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Development of a secure multi-factor authentication algorithm for mobile money applications
Get PDFA Thesis Submitted in Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Information and Communication Science and Engineering of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AISTWith the expansion of industry 4.0, financial technology (FinTech) has become paramount in
this era. Mobile money as one of the FinTech has immensely contributed to improving financial
inclusions among the unbanked population in many developing countries. Several mobile
money schemes were developed to ensure easy access to mobile money services. However,
they have suffered severe authentication security challenges since implementing two-factor
authentication (2FA). Therefore, this research developed a secure multi-factor authentication
(MFA) algorithm for mobile money applications that combines personal identification number
(PIN), one-time password (OTP), and biometric fingerprints to authenticate the mobile money
subscribers. It also used the customer’s biometric fingerprints and the agent’s quick response
(QR) code to authorise money withdrawal. The PINs and OTP are secured by secure hashing
algorithm-256 (SHA-256) and biometric fingerprints by Fast IDentity Online (FIDO), where
the Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) encryption protects the public/private key pair and the
fingerprint templates. The QR codes, confidential financial information in the databases, and
all the data before transmission to the remote databases are secured using Fernet encryption. A
design science research approach was employed in the research using a mixed-method. The
review results identified and grouped the threat models into attacks against privacy,
authentication, confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The cryptographic functions and
personal identification were the countermeasures. The survey identified authentication attacks,
identity theft, phishing attacks, and PIN sharing as the crucial security issues Uganda’s mobile
money systems encountered. The security analysis of the designed algorithm and developed
native genuine mobile money (G-MoMo) applications proved that it provided robust security
during authentication and ensured data confidentiality, integrity, privacy and user anonymity.
It is highly effective against several security attacks and resilient to non-repudiation. The
performance analysis results showed that the algorithm enhanced security but had high
communication overhead and computational cost. Lack of a forward navigation button, lack of
uniformity in the applications menu title, lack of search field options, lack of actions needed
for recovery, and lack of help & documentation, were identified as the results of the usability
issues with the native G-MoMo applications’ user interfaces. While the results of the usability
testing showed that the native G-MoMo applications were learnable, effective, efficient,
memorable, had few errors, satisfaction, ease of use, aesthetic, helpful, easy to integrate, and
understandable. In conclusion, implementing a secure mobile money authentication using the
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novel approach combining multiple factors helps mobile money subscribers and other
stakeholders trust the mobile money industry since the security goals are highly maintained
Characterization of bird, reptile, and insect community diversity in constructed wetlands and waste stabilization ponds across Tanzania
Get PDFThis research article was published in Ecological Engineering,Volume 196, 2023.Wastewater treatment systems, such as Constructed Wetlands (CWs) and Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSPs), have untapped biodiversity enhancement and development potential. Birds, insects, and reptiles, which are displaced by human development, might find refuge in these ecosystems. However, the lack of a detailed characterization of the biodiversity status of these wastewater treatment systems hinders their widespread adoption. Point counts, direct observations, and camera traps were used to assess bird diversity across five CWs and three WSPs in Tanzania in 2021. For insects and reptiles, pitfall and pan traps were laid along established transects, in addition, direct observations and fishnets were also used to assess the reptiles dwelling within the WSPs. Abundance, Shannon index, Simpson index, Margalef index, and evenness index were the diversity parameters used to analyze the diversity of birds, insects, and reptiles. Our results show that among the studied groups and between WSPs and CWs, birds had high species abundance (n = 1132), richness, Margalef index (D = 4.266), evenness (E = 0.815), Shannon diversity (H = 2.881) and Simpson index (λ =0.903). The abundance and diversity of studied groups differed significantly (P < 0.05) between WSPs and CWs. Our study also recorded four reptile species belonging to three orders. Molecular analyses confirmed that insect species belong to nine orders and 13 families, with the order Diptera dominating both CWs and WSPs, followed by Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, and Araneae. We conclude that CW and WSP wastewater treatment systems are important for hosting various populations of birds, reptiles, and insect species
