Digital Commons Network^™

Capacity Building Among Nursing And Midwifery Professional Associations In East Africa, Stephen Ruhmel, Eunice Ndirangu, Joseph Mwizerwa, Ahmed Sarki, Eunice Pallangyo

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Despite improvements in educational opportunities, policy changes, and pay raises in the nursing and midwifery professions in East Africa, poor working conditions, few professional development opportunities, and a general lack of respect for these professions predominate. These issues contribute to a low quality of care among a population with a high burden of communicable diseases. Health professional associations may help to address these challenges by providing a voice for nurses and midwives.

Objective: This study evaluated the impact of a 5-year programme focused on strengthening nurses’ and midwives’ professional associations in East Africa. Methods: This study used …

Essential Emergency And Critical Care: A Priority For Health Systems Globally, Dabota Yvonne Buowari, Christian Owoo, Lalit Gupta, Carl Otto Shell, Tim Baker, Eecc Network Group

Pathology Research and Scholarship

Critical illness is a state of ill health with vital organ dysfunction, a high risk of imminent death if care is not provided, and the potential for reversibility. An estimated 45 million adults become critically ill each year. While some are treated in emergency departments or intensive care units, most are cared for in general hospital wards. We outline a priority for health systems globally: the first-tier care that all critically ill patients should receive in all parts of all hospitals: Essential Emergency and Critical Care. We describe its relation to other specialties and care and opportunities for implementation.

Pulsed Lased Deposition Of Single-Crystalline (001) Oriented Pb(Zr0.5t0.5)O3 Thin Film On Prsco3 Substrate, Mahamudu H. Mtebwa, Nava Setter

Tanzania Journal of Science

High quality thin films are important for domain engineering applications such as on-volatile memory applications. Single crystalline (001) oriented Pb (Zr0.5T0.5)O3 thin films have been grown by pulsed laser deposition on PrScO3 with strontium ruthenate (SRO) electrodes. Thin films were prepared from PZT ceramic targets with 15% excess PbO to compensate for lead loss at high deposition temperature. Layer by layer/step flow growth mode observed on AFM images has been realised by using a single terminated PrScO3 substrate as well as optimized deposition parameters. XRD measurements have confirmed the highly (001) oriented tetragonal symmetry. Furthermore, analysis conducted using piezoresponse force …

Evaluation Of Natural Antifungal Compounds From Artemisia Afra And Its Effectiveness On Prevention Of Aflatoxins, Noela G. Kilenga, Daniel Maeda, Oscar Kibazohi, Lilian D. Kaale

Tanzania Journal of Science

Artemisia afra is a medicinal plant with antimicrobial activities, known to treat tuberculosis, measles, cough, and influenza. In consequence, its applications have increasingly become pivotal to control various microbes which cause different diseases. This study therefore, evaluated the chemical composition and the antifungal activity of A. afra essential oil. The extraction of essential oil was done using steam distillation. The essential oil chemical composition was analysed by GC-MS. The analysis revealed 19 compounds from A. afra. The main compounds were borneol (71.529%), terpinen-4-ol (8.582%), β-thujone (3.283%), β-terpineol (2.590%), α-terpineol (1.791%), chrysanthenone (1.507%), myrtenal (1.393%), eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) (1.263%), cis-sabinene hydrate (1.172%) …

Phytochemical Investigation, Anti-Inflammatory And Analgesic Activities Of Ethyl Acetate Extract Of Pride Of Barbados Pod (Caesalpinia Pulcherrima), Osahon K. Ogbeide, Efosa D. Omono, Precious O Ehizojie, Anthony E. Aiwonegbe, Jeremiah O. Uadia

Tanzania Journal of Science

Pride of Barbados is a therapeutic herb which has wide traditional applications in the treatments and management of diverse ailments. Diseases pose great threats to human race. This research was aimed at evaluating the phytochemicals, proximate composition, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of the pod extract of Pride of Barbados in order to provide a scientific validation for its use as a therapeutic herb. All analyses were carried out using already established methods; the antioxidant potential was examined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, while the formalin-induced inflammation and acetic acid-induced writhing techniques were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory …

