East African Journal Of Science, Technology and Innovation
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Healthy eating, healthy lives: examining sustainable food choices and household reported ailments in Oyo State, Nigeria
Full text linkThis study explored food choices, awareness, and consumption of healthy and sustainable food (HSF), along with the determinants and implications of HSF consumption on reported ailments among households in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 240 households. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze socio-economic and demographic characteristics, food consumption patterns, awareness levels, HSF consumption, and reported ailments. Two Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models were estimated to identify the determinants of HSF consumption and the covariates of reported ailments. Findings revealed that female-headed households had slightly higher HSF awareness (87.5%) than male-headed ones (84.0%), with fewer reported ailments. Higher-income households (>₦200,000/month) consumed less HSF (mean, 0.6249) and reported more ailments (mean, 2.29) than lower-income households (<₦50,000/month), which had higher HSF consumption (mean, 0.8345) and fewer ailments (mean, 1.78). Urban households consumed less HSF (0.6667) and reported more ailments (mean, 1.88) than rural households (0.8312 mean consumption, 1.54 mean ailments). Determinants of HSF consumption included the age of the household head, rural residence, and employment in agriculture, which were all positively related to HSF consumption. On the other hand, a negative relationship was found between HSF consumption and reported ailments (coefficient -1.3331, p = 0.001) and between physical activity and reported ailments. The study concluded that increasing HSF awareness and availability, especially in urban and higher-income households, could improve health outcomes and reduce ailments. It recommended promoting nutrition education and enhancing HSF accessibility to foster better health outcomes
Status of aflatoxins contamination in spices produced in Morogoro, Tanzania
Full text linkAflatoxins, the toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi under Aspergillus species in foods, are capable of causing adverse health effects in humans and animals. Information on levels of aflatoxins in spices produced and traded in Tanzania is limited. This study investigated aflatoxins contamination levels in black pepper, cinnamon, cloves and turmeric spices produced and vended in Morogoro district, Tanzania. A total of 120 samples were collected and analyzed for aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2 and Total aflatoxins using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector. Results showed that 24.2% (n=120) of the samples were contaminated with aflatoxins whereby 11.7% (n=120) had AFB1. Spices from Morogoro rural had significantly high (p=0.002) aflatoxins contamination (16.7%; n=120) compared to those from Morogoro Municipality (7.5%; n=120). In reference to each spice samples, turmeric had no AFBI contamination (0.0%) with lowest Total Aflatoxins (3.3%; n=30) while cloves had the highest contamination with 20% (n=30) and 50.0% (n= 30) for AFB1 and Total aflatoxins, respectively. The lowest detected contamination concentration was 0.201μg/kg in cloves while the highest was 164.86μg/kg in black pepper. The spices; Turmeric (0.0%; 3.3%); Cinnamon (16.7%); (20%); cloves (13.3%; 23.3%) and black pepper (6.7%; 6.7%) (n=30) exceeded Tanzania regulatory limit of 5 µg/kg and 10µg/kg for AFB1 and Total aflatoxins contamination levels, respectively. It is concluded that spices produced and marketed in Morogoro were contaminated with aflatoxins some of them beyond the maximum limit set by Tanzania Bureau of Standards risking the health of spices consumers. Awareness creation to spices traders on aflatoxins contamination and preventive measures need to be considered to safeguard health of spices consumers in Morogoro, Tanzania
Network-based modeling of hoof and mouth disease transmission in animals
Full text linkThe connectivity of ranches facilitates the spread of hoof and mouth disease among livestock, even over long distances. This study aimed to investigate the spread of hoof and mouth disease within animal ranch networks and individual ranches using a network-based modelling approach. Two models were developed: the multi-ranch model and the in-ranch model. The multi-ranch model examined how the topology and connectivity of the ranch network influenced the spread of hoof and mouth disease, while the in-ranch compartmental model captured the disease dynamics within individual ranches. The results indicate that the disease can be contained, and the network can remain disease-free as long as the transmission rate is low and the network is not overly dense. In the in-ranch compartmental model, the basic reproduction number was used to gain insights