Multidisciplinary Journal of Technical University of Mombasa

Editorial Note

Prof. Cosmas Nzaka Munga — 2024-12-29

We would like to thank all our authors and co-authors who contributed to the successful release of this 2^nd Issue of MJTUM Volume 3. This issue has a total of 3 original scientific research articles and 3 review articles from a diverse array of fields ranging from application of artificial intelligence tools in education, biotechnology, application of critical and creative thinking in social sciences, and assessment of organizational performance of PWDs in selected institutions in Kenya. The content of all the articles is as a result of dedicated research works from the authors and co-authors. MJTUM is hereby providing a platform to share the contents of these research works in contributing to knowledge dissemination to the scientific community and to all students in their quest to advance knowledge in their respective fields. MJTUM will continue to provide a platform for dissemination of high quality scientific findings to the scientific community. It is my sincere hope that you will enjoy reading the wide coverage of these published articles covered in this issue as we prepare you for the release of Volume 4 of our journal.

A Critical Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Education: A Blessing or a Curse?

Mvurya Mgala — 2024-12-29

Clearly, the digital age is here with us, inevitably, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have penetrated the education sector with a promise to reshape the landscape of education. Among the many capabilities of AI tools is the promise to customize learning to individual needs, improve the laborious administrative tasks, and provide a deeper understanding of the student performance. However, this rapid adoption of AI tools into our education systems warrants a careful examination of both their transformative potential and the challenges they may pose. This paper provides a critical review of the implications of using AI tools in education, with the aim of weighing the benefits with the possible dangers that could result in the near future. This review looks at the extent of the integration of AI in education from basic to higher institutions of learning in the developed and developing world. It considers the possible benefits and potential pitfalls. Some of the concerns include the use of vast amounts of data since AI systems require vast amounts of data to function effectively. Further, there are issues of the possibility of over-dependence on AI tools which could hinder the development of critical thinking and socialization skills among students. The review also looks at the risk of possible worsening of the digital divide, as most students in the developing world do not have access to the latest technologies and infrastructure which could find themselves disadvantaged. This paper serves to motivate the development of a policy and guidelines that will can maximize the benefits of AI while minimizing risks in the adoption of AI tools in education. The paper is also motivates close collaboration among educators, technologists, and policymakers. This is important as we venture into the inevitable wave of AI also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Optimization of Growth Conditions for Production of Organophosphorous Phosphatase Enzymes in Three Bacteria Species Isolated from Dairy Farms in Kenya

Felix Juma Tom — 2024-12-29

Chlorfenvinphos is one of the organophosphates largely produced around the world to control mites and ticks in dairy farming. However, it is toxic and has serious effects on the nervous system and other organ systems. It has a long residual effect in the environment posing risks to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, three species of bacteria isolated from chlorpyrifos contaminated dairy farms in Kenya were screened for their ability to produce chlorfenvinphos degrading organophosphorus phosphatase enzymes. The isolates, Advenella kashmirensis, Micrococcus luteus, and Lysinibacillus sphaericus grew at different rates when both temperature and pH were varied. The optimal growth temperature for the three isolates was 35°C while the optimal pH of M. luteus and L. sphaericus was 7 and 6 for A. kashmirensis. At these optimal conditions, A. kashmirensis had the highest growth (OD 0.175) followed by L. sphaericus (OD 0.132) while M. luteus had the lowest (OD 0.106). Crude protein concentration was highest for A. kashmirensis (465.4 ± 31.8 μg/mL) and was significantly different from the concentrations of the other isolates (p < 0.05). This suggests its suitability for applications requiring high concentrations of total proteins. On purification of crude protein using ammonium sulfate precipitation and gel filtration, A. kashmirensis exhibited the highest enzyme activity (19.8 ± 0.8 µMol/Min and was significantly different from M. luteus (13.8 ± 0.98 µMol/Min and L. sphaericus (11.8 ± 0.2 µMol/Min. These results suggest A. kashmirensis is superior in bioremediating chlorfenvinphos polluted environments and can be used to clean up polluted dairy farms. However, more studies are required to explore how the isolates interact with each other in their natural environments with a view of coming up with more efficient degradation process to restore polluted dairy farms and reduce the risk of the acaricide entering aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems from where it can easily enter into food chains affecting a wide variety of organisms.

