Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Biology

Institution
Keyword
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type

Articles 151 - 180 of 284

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Species Composition, Diversity And Distribution Of Vascular Epiphytes In The Kihansi Gorge Forest, Tanzania, Hashim Mangosongo, Martin Griffiths Aug 2019

Species Composition, Diversity And Distribution Of Vascular Epiphytes In The Kihansi Gorge Forest, Tanzania, Hashim Mangosongo, Martin Griffiths

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study aimed at assessing the species composition, diversity and distribution of vascular epiphytes in the Kihansi Gorge Forest. Epiphytes sampling was conducted in twenty sampling plots established in the strip of riverine forest within the Kihansi Gorge. All vascular epiphytes growing on trees (phorophytes) rooted in the plots were sampled using ground-based technique as the method of access to the tree canopies.  A total of 476 epiphyte individuals belonging to 20 species and 10 families were recorded in the study area. Among the twenty species recorded, Drynaria laurentii was the most abundant and most widely distributed in the study …


Morphological And Molecular Identification Of Pratylenchus Goodeyi Associated With Banana In Tanzania, Doreen Mgonja, Gladness Temu, Magreth Mziray, Beatrice Kashando, Ambilikile Mwenisongole, Minza Masunga, Sylvester Lyantagaye4, Nessie Luambano Aug 2019

Morphological And Molecular Identification Of Pratylenchus Goodeyi Associated With Banana In Tanzania, Doreen Mgonja, Gladness Temu, Magreth Mziray, Beatrice Kashando, Ambilikile Mwenisongole, Minza Masunga, Sylvester Lyantagaye4, Nessie Luambano

Tanzania Journal of Science

Banana (Musa sp. [L]) is an important staple food and cash crop for about 30 percent of the total population in Tanzania. Root lesion nematodes, particularly Pratylenchus goodeyi, are among the major pests affecting banana production in Tanzania. Morphological, morphometric and molecular approaches are required for accurate identification of nematodes. In this study, 80 P. goodeyi isolates from major banana growing areas in Tanzania were identified. Sequence analysis of part of the small subunit (SSU), large subunit (LSU) and internal transcribed spacers (ITS) regions of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) confirmed the identity of P. goodeyi. DNA sequences were analysed using Geneious …


Prediction Of Wind Power Density For Electricity Generation At Makambako, Tanzania Using Auto-Regression Integrated Moving Average (Arima) Model, Josam Samson, Reuben Kainkwa Aug 2019

Prediction Of Wind Power Density For Electricity Generation At Makambako, Tanzania Using Auto-Regression Integrated Moving Average (Arima) Model, Josam Samson, Reuben Kainkwa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Wind speed data used in this study were from Makambako and were recorded at a height of 10 m. In the analysis, the data were extrapolated to 80 m above ground level and wind speed from July to November were found to have an average value of 17.58 m/s. November was found to be the windiest month for the whole duration while the calm month was found to be March. The wind power density was found to be highest in the month of November for the whole study duration. The months of July to November have higher wind power density …


Agro-Morphological Characterization Of The Wild Rice (Oryza Longistaminata) Populations From Selected Areas Of Tanzania, Hashim M. Mangosongo, Herbert V. Lyaruu, Emmarold E. Mneney Mar 2019

Agro-Morphological Characterization Of The Wild Rice (Oryza Longistaminata) Populations From Selected Areas Of Tanzania, Hashim M. Mangosongo, Herbert V. Lyaruu, Emmarold E. Mneney

Tanzania Journal of Science

The study assessed the variations in ten agro-morphological characters among and within the wild rice (O. longistaminata) populations from four selected areas, namely Bagamoyo, Kibaha, Kilombero and Mbarali in Tanzania. The study was carried out through measurement of ten quantitative agro-morphological characters, based on morphological descriptors for wild and cultivated rice species developed by Bioversity International and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Measurement of morphological characters of O. longistaminata plants was done soon after heading. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the variations in quantitative characters between O. longistaminata populations from the four study areas. The results …


Cytotoxic And Antimicrobial Activities Of The Constituents Of Ten Plant Species From Tanzania, Joan J. E. Munissi Mar 2019

Cytotoxic And Antimicrobial Activities Of The Constituents Of Ten Plant Species From Tanzania, Joan J. E. Munissi

