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Low Latitude Analysis of Geomagnetic Storm Effects on Ionospheric Vertical Drifts over the East African Region
No full textThe geomagnetic storm effect on ionospheric vertical E × B drift is analysed using Communication/Navigation Outage and Forecasting System (C/NOFS) Satellite data, magnetometer data, and solar wind data, over the East African low latitude region during the period 2008-2015. We identified a total of 608 corotating interaction region (CIR)-driven and 23 coronal mass ejection (CME)-driven geomagnetic storms in this study. Most of the CIR-driven storms were observed during the declining phase of solar cycle 24 in 2015. The CME-driven storms, on the other hand, were dominant during the near maximum phase of the solar cycle 24 in 2012. The C/NOFS satellite data was found to be consistent with magnetometer observations in identifying both upward and downward vertical E × B drift occurrence. The common result of analysed CME-driven geomagnetic storms was enhancement in E × B drifts due to presence of eastward prompt penetrating electric fields (PPEFs) during the storm main phase. There was also a decrease in E × B due to the decrease in horizontal component of the magnetic field ( ΔH ) during the recovery phases of the CME-driven storms. This is a manifestation of downward E × B drifts associated with westward electric field, which is due to the disturbance dynamo contribution. During CIR-driven geomagnetic storms, the storm’s main phases were also dominated by downward E × B drifts associated with westward electric field, which is due to disturbance dynamo.Swedish International De-
velopment Agency (SIDA
How Buggy Are They?
No full textEclipse Framework provides stable public APIs and unstable internal APIs. However, there is no guarantee that these interfaces are well tested because several bugs are reportedby interface users on Bugzilla-based Eclipse project. Applications that use buggy APIs risk failing if bugs are not fixed. Bug fixation and resolution takes at least 3 years thus API users have to fix the bugs themselves or abandon that particular API. The study aimed at identifying bug free interfaces in the Eclipse Framework and recommend them to application developers. In this research study, we used both SonarQube and SpotBugs static analysis tools to carry out an empirical investigation on 28 major Eclipse releases to establish the existence of bug free interfaces. We provide a dataset of 218K and 303K bug-free public API and internal API respectively. There exist over and bug-free public APIs and internal APIs, respectively, in Eclipse releases. Furthermore, over 80.8% and 44.2% are major and malicious code vulnerability bugs respectively and the average bug remediation effort is 105 days. Results from this study can be used by both interface providers and users as a starting point to know tested interfaces and also estimate efforts needed to fix bugs and an online dataset of bug-free interface is available on Github for developer
Post-colonial representation of women's education in African novels
No full textPurpose: This study investigates the representation of women’s education in Africa within the postcolonial context. The research aims to assess the portrayal of women’s education as a tool for empowerment and social change, focusing on the socio-political implications of post-colonialism and its impact on women’s educational experiences, considering the ongoing legacies of colonialism.
Research methodology: In terms of Methodology, a comparative literary analysis was employed, to analyze thematic and narrative elements of women's education. A purposive sampling method was used to select five significant African novels. Data was further scrutinized through secondary literature that relates to themes of post-colonialism and women's education in African contexts. This analysis will deploy close reading and qualitative literary analysis and most of the data obtained were analyzed thematically.
Results: The findings reveal that themes such as the tension between modern education and traditional expectations were recurrent in the five novels.
Conclusions: This study affirms that African post-colonial novels do not only serve as literary expressions but are critical sites for investigating gender roles, education and colonial legacies reinforcing the idea that education as portrayed in the selected novels is a key avenue for women empowerment and societal transformation
Limitations: The research was limited by focusing on few authors, which may not fully capture the experiences of other authors in another culture or locality.
