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This article asks: What makes for good cases when teaching public policy in a developing country? How important is geographic proximity relative to other factors in determining relevance? Building on literature about the unique public policy needs in developing countries and the case method as a pedagogical tool, and using a survey from a program that serves midcareer professionals in Nairobi, Kenya, the authors find the following to be key criteria for case selection: being set in a comparable developing country context; representing a similar array of public problems as the local context; demonstrating alternative public policy approaches to achieve progress; and inspiring optimism and hope by virtue of overcoming barriers. The authors share information on two cases that students identified as best meeting these criteria, one set in Asia (Singapore) and the other in Latin America (Colombia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of teaching literature at the University of Nairobi, Masinde Muliro University and Moi University in Kenya.

The study investigated e-Learning access and infrastructure for the final year Bachelor of Education (Arts) students who were learning through distance mode at the School of Continuing and Distance Education of the University of Nairobi. The study was set to address one objective: to investigate availability and access of e-Learning infrastructure for distance learning at the University of Nairobi. Survey design using questionnaires and an interview schedule was utilized to gather data. A sample size of 217 students was drawn from a population of 500 Bachelor of Education (Arts) students. Both reliability and content validity were tested based on a pilot study. The findings were as follows: Both computer hardware and software were expensive and hence majority of the students could not afford. A majority of the respondents also found learning at the cyber cafes not affordable. The findings revealed that University of Nairobi had inadequate computer laboratories which a good number of students were unable to access at their convenience. Finally, a majority of the respondents faced obstacles studying online because of lack of support from the university's e-Learning staff. It was concluded that the University of Nairobi lacked adequate access and infrastructure for e-Learning especially for distance education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 6 years the International Skeletal Society (ISS) outreach programs have become popular amongst the various radiology organizations in sub-Saharan Africa. So much so that that the ISS outreach is now routinely expected to participate in many of the international radiology conferences in that part of the world. The organizational planning for an outreach visit to Kenya took place over a 3-year period. Eventually a double-headed event; the seventh and eighth sub-Saharan outreach efforts were organized in Nairobi and in Mombasa, Kenya. The Nairobi outreach was an educational course on musculoskeletal imaging at the University of Nairobi and the Aga Khan University in Nairobi from 26 to 28 May 2015. The Mombasa outreach was organized in collaboration with the African Society of Radiology (ASR) at their annual meeting in Mombasa from 30 May to 2 June 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Professionalism defines the relationship between colleagues, patients and the society as a whole. Furthermore, being a social construct, professionalism is sophisticated to be regarded simply as a single concept across different cultural contexts. This study sought to explore how professionalism is conceptualized by the clinicians, students and patients in a teaching hospital in Kenya. Methods: A sequential mixed methods study was conducted among clinicians, students and patients at Kenyatta National Hospital on the surgical wards from March 1st-December 31st, 2014. The first phase of the study involved focus group discussions (FGDs) of between 10-12 persons and individual in-depth interviews of senior faculty and patients. Grounded theory method was used for collecting perceptions of participants on professionalism. These views were then coded using Atlas 5.2, allowing the development of a questionnaire that provided the survey tool for the second phase of the study. For the questionnaire, response options utilized a 4-point Likert scale with a range from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree". Factor analysis was used to analyse the responses to the survey. Internal reliability was determined by Cronbach's α. Results: Sixteen FGDs and 18 in-depth interviews were held with 204 clinicians, students and patients. A further 188 participants completed the questionnaire. Respect was the most frequently mentioned or picked component of professionalism during the interview and survey respectively, with 74.5 % of participants reporting "strongly agree". Factor analysis showed that 3 factors accounted for the majority of the variance in the items analysed; respect in practice, excellence in service and concern for the patient. The Cronbach's α for this analysis was 0.927. Conclusion: The study cohort predominantly conceptualizes professionalism as relating to respect between colleagues and toward patients. Respect, being a cultural norm, should form part of the core curriculum of professionalism in order to be relevant for the Kenyan context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health care systems in sub-Saharan Africa, and globally, grapple with