“If You Do Not Take the Medicine and Complete the Dose…It Could Cause You More Trouble”: Bringing Awareness, Local Knowledge and Experience into Antimicrobial Stewardship in Tanzania
Get PDFThis research article was published by Antibiotics, Volume 12, 2023Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health issue disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. In Tanzania, multi-drug-resistant bacteria (MDR) are highly prevalent in clinical and community settings, inhibiting effective treatment and recovery from infection. The burden of AMR can be alleviated if antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are coordinated and incorporate local knowledge and systemic factors. AMS includes the education of health providers to optimise antimicrobial use to improve patient outcomes while minimising AMR risks. For programmes to succeed, it is essential to understand not just the awareness of and receptiveness to AMR education, but also the opportunities and challenges facing health professionals. We conducted in-depth interviews (n = 44) with animal and human health providers in rural northern Tanzania in order to understand their experiences around AMR. In doing so, we aimed to assess the contextual factors surrounding their practices that might enable or impede the translation of knowledge into action. Specifically, we explored their motivations, training, understanding of infections and AMR, and constraints in daily practice. While providers were motivated in supporting their communities, clear issues emerged regarding training and understanding of AMR. Community health workers and retail drug dispensers exhibited the most variation in training. Inconsistencies in understandings of AMR and its drivers were apparent. Providers cited the actions of patients and other providers as contributing to AMR, perpetuating narratives of blame. Challenges related to AMR included infrastructural constraints, such as a lack of diagnostic testing. While health and AMR-specific training would be beneficial to address awareness, equally important, if not more critical, is tackling the challenges providers face in turning knowledge into action
Chromosome-scale assembly of the African yam bean genome
Get PDFA research article was published by bioRxiv preprint, 2023Genomics-informed breeding of locally adapted, nutritious, albeit underutilised
African crops can help mitigate food and nutrition insecurity challenges in Africa,
particularly against the backdrop of climate change. However, utilisation of modern
crop improvement tools including genomic selection and genome editing for many
African indigenous crops is hampered by the scarcity of genetic and genomic
resources. Here we report on the assembly of the genome of African yam bean
(Sphenostylis stenocarpa), a tuberous legume crop that is indigenous to Africa. By
combining long and short read sequencing with Hi-C scaffolding, we produced a
chromosome-scale assembly with an N50 of 69.5 Mbp and totalling 649 Mbp in
length (77 - 81% of the estimated genome size based on flow cytometry). Using
transcriptome evidence from Nanopore RNA-Seq and homology evidence from
related crops, we annotated 31,614 putative protein coding genes. We further show
how this resource improves anchoring of markers, genome-wide association analysis
and candidate gene analyses in Africa yam bean. This genome assembly provides a
valuable resource for genetic research in Africa yam bean
Knowledge Management Use of the Web 2.0-Driven SECI Model to Improve Knowledge Creation and Sharing Practices in Selected Academic Libraries in Tanzania
Get PDFThis research article was published by Regional Institute of
Information and Knowledge ManagementRationale of Study – The evolution of academic libraries is influenced by
technological developments, including Web 2.0. Based on a larger PhD project,
this study evaluated how selected academic libraries in Tanzania leverage a Web
2.0-driven SECI model to enhance knowledge creation and sharing processes.
Methodology – A convergent mixed methods research design was used to collect
quantitative and qualitative data. The study investigated library staff (n=306) using
a survey questionnaire, with a rate of return of 254 (83%). Eight library directors
and sixteen heads of library departments were also interviewed to supplement
data from the survey and establish convergence or divergence of the findings.
Findings – Many library staff (91.7%) used Web 2.0 tools several times daily for
personal and professional use. They used Web 2.0 applications for various tasks,
including online communication and knowledge sharing, teaching information
literacy, and marketing and promoting library services and resources. The findings
also show that knowledge creation and sharing practices were performed under
each SECI model process.
Implications – Since its purpose is to improve the processes of creating and sharing
knowledge, the Web 2.0 -driven SECI model can be utilised to integrate
knowledge management practices through the creation and sharing of knowledge
to support academic libraries and library professionals in managing their daily
activities.
Originality – A limited number of studies have used the model in such a context,
especially in higher learning and research institutions
Assessment of needs and contents of a customized digital tool for retention to care and Medication adherence among pregnant and Breastfeeding women living with HIV/AIDS in Kilimanjaro
Get PDFA Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree
of Master of Science in Public Health Research of the Nelson Mandela African
Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, TanzaniaRetention in care and adherence to medication among pregnant and breastfeeding women living
with HIV (PBWLH) are crucial for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV.
Wide coverage of mobile phones, digital tools, including the use of internet enabled medication
dispensers and short message service (SMS), have been recommended as potential interventions
to improve adherence to medication by PBWLH. The main objective of the study was to
understand the needs and contents for a customized digital tool for retention in care and medication
adherence among PBWLH. A mixed-methods study was conducted from September 2021 to
March 2022 at five health facilities in Kilimanjaro region. Pregnant and breastfeeding women
receiving PMTCT services were included in a survey using a semi-structured questionnaire.
Among the interviewed, twenty breastfeeding women were purposively selected and enrolled to
use an internet enabled Wisepill medication dispenser for one month. They received different types
of SMS reminders for a period of one month and feedback on their adherence patterns was received
after one month using adherence graph from the Wisepill digital tool. Later, exit interviews, in-
depth interviews were conducted to explore needs and contents for a future customized digital
adherence tool. Descriptive analyses for quantitative data and thematic content analyses for
qualitative data were also done. Among 142 women interviewed, 42(30%) were pregnant and 100
(70%) were breastfeeding. A majority of 136 (95%) had access to mobile phones and used SMS
daily, while 90% were interested in receiving reminder messages. Qualitative findings revealed
more insights on reminders’ content and educational SMS. Most people preferred neutral SMS
which does not contain the word “medication”. Health educational SMS content was preferred to
be on breastfeeding, opportunistic diseases, nutrition and entrepreneurship education. Overall,
SMSs were regarded helpful to remind clients on medication time and the medication dispenser
provided them with privacy and safe storage for their medication. Findings from this study will
help to construct useful content for future digital adherence tools to support the health of pregnant
and breastfeeding women living with HIV
Influence of farmers’ socio-economic characteristics on nutrient flow and implications for system sustainability in smallholdings: a review
Get PDFThis Research Article was published by the Frontiers in Soil Science Volume 3 - 2023The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased the demand for arable land. Soil fertility has been the most affected, among other things. Many approaches to soil fertility management have been proposed by studies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); however, the question of sustainability remains. Nutrient monitoring (NUTMON), which combines biophysical and socio-economic features for soil fertility management, gives an in-situ soil fertility status of a given land use system, which ultimately provides guidance in proposing appropriate soil management techniques in a given land use system. In this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was deployed for a systematic search of the literature materials. The review evaluated various studies on nutrient monitoring in SSA soils in order to understand the socioeconomic attributes and their influence on farming systems, as well as nutrient flow and balances. The review identified two dominant smallholder farming systems in SSA: mixed crop-livestock and mixed crop farming systems. Also, this review revealed that most nutrient balance studies in SSA have been done in mixed crop and livestock farming systems. However, regardless of the farming systems, the overall mean nutrient balances in all studies, particularly those of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), were negative, indicating significant nutrient mining. The review further revealed a vast range of biophysical soil fertility management technologies; however, their adoption has been limited by socio-economic aspects including land ownership, gender, financial position, literacy level, and access to inputs. Therefore, in view of this situation, integrating biophysical and socioeconomic disciplines could address the problem of soil nutrient depletion holistically, thus decreasing the existing negative nutrient balances in the SSA region
Seasonal variation in forage availability and nutritional composition of the black rhino (diceros bicornis michaeli) diet in Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania
Get PDFA Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management of the Nelson Mandela
African Institution of Science and TechnologyA study was conducted on rhino forage availability and diet to gather vital information for the
sustainable conservation of critically endangered black rhino populations. Specifically, the study
was set to establish the quantity and quality of natural forages browsed by rhinos in Mkomazi
National Park (MKONAPA) as affected by seasonality. This study was prompted by the observed
decline in body condition during dry periods, highlighting the need for a better understanding of
forage quantity and quality in the area. The current study aimed to investigate seasonal variations
in the black rhino diet at MKONAPA by comparing foraging, browsing intensity, forage
preference and nutritional composition of the most preferred forage between wet and dry seasons.
