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Experimental comparison of erythritol and erythritol-granite pebble mixtures as heat storage materials for solar cooking
No full textIn this article, a comparison is presented between a pure latent heat storage system (erythritol) and a mixed storage system consisting of equal mass ratios of erythritol and granite pebbles (5 – 10 mm) for a solar cooking application. Two small black stainless cooking pots with a capacity of 1 L were placed inside two larger 5 L cooking pots to form simple storage cooking pots. The space between the pots was filled with thermal energy storage (TES) material. In the first configuration, the space between the pots was filled with 2 kg of erythritol. In the second configuration, the storage system consisted of 1 kg of erythritol and 1 kg of granite pebbles in the same space. The first experimental tests involved charging the storage cooking pots without any load for 4 h, followed by discharging them using heating loads in insulated wonder bags to evaluate off-sunshine cooking performance for another 4 h. The second experimental test involved simultaneous cooking and heat storage alternating between charging and discharging cycles. Experimental results showed that the mixed storage system achieved higher temperatures than the erythritol storage system during charging without cooking. During discharging cycles, the heat utilization rate was faster for the mixed storage system than for the erythritol storage system. Both storage systems enabled the cooking of multiple meals within an 8-h cooking period. However, at the end of the experiments, the erythritol storage system retained higher temperatures than the mixed storage system. Future work will focus on characterizing the thermophysical properties of the mixed storage system, optimizing the erythritol-to-granite mixing ratio for improved thermal performance, and investigating alternative, locally available TES materials – such as sandstone, marble, limestone, and xylitol – for potential use in mixed storage systems
Physiological sex differences in response to exercise
No full textPhysiological sex differences influence how males and females respond to exercise due to variations in hormonal profiles, muscle mass distribution, cardiovascular capacity, and training load tolerance. Males typically have 10–15% greater hemoglobin concentrations and higher maximal oxygen uptake of (VO₂max) relative to body weight, enhancing aerobic performance, while females generally possess higher body fat percentage, lower absolute muscle mass, and greater reliance on lipid metabolism during submaximal exercise. Estrogen supports membrane stability, antioxidant defense, and fat oxidation, whereas testosterone drives hypertrophy, strength gains, and red blood cell production. Hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle alter performance, with the follicular phase favoring endurance and the luteal phase potentially increasing fatigue. Females often experience greater GI discomfort but lower sweat rates than males, who lose more body fluid and require more aggressive hydration strategies. Males show greater creatine kinase and myoglobin responses, reflecting more structural muscle damage and delayed on set of muscle soreness severity, while females benefit from faster recovery via estrogen-mediated protection. Training load thresholds also differ: males tolerate higher absolute external loads but risk overtraining without sufficient recovery; females may face higher relative internal loads and greater susceptibility to endocrine disruption such as relative energy deficiency in sport. Tailoring exercise programming to these sex-specific cardiovascular, metabolic, hormonal, thermoregulatory, inflammatory, and recovery profiles can optimize performance, minimize injury risk, and improve long-term adaptation
AI-Augmented terahertz metamaterial biosensor for rapid and accurate isoquercitrin detection in herbal medicines
No full textWe present a novel metamaterial-based terahertz biosensor integrated with AI for rapid isoquercitrin detection in herbal medicines. The sensor, optimized through COMSOL simulations, delivers exceptional sensitivity (300GHzRIU-1) and detects refractive index changes as small as 0.05 RIU. Its precision is validated by a near-perfect linear correlation (R2 ¼ 99.73%) and stable performance metrics, including a 0.015 THz FWHM and Quality Factor of 47. Uniquely, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network augments predictive capability, achieving R2 values up to 1.00 across diverse conditions. This synergistic approach—combining terahertz spectroscopy, metamaterial-enhanced signal amplification, and AI-driven modeling—offers a transformative solution for standardizing and quality-controlling botanical therapeutics. By enabling fast, accurate, and scalable quantification of bioactive compounds, the system sets a new benchmark for analytical methodologies in natural product research
A comparative study of iron bioaccessibility and antinutrient levels in Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) leaves and Calyces and Persea americana (Avocado) leaves and seeds : nutritional implications
No full textObjective
To compare iron bioaccessibility (availability for absorption) and antinutrient levels in Roselle leaves and calyces and Avocado leaves and seeds in fresh and dry forms.