the problem of closing the gap between evidence-based health interventions and actual practice in health service settings. It is essential for health care systems, especially in low-resource settings, to increase capacity to implement evidence-based practices, by training professionals in implementation science. With support from the Medical Education Partnership Initiative, the University of Nairobi has developed a training program to build local capacity for implementation science.Methods: This paper describes how the University of Nairobi leveraged resources from the Medical Education Partnership to develop an institutional program that provides training and mentoring in implementation science, builds relationships between researchers and implementers, and identifies local research priorities for implementation science.Results: The curriculum content includes core material in implementation science theory, methods, and experiences. The program adopts a team mentoring and supervision approach, in which fellows are matched with mentors at the University of Nairobi and partnering institutions: University of Washington, Seattle, and University of Maryland, Baltimore. A survey of program participants showed a high degree satisfaction with most aspects of the program, including the content, duration, and attachment sites. A key strength of the fellowship program is the partnership approach, which leverages innovative use of information technology to offer diverse perspectives, and a team model for mentorship and supervision.Conclusions: As health care systems and training institutions seek new approaches to increase capacity in implementation science, the University of Nairobi Implementation Science Fellowship program can be a model for health educators and administrators who wish to develop their program and curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the experience and impact of implementing the ISO 9001: 2008 Standard at the University of Nairobi, in relation to effectiveness on service delivery, operational performance, automation, implementation challenges and related emerging issues. Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopted a case study design approach based on qualitative analysis of internal audit reports, internal surveys and feedback, surveillance audits conducted by the certifying body, and rankings by external bodies, over a period of seven years. Findings – Significant achievements have been realized with regard to institutionalization of quality into the university processes, work environment, documentation and record management, customer satisfaction, infrastructure and facilities, use of ICT as a prime mover of performance improvement, and ranking of the university. Opportunities for improvement as well as critical success factors are presented. Practical implications – The paper reports successes that may encourage other institutions of higher learning that are not certified to implement Quality Management Systems (QMSs) according to ISO 9001 Standard by focusing on specific factors. Originality/value – This paper shows how an ISO 9001 certified QMS can improve internal institutional practices and avoid frequently experienced drawbacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to assess practical aspects of implementation of institutional repositories (IRs) in Africa with reference to the University of Nairobi and provide useful guidelines to the issues and lessons learned to the other practitioners. Design/methodology/approach – The study used cross-sectional descriptive survey design to gather and analyze data that was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. In addition, questionnaires, interview schedule and observation guide were utilized to collect data from the respondents. Findings – First, the study established that the IR has not been well integrated into mainstream information services of the library. Second, there is lack of awareness on the use of IR as an information resource on the part of students and staff. Third, there is need to integrate different forms of information into the IR including graphics, video and sound to carter for the whole population of users even those with disabilities. Finally, there is need for aggressive or serious rebranding, marketing and promotion of the IR. Research limitations/implications – IRs are vital sources of information that are increasingly being integrated and utilized in African higher education. Discussion of the University of Nairobi as a case study provides practical lessons, implications and home grown solutions for other institutions of higher learning in the African context. Practical implications – IR is not only contemporary or emerging source of knowledge, information and communication but also fundamental or basic in institutions of higher learning. Consequently, IR provides excellent opportunities for universities to expand knowledge beyond internal and external learning environments. Social implications – Being fundamental sources of knowledge, IRs provide and support teaching, learning, research activities, scholarly communications and community services in universities and the society at large. As information and communication hubs, IRs have reinvented the image and role of universities as sources of knowledge in the society. Originality/value – Universities need to embrace IRs as vital and valid sources of knowledge and learning. Developing IRs without aggressive rebranding, marketing and promotional strategies is not enough for universities, associated institutions plus the information