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Antibacterial activity and host range of phage filtrates from soil and banana plant pseudostems targeting Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum
No full text126-133 p. : ill.The phytopathogen Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum causes Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW), affecting banana yield and productivity. This threatens food security and livelihoods of populations reliant on bananas. Various agricultural practices aim to manage BXW, yet the disease persists, reducing banana yield and productivity. Bacteriophages are natural enemies of bacteria and offer a potential biocontrol solution. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity and host range of phage filtrates from BXW infected soil and banana pseudostems against X. vasicola pv. musacearum. Phage filtrates were obtained from soil and banana pseudostem samples collected from three gardens. Their activity and host range were assessed using the spot assay. Nine phage filtrates, each from soil and pseudostem samples, produced clear plaques on X. vasicola pv. musacearum lawns grown on YPGA. Soil phage filtrates exhibited a host range from 54 to 100% against X. vasicola pv. musacearum strains, while pseudostem filtrates ranged from 59 to 97%. No plaques were observed on non-Xanthomonas strains. These findings demonstrate that phage filtrates from soil and pseudostem samples exhibit antibacterial activity against X. vasicola pv. musacearum and infect a broad range of X. vasicola pv. musacearum strains, highlighting their potential for BXW biocontrol
Drawings for cultural identity : documentation of the Kiga blacksmith products in Kabale district.
No full textx, 56 p. : col.The historical craft of blacksmithing stands as the basis of human achievement within Kabale District, Uganda, and has thrived as a vibrant practice. Axes, hoes, pangas, spears, and knives arose as products of resourceful blacksmithing, breathing new life into scrap metal. This study's focal point was the preservation and celebration of this unique heritage, capturing the essence of the Kiga blacksmith's creations through artistic renderings. This endeavour serves as a channel for safeguarding both posterity and cultural identity within Kabale District, Africa. Amidst the region's communities, particularly during the sorghum harvesting season, the utilitarian and enduring usefulness of blacksmith products has been evident. The study posited the objectives to establish the current practice of the blacksmith among the Kiga community in Kabale District; explore various narratives to develop sketches inspired by the Kiga blacksmith practice for cultural identity; and analyze the narratives and produce drawings that promote the cultural identity and posterity of the Kiga blacksmith. As a response, this research endeavored to strengthen and spread cultural heritage, supported by stakeholders and institutions dedicated to nurturing culture. This initiative aligns harmoniously with Agenda 2063, Aspiration 5 (2015), which envisions an Africa enriched by a unified cultural identity, shared values, and historical ethics. Additionally, the insights generated contribute to Uganda's 2019 National Culture Policy, promoting youth empowerment in cultural preservation and indigenous knowledge across communities. This report takes readers on an immersive journey into the land of the Kiga community's blacksmithing practices within Kabale District. This study was hinged on a design using the ethnographic lens and most of the data collected was purely descriptive and through sketches and drawings created by the researcher. The researcher used in-depth interviews, participant observation, photography and focus group discussion as data collection methods. Largely, findings indicated that the activity of blacksmithing brought about economic sustainability and thus needed to remain one of the viable and sustainable economic activities in Kabale District, contributing to the local economy and providing livelihoods. Therefore, the study recommended activation of current Policy Support for cultural institutions and funding by the government to protect and promote the cultural heritage of Kiga blacksmithing. This can include financial assistance for the preservation and restoration of traditional blacksmithing work environments, the incorporation of machine-powered tools, not just charcoal, to ease the production process, the establishment of cultural centres, and the inclusion of blacksmithing in educational curricula to ensure the posterity of the practice
Participation in community musical engagements and learning of Adungu music in Awach, Gulu district, Uganda