Contribution: This article illustrates how education empowers women, to challenge oppressive systems and redefine their identities and offers insights into the impact of women’s education, focusing on its portrayal in post-colonial novels
Mechanical performance of structural concrete utilising porcelain insulator ceramic waste as partial replacement for coarse aggregates
No full textThe increasing environmental impact of natural aggregate extraction and the growing accumulation of ceramic waste have prompted the search for sustainable construction materials. This study investigates the feasibility of using ceramic waste from waste electric insulators as partial replacement for natural coarse aggregates in concrete production. The ceramic waste from waste electric insulators termed here as porcelain insulator ceramic waste (PICW) sourced from local dumpsites was processed and incorporated into concrete mixes at replacement levels of 0%, 15%, 30%, 50% and 75%. Coarse aggregates of maximum size 20 mm were used in this study. The ceramic waste from waste electricity insulators was crushed using a hammer up to size 20 mm as indicated in the particle size distribution. Grade 25 of concrete was designed for in the mix design. Laboratory tests, including sieve analysis, moisture content, specific gravity, water absorption, workability (via slump testing), and compressive strength were conducted to assess the mechanical and physical properties of both fresh and hardened concrete at curing intervals of 7, 14, and 28 days. The findings indicate that concrete containing up to 30% ceramic waste exhibits highest cempressive strength and workability comparable to conventional concrete without compromising its durability and workability, demonstrating its potential as a viable and eco-friendly alternative. The highest compressive strengths were recorded with 15% and 30% at 25.7 and 25.5 MPa respectively. Conversely, tensile strength declines with increasing PICW replacement at 28 days thus 3.32, 3.16, 2.99, 2.31 MPa. The study underscores the dual benefits of reducing construction costs and promoting sustainable waste management, making ceramic waste a promising material in the pursuit of green construction practices i.e., sustainable construction by mitigating environmental degradation and promoting circular waste utilization. The study offers valuable insights for future standards development and large-scale industrial applications
Mechanisms and modelling of diffusion in solids: a multiscale framework with industrial case studies and AI enhancements
No full textDiffusion in solids is a fundamental mechanism governing mass transport, phase transformations, and microstructural evolution in metals, alloys, and functional materials. This review presents a comprehensive overview of key atomic-scale diffusion mechanisms, including substitutional, interstitial, grain boundary, and surface/pipe pathways, within the classical framework of Fick’s steady-state and non-steady-state laws. The roles of temperature, crystal structure, defect density, and concentration gradients in controlling diffusivity are critically analyzed, with emphasis on activation energies and transport regimes. The limitations of classical Fickian models at the nanoscale are examined, where transport often deviates from equilibrium behaviour and becomes dominated by interfaces, anisotropy, and confinement effects. Addressing these challenges requires alternative modelling frameworks and multiscale simulation strategies. Recent advances are highlighted in computational-experimental integration, including first-principles calculations, phase-field modelling, and in situ characterization under service-relevant conditions. The review also explores the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in predicting diffusion coefficients, activation barriers, and optimal processing conditions. These tools enable inverse design workflows and are increasingly applied in surface treatment design, grain boundary engineering, and coating development. Case studies in carburization, alloy homogenization, and high-temperature coating systems illustrate how diffusion modelling informs real-world process optimization. Looking forward, the convergence of physics-based models, AI-driven analytics, and experimental feedback loops is expected to accelerate the development of diffusion-aware materials design strategies, advancing applications in structural alloys, protective coatings, and digital manufacturing
Assessment of different genotyping markers and algorithms for distinguishing Plasmodium falciparum recrudescence from reinfection in Uganda.
No full textAntimalarial therapeutic efficacy studies are vital for monitoring drug efficacy in malaria-endemic regions. The WHO recommends genotyping polymorphic markers including msp-1, msp-2, and glurp for distinguishing recrudescences from reinfections. Recently, WHO proposed replacing glurp with microsatellites (Poly-α, PfPK2, TA1). However, suitable combinations with msp-1 and msp- 2, as well as the performance of different algorithms for classifying recrudescence, have not been systematically assessed. This study investigated various microsatellites alongside msp-1 and msp-2 for molecular correction and compared different genotyping algorithms across three sites in Uganda. Microsatellites 313, Poly-α, and 383 exhibited the highest diversity, while PfPK2 and Poly-α revealed elevated multiplicity of infection (MOI) across all sites. The 3/3 match-counting algorithm classified significantly fewer recrudescences than both the ≥ 2/3 and Bayesian algorithms at probability cutoffs of ≥ 0.7 and ≥ 0.8 (P < 0.05). The msp-1/msp-2/2490 combination identified more recrudescences using the ≥ 2/3 and 3/3 algorithms in the artemether-lumefantrine (AL) treatment arm, while msp-1/msp- 2/glurp combination classified more cases of recrudescence using the ≥ 2/3 in the dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) arm. Microsatellites PfPK2 and Poly-α, potentially sensitive to detecting minority clones, are promising replacements for glurp. Discrepancies in recrudescence classification between match-counting and Bayesian algorithms highlight the need for standardized PCR correction practicesKabale University
EDCTP3
The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)
The Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF PhD grants)
Temporal Changes in Plasmodium Falciparum Genetic Diversity and Multiplicity of Infection Across Three Areas of Varying Malaria Transmission Intensities in Uganda.
No full textBackground: Malaria is a significant public health challenge in Uganda, with Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) responsible for most malaria infections. The high genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) associated with P. falciparum complicate treatment and prevention efforts. This study investigated temporal changes in P. falciparum genetic diversity and MOI across three sites with varying malaria transmission intensities. Understanding these changes is essential for informing effective malaria control strategies for the different malaria transmission settings.