staff, but with prove that the resources are being utilized to achieve organizational goals and objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores some implications of globalisation for planning education and presents faculty and student reflections on an international urban studio and three policy workshops in the Municipality of Ruiru, located outside of Nairobi, Kenya. This learning was embedded in a long-term partnership between the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Nairobi and Columbia University. We argue that carefully structured international studios and workshops are rich learning experiences that can help teach respect for local learning and knowledge. Our findings also suggest the importance of transformational and 'authentic' partnerships between universities, faculty and local urban players. These are partnerships characterised by equality in the way of working with all partners changing and learning in a reciprocal manner as they work together. We also underscore the importance of more explicit theorisation and evaluation of the growing number of international partnerships in urban planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Topography of the appendix influences its mobility, degree of mobilization of the cecum, and need for additional muscle splitting during appendectomy. Although appendectomy is a common surgical procedure, there is a paucity of data on its topography in black Africans. Methods. The position and length of the appendix and relation of the appendicular base with spinoumbilical line were determined in 48 cadavers obtained from the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Kenya. Results. The commonest appendicular types in males were retrocecal 10 (27%) while in females was subileal 4 (36.4%). The average length of the appendix was 76.5 ± 23.6 mm. The base of the appendix was located along, below, and above the spinoumbilical line in 25 (52.1%), 9 (18.8%), and 14 (29.2%) cases, respectively. Conclusion. The topography of appendix in Kenyans shows variations from other populations. Knowledge of these variations is important during appendicectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether and how research training programs contribute to research network development is underexplored. The Fogarty International Center (FIC) has supported overseas research training programs for over two decades. FIC programs could provide an entry point in the development of research networks and collaborations. We examine whether FIC's investment in research training contributed to the development of networks and collaborations in two countries with longstanding FIC investments - Uganda and Kenya - and the factors which facilitated this process. Methods: As part of two case studies at Uganda's Makerere University and Kenya's University of Nairobi, we conducted 53 semi-structured in-depth interviews and nine focus group discussions. To expand on our case study findings, we conducted a focused bibliometric analysis on two purposively selected topic areas to examine scientific productivity and used online network illustration tools to examine the resulting network structures. Results: FIC support made important contributions to network development. Respondents from both Uganda and Kenya confirmed that FIC programs consistently provided trainees with networking skills and exposure to research collaborations, primarily within the institutions implementing FIC programs. In both countries, networks struggled with inclusiveness, particularly in HIV/AIDS research. Ugandan respondents perceived their networks to be more cohesive than Kenyan respondents did. Network cohesiveness was positively correlated with the magnitude and longevity of FIC's programs. Support from FIC grants to local and regional research network development and networking opportunities, such as conferences, was rare. Synergies between FIC programs and research grants helped to solidify and maintain research collaborations. Conclusions: Networks developed where FIC's programs focused on a particular institution, there was a critical mass of trainees with similar interests, and investments for network development were available from early implementation. Networks were less likely to emerge where FIC efforts were thinly scattered across multiple institutions. The availability of complementary research grants created opportunities for researchers to collaborate in grant writing, research implementation, and publications. FIC experiences in Uganda and Kenya showcase the important role of research training programs in creating and sustaining research networks. FIC programs should consider including support to research networks more systematically in their capacity development agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes an innovative collaboration between the Center for Sustainable Urban Development at Columbia University and the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Nairobi. By bringing universities into urban policy networks, this partnership aims to re-shape pedagogy, policy and research action for sustainable urban development. The strategy underlying this partnership is to foster meaningful local university/municipality partnerships aimed at improving the social and physical sustainability of cities in the global South as well as transform how and what urban planning students learn in order to manage power and complexity. The paper raises questions about international collaborations that bring universities together with cities and their residents and how those