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Formulation of functional beverage from a blend of baobab (adansonia-digitata), pineapple (comosus ananas) and black-plum (syzygium cumini) fruits
Get PDFA Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of Requirements for the Degree of Master’s in Life Sciences of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and TechnologySeveral under-utilized tropical fruits have essential micronutrients and phytochemical
composition with the potential to contribute to the nutrition of people in many poor
communities where they are grown. This study was carried out to investigate the use of juice
blends of baobab, pineapple, and black-plum fruits as functional beverages for human benefits.
To understand potential consumers’ unmet need for healthy drinks, a knowledge, attitude, and
consumption pattern (KAP) survey was conducted and it was revealed that most (85%) of the
151 participants seek affordable healthy beverages from a blend of juices with moderate
sweetness and flavor. Pasteurized juice blends of baobab, pineapple, and black-plum fruits
were analyzed for physicochemical, antioxidant, sensory properties, mineral compositions, and
storage stability at 4°C for 4 weeks. The results showed that the vitamin C contents of
individual juices synergistically contributed to the high values observed in the blends (317.45-
414.51 mg/L). Juice blends of baobab, pineapple, and black-plum fruits are good sources of
calcium (57-153 mg/L), magnesium (71-130 mg/L), and antioxidants (ascorbic acid, total
polyphenol contents (65-104 mg GAE/100 mL), scavenging ability (105.97-359.71 µmol
TE/100 mL), and reducing potential (1376-1829 µMFe2+ L) the consumption of which can
promote human health. Physicochemical parameters of juice blends were stable at refrigeration
temperature (4°C) in the first two weeks; however, color change was observed towards the end
of the fourth storage week. The formulated ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages compared well
with a known market sample for sensory parameters with improved taste and consumer
acceptability and showed good antioxidant potential although there was a relative decrease in
vitamin C content during storage at both refrigeration and ambient temperatures. These
findings reveal that baobab fruit pulp, pineapple, and back-plum fruits can be major ingredients
in producing an antioxidant-rich functional beverage that meets the preferences of consumers
The Influence of Information and Communication Technology on the Business Performance of the Incubated Small Business Enterprises in Tanzania
Get PDFThis research article was published by Journal of Economics, Management and TradeThis study analyzed the influence of information and communication technology (ICT) on the business performance of incubated small business enterprises (SBEs) in Tanzania. Purposive sampling and structured questionnaires were used on fifty SBEs incubated at the Tanzania Engineering and Manufacturing Development Organization (TEMDO) incubation center from a population of incubated SBEs in various government institutions, including the Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) Centre of Agricultural Mechanization and Rural Technologies (CARMMATEC), the Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization (TIRDO), and the Tanzania Engineering and Manufacturing Development Organization (TEMDO). Statistical Package for Social Science and R Programming Language were used for data analysis The study established that ICT increases SBE’s market access through information accessibility (70%), market share (80%), promotion strategies (88%) and financial conveniences (74%). Furthermore, SBEs can boost their operational outputs by creating a favorable business environment (64%), lowering business barriers (78%), increasing speed to market (72%), and improving business efficiency (50%). Moreover, SBEs with the aid of ICT have a high chance of increasing business profit through increased sales volume (76%), income level (82%), profit margin (60%) and liquidity level (52%). However, the observed low rating on business efficiency and liquidity due to factors related to the availability and affordability of ICT infrastructure must be addressed to the substantial influence of ICT on SBEs’ business performance
Effects of Tephrosia vogelii formulation with rabbit urine on insect pests and pollinators of sesame in Singida, Tanzania
Get PDFA Dissertation Submitted in Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and TechnologyThis study assessed the effects of Tephrosia vogelii (T. vogelii) formulation with rabbit urine
on insect pests and pollinators of sesame in a field experiment in Singida, Tanzania from
February 2021 to July 2021. The field experiment consisted of five treatments arranged in a
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The field experiment treatments included
(application rates are w/v for T. vogelii; v/v for rabbit urine; 2 mils/l for synthetic pesticide) 10
% T. vogelii, 50 % rabbit urine, 10% T. vogelii + 50 % rabbit urine, water (control) and
synthetic pesticide [Duduba 450 EC (Cypermethrin 100g/l. + chlorpyrifos 350g/l)], which was
used as a check. The results show that sesame plants sprayed with biopesticide formulations
significantly (p≤0.001) possessed a smaller number of insect pests (Antigastra catalaunalis and
Alocypha bimaculata) same as synthetic pesticide. The larger numbers of pollinators (Apis
mellifera, Ornidia obesa and Diadegma semiclausum) and natural enemies (Tapinoma sessile
and Coccinella undecimpunctata) was recorded in sesame plants sprayed with biopesticide
formulations than those sprayed with synthetic pesticide. Conversely, the findings of this study
revealed that plots treated with 10% T. vogelii + 50% rabbit urine produced the highest (740.59
kg/ha) sesame yield, while those in the control gave the lowest yield (672.78 kg/ha). Therefore,
this study suggests that T. vogelii formulation with rabbit urine can be used by the resource
poorly-endowed smallholder farmers as an alternative strategy to control sesame insect pests,
