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Potential of moisture conservation practices to improve soil properties and nutrient status of Robusta coffee plant
No full textSoil moisture conservation practices (SMCPs) have been adopted in Uganda to adapt to
the effects of climate variability. However, limited information exists on how conservation measures
influence the physico-chemical properties of soil and coffee leaf nutrient concentrations. Thus, we
determined the effects of selected SMCPs on the soil physio-chemical properties and leaf nutrient
concentrations in Robusta coffee in a randomized incomplete block design, replicated three times, in
Kituza, Uganda. Soil samples were collected from 0 to 20 cm and 20 to 40 cm depths, and analyzed in
the laboratory following standard procedures for selected physio-chemical properties. Coffee leaf
samples were picked from each treatment (open sun coffee (COSS), coffee cover crop, Desmodium
intortum (CCS), coffee mulch, Miscanthidium violoceum (CMS), and coffee A. coriaria (ACS)). Bulk
density was significantly (p < 0.001) the highest under ACS (1.61 gcm−3) and lowest under CCS
(1.29 gcm−3), and it significantly (p < 0.001) increased with depth. The soil organic matter was
higher than the optimum range of 1–3% at the 0–20 cm depth across different SMCPs, but within
the optimum range at the 20–40 cm depth. Leaf nitrogen was significantly the highest under ACS
(3.19%) and lowest under COSS (2.30%). Overall, the findings suggest that SMCPs improve the soil
physio-chemical attributes and leaf nutrients for sustainable coffee productivity. However, ACS
improved the leaf plant nutrition better compared to other SMCPs
Psychological well-being of small enterprise employees: a multi-theoretical perspective
No full textAbstract
Purpose – This paper aims to suggest a multi-theoretical explanation using a success story to explain
psychological well-being (PWB) among employees of K.C, a small enterprise found in Uganda, a developing
country in Africa.
Design/methodology/approach – The study used qualitative methodology. Based on in-depth interviews
with K.C employees, a story was developed describing the practical experience, focusing on the context, actions,
results and lessons learnt. Regarding the sample size, the saturation point was attained on the seventh participant.
Findings – Findings reveal that employees that possess psychological capital set targets and generate
avenues that allow them to achieve set goals, with personal initiative that makes them proactive to
accomplish work tasks and individual adaptability that enables them to adjust their emotions and behavior to
fit in a complex working environment, which makes them to think, feel and act positively. Furthermore,
several theories, including broaden and build, personal initiative and complex adaptive systems theory,
explain the manifestations of PWB of employees in small enterprises.
Research limitations/implications – The study was limited by focusing on the context of a small
enterprise. Future research may investigate other study contexts whose findings might be different. In addition, the
study being hypothetical lacked statistical testing. It would be a meaningful effort if future studies statistically
tested the suggested model. Irrespective of the limitations, the findings of this study remain significant.
Practical implications – In practice, employees may replicate these findings to nurture PWB which
eventually contributes to enterprises’ success. This could provide answers to the psychological challenges
experienced by employees of small enterprises, especially in the African developing countries like Uganda
where this is a major challenge. Specifically, the workers of K.C enterprise may depend on their PWB to deal
with workplace challenges and sustain the enterprise’s performance.
Social implications – Socially, there is need to embrace positive social relationships among employees at
the work place which will translate into well-being of society.
Originality/value – This paper is exceptional because it uses a success story showing practical
experiences of how PWB of employees in small enterprises is nurtured in Uganda. In addition, a multi-
theoretical perspective is used to explain the manifestations in the story, which is the greatest contribution of
this paper. Further, a conceptual model is still proposed, depicting psychological capital, personal initiative
and individual adaptability as antecedents of PWB
Proximate composition, metal, polyphenol and flavonoid contents of green and black tea in Kampala
No full textxii, 73 p. ;Uganda is the second leading producer of tea in Africa. However, there are quality and safety concerns of Uganda's tea in the international market. This study determined the proximate composition, the essential and toxic elements, and total polyphenols and flavonoids in green and black tea from selected supermarkets in Kampala. Proximate analysis (moisture, ash content, protein, fat, and carbohydrate) was done as per the procedures of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Essential elements; sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe), and nonessential elements; mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were determined following the Folin-Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride using colorimetric assay, respectively.