into the vaccination coverage required to maintain a disease-free state within individual ranches, as well as the coverage needed across a larger ranch network. Additionally, the findings highlight the importance of understanding both network-level transmission dynamics and within-ranch disease progression to effectively model and manage hoof and mouth disease outbreaks. Furthermore, disease control strategies, such as vaccination, to minimize the spread of the disease, which can lead to declines in the production of milk, meat, manure, and raw materials, ultimately reducing both national and individual income due to livestock loss also investigated and recommended that maintaining a transmission rate below 0.044 and offering sufficient immunization coverage are essential for a multi-ranch to stay resilient against HMD illnesses. For individual ranches and ranch networks, applying a vaccination level below 0.195 is not essential since disease will not vanish, but a level over 0.327 keep both a single ranch and larger ranch community in disease-free stat
Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship among practicing veterinarians in Uganda
Full text linkAppropriate, affordable, and readily available veterinary drugs are an essential component of any animal health service. The availability of certain drugs for companion animals (pets), food animals, and wildlife, along with the practitioners\u27 understanding of their use, is crucial in curbing antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to establish categories of drugs commonly used by veterinarians working with companion animals, food animals, and wildlife in Uganda. A cross-sectional study was done to establish common antimicrobial drugs used by practicing veterinarians in Uganda. Fifty-seven veterinarians were purposively selected to participate in the survey. The veterinarians responded to an online questionnaire distributed by a link to their emails and mobile applications. The questionnaire solicited information regarding their demographic traits, expertise pertaining to antimicrobials, and the types of antimicrobials they frequently utilise. Most of the respondents, 53/57 (93%), were male veterinarians, and 29/57 (50.9%), were mixed animal practitioners. Although they were all involved in some kind of practice, only 18/44 (40.9%) confidently understood antimicrobial stewardship. However, the majority, 38/44 (86.4%), agreed on the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The majority, 26/43 (60.5%) of the veterinarians, were aware of the animal owners’ indiscriminate use of the antibiotic without expert prescription. Penicillins and tetracyclines were the most used antimicrobial drugs. Other antimicrobials often used were cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and chloramphenicol. Field veterinarians need to undergo further training on the current categories of antimicrobial agents, antimicrobial stewardship, and AMR. The Veterinary Formulary should be updated following the WHO list of critically-important-antimicrobials (CIA). The veterinarians should also familiarize themselves with the ‘Essential Veterinary Medicines List for Uganda’
Application of response surface methodology for the optimization of Process variables on the Wet extraction of inulin from sisal boles
Full text linkIn sisal industry, only four percent of the leaves weight is used for production of sisal fibers. The leaves are only 2% of the whole plant meaning that 98% of the plant, including leaves stubs, sisal pole and sisal bole, is discarded as waste. Despite the fact that sisal bole contains 30% sugars in juice extract, currently they are burnt or broken down and ploughed under. The remaining sisal bole bagasse is a sustainably available and valuable biomass reserve potential for production of fermentable sugars and other lignin delivered products. This study focuses on investigating the potential to produce inulin from sisal waste including sisal boles. In this investigation, a 2-factors 3 - levels Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to evaluate the main effects and interactions of the independent parameters, namely temperature and time, on the inulin yield response parameter during extraction with Minitab Version 21. The developed Second Order Quadratic mathematical regression model was used to analyze the main and interaction effects of the process variables on the inulin yield and optimizing the parameters. The inulin concentration was analyzed using HPLC with C-18 carbohydrate (4.6×45 mm) column and an RID detector. The optimal extraction conditions for inulin were obtained at a temperature of 70°C and reaction time of 86.67 minutes in which the optimum yield was 35.20%. The physicochemical properties of inulin were also determined, and results revealed that the produced inulin had a moisture content of 6.104 ± 0.104%, water-solubility of 124.92 ± 1.76 g/L and pH of 6.62 ± 0.38 indicating that this study’s inulin exhibited close similarities with the commercial ones. This study has revealed that Sisal bole has a relatively good potency of producing inulin nearing to the leading biomass sources like chicory and Jerusalem artichoke roots
Natural Nutrient Supplements and Sisal Bole Yeast Isolate: A Synergistic Approach to Bioethanol Production from Sisal Bole Juice
Full text linkAbstract
The increasing demand for sustainable biofuels and the need to reduce reliance on synthetic nutrients additives during yeast fermentation has prompted the search for cost effective and locally available nutrients sources. This study investigated the potential of natural nutrients supplements derived from agro-waste (orange, cassava and banana peels) as well as sisal bole yeast isolates to enhance bioethanol production from sisal bole juice. Yeast colonies were isolated from the sisal bole juice and then characterized morphologically, biochemically and through molecular identification using PCR amplification of the ITS1 and ITS4 rDNA regions. A 2n full factorial design was employed to study the effect of natural nutrient supplements combination and dosage on the bioethanol yield. Macroscopic results revealed that the isolated colonies were either ellipsoidal or oval and gram-positive similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sequencing of the PCR products confirmed that all positive isolates showed high similarity (>99%) to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The highest bioethanol yield achieved was 27.38% w/w with orange peels (3 g/100 ml), cassava peels (3 g/100 ml) and banana peels (1 g/100 ml) compared to 20.13% w/w for the blank and 18.71% w/w for the control. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant linear model, with notable effects from orange peels and interactions between orange and banana peels. These findings highlight the potential of natural supplements to replace expensive and less accessible artificial supplements such as Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, Iron (II) sulfate tetrahydrate and Copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate which provide essential Mg, Fe and Cu that improved bioethanol production efficiency
Determinants of farmers\u27 responses to climate variability hazards in East Belesa district, Ethiopia
Full text linkClimate variability hazards are becoming more pronounced globally. Ethiopia being highly vulnerable due to its dependence on agriculture and natural resources. Adaptation strategies and coping mechanism are critical in reducing the adverse impacts of climate change and building resilience in these regions. This study aimed to explore farmers\u27 response to climate variability hazards and its determinants of adaptation strategies and coping mechanism at East Belesa District. The study area was purposively selected due to its vulnerability to climate variability hazards, and one hundred thirty-three households were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, employing descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models. This study identifies and analyzes critical environmental stressors affecting agricultural systems, with a focus on climate-related hazards. The most prevalent stressor, drought (91.72%), is a major contributor to food insecurity. Flooding (69.92%), snow/hailstorms (90.22%), and frost (67.66%) are also significant stressors that affect crop production through soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and direct physical damage. Dry winds (85.71%) exacerbate erosion and crop desiccation, while crop disorders (75.93%) are increasingly linked to pests, diseases, and erratic weather patterns. Widespread erosion (87.21%), often resulting from heavy rainfall or flooding, further degrades soil health. The findings reveal that older, more experienced farmers with larger farms are more likely to engage in traditional practices like fallowing and planting Acacia species. Education, extension services, and credit access are key drivers of adaptive capacity, enhancing the likelihood of adopting sustainable farming practices. Off-farm coping strategies, including remittances and migration, are influenced by factors such as age and farm size, with younger farmers more likely to migrate. These results show the need for targeted interventions that combine both traditional and modern knowledge, to enhance climate resilience in farming communities
Seroprevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease in apparently healthy beef cattle in Uganda post the 2021 outbreak