A simple-random sampling technique was deployed to select 58 square grids in the wet and dry
seasons (replication), and plots were laid for vegetation assessment and plant sample collection in
the Mkomazi rhino sanctuary (MRS). Browses foraged by rhinos were compared with rhino
feeding data from fourteen rhino-range areas within Africa savannah. Results showed that more
than 85% of species edible in MKONAPA were similar to those in rhino range areas. The diversity
of consumed browses was higher (t = 4.58, p<0.001) in wet season than in dry season. Forage
browsing intensity by rhinos correlated positively with forage preference and was significantly
high (w= 482, p<0.001) in dry season when browse availability was low. Forage nutrient
composition was within the average level reported in browses consumed by free-ranging rhinos
within Africa savannah, but the crude fat (3.07 ± 1.04%) and crude protein (9.33 ± 1.45%) were
marginally low in dry season, while zinc was low in both seasons. This study established seasonal
variation in dietary composition, browsing intensity and nutritional composition. This study
suggests establishing a monitoring program of preferred and highly nutritional forages for rhino
diet during the dry season, assessing the density of competitor browsers, supplementing rhinos
with lucerne diet during prolonged dry seasons and mineral (zinc) licks to improve rhino body
condition status and health in the sanctuary
Modeling the dynamics of Diamondback Moth infestations on cabbage biomass
Get PDFThis Research Article was published by the Informatics in Medicine Unlocked, 2023The Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella) is a notorious agricultural pest that poses significant challenges to cabbage production. In this study, we formulated and analyzed the deterministic differential equations to capture the infestations dynamics of diamondback moth in a cabbages biomass, taking into account the use of environmentally friendly pesticides. To study its dynamics we computed the threshold number, , based on the pest-free equilibrium point. The results indicate that when , the equilibrium point is both locally and globally stable. Conversely, when , the coexistence point becomes globally asymptotically stable. The stability of the equilibrium points were both Locally and globally assessed using Ruth Hurwitz’s criteria for local stability and Lyapunov functions for global analysis. A comprehensive numerical analysis was conducted, confirming the substantial support for the analytical findings. Finally, this research suggests that in order to reduce the impact of the diamondback moth, it is necessary to decrease the threshold value smaller than a unity through the adoption of effective inter-cropping techniques and the use of environmentally friendly pesticides
Heat and mass transfer investigation of unsteady magnetohydro dynamic nanofluid flow in a porous pipe in the presence of chemical reactions
Get PDFThis research article was published by Journal of Engineering and Technology
Research,2023This article presents a numerical investigation of mass and heat transfer effects on an unsteady
Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow in a permeable pipe. The influences of the chemical
reaction and magnetic flux are considered. With the central finite-difference technique, the fundamental
equations are discretized. The resulting equations are solved numerically using methods of lines, bvp4,
and shooting methods. The influences of material factors on the solution are investigated and
displayed through tabular and graphical illustrations. The study revealed that the Sherwood number,
skin friction, and rate of heat transfer are all decreased by an increase in the magnetic field.
Additionally, the rate of rise of the chemical reaction and Brownian motion is observed to reduce the
concentration of the nanofluid. Furthermore, the study finds that the Soret number, porosity medium
resistance parameter, and thermophoresis parameter all cause the concentration profile to to decline