East African Journal Of Science, Technology and Innovation
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Home range size and survival probability of two major rodents (Rhabdomys dilectus and Lophuromys aquilus) on slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Full text linkHome range and survival are important parameters influencing abundance and distribution of rodent species. Therefore, understanding the factors affecting them is crucial for conservation and management of the species. This study was aimed to determine home range size and survival probabilities of two dominant rodent species (Lophuromys aquilus and Rhabdomys dilectus) found in western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Trapping was done in moorland and fallow habitats across both dry and wet seasons, using Sherman live traps in four CMR grids. Home range size of Rhabdomys dilectus was influenced by habitat type. It was significantly higher in moorland than in fallow habitat. Whereas, home range size of Lophuromys aquilus was influenced by the variations in habitat, season and sex. It was significantly higher in moorland than in fallow. Also, male L. aquilus had larger home range size than females but the difference was not significant. Moreover, there were significant differences in survival of the two species and sex. Survival of L. aquilus was higher than that of R. dilectus indicating that L. aquilus could be more adapted to live on Mt. Kilimanjaro than R. dilectus. This was evident from its lower capture probability compared to R. dilectus. Low capture probability indicates trap shy behavior which could serve as a mechanism of predator avoidance. Furthermore, for both species female’s survival was higher than that of males. This was probably due to that females spend most of their time inside the nest during breeding season, hence reduces the risk to encounter predators. The study concludes that, species type, sex, habitat type and quality influence home range size and survival probability of rodents, which are attributed to variations in resources availability, mating behavior and reproductive fitness. Therefore, rodent conservation and management interventions should be species and sex specific taking other factors into consideration
Phytochemical screening of fadogia ancylantha using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-electrospray ionization (gc-esi-qqq-ms/ms)
Full text linkEthnobotanical plants contain phytochemicals with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. One of the ethnobotanical plants used by traditional healers in Tanzania to boost the immune system, tone muscles, and strengthen bones is Fadogia ancylantha, commonly known as "Makoni tea bush" in English. This study aimed to identify Fadogia ancylantha\u27s phytochemicals in leaves, stems, and root barks. Phytochemicals were extracted using n-hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol solvents. Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Library (NIST) were used to determine phytochemicals\u27 chemical composition and identity, respectively. Twenty-eight phytochemicals were identified from the leaves, 38 from the stem, and 30 from the roots. The order of number of compounds identified was found to be methanol solvent>DCM solvent >hexane solvent in all samples (leaves, stems, and roots). The screening of phytochemicals revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, and plant sterols. These compounds were reported to have anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities. The results show that Fadogia ancylantha is a rich source of phytochemicals with diverse biological activities
Management practices, farmers’ perceptions and coping strategies and challenges to climate change in integrated fish farms in Kenya
Full text linkClimate change continues to threaten the sustainability of aquaculture systems due to the dependence of this sector on water resources which are threatened in a changing climate. There is therefore need to continually assess the current farm level practices with a view to developing the right policies and to make the necessary changes. A study was done to assess the management practices, perceptions, coping strategies and challenges of coping with climate change on integrated fish farms in Kajiado and Machakos Counties in Kenya. Data were collected from 51 and 186 integrated fish farms in Kajiado and Machakos Counties, respectively. A cross-sectional household survey was done using semi-structured questionnaires to collect the data. The data were validated using meteorological data, four key informants’ interviews and a focus group discussion with 17 farmers in each County. Most of the household heads were males (80.4% in Kajiado County and 80.1% in Machakos County) and Oreochromis niloticus was the main fish species cultured by 78.4% and 79% of households in Kajiado and Machakos Counties, respectively. The integrated fish farms were able to outsource manure and crop residues from neighbouring farms for their potential use in compost heat recovery as a coping strategy to climate change. Most of the respondents reported the occurrence of extreme changes in precipitation (rainfall and hailstorms) and temperature. Only 11.8% and 9.14% of respondents in Kajiado and Machakos Counties, respectively, reported a decrease in ambient night temperature. The farmers adopted climate change coping strategies such as topping up fishpond water and covering the fishponds with a shade net. The challenges faced by fish farmers with regard to coping with climate change were inadequate funds, skills, and water resources. It is recommended that further training of fish farmers on potential coping strategies such as compost heat recovery should be carried out
Predation dynamics: hunting tactics, impact, and control strategies of indian house crows on local chicken in Dodoma district, Tanzania