while maintaining high yield and beneficial insects like pollinators
The focused quantitative EEG bio-marker in studying childhood atrophic encephalopathy
Get PDFThis research article was published by Springer Nature Limited, 2022Although it is a normal involution process in advanced age, brain atrophy—also termed atrophic
encephalopathy—can also occur prematurely in childhood as a consequential efect of brain tissues
injury through trauma or central nervous system infection, though in both normal and premature
occurrences this condition always presents with loss of volume relative to the skull. A common tool
for the functional study of brain activities is an electroencephalogram, but analyses of this have
reportedly identifed mismatches between qualitative and quantitative forms, particularly in the use
of Delta-alpha ratio (DAR) indices, meaning that the values may be case dependent. The current study
thus examines the value of Focused Occipital Beta-Alpha Ratio (FOBAR) as a modifed biomarker for
evaluating brain functional changes resulting from brain atrophy. This cross-sectional design study
involves 260 patients under 18 years of age. Specifcally, 207 patients with brain atrophy are compared
with 53 control subjects with CT scan-proven normal brain volume. All the children underwent digital
electroencephalography with brain mapping. Results show that alpha posterior dominant rhythm
was present in 88 atrophic children and 44 controls. Beta as posterior dominant rhythm was present
in an overwhelming 91.5% of atrophic subjects, with 0.009 p-values. The focused occipital Beta-alpha
ratio correlated signifcantly with brain volume loss presented in diagonal brain fraction. The FOBAR
and DAR values of the QEEG showed no signifcant correlation. This work concludes that QEEG
cerebral dysfunctional studies may be etiologically and case dependent from the nature of the brain
injury. Also, the focused Beta-alpha ratio of the QEEG is a prospective and potential biomarker of
consideration in studying childhood atrophic encephalopath
Assessment of How Users Perceive the Usage of Biometric Technology Applications
Get PDFThis book chapter was published by IntechOpen Journal, 2022Biometrics applications are progressively widespread as a means of authenticating end-users owing to the extensive range of benefits over traditional authentication (token-base-authentication). However, the transaction involves taking into account the perceptions and responses of end-users. If end-users are fearful, hesitant about these biometric technology-applications, misuse and implementation-complications can surely overshadow. The goal of this study is to sightsee the user’s-motivation, understanding, consciousness and acceptance towards utilization of biometric technology-applications. A 300-person survey was conducted to evaluate public-opinion on the use and adoption of biometrics. Stratified sample technique was used to administer the surveys. The results presented that perceived ease-of-use, user-motivation and attitude are more important-factors when deciding whether to accept new technology-applications. Although many end-users have become more familiar with biometric technology-applications (e.g., Fingerprints or facial-recognition), many individuals still have a negative-perception of the technology. Concerns regarding confidentiality and security i.e., storing and protecting personal-identification data, the fear of intruding into a person’s daily-life and disclosing personal-information remain a major problem. Some end-users claim that despite the potential resilience to biometrics, designers must mentally and psychologically prepare the general public for the new use of biometric technology. This will make it possible to transform negative user-perceptions into a positive-experience. Thus, this study can help end-users and companies understand and make the right decisions to promote the use of biometric-applications and services. The study is expected to be an important research-discovery that will greatly contribute to Uganda’s digital-economy
Water Defluoridation Methods Applied in Rural Areas over the World
Get PDFThis book chapter was published by IntechOpen Limited, 2022Overexposure to fluoride (F) through drinking water is the most widespread water problem in the world, but it has now exacerbated due to rapid population growth rates, adverse climatic changes, and increasing levels of water scarcity. Thus, despite the large amounts of data, which has accrued on mitigation methods of high F is still the primary impediment to drinking water programs among many developing nations. The current review chapter on F mitigation techniques applied world-over is aimed at providing a succinct overview of water defluoridation techniques and strategies being used to combat the impact of human F overexposure. It represents a starting point to understand the prospects of reducing the global F impact. It is anticipated that this work will lay a strong foundation for this and also inform strategies for safeguarding public health and the environment from F pollution
Development of plant-based functional yoghurt as an alternative to dairy products
Get PDFA Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master in Life Sciences of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and TechnologyHealth concerns and risks associated with dairy products such as lactose intolerance, milk allergens,
and other considerations like veganism have increased the demand for dairy-free alternatives
worldwide. Additionally, the healthy active compounds present in plant source ingredients raise
consumers’ choices. However, the existing plant-based beverages in the market such as Alpro:
coconut, and rice milk not only portray deficient nutritional profiles but are also expensive, making
them scanty in limited-resource countries. The main aim of this study was to formulate a convenient
plant-based yoghurt (PBY) with a nutritional profile, texture, and flavour comparable to that of
cow's milk using plant-based milk from locally available ingredients (coconut, sesame and rice).