No full textxii, 97 p. : col.Community participation has for long been documented as one of the major ways through which musical practices and knowledge are transferred from one generation to another by supporting effective learning of a practice that members of a society deem meaningful. The purpose of the study was to find out the role that community participation plays in promoting learning of the adungu music among the Acholi people in Awach, Gulu District of Northern Uganda. The study was guided by social constructivist theory and an Africanist Ubuntu philosophy. The researcher used an ethnographic research design to gather data from the community of Awach through observation, focused group discussion, and in-depth key informant interviews and the use of photo and videos to during those interactions. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques and data was analyzed by using thematic analysis of texts that led to emergence themes. Key research findings revealed that community members learn by engaging in adungu music at varying levels through playing, singing and through observation. Members’ attitude towards the culture played a key role in determining one’s rate of learning and aspect of the adungu culture that they learned. Adungu offered opportunities for self-expression and this was found to be crucial in the transmission and learning of this music. The study concluded that participation in community musical engagement is multidimensional and that participation has a profound effect on community’s ability to learn this music. The study recommended the need to create various opportunities for the culture to be performed so that members of the community can participate in those contexts, and cultivate positive attitude towards their culture as members of the community actively participate in those musical engagements, which will subsequently increase their ability to learn adungu musi
Uncovering adaptive mechanisms to water deficit in low soil phosphorus tolerant common bean genotypes
Full text link(109 - 129) p. : ill. (col.) ;Water-Deficit and low soil phosphorus (P) are major constraints for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Tolerant varieties offer cost-effective alternatives to irrigation and fertilizers. This study examines how low soil P-tolerant common bean genotypes adapt to Water-Deficit through leaf morphology, physiology, and root development in greenhouse and field conditions. AFR703-1, AFR708, and K131 were arranged in a completely randomized design under Well-Watered and Water-Deficit conditions, with P applied at 0, 6, and 16 mg P kg⁻¹ soil. In the field, identical genotypes were arranged in a randomized complete block design with P applied at 0, 12, and 32 kg P ha⁻¹ under Well-Watered and Water-Deficit Environments. AFR708 showed a significant (P 0.05) under similar conditions. AFR703-1 and K131 exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower specific leaf area in Water-Deficit than Well-Watered conditions, contrasting with AFR708. Similarly, LMR in the studied genotypes decreased (P < 0.001) and with rising P under Water-Deficit, with diverse trends in Well-Watered conditions. AFR703-1 and K131 recorded higher NAR in Water-Deficit than Well-Watered conditions, contrary to AFR708. AFR genotypes decreased significantly (P < 0.001) showed enhanced root development in Water- Deficit, including increased adventitious, tap, and lateral roots, higher total biomass, and finer root length compared to Well-Watered conditions, despite lower grain yields, notably in Nakasongola site. Overall, AFR703-1 holds promise as a breeding parent for enhancing Water-Deficit resilience and P tolerance in common bean production, despite yield reduction under stress conditions
Characterisation and valorisation of solid food waste into quality, safe, palatable and digestible feed for sustainable edible insect (House Cricket) protein production
No full textGlobally, commercial feed production relies on conventional food resources. By 2050, nearly half of the world's grain production will be allocated to feed. This unsustainable trend poses significant risks to food security in developing countries, such as Uganda. To mitigate this conflict, second-generation biomass, such as food waste can be a viable alternative. With Uganda generating and discarding approximately 300,000 tonnes of food waste annually, the aim of this study was fivefold, i.e., (1) characterise the nutritional and microbial composition of solid food waste materials; (2) develop a process to valorise food waste into a cricket feed; (3) ascertain the nutritional quality of the developed feed; (4) establish the microbial load of the feed; and, (5) test the palatability and digestibility of the formulated feed. Four feed formulations were developed, with proximate analysis indicating 17.79–28.00% protein; 6.19–13.53% fat; 3.00–6.16% fibre; 5.41–14.21% ash; and 48.72–62. 38% carbohydrates, comparable to amounts in the control feed. After heat treatment, the counts (log cfu/g) for total plate (6.4–6.8), yeast and mould (3.4–4.1), Enterococcus (4.4–6.9), and Staphylococcus aureus (4.5–4.8) were similar to those observed in the literature, while no Salmonella typhi was detected. The experimental feeds demonstrated higher palatability (18 g/d) and significantly higher digestibility (86–87%) compared to the control. The conversion of food waste into feed for crickets, an alternative protein, potentially contributes to resolving food-feed conflicts while promoting planetary resource use efficiency in the long run
