Browsing by Author "Mbugua, Samuel Mungai"

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Architectural Health Data Standards and Semantic Interoperability: A Comprehensive Review in the Context of Integrating Medical Data into Big Data Analytics
(International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology, 2023-03-26) Tsinale, Harriet Loice; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai; Luvanda, Anthony
The integration of medical data into Big Data analytics holds significant potential for advancing healthcare practices and research. However, achieving semantics interoperability, wherein data is exchanged and interpreted accurately among diverse systems, is a critical challenge. This study explores the impact of existing architectures on semantics interoperability in the context of integrating medical data into Big Data analytics. The study highlights the complexities involved in integrating medical data from various sources, each using different formats, data models, and vocabularies. Without a strong emphasis on semantic interoperability, data integration efforts can result in misinterpretations, inconsistencies, and errors, adversely affecting patient care and research outcomes. The significance of data standards and ontologies in establishing a common vocabulary and structure for medical data integration is underscored. Additionally, the importance of data mapping and transformation is discussed, as data discrepancies can lead to data loss and incorrect analysis results. The success of integrating medical data into Big Data analytics is heavily reliant on existing architectures that prioritize semantics interoperability. A well- designed architecture addresses data heterogeneity, promotes semantic consistency, and supports data standardization, unlocking the transformative capabilities of medical data analysis for improved healthcare outcomes.
Cyber-Security Vulnerability Assessment Model for County Governments in Kenya
(International Journal of Science and Research, 2021-07-26) Kadima, Victor Chitechi; Omieno, Kelvin K.; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai
Computerization of county government daily activities enables faster and better services to their clients. The integration of Information and Communications Technology by the CG into their systems has led to new advancements in technology. The adoption of ICT into the Kenya’s County Governments has contributed to faster growth and output in better client service delivery. The benefits has also encouraged serious attacks to such systems causing risks due to easier penetration in the systems because of vulnerabilities. The attacks have costed county governments more resources and time in case of managing such risks. As a country, we need to ensure that all our systems are well safeguarded from attacks. This paper sought to address the above issue by developing a cyber-security vulnerability assessment model for County Governments in Kenya, The model can be applied as a better approach that will manage and reduce the attacks and risks. The Model was developed from a study that targeted a total population of 170 staff grouped as end users and ICT Experts working in county governments of Kakamega and Bungoma. The study adopted an exploratory research design. Stratified random sampling technique was used to group the counties while purposive sampling was used to identify the correspondence with the required information. A sample size of 98 end users and 37 ICT experts was obtained using Yamane’s formula. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used in data collection. The data was analyzed using SPSS where descriptive statistics of frequencies, charts, percentages and mean regression analysis were used and a null hypothesis was tested at 5% level of significance. Study results showed that there is a positive association between preparedness and awareness, support and funding, policies and regulations, and technology; hence influencing cyber-security. The developed model will be used as a guide to manage cyber security matters in Kenya’s County governments.
Effective approaches for enhancing data management and semantic interoperability within the healthcare sector
(International Journal of Applied Research, 2023-08-04) Tsinale, Harriet Loice; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai; Luvanda, Anthony
In a variety of contexts, Big Data is widely used. In healthcare Big Data has its own characteristics, including heterogeneity, incompleteness, timeliness and durability, privacy, and ownership. To enhance health-related science, these features present a number of challenges for data storage, mining, and sharing. Big Data helps to understand electronic health records, gather demographic and medical data such as clinical data, medical conditions and diagnosis, allow doctors to provide a wide variety of patients with quality health care and also to make informative decisions. The large volume of data also provides researchers in the fields of medicine and healthcare with the ability to use tools and techniques to unlock hidden solutions. This study sought to investigate the effects that the existing approaches have on enhancing data management and semantic interoperability in healthcare sector. 180 respondents who took part of the survey were chosen from the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital. It was discovered that implementing health standards and tools can help healthcare companies in a number of ways by eliminating compatibility concerns and assuring accurate data representation. Consequently, encouraging successful adoption boosts decision-making processes, encourages sustainability, improves data quality, allows for interoperability, and makes it easier to comply with regulations. These implications help improve patient care, healthcare systems, and overall health outcomes
Factors affecting information systems user satisfaction in Kenyan universities
(Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences, 2016) Nelima, Perez; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai; Kilwake, Juma
The role of information systems in providing business a competitive edge has recently been the subject of much debate. However, it has been argued that not the information system solution but their utilization is what provides the competitive advantages. For these information systems to be well utilized and provide the competitive edge for an institution, its users need to be satisfied with systems as satisfaction determines continued use of the system. Satisfaction is the extent to which users believe the information system available to them meets their information requirements. The study sought to understand the relationship between the value users attribute to information systems and the satisfaction users experience with these systems. This study analyzed information systems in two Kenyan universities to find out factors that influence information system user satisfaction. The sample was selected using both purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The main instruments for data collection that were used are content analysis and questionnaires. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. This study evaluated satisfaction on software quality attributes basing on the ISO/IEC 9126 software quality model. The findings show that there are a number of factors affecting satisfaction of information systems ranging from institutional factors, individual factors, system factors and infrastructural factors. Information system satisfaction differed significantly across demographic factors like age, gender, mode of study and level of study for students. There was no significant difference in satisfaction between the two universitie
Hotel Branding using Facebook and Dialogic Principles of Internet Communication
(International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Engineering & Technology, 2019-02-26) Owoche, Patrick Oduol; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai; Anselemo, Peters Ikoha
This paper examines the extent to which the hotel industry uses Facebook in their branding strategies, to communicate dialogically with its consumers. Using Kent and Taylor’s five principles of dialogic communication, a media content analysis of 64 three to five star rated hotel websites were reviewed. Engagement, posts and posting schedule metrics were analyzed. The study found that 64% of hotels use Facebook. The extent of dialogic principle employment in hotel branding strategies is at infancy stage. The rate of engagement is lower than the hotel industry average. The study also revealed that the presentation of useful information principle is not adequately deployed. Conservation of visitors’ principle of internet communication is also still in its middle stage of implementation.
