2647 research outputs found
Sort by
Mathematical model to assess the impact of contact rate and environment factor on transmission dynamics of rabies in humans and dogs
Full text linkThis research article was published by Heliyon volume10 2024This paper presents a mathematical model to understand how rabies spreads among humans, free-range, and domestic dogs. By analyzing the model, we discovered that there are equilibrium points representing both disease-free and endemic states. We calculated the basic reproduction number, using the next generation matrix method. When , the disease-free equilibrium is globally stable, whereas when , the endemic equilibrium is globally stable. To identify the most influential parameters in disease transmission, we used the normalized forward sensitivity index. The simulations revealed that the contact rates between the infectious agent and humans, free-range dogs, and domestic dogs, have the most significant impact on rabies transmission. The study also examines how periodic changes in transmission rates affect the disease dynamics, emphasizing the importance of transmission frequency and amplitude on the patterns observed in rabies spread. To reduce disease sensitivity, one should prioritize effective disease control measures that focus on keeping both free-range and domestic dogs indoors. This is a crucial factor in preventing the spread of disease and should be implemented as a primary disease control measure
Genetic Diversity of Jute Mallow (Corchorus spp.) Accessions Based on ISSR Markers
Full text linkThis research article was published by Scientific Research Publishing Inc,2024Jute mallow is a nutritious leafy vegetable. The leaves are rich in proteins, vitamins and essential amino acids. Molecular characterization of Jute mallow with focus on improvement of leaf yield is scarcely reported. In the present study, inter sequence simple repeats (ISSR) molecular markers were employed to assess genetic diversity and relationships of 83 accessions of Jute mallow from different parts of Africa and Asia conserved at the World Vegetable Center East and Southern Africa. A total of 89 bands were amplified by 8 ISSR primers. Number of polymorphic bands per primer ranged from 2 to 6 with an average of 2.75 bands per primer. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.390 to 0.760 with average of 0.53. Average Nei’s gene diversity (h) and Shannon’s information index (I) were 0.335 and 0.494 respectively. The highest pairwise genetic distance was 0.431 observed in a population from East Africa accessions. PC1 and PC2 axis explained 21.69% and 11.66% of the total variation respectively. UPGMA cluster analysis grouped the accessions into six main clusters at genetic similarity coefficient of 0.53 as standard value for classification. These results have important implications for jute mallow breeding and conservation
Assessment of Mpanda groundwater contamination and the effectiveness of the baobab seeds-derived biochar for iron removal from groundwater
Full text linkA Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Master’s Degree in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, TanzaniaGroundwater in Mpanda District, Tanzania, faces excessive iron content, causing a reddish brown colouration due to oxidized iron species. The present study evaluated Mpanda
groundwater contamination and the effectiveness of baobab seeds-derived biochar for iron
removal from groundwater. First, the physicochemical quality of groundwater was
investigated. Nineteen boreholes were randomly selected for assessment, with samples
collected in rainy and dry seasons. The study revealed significant variations in groundwater
quality both between seasons and among boreholes. Temperature, total dissolved solids,
electrical conductivity, lead, iron and manganese exceeding World Health Organization and
Tanzania Bureau of Standards limits in some boreholes; necessitating water treatment for
human use. Second, the effectiveness of baobab seeds-derived biochar for iron removal from
groundwater was assessed. Baobab seeds, were sun-dried, oven dried at 105 ºC, carbonized at
700 ºC, and ground into fine powder. The influence of pH, time, temperature and dose of
biochar on the iron removal from groundwater was assessed. Six 1000 mL beakers were filled
with groundwater and adsorbent doses of 0.6 g/L, 1.2 g/L, 1.8 g/L, 2.4 g/L, and 3.0 g/L were
added into five beakers with the sixth serving as a control. The highest removal efficiency of
iron was observed within 5.0-8.0 pH range. Over time, the removal efficiency increased to 87%
at 120 minutes and 3.0 g dose, with an initial iron concentration of 5.88 mg/L and residual
concentration of 0.76 mg/L. Baobab seeds-derived biochar showed promising efficiency in
removing iron ions and is recommended for sustainable iron removal from groundwater
Accessibility Features for Augmented Reality Indoor Navigation Systems