Critical and Creative Thinking and Theory Application in Social Sciences Research Studies: A Sociological Musing

Paul Major Elazia — 2024-12-29

Critical and creative thinking are important in the application of theories in social research. However, sociology theories remain extant in many studies mainly because of the failure of researchers to apply critical and creative thinking in social research studies. This is attributed to inadequate skills for the pragmatic application of philosophical techniques of using theories to guide research work. This paper seeks to elucidate this problem within scholarly undertakings for post-graduate students and other scholars who must use critical and creative thinking in inculcating theories into their studies. The paper intends to elicit an in-depth discussion amongst social scientists on the best way to address these challenges. This paper moves further and proposes how sociological theories are integrated into social research studies and guide the construction and process of research from conceptualization, proposal writing, data collection, analysis, and report writing by focusing on specific theories a study may adopt.

Medicinal Potential of Tragia involucrata Linn for Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Kenya, A Review

Benard Onsongo Apiri — 2024-12-29

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries, necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. Tragia involucrata Linn, commonly known as climbing nettle is a plant widely used in traditional medicine, shows significant promise due to its diverse bioactive compounds. This review comprehensively addresses the phytochemical composition, antidiabetic efficacy, antihyperlipidemic properties, and safety profiles of T. involucrata as a potential medicinal plant. This review collaborates the significance of T. involucrata in management of diabetic patients and calls for more clinical research studies to fully harness its benefits and promote the development of plant-based therapies for diabetes in Kenya.

Follower-Characteristics as Antecedents of LMX Relationships on Organizational Performance of PWDs Institutions

Scholastica Nkirote Ratanya — 2024-12-29

Currently, there exists great effort to ensure enhanced mainstreaming of persons living with disability (PWDs). Such efforts have surfaced despite a myriad of challenges. This study was founded on two objectives: follower characteristics as antecedents of LMX on organization performance in PWDs institutions and moderating effect of organization culture on follower-characteristics of LMX relationships and organization performance in PWDs institutions. The study was founded on two theories namely: Leader-Member exchange theory and Social Exchange theory. A conceptual framework presented the relationship between the variables of the study. Descriptive research design was used and the target population was lower level managers and subordinates at all levels within the organization. Stratified sampling of the various departments in the selected institutions were applied and random sampling and convenience sampling were used in the generation of the sample size. The study used a sample size of 39 and semi-structured questionnaires were used as data collection tool. A pilot study was conducted and applied Cronbach alpha reliability estimate. SPSS for windows version 21 was used to analyze data using descriptive statistics. Study results provided a reliable follower-characteristics framework of Leader-member relationships in organizations. One of the findings of the study was that followers possessed diverse characteristics that had a significant influence on leadership. Hence, the study concluded that focusing on follower-characteristics aids in availing new ideas on handling their work as well as interacting with their supervisors. In addition, followers are expected to ensure that they put their ego in control. The study recommends that followers are encouraged to consider fellow workers views to enhance creativity in problem solving. The study also recommends that followers be tasked with ensuring that they hold themselves to a high standard of personal success to achieve team goals.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Potential of Phytochemicals Derived from Urtica massaica: A Comprehensive Review

James Ogare — 2024-12-29

Urtica massaica, commonly known as the stinging nestle belonging to the family Urticaceae is used either as a vegetable or as food additive and as medicine in traditional African societies. It is a perennial herb that grows in wet parts of Kenya highlands and whose use in treating inflammation and pain among the natives in Kenya highlands has been common. Inflammation and pain management is still a problem in the treatment processes. The two medical indications have been regularly treated using non-narcotic drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which have proved to cause adverse side effects. Therefore, there is need to use bioactive compounds from natural sources like Urtica massaica as an alternative treatment. This review focused on the phytochemicals derived from the plant species Urtica massaica, its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The mechanisms by which the phytochemicals exert their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect was also reviewed. Information on the safety and toxicity of Urtica massaica was also reviewed. The references reviewed were obtained from peer reviewed scientific journal articles. These articles were searched from databases including PubMed, Google Scholar (http: //scholar.google.com) and Science Direct (http://www.science direct.com). This review focused on data published from the year 2014 up to 2024. The findings obtained indicated that Urtica massaica has over 50 phytochemicals, flavanoid derivatives being the main anti-inflammatory and analgesic compound. However, there is need to isolate the bioactive compounds and further investigate the mechanisms by which they exhibit their anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect.