Digital Commons Network^™

The State Of Accessibility In Blackboard: Survey And User Reviews Case Study, Mohamed Wiem Mkaouer, Wajdi Aljedaani, Stephanie Ludi, Mohammed Alkahtani, Marcelo M. Eler, Marouane Kessentini, Ali Ouni

Articles

Context: Nowadays, mobile applications (or apps) have become vital in our daily life, particularly within education. Many institutions increasingly rely on mobile apps to provide access to all their students. However, many education mobile apps remain inaccessible to users with disabilities who need to utilize accessibility features like talkback or screen reader features. Accessibility features have to be considered in mobile apps to foster equity and inclusion in the educational environment allowing to use of such apps without limitations. Gaps in the accessibility to educational systems persist.

Objective: In this paper, we focus on the accessibility of the Blackboard mobile …

Contemporary Strategies In Marketing E-Resources Amongst Selected Technical University (Tu) Libraries In Ghana, Stephanie Owusu Ansah Mrs, Michael Oppong Mr., Maxwell Kwame Agbeli Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study examined Contemporary strategies in marketing e-resources amongst selected Technical Universities (TUs) in Ghana. 62 respondents were respectively drawn from all three selected Technical Universities ie Kumasi Technical University, Tamale Technical University, and Takoradi Technical University. Given that the population from the three TUs library staff was small, no sampling had to be done. The investigator sent out 62 questionnaires to the three TUs and received 39 responses representing 63 %. A descriptive survey design was employed to acquire data from the selected Technical University (TUs) libraries. Analysis of the data gathered was carried out using bar charts, pie …

Essays On The Provision Of Transportation, Lucas Conwell

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertations

Chapter 1: Are There Too Many Minibuses in Cape Town? Privatized Provision of Public Transit Workers in low- and middle-income countries waste significant time commuting, partly due to gaps in public transit. In many African cities, privately-operated minibuses provide 50–100% of urban transit, at the cost of long wait times and poor personal safety for riders. Which externalities does the private provision of transit generate, and can policy interventions improve the market allocation? I build a micro-founded model of privatized shared transit subject to externalities in matching between buses and passengers, security provision, and road congestion. I then estimate the …

Nurses' Preparedness For Disaster Response In Rural And Urban Primary Healthcare Settings In Tanzania, Kahabi Isangula, Mary Lyimo, Yudas Ndungile, Elisha Robert

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: Nurses are often on the frontline of disaster management, providing care to patients with emerging physical, mental, and emotional turbulence, and acting as educators for health promotion and disaster prevention in both rural and urban contexts. However, the literature suggests that nurses are inadequately prepared for disaster response. This study examined preparedness for disaster response among nurses in rural and urban primary healthcare settings in Tanzania.

Methods: This qualitative descriptive study involved purposefully selected qualified nurses and nurse administrators working in rural (n=20) and urban (n=11) primary healthcare facilities in Tanzania. Telephone-based interviews were conducted to gather …

Functional Status Among Patients With Established Copd Attending Tertiary Hospitals In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Peter M. Tumbo

Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine

Background Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable non communicable disease that is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases and influenced by host factors including abnormal lung development. It is associated with a lot of risk factors such as smoking, biomass fuel use for cooking and air pollutants in general. Objectives The primary objective of this research was to determine the functional status of patients with COPD. The secondary objectives were to determine the factors influencing …

Connecting Their Stories: Black Educators’ Experiences Within Cultural Heritage Institutions That Document The Long Arc Of The Civil Rights Movement, Constance Marie Caddell

Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to examine Black educators’ experiences within cultural heritage institutions that are documenting topics that include the long arc of the American Civil Rights Movement. Black educators are powerful conduits of the African American story because they align with African American cultural heritage institution’s goals to foster equality, identity, pride, and honor in the community. These shared goals lead to Black educators using teaching methods that liberate, advocate, and empower students. This allows them to share new knowledge, strategies, techniques, and concepts on diverse topics. Considering their fundamental mission, it is essential to gain an awareness of the …

Artisanal And Small-Scale Mining In Tanzania And Health Implications: A Policy Perspective, Mwemezi J. Rwiza, Erasto Focus, Jonas Bayuo, Joseph Modest Kimaro, Matthias Kleinke, Theresia J. Lyasenga, Jerry T. Mosses, Janeth Marwa