Methods
The iron content and nutrients linked to its metabolism such as protein, vitamin C, and betacarotene and iron absorption inhibitors such as calcium and antinutrients (total phenolic compounds, phytates, oxalates, tannins, and flavonoids) were analyzed in triplicate using standard methods. Iron and calcium inhibition was predicted using molar ratios. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Scientists and means compiled. Analysis of variance and differences among means was compared by Duncan’s Post Hoc test at p < 0.05.
Results
The iron content in 100 grams was 15.71 ± 0.04 and 8.16 ± 0.01 mg in fresh and dry Roselle leaves respectively, 13.47 ± 0.01 mg in fresh Avocado leaves and seeds, 10.16 ± 0.01 mg in fresh Roselle calyces, 4.47 ± 0.01 mg in dry Avocado leaves and Roselle calyces and 2.47 ± 0.01 mg in dry Avocado seeds. The highest protein content of 13.82 ± 0.13% was found in fresh Avocado leaves while fresh Roselle leaves had the highest betacarotene content of 9.30 ± 0.00 mg/100 g. Vitamin C was significantly high in fresh Avocado and Roselle leaves (>30 mg/100 g). Calcium contents in all samples were low (<80 mg/100 g) and not inhibited by phytates and oxalates. In all samples, iron was not inhibited by oxalates and only in fresh Avocado seeds was iron inhibited by phytates. Tannins, phytates and oxalate concentrations were all below the maximum tolerable levels. Though fresh Roselle leaves had the highest iron content, its total phenolic compounds were above the maximum tolerable levels, depicting toxicity
Most significant changes from women’s economic empowerment and pathways from Ugandan women in the agro-value chain
No full text17 p.Traditional evaluation models often rely on predefined indicators set by program designers, limiting the ability to capture emerging and lived outcomes. This study examines the impact of Women’s Economic Empowerment from beneficiaries’ perspectives using the Most Significant Change approach. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in Kampala and Wakiso, Uganda, utilizing focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews among adult women who had waned off WEE support, supplemented by a literature review. Thematic analysis identified (5) significant domains of change at the waning of women’s economic empowerment support, including increased responsibility, community respect, improved mental health, stronger family relations, and enhanced confidence and agency. Challenges such as polygamous relationships, competitive dynamics, and the effects of COVID-19 hindered women’s empowerment outcomes. Pathways to significant change were: goal setting, peer and family support, resilience, and self-recognition of progress. Findings suggest that women’s empowerment should not focus solely on economic empowerment but must also address social and political dimensions of power, participation and inclusion. Women valued respect over power. Sustainable empowerment requires the active inclusion of men to mitigate adversarial gender dynamics. These findings reflect the need for inclusive development approaches to attain lasting societal progress
Validating Measures of Technological Acceptance Model in the Context of Lecturers at Kyambogo University
No full textThe study validated the measures of the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of lecturers at Kyambogo University. Based on Davis (1986), the TAM was studied in terms of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioural intention. In this correlational study that involved a sample of 195 lecturers at Kyambogo University, data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling (SEM) using Smart PLS for partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to determine the presence of the three constructs of the TAM, namely perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioural intention. Descriptive results indicated that the above three constructs of the TAM were highly practised by lecturers at Kyambogo University. PLS-SEM showed that the indicators that were used to measure the above three constructs of TAM were appropriate measures. The study concluded that the indicators assessed in this article to measure the three constructs of TAM, namely, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioural intention, are valid and reliable. It was recommended that researchers use the indicators assessed in this article to measure the three constructs of TAM
Between tradition and modernity : Imbalu of the Bamasaba and human rights discourse
No full text8 p.The Imbalu culture of the Bamasaba people is well known in scholarly works as a rite of passage, which involves a series of rituals that culminate into circumcision among the Bamasaba males. The cultural practice is also recognized by UNESCO under the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and protected in various Human Rights instruments as a right like article 37 of the 1995 Uganda constitution, and the United Nations’ International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The paper sets out to explore human rights abuses, embedded in culture which in some circles have called for either its abolition or modifications to suit the modern cultural trends. This enlists questions. How can Imbalu be celebrated with respect to contemporary human rights discourses? How can the cultural heritage of the Imbalu be preserved and maintained in the face of mounting pressure to change some of the cultural values of Imbalu? This paper is descriptive and analytical, based on the ongoing research study on Imbalu among the Bamasaba people of Eastern Uganda
The effectiveness of self-help interventions in the treatment of depressive symptoms in low-andmiddle- income countries (LMICs) : a meta-analysis
No full text28 p.Background: Self-help psychological interventions show great potential to close the treatment gap for depressive symptoms in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). The current meta-analysis investigated the pooled effect of self-help interventions for people with depressive symptoms in LMICs and moderators of these psychological interventions.