Full text linkFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals caused by a picornavirus. There are 7 known serotypes (O, C, A, SAT1, SAT2 and Asia) and more than 60 subtypes of the FMD virus. FMD causes enormous economic losses including reduced animal productivity and restrictions on international trade in animal products. In Uganda, FMD is endemic and caused by mainly O, A, SAT 1, and SAT2 serotypes. The outbreaks are mainly controlled by ring vaccination and restriction of animal movement. These control methods are sometimes not efficient due to lack of regular surveillance. Information on the seroprevalence of FMDV in animal herds post outbreak response is not available to guide policy makers on when to lift quarantine in affected districts. A study was therefore conducted to assess the effectiveness of the 2021 FMD outbreak response in Western Uganda following lifting of the quarantine restrictions. As part of routine herd health checks, blood samples were extracted from sixty-eight apparently healthy beef cattle. Of these, 46 were from Nshaara ranch and 22 from Mbarara city abattoir. The samples were tested for the presence of specific FMDV antibodies using Solid-Phase Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Overall, out of 68 samples, 51 (75%) tested positive for FMDV. Out of 46 samples taken from Nshaara ranch, 43 (93.5%) were positive and out of 22 samples from Mbarara City abattoir 8 (36.4%) were positive. The study revealed a concerningly high seropositivity of apparently health animals to FMDV antibodies possibly due to early lifting of the quarantine, weak enforcement of control measures or lack of incentive and resources to control the disease. Therefore, the Uganda national outbreak preparedness and response unit should move quickly to put in place a coordinated, effective, and functional preparedness and response mechanism whenever there are such disease outbreaks
Study of variation of Magnetic Field around a Palm Tree Using Smartphone Magnetometers: Influence of Height and Distance
Full text linkIn this study, the Phyphox software and smartphone magnetometers are used to examine the variation of magnetic fields around the palm tree. In order to minimize external influence, measurements were made along the X, Y, and Z axes at various heights (from the root to 150 cm) and distances (0–4 cm) from the trunk. No people were in the vicinity, and other mobile devices were not allowed in order to prevent disruptions and provide a thorough spatial profile of the magnetic field. Results show that species, root structure, and temperature all affect the strength of the magnetic fields, which are higher at lower altitudes and nearer to the tree. This portable, affordable technique demonstrates the potential of cellphones for environmental, ecological, and geophysical research while providing fresh perspectives on how electromagnetic fields interact with plants. This manuscript provides significant new understandings of the complex relationships between plants and electromagnetic fields. Overall, improvements in accuracy, recalculation time, and computing cost were achieved with favorable outcome
Antibacterial and antifungal Activities of Crude Ethanolic Extracts of Wild Edible Mushrooms Found in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
Full text linkThe increasing occurrence of antimicrobial resistance necessitates search for alternative bioactive compounds against microbes, in particular natural products from plants and mushrooms. A cross-sectional investigation was carried out from November 2023 to March 2024 to investigate the antimicrobial properties of crude ethanolic extracts of wild edible mushrooms in Morogoro Municipality. The crude ethanolic extracts tested were from eight wild edible mushrooms namely Afrocantharellus platyphyllus, Amanita sp, Cantharellus sp, Cantharellus luteopunctatus, Craterellus sp, Lactarius kabansus, Lentinus sp, and Termitomyces sp. The mushroom ethanolic extracts were tested against Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Salmonella typhi (ATCC 33459) and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028) using agar well diffusion and tetrazolium microtiter plate bioassay methods. Five of the eight crude ethanolic extracts of mushroom species tested revealed promising antibacterial and antifungal activity. The mean zone of inhibition for extracts of Craterellus sp, Cantharellus sp, C. luteopunctatus, A. platyphyllus, and L. kabansus ranged from 9.70 ± 0.33mm (Mean ± StdDev) to 17.00 ± 0.57 mm. The recorded minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) value for these extracts varied from 5.2 ± 1.11 to 266.67 ± 66.70 mg/ml. Staphylococcus aureus, S. typhi, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans were more susceptible to ethanolic extracts of Craterellus and Cantharellus sp. None of the extracts demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the growth of B. subtilis. This study indicates that some wild edible mushrooms from the Morogoro Municipality exhibit potential antimicrobial effects against both bacterial and fungal species. Therefore, additional research is advised to isolate and identify the bioactive compounds and to evaluate their efficacy and toxicity in animal models to confirm their antibacterial and antifungal properties