Digital Commons Network^™

Antibody Profiling And Predictive Modeling Discriminate Between Kaposi Sarcoma And Asymptomatic Kshv Infection, Sydney J. Bennett, Dicle Yalcin, Sara R. Privatt, Owen Ngalamika, Salum J. Lidenge, John T. West, Charles Wood

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Protein-level immunodominance patterns against Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the aetiologic agent of Kaposi sarcoma (KS), have been revealed from serological probing of whole protein arrays, however, the epitopes that underlie these patterns have not been defined. We recently demonstrated the utility of phage display in high-resolution linear epitope mapping of the KSHV latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA/ORF73). Here, a VirScan phage immunoprecipitation and sequencing approach, employing a library of 1,988 KSHV proteome-derived peptides, was used to quantify the breadth and magnitude of responses of 59 sub-Saharan African KS patients and 22 KSHV-infected asymptomatic individuals (ASY), and ultimately to support an application …

Molecular Characterisation Of Traditional Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale L.) Populations From Nachingwea And Newala Districts In Tanzania, Hussein R. Chiumbi, Hashim M. Mangosongo

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study assessed the genetic diversity of 120 selected cashew plants from Nachingwea and Newala traditional cashew populations, comprising of 60 cashew plants from each population. Eight Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) makers were used to ascertain the extent of genetic variation within and between the two traditional cashew populations. Genomic DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were performed using standard protocols. The results showed that all SSR markers were polymorphic. Average Polymorphic Information Content (PIC), heterozygosity, number of alleles per locus, allelic frequency and Shannon’s Index were 0.540, 0.721, 3.391, 0.666 and 0.649, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance results …

Microbial Quality Of Fresh Juices Sold By Street Vendors And Associated Human Health Risks: The Case Of Ilala Ward, Dar Es Salaam City, Tanzania, Juliana I. Rubaratuka, Godwill D. Mrema, Thomas J. Lyimo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Microbial food quality serves to indicate health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated foods. This study aimed to determine the microbial quality of fresh juices and the level of awareness and perception of the consumers and juice vendors at Ilala Ward, Dar es Salaam. Fresh samples of sugarcane, mango and mixed fruit juices were collected from four different sampling stations and analysed using standard methods for Total Coliform (TC), Faecal Coliform (FC) and Total Viable Count (TVC). The level of awareness and perception of 60 juice vendors and 60 consumers were also assessed by using questionnaires. The results showed …

Population Genetic Structure And Demographic History Of Opsaridium Microcephulum Along Lake Nyasa, Alex Nehemia, Alinanuswe J. Mwakalesi

Tanzania Journal of Science

The Sanjika, Opsaridium microcephalum is among the fish species that serve as a major source of proteins and income to people along Lake Nyasa. However, the information on its genetic diversity and structure particularly in the Tanzania part of the Lake is limited. Therefore, the assessment of the genetic diversity and structure of O.microcephalum along the Lake Nyasa part of Tanzania was conducted in the current study using a fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene from 92 individuals of O. microcephalum. The findings showed that an average haplotype diversity and average nucleotide diversity were 0.8065 ± 0.0314 and 0.002380 ± …

Heavy Metals Analysis And Physicochemical Characterization Of Groundwater At A Battery Recycling Site In South-Western Nigeria, Adeniyi T. Adeleke, Rasaki K. Odunaike, Shamsideen K. Alausa, Idris O. Olayiwola, Adetoro T. Talabi, Qasim A. Adeniji, Adejumobi C. Adeniyi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Indiscriminate dumping of battery waste is a huge issue that endangers human health and the environment. This study aimed at analysing the health impacts of exposure to pollution from spent battery recycling in Ogun State, which houses a diverse range of battery recycling industries. At this study site, forty water samples were studied over the Wet and Dry seasons to assess the impact of battery recycling waste on groundwater. Except for the TSS, the physiochemical parameters of the groundwater vary with season and are within the permissible limits. The electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, Phosphorus, Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Dissolve oxygen …

Evaluation Of The Modulatory Effects Of Capsicum Chinensis Methanol Extract In Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Neuropathic Pain In Mice, Babatunde A. Alabi, Adeyinka Aderonmu, Sodiq K. Lawal, Okot-Asi T. Nku-Ekpang, Mayowa Ajayi, Olugbenga E. Iwalewa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Diabetes is one of the common causes of neuropathic pain. The first-line treatment drugs used in alleviating neuropathic pain can cause adverse effects. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the analgesic property of Capsicum chinensis, since the plant was reported to be used against chronic pain in traditional medicine. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes was adopted to model neuropathy in mice and the antihyperalgesic effect of the extract was evaluated using a hot plate test, cold allodynia test, and Randall- Selitto paw pressure test. The plasma level of pain-associated inflammatory biomarkers like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tissue necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) was …

Woody Plant Assemblages Of Recently Declared Village Land Forest Reserve In The Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot, Samora Macrice Andrew

Tanzania Journal of Science

Understanding of species composition of village land forest reserves and their driving factors informs adequate development of effective restoration strategies and sustainable forest management of miombo woodlands. This study assessed the effects of human disturbance as well as environmental variables on woody plant species composition using 24 square plots of 10 x 10 m in a recently declared village land forest reserve in the Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot of Tanzania. Ordination analysis technique canonical correspondence analysis was used to identify important vegetation gradients and significant factors that explain the spatial variation in species composition of woody plants. Results showed that, …

Woody Species Composition, Structure, Regeneration Status And Carbon Storage Of Mkulazi Forest Reserve In Tanzania, Ezekiel E. Mwakalukwa, Christoganus John, Paulo J. Lyimo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Little is known about the status of forest condition and carbon storage potential of Mkulazi forest reserve (MFR) located in Morogoro District, Tanzania. This study was conducted to assess i) woody species composition, richness and diversity, ii) stand structure, iii) regeneration status and iv) carbon storage. Data collection for vegetation involved establishment of 100 concentric circular sample plots in the forest area of 65,710 ha. A total of 54 plant species for trees and shrubs with DBH ≥ 5 cm that belongs to 20 plant families were identified. The diversity of woody species was high (H’ = 3.11), while Stem …

Gene Flow Between The Wild Rice Species (Oryza Longistaminata) And Two Varieties Of Cultivated Rice (Oryza Sativa) In Kilombero District, Tanzania, Hashim M. Mangosongo, Emmarold E. Mneney, Bramwel Wanjala

Tanzania Journal of Science

The direction and rate of gene flow between the perennial wild rice species, O. longistaminata and cultivated rice, O. sativa was investigated using nine Microsatellite (SSR) markers. The study involved characterization of parental lines of two cultivated rice varieties and O. longistaminata and their F1 progenies. Presence of crop-specific alleles in the wild species or vice-versa was used as an indicator of occurrence of gene flow between the two species. The study revealed that gene flow between O. longistaminata and each of the two varieties of O. sativa occurs naturally. The direction of gene flow was mainly from the cultivated …

Potential Of Endophytic Fungal Isolates In Improving Productivity And Postharvest Marketable Fruit Qualities Of Tomato, Gabriel Michael, Emmanuel M. Sangu

Tanzania Journal of Science

In Tanzania, low tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) yield and postharvest marketable fruit qualities remain significant limitations for tomato grower’s profit. Seven endophytic fungal isolates from pyrethrum and Lemongrass leaf and or flowers were evaluated to promote tomato productivity and fruit qualities. The isolates were inoculated by priming the seeds in spore suspension, and the variations in the number of germinated seeds, seedling vigour, yield and fruit qualities were compared across the treatments. It was observed that only three isolates induced more than 50% seed germination. Epf1 and Epl1 isolates showed significant promotion of seed germination (F 0.05 (pdf, 23) = 8.121 …

Potential Of Endophytic Fungal Isolates In Improving Productivity And Postharvest Marketable Fruit Qualities Of Tomato, Gabriel Michael, Emmanuel M. Sangu

