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Effect of Electron Donor Groups on Optoelectronic Properties of Betalain Dyes: A DFT Study
No full textThis research article was published by Chemistry Open, 2025A sensitizer is a vital component of dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs); it absorbs incident photons, excites electrons, and facil-itates charge transfer to the semiconductor. In the present work,modification of betalain dyes through grafting of electron donorgroups has been performed. The reported optoelectronic properties of the investigated dyes are determined using densityfunctional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT methods. The investigated sensitizers exhibit maximum absorption between400 and 442 nm with light-harvesting efficiencies exceeding 93%.Favorable interactions are observed between the dyes and the hydrogenated TiO2 cluster, (TiO2)6H3. The obtained binding energies range from 1.39 to 0.97 eV in the gas phase and 0.31 to 0.03 eV in water. The electronic spectra of the dye@TiO2 complexes show broader and intensive bands with bathochromicshifts when compared to the individual dyes. The charge density distribution in the complexes indicates appropriate ability of thedyes for charge injection to the semiconductor. Among the considered dyes, the most promising candidates for use in DSSCs have been selected
Farmer’s Knowledge on Thaumatotibia Leucotreta (Meyrick) an Economic Pest of Avocado Production in Tanzania
Full text linkThis research article was published in the International Journal of Fruit Science, Volume 25, Issue 1, 2025Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) is a Lepidopteran pest that feeds on more than 70 plant species, both wild and cultivated. A study was carried out in Tanzania to assess farmer’s knowledge regarding the invasion of pests in avocado fruit production in Tanzania. The study interviewed 588 small-scale avocado farmers to gather their knowledge on the presence of the pest, the extent of infestation on fruits, and the impact on fruit production and marketing. A total of 45 orchards were inspected to determine the infestation level of T. leucotreta in 225 randomly selected avocado trees. The findings revealed that 56.1% (n = 330) of the farmers had no idea about any insect pests infesting avocado fruits, while 77.6% (n = 456) of farmers were unaware of T. leucotreta, presence; however, only 22.4% (n = 132) confirmed to have seen damage symptoms caused by the pest on avocado fruits. It was further observed that 51.6% (n = 1158) of the 2250 sampled fruits exhibited T. leucotreta damaging signs (white exudes or frass on fruit surface), thereby confirming the presence of T. leucotreta in farmers’ fields. Furthermore, farmers reported that diseases, poor marketing environment and premature fruit dropping were the main challenges faced in avocado production. These findings highlight farmer’s limited knowledge on T. leucotreta right from its presence, damage level to the potential impact on avocado production in Tanzania. Hence, the study recommends the need to provide such knowledge to farmers and propose management strategies through collaborative research with farmers for increased production
Polyphosphates: Essential bioenergetic reservoirs and their role as critical nutrient depleters in biological systems
Full text linkThis research article was published by the International Journal of Life Science Research Archive, Volume 08(01), 2025Polyphosphates are linear polymers of inorganic phosphate that play a pivotal role in cellular bioenergetics and
metabolism across a wide range of organisms. This review article explores the multifaceted functions of polyphosphates
as essential bioenergetic reservoirs, highlighting their ability to store and release energy, thereby facilitating various
biochemical processes. We discuss the synthesis and degradation pathways of polyphosphates, their influence on ATP
metabolism, and their regulatory roles in cellular signaling and stress responses. Additionally, we examine how
polyphosphates act as critical nutrient depleters in biological systems, impacting phosphate homeostasis. The interplay
between polyphosphate metabolism and nutrient availability is scrutinized, with implications for microbial ecology,
agricultural practices, and biotechnological applications. By integrating current research findings, this review
emphasizes the significance of polyphosphates not only as energy reservoirs but also as key players in nutrient cycling
and environmental sustainability, underscoring their importance in both basic and applied biological sciences
Dataset Development for Automated Grade Labelling of Virginia Flue-Cured Tobacco Leaves in Tanzania: A Focus on Stalk Leaf Position
Full text linkThis research article was published by the Indian Journal of Science and Technology, Volume: 18, Issue: 7, 2025Objectives: This study aimed at developing a dataset for automated grade labeling of Virginia flue-cured tobacco leaves based on stalk leaf position by focusing on quality, colour and anomalies. Methods: Virginia flue-cured tobacco leaves were collected from four Tanzanian tobacco regions: Tabora municipal, Uyui, Urambo and Kaliua. Canon 5D Mark III cameras with a Canon EF 100mm F/2.8L Macro IS USM lens were used to capture tobacco leaves. The collected data concentrated on the upper leaves of the tobacco plant, also known as leaf position. In Tanzania, the tobacco plant position is a very crucial entity during grade labeling processes. Findings: To fulfil the study’s intention, a dataset was created by collecting Virginia flue-cured tobacco leaf images. The study utilized our published dataset of Virginia flue-cured tobacco leaf images, which consisted of 49,779 high-resolution images with 22 grade labels (classes). Novelty: The important findings highlight the dataset's quality, making it crucial to develop automated systems for Virginia flue-cured tobacco leaf grade labeling processes based on stalk leaf position.labelin