Tanzania Journal of Science

This paper reports on the antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activities of crude extracts from the plant species Clemaptosis scabiosifolia (Ranunculaceae), Diospyros mafiensis (Ebenaceae), Dolichos kilimandscharicus (Leguminosae), Gnidia kraussiana (Thymelaeaceae), Hugonia castaneifolia (Linaceae), Neorautanenia mitis (Pappilionaceae), Tagetes minuta (Asteraceae), Uvaria acuminata (Annonaceae), Vernonia amygdalina (Asteraceae) and Zanha africana (Sapindaceae). All crude extracts were screened for their cytotoxicities in the brine shrimp lethality test (BST). Fractions and pure compounds from Hugonia castaneifolia, Diospyros mafiensis and Uvaria acuminata were tested for their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities against ten microorganisms, namely Candida albicans, Bacillus anthracis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiela pneumoniae, Proteus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, …


Assessment Of Oyster Mushroom Production And Profitability In Harare Urban Andperiurban Areas (Ruwa), Zimbabwe, Memory Mutema, Kiswell Basira, Dexter Savadye, Wilson Parawira Mar 2019

Assessment Of Oyster Mushroom Production And Profitability In Harare Urban Andperiurban Areas (Ruwa), Zimbabwe, Memory Mutema, Kiswell Basira, Dexter Savadye, Wilson Parawira

Tanzania Journal of Science

The study is an evaluation of the profitability of oyster mushroom production by small scale producers in urban and peri-urban settings with particular attention on trends in production and revenue during the period of 2014–2017. The Net Present Value (NPV), Discount rate and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) were used to evaluate profitability. The average values of NPV, BCR and IRR for the year 2014–2017 were 13036.46, 15.75 and 141.42%, respectively. These values show that mushroom production has been very profitable during the period. Furthermore, production decreased between 2014 and 2015 before rising exponentially from …


Prevalence Of Zoonotic Parasites In Stray Dogs In Rural Communities, Tanzania, Winifrida Kidima Mar 2019

Prevalence Of Zoonotic Parasites In Stray Dogs In Rural Communities, Tanzania, Winifrida Kidima

Tanzania Journal of Science

The aim of this study was to identify and establish the baseline information on the prevalence of zoonotic parasites in stray dogs in Tanzania. A cross sectional study was conducted in Katavi, Arusha and Rukwa Regions in Tanzania. Intestinal parasites were analyzed from faecal samples collected from 364 dogs using modified sedimentation technique. Sixty-sixpercentage (66%) of the faecal samples were positive for gastrointestinal parasites while 7% had mixed infections, 27% were negative for the parasites. Higher proportions of the faecal samples were positive for gastrointestinal parasites in Arusha and Rukwa compared to Katavi (p< 0.0001). The prevalence of Ancylostomacaninum(49%) was higher compared to that of other parasites (p <0.0001). Prevalence of A. lumbricoideswas significantly higher compared to that of E. granulosusand S. stercoralis(p = 0.0046). There was a positive association between parasite positivity rates and collecting dog’s faecal samples near domestic animals (p < 0.00001). Parasite diversity was higher in stray dogs from Katavi and Arusha (p > 0.05). There was no association between …


Effects Of Selenized Dc Sputtered Precursor Stacking Orders On The Properties Of Cu2znsnse4 Absorber Layer For Thin Film Solar Cells, Hezekiah B Sawa, Margaret E Samiji, Nuru R Mlyuka Dec 2018

Effects Of Selenized Dc Sputtered Precursor Stacking Orders On The Properties Of Cu2znsnse4 Absorber Layer For Thin Film Solar Cells, Hezekiah B Sawa, Margaret E Samiji, Nuru R Mlyuka

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study investigated the effects of selenized DC sputtered precursor stacking orders on the structural, electrical and optical properties of copper zinc tin selenide (CZTSe) absorber layer for thin film solar cells. The precursors were deposited sequentially on the soda lime glass substrate at room temperature by DC magnetron sputtering. The precursors were selenized by annealing in an atmosphere containing selenium pellets and nitrogen gas. The structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties were respectively characterized using X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV/VIS/NIR lambda 9/19 spectrophotometer, Hall Effect measurement system (HMS 3000) and a four point probe system. CZTSe …


Effects Of Thickness Variation In The Multilayer Thin Film On The Performance Of Eta Solar Cell, Robinson J Musembi Dec 2018

Effects Of Thickness Variation In The Multilayer Thin Film On The Performance Of Eta Solar Cell, Robinson J Musembi