ICT Personnel Maturity Towards Green ICT in Kenya
(International Journal of Computers & Technology, 2014-04-23) Wabwoba, Franklin; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai; Anselemo, Peters Ikoha; Shisoka, Dorcus Arshley
Though ICT is contributing to the economy associated with innovations, inventions and rapid development in almost all aspects of human life, is responsible for climatic degradation. The rapid increase of ICT usage means more costs of doing business, energy consumption, and more environmental challenges. The rapid changing technology reaching Kenya and lack of their understanding has put a lot of pressure on both management and ICT personnel to implement them on a trial and error manner. This has limited the gains meant to be obtained from green ICT despite its technologies availability. The lack of ICT personnel capacity readiness challenges the reaping of green ICT benefits. The study was informed by the G-readiness model and the enhanced G-readiness model. This study purposed to determine the personnel capacities readiness towards green ICT in Kenya. The study was undertaken using the interpretive, inductive multi-case survey study on a population of four data centres and 116 ICT managerial, technical and user personnel that were purposively sampled. Interview, observation, questionnaire and document analysis methods were used to gather data that was triangulated to increase the reliability and validity. The study established the ICT personnel’s G-readiness was very low on both training and professional development perspectives in Kenya. The study’s findings are useful towards the strategic planning for green ICT implementation, cutting down running costs, improving environmental performance of organisations and contribution to the world of knowledge. The findings provide data for informed ICT personnel and workplace readiness alignment, decision making and ICT curriculum development. The study recommends application of green ICT based on established ICT personnel capacity, inclusion of green ICT training in the curriculum, creation of green ICT responsibilities, provision for a green ICT budget and investment into the development of green ICT personnel
Impact of Predictive Analytics of Big Data in Supply Chain Management on Decision-Making
(Copyright: © the author(s), publisher and licensee Technoscience Academy. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License, which permits unrestricted non- commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science, Engineering and Information Technology, 2022-07-26) Wafula, M. Patrick; Anselemo, Peters Ikoha; Ronoh, Richard Kipkemoi; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai
The beginning of information technology has led to a burst of data in every sector of operation. Handling huge volume of data to mine useful information to support decision making is one of the current sources of competitive advantage for organizations. However, preceding research literature on predictive analytics has attributed a lack of direct causal influence on predictive analytics in a manner that support Supply Chain Management in utility companies’ performance. This is as a result of huge data posing great challenges to practitioners when incorporating it into their complex decision making which adds business value. The purpose of this study was to introduce predictive analytics in supply chain management framework that enhances decision making in Kenya Power and lighting Company in Kenya. The study was guided by the following research objectives; to assess the existing predictive analytics in Supply Chain Management, to analyse existing supply chain management systems in utility companies in Kenya and to develop an integrated predictive analytics framework for big data in supply chain management for decision making in Kenya Power and lighting Company in Kenya. This research employed the Design Science research design because one of the key outcomes of the research was framework development. The study was carried out in Kenya Power & Lighting Company in Western Region in the republic of Kenya. The target population was 10 regional finance officers, 10 regional procurement officers, 47 county stores in-charges, 47 county project supervisors and 47 county business managers totalling to 161 as the sample size. The main tools for data collection were questionnaires, interview schedules and documentary review
Improving Access to Safe Water in Rural Schools of Kenya: Qualitative Multisectoral Insights
(Cureus., 2023-11-21) Kirira, Peter; Oyatsi, Fiona; Waudo, Ashley; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai
Background: Comprehensive strategies in water, sanitation, and appropriate hygiene behaviors can improve school enrollment and improve gender parity disparities. Lack of safe drinking water negatively impacts the social capital of people, especially school-going children in rural areas. In this study, we systematically evaluated and documented evidence on the barriers and facilitators in the access and adoption of safe water practices in rural schools in Laikipia County, Kenya. Methods: An ethnographic formative, collaborative implementation research design was used in an iterative and participatory process to evaluate community, socio-economic, and health system-related factors affecting water, hygiene, and sanitation strategies. Qualitative data was collected using key informant interviews (n=5) and focus groups (n=3) from various multisectoral participants. Directed content analysis was used to develop codes, categories, and themes from textual data. Data was organized according to the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework. Results: The findings were classified and described under three key elements: context, evidence, and facilitation. Contextual elements showed an association of diarrhea outbreaks with unsafe hygiene practices compounded by water scarcity. The evidence elements were indicative of the applicability of water backpacks in strengthening handwashing, storage, and transport of water. Facilitation elements indicated evidence of gaps in synergy between the school health and public health systems, necessitating multisectoral collaboration and social capital capacity building. Conclusion: The national and county governments play an imperative role in ensuring access and continuous supply of safe drinking water in schools. This is fundamental in efforts towards reducing social inequalities of health among school-going children and building their social capital. Participatory, collaborative, multisectoral interventions and decision-making are crucial, leveraging on creating local ownership, in meeting the water consumption needs of children and communities in water-scarce regions.