Urinary Schistosomiasis And Its Potential For Cancer And Hepato-Renal Function Alterations Among The Residents Of Asejire Dam, South-Western Nigeria, Omowumi O. Adewale, Monsurat O. Odebode, Maryam O. Mustapha, Oluwatosin A. Adetuyi, Monsuru A. Adeleke

Tanzania Journal of Science

Urinary schistosomiasis is of public health significance in sub-Saharan Africa with its prevalence being linked to carcinogenesis. However, there is a paucity of data to support this relationship. This study explored the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infections and its associations with cancer and hepatorenal function alterations in villages along the Asejire dam in the State of Osun, Nigeria. Urine samples from 152 consented participants (aged 18–75 years) from four communities were collected and examined for Schistosoma haematobium using the microscopy method. The blood serum of randomly selected infected and non-infected individuals (10 per group) was screened for tumor, …

Population Characteristics Of Selected Small Pelagic Fish Species Along The Tanzanian Coast, Godfrey Fabiani, Leonard J. Chauka, Christopher A. Muhando

Tanzania Journal of Science

Although small pelagic fishing in Tanzania is rising, lack of information on population structure has been a significant concern in its management. This study aimed to determine the species composition, length-weight relationship and length at first maturity of Amblygaster sirm, Encrasicholina heteroloba, Encrasicholina punctifer, Stolephorus commersonii, and Spratelloides gracilis landed at Kilwa Kivinje, Kipumbwi and Shangani along the Tanzanian coast. These landing sites were chosen because of their locations and importance in the small pelagic fishery. Sampling was done monthly from October 2018 to June 2020. The catch composition was site specific such that  E. heteroloba dominated at Kilwa Kivinje …

Characterisation And Antimicrobial Potential Of Actinobacteria Isolated From Momela Soda Lakes, Tanzania, Witness S. Lema, Ally Mahadhy, Modester Damas, Joan J.E. Munissi, Thomas J. Lyimo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Extreme environments such as soda lakes are potential sources of microbes with biotechnological applications in different sectors. This study aimed at isolation, characterization and investigation of antibacterial potential of actinobacteria from Momela Soda Lakes, at Arusha National Park in Tanzania. One hundred and twenty (120) isolates were recovered from soil and water samples using the dilution plate technique. The isolates were morphologically and biochemically characterized, and further, screened for antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method as well as the micro dilution technique. Cytotoxic effects were determined using the brine shrimp lethality test. Results showed that, all 120 isolates were Gram-positive …

Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices Towards The Use Of Iron And Folic Acid Supplements Among Pregnant And Lactating Women In Dar Es Salaam, Cecilia N. Mshanga, Elina J. Maseta

Tanzania Journal of Science

The current study investigated knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding the use of iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements among pregnant and lactating women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Dar es Salaam. A cross-sectional survey involved 294 pregnant and lactating women attending Prevention of Mother-To Child Transmission (PMTCT) clinics. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the subjects. The data were analysed using SPSS. Multivariate regression analysis was carried out to determine factors associated with IFA supplement use among the study subjects. The findings indicated that knowledge of IFA supplement use among the subjects was good …

Bed Ii Phytolith Palaeolandscapes (1.5-1.1 Ma) At Oldupai Gorge, Tanzania, Makarius P. Itambu

Tanzania Journal of Science

The primary approach for reconstructing ancient plant landscapes is normally through the analysis of environmental proxy data and ultimately the application of the data from plant micro-remains to infer the vegetation patterns, distribution, and nature of past environments. Phytolith analyses serve as an important tool for identifying different micro-ecological niches in which human activities occurred. They are indicative of certain plant types and vegetation patterns, and the way in which plant landscapes respond to regional climate changes. Hence, in order to understand the ancient plant landscape of the Pleistocene Bed II sites of Oldupai Gorge 1.5 to 1.1 million years …