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

The mineral sector, especially its small-scale subsector, has become significant in the emerging economies of the Global South. Tanzania is the focus of this policy exposition paper because, aside from Ghana and South Africa, Tanzania is ranked 4th in Africa in terms of its mineral deposits and small-scale mining activities. The focus is also on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) because ASM operations have significantly increased in recent times across this mineral-rich country of East Africa. This is done against a negative backdrop-labelling of ASM as unsustainable, environmentally unfriendly, inefficient, and illegal. Tanzania has made some progress to respond to …

Evidence Of Distinct Genetic Stocks Of The Bottlenose Wedgefish (Rhynchobatus Australiae) In The Indo-West Pacific, Rehema J. Simwanza, Cyrus Rumisha

Tanzania Journal of Science

Populations of the bottlenose wedgefish (Rhynchobatus australiae) in the Indo-West Pacific (IWP) have declined by nearly 80% in recent decades. In response, IWP countries are establishing sanctuaries to provide refuge for the fish. However, little is known about the genetic stock structure of the fish in the region. Hence, this study analysed partial sequences (610 base pairs) of the cytochrome oxidase subunit (COI) gene from eight bottlenose wedgefish populations in the IWP to assess the genetic stock structure of the fishery. The sequences revealed that Western Indian Ocean (WIO) populations are genetically distinct from those in the West Pacific (WP) …

Prevalence Of Endoparasites And Haematology In Redbelly Tilapia From A Shallow Tropical Reservoir In Ghana, Elliot H. Alhassan, Samuel A. Osei, Akwasi Ampofo-Yeboah, Samuel O. Dandi

Tanzania Journal of Science

The goal of this study was to assess common endoparasites on Tilapia zillii in the Tono Reservoir, as well as to investigate the mean intensity and prevalence of these parasites. A total of 175 fish specimens were examined during the study. Endoparasites of three metazoans and one protozoan were observed from the Tilapia zillii gills, intestines, and stomach. The findings showed that the most common endoparasites affecting Tilapia zillii are Ichthyopthirius multifiliis, Bothriocephalus sp., Contracaecum sp., and Dactylogyrus sp. Also, Contracaecum sp had the highest prevalence of 29.71, followed by Bothriocephalus sp (18.86), Ichthyopthirius multifiliis (12), and Dactylogyrus sp (6.86). …

A Cloud Based Model Symbiotic Organism Search Algorithm For Placement Of Distributed Energy Resources In The Electrical Secondary Distribution Networks, Shamte Kawambwa, Daudi Mnyanghwalo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Abstract The increased penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) technologies to residential users has fostered the need for DERs integration and control methods in the secondary distribution networks (SDN). In order to reap the potential advantages of DERs and achieve their inclusion in the electrical power system while avoiding their negative impacts, the DERs should be optimally placed and sized. Considering the nature of electrical networks and DER operations, the DERs placement is a nondeterministic polynomial hard (NP-hard) optimization problem. Metaheuristic algorithms are efficient for solving DER placement problems. Metaheuristic algorithms for DER placement in SDN involve high computational effort, …

Effects Of Vacuum Packaging And Chilling Storage On The Microbiological Changes Of The Superheated Steam Dried Sardines, Prissillah Antelm, Ibrahim Juma, Leonard M.P. Rweyemamu, Lillian Daniel Kaale

Tanzania Journal of Science

Fish are important sources of protein and micronutrients for combating malnutrition. Since fish are highly perishable, methods for processing and preserving them should be the main focus to increase their shelf life and maintain their quality. The present study assessed the effectiveness of the superheated steam dryer (SSD) in processing sardines, and examined the effects of packaging and storage conditions on their microbiological quality. Sardines collected from the Mafia Island were dried in SSD, air-packed and stored at room temperature (AR), air-packed and stored at chilling temperature (AC), vacuum-packed and stored at room temperature (VR), and vacuum-packed and stored at …

Predictors Of Attrition From Care And Treatment Centres Among Hiv-Positive Pregnant And Breastfeeding Adult Women In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Felix Elias, Nyimvua Shaban, Edwin Rutalebwa

