https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:43:35 GMT 2026-04-11T11:43:35Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8337 Phylogeographic perspectives on conserving the endangered monotypic genus acanthochlamys (Velloziaceae) Wakhungu, Dennis A.; Li, Zhi-Peng; Kipkoech, Amos; Wambulwa, Moses C.; Oyebanji, Oyetola O.; Milne, Richard I.; Dudley, Christopher; Mambo, Winnie W.; Xu, Bo; Liu, Jie The accelerating loss of global biodiversity necessitates proactive conservation strategies that integrate genetic diversity with projected climate impacts, especially in biodiversity hotspots such as the Hengduan Mountains. While previous phylogeographic studies in this region primarily relied on a few DNA fragments, plastid phylogeography has seldom been integrated with ecological niche modelling for conservation planning. Here, we combined plastid phylogeography and ecological niche modelling using data from 107 individuals across 14 populations of Acanthochlamys bracteata, a vulnerable alpine species and monotypic genus, to identify genetically distinct populations and predict potential climatic refugia. We identified three genetically distinct groups (Groups A to C), all characterised by low nucleotide diversity but high haplotype endemism. Notably, Group C comprised a single population from Luhuo County, Sichuan Province, and represents an independent evolutionarily significant unit due to its pronounced genetic distinctiveness. Most genetic variation occurred among populations, with one population showing relatively high diversity, while three lacked variation. A northward range shift and expansion of suitable habitats are projected under future climatic scenarios. Three climatic refugia were identified, characterized by divergent genetic lineages and numerous private haplotypes, and supported by the persistence of suitable habitat through time. The observed phylogeographic structure is likely driven by both geographical distance and relict persistence. We recommend that conservation efforts should focus on protecting genetically distinct and diverse populations through an integration of in situ, ex situ, and assisted migration measures. This study advances our understanding of the evolutionary history of Acanthochlamys bracteata and could serve as a model for conserving other rare and isolated plants under climate change and human disturbance. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-026-01423-y Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8337 2026-04-06T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8336 Systematic-review and meta-analysis on effect of decontamination interventions on prevalence and concentration of Campylobacter spp. during primary processing of broiler chickens Gichure, Josphat N.; Njage, Patrick M.; Wambui, Joseph M.; Dykes, Gary A.; Buys, Elna M.; Coorey, Ranil Scientific advances in pathogen decontamination offer great potential to reduce Campylobacter spp. during primary processing. The aim of this study was to collate data from eligible studies using systematic review, meta-analysis followed by meta-regression. Random effect meta-analysis revealed heterogenous (τ2 = 0.6, I2 = 98 %) pooled reduction in Campylobacter concentration of 0.6 log10 CFU/carcass and a decrease in relative risk of Campylobacter spp. prevalence in broiler carcasses by 57.2 %. Decontamination interventions during Inside-Outside-Carcass-Wash were most effective on concentration (0.8 log10 CFU/carcass) while those during evisceration were most effective on prevalence (78.0 % decrease in relative risk). Physical decontamination was more effective on Campylobacter prevalence (68.7 % decrease in relative risk) compared chemical treatment (30.3 %). Application through immersion was superior on Campylobacter concentration (0.9 log10 CFU/carcass odds reduction) to spraying (0.5 log10 CFU/carcass odds reduction). Publication bias and small study effect were observed in trials on Campylobacter prevalence but not for concentration. The meta-regression revealed four and seven potential modifier variables for concentration and prevalence respectively. This meta-analysis provides an overview of the expected magnitude in Campylobacter spp. concentration and prevalence with application of decontamination interventions on broiler carcasses along the slaughter process and forms a basis of quantitative microbial risk assessment and derivation of intervention measures. Even though modest microbial concentration reduction is reported there was a large decrease in contamination prevalence during processing interventions. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2021.103923 Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8336 2022-04-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8335 Investigation of rejuvenation and modification of aged asphalt binders by using aromatic oil-SBS polymer blend Hong, Wei; Mo, Liantong; Pan, Changluan; Riara, Martin M.; Wei, Mi; Zhang, Jizhe In this paper, long-term aged base asphalt and SBS modified asphalt binders were rejuvenated and modified simultaneously using a compound rejuvenator containing 77% aromatic oil and 23% SBS polymer. Aromatic oil was used for rejuvenation purpose due to its softening effect while SBS polymer was used for modification purpose because of its potential to form a polymer network. Conventional bitumen tests, dynamic shear rheological (DSR) test and bending beam rheological (BBR) test were conducted to evaluate the rejuvenation and modification effects. Test results indicated that use of the compound rejuvenator enhanced the softening point and ductility for both aged base asphalt and SBS modified asphalt binders. The polymer modification effect of compound rejuvenator was well distinguished by the plateau region of phase angle master curves. Aromatic oil had a strong softening effect on aged asphalt binder which improved the performance at low temperatures, but weakened the performance at high temperatures. The incorporation of SBS polymer was a good supplement to balance the overall performance of rejuvenated asphalt binders. The compound rejuvenator can be greatly effective for hot recycling of reclaimed asphalt mixture by means of the simultaneous rejuvenation and modification. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117154 Mon, 20 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8335 2020-01-20T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8334 Demand response-fuzzy inference system controller in the multi-objective optimization design of a photovoltaic/wind turbine/battery/supercapacitor and diesel system: Case of healthcare facility Megaptche, Christelle A.; Musau, Peter M.; Tjahè, Agnès V.; Kim, Hanki; Waita, Sebastian; Aduda, Bernard O. One of the most common causes of power outages in developing countries is a global mismatch between supply and demand. The effects of this phenomenon are especially devastating in the healthcare sector. This paper describes the management of the loads' operation using Demand Response-Fuzzy Inference System Controller (DR-FIS) for the sizing optimization of photovoltaic/wind turbine/battery/supercapacitor and photovoltaic/wind turbine/battery/diesel generator systems operating autonomously in a health center in northern Cameroon using multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) and multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) methods. The assessment criteria for this optimization are Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP), Net Present Cost (NPC), Cost of Energy (COE), Total Greenhouse gases Emission (TGE), Wasted Energy (WE), and Renewable Generation (REG). Implementing a Demand Response-Fuzzy Inference System controller (DR-FIS) has allowed significant energy savings (15.4130% reduction in energy demand) and increased worldwide supply–demand adequacy. This study highlights the techno-economic and environmental significance of using a supercapacitor (SC) as a backup in contrast to a diesel generator (DG), as well as the validation of its compatibility with storage batteries because of the provision of a robust energy management approach. Finally, in this study, MOGA results in better results than MOPSO after evaluating the outcomes of the various multi-objective optimization methods. This strategy enabled the determination of the ideal configuration for the studied Healthcare Center's power supply. This configuration includes the Demand Response-Fuzzy Inference System. It consists of 20 solar panels (PV), 02 wind turbines (WT), 04 batteries (BT), and 07 supercapacitors (SC) for a COE of 0.1691 $/kWh, a NPC of 1.1808e + 03 $, a TGE of 439.7901 Kg, a WE of 4.0066e + 03 Kwh, 100% REG and unfortunately 0.9858 % LPSP. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2023.117245 Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8334 2023-09-01T00:00:00Z