Effects Of Multilayer Structure On The Microstructure And Optical Properties Of The Dc Sputtered Chromium Thin Films For Selective Solar Absorber Applications, Justine J. Tibaijuka, Margaret E. Samiji, Mmantsae Diale, Nuru R. Mlyuka

Tanzania Journal of Science

Chromium thin films exhibit several properties that make them potential for solar thermal applications. In this work the effect of film thickness and sputtering power based multilayer structure on the optical properties of DC sputtered chromium thin films is reported. The structural, topological, and optical properties of these films were determined by X-ray diffractometer, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Ultraviolet-Visible-Near Infrared spectrophotometer, respectively. XRD spectra revealed a single peak with preferential orientation of (200) and (210) for single layer and multilayer chromium films, respectively. The grain size and roughness were relatively higher for the multilayer compared to single layer Chromium films. …

Generation Of Geochemical Exploration Targets From Regional Stream Sediment Data Using Principal Component And Factor Analysis: A Case Study Of Kibaya-Kiteto, Manyara-Tanzania, Yusto J. Shine, Charles D. Moye, Godfrey J. Mallya, Ambaliche L. Tamambele

Tanzania Journal of Science

A regional-scale stream sediment geochemical sampling was carried out with an average sampling density of one sample per nine square-kilometre in Kiteto District, Manyara Region. A total of 358 stream sediment samples were collected and analysed for major and trace elements by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and fire assay with atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) finish methods. In this study, Factor and Principal Component Multivariate (FPCM) analyses have been used to the stream geochemical data to delineate potential mineralization zones by plotting correlated factors as geochemical anomaly maps. Four factors that account for 73.7% of the total variance of the stream sediment …

Mineralogy And Geochemistry Of The Asanje Iron Ore Deposit Within The Mayamaya-Hombolo Belt, Dodoma Region, Central Tanzania, Yusto J. Shine, Michael M. Msabi, Jagarlamudi Seetharamaiah

Tanzania Journal of Science

This paper presents the mineralogy and chemical composition including iron ore impurities to ascertain its suitability for industrial applications. The Asanje iron ore deposit is hosted in Precambrian volcano-sedimentary rocks in the Mayamaya-Hombolo Belt in Dodoma region, within the Lake Nyanza Superterrane. Iron ores are found in two parallel ridges trending NW-SE. Ridge I occurs as vein and banded hematite-type ore and Ridge II as massive-type ore. A total of 24 ore samples were analysed for major and trace elements by XRF and petrographic studies by optical microscopy and XRD. The XRD results revealed that hematite and goethite are the …

Modelling The Impacts Of Immigrants On Covid 19 Transmission Dynamics With Control Measures, Alfred K. Hugo, Goodluck M. Mlay, Moses B. Kabigi

Tanzania Journal of Science

The COVID-19 pandemic began in Wuhan City in the Hubei province of China in December 2019. The disease spread quickly in many countries around the world due to mobility of people from one location to another. As a result, a COVID-19 mathematical model with the impacts on immigrants was proposed to study its transmission dynamics and possible control measures. The reproduction number was determined by using the next-generation technique and found to be 0.636, indicating that the transmission could be minimized in the community if all immigrants were effectively controlled. The Pontryagin's Maximum Principle was applied in analysing control strategies …

Dynamical Analysis And Control Strategies For Capturing The Spread Of Covid-19, Mutairu K. Kolawole, Kazeem A. Odeyemi, Adedapo I. Alaje, Asimuyu O. Oladapo, Kehinde A. Bashiru