Tanzania Journal of Science

In Tanzania, poor retention rates among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers continue to be a problem, contributing to a mother-to-child HIV transmission rate of 11% in 2019, compared to a global target of 5%. The goal of this study was to determine the influence of retention on clinical outcomes and identifying predictors of attrition among HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women from follow-up care in Dar es Salaam. A retrospective cohort study included HIV-positive women who engaged in PMTCT services in public and private health facilities between January 2016 and December 2019. Secondary data were extracted from databases used for routine follow-up …

Land Cover Change As A Proxy Of Changes In Wildlife Distribution And Abundance In Tarangire-Simanjiro-Lolkisale-Mto Wa Mbu Ecosystem, Thobias Anthony, Nyimvua Shaban, Cuthbert Nahonyo

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study analyzed the land use and land cover (LULC) changes from 2000 to 2020 and examined its influence on wildlife distribution and abundance. LULC from satellite imagery for 2000, 2012 and 2020 were acquired from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Supervised classification along with a maximum likelihood algorithm was used to classify satellite imagery into eight LULC classes: bareland, woodland, wetland, shrubland, grassland, waterbodies, cropland and built-up land. The results showed that grassland, wetland and woodland had declined, while shrubland, cropland and built-up land increased from 2000 to 2020. Grassland, wetland and woodland decreased from 48.1%, 14.1% and …

Household And Community Factors Affecting Nutritional Status Of Under-Five Children (6-59 Months) In Gairo District Using Composite Index Of Anthropometric Failure, Tausi M. Mohamed, Cornelio N. Nyaruhucha

Tanzania Journal of Science

In Tanzania, where the majority of under-five children are affected, undernutrition is still a significant public health concern. The study aimed at assessing the prevalence of undernutrition and its determinants among under-five children in Gairo District using a Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF). A household-based cross-sectional study was employed involving 300 under-five children with their mothers/caregivers in three wards in the Gairo District. Data collection on socio-demographics, dietary diversity, and healthcare factors were collected by interviewer-based semi-structured questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements using standard procedures were performed to collect anthropometric data. Odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval and p-value ≤ …

Dosimetric Comparison Between Two And Six Beams Conformal Radiotherapy Plans For Paediatric Wilm's Tumour Patients At Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Tanzania, Rashid M. Mruma, Nazima Dharsee, Christina V. Malichewe, Jumaa D. Kisukari, Geofrey F. Soko, Hemed S. Myanza, Furahini Yoram

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study aimed to compare the dose distributions of three-dimensional conformal treatment planning using two and six radiation beams among paediatric patients receiving radiotherapy for Wilms tumour at Ocean Road Cancer Institute. CT scans of 53 patients were used to generate 106 treatment plans, 53 plans for two beams, and 53 plans for six beams. Planning target volumes and organs at risk parameters were compared between both plans using paired samples t-test.  A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The findings showed that the D95% and Dmean of the target are better with six beams than with the two-beam plans (p ˂ 0.001). The conformity index and monitor unit are significantly better with two-beam plans than with six-beam plans (p ˂ 0.001). No volume of the contralateral kidney received more than 12 Gy for both two and six plans. There were no differences in Dmax for the spinal cord (p = 0.208), while Dmean was observed to be lower in two compared to six beams (p ˂ 0.001) for the liver. Six beam plans have good target coverage, while two beam plans have good conformity index and monitor unit. The observed doses to the organs at risk in both plans were lower than their normal tolerance. Keywords:    Wilm's tumour, Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, whole abdomen radiotherapy, paediatric radiotherapy, Dosimetry

Polyphenolic Content And Radical Scavenging Activities Of The Peel, Pulp And Seed Of Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) Grown In Tanzania, Ibrahim Juma, Jan-Eric Englund, Rodomiro Ortiz, Mulatu Geleta, Donatha D. Tibuhwa, Anders S. Carlsson, Agnes Nyomora, Moneim Fatih, Helena Persson Hovmalm