Tanzania Journal of Science

In Tanzania, low tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) yield and postharvest marketable fruit qualities remain significant limitations for tomato grower’s profit. Seven endophytic fungal isolates from pyrethrum and Lemongrass leaf and or flowers were evaluated to promote tomato productivity and fruit qualities. The isolates were inoculated by priming the seeds in spore suspension, and the variations in the number of germinated seeds, seedling vigour, yield and fruit qualities were compared across the treatments. It was observed that only three isolates induced more than 50% seed germination. Epf1 and Epl1 isolates showed significant promotion of seed germination (F 0.05 (pdf, 23) = 8.121 …

Synthesis Of Template-Free Flower-Like Zno Nanorods Using A Simple Chemical Bath Technique, Benard S. Mwankemwa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Flower-like ZnO nanorods were successfully synthesised using a template-free, low-temperature chemical bath deposition method. The effects of growth time on the structural, morphological, and vibrational properties of flower-like zinc oxide were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the crystallite size and density of flower-like ZnO nanorods increased with increasing growth time. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the existence of specific Raman modes that correspond to the wurtzite structure of ZnO. In addition, Raman measurements revealed that increased growth time increases the Raman modes intensity of the flower-like ZnO nanorods. Moreover, the measurements of the Au/ZnO nanorods/FTO Schottky …

Hpv Vaccination In Africa In The Covid-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Healthcare Providers' Knowledge, Training, And Recommendation Practices, Joel Fokom Domgue, Issimouha Dille, Sharon Kapambwe, Robert Yu, Freddy Gnangnon, Lameck Chinula, Gad Murenzi, Nomonde Mbatani, Mala Pande, Fatoumata Sidibe, Joseph Kamgno, Bangaly Traore, Hicham El Fazazi, Mamadou Diop, Pierre-Marie Tebeu, Mohenou Isidore Diomande, Fabrice Lecuru, Isaac Adewole, Marie Plante, Partha Basu, Jean-Marie Dangou, Sanjay Shete

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

INTRODUCTION: Although the burden of cervical cancer in Africa is highest, HPV vaccination coverage remains alarmingly low in this region. Providers' knowledge and recommendation are key drivers of HPV vaccination uptake. Yet, evidence about providers' knowledge and recommendation practices about the HPV vaccine against a backdrop of emerging vaccine hesitancy fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic is lacking in Africa.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021-2022 among healthcare providers involved in cervical cancer prevention activities in Africa. They were invited to report prior training, the availability of the HPV vaccine in their practice, whether they recommended the HPV vaccine, …

Impact Of Traffic Congestion On Transportation System: Challenges And Remediations - A Review, Hamdy B. Faheem, Amira M. El Shorbagy, Mohamed Elsayed Gabr

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Traffic congestion is a growing problem in urban transportation networks around the world, having major consequences for the economy and the environment. As metropolitan populations rise and more people rely on autos for mobility, traffic congestion is becoming more common and severe. This review paper presents an overview of the economic and environmental issues caused by traffic congestion in urban areas, as well as proposed ways to reduce its negative effects. It discusses potential traditional transportation solutions such as traffic management infrastructure development, improving public transportation, and intelligent transportation solutions to address traffic congestion problems such as smart parking systems, …

Suledo Community-Based Forest Reserve: A Contested Terrain Between Peasants And Pastoralists In Kiteto District, 1990–2016, Juma Marmo

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This paper examines how the establishment of the SULEDO community forest reserve caused land use conflicts between peasants and pastoralists in Kiteto District from 1990 to 2016. The peasants complained that the government had deliberately made it possible for pastoralists to get more benefits from the reserve since they were allowed to graze their livestock in the reserve, which took large parts of their former agricultural land. Conversely, the grabbing of land by peasants in the forest reserve caused complaints from the pastoralists who claimed that the peasants were grabbing their grazing land in the reserve. Using archival sources, fieldwork …

The Role Of Cooperatives And Farmer-Industry Linkages In The Evolution Of Tanga’S Dairy Innovation System, Hezron Makundi, Heric Thomas