Tanzania Journal of Science

In this paper, a study of preventive measures capable of curbing the spread of COVID 19 pandemic to avoid its second wave was carried out. The existence and uniqueness of the proposed mathematical model is assured, the basic reproduction number is established, the local and global stability of the disease free equilibrium are well obtained and the variational iteration method is applied to solve the mathematical model. Numerical simulation of the included control parameters are carried out. The obtained results and outcomes are presented graphically. It was revealed that enlightenment to vaccination awareness should be encouraged as vaccination is a …

Evaluation Of Enzymatic Activity During Growth Of Pleurotus Hk 37 On Saba Comorensis Exocarp, Isse I. Molobele, Rose J. Masalu, Prosper R. Mosha, Cyprian B. Mpinda

Tanzania Journal of Science

Mushrooms degrade lignocellulosic biomass by releasing lignolytic and hydrolytic enzymes which convert lignocellulosic material into soluble and low molecular weight compounds which are then absorbed as nutrients. In the present study, enzymatic activities of Pleurotus HK 37 during growth on Saba comorensis exocarps were evaluated. It was observed that, Pleurotus HK 37 has ability to produce lignolytic enzyme (Laccase) and hydrolytic enzymes (Carboxymethyl cellulase, xylanase and filterpaperase). Maximum laccase activity of 3.33 ± 0 UmL-1 was observed during colonization period and the activity dropped during fruitification phase. Similar to hydrolytic enzymes, the activity was observed during colonization period and decreased …

Anxiolytic Effects, Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Activities Of The Methanol Extract Of Jatropha Tanjorensis Leaf, Anthony E. Aiwonegbe, Uwaila Omoruyi, Osahon K. Ogbeide, Blessing O. Imoukhuede, Benjamin O. Gabrielsson

Tanzania Journal of Science

The methanol leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis was analyzed for its bioactive components, in-vitro antioxidant, antidepressant, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory activities using established methods. The phytochemicals detected were saponins, tannins, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids and eugenols. The total phenolic content (TPC) was 36.48 mgGAE/g, while the total flavonoid content (TFC) was 145.92 mgQE/g of the extract. 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity gave an IC50 of 185.02 and 5.15 µg/mL for the extract and ascorbic acid (standard), respectively. The 50% lethal dose (LD50) was greater than 5000 mg/kg, while graded doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of the plant extract …

Chemical Composition And Bioactive Potential Of Extracts From Diospyros Capricornuta F. White Against Aspergillus Flavus And Aspergillus Parasiticus, Princess W. Ngowi, Juma A. Mmongoyo, Lilian D. Kaale

Tanzania Journal of Science

Diospyros capricornuta is an endemic species widely distributed along the coast of Tanzania that is used as food condiments and traditional medicine. The chemical compositions of Diospyros capricornuta leaves, stem-bark, and root-bark extracts; and their bioactive potentials against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus were investigated. The leaves, stem-bark, and root-bark samples of D. capricornuta were extracted using Soxhlet apparatus and the resultant extracts were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 14 compounds were identified from the extracts, whereby 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol was the most abundant compound in all extracts. The growth and aflatoxin production inhibitions against A. flavus and …

Pulse-Field Analysis Diversity Of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases Producing Gram Negative Bacteria Isolated From Periplaneta Americana (Cockroaches), Omolara D. Popoola, Moses O. Efuntoye, Georgia C. Agu, Benjamin T. Thomas

Tanzania Journal of Science

Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria are organisms of public health significance that have been implicated in prolonged hospital stay, treatment failures and higher fatalities. These organisms were originally thought to be widely distributed in hospital, but have since grown in terms of their epidemiological coverage. This study was therefore aimed at using pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to understand the diversity of ESBL producing organisms originating from cockroaches in Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. The diversity was determined by using a set of twenty six (26) ESBL producing bacterial strains isolated from cockroaches sampled in Ago-Iwoye community, Ogun State, Nigeria. PFGE analysis …

