Contains PDF journal articles for this department http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/180 2026-06-13T18:42:34Z 2026-06-13T18:42:34Z Melo, Anderson Adriano Martins Olabode, Paul Nifemi Atamian, Hagop S. Nyakundi, Brian http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17596 2024-05-28T00:00:48Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Irradiation reduces superficial scald by downregulating ethylene and α-farnesene biosynthetic enzymes in ‘Granny Smith’ apples Melo, Anderson Adriano Martins; Olabode, Paul Nifemi; Atamian, Hagop S.; Nyakundi, Brian Superficial scald is a postharvest disorder of apples related to increased ethylene production in stored fruit which leads to α-farnesene accumulation and oxidation. Ionizing irradiation inhibits ethylene production and has been shown to reduce superficial scald, but this phenomenon has not been explored at the molecular level. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of irradiation on gene expression of enzymes related to ethylene and α-farnesene in ‘Granny Smith’ apples. Irradiation at 310 Gy controlled scald severity and incidence and inhibited the rise in AFS1 expression up to 90 d of cold storage followed by 7 d at room temperature, while 1000 Gy suppressed scald symptoms for either 90 and 180 d of cold storage, but showed internal browning. Irradiation at both doses reduced the formation of α-farnesene by more than 50 % with concomitant decline of ACO enzyme activity and ethylene production as compared to the control, and suppressed the increase in ACS1 gene expression, but without the same effect on ACO1 gene. Irradiation treatment at 310 Gy and 1000 Gy may reduce superficial scald in ‘Granny Smith’ apples through inhibition of gene expression of enzymes related to ethylene and α-farnesene biosynthesis. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2021.109650

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Kamau, Charles Guandaru Kavure, Benjamin Muzungu Lokuta, John Ewoi http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17592 2024-05-28T00:00:44Z 2023-12-15T00:00:00Z

Audit Expectation Gap in Kenya Kamau, Charles Guandaru; Kavure, Benjamin Muzungu; Lokuta, John Ewoi The audit expectation gap is a major concern in Kenya's accounting profession, where auditors are expected to identify and prevent financial fraud and misstatements. The disconnect between what the general public anticipates from an auditor's report and what the audit actually offers is often referred to as the audit expectation gap. Several factors, including limited resources and the complexity of auditing, increase the complexity of addressing this gap. The literature reviewed evaluates a variety of factors, including audit committee characteristics, auditor characteristics, sustainability auditing, and audit education, which contribute to this gap. Overall, the literature suggests that there is a significant discrepancy between the expectations of the public and the actual responsibilities of auditors, implying that auditors need to improve their interactions with their clients and the general public. This study establishes that it is necessary to address a number of audit expectation gaps in Kenya, whichinclude those related to performance, standards, communication, and legal requirements. Regulators are required to provide clear standards and guidelines for auditors so as to maintain the standard of audit quality. This paper recommends that the effectiveness and credibility of auditing in Kenya be enhanced through a multidimensional strategy that encompasses regulatory oversight, public education, and auditor independence, thereby improving stakeholders' confidence in the financial reporting system. The findings from this research may inform the development of policies and regulations that will close the audit expectation gap and improve public trust in the accounting profession. https://doi.org/10.59413/eafj/v2.i1.4

2023-12-15T00:00:00Z Mbothu, J. Mutwiwa, U. Eshton, B. Abubakar, L. http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17589 2024-05-28T00:00:42Z 2021-07-06T00:00:00Z

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION FROM SUGARCANE MOLASSES IN KENYA Mbothu, J.; Mutwiwa, U.; Eshton, B.; Abubakar, L. Environmental concerns and the increasing demand for transportation energy have led to increased production and utilization of biofuels worldwide. Biofuels are perceived to provide clean and green energy. Globally, bioethanol is the most widely used biofuel. This study considered the production of bioethanol from sugarcane molasses. The production of bioethanol from molasses does not pose threat to food security as molasses is a by-product in the manufacture of sugar from the sugarcane. This study aimed to determine the environmental impacts associated with production bioethanol from sugarcane molasses in Kenya from a lifecycle perspective. The environmental impact categories evaluated included Global Warming (GHG emissions), Acidification, Eutrophication, Human Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and Photochemical oxidant Formation. Data was collected in all stages of the life cycle of bioethanol production. These include sugarcane cultivation, harvesting, transportation, cane milling, bioethanol conversion and wastewater treatment. The data was collected during field visits at Mumias Sugar Company and Spectre International. In the study, an inventory analysis was performed which involved quantification of emissions from each stage using models and emission factors from literature. Emissions were also obtained from Ecoinvent databases for the major processes as well as their supporting processes. Economic allocation was used to partition emissions and resources between molasses and sugar. A life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) was performed in Chain Management by Life Cycle Assessment (CMLCA) software. The characterization method that was used to calculate the environmental impacts of bioethanol was the CML-IA. Low values of Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP), Eutrophication Potential (EP), Human Toxicity Potential (HTP) and Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP) were obtained in this study. Emissions emitted due to fossil fuel use, production and use of agrochemicals were found to be the major contributors to environmental impact. The study recommends use of cane trash, bagasse and stillage as supplement fertilizer and boiler fuel. This will reduce dependency on fossil fuels and chemical fertilizers which impacts negatively on the environment.

2021-07-06T00:00:00Z Machandi, Joseph Mbothu Gathitu, Benson Baari Kihoro, John http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17587 2024-05-28T00:00:42Z 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Potential of Bioethanol as a Household Fuel for Middle-Income Urban Kenya Machandi, Joseph Mbothu; Gathitu, Benson Baari; Kihoro, John Access to clean sources of energy constitutes a necessary condition for poverty alleviation. Provision of modern energy services is essential to improving the livelihood of households in the developing world. This study addresses both the demand and supply of bioethanol as a household fuel in urban Kenya. On the demand side, the study establishes that there is demand for clean fuels. The study establishes that households prefer the clean and convenient fuels. Even though LPG and electricity are indicated as expensive, they are the preferred fuels for cooking and lighting respectively. On the supply side, the study reviews the production of bioethanol from sugarcane and sweet sorghum. It is established that Kenya has suitable climate and land is available to grow sugarcane and sweet sorghum to supply bioethanol. Bioethanol is a modern clean fuel similar in characteristics to LPG and therefore can replace it as a household fuel. Bioethanol production and use will stimulate rural development.

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z