Moisture, fat, protein, ash, crude fiber and carbohydrate levels in the tea ranged from 2.64 to 8.43, 0.87 to 3.74, 12.41 to 29.28, 4.34 to 9.08, 12.12 to 31.46 and 28.65 to 61.13 %, respectively. Lead, As, Cd and Hg were not detected in all samples. Metal concentrations were in the range of 694.95 to 2681.83, 4.53 to 11.77, 17.51 to32.59, 47.60 to 141.17, 39.77 to 280.94, 1.18 to 2.28 and 8.30 to 37.69 mg/kg correspondingly for K, Na, Mg, Mn, Ca, Cu and Fe. The total polyphenol and flavonoid amounts ranged from 82.17 to 159.31 mg GAE/g DW and 122.12 to 183.24 mg RE/g DW, respectively. Moisture and ash contents of the green and black tea were within recommended limits. Tea in Kampala is generally safe for human consumption because of the low levels of toxic elements. The high levels of polyphenols and minerals observed in green tea imply that green tea can be an additional source of these components in the diet. Therefore, drinking green tea may be more beneficial than drinking black tea for consumer
Optical absorption and photoluminescence properties of Cucurbita maxima dye adsorption on TiO2 nanoparticles
No full textDye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) are 3rd generation photovoltaic device that imitate photosynthesis in plants. The fundamental concept of a DSSCs is that the photoanode is covered by the dye as a sensitiser. Natural dyes from plant-based extracts have gained attention as alternatives to toxic and expensive commercial dye sensitisers. Various studies have been conducted on the use of natural plant dye extracts for DSSCs . However, more fundamental studies on their adsorption on TiO2 photoanode nanoparticles are still not well understood. In this study, we investigated the crystal structure, optical absorption, and photoluminescence properties of TiO2, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucurbita maxima dyes adsorbed on TiO2 nanoparticles as potential materials for DSSCs. Raman spectra confirmed the anatase phase of the TiO2 nanoparticles. The particle size of 12 ± 2 nm was confirmed through the transmission electron microscope. The optical absorption properties of Cucurbita maxima show two distinct absorption bands: blue visible (450–500 nm) and red visible (635–674 nm). The photoluminescence spectra of the dye extract and its adsorption onto the TiO2 nanoparticles showed two prominent peaks in the blue and red regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. No significant peak is observed in the green region of the electromagnetic spectrum. These studies shed more light on the fundamental properties of chlorophyll adsorption on TiO2 nanoparticles and their optical and photoluminescence properties for applications as sensitisers in DSSCs
Procurement planning, stakeholder involvement and procurement performance: a case of national water and Sewerage Corporation
No full textxiv, 96 p. ;This study investigated how procurement planning and stakeholder involvement relate with procurement performance in Uganda, considering of case of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). The four specific objectives that directed the study were, to examine the relationship between procurement planning and procurement performance of NWSC in Uganda, to examine the relationship between stakeholder involvement and procurement performance of NWSC in Uganda, to examine the relationship between procurement planning and stakeholder involvement at NWSC in Uganda, and to assess the mediating effect of stakeholder involvement in the relationship between procurement planning and procurement performance of NWSC in Uganda.
The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative survey design to obtain information from different stakeholders at National Water and Sewage Corporation. A sample size of 162 participants was considered in this research, selected purposively and simple randomly. Using closed ended questionnaires, data was gathered from primary sources. Statistical Package for Social Scientists SPSS Ver. 26 was a software used to decipher data into visual representations, and findings were portrayed in tables.
