Kabale University Digital Repository (KAB-DR)
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Design and Construction of a Clinical Thermometer.
This research report explored the design and construction of clinical thermometers with a focus on improving their affordability, reliability, and ease of use. Using an experimental research approach, the study utilized readily available materials, including Uganda Waragi, bottles, heat sources, and coloring agents, to create a functional prototype of a clinical thermometer. The resulting prototype proved effective and is intended to serve as a teaching aid in educational institutions, demonstrating the principles and functionality of thermometers in scientific studies
The Effect of Fermented Human Urine on the Cabbage Yields.
Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable from the Brassica genus widely grown for its edible head. There is low productivity of cabbages in Nyakabande Sub County, Kisoro District. Therefore this study was carried out to investigate the effect of fermented human urine on vegetative growth and yield of cabbages. The field was divided into ten separate plots each measuring 1 square meter. The plots were uniformly spaced to minimize the risk of cross-contamination between the treatments. Each plot was condemning 4 cabbages. Research is aimed at examining the impact of urine concentration, fermentation duration, and application frequency on =vegetative growth and yield for cabbages. The parameters were leaf area, plant height, and head weight. The findings reveal that fermented urine particularly at 50% and 100%femented for more than four weeks and applied weekly significantly enhances cabbage growth parameters. Higher concentration and extended fermentation beyond optimal point do not provide additional benefits and may lead to nutrient stress. Therefore fermented urine with a concentration of 50% fermented for more than 4 weeks and applied on a weekly basis yielded the best growth outcomes across all measured parameters
Sources of Students Strikes in Secondary Schools in Kisoro Municipality Kisoro District.
This study aimed to identify the underlying causes of student strikes in secondary schools within Kisoro Municipality, Uganda, and to explore their impacts on stakeholders and effective strategies for resolution. The research was guided by objectives to investigate the root causes of strikes, their effects on students, teachers, parents, and the local community, and to propose strategies for dispute resolution. The study, conducted in selected secondary schools within the Kisoro district, covered literature from 2010 to 2023. It used a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews. The sample included students, teachers, head teachers, and parents, totaling 123 respondents. Findings revealed that student strikes were primarily driven by poor learning conditions, inadequate communication between students and administration, unfair disciplinary practices, high school fees, bullying, and a lack of extracurricular activities. These issues were linked to systemic deficiencies in resource allocation and governance. The impact of strikes varied among stakeholders. While many respondents noted negative effects on students' academic performance and well-being, some saw strikes as a means of raising awareness and prompting improvements. Effective resolution strategies included fostering open communication through forums, mediation by neutral parties, strengthening student representation, implementing regular feedback mechanisms, and enforcing fair policies. The study concludes that addressing the root causes of strikes, improving communication, and implementing fair policies are crucial for creating a supportive and effective educational environment. Recommendations emphasize the need for better resource allocation, transparent communication, and fair disciplinary practices to reduce conflict and improve student welfare
Assessment of the Effect of Rosemary on Tomato Preservation.
Despite the nutritional and economic importance of tomatoes, significant post-harvest losses persist, exacerbated by concerns over synthetic chemical preservatives' environmental and health impacts. Thus, there is a pressing need for sustainable and cost-effective preservation methods, such as the adoption of rosemary extract, which offers safer alternatives capable of extending the shelf life of tomatoes, especially in resource-limited settings. This study investigated the efficacy of rosemary extract in preserving tomatoes, aiming to assess its impact and evaluate varying concentrations on tomato shelf life.
Fresh tomatoes were randomly sourced from local markets, and crude extracts were prepared from rosemary leaves using cold maceration. The experiment involved immersing tomato fruits in rosemary extract solutions at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% w/v, while control fruits received treatment with sterile distilled water. Shelf life was evaluated based on visual appearance, spoilage occurrence, and physiological changes such as pH levels, weight loss, and titratable acidity.
Results demonstrated that increasing concentrations of rosemary extract corresponded to prolonged shelf life, with tomatoes treated with 100% w/v rosemary extract exhibiting the longest preservation period of 22 ± 5 days. Treated tomatoes maintained stable pH levels, experienced reduced weight loss rates, and showed acceptable titratable acidity compared to untreated controls. These findings indicate that rosemary extract effectively preserves tomato quality by inhibiting microbial growth and oxidative deterioration.