collaborations can be designed to better ensure their success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beside the phytochemical, ionomic fingerprinting represents the inorganic trace element composition of the cellular and organismal component. High-throughput elemental analysis technologies, such as X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), are applied to ionomic analysis whereas phyto-chemical analyses tend to be in vitro. Both could contribute to: (a) insights on ionome-phytochem micronutrient composition; (b) genetic diversity variant discrimination among accessions to allow simple grouping; (c) core and/or reserve collections rationalization; (d) integration of bioinformatic and genetic tools; and (e) micronutrient-dense varietal improvement and/or cropping decisions. First, variant discrimination was appraised on individual element criterion (e.g. K or Ca or Fe or Zn). Second, on a multiple element (K & Ca & Fe & Zn) condition upon which nutrahealth-implied ionomic variant conditions were rationalized as: (a) Core 'exceptional' grade collections scored between E8 and E10; (b) Core 'Medium' grades (M5-M7); and (c) 'Least' exceptional (Ll-L4) scored and regarded as reserve collections. Objectives were to: (1) Investigate a phyotchem background among the selected African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs) for coupling with ionome grading; (2) Assess variation among accessions based on single element criterion; (3) Characterize cumulative nutrahealth-implied ionomic variation among ALVs. Eleven ALV accessions were raised from seed at the University of Nairobi Greenhouse (2006) and leafy parts harvested. XRF was carried out at the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Nairobi. High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) analyses were done at the Tanzania Food and Nutritional Centre. Highly significant density variation (p< 0.001) among accessions due to Lutein and ß-carotene suggested the phytochem effectiveness for variant discrimination accounting for 0.79 and 0.87 of (R2) variation. The single element K discriminator basis was highly significant (p≤001) relative to the other elements but shyly corrected with only Fe. Latter's discrimination activity, however, correlated with 3 elements as thus: Mn's (r=0.64; p< .001); Ca's (r=0.51; p< .003); and leaf K's (r= 0.35 at p< 0.05). Leaf Ca's also correlated with three: with Mn's (0.52; p< .003); Fe's (already shown); and Zn (r=.39; p≤03). Data suggest that ionomic variation discriminator ability on Fe & Ca single element selection basis may 'walk' with others. Conclusions are: (1) that for primary data mining, XRF can be utilized as the first course of action for large-sized ionomic screening which can be rationalized into Core and Reserve collections to precede phytochem screening for utilization and/or conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Specialty distribution in Kenya continues to exhibit gender disparities despite the increasing number of female medical students graduating each year. This study aimed at assessing specialty preferences and factors influencing these choices among male and female medical students in Kenya. Methods: Four hundred and fifty medical students, from first to fifth year of study at the University of Nairobi, were each issued a self-administered questionnaire designed to assess their specialty preferences and factors influencing these choices. The specialty preferences were compared with the actual distribution of specialists in Kenya. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: Three hundred and eighty five (85.6%) questionnaires were completed. Surgery had the highest preference rate followed by pediatrics, internal medicine and obstetrics and gynecology. Significantly more males preferred surgery than females who mainly selected pediatrics (p<0.001). There was an increased likelihood of female students choosing controllable lifestyle specialties. These preferences mirrored the actual distribution of specialists in Kenya. Male students significantly considered prestige in a specialty (p=0.006), while their female counterparts mostly considered ease of raising a family and gender distribution in the specialty (p<0.001). Conclusion: Gender-based similarities and differences exist in factors influencing specialty preferences among Kenyan medical students. These factors may explain the observed specialist doctor distribution in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. A collaborative partnership for clinical pharmacy services in Kenya is described. Summary. Purdue University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (PUSOPPS) agreed to collaborate with the United States Agency for International Development-Academic Model for Providing Access to Healthcare (USAID-AMPATH) partnership to provide pharmacy services necessary for patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Kenya. In addition to assisting Kenyan collaborators, the full-time, onsite faculty member from PUSOPPS serves as a preceptor to pharmacy clerkship students from PUSOPPS and the University of Nairobi in the delivery of clinical pharmacy services in inpatient and outpatient settings. Through PUSOPPS's unique collaboration, Kenyan pharmacy technologist students and University of Nairobi pharmacy students partner with clerkship students from PUSOPPS to participate in eight-week rotations. In addition to inpatient activities, students spend one day each week at one of the rural HIV clinics or observing one of the burgeoning specialized care