Tanzania Journal of Science

A highly structured eta solar cell of the type TiO2/In(OH)xSy/Pb(OH)xSy/PEDOT:PSS/Au with different layer thickness has been fabricated using various deposition techniques for each layer in the stack. The solar cell parameters, Uoc, FF and  have been extracted from current- voltage characteristics measurements. The buffer layer and the hole collector layer have been kept constant while the window and the absorber layer have been varied. The thickness of either of the two layers being varied has been observed to affect the performance of the solar cells. The difference in thickness has been attributed to affect the charge lifetime in the space …


Backpack Pcr: A Point-Of-Collection Diagnostic Platform For The Rapid Detection Of Brugia Parasites In Mosquitoes, Weam I. Zaky, Francesca R. Tomaino, Nils Pilotte, Sandra J. Laney, Steven A. Williams Nov 2018

Backpack Pcr: A Point-Of-Collection Diagnostic Platform For The Rapid Detection Of Brugia Parasites In Mosquitoes, Weam I. Zaky, Francesca R. Tomaino, Nils Pilotte, Sandra J. Laney, Steven A. Williams

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


Breath Biomarkers And An Expanded Role For Isoprenoids In Plasmodium Falciparum, Chad Louis Schaber Aug 2018

Breath Biomarkers And An Expanded Role For Isoprenoids In Plasmodium Falciparum, Chad Louis Schaber

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Malaria remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, and efforts to combat it require novel insights into diagnostics, vector transmission, and drug inhibitor targets. Previous studies suggest that malaria infection causes hosts to preferentially attract the transmission vector, the Anopheles mosquito, but the mechanism and wider implication of these findings were not known. By analyzing the headspace above malaria parasite cultures, we identified several molecules that might engender mosquito attraction. We demonstrated that several of these molecules activate mosquito odorant receptors, including the known plant-emitted mosquito attractant _-pinene. During patient studies involving two independent pediatric clinical populations from Malawi, …


In Silico Pharmacokinetic And Molecular Docking Studies Of N-Cinnamoyltetraketide Derivatives As Inhibitors Of Cyclooxygenase-2 Enzyme, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Daniel M. Shadrack, Joan J. E. Munissi, Egid B. Mubofu Jul 2018

In Silico Pharmacokinetic And Molecular Docking Studies Of N-Cinnamoyltetraketide Derivatives As Inhibitors Of Cyclooxygenase-2 Enzyme, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Daniel M. Shadrack, Joan J. E. Munissi, Egid B. Mubofu

Tanzania Journal of Science

Recent phytochemical analysis of Toussaintia orientalis leaves yielded series of novel bioactive N-cinnamoyltetraketide derivatives namely toussaintines A-G (t_1 - t_8) some portraying cytotoxicity against the triple negative aggressive human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) among other potencies. Despite having broad bioactivity spectrum, their general drug-likeness profiles and mode of action (simulated or actual) targeting any enzyme remains uninvestigated. In silico pharmacokinetic, drug-likeness descriptors and molecular docking of the compounds t_1-t_8 targeting inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme were evaluated. The Lipinski Rule of Five heralded the pharmacokinetic properties of the studied metabolites. The studied compounds were docked with COX-2 following already …


Bioactivities Of Extracts, Debromolaurinterol And Fucosterol From Macroalgae Species, Sartaz Begum, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Amelia S. Buriyo, John J. Makangara, Joan J. E. Munissi, Sandra Duffy, Vicky M. Avery, Mate Erdelyi Jul 2018

Bioactivities Of Extracts, Debromolaurinterol And Fucosterol From Macroalgae Species, Sartaz Begum, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Amelia S. Buriyo, John J. Makangara, Joan J. E. Munissi, Sandra Duffy, Vicky M. Avery, Mate Erdelyi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Parasitic diseases including malaria, and other numerous microbial infections and physiological diseases are threatening the global population. Tanzanian coast shores are endowed with a variety of macroalgae (seaweeds), hitherto unsystematically explored to establish their biomedical potentials. Thus, antiplasmodial activity using malarial imaging assay, antimicrobial activity using microplate dilution technique, antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging method and cytotoxicity using brine shrimp test were carried out on crude extracts from the selected species of algae (Acanthophora spicifera, Cystoseira myrica, Cystoseira trinodis, Laurencia filiformis, Padina boryana, Sargassum oligocystum, Turbinaria crateriformis, Ulva fasciata and Ulva reticulata) occurring along the coast of Tanzania. The …