Tanzania Journal of Science

Avocado is a healthy fruit and the consumption is continuously growing worldwide. The fruit contains polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant effects. Globally, research has been devoted to exploring the fruit quality, especially compounds with antioxidant effects, from different avocado-growing sites. However, the fruit quality of the Tanzanian avocado has so far not been investigated. In this study, the contents of polyphenols in peel, pulp and seed of avocados sampled in south-western Tanzania are described. The levels of total polyphenolic and flavonoid contents were measured, and antioxidant activity was evaluated using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The total polyphenolic content was highest in …

Generation Of Electricity By Using Microbial Fuel Cell Prototype Fed By Sewage: Case Study At The University Of Dar Es Salaam, Mahir M Said, Asia A Saad, Geoffrey R John, Aviti T Mushi

Tanzania Journal of Science

The access to electricity is still not reliable in Tanzania. Whilst, there are several locations within the country that have wastewater cites that are not economically used to produce electricity. At the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), there are main grid power, and few scattered solar panels. This study was intended to bridge the divide between the current increasing power demands of the UDSM by exploiting not so much used sources, such as electric energy from wastewater. This study was undertaken to develop a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) prototype fed by sewage in Dar es Salaam, for electricity generation …

Adsorption Of Water Vapour On The Microstructure And Stability Of Cu-Zn Bimetallic Coordination Polymer, Bukunola K. Oguntade, Gareth M. Watkins

Tanzania Journal of Science

A current challenge in the design of synthesis lies in the incorporation of two or more transition metals into a coordination polymer. The most widely used approach has been to incorporate a second metal as a generally innocent (coordinatively saturated) part of a linear linker as in the case of multifunctional carboxylated porphyrins (MCPs). The empirical method has been used to obtain many other types of MCPs; however, the selective, direct replacement of one transition metal within a monometallic coordination polymer via controlled stoichiometry has not generally led to maintained structural fidelity. In this present work, three pyromellitic acid complexes …

Semi-Analytic Approach To Solving Rosenau-Hyman And Korteweg-De Vries Equations Using Integral Transform, Adedapo Chis Loyinmi, Kabir Oluwatobi Idowu

Tanzania Journal of Science

In this research, we proposed the fusing of Elzaki transform and projected differential transform (PDTM) to obtain an analytical or approximate solution of the Rosenau-Hyman and Korteweg-de Vries equations which respectively govern pattern formation in liquid drops and model of waves on shallow water surfaces. The results obtained presented in tables and graphs showed better efficiency, accuracy, and convergence of the method to handle Rosenau-Hyman and Korteweg-de Vries equations when compared to other methods in the literature. Keywords:          Rosenau-Hyman Equation; Korteweg-de Vries equation; Elzaki Projected differential transform method; Semi-analytic approach

Potential Of Kaolin Clay On Formulation Of Water Based Drilling Mud Reinforced With Biopolymer, Surfactant, And Limestone, Paul M. Omary, Emanuel X. Ricky, Naswibu A. Kasimu, Makungu M. Madirisha, Kessy F. Kilulya, Esther H. J. Lugwisha

Tanzania Journal of Science

Drilling the wellbore into subsurface formations is the earliest stage in the life of a well that requires a suitable drilling fluid with good rheological and filtration control characteristics to achieve a successful drilling operation. This paper reports on the formulation of water-based drilling mud using kaolin clay reinforced with biopolymer, surfactant, and limestone from Tanzania. The raw materials used for the formulation were characterized using XRD, XRF, FTIR, and TGA techniques. The rheological properties, filtration loss, pH, and density of the formulated mud were measured using a viscometer, filter press, pH meter, and mud balance, respectively. The XRD results …

Effects Of Climate Change, Land Use And Land Cover Variability On Green And Blue Water In Wami/Ruvu Basin, Tanzania, Benson Hm Lazaro, Martine M Hagai, Rubhera Ram Mato

Tanzania Journal of Science

Water basins are the primary food sources, giving green water and blue water worldwide. Despite the basins’ potential, information on the periodical variations in blue water and green water is sparse, particularly in developing countries. The study specifically evaluated the changes in land use and land cover variability (LULCV), effects of land use and land cover variability on green water and blue water variations, and effects of climatic changes on green water and blue water. The evaluation involved the Enhanced Thematic Mapper and Operational Land Imager satellite images of 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020. Image processing utilized the Soil and …

Spatial And Temporal Solar Potential Variation Analysis In Uganda Using