Relationship between physical activity and body fat distribution among university students in Uganda
No full text27178-27195 p.Physical activity and lifestyle choices together influence the accumulation and distribution of body fat. University students are particularly at a heightened risk of body fat accumulation due to lifestyle changes associated with their academic environment. These changes include irregular meal patterns, increased consumption of high-calorie fast foods and reduced physical activity. Accumulation and distribution of body fat is concerning because it contributes to a rise in obesity rates, increasing the risk for metabolic disorders and chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. The sedentary nature of university life, characterized by long hours spent attending lectures, completing assignments and studying for exams, further limits opportunities for regular physical exercise. This study aimed to establish physical activity levels and body fat distribution patterns among university students in Uganda, as well as the relationship between the two. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 students in the second semester of the 2018/2019 academic year. The study assessed four key variables: waist circumference, total body fat percentage (TBF%), abdominal fat level and physical activity levels. Chi-square analysis, and multinomial logistic regression were used to establish the relationship between physical activity and body measurements. Prevalence of obesity was found to be 58.9% and 5.6% on the basis of TBF and abdominal fat, respectively, suggesting a substantial risk of obesity related conditions. Regarding physical activity, only 31.5% engaged in vigorous-intensity physical activity, averaging 1.7 days per week, while 82.1% participated in moderate-intensity physical activity, averaging 4.3 days per week. The odds of having high abdominal fat were reduced by 59% among physically active individuals (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20-0.84, p = 0.017). Individuals who met physical activity recommendations had 62% lower odds of exhibiting central fat accumulation (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21-0.69, p = 0.001). This study highlights a high prevalence of obesity and abdominal fat accumulation among students and reveal beneficial effect of physical activity, particularly moderate-intensity exercise, in reducing body fat and associated health risks
compare the thermal performance of two thermal insulating materials for domestic heating applications
No full text14 p. : col.Thermal insulating materials are very essential in thermal energy storage. There are both imported and locally/homemade thermal insulation materials. However, the imported thermal insulation materials are expensive compared to the locally made ones due to the high importation cost and taxes imposed on them. This paper aims to compare two thermal insulators for domestic solar heating applications. The two insulators are a wonderbag (imported from South Africa) and a hay basket (locally made in Uganda). Two identical cooking pots with a capacity of 1 litre each are separately placed on identical Photovoltaic Direct Current (PV DC) cookers inside a wonderbag and hay basket, respectively. Water heating experiments are performed in the morning and noon. Results show that when a 0.5 kg water load is used, a higher maximum temperature of 96.3 oC is achieved by the water in a wonderbag insulator compared to 94.8 oC achieved for a hay basket, within 24 min of the experiments during solar noon. A slightly higher water heating efficiency of 3.9% is shown when in the wonderbag compared to that of 3.7% attained when the hay basket is used. No significant difference in the maximum water load temperatures and heating efficiencies are observed when using a wonderbag and hay basket as thermal insulating materials for domestic solar cooking applications during solar noon. Longer heating times are taken during morning experiments (32 – 34 min) than during noon experiment (26 – 30 min). The work demonstrates that a cheaply available and locally made heat retention vessel (hay basket) can substitute the imported and expensive heat retention vessel (wonderbag). The experimental setup can be used to introduce the ideas of heat retention, solar cooking, and photovoltaics to senior undergraduate students pursuing courses in thermal physics and semiconductor physics, respectively.