In Silico Pharmacokinetic And Molecular Docking Studies Of N-Cinnamoyltetraketide Derivatives As Inhibitors Of Cyclooxygenase-2 Enzyme, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Daniel M. Shadrack, Joan J. E. Munissi, Egid B. Mubofu Jul 2018

In Silico Pharmacokinetic And Molecular Docking Studies Of N-Cinnamoyltetraketide Derivatives As Inhibitors Of Cyclooxygenase-2 Enzyme, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Daniel M. Shadrack, Joan J. E. Munissi, Egid B. Mubofu

Tanzania Journal of Science

Recent phytochemical analysis of Toussaintia orientalis leaves yielded series of novel bioactive N-cinnamoyltetraketide derivatives namely toussaintines A-G (t_1 - t_8) some portraying cytotoxicity against the triple negative aggressive human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) among other potencies. Despite having broad bioactivity spectrum, their general drug-likeness profiles and mode of action (simulated or actual) targeting any enzyme remains uninvestigated. In silico pharmacokinetic, drug-likeness descriptors and molecular docking of the compounds t_1-t_8 targeting inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme were evaluated. The Lipinski Rule of Five heralded the pharmacokinetic properties of the studied metabolites. The studied compounds were docked with COX-2 following already …


In Vivo Antimycobacterial Studies Of Toussaintine A-Chitosan Nanocomposites, Edward Rwegasila, Joan J.E. Munissi, Egid B. Mubofu, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Paul Erasto Jul 2018

In Vivo Antimycobacterial Studies Of Toussaintine A-Chitosan Nanocomposites, Edward Rwegasila, Joan J.E. Munissi, Egid B. Mubofu, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Paul Erasto

Tanzania Journal of Science

Chitosan (CS, molecular weight (MW) 20.2 kDA, stability of 210 °C and degree of deacetylation (DD) 73.31%) was obtained by deacetylation of chitin extracted from shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) shell wastes. The encapsulation of the studied bioactive natural product, toussaintine A (TA) isolated from the leaves of Toussaintia orientalis, on a chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) nanoformulation was attained through ionotropic gelation. Characterization of pure CS, CS/TPP and TA-CS/TPP nanocomposites was carried out by FTIR and SEM. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of the TA were 69.33 and 0.46%, respectively. The in vitro release kinetics established an initial release of 27% of TA …


In Vivo Antimycobacterial Studies Of Toussaintine A-Chitosan Nanocomposites, Edward Rwegasila, Joan J.E. Munissi, Egid B. Mubofu, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Paul Erasto Jul 2018

In Vivo Antimycobacterial Studies Of Toussaintine A-Chitosan Nanocomposites, Edward Rwegasila, Joan J.E. Munissi, Egid B. Mubofu, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Paul Erasto

Tanzania Journal of Science

Chitosan (CS, molecular weight (MW) 20.2 kDA, stability of 210 °C and degree of deacetylation (DD) 73.31%) was obtained by deacetylation of chitin extracted from shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) shell wastes. The encapsulation of the studied bioactive natural product, toussaintine A (TA) isolated from the leaves of Toussaintia orientalis, on a chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) nanoformulation was attained through ionotropic gelation. Characterization of pure CS, CS/TPP and TA-CS/TPP nanocomposites was carried out by FTIR and SEM. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of the TA were 69.33 and 0.46%, respectively. The in vitro release kinetics established an initial release of 27% of TA …


Inventory Of The Genus Craterellus Persoon From Kigoma Region, Tanzania, Donatha D Tibuhwa May 2018

Inventory Of The Genus Craterellus Persoon From Kigoma Region, Tanzania, Donatha D Tibuhwa

Tanzania Journal of Science

There is scanty knowledge on macro fungi diversity in Kigoma region. Bioprospecting survey was undertaken in Miombo woodlands, Kigoma region of Tanzania that has never been explored. The survey sought to conduct an inventory of Craterellus Persoon. Conventional taxonomic techniques were used during the survey to characterize the collected materials. Both macro and micro morphological features including basidiocarp size, colour, shape, spore size and print colour were examined. High diversity of reputed macrofungi was observed. This study presents a preliminary inventory of the genus Craterellus Persoon in the country. Three species were described; two namely Craterellus cornucopioides (Linnaeus) Persoon and …