The study recommends further exploration to optimize rosemary extract formulations, facilitate industry adoption, and address regulatory considerations to promote its use as a sustainable solution for food preservation
Design and Simulation of a Versatile Electric Cooking Stove.
The “Design and Simulation of a Versatile Electric Cooking Stove” project, conducted in Uganda, aimed to develop a versatile, efficient, and cost-effective electric stove. The project’s objectives included the determination of the design specifications of the stove, the development of the stove’s layout, and the evaluation of the stove’s performance by simulation. The research methodology incorporated a qualitative approach, utilizing interviews, observations, and desk research. The findings revealed the popularity of charcoal stoves, stressing the need for a versatile stove capable of repetitive use, and the trade-off between speed and cost for different stove types. The simulation results, particularly those related to structural integrity and thermal performance, guided the design refinement process. The study successfully designed key elements such as the supporting frame for stability, strength, and insulation of the internal chamber and appliance body, and simulated and analyzed the motion mechanisms relevant for adjusting heater positioning. Despite the absence of a prototype and other challenges, the project made significant strides in its development period
Management of Medical Records at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital.
The study sought to investigate the management of medical records at KRRH. The objectives of the study were to identify the types of records management practices at KRRH, to identify records management practices at KRRH, Challenges faced in the management of medical records at KRRH, to propose possible solutions to the challenges faced at KRRH. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed. The sample was drawn from the service providers and from the healthcare service users. Questionnaires, interviews, and observations were used to collect data. The findings showed that KRRH uses a manual records management system in the creation, maintenance, and usage of records. In the findings, there were challenges related to lack of time to complete the records, increased patient movement leading to lack of recording, and inadequate supply of recording materials. Also, the study discovered that the time spent in the retrieval of patient folders could negatively affect the timely delivery of healthcare services. The study recommended the adoption of electronic records management systems as most public healthcare institutions in the country are rapidly shifting to electronic records management systems. The use of an electronic records management system is believed to be efficient and effective promoting easy accessibility, and retrieval of patient medical records and allowing easy communication amongst the healthcare service institutions and healthcare practitioners
Impact of Weed Infestation on Growth and Yield of Carrot Plants.
The study examined the impact of weed infestation on the growth and yield of carrot plants. It was guided by the following study objectives; to determine the effect of weeds on the growth of carrot plants, to identify critical periods of weed competition in carrot plants and to investigate the effect of different weeding regimes on carrot yields. The experiment was carried out at the teaching and research farm of faculty Agriculture, Kabale University Kabale district, Uganda between April 2024 to July 2024. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) within the plot where carrots were planted. The researcher used 5 treatments replicated 3 times. Each experimental plot measured 3m by 1.5 meters in total. The treatments comprised of different weeding regimes as weeding once, weeding twice, weeding thrice, and fourth plus no weeding acting as a control experiment. Primary tillage was the first operation to be done to break up compacted soil, improve aeration, promote better water infiltration, and create a favorable seedbed for optimal carrot growth. Primary tillage is the first soil tillage after the last harvest. On 15th May 2024, two carrot seedlings were sown directly per hole at a spacing of 5cm. These 5 cm were measured using a ruler and holes were dug using a debar. After one week, carrot seeds germinated, and weeding started after two weeks. Data Collection Methods used included observation and measurement. Quantitative data was used during data analysis and it involved the use of frequencies, and tables against their percentages and aided in data interpretation, data analysis, and presentations of findings. The results on all blocks A, B, C, D, and E generally indicated that there overall carrot plant shoot as evidenced by an increase in height, an increase in the number of leaves, and an increase in leaf area. However, there was a limited increase in growth parameters of carrot plants in control block A compared to other blocks. The above results generally indicated that marketable carrot root tubers were high compared to unmarketable ones simply because the blocks that were weeded experienced a weed-free environment which made carrot crops grow well and give high yields. The study also recommended Implementing integrated weed management practices that combine cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. For instance, using cover crops or mulching can suppress weed growth while promoting carrot health
Agricultural sustainability through Smart Farming Systems: A comparative Analysis Between the Republic of Korea and Republic of Uganda.