Full text linkPredation is one of the major challenges threatening chicken farmers, hindering the livelihood potentials in the poultry sector. We employed a cross-sectional design to assess the economic burden and strategies for overcoming predation by Indian House Crows (IHC) among farmers of indigenous chickens in Dodoma City, Tanzania. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 26, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The mean flock size was 24±5 chickens, kept mainly under a free-range system. Depredation of chickens by IHC was high (210 chickens, 35.8%) during the dry season, with chicks being largely affected (461 individuals, 78.7%) compared to other age groups. Factors influencing depredation included the free-range system, young age of chickens, diseases, the dry season, and large flock sizes. Farmers perceived chicken depredation by IHC as a burden that impoverished their livelihood efforts. The main prevention measures against IHC predation were locking chickens up and chasing and shouting at crows. This study recommends further research on effective mechanisms to control IHC in the district and other areas with high crow populations to ensure the sustainability of chicken production and the poultry sector at large
A Decision supporting algorithm for improving sunflower production amidst changing weather in the singida region, Tanzania
Full text linkRecent drastic weather shifts driven by global warming have adversely affected African agriculture, culminating in low crop yields. The purpose of this study is to design decision support algorithms (DSA) that will aid sunflower farmers in the Singida Region in managing the risks associated with weather variations and consequently improve crop yields. A total of 80 respondents, including meteorologists, agricultural extension officers (AEOs), and farmers with feature and smart phones, contributed to the study\u27s designed and empirical validation of the algorithm. The study designed and validated the DSA that assist sunflower growers in the Singida region in making informed decisions to improve productivity amidst adverse weather changes. As revealed, farmers who use both smartphones and feature phones are extremely satisfied with the DSA functions. The decision support algorithm designed in this study integrates smart and feature phone elements that were overlooked in comparable, prior systems and algorithms. Farmers that grow other crops that behave similarly to sunflower in areas with characteristics comparable to the Singida region will find the study\u27s designed and validated algorithm helpful. In order to assist sunflower farmers in making decisions, the DSA interprets and processes data on a predetermined set of daily activities. In order to advance the use of ICT applications in farming activities, the study\u27s findings took into consideration farmers who used feature phones with SMS-based notifications and those who used smartphones. The existing systems mostly concentrated on integrating web-based systems through mobile phones, which is dependent only on internet connectivity being available. Moreover, the use of web-based systems via mobile phones only results in restricted coverage and is out of reach for many farmers. Thus, the innovative element that emphasizes the study\u27s contribution to the field in Tanzania\u27s rural areas is the integration of feature and smart phone
First-principles investigations into the characteristic properties of corundum samples from the Arusha region
Full text linkUnderstanding the characteristic properties of corundum gemstone is essential for its use in gemstone treatment, as well as in various other industries. Corundum samples obtained from the Arusha mining region were analyzed for crystallographic data using XRD analysis. This crystallographic data is then utilized to construct the crystal structure of the samples in the Biovia Materials Studio modeling and simulation software. The electronic, optical, and elastic properties of the selected sample are explored using the plane wave approach within the framework of the first-principles density functional theory (DFT), implying the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) code with Generalized Gradient Approximations and the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof exchange-correlation functional. For the calculations, a sampling mesh of 6×6×2 k-points, with the cut-off energy of 600 eV, and the total energy convergence within 1.0 x 10-5 eV/atom is used. The band gap determined is 6.13 eV at the gamma point which is in concurrence with the previous values from the literature. The polarized optical properties of the structure were studied and visualized by plotting their directional dependencies. The reflectivity spectra exhibited isotropic behavior in the ultraviolet range with a maximum peak at 52.24 nm along [001], [010], and [100] directions. Also, the absorption peak is observed around 65.59 nm along [001], [010], and [100] directions. Pugh’s ratio suggests that the sample is deemed brittle with a ratio of 0.65 as G/B > 0.5. The calculated Poisson’s ratio is 0.23 indicating the dominant covalent bond. The results indicate that the investigated sample is a suitable insulator, brittle, and displays isotropic optical reflectivity
Waste glass powder as a partial replacement of binder in improving the performance of cemented paste backfill
Full text linkThis study investigates the potential of Waste Glass Powder (WGP) as a sustainable replacement material in Cemented Paste Backfill (CPB) for metal mining operations. The primary objective is to explore WGP\u27s capacity to reduce operational costs and environmental impacts associated with CPB, particularly by addressing the significant cement consumption that drives up costs. The research focuses on evaluating WGP as a cost-effective binder, examining its effects when partially replacing cement in CPB with three average particle sizes: 75 µm, 90 µm, and 125 µm. Laboratory tests were conducted on CPB samples incorporating varying WGP dosages of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by weight of cement. The performance of these samples was assessed through a series of tests, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), moisture content analysis, rheology testing, and mechanical testing. These tests aimed to evaluate the influence of WGP particle size on pozzolanic activity, compressive strength, and overall stability of the CPB. The results demonstrate that partial replacement of cement with WGP can significantly enhance CPB performance. Notably, the particle size of WGP plays a significant role in influencing pozzolanic activity, compressive strength, and mitigating expansion due to alkali-silica reactions (ASR). XRF analysis revealed a high silica content of approximately 76.4% in the WGP, further supporting its reactivity. For instance, at a 10% WGP dosage with a particle size of 125 µm and a curing age of 28 days, the compressive strength of CPB samples increased by an average of 13.8% compared to the reference sample. These findings highlight WGP\u27s potential as a sustainable and cost-effective binder material for CPB in mining operations