Methods: A total of 220 P. falciparum-positive dried blood spot (DBS) filter paper samples from participants in a study conducted during 2011–2012 and 2015–2016 were analyzed. Genotyping utilized seven polymorphic markers: Poly-α, TA1, TA109, PfPK2, 2490, C2M34–313, and C3M69–383. Genetic diversity metrics, including the number of alleles and expected heterozygosity, were calculated using GENALEX and ARLEQUIN software. MOI was assessed by counting distinct genotypes. Multi-locus linkage disequilibrium (LD) and genetic differentiation were evaluated using the standardized index of association ( IAS) and Wright’s fixation index (FST), respectively. Statistical comparisons were made using the Kruskal–Wallis test, and temporal trends were analyzed using the Jonckheere–Terpstra test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results of the 220 samples, 180 were successfully amplified. The majority of participants were males (50.6%) and children aged 5–11 years (46.7%). Genetic diversity remained high, with mean expected heterozygosity (He) showing a slight decrease over time (range: 0.73–0.82). Polyclonal infections exceeded 50% at all sites, and mean MOI ranged from 1.7 to 2.2, with a significant reduction in Tororo (from 2.2 to 2.0, p = 0.03). Linkage disequilibrium showed a slight increase, with Kanungu exhibiting the lowest IAS in 2011–2012 (0.0085) and Jinja the highest (0.0239) in 2015–2016. Overall genetic differentiation remained low, with slight increases in pairwise FST values over time, notably between Jinja and Tororo (from 0.0145 to 0.0353).
Conclusions: This study highlights the genetic diversity and MOI of P. falciparum in Uganda’s malaria transmission settings, noting a slight decrease in both genetic diversity and MOI over time. Continued surveillance and targeted control strategies are essential for monitoring the impact of malaria control efforts in Uganda
The role of the African University in the Continent’s Development
No full textThis article deals with the role of African universities and higher education institutions in the development of the continent. Knowledge production is the responsibility of higher education institutions. Knowledge can only be useful it can be used for the wellbeing of humanity. African governments therefore, believe that investing in higher education and producing many university graduates is a gateway to their development. In most cases, these governments forget about the need to churn out the personnel that is crucial for their development and produce them just for the sake of it. The notion of having many university graduates as a means to achieve the country’s development is therefore in balance since the universities produce graduates of all cadre. Some of these may be unemployable and may not meet the current needs of the society. Most of the businesses, government parastatals, educational institutions, and ministries heavily rely on manpower that is a product of a university or a higher institution of learning. Without knowledge production, it is impossible to talk about the achievement of the Millenium Development Goals which many countries are hoping for by the year 2025.In these goals, the emphasis is put on poverty eradication, education for all, health for all, food security for all among others. The important question therefore that this paper attempts to answer is as to whether African universities actually play an important role in providing the required knowledge that Africa and the world badly require for development. The paper will scan through the continent’s major universities and attempt to make an assessment of the impact in terms of knowledge and contributions that these universities are making to Africa’s development. Governments in Africa need to look at their needs in terms of the priorities to bolster their development and gear their curricular towards meeting those priorities
Application of geographic information system in ecotourism: a global bibliometric analysis
No full textThe application of geographic information system (GIS) has significantly increased in ecotourism across diverse contexts. For example, GIS application is increasingly important in tourism through novel technologies like machine learning and remote sensing. Such applications can enhance sustainable tourism. However, analyses of the scope of GIS application in the overall ecotourism sector remain limited. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of global research trends in GIS application to ecotourism through a bibliometric review of the literature. This study asks: to what extent is the application of GIS in ecotourism? An answer to this question can help researchers and policymakers to develop appropriate GIS programs and policies that can enhance sustainable ecotourism across context. To answer this question, we used VOSviewer to undertake a bibliometric literature review across scientific databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. We analyzed 789 publications from 1960 to 2022. Our search topics included authorship, co-authorship, countries, institutions & organizations. Results show an increased trend in global GIS applications in ecotourism, with useful implications for sustainability. It contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in terms of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life on land (SDG 15).This research was funded by The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida USA, through Start-up Funds for Festus Amadu, Department of Ecology and Environmental Studies, with grant/account number: AC0597
Effects of seasonal variations of the physio-chemical properties of municipal solid waste on effective materials and resources recovery
No full textMunicipal solid waste (MSW) generation rate is on the rise as it is estimated to reach 3,539 million tonnes by 2050 from the 1,999 million tonnes in 2015. The seasonal variations of the physio-chemical properties of the MSW among others exacerbates its management challenges. This study aimed to conduct in-depth investigations on the seasonal variations of physio-chemical properties of the MSW generated in Kabale Municipality, southwestern Uganda to inform sustainable MSW management systems. This study revealed that this MSW is majorly plastics, with concentrations of 21.45% and 26.94% in the dry and wet seasons, respectively, which presents a more recycling potential for these plastics in the wet season. The biodegradable MSW fraction (food, paper, cardboard and garden trimming wastes), which were 35.6% and 35.34% for the dry and wet seasons, respectively, supports energy recovery from the waste in the form of biogas, with a higher potential in the wet season as supported by its higher volatile solid content for the same of 48.92% as compared to that of the dry season of 34.92%. Based on these findings, it is recommended among others that the masses be sensitized on how to generate biogas from the biodegradable fraction of this MSW