Smart farming involves the integration of information and communication technologies into machinery and sensors for use in agricultural systems. It is expected to potentially enhance the sustainability of agriculture and global food security. The need for smart farming arises from the increasing adverse environmental, ecological, social, and economic impacts on food systems. The potential impact of smart farming solutions on different countries is less known. Therefore, we comprehensively analyzed the role of smart farming solutions in sustaining agricultural production in the context of comparing a developed (Republic of Korea), and an emergent (Republic of Uganda) country. We scrutinized the agricultural assets, natural resources, approaches,
technologies, policy interventions, achievements, challenges encountered, and reasons of smart farm pursuit for each
country. Information presented in the paper indicated that both countries have similar objectives in the pursuit for smart farming: response to climate change and sustaining food security. However, the Republic of Korea employs a holistic
approach of revolutionizing agriculture via smart farms. In contrast, distinct smart farming interventions implemented by government institutions, competing private sector, and non-governmental organizations are shaping the development of a smart farm concept in the Republic of Uganda. In conclusion, the application of smart farming solutions appears
to be promising in enhancing the stability of the whole food
system in both countries
Physical Activity Participation Levels and Contribution to the Wellbeing of Students of Ndorwa Secondary School in Kabale Municipality.
The study was about the physical activity participation levels and contribution to the well-being of students of Ndorwa Secondary School in Kabale Municipality. The study was guided by the following study objectives; to find out which physical activities students participate in at Ndorwa Secondary School, to analyze the challenge faced by students in participating in physical activity, and to analyze the contribution of physical activity to the well-being of students in Ndorwa Secondary School. The research used a case study research design with a focus on the topic under study. A total of 92 respondents were sampled from the study population. The size of the sample was obtained using the Krejcie and Morgan technique of determining sample size out of a given target population. The following instruments were used; a questionnaire interview Guide with structured questions, and focus group discussion checklist, and a document review. Data was entered into the computer and analyzed by developing themes (headings) or subthemes that were derived from the study objectives. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used during data analysis. The study findings revealed that football 80(87%), Netball 50(54%), volleyball 75(82%), basketball 20(22%), and athletics 20(22%) as the Physical Activities students participate in Ndorwa Secondary School. They revealed that every year they participate in a National student sports competition where the school wins up to the semifinals. It also boosts self-esteem, mood, sleep quality, and energy as well as reduces the rise of stress as indicated by 38(41%). The study recommended that a study should be carried out on female participation
Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on School Dropout in Selected Primry Schools in Nyarusiza Sub-County Kisoro District.
The study focused on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on school dropout in selected primary schools in the Nyarusiza sub-county Kisoro district. The study followed research objectives, which were to determine the effects of COVID-19 on school enrollment in primary Schools Kisoro district, to explore the challenges facing pupils at PLE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to suggest a possible solution to the challenges facing the pupils at PLE due to COVID19 pandemic. The research was conducted using a descriptive research design and included both qualitative and quantitative data. A sample size of 30 respondents was drawn from schools in the Nyarusiza sub-county Kisoro district. The findings of the study revealed that male respondents were highly represented in the study by 56.7%; married respondents were also highly represented by 64%; and 33.3% showed that Reduced pupil ration in Countries which forced to adopt quarantine measures was the major effect of Covid-19 on school enrollment., The recommendations of the study included the following: The government should increase spending for immediate
health-related expenditures such as supplies including masks, gloves, and other personally productive
equipment, in addition to ICU beds (as Uganda currently has only 55 functional ICU beds, resulting in approximately 1.3 ICU beds per million Ugandans) and ventilators. Also, the government should ensure that some of this health sector budget reallocation is also earmarked to support non-coronavirus health concerns, from basic to emergency healthcare. Large-scale testing is necessary to address the pandemic and treat the sick. Without this, the economic and social impact is likely to be prolonged and compound the problem. Innovative approaches could be used such as applications of artificial intelligence in high-risk/high-traffic sites to enhance COVID-19 detection efficiency while protecting medical staff and the general public from cross-infections The government should establish a physical and automated platform for coordination and resource mobilization for support to the poor pupils and the most vulnerable groups affected by COVID-19-related lockdown