Effects of climate-smart alley cropping and conservation agriculture on selected soil physicochemical properties in Nyimba, Zambia
Full text linkClimate change significantly impacts the livelihoods and food security of millions of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its effects hinder agricultural production, decrease food availability, and threaten the economic stability of agriculture-dependent nations. In Zambia, where agriculture is the primary economic activity, especially in rural regions, climate change affects farm productivity by changing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, as well as the average and variability of weather conditions like temperature and rainfall patterns. In Zambia\u27s Nyimba District, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of climate-smart farming methods on soil quality in croplands owned by smallholder farmers. Conventional agriculture, ripping, conservation agriculture basins, and G. sepium alley cropping were among the practices evaluated. Thirty composite soil samples, to a depth of 0–30 cm, were collected using a systematic sampling approach from six different areas: basins, G. sepium alley cropping, conservation agriculture ripping, and two types of conventional agriculture (n = 6 each). Minitab Statistical Software version 17 was utilized to analyze the soil samples, calculating Tukey\u27s LSD, standard deviations, and mean values. As per the study findings, there were notable (p < 0.05) effects caused by G. sepium alley cropping, basins, and conservation agriculture ripping on various soil properties such as pH, bulk density, porosity, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, and exchangeable bases (sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium). Integrating climate-smart farming methods into agricultural systems can enhance soil fertility and contribute to the overall health of the agricultural landscape. These findings have significant implications for the development and implementation of Zambia\u27s climate-smart agriculture policies and for future research endeavours
Assessment of stakeholders\u27 knowledge, attitude, and practice in cattle production and supply chain on antimicrobial usage in Kilosa District, Morogoro
Full text linkAntimicrobial drugs play fundamental roles such as prophylaxis, treatment, and growth promotion in the animal husbandry. The inappropriate use of antimicrobials in livestock production has resulted in a global burden of antimicrobial residues and antimicrobial resistance in humans. The study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of stakeholders on the use of antimicrobial drugs in livestock production. A cross-sectional study based on a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted to determine the awareness of stakeholders (N = 310) on antimicrobial usage in Kilosa district, Tanzania. Stakeholders were selected using multi-stage stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Manny-Whitney U-test, and Spearman rank correlations. Results showed that most stakeholders had a low level of knowledge, with a mean score of 3.4±1.9, while livestock officers exhibited higher knowledge with a mean score of 6.7±0.5 compared to other stakeholders. Knowledge scores were significantly influenced by gender and education (p<0.05). Stakeholders generally demonstrated negative attitudes towards antimicrobial usage, with a mean score of 5.5±1.7, except for livestock officers and cattle keepers, who had positive attitudes of 8.7±0.7 and 9.4±2.0, respectively. Consumers and butchers showed negative attitudes, with scores of 6.1±1.4 and 4.0±1.3, respectively. Attitudes were significantly influenced by gender, age, and marital status (p<0.05). Poor practices were also revealed among stakeholders, with a mean score of 4.4±1.5, whereas livestock officers demonstrated good practices with a mean score of 16.0±1.4. Practice scores were significantly influenced by age, gender, and education (p<0.05). Significant associations between knowledge, attitude, and practice scores across stakeholder groups were found (p<0.05), with post hoc analysis confirming statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The majority of stakeholders exhibited low knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor practices regarding antimicrobial usage. Implement education programs to enhance stakeholder knowledge and practices
Development of a digital spring-based weight sensor for monitoring beehive weight
Full text linkThe major problem facing apiculture due to climate change and unpredictable honey harvesting seasons is low honey yield. The main cause of low honey harvests is uncertain harvesting, particularly when beekeepers delay harvesting honey or disturb the hive to determine when it is ripe to harvest. Beehive weight is monitored in modern apiculture to evaluate the bee colony\u27s health and the honey\u27s status, helping beekeepers harvest at the optimum time. However, in low-income communities where many beekeepers reside, strain gauge load cell-equipped smart beehives performing this purpose are out of reach due to their high cost which is 85,000 Tanzanian shillings (TZS) per unit. This study developed and evaluated a cost-effective (50,000 TZS per unit) and dependable solution, the Digital Spring-Based (DSB) weight sensor which can serve remote hive weight monitoring at a minimal cost compared to a strain gauge weight sensor. DSB weight sensor was devised by spring weight scale, a microcontroller, fixed resistors, and a sliding potentiometer (variable resistor). They underwent rigorous evaluation and demonstrated a quantitation range from 4 to 24 kg in the calibration graph with a linearity having adjusted R-square of 0.997 then tested to beehives and capable of monitoring the beehive weights. In the beginning, the hive weight was 7 kg and reached 21 kg when filled with ripe honey which is ready for harvest. These evaluated metrics are useful in validating the performance of DSB weight sensors in beehive weight monitoring as a key parameter to gauge honey harvesting time. Moreover, the developed DSB weight sensor seamlessly connects with communication modules, facilitating effortless remote weight monitoring