Optimization, Characterization and Modeling of Functionalized Macadamia Nutshell Derived-Biochar for Drinking Water Defluoridation
Full text linkThis research article was published by Chemistry Africa ,2025Fluoride contamination in drinking water is a serious global environmental concern owing to its irreversible health effects. This study synthesized Zr(IV)-impregnated macadamia nutshell biochar (Zr-MNSB) by the surface modification of macadamia nutshell biochar (MNSB) and investigated its fluoride removal efficiency and biosorption capacity. Surface modification significantly enhanced the specific surface area and pore size. FE-SEM results exhibited increased porosity with Zr(IV)-impregnation and EDX confirmed Zr(IV) existence on the MNSB surface which enhanced fluoride removal performance. The effect of pH, co-existing ions, biosorbent dosage, contact time, and initial fluoride concentration were investigated using batch experiments. Zr-MNSB showed stable and excellent fluoride removal efficiency (78–99%) with initial fluoride concentration of 10 mg L–1 at a pH range of 2–8 compared to MNSB with 77.78% removal efficiency at pH 2 which declined significantly with pH increase. Zr-MNSB defluorinated naturally contaminated water below the WHO standard (1.5 mg L–1). The Langmuir isotherm fitted well the experimental results with high R2 (0.98) compared to the investigated isotherms and it exhibited maximum fluoride biosorption capacity of 11.97 mg g–1. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best suited the experimental results with high R2 (≈1.0). The thermodynamic parameters viz., ΔH°, ΔS° and ΔG° revealed that the fluoride removal process was endothermic, irreversible, random, spontaneous, rapid, and chemisorption in nature. Regenerated Zr-MNSB exhibited stable removal efficiency of 72–89% for three cycles but dropped significantly to 47% after the 4th cycle. Thus, this study developed a simple, affordable and efficient biosorbent that’s potential for drinking water treatment
Transforming Smallholder Agriculture Amid Water Scarcity: A Systematic Review of the Socio-Economic Benefits of Micro-Irrigation Technologies
Full text linkThis research article was published by Global Academic Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences , 2025The review focuses on the socio-economic benefits of micro-irrigation
technologies (MITs) for smallholder farmers, highlighting their potential to
transform agricultural practices and enhance sustainability. The review synthesizes
empirical evidence from Africa and Asia, providing a comprehensive overview of
how MITs can positively impact smallholder agriculture. Findings reveal that the
adoption of MITs leads to significant improvements in agricultural productivity and
enhanced water use efficiency, which contributes to reduced operational costs.
Additionally, the financial resilience of smallholder farmers improves as they
become better equipped to navigate market fluctuations and economic challenges.
These benefits not only bolster individual livelihoods but also promote broader
economic stability within rural communities. The review recommends several
strategies for effective implementation. These include promoting awareness and
adoption among farmers, enhancing access to finance, building technical capacity,
supporting research and innovation, enacting supportive policies, and establishing
models to assess the economic viability of MITs
A comprehensive life cycle assessment of sisal yarn production: Unveiling sustainability and resource optimization hotspots
Full text linkThis research article was published by Environmental Challenges Volume 18, 2025This study presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of sisal yarn production, covering key phases such as cultivation, transportation, decortication, brushing, baling, and yarn making to assess the environmental impacts associated with the production of 1 kg of sisal yarn. The results show that cultivation contributes the most to global warming potential (7.29 kg CO eq, 51% of total emissions) and terrestrial ecotoxicity (112.02 kg 14-DCB eq, 97.7%), driven largely by the excessive use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Decortication contributes significantly to marine eutrophication (83.7% of total impacts) and global warming (5.52 kg CO eq, 40%). Although yarn making accounts for a smaller share of the global warming potential (0.97 kg CO eq, 6.8%), it has a notable impact on human toxicity (contributing 21.7% to non-carcinogenic toxicity) and fossil fuel depletion (305.8 g oil eq, 10% of the total). A sensitivity analysis indicates that reducing chemical inputs, improving energy efficiency, and optimizing water use can reduce environmental impacts by up to 30%, lowering global warming potential to 11.59 kg CO eq in the improvement scenario. These results align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on responsible production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15), positioning sisal yarn as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers. Future research should focus on incorporating renewable energy, expanding region-specific LCA inventories, and exploring social and economic sustainability to further enhance the sisal value chain’s sustainability