The study findings revealed that procurement planning significantly related with procurement performance (r= .413 p<0.01). The study also revealed that stakeholder involvement significantly related with procurement performance (r= .527 p <0.01). The findings also showed that procurement planning significantly related with stakeholder involvement (r= .521 p<0.01). The study further revealed that stakeholder involvement partially mediated the relationship between procurement planning and procurement performance. Therefore, procurement planning, and stakeholder involvement significantly influence procurement performance through effectiveness, efficiency, and economy. With study limitations posed by a research approach which was purely quantitative and a research design which was cross-sectional, the study recommends that a research approach which is qualitative, and a case study design employing semi structured research tools be adopted respectively in a similar study so as to uncover a target audience’s behaviour and opinions using in-depth analysis
Research data management readiness at Uganda cancer institute
No full textThe study explored research data management readiness at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Its objectives were to; establish the state of research data and the institutional readiness for research data management practices. The case study applied a survey method using a questionnaire modified from the Data Asset Framework and the Community Capability Model Framework. The respondents were 60 staff members at different professional levels purposively selected. The findings show massive data generated from clinical trials, and routine cancer clinics at the institute. The business processes are mainly manual except for the funded research projects which are hybrid. The existing data sets could not be quantified, but all patient-related physical data are permanently archived in the institute’s registry. The electronic research data from funded projects is under the responsibility of the System Administrator and the Data Officers of respective projects. Research data management readiness assessed through collaborations was taking place and beneficial to the institute, and the technical infrastructure was robust. Findings indicate the absence of an institute-wide legal/policy framework and a substantive skills training program for staff research data management competence development. Research data management practices were intuitively executed in funded projects, the ethical requirements were embedded in the research cycle and adhered to. The study recommended emphasizing a written localised Data Management Plan for all projects submitted for approval; initiating a tailor-made RDM training program; a comprehensive RDM policy, and creating RDM awareness and interest among staff at the institute
Indigenous social work with older persons: An international perspective
No full textAs social work gains strength as a global profession, indigenous social work has emerged within the growing calls to decolonize the profession and offers an alternative worldview. This article uses a systematic literature review to engage with the application of this indigenous social work paradigm in practice with older persons from an international perspective. Using the knowledge mobilization perspective, it examines the current state of knowledge on indigenous social work and draws implications for practice with older persons. It concludes by advocating for a political stance to practice rooted in indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing
Sexual Violence and Development Implications in Uganda Universities: The Case of Kyambogo University
No full textSexual violence (SV) remains a menace in society, a stonewall hindering the coexistence and holistic growth of all genders. It is a challenge in higher education despite the fact that relevant legal and policy frameworks intended to curtail its prevalence exist. The unwinding subsistence of SV forms the basis of this study, which specifically aims to establish its nature, causes, development implications, and the way forward for the Kyambogo University (KyU). This study was qualitative in nature, and adopted a case research design in which SV phenomenon as a lived experience was studied, described and interpreted from the victim’s point of view. Qualitative data derived from an interview guide was processed with the help of content analysis tools, while observing standard ethical considerations. Results indicate that sexual violence takes the form of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, intimate partner sexual assault, unwanted sexual contacts, rape, showing ones genitals, masturbation and peeping at people in private sexual acts. The causes are male chauvinism, poverty, difficulty to secure evidence, corruption and stigmatization; all of which have resulted into far-reaching negative effects on the health, education achievement, research and innovations, returns on higher education and self-esteem of the victims, and the institution as a whole. Conclusively, therefore, SV is a reality in KyU, perpetuated largely by the male gender. Since it is socially constructed, it can be deconstructed. Thus, the study recommends awareness creation, enacting more stringent gender and anti-SV policies, gender responsive budgeting, plus monitoring and evaluation of every step in the SV direction so as to end this vice
Fostering a culture of quality research at a young institution : insights from Kyambogo University.
No full text154 - 173 p. ;The study explored the trends and quality of research output of academic staff at Kyambogo University, Uganda for the period 2003 to 2020. Using desk research content analysis, the findings showed 199 (47%) out of 425 staff had published 440 articles of which 266 (60%) were credible. The three most productive Faculties were: Science 110, Education, 106, and Arts and Social Sciences with 90 publications. The most prolific author produced 35 articles 6 of which were the first author. This productivity was attributed to factors commended for leveraging the identified niche in science, education, and humanities. The study is instrumental in advancing strategies that could foster a culture of quality research through deliberate policy actions
First physicochemical analysis of stingless bee honey from Uganda
No full textFollowing years of its exploitation from only wild colonies, the stingless bee (Meliponula bocandei Spinola, 1853) was recently domesticated in Uganda. Products currently harvested by the beekeepers are honey and propolis. Studies from other countries have shown that stingless bees produce honey that is distinct in physicochemical properties. Therefore, in an effort to lay a foundation for the development of quality standards for stingless bee honey in Uganda, we collected M. bocandei honey from the Western Highlands and Lake Victoria Crescent agroecological zones. A selected set of physicochemical properties (moisture content, viscosity, water activity, electrical conductivity and HMF) of the honey were determined. Results reveal the following means of the physicochemical properties: moisture content (26.45 ± 3.9%), viscosity (38.32 ± 2.25 Pa.s), water activity (0.71 ± 0.04%), electrical conductivity (0.229 ± 86.91 mS/cm), pH (4.15 ± 0.68), and HMF (5.42 ± 4.78 mg kg−1), The low mean HMF reveals that stingless bee honey from these two agroecological zones is of good quality. Overall, the mean values of the physicochemical parameters measured are within the figures in the East African Community standards for stingless bee honey. We recommend investigations to establish the diversity of forage plant resources used by the stingless bee M. bocandei in order to boost meliponiculture