Full text linkThis research article was published by Emerging Technologies for Developing Countries,volume 520 2024Accessibility plays a pivotal role in developing technological tools that strive to promote inclusivity for users of all abilities. Regrettably, many technological advancements have traditionally disregarded accessibility, assuming homogeneous user abilities or treating it as an afterthought. This paper endeavors to provide a review of accessibility considerations on augmented reality indoor navigation systems, to enhance navigational experiences in indoor learning environments. To achieve this, interviews were conducted with visually impaired individuals, to investigate their existing methods of navigation, identify challenges they face, and uncover potential accessibility features that could enhance indoor navigation systems. Additionally, a literature review was undertaken to explore various accessibility features in the context of indoor navigation systems, including localization technologies and pathfinding algorithms employed in indoor navigation applications. Finally, the paper concludes by offering insights into accessibility features specifically tailored for individuals with visual impairments, to facilitate efficient indoor navigation
Climate smart agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa: Review of the potentials for maize and common beans smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas
Full text linkThis research article was published by International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR)/Vol. 25,2024Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an alternative approach to tackle food insecurity under climate change conditions. Its credibility is gaining wide acceptance to double food production to feed the growing population in semi-arid areas of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Various CSA technologies have been identified and reported with successful outcomes, but characterization of CSA technologies by smallholder farmers remains low despite its proven potential. The present study provides detailed overview of CSA technologies for drought tolerant or escape, soil fertility and water management for maize and common beans productivity of smallholder farmers in semi-arid of SSA. This review: (i) synthesized available information on the potential of CSA technologies ii) identified CSA management practices and their contribution to soil fertility and water management iii) identified and discussed the adaptive strategies to climate change, the influences, and limitations of smallholder farmers adoption to CSA technologies. To achieve this study, secondary data from peer-reviewed papers, universities thesis, Science Direct, and the Web of Science database were collected and reviewed using SSA as a case study. About 544 published data between 2002 and 2024 were evaluated and discussed for maize and common beans production potentials. The improved drought-tolerant maize and early-maturity common beans as well as the intercropping, tied ridges, and farm-yard manure were identified as potential CSA technologies widely promoted in SSA. The review elucidated that, CSA technologies can build synergies and increase resource use efficiency to strengthen food sovereignty and climate change adaptation in semi-arid areas of SSA
Prevalence and risk factors for Q fever, spotted fever group rickettsioses, and typhus group rickettsioses in a pastoralist community of northern Tanzania, 2016–2017
Full text linkThis Research Article was published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Background: In northern Tanzania, Q fever, spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses,
and typhus group (TG) rickettsioses are common causes of febrile illness. We sought to
describe the prevalence and risk factors for these zoonoses in a pastoralist community.
Methods: Febrile patients ≥2 years old presenting to Endulen Hospital in the Ngorongoro
Conservation Area were enrolled from August 2016 through October 2017. Acute andconvalescent blood samples were collected, and a questionnaire was administered. Sera
were tested by immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) IgG assays using Coxiella burnetii
(Phase II), Rickettsia africae, and Rickettsia typhi antigens. Serologic evidence of exposure
was defined by an IFA titre ≥1:64; probable cases by an acute IFA titre ≥1:128; and
confirmed cases by a ≥4-fold rise in titre between samples. Risk factors for exposure and
acute case status were evaluated.
Results: Of 228 participants, 99 (43.4%) were male and the median (interquartile range)
age was 27 (16–41) years. Among these, 117 (51.3%) had C. burnetii exposure, 74 (32.5%)
had probable Q fever, 176 (77.2%) had SFG Rickettsia exposure, 134 (58.8%) had probable
SFG rickettsioses, 11 (4.8%) had TG Rickettsia exposure, and 4 (1.8%) had probable TG
rickettsioses. Of 146 participants with paired sera, 1 (0.5%) had confirmed Q fever,
8 (5.5%) had confirmed SFG rickettsioses, and none had confirmed TG rickettsioses.
Livestock slaughter was associated with acute Q fever (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.54, 95%
confidence interval [CI] 1.38–4.76) and sheep slaughter with SFG rickettsioses case
(OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.08–23.50).