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This study investigated the development of Tanga’s dairy innovation system and its role in promoting and maintaining relationships between farmers, the industry, and cooperative unions; employing a case study approach. The main objective was to assess the role of cooperatives in forging farmer-industry linkages and in improving dairy industry innovations. 100 dairy producers in Tanga participated in the survey that led to the paper. A questionnaire was used to collect data from randomly selected farmers. Furthermore, 20 key informant interviews were conducted with various participants, including the Tanga Dairy Cooperative Union livestock extension service providers. Also, one Focus Group Discussion …

Effects Of Sewage Sludge Treatments On Plant Nutrients, Heavy Metals And Tall Fescue(Festuca Arundinacea Schreb.), Ali̇ Riza Ongun, Mahmut Tepeci̇k, Hüseyi̇n Hüsnü Kayikçioğlu, Sezai̇ Deli̇bacak, Tanay Bi̇ri̇şçi̇, Erden Aktaş, Ayşe Kalayci Önaç, Gökhan Balik

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of anaerobically stabilized sewage sludge (SS) converted into 90% dryness granules at different doses of control, 3% SS, 6% SS, and 9% SS on elemental composition of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and physicochemical properties of soil. Color measurements were made with the CIE L* a* b* method unit; the highest color (4.10) and the highest coating score (5.7) were calculated for the 6% SS treatment. The highest biomass (9.11 g) was obtained from the 3% SS and the lowest (7.67 g) from the 9% SS dose. Plant height measurements were listed as follows: …

A Global Faostat Reference Database Of Cropland Nutrient Budgets And Nutrient Use Efficiency (1961–2020): Nitrogen, Phosphorus And Potassium, Cameron I. Ludemann, Nathan Wanner, Pauline Chivenge, Achim Dobermann, Rasmus Einarsson, Patricio Grassini, Armelle Gruere, Kevin Jackson, Luis Lassaletta, Federico Maggi, Griffiths Obli-Laryea, Martin K. Van Ittersum, Srishti Vishwakarma, Xin Zhang, Francesco N. Tubiello

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Nutrient budgets help to identify the excess or insufficient use of fertilizers and other nutrient sources in agriculture. They allow for the calculation of indicators, such as the nutrient balance (surplus if positive or deficit if negative) and nutrient use efficiency, that help to monitor agricultural productivity and sustainability across the world. We present a global database of country-level budget estimates for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) on cropland. The database, disseminated in FAOSTAT, is meant to provide a global reference, synthesizing and continuously updating the state of the art on this topic. The database covers 205 countries …

A Computational Study On The Impact Of Anchoring Groups On The Optical And Electronic Properties Of Triphenylamine-Based Dyes For Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications, Geradius Deogratias, Grace Kinunda

Tanzania Journal of Science

Anchoring groups are crucial for enhancing the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). For instance, cyanoacrylic acid serves as the primary anchoring group in DSSC due to its crucial elements required for effective electron transport. However, it suffers from degradation. To address this limitation, this study proposes alternative cyano-based anchoring groups for sensitizers. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT were used to investigate the optical and electronic properties of the dyes. The studied dyes (excluding the dye containing OH group) displayed three absorption bands within the visible and NIR regions. Low-energy peaks ranged from 498 to 576 nm, corresponding …

Habitat Use And Diet Composition Of The Common Eland (Tragelaphus Oryx) In Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, Gregory A. Mtega, Cuthbert L. Nahonyo, Steven Temu, George Sangu, John Bukombe

Tanzania Journal of Science

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is renowned worldwide for its multiple land use where pastoralism and wildlife conservation co-exist. Thus, the NCA must meet a delicate balance of competing needs between livestock and wildlife. Currently the NCA is  conducting resettlement program to facilitate pastoralists who are willing to move and resettle outside of the conservation area in order to reduce the number of people and livestocks in NCA. The common eland (Tragelaphus oryx) are among the large herbivore species found in the NCA that might be affected by possible competition between livestock and wildlife. The information on this species including habitat …

