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Academic success, linked to socioeconomic advancement and key positive indicators inlife has largely been investigated along STEM courses especially in Nigeria. In this study, academic success was predicted at two levels: second class lower (2.2) and second class upper (2.1) degreesusing 244 questionnaires from architecture undergraduates at Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) Wudilto test the hypothesis that other factors apart from motivation predict high academic success. Results from Binary Logistic Regression models indicate that achieving a 2.1 degree largely depends on personal attributes, notably how efficiently a student manages time/schedules, some degree of independence as well as conducive learning environments (classrooms, accommodation, external lighting, power supply, worship places and general cleanliness)and not necessarily motivation. This lends credence to Walberg’s Theory of Educational Productivity. Overall, mode of entry was the only significant predictor for academic success for both 2.2 (p=0.007, Exp(β)=1.990) and 2.1 (p=0.016, Exp(β)=1.361) class of degree models. This implies that candidates admitted through avenues other than UTME/ JAMB such as Direct Entry have higher chances of graduating with a 2.1 class of degree. Prospective candidates are encouraged to pursue advanced level qualifications prior to admission into architecture as this substantially increases the probability of graduating with a high class of degree.

Background: Anthrax, an infectious zoonotic disease, is a global public health concern and among Kenya's top ten endemic priority zoonotic diseases. The case fatality rate (CFR) rises where no immediate action is taken. Objective: This study estimated the magnitude and geospatial distribution of anthrax cases in Meru county Design: A cross-sectional study Setting: The investigation was conducted in five sub-counties of Meru county, where media reports had sighted hospitalization of community members after consumption of meat from a carcass of a cow. The majority of the people who consumed meat were traced for interview. Interventions: Snowballing technique was applied to trace cases and electronically loaded questionnaires administered to community members and key informant interviews. Laboratory confirmation was done using the gram staining technique. Outcome measures: A total of 40 probable cases were traced. One case tested positive for Bacillus anthracis. CFR was 5% and the median age 25 years with an interquartile range (IQR) of 54 years. Majority (90%) of the cases presented skin lesions/eschar; commonest form of exposure was the consumption of infected meat from dead livestock. Cases were distributed in 5 sub-counties. Key informants’ interview reports indicated livestock mortalities during the outbreak. Conclusion: Consumption of livestock carcasses poses a public health threat. Epidemiological data showed wide distribution of cases within the county. Late laboratory confirmation of cases and limited resources are the main reasons for underreporting hence need to increase laboratory diagnostic capacity at the Sub-county level. There is need for public health education and regular livestock vaccination.

Maize is a staple food in Kenya. However, maize is prone to fungal infestation, which may result in production of harmful aflatoxins and fumonisins. Electron beam (eBeam) food processing is a proven post-harvest technology, but published literature is rare on the ability of eBeam to reduce mycotoxins in naturally contaminated maize samples. This study evaluated the efficacy of eBeam doses in reducing viable fungal populations and the destruction of aflatoxins and fumonisins in naturally highly contaminated maize samples from eastern Kenya. Ninety-seven maize samples were analyzed for total aflatoxins and fumonisins using commercial ELISA kits. Then, 24 samples with100 ng/g of total aflatoxins and1000 ng/g of total fumonisins were chosen for eBeam toxin degradation studies. Prior to eBeam exposure studies, the samples were made into a slurry using sterile de-ionized water. These slurry samples were exposed to target doses of 5 kGy, 10 kGy, and 20 kGy, with 0 kGy (untreated) samples as controls. Samples were analyzed for total fungal load using culture methods, the quantity of total aflatoxins and fumonisins using ELISA, and the presence of