Model Driven Architecture a Review of Current Trends
(International Journal of Computer Science and Mobile Applications, 2023-01-30) Onunga, Jeremiah; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai
The Object Management Group (OMG) adopted the Model Driven Architecture (MDA) approach from among the various Model Driven Engineering (MDE) methods. The MDA technique, which is based on the separation of concerns principle, aims to automate the software development process by using models rather than traditional coding. Model Driven Architecture (MDA) is a new technique to application modeling and creation that has gotten a lot of attention recently. Many organizations are now considering MDA as a way to organize and manage their application solutions, tool vendors are explicitly referring to their capabilities in terms of "MDA compliance," and the MDA lexicon of platform-specific and platform-independent models is now widely referenced in the industry. The OMG produced the second iteration of the MDA guide in June 2014 in an effort to implement the essential ideas and supplement the 2003 original with more precise specifications. Researchers' interpretations of the MDA words vary due to the 11-year difference and their respective perspectives and backgrounds. What causes uncertainty about what falls under and outside the MDA's scope. In this work, we present an overview of the current MDA trends simplifying integration challenges and enhancing business Information Technology (IT) alignment. This paper establishes boundaries around what constitutes MDA, positioning MDA in relation to other model-driven methods. It will also demonstrate its advantages over conventional software development and other model-driven methodologies. This paper highlights problems and difficulties that researchers have identified that affect the MDA. The paper also provides some insight into the MDA trends in research and directions, particularly with regard to the platforms that the MDA development process is aimed at and its automation
On Software Modular Architecture: Concepts, Metrics and Trends
(International Journal of Computer and Organization Trends, 2022-02-26) Mbugua, Samuel Thaiya; Korongo, Julia; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai
The emergence of digital computers at the tail end of the last century allowed for the evolution of computer languages from low-level languages of the 1940s to the object-oriented, scripting high-level languages of today. This evolution has, in effect, seen the size and complexity of computer programs increase by a large factor. The software industry has, in response, developed different styles for designing and developing these sophisticated computer programs. While the different styles have advantages and disadvantages and different application domains, modular architecture has stood out as an overarching architecture for designing complicated and enormous software systems of today's world. In this paper, we examine how modularity applies to software architecture design, the concepts of modularity, the metrics of modularity, and current trends in software modularization. We advance the position that modularity will keep influencing software design for the foreseeable future due to the flexibility and the several advantages to the discipline of software design
Reproductive health knowledge among college students in Kenya
(BMC Public Health, 2018-07-24) Mbugua, Samuel Mungai; Karonjo, Jane Muthoni
Background: Reproductive health knowledge is vital in the growth and development of young people and this impact greatly on their educational and personal outcome as they proceed to adulthood. There has been an increasing occurrence of sexually transmitted infections in institutions of higher learning. The study sought out the strategies used by university students to prevent unplanned pregnancy and determined their knowledge of contraception methods and sexually transmitted infections in Mount Kenya University, main campus. Methods: Stratified sampling was employed. After a signed consent was obtained, a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were explored, analyzed and percentages used to quantify the level of knowledge. Pearson’s chi-square was used to measure associations between categorical variables and independent t-test used to measure the means and relationships of continuous variables. Results: Condom use was established as the most prevalent strategy in prevention of unplanned pregnancy at 48.5 and 46.4% in prevention of STI and HIV/AIDS. Almost two thirds (58%) of respondents reported that they were conversant with only one method of contraception, 60% had knowledge of more than two types of STIs, and 62.4% indicated that they were conversant with only hospitals as facilities providing reproductive health services. Conclusion: Young people in college require educational initiatives to sensitize them on STI, methods of contraception and positive social behaviors. There is need to improve the accessibility of reproductive health services through strengthening of services provided at campus health clinics.