Activated Carbon Based On Borassus Aethiopum Shells, Hulls, Kernels And Fruits For Removal Of Phenol And 2-Chlorophenol From Water, Ndatiye W. Ndatiye, Lupituko L. Mkayula, Grace A. Kinunda

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study aimed at developing activated carbons from Borassus aethiopum shells (BaS), hulls (BaH), kernels (BaK) and fruits (BaF) for removing phenol (Ph) and 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) from aqueous solution. The preparation of the activated carbons involved carbonization of the starting materials at 500 ºC followed by chemical activation at 600 ºC using 0.5 M H3PO4 acid. The prepared activated carbons were found to be mesoporous having pore sizes and surface areas in the range of 3.2 to 3.5 nm and 644 to 740 m2/g, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) thermograms showed that the prepared activated carbons can be applied in the …

Ecological Correlates For Endemic And Threatened Amphibians In The Uluguru Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania, Joseph M. Christopher, Wilirk Ngalason, John V. Lyakurwa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Information on habitat characteristics for endemic and threatened amphibians along the altitudinal gradient in the Uluguru Nature Forest Reserve (UNFR) is limited. We assessed habitat characteristics associated with the occurrence of endemic and threatened amphibians in the Uluguru Nature Forest Reserve between April and June 2022. Bucket pitfall traps, time-constrained audio-visual surveys, plots and opportunistic searching were used to study amphibians in 6 sites along elevational gradient from 600 m to 2100 m a.s.l. Eighteen amphibian species were recorded, thirteen of them being endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains, two near-endemic and three widely distributed. Among the species recorded, seven …

Anticancer Potential Of The Leaf Extracts From The Selected Croton Species, Peter V. Fayyu, Joan J.E. Munissi, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Flora Stephano

Tanzania Journal of Science

The reported investigations were aimed at establishing anticancer potential of the leaf extracts from Croton dictyophlebodes (CDE), C. kilwae (CKE) and C. longipedicellatus ssp austrotanzanicus (CLE). In vitro cytotoxicity assays of the extracts were performed against human laryngeal cancer cell line (HEp-2) and human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), while in vivo toxicological studies were done using Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline number 423 of 2001. Results for in vitro assays revealed that CDE and CLE induced cytotoxicity to MCF-7 and HEp-2 cell lines at EC50 values of 86 and 63 …

Antidiabetic Potential Of Vitex Mombassae Fruits Extract In Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Wistar Rat Model, Mussa B. Mbegeze, Joan J.E. Munissi, Flora Stephano, Ramadhani S.O. Nondo, Stephen S. Nyandoro

Tanzania Journal of Science

Besides changes in life styles and improper dietary patterns, the rapidly increasing burden of diabetes mellitus type 2 is correlated with antidiabetic agents currently in clinical use, which are costly, less effective, and present undesirable side effects. Natural products from plants are promising alternative sources for developing more effective and cost friendly antidiabetic agents. This study therefore investigated the antidiabetic potential of Vitex mombassae fruits extract (VMFE) in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic Wistar rat model. Oral acute toxicity test was conducted in male Wistar rat using up and down method by following OECD Guideline 423 (2002). No clinical signs of toxicity …

Phytochemical Constituents Of Cissus Oliveri Growing In Pwani Region, Tanzania, Fadhili S. Estomini, Stephen I. Nnungu, Amelia S. Buriyo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Cissus oliveri (Engl.) Gilg ex Engl. is among the plant species of the family Vitaceae widely used in traditional medicine for management of different ailments. This study aimed at assessing the phytochemicals of C. oliveri parts in order to provide scientific validation for its use as a therapeutic agent. Qualitative analysis of water and ethanolic extracts was conducted by using standard methods and the results revealed that all the parts possess alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and tannins. Similarly, glycosides and saponins were only present in leaf and root. Quantitative analysis performed by gravimetric and spectrophotometric methods showed that all parts contain …

Association Of Residual Feed Intake To Metrics Of Tanganyika Shorthorn Zebu Cattle In Maswa And Misungwi Districts, Tanzania, Godfrey L. Chasama, Fred D. Chibwana, Aloyce S. Hepelwa, Jestina V. Katandukila