Method: PubMed, Cochrane Register of Randomized Controlled Trials, PsychInfo, Embase, and Sabinet databases were searched between June 2021 and December 2022 to select studies that met pre-defined inclusion criteria. A coding protocol was used to retrieve and code relevant data from selected studies. We measured publication bias and assessed the study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The program ‘Comprehensive Meta-Analysis’ (CMA) was used for the data analysis. Overall effect sizes were calculated to assess the effectiveness of selfhelp
programs for depression.
Results: Eighteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Self-help interventions were found to have a medium positive effect on depressive symptoms at post-test (Hedges’ g = 0.74) and at follow-up (Hedges’ g = 0.82). There was evidence for publication bias. Larger effects were found for studies that were conducted in lower-middle income countries, had at least mild depression as inclusion criterion, reported less than 30% attrition, did not use relaxation techniques, had a low or medium risk of bias, and that used a booklet form of
intervention.
Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that self-help interventions have a positive effect on people with depressive symptoms in LMICs. The findings could inform the design and implementation of mental health interventions that could prevent or treat depression
Nutritional quality of landrace and improved Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed varieties cultivated in Uganda
No full text9 p.Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds have been bred to boost crop yield and resistance to diseases. The impact of breeding on the nutritional value of sesame seeds in Uganda is scanty. This study evaluated the chemical composition of the improved seeds and landraces. The proximate content of the seeds was determined using the Association of Official Analytical Chemist protocols. Mineral concentrations were analysed using atomic emission spectrophotometry. Fatty acid (FA) composition was determined using gas chromatography. The protein and total lipids were in the range of 6.90 to 10.41% and 37.47 to 50.45%, respectively. Ash content ranged from 3.45 to 4.05% while crude fibre ranged from 5.38 to 9.40%. Linoleic and oleic acids were the predominant unsaturated FA with respective range values of 43.92 to 46.89% and 37.91 to 41.50%. Palmitic and stearic acids were the most abundant saturated FA with values ranging from 7.92 to 9.61% and between 3.32 and 6.24%, respectively. The Atherogenic Index, Thrombogenic Index, Hypocholesterolemic FA to hypercholesterolemic FA ratio and polysaturated FA to saturated FA ratio showed favourable nutritional effects. Mineral ratios showed a favourable mineral-mineral interaction for sodium and potassium which is desirable for use as a functional food. Seed breeding may not have caused notable effect on the chemical composition of sesame seeds
Socio-economic utilisation Of Upas tree (Antiaris toxicaria Lesch) : a case study Of Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda
No full text16-25 p. : col.Antiaris toxicaria Lesch (upas tree) is a monoecious and medicinal tree species be- longing to the Moraceae family and is known for its medicinal value, plywood, and veneer. The tree has been over-utilized, leading to degradation, over-exploitation, and a decrease in population size. The study aims to assess the socio-economic factors asso- ciated with the utilization of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. A cross-sectional research design was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire and participant observation guide from 410 randomly selected households across 10 villages. A total of 10 key informant interviews were also conducted among persons who were knowledgeable persons about the upas tree and Mabira Central Forest service. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (chi-square tests) were used for analy- sis. Results indicate eight primary uses of the tree, with timber (42.1%) and medicinal (23.6%) uses being the most common while firewood (0.9%) and fertilization (2.3%) ranked least. Significant factors influencing utilization of upas trees included residence duration (p=0.001), occupation (p=0.002), and household income (p=0.028). The Na- tional Forestry Authority and local government should work hand in hand with local communities to protect Mabira Central Forest Reserve and promote upas tree domes- tication. The study recommends conservation awareness among communities living in the vicinity and inclusive policies for sustainable use of upas trees