Discussion: Acute Q fever and SFG rickettsioses were detected in participants with
febrile illness. Exposures to C. burnetii and to SFG Rickettsia were highly prevalent, and
interactions with livestock were associated with increased odds of illness with both path-
ogens. Further characterisation of the burden and risks for these diseases is warranted
Effectiveness of Point of Entry Health Screening Measures among Travelers in the Detection and Containment of the International Spread of COVID-19: A Review of the Evidence
Full text linkA research article was published by International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, volume 21,2024COVID-19 remains a communicable disease with the capacity to cause substantial damage
to health and health systems. Enhanced health screening at points of entry (POEs) is a public health
measure implemented to support early detection, prevention and response to communicable diseases,
such as COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to review the available evidence on the effectiveness
of POE health screening in the detection and containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was
registered under PROSPERO and followed PRISMA guidelines in which the literature between 2019
and 2022 was retrieved from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Global Health, CINAHL, Embase,
Google Scholar and international organizations. A total of 33,744 articles were screened for eligibility,
from which 43 met the inclusion criteria. The modeling studies predicted POE screening able to
detect COVID-19 in a range of 8.8% to 99.6%, while observational studies indicated a detection rate
of 2% to 77.9%, including variants of concern depending on the screening method employed. The
literature also indicated these measures can delay onset of the epidemic by 7 to 32 days. Based on our
review findings, if POE screening measures are implemented in combination with other public health
interventions such as rapid tests, they may help detect and reduce the spread of COVID-19
Adsorption and desorption processes of toxic heavy metals, regeneration and reusability of spent adsorbents: Economic and environmental sustainability approach
Full text linkThis research article was published in Elsevier volume 329,2024A growing number of variables, including rising population, water scarcity, growth in the economy, and the existence of harmful heavy metals in the water supply, are contributing to the increased demand for wastewater treatment on a global scale. One of the innovative water treatment technologies is the adsorptive removal of heavy metals through the application of natural and engineered adsorbents. However, adsorption currently has setbacks that prevent its wider application for heavy metals sequestration from aquatic environments using various adsorbents, including difficulty in selecting suitable desorption eluent to recover adsorbed heavy metals and regeneration techniques to recycle the spent adsorbents for further use and safe disposal. Therefore, the recovery of adsorbed heavy metal ions and the ability to reuse the spent adsorbents is one of the economic and environmental sustainability approaches. This study presents a state-of-the-art critical review of different desorption agents that could be used to retrieve heavy metals and regenerate the spent adsorbents for further adsorption-desorption processes. Additionally, an attempt was made to discuss and summarize some of the independent factors influencing heavy metals desorption, recovery, and adsorbent regeneration. Furthermore, isotherm and kinetic modeling have been summarized to provide insights into the adsorption-desorption mechanisms of heavy metals. Finally, the review provided future perspectives to provide room for researchers and industry players who are interested in heavy metals desorption, recovery, and spent adsorbents recycling to reduce the high cost of adsorbents reproduction, minimize secondary waste generation, and thereby provide substantial economic and environmental benefits
Exploring the nexus between health status, technical efficiency, and welfare of small-scale cereal farmers in Tanzania: A stochastic frontier analysis
No full textThis Articles was published by Elsvier B.V, 2024Cereal production is important component of Tanzania’s agricultural sector, as it provides food security and
income for a significant portion of the population. However, low levels of technical efficiency and the negative
impact of ill-health on cereal productivity have posed significant obstacles to the welfare of small-scale farmers
in the country. This study estimates the technical efficiency of cereal producers in Tanzania, investigates the
relationship between farmer health and cereal productivity, and establishes a link between technical efficiency
and the welfare of smallholder farmers. Using data from the Tanzania Agriculture Sample Census survey 2019/
20, the stochastic frontier production function was used to estimate technical efficiencies, while Tobit and
instrumental variables models analyzed the impact of health on cereal production efficiency and the effects of
efficiency on the welfare of cereal’s small-scale farmers respectively. The findings indicate that the overall
technical efficiency of cereal producers in Tanzania is 44.44%, with pure technical efficiency standing at 56.50%.
In addition, poor health reduces the likelihood of cereal productivity efficiency by 0.297 (p < 0.01). In addition,
efficiency was found to significantly improve household welfare, as it increases food security (0.35327, p <
0.01), household income (0.2914, p < 0.01), and nutrition status by reducing malnutrition ( 0.36607, p < 0.01).
The study recommends that rural agriculture development programs include health components to increase
productivity, sustainability, and ultimately the standard of living of rural communities
An enhanced IoT-based wristband for remote monitoring and early detection of hypertension complications in Uganda
Full text linkRemote monitoring systems can transform healthcare for non-communicable diseases like
hypertension. Despite widespread blood pressure testing, real-time communication and record
storage remain challenging in Uganda. This project developed an enhanced Internet of Things
(IoT) based wristband for remote monitoring and early detection of hypertension
complications. The system integrates a wearable wristband and web application to track vital
signs blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature transmitting real-time
data wirelessly. It alerts patients, next of kin, and medical practitioners to critical hypertension
levels, enabling early intervention against heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Data
collection involved 243 patients and 17 medical practitioners from Rocket Health Clinic in
Uganda. Qualitative methods included focus groups, observations, and analysis of Electronic
Medical Records (EMR), while quantitative methods utilized patient surveys. Additional data
from reports, journals, books, databases, and websites on blood pressure monitoring systems
were also analyzed using Power BI. The development followed Extreme Programming (XP)
agile methodology, accommodating evolving requirements under tight deadlines. Validation
indicated the system is easy to use, accurate, and reliable. The wristband hardware includes the
DOIT ESP32 DevKit v1 microcontroller, MKB0803 blood pressure sensor, MAX30102 pulse
oximeter sensor, DS18B20 body temperature sensor, OLED SSD1306 display module, UC15
3G module, and SIM800L GSM module. The web application was developed using Laravel,
Vue, Inertia, and EChart. Future work aims to enhance system accessibility regardless of
smartphone or internet access, potentially through voice-based interfaces. Evaluations will
extend to managing chronic diseases like diabetes, leveraging insights to improve healthcare
in resource-limited settings