Tanzania Journal of Science

Increasing competition for feed resources and greenhouse gases pollution have been compelling beef production systems to operate at higher feed utilization. These challenges imply the need to breed cattle for Residual Feed Intake (RFI) to lower feeding costs and enteric methane production per output. To explore relevant indicator traits of RFI, this study investigated the association of RFI to Tanganyika Shorthorn Zebu (TSZ) cattle metrics from the Misungwi and Maswa Districts of Tanzania, where Tarime and Sukuma ecotypes are common. A correlation study involving the fattening of twenty-eight TSZ bulls was conducted at Tanzania Livestock Research Institute -Mabuki. From the …

Effects Of Bacillus Thuringiensis, Beauveria Bassiana, Neem, And A Tomato Inter-Crop On Diamondback Moth (Plutella Xylostella L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) In Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya, Ceciliah N. Ngugi, Jesca N. Mbaka Mbaka, Hellen W. Muthengi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important crop in Kenya, ranked 3rd among the exotic vegetables. Diamondback moth (DBM) is a major cabbage pest that can cause a 100% loss in yield if not well managed. Farmers indiscriminately use synthetic pesticides associated with environmental, health, and pest resistance concerns to manage the DBM. To increase the availability of technologies for effective management of DBM in Kenya, three biopesticides; BioPower (Beauveria bassiana 1.0 x 108 CFUs/g), Dipel DF® (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki), Neemraj Super 3000 (Azadirachtin 0.3% EC), and a tomato inter-crop were evaluated. Cabbages (30 plants) spaced at 40 …

An Overlapped Sub-Array Hybrid Beamforming Architecture With Successive Interference Cancellation And Water-Filling In Massive Mimo Systems, Godwin Mruma Gadiel

Tanzania Journal of Science

Over the years, wireless communication has significantly improved the data rate of mobile users. The key drive behind this success is the technological advancement in wireless communication. In the physical layer, hybrid beamforming has revolutionized the way signal reaches the user by constructively adding the signal at the destination thus improving the performance. Many researchers works have proposed different algorithms to solve for optimal hybrid beamforming. However, there is no single algorithm that can achieve both high spectral efficiency and energy efficiency at the same time. This work proposes a hybrid algorithm that combines successive interference cancellation and water filling …

Effective Enhancement Of Post-Harvest Tomato Storage Through Wrapping Using Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril-Plasticized Honey Films, Ngesa Ezekiel Mushi, Edina Meela, Divina Kaombe

Tanzania Journal of Science

As one of the most grown seasonal fruit, tomato is widely consumed for making food products, drugs and ornaments. However, poor post-harvest handling system, transport and storage facilities deteriorate the quality of tomato fruits resulting into post-harvest losses. These problems have been addressed by the use of nanotechnology in this study. The combination of a chitosan surface and the core shell chitin results into novel deacetylated chitin nanofibril (DeChNF) with good biological activity and mechanical strength. The effectiveness of the DeChNF films for food preservation as an alternative material to chitosan is investigated. The DeChNF with degree of acetylation (DA) …

Design Of A Cooling System Integrated With Ultraviolet Light For Preservation Of Fruits And Vegetables At Variable Tropical Weather Conditions: A Case Study Of Arusha, Tanzania, John Pyuza Gunda, Alexander Pogrebnoi, Baraka Kichonge

Tanzania Journal of Science

Post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables pose significant challenges, especially in tropical climates. This study introduces the development and performance evaluation of a solar-powered evaporative cooling storage system integrated with ultraviolet light (UV) designed for preservation of perishable fruits and vegetables. The cooling chamber supplied with ultraviolet lamp was developed using locally available materials such as sisal, sponge, and bricks. The performance of the system was evaluated in terms of air temperature decrease, relative humidity increase, and evaporative cooling power capacity both for sunny and cloudy tropical weather conditions. The study reveals that activating the UV light considerably extends the …