clinics. Students also participate in public health activities, such as providing adherence counseling for HIV-infected patients, participating in door-to-door HIV counseling and testing, and preparing educational and recreational activities for pediatric patients. PUSOPPS's sustainable involvement with this program has addressed many of the immediate pharmacy needs of providing antiretroviral therapy and medications for opportunistic infections throughout western Kenya. Conclusion. The collaboration between PUSOPPS and USAID-AMPATH in Eldoret, Kenya, has provided a bilateral educational exchange for Kenyan and American pharmacy students and has allowed for year-round clinical pharmacy services in both inpatient and outpatient settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate final year medical students’ access to new medical information. Method Cross-sectional survey of final year medical students at the University of Nairobi using anonymous, self-administered questionnaires. Results Questionnaires were distributed to 85% of a possible 343 students and returned by 44% (152). Half reported having accessed some form of new medical information within the previous 12 months, most commonly from books and the internet. Few students reported regular access; and specific, new journal articles were rarely accessed. Absence of internet facilities, slow internet speed and cost impeded access to literature; and current training seems rarely to encourage students to seek new information. Conclusion Almost half the students had not accessed any new medical information in their final year in medical school. This means they are ill prepared for a career that may increasingly demand life-long, self-learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background- Aim of the study University students are youthful and constitute a high risk group for HIV Infection. Ministries of health officials share the opinion that university students aged (18-25) are the most vulnerable age bracket. The study aims to determine the impact that the perceived threat of HIV/AIDS has on condo muse at the University of Nairobi. Methods Using the Health Belief Model, 337 Nairobi University students were tracked in the present study that lasted during the period March - May 2007. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of research were applied to ensure uniformity in the interpretation of concepts. Results Condoms are (93.2%) accepted by students. About (50%) of the student population believe that condoms are meant for single people while (21.1%) believe it's for those who are promiscuous. The (35.9%) of students approve condoms for casual sex while (28%) approve condoms for family planning. The participants agree that consistent and correct use of the condom (39.5%) together with abstinence (49.6%) is by far the most important way of preventing pregnancy and disease in relationship. In 60.5% of the relationships the decision for condom use is made by both male and female partners. Consistent with reports that (44.2%) of the males use condoms is a lower level of condom use of (18.4%) reported by female respondents. Female students are less likely to make decisions regarding condom use and are therefore less likely (0.863) times to report condo muse even in occasions where their partner used a condom. The sex of the study students is however not significantly associated with condo muse. Students in the final year of their studies are significantly less likely to use condoms. Students who believe that condoms are useful in the prevention of STIs are significantly more likely (odds 1.17) to use condoms than those who disagree with this statement. Similarly where condoms are thought to promote prostitution there is a significantly higher likelihood (1.257) of use. Students who know the condom from the mass media are (0.61 times) unlikely to report using the condom at last intercourse. Relationships where condoms are used in our universities significantly represent marriage ties (odds 1.64) than casual infatuation, (Odds 0.78) which end up in casual sex often with persons unknown. Wherever there is a stable financial source (scholarship) students are (1.918) times significantly more likely to use condoms than where students depend on their families. Finally, students are generally 100% afraid of contracting the HIV Virus. The few students who report condo muse for all sexual encounters nonetheless feel at risk of AIDS/STDs. Students believe condoms and abstinence are the only ways risk of contracting the disease can be reduced. Conclusion Students are cautious of HIV AIDS epidemic. Many know they are at risk and take precautionary measures by abstinence, faithfulness or using condoms. University students avoid circumstances that predispose them to HIV Infection such as drug abuse, alcohol, clubs and commercial sex. Efforts are needed from government officials, Ministry of Health,Ministry of Education and the university fraternity to educate students on self risk perception and on their chance of contracting the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the consequences of searching for the Mungiki Gang in Kenya. It is said that Mungiki means united people or multitude of people, which is a cultural group with ideals supported by some members of the Kenyan parliament. according to Ken Ouko, a sociology lecturer from the University of Nairobi, the group was quasi-cultural. It is cited that Mungiki members pray strange prayers in the forests, whike facing Mount Kenya, because they believe that Mount Kenya is the home of their God.