Effects Of Small-Scale Mining Activities On Fisheries And Livelihoods In The Birim River In Atiwa District, Eastern Region Of Ghana, Elliot Haruna Alhassan, Samuel Opoku Dandi, Sandra Akugpoka Atindana

Tanzania Journal of Science

The socioeconomic importance of small-scale mining in Ghana is of great interest to the country. It provides employment, supports the livelihood of poor rural areas, and also contributes to national income. Despite all these importance, it has a great influence on the surroundings, with surface and groundwater bodies being the most affected. The study was conducted to determine the effects of small-scale mining activities on fisheries and livelihoods along the Birim River in Atiwa District of Ghana, and also, to ascertain the nature of mining in the catchment and the current status of fisheries in the river. Data were collected …

Twenty-One Years Later: Reflections On 9/11, Bessie Blackburn, Shaddi Spencer, Hayden O'Connor

Liberty University Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy

Twenty-one years ago, one of the greatest attacks on the American republic occurred. On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flights 11, 77, 93, and 177 were hijacked by Islamic extremists and crashed in New York City, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. The atrocity of these incidents and the extensive loss of life impacted not only the United States but the entire world. Nevertheless, in light of this tragedy the American people found unity in patriotism, rekindling a sense of national purpose in the form of the “Global War on Terrorism.” This document is a compilation of reflection articles written by individuals …

Assessing The Efficacy Of Electronic Document Management System In Records Management At Sokoine University Of Agriculture, Andrew Malekani, Alex Bahame Alphonce Aba

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in the year 2022. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of EDMS in accessibility and use of records at Sokoine University of Agriculture. Specifically, the study was geared to find out the way EDMS is used in accessing and using documents at Sokoine University of Agriculture. The study used a cross section research design where by the data were collected at one time based on two approaches which are qualitative and quantitative. The study used a sample size of 100 respondents who were all SUA staff. …

The Plight Of Managing Audio-Visual Archives In Developing Economies: The Case Of Zimbabwe, Samson Mutsagondo, Sabina Tholanah

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study used the case study of the Audio-Visual Unit of the National Archives of Zimbabwe to interrogate challenges faced in managing audio-visual archives in developing economies despite their centrality as documentary heritage. The study firstly addresses the importance of audio-visual archives such as enhancing collective societal memory, preservation of culture and provision of entertainment. Thereafter, the study addresses challenges faced such as lack of collection development policy, lack of skilled manpower and technological obsolescence. It is against this background that the study proposes a framework that can be used to improve the way audio-visual archives are managed, the Tripartite …

An Account Of The Methodological Implementation Of Design-Based Research In The Chemistry Classroom Context, Esther Kibga, Emmanuel Gakuba, John Sentongo

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Design-Based Research (DBR) has recently received a significant amount of attention in the educational research literature of the 21st century. This work analyses the understanding of DBR as the research methodology, why, and how it can be applied in educational research to bring a practical outcome and improve educational practices. Besides, this work reflects on a step-by-step implementation of the Hands-on Instructional Model (HIM) designed to enhance the development of chemistry learners’ curiosity and problem-solving skills. Also, it gives a detailed description of the two prototypes of the first alteration cycle. A sample of 169 Senior Three chemistry students was …

“Do Not Detach The Placenta From My Baby's Cord” - Lotus Birth Case Series From Tanzania Tertiary Hospital, Willbroad Kyejo, Davis Rubagumya, Christian Mwalo, Lynn Moshi, Munawar Kaguta, Miriam Mgonja, Shweta Jaiswal

Family Medicine, East Africa

Introduction: Lotus birth is seldom practiced, with its prevalence being not well documented. There is no clear existing guideline or pathway for this practice. Safety in delivery as well as caring for newborn and her mother is of paramount importance. Hence, clarity for Lotus delivery in any set up is indispensable.

Cases findings: We have described on case series approach to women who opted to delivery without detachment of placenta. We have described delivery characteristics, neonatal clinical course, cord, and placenta manage- ment. In year 2022 at our center, we have received two cases of lotus delivery.