Objective function (OF), decision variables (DV) and constraints parameters were applied for the
optimization of ingredients ratios in the linear programming (LP) model. Fermentation was
employed to develop a palatable and functional yoghurt. Laboratory analysis was conducted to
validate the nutritional values calculated by LP. Relative differences between the results generated
by the LP and the values analyzed in the lab were also calculated. Finally, sensory evaluations were
conducted to test consumers acceptability of the PBY. The results showed that LP-optimized PBY
can be formulated at a low cost (USD 0.9 per L) which is 60% cheaper than Alpro natural PBY.
The formulated PBY were microbiologically stable for 14 days of storage at 4 °C. No significant
differences were obtained between the LP and lab results (P ≥ 0.05). The formulation contained
essential nutrients and health-benefiting bioactive compounds, enough to meet the Recommended
Daily Intake (RDI) for 2-10-years old. In terms of the overall acceptability, the sensory attributes
revealed that PBY was liked very much by consumers. These findings demonstrate that culturally acceptable functional PBY considered as an alternative to dairy products can be formulated using
locally available ingredients
Characterization of plasmids in bacterial isolates in a tertiary health care facility in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania
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 TechnologyPlasmids are infectious extra-chromosomal DNA molecules found within bacteria. Their
detection is important for guiding clinical treatment and controlling resistant disease outbreaks in
hospital and community settings. Plasmids were characterized in bacterial isolates recovered
from inpatient retrospective specimens admitted at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
(KCMC) from August 2013 to August 2015 in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; to determine their
prevalence, effects on the risks of antibiotic resistance development and spread. Bacterial isolates
were fully genome sequenced. The risk factors for infections with pathogens resistant to at least
one antibiotic were examined using logistic regression models. Results showed that, 56.2%
(159/283) of bacterial isolates were found to carry plasmids. Twenty-six (86.7%) multiple replicon plasmids and 4 (13.3%) single-replicon plasmids were found to carry both resistance
and virulence genes. There was no statistically significant correlation found between the number
of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in plasmids (r = -0.14, p > 0.05). Moreover, adjusted
for other factors, lower odds of infection with pathogens resistant to at least one antibiotic for
males (0.16 [95% CI, 0.05 - 0.49]; p= 0.001) was found. However, non-significant difference
odds of carrying resistant pathogens was found between those transferred and non-transferred
patients, and those sought and did not sought medical services. The findings show a relatively
high proportion of plasmid-carrying isolates in the study area, suggesting selection pressure due
to antibiotic use in the hospital. Co-occurrence of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes found
in the studied clinical isolates, affirming that this is a public health concern that needs an
immediate attention
Textile wastewater treatment in anaerobic reactor: Influence of domestic wastewater as co-substrate in color and COD removal
Get PDFThis research article was published by Elsevier in 2022Treatment of textile wastewater with domestic wastewater as co-substrate was investigated in this study.
Combined textile and domestic wastewater at different mixing ratios (100:0, 80:20, 60:40) was treated under
anaerobic reactor. The influence of residence time, textile wastewater fraction and initial pH were determined in
view of COD and color removal. Response Surface methodology (RSM) with Box–Behnken design (BBD) was
employed to determine conditions for higher simultaneous removal of COD and color. The highest simultaneous
removal of COD and color were satisfied at initial pH of 8.6, residence time of 9 days while textile and domestic
wastewater ratio was 77:23. The highest removal efficiencies realized were 70% and 72% for color and COD
respectively. In general, longer residence time and higher initial pH favored higher simultaneous removal of COD
and color. Furthermore, textile wastewater fraction in range of 0.65 – 0.8 favored simultaneously high COD and
color removal. Therefore, co-digestion of textile and domestic wastewater at specific ratio is a novel finding that
can be further developed for treating textile wastewaters. Moreover, this technology is a promising approach to
enhance biological treatment of textile wastewater
What influences individuals to invest in improved sanitation services and hygiene behaviours in a small town? A formative research study in Babati, Tanzania
Get PDFThis research article was published by PLOS ONE in 2022Sub-Sahara African countries face immense challenges in ensuring adequate sanitation and hygiene behaviours to the rapidly growing populations. Attempts to address these challenges require empirical evidence to inform policy and planning. We contribute toward that goal by unveiling findings of formative research conducted in Babati, a rapidly growing town in Tanzania. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 486 households, to unwind motives and barriers for individuals to invest in improved sanitation services and hygiene behaviour change. We used several methods including household survey, focus group discussions, behaviour observations and spot checks. The findings revealed that households derive their motivation to invest in improved sanitation and hygiene practices from comfort, raising social status, and the need for personal safety and privacy. Other motives include fear of penalties and fines and fear of disease outbreaks, whilst the barriers include, limited water availability and accessibility, environmental factors, property rights, cultural issues, financial constraints, and a person’s attitude. Quantitative data were subjected to multivariate analysis to identify determinants of households to invest in sanitation and hygiene practices. The logistic regression analyses revealed that sources of water, property rights, and education level were the main determinants of households to invest in sanitation and hygiene facilities, while household income was the main determinant for households to invest in both construction of handwashing facility and water treatment. We argue that the initiative to promote sanitation and hygiene behaviour change in small towns should focus on promoting motivation factors and abating the determinant factors identified in this study