Unraveling the pyrolysis mechanisms of syagrus palm waste fibers through gaussian deconvolution and kinetic modeling
No full textThe thermal decomposition kinetics and thermodynamics of Syagrus romanzoffiana waste rachis fibers (SrWRFs) were investigated through thermogravimetric analysis in a nitrogen atmosphere at heating rates (β) of 30, 40, and 50°C/min. The Coats–Redfern method was employed to determine kinetic parameters, including activation energy (Ea), pre-exponential factor (A), and reaction mechanisms. In contrast, thermodynamic properties such as enthalpy change (ΔH), Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and entropy change (ΔS) have been derived to evaluate the energy requirements and spontaneity of the pyrolysis process. A three-parallel Gaussian reaction model was employed to deconvolute the degradation profiles of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, revealing distinct temperature intervals for each component: hemicellulose (200–345°C), cellulose (305–398°C), and lignin (220–650°C), with high fitting accuracy (R2 ≥ 0.99537). The kinetic analysis identified sigmoidal rate (SR) models (SR6, SR7, and SR8) as the most suitable, yielding Ea values ranging from 97.31 to 262.11 kJ/mol, which increased with higher heating rates. Thermodynamic results indicate that SrWRF pyrolysis is endothermic (ΔH > 0) and non-spontaneous (ΔG > 0), with negative entropy changes (ΔS) suggesting an increase in molecular order among the degradation products. The kinetic compensation effect was confirmed, demonstrating a linear relationship between lnA and Eₐ
Children and libraries: innovative library services at marko lukooya memorial community library during the Covid-19 pandemic, Uganda
No full textP. (151-169) ;Community libraries do not receive financial support from the government, unlike public and academic libraries in Uganda. This study explored the provision of library services during the COVID-19 period by Marko Lukooya Memorial Community Library. The study investigated library services provided by the library, challenges encountered, and strategies that were used to address the challenges faced during the pandemic. A qualitative case study research design was used. Data was collected using face-to-face in-depth interviews and observation methods with library staff and patrons. Standard Operating Procedures were followed during the pandemic by both the participants and researchers to mitigate the risk of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Key findings revealed that the library adapted innovative ways to provide library services to children and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic amidst many challenges. The study recommends training of library staff in information management and more material and financial support by donors, the government, and all well-wishers to support the good work being done by Marko Lukooya Memorial Community Library in Uganda
Aerobic exercise protocol for people living with HIV : a logic model approach
No full text20 p. : col.There are many challenges that people living with HIV (PLHIV) often face including psychological health challenges such as muscle loss, fatigue, and mental health disorders. Regular physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and mental well-being. However, there are not many clear exercise guides with evidence for practitioners and PLHIV to use as a reference while engaging in physical activities. Therefore, a structured and supervised exercise programs were designed tailored to the specific needs of PLHIV was tested and found effective. The study utilized a logic model to design, implement, and evaluate a supervised aerobic exercise program aimed at improving clinical outcomes among PLHIV. The logic model served as a framework to align inputs, activities, and expected outcomes, ensuring a systematic and evidence-based approach. A detailed exercise protocol for 6 days a week was designed for clients to engage in at least 3 days with not less than 2 days of rest in a week. A total of 135 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned 67 to experimental and 67 control group. The experimental group engaged in a five-phase aerobic exercise regimen, including warm-up, endurance training, cool-down, recovery, and flexibility exercises, performed three times per week with music set at 120–150 BPM to guide intensity. The control group was followed-up with weekly phone calls to ensure they don’t feel left out of the study. Clinical outcomes, including immunological markers (CD4 cell count), functional work capacity, and psychological well-being, were assessed before and after the intervention. Results indicated significant improvements with a p-value of < 0.01 in: aerobic capacity, muscle strength, mental health, and immune function among participants in the exercise group compared to controls. These findings suggest that this aerobic exercise protocol is a safe and effective complementary intervention for improving the quality of health in PLHIV. Incorporating supervised exercise programs using this protocol into routine HIV care could enhance long-term health outcomes and overall well-being in this population. This exercise protocol is therefore recommended for use in people living with HIV