random sampling was used to select respondents in residential dwellings, business people, urban residents, and officers from government institutions including public health and environment, water, and natural resources were interviewed. Ancillary data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules while historical data was obtained to validate observed data. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and summarized using tables, charts, and graphs. The findings of the study indicated that rainfall and temperature significantly influenced the generation of solid waste

Land Corruption Risk Mapping

In 2016, the Centre for Rural Development – commissioned by Transparency International – developed a Handbook on Land Corruption Risk Mapping, which helps NGOs, governmental institutions, and other actors to systematically identify and assess corruption risks in land governance and to develop effective counter-measures. The present study was produced during the development process of the handbook. It explains the handbook’s conceptual framework (corruption, corruption risks, risk assessment, etc.) and details the methodological approach that was used to develop and test the handbook. In addition, the study presents the results of four case studies that were conducted in Kenya as part of the development and testing process, namely: 1) Urban space land conflicts in Nairobi; 2) Indigenous communities and their role in initial land registration in West Pokot; 3) Inheritance of land and land rights for women in Kakamega; 4) Large scale land acquisitions in Kwale. Finally, the study includes recommendations – for Transparency International, for governmental institutions, and for NGOs – that were drawn from the handbook development process and from the case studies in Kenya

Premature senescence of T-cells favors bone loss during osteolytic diseases. A new concern in the osteoimmunology arena

Cellular senescence is a biological process triggered in response to time-accumulated DNA damage, which prioritizes cell survival over cell function. Particularly, senescent T lymphocytes can be generated prematurely during chronic inflammatory diseases regardless of chronological aging. These senescent T lymphocytes are characterized by the loss of CD28 expression, a co-stimulatory receptor that mediates antigen presentation and effective T-cell activation. An increased number of premature senescent CD4+CD28- T lymphocytes has been frequently observed in osteolytic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and osteomyelitis. Indeed, CD4+CD28- T lymphocytes produce higher levels of osteoclastogenic molecular mediators directly related to pathologic bone loss, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-17A, and receptor-activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), as compared with regular CD4(+)CD28(+) T lymphocytes. In addition, premature senescent CD8(+)CD28(-) T lymphocytes have been negatively associated with bone healing and regeneration by inhibiting osteoblast differentiation and mesenchymal stromal cell survival. Therefore, accumulated evidence supports the role of senescent T lymphocytes in osteoimmunology. Moreover, premature senescence of T-cells seems to be associated with the functional imbalance between the osteolytic T-helper type-17 (Th17) and bone protective T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes, as well as the phenotypic instability of Treg lymphocytes responsible for its trans-differentiation into RANKL-producing exFoxp3Th17 cells, a key cellular phenomenon directly related to bone loss. Herein, we present a framework for the understanding of the pathogenic characteristics of T lymphocytes with a premature senescent phenotype; and particularly, we revise and discuss their role in the osteoimmunology of osteolytic diseases.FONDECYT from the Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo (ANID), Chile 1181780 Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Chile Fondecyt from ANID 21190087 21180841Versión publicada - versión final del edito

Association of UBP1 to ribonucleoprotein complexes is regulated by interaction with the trypanosome ortholog of the human multifunctional P32 protein

Regulation of gene expression in trypanosomatid parasitic protozoa is mainly achieved posttranscriptionally. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) associate to 3′ untranslated regions in mRNAs through dedicated domains such as the RNA recognition motif (RRM). Trypanosoma cruziUBP1 (TcUBP1) is an RRM-type RBP involved in stabilization/degradation of mRNAs. TcUBP1 uses its RRM to associate with cytoplasmic mRNA and to mRNA granules under starvation stress. Here, we show that under starvation stress, TcUBP1 is tightly associated with condensed cytoplasmic mRNA granules. Conversely, under high nutrient/low density-growing conditions, TcUBP1 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes are lax and permeable to mRNA degradation and disassembly. After dissociating from mRNA, TcUBP1 can be phosphorylated only in unstressed parasites. We have identified TcP22, the ortholog of mammalian P32/C1QBP, as an interactor of TcUBP1 RRM. Overexpression of TcP22 decreased the number of TcUBP1 granules in starved parasites in vivo. Endogenous TcUBP1 RNP complexes could be dissociated in vitro by addition of recombinant TcP22, a condition stimulating TcUBP1 phosphorylation. Biochemical and in silico analysis revealed that TcP22 interacts with the RNA-binding surface of TcUBP1 RRM. We propose a model for the decondensation of TcUBP1 RNP complexes in T.cruzi through direct interaction with TcP22 and phosphorylation.Fil: Cassola, Alejandro Carlos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús). Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús); ArgentinaFil: Romaniuk, María Albertina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús). Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús); ArgentinaFil: Primrose, Debora. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús). Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús); ArgentinaFil: Cervini Bohm, Gabriela Marta . Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús). Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús); ArgentinaFil: D'Orso, Iván. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús). Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús); ArgentinaFil: Frasch, Alberto Carlos C.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús). Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús); Argentin

Depletion of Trypanosome CTR9 Leads to Gene Expression Defects

The Paf complex of Opisthokonts and plants contains at least five subunits: Paf1, Cdc73, Rtf1, Ctr9, and Leo1. Mutations in, or loss of Paf complex subunits have been shown to cause defects in histone modification, mRNA polyadenylation, and transcription by RNA polymerase I and RNA polymerase II. We here investigated trypanosome CTR9, which is essential for trypanosome survival. The results of tandem affinity purification suggested that trypanosome CTR9 associates with homologues of Leo1 and Cdc73; genes encoding homologues of Rtf1 and Paf1 were not found. RNAi targeting CTR9 resulted in at least ten-fold decreases in 131 essential mRNAs: they included several that are required for gene expression and its control, such as those encoding subunits of RNA polymerases, exoribonucleases that target mRNA, RNA helicases and RNA-binding proteins. Simultaneously, some genes from regions subject to chromatin silencing were derepressed, possibly as a secondary effect of the loss of two proteins that are required for silencing, ISWI and NLP1

Transcriptome-wide analysis of trypanosome mRNA decay reveals complex degradation kinetics and suggests a role for co-transcriptional degradation in determining mRNA levels

African trypanosomes are an excellent system for quantitative modelling of post-transcriptional mRNA control. Transcription is constitutive and polycistronic; individual mRNAs are excised by trans splicing and polyadenylation. We here measure mRNA decay kinetics in two life cycle stages, bloodstream and procyclic forms, by transcription inhibition and RNASeq. Messenger RNAs with short half-lives tend to show initial fast degradation, followed by a slower phase; they are often stabilized by depletion of the 5′-3′ exoribonuclease XRNA. Many longer-lived mRNAs show initial slow degradation followed by rapid destruction: we suggest that the slow phase reflects gradual deadenylation. Developmentally regulated mRNAs often show regulated decay, and switch their decay pattern. Rates of mRNA decay are good predictors of steady state levels for short mRNAs, but mRNAs longer than 3kb show unexpectedly low abundances. Modelling shows that variations in splicing and polyadenylation rates can contribute to steady-state mRNA levels, but this is completely dependent on competition between processing and co-transcriptional mRNA precursor destruction