No abstract available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to provide evidence for the existence of specific grammatical features which one could definitely say are characteristic of Kenyan English. Using a questionnaire, it gauged the extent of acceptability of twenty-six features by between 75 and 188 respondents. The twenty-six features appeared in sentences that would be considered as deviant in standard international English, and informants were instructed to correct errors in them. The sample of respondents was drawn, over a two-year period, from eight classes of students specializing in either linguistics or communication at the University of Nairobi. The target features covered “grammar” in its widest sense: from punctuation marks and spelling to morphological, syntactic and lexical aspects. The results showed that fourteen (i.e. 54%) of the twenty-six structures scored acceptability ratings of at least 60%. These could be argued to be indeed characteristic of at least written Kenyan English. But, with acceptability ratings for some other structures being as low as only two and eighteen percent, the results equally suggest that some apparently very common features of Kenyan English would only be accepted in spoken, rather than written language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the role of universities in promoting cooperation between social and pure scientists for human development in Kenya. Since the country's independence in 1963, Kenyan policymakers have seen the universities as the primary source of the manpower and technology needed to transform the country socially, economically and politically. The primary function of the University of Nairobi, Kenya's first institution of higher learning, was the training of manpower needed for the post-independence development. It was generally believed that the university would be the foremost development institution in the country.

Focuses on the University of Nairobi in Kenya. University's role in the national development; Friction between the university and the government; Factors affecting Kenya's economy.

Presents the novel way that instructional materials are created and utilized at the University of Nairobi in Kenya, Africa. Financial difficulties encountered by third world universities; Creativity of faculty engendered by the financial needs of the university.

The article reports on the visit of Pope Francis to Africa, in November 2015, citing the open-air event named 'Popemobile' at the University of Nairobi in Kenya attended by the Pope, and mentions that the Pope's visit to Uganda and Central African Republic, in which he received significant welcome.

The article reflects on the contribution of advocate Louise McKinney in courts, law schools and communities. It mentions that she began her legal career at the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland as a staff attorney and later became director of the Bar Advocacy Project. It states that she taught clinical methodology and co-sponsored a student-run legal aid project at the University of Nairobi.

History of AMR surveillance in Kenya goes back to late 1970s and early 80s when Kenyatta National Hospital and University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences began compiling and following antibiotic susceptibility patterns of routine clinical isolates. 5th ICID held in Nairobi in 1992 gave birth to ICAK (infection Control Association of Kenya) composed of pathologists, pharmacologists and nurses. Hospitals appointed IPC committees around the same time under WHO guidance. Lab based AMR surveillance was an IPC activity at that time. Except the national referral hospital and a few small private hospitals in Nairobi, hospitals cannot generate AMR data due to absence of microbiology labs. Almost all AMR data is generated by scientists of Kenya Medical Research Institute or other externally funded international research groups. Most of these projects focus on organism based AMR since they are proposed by scientists. There are no updates on AMR in clinical conditions like meningitis, pneumonia or bacteremia in the community due to lack of local funding support. Recognition of diagnostic laboratory capacity as an essential component of health care system for effective disease surveillance and control- was still lacking at national level until the release of WHO white paper in 2008 declaring public health labs in Africa a top priority for funding. World Bank sponsored East African Public Health Laboratory Network (EAPHLN) Project covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda; ASM and CDC supported Lab Cap program are two bright examples. The Launch of GARP Kenya project in 2009 and compilation of situation analysis in 2011 are important mile stones since this project brought together various professionals across the country and establishment of AMR focal person and IPC secretariat in the Ministry of Health. World health assembly resolution on AMR in 2014 paved way to development of W H O global action plan on AMR in 2015 which urged member states to make National action plans for dealing with AMR. Kenya is well prepared to face the challenge of AMR. EAPH Lab network is able to provide the infrastructure for AMR surveillance. Close partnerships between technical and clinical professionals and strong financial support from Local and National health care managers are crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]