Conclusion and …

Pregnancy Following Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Bilateral Endometriotic Cystectomy Rare Case Report Of Endometriosis Stage Iv, Willbroad Kyejo, Ally Zain Ismail, Brenda Moshi, Gregory Ntiyakunze, Nancy Matillya, Munawar Kaguta

Family Medicine, East Africa

Introduction and importance: Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility in women. In this case report we explain successful conception in deep-infiltrating ovarian endometriosis following robot-assisted surgery and androgenic agonist treatment.

Case presentation: A 38-year-old current Para 2, Living 2 presented 8 years ago with chronic lower abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, and delayed conception. Advance endometriosis was highly suspected from the history and examination. Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy was performed for the deep-infiltrating ovarian endometriosis. She was then discharged with postoperative androgenic agonists and with timed intercourse, she got pregnant within 9 months.

Clinical discussion: Advanced endometriosis (Stage III or …

Factors Shaping Good And Poor Nurse-Client Relationships In Maternal And Child Care: A Qualitative Study In Rural Tanzania, Kahabi Isangula, Eunice Pallangyo, Columba Mbekenga, Eunice Ndirangu, Constance Shumba

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Evidence indicates that poor nurse‐client relationships within maternal and child health (MCH) continues to impact trust in formal healthcare systems, service uptake, continuity with care and MCH outcomes. This necessitates contextualized innovative solutions that places both nurses and clients at the forefront as agents of change in optimizing intervention designs and implementation. This study explored nurses and clients’ perspectives on the factors shaping nurse‐client relationships in MCH care to generate evidence to guide subsequent steps of human centered design (HCD) that involve designing effective strategies for improving therapeutic relationships in Shinyanga, Tanzania.

Methods: Qualitative descriptive design was …

Unit Knowledge And Practice Of Emergency Nursing Interventions At A Tertiary Public Cardiac Health Center In Uganda, Harriet Namukwaya, Cliff Asher Aliga, Grace Nakate, Judith Mutyabule

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Research suggests that many of the millions of deaths and long-term disabilities resulting from acute cardiovascular events and other emergency conditions are preventable if effective emergency care services were readily available. Effective emergency care requires trained and competent staff, including registered nurses. Most educational pathways do not adequately prepare nurses to deliver sensitive health care services for those with acute illness and injury. This includes Uganda, where few capacity-building initiatives have targeted emergency nursing care delivery, leading to knowledge and practice gaps.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess emergency nursing knowledge and clinical practice at a tertiary …

Resource Acquisition And The Role Of Collection Development Policy In The Development Of Ghana Communication Technology University Library Collection, Benedicta Krampah Akoto Bitherman, Afua Frempong-Kore

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study was carried out to ascertain the significance of collection development policy in some public academic libraries in Ghana with Ghana Communication Technology University as the case study. The study adopted a case study design and used a qualitative method in its examinations. A self-designed interview schedule was used to solicit information from the staff library. The study participants included the head librarian, deputy librarian and four (4) assistant librarians. The face-to-face interview method was used as a data collection instrument for this study– content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings indicated that the university library …

Structural Elucidation And Toxicity Evaluation Of Bioactive Compounds From The Leaves And Stem Woods Of Synadenium Glaucescens Pax., David Credo, Faith Philemon Mabiki, Francis Machumi, Claus Cornett

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

The leaves and stem woods of Synadenium glaucescens Pax. are traditionally used for treatment of various human diseases in Tanzania. However, there is limited information on the structural elucidation and toxicity properties of bioactive compounds responsible for their pharmacological properties. Thus, this study was aimed to elucidate and evaluate toxicity properties of bioactive compounds from these parts. Separation of bioactive compounds was achieved by using column chromatographic method, whereas their structures were determined by GC-MS and NMR data and by comparing with literature spectroscopic data. Toxicity properties of isolated compounds was done by brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT) method. In …