Technology-Enabled Self-directed Learning in Developing countries: Adoption Framework
(International Journal of Computer Applications Technology and Research, 2022-03-26) Barasa, Godliphas Mamati; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai; Anselemo, Peters Ikoha
21st century-learning approach is characterized by self-directedness and the ability to learn anytime, anywhere. Self-directed learning heavily depends on Technology to be effective. Most universities were used to conventional face-to-face learning, but uncertainties like the covid-19 pandemic have challenged this teaching and learning mode, thus pushing universities to explore innovative learning approaches to ensure seamless learning. One such approach is Technology-enhanced self-directed learning. Most developed countries are endowed with enabling infrastructure to actualize this learning approach. However, most developing countries like Kenya are still struggling to adopt self-directed learning due to technological, organizational, and environmental challenges. A framework is needed to guide its adoption. A survey research design using an online questionnaire with a sample size of 572 was used.Four Kenyan public university students participated in the study. Data was collected and analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis. Principle component analysis extracted seven factors explaining a total variance of 62.5%. The factors were renamed based on a shared theme, and the average factor loading for each construct was calculated. A percentage weight of each construct was also calculated. Key factors forming the constructs of Technology-enhanced self-directed learning were: E-learning infrastructure, bring your own device policy, Connectivity infrastructure, ICT Competencies, Information security, demographic factors, and laptop ownership program
Trends in Adoption of Open Source Software in Africa
(Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences, 2012-03-26) Karume, Simon M; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai
In the context of limited financial resources and capacities, Africa can examine how to better use the opportunities presented by the emergence of free and open source software (FOSS) to leapfrog into the information age and bridge the digital divide through reduced costs and less dependency on imported technology. This paper examines the adoption trends of open source software in Africa and seeks to establish the current global placing of the continent in adoption and use of FOSS. To get a better view of the current FOSS situation in Africa, the study explores the penetration of FOSS into Africa software market and how various Governments react to the use of FOSS. Through scrutiny of literature on adoption and use of open source software in Africa as well as previous and emerging initiatives to promote the use of open source software in the region, the paper presents preliminary findings of the trends observed. Further using the data gathered the paper attempts to forecast the future of FOSS in Africa and the probable implications on the development agenda of the continent
Unraveling the ‘community effects’ of interventions against malaria endemicity: a systematic scoping review
(BMJ Public Health, 2024-10-29) Ko, Yura K; Kagaya, Wataru; Chan, Chim W; Kanamori, Mariko; Mbugua, Samuel Mungai; Rotich, Alex K; Kanoi, Bernard N.; Ngara, Mtakai; Gitaka, Jesse; Kaneko, Akira
Objectives There is an urgent need to maximise the effectiveness of existing malaria interventions and optimise the deployment of novel countermeasures. When assessing the effects of interventions against malaria, it is imperative to consider the interdependence of people and the resulting indirect effects. Without proper consideration of the effects, the interventions’ impact on health outcomes and their cost-effectiveness may be miscalculated. We aimed to summarise how the indirect effects of malariainterventions were and reported. Design We conducted a scoping review. Data sources We searched PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE. Eligibility criteria We included studies that were conducted to quantify the indirect effects of any interventions for all species of Plasmodium infection. Data extraction and synthesis We used a standardised data collection form to obtain the following information from each record: title, name of authors, year of publication, region, country, study type, malaria parasite species, type of interventions, type of outcomes, separate estimated indirect effect for different conditions, pre-specified to measure indirect effect, secondary analysis of previous study, methods of indirect effects estimation, terms of indirect effects, and if positive or negative indirect effects observed. Results We retrieved 32 articles and observed a recent increase in both the number of reports and the variety of terms used to denote the indirect effects. We further classified nine categories of methods to identify the indirect effects in the existing literature and proposed making comparisons conditional on distance to account for mosquito flight range or intervention density within that range. Furthermore, we proposed using the words community effects or spillover effects as standardised terms for indirect effects and highlighted the potential benefits of mathematical models in estimating indirect effects. Conclusions Incorporating assessment of indirect effects in future trials and studies may provide insights to optimise the deployment of existing and new interventions, a critical pillar in the current fight against malaria globally.