Biopesticides Potential to Protect Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Production from Early Blight Disease (Alternaria solani) and Leaf Miners (Tuta absoluta)
Full text linkThis research article was published by Biology and Life Sciences, 2025Early blight disease (Alternaria solani) and leaf miners (Tuta absoluta) pose significant biotic constraints to tomato production, causing 80 -100% yield loss. A study involving laboratory, screen house and field experiments evaluated the efficacy of plant and bio product pesticides including extracts of Azadirachta indica, Lantana camara , Cymbopogon citratus, Capsicum frutescens, Zingiber officinal and rabbit urine. We report significant inhibition of fungal mycelial growth ranging from 20% with a 5% rabbit urine to 98.25% by 10% hot pepper in the laboratory. Screen house trials showed a positive inhibitory effect of plant extracts on controlling leaf miners. The most effective extracts were 10% lantana (80%), 10% hot pepper (76.6%) and 10% ginger (72.6%).The most successful four extracts were used in field trials and resulted in an average 50% reduction in disease severity compared to the control. Also, 10% ginger, hot pepper (both 5% and 10%) and 10% lantana were effective in controlling Tuta absoluta and significantly reduced leaf damage. A cost benefit analysis showed that the 5% hot pepper treatment had the highest revenue benefit compared to the negative control and conventional tomato production methods. Further research is needed to integrate these biopesticides into crop management practices
Seroprevalence and molecular analysis of yellow fever virus in mosquitoes at Namanga and Mutukula borders in Tanzania
Full text linkThis research article was published by International Journal of Infectious Diseases Volume 150, January 2025Objectives
Yellow fever (YF) is a major public health concern, particularly in Africa and South America. This study aimed to detect YF in human and mosquito samples to understand transmission dynamics in the Tanzania–Uganda and Tanzania–Kenya cross-border areas.
Methods
Blood samples were collected from individuals aged ≥9 months for serological testing. Mosquitoes were captured and tested for YF virus RNA. Logistic regression models were used to predict seroprevalence and associated risk factors.
Results
The overall YF seroprevalence was 12.5%, with higher rates among older individuals (7.0%) and female participants (immunoglobulin [Ig] G 4.4%, IgM 6.0%). Notably, YF virus RNA was detected in three out of 46 pools of 192 mosquitoes. The odds of testing positive for YF IgG were lower among those with primary education compared with college education (AOR = 0.27, CI: 0.08-0.88) and increased with those experiencing muscle pain (AOR = 4.5, CI: 1.08-18.78) while the odds of testing positive to YF IgM increased with being female (AOR = 4.7, CI: 1.5-14.7), traveling to YF endemic areas (AOR = 5.2, CI: 1.35-44.75), exposure to Aedes mosquitoes (AOR = 3.7, CI: 1.27-10.84) and exhibiting bruising (AOR = 13.5, CI: 1.23-145.72)
Conclusions
Although Tanzania has not experienced YF outbreaks, evidence of YF exposure at the studied borders highlights the need for strengthening cross-border surveillance, vector control, and vaccination efforts. Further research is needed to evaluate the country's overall YF risk
A comparative approach of analyzing data uncertainty in parameter estimation for a Lumpy Skin Disease model
No full textThis research article was published by Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine Update, Volume 7, 2025The livestock industry has been economically affected by the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). This has driven the interest to research efficient mitigating measures towards controlling the transmission of LSD. Mathematical models of real-life systems inherit loss of information, and consequently, accuracy of their results is often complicated by the presence of uncertainties in data used to estimate parameter values. There is a need for models with knowledge about the confidence of their long-term predictions. This study has introduced a novel yet simple technique for analyzing data uncertainties in compartmental models which is then used to examine the reliability of a deterministic model of the transmission dynamics of LSD in cattle which involves investigating scenarios related to data quality for which the model parameters can be well identified. The assessment of the uncertainties is determined with the help of Adaptive Metropolis Hastings algorithm, a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) standard statistical method. Simulation results with synthetic cases show that the model parameters are identifiable with a reasonable amount of synthetic noise, and enough data points spanning through the model classes. MCMC outcomes derived from synthetic data, generated to mimic the characteristics of the real dataset, significantly surpassed those obtained from actual data in terms of uncertainties in identifying parameters and making predictions. This approach could serve as a guide for obtaining informative real data, and adapted to target key interventions when using routinely collected data to investigate long-term transmission dynamic of a disease