The Influence Of Agricultural Activities On The Diversity Of Rodents In Kindoroko Forest Reserve And Surrounding Areas, North Pare Mountains, Tanzania, Remmy Lema, Flora J Magige May 2018

The Influence Of Agricultural Activities On The Diversity Of Rodents In Kindoroko Forest Reserve And Surrounding Areas, North Pare Mountains, Tanzania, Remmy Lema, Flora J Magige

Tanzania Journal of Science

The patterns of richness, diversity and similarity in rodent communities in agricultural areas and in adjacent Kindoroko Forest Reserve in the North Pare Mountains, Tanzania were assessed. By using a capture-mark-recapture method, 289 individuals of nine rodent species in March and May 2011 were captured. Seven species were recorded in agricultural area and 5 species in the Forest Reserve. Multimammate Rat (Mastomys natalensis) was abundant in agricultural area while soft-furred mouse (Praomys delectorum) was dominant in the Forest Reserve. Species diversity was greater outside than inside the forest, supporting results of earlier studies. Species similarity between the two habitats was …


Distribution Patterns Of Gastrointestinal Parasites In Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus Pygerythrus) At Gombe National Park, Tanzania, Jared S. Bakuza May 2018

Distribution Patterns Of Gastrointestinal Parasites In Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus Pygerythrus) At Gombe National Park, Tanzania, Jared S. Bakuza

Tanzania Journal of Science

Vervet monkeys at Gombe National Park in western Tanzania constitute a key component of the park’s ecosystem through interactions with other animals and people in the area. However, the parasite fauna of these animals has not been investigated. Thus, 21 faecal samples obtained from the animals in September 2010 were examined for parasites using formol-ethyl technique. The parasites observed included Trichuris spp., Physaloptera spp., hookworms and unidentified nematodes. While egg counts for unidentified nematodes did not vary with vervet monkey communities (z = 0.759, p = 0.448), other parasites were significantly higher among vervets at north of the park near …


In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity Of Extracts Of Some Plant Species Used In The Management Of Hiv/Aids In Tanzania, Cyprian Beda Mpinda, Debra Meyer, Sylvester Leonard Lyantagaye May 2018

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity Of Extracts Of Some Plant Species Used In The Management Of Hiv/Aids In Tanzania, Cyprian Beda Mpinda, Debra Meyer, Sylvester Leonard Lyantagaye

Tanzania Journal of Science

Six plants species (Harungana madagascariensis, Sapium ellipticum, Teclea nobilis, Pseudospondias microcarpa, Rauvolfia vomitoria and Psorospermum febrifugum) which are used in managing HIV/AIDS in Bukoba, Tanzania were screened for their antimicrobial effect on the selected representatives of infectious bacterial and fungal species. Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus lactis, Gram-negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and a fungus Candida albicans were tested for their sensitivity to the treatment with selected plants extracts using disc diffusion and broth dilution techniques. Extracts of S. ellipticum, P. febrifegum and P. microcarpa demonstrated growth inhibition of S. lactis with the MIC ranging from 3.2 to 100 mg/ml. The extracts of …


Diet Composition Of The Golden Jackal (Canis Aureus) In The Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, Se Temu, Cuthbert L Nahonyo, Pd Moehlman May 2018

Diet Composition Of The Golden Jackal (Canis Aureus) In The Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, Se Temu, Cuthbert L Nahonyo, Pd Moehlman

Tanzania Journal of Science

The Ngorongoro crater is known for having the highest density of carnivores in the world. In the past, most of the research focused on large carnivores such as lions and spotted hyenas. Medium sized carnivores such as jackals have received very little attention and the information on these carnivores including their diet composition is limited. Diet composition of golden jackal(Canis aureus) was studied in the Ngorongoro crater from July 2014 to May 2015 covering both dry and wet seasons using focal animal observation (direct method) and  collection (and analysis) of faecal/scat samples from known individuals in the field (indirect method). …


The Plant Species Composition, Diversity And Natural Regeneration Of Indigenous Trees In The Disturbed Ruvu South Forest Reserve, Tanzania, Cosmas Mligo Apr 2018

The Plant Species Composition, Diversity And Natural Regeneration Of Indigenous Trees In The Disturbed Ruvu South Forest Reserve, Tanzania, Cosmas Mligo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Ruvu Forest Reserve is among coastal forests in Tanzania that has been impacted by the increased anthropogenic activities. It was determined the plant species composition, diversity and indigenous trees regeneration growth size structure in the degraded Ruvu South Forest. Transect method was used to collect data that were treated using t-test. A total of 110 plant species distributed among 38 families were recorded such that Holarrhena pubescens, Hymenocardia ulmoides, Millettia micans, Ochna mossambicensis, Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia and Strychnos madagascariensis were the most common trees in moderately disturbed site, whereas Albizia versicolor, Pteleopsis myrtifolia, Pterocarpus angolensis, Antiaris toxicaria, Diplorhynchus condylocarpon and Terminalia …


Rna-Seq Of Kaposi's Sarcoma Reveals Alterations In Glucose And Lipid Metabolism, For Yue Tso, Andrew V. Kossenkov, Salum J. Lidenge, Owen Ngalamika, John R. Ngowi, Julius Mwaiselage, Jayamanna Wickramasinghe, Eun Hee Kwon, John T. West, Paul M. Lieberman, Charles Wood Jan 2018

Rna-Seq Of Kaposi's Sarcoma Reveals Alterations In Glucose And Lipid Metabolism, For Yue Tso, Andrew V. Kossenkov, Salum J. Lidenge, Owen Ngalamika, John R. Ngowi, Julius Mwaiselage, Jayamanna Wickramasinghe, Eun Hee Kwon, John T. West, Paul M. Lieberman, Charles Wood

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). It is endemic in a number of sub-Saharan African countries with infection rate of >50%. The high prevalence of HIV-1 coupled with late presentation of advanced cancer staging make KS the leading cancer in the region with poor prognosis and high mortality. Disease markers and cellular functions associated with KS tumorigenesis remain ill-defined. Several studies have attempted to investigate changes of the gene profile with in vitro infection of monoculture models, which are not likely to reflect the cellular complexity of the in vivo lesion environment. Our approach …


Effect Of Habitat Fragmentation On Diversity And Abundance Of Nesting Birds In An Urban Landscape: The Case Of Mwalimu Nyerere Campus Thickets, University Of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, John Shirima, Chacha Werema Dec 2017

Effect Of Habitat Fragmentation On Diversity And Abundance Of Nesting Birds In An Urban Landscape: The Case Of Mwalimu Nyerere Campus Thickets, University Of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, John Shirima, Chacha Werema

Tanzania Journal of Science

Little is known of the nesting bird species in most of urban areas of East Africa. An investigation was made of the occurrence of breeding bird species in the fragmented thickets found in the Mwalimu Nyerere Campus of the University of Dar es Salaam, in the City of Dar es Salaam. The study examined how habitat fragmentation affects nesting bird species richness and diversity in the thickets. Systematic physical nest searches of breeding birds were conducted in the fragmented thickets. Searches were conducted in transects and they included inspecting vegetation, bare ground, cavities, stream (river) banks and other suitable nesting …


Design Of A Small Scale Wind Generator For Low Wind Speed Areas, Ra Msuya, Rrm Kainkwa, Mi Mgwatu Dec 2017

Design Of A Small Scale Wind Generator For Low Wind Speed Areas, Ra Msuya, Rrm Kainkwa, Mi Mgwatu

Tanzania Journal of Science

Most small scale level wind turbine generators are directly driven system, variable speed, and partially connected power electronic converter system. Choice of such system is to avoid costs associated with gearbox. However, due to low wind speed in most of the tropical countries, synchronous generators with smaller or medium speed Permanent Magnet (PM) generator design found to be important and given high performance efficiency. In order to be able to harvest wind energy in off-grid population efficiently, there was a need to design a synchronous generator that can be able to operate under low wind speed, directly connected to the …


Cytotoxicity, Antimicrobial And Antioxidant Activities Of Boletus Bicolor, A Basidiomycetes Mushroom Indigenous To Tanzania, Donatha Tibuhwa Dec 2017

Cytotoxicity, Antimicrobial And Antioxidant Activities Of Boletus Bicolor, A Basidiomycetes Mushroom Indigenous To Tanzania, Donatha Tibuhwa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Boletus bicolor commonly known as coloured bolete is a basidiomyctes mushroom species widely used as a delicacy and its extract has been used traditionally to treat several human ailments in Tanzania. This study evaluates its extracts in order to provide a scientific foundation on the possible application in folk medicine system based on the biochemical evaluation. Standard microbes Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans were used to test, the antifungal and antibacterial activity.  Cytotoxicity test was also done on the extracts using brine shrimp test. Besides, the extracts were also used to investigate for antioxidant activity using DPPH  (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical). …


A Comparative Study Of Species Diversity Of Migrant Birds Between Protected And Unprotected Areas Of The Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, Nigeria, As Ringim, Fj Magige, Rm Jasson Dec 2017

A Comparative Study Of Species Diversity Of Migrant Birds Between Protected And Unprotected Areas Of The Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, Nigeria, As Ringim, Fj Magige, Rm Jasson

Tanzania Journal of Science

Among the most complex and fascinating behaviour in birds is their long, non-stop migration. Despite Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands (Ramsar site) being an important wintering ground for migratory birds, little is known about the diversity while density is completely lacking. This study assessed the status of migratory birds in the wetland’s Protected Areas (PAs) and Unprotected Areas (UPAs). A total of 99 census points spaced 400 m apart with radius of 100 m were surveyed from 14 wetlands (48 point count stations in the PAs and 51 in the UPAs). A total of 54 migrant bird species belonging to 13 orders and …


Conservation Efforts Of Kihansi Spray Toad Nectophrynoides Asperginis: Its Discovery, Captive Breeding, Extinction In The Wild And Re-Introduction, Cuthbert Nahonyo, Ezekiel Goboro, Wilirk Ngalason, Severinus Mutagwaba, Ichard Ugomba, Mohammed Nassoro, Emmanuel Nkombe Dec 2017

Conservation Efforts Of Kihansi Spray Toad Nectophrynoides Asperginis: Its Discovery, Captive Breeding, Extinction In The Wild And Re-Introduction, Cuthbert Nahonyo, Ezekiel Goboro, Wilirk Ngalason, Severinus Mutagwaba, Ichard Ugomba, Mohammed Nassoro, Emmanuel Nkombe

Tanzania Journal of Science

Species conservation depends on the initiatives to restore or retain and sustainably use the environment in which the species live. This paper highlights how development projects can affect biodiversity conservation and the challenges in achieving sustainable development. The paper discusses a case study of the Kihansi Spray Toad (KST) (Nectophrynoides asperginis) from its discovery, extinction in the wild, captive breeding and subsequent reintroduction to its native habitat; focusing on events, challenges, approaches in addressing issues, future prospects and achievements in the conservation of this endemic species. There has been considerable success in KST husbandry in captivity and reintroduction trials of …


Effect Of Natural Blue-Green Algal Cells Lysis On Freshwater Quality, Kessy Kilulya, Titus Msagati, Bhekie Mamba Dec 2017

Effect Of Natural Blue-Green Algal Cells Lysis On Freshwater Quality, Kessy Kilulya, Titus Msagati, Bhekie Mamba

Tanzania Journal of Science

Blue-green algae grow in freshwater bodies when they are provided with suitable factors such as nutrients and appropriate weather conditions. Their cell lysis occurs naturally when they encounter unfavourable conditions.  This study reports on the types and amounts of fatty acids added into freshwater due to the algal cell lysis. The investigation on the amount of fatty acids released into water due to algal cells lysis was performed by placing samples in two compartments, one with no light allowing the algae cells to die while the other compartment was kept in favourable conditions enough to sustain the life of algae. …


Animals And Their Epibiota As Net Autotrophs: Size Scaling Of Epibiotic Metabolism On Snail Shells, Nicole Lukens, Benjamin Kraemer, Vanessa Constant, Ellen J. Hamann, Ellinor Michel, Anne M. Socci, Yvonne Vadeboncoeur, Peter B. Mcintyre Jun 2017

Animals And Their Epibiota As Net Autotrophs: Size Scaling Of Epibiotic Metabolism On Snail Shells, Nicole Lukens, Benjamin Kraemer, Vanessa Constant, Ellen J. Hamann, Ellinor Michel, Anne M. Socci, Yvonne Vadeboncoeur, Peter B. Mcintyre

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Animals are heterotrophic by definition, but species from many taxonomic groups are hosts to epibiota that may alter their net metabolism. We tested the degree to which snail-shell epibiota can generate net ecosystem productivity for snails and their epibiota (snail–epibiota ecosystems; SEEs) after accounting for snail respiration. We focused on 3 species from the Lavigeria snail assemblage in Africa’s Lake Tanganyika and quantified the scaling of SEE metabolism with shell size under light and dark conditions. The metabolism of snails and their epibiota shifted significantly across the size gradient. SEEs of large snails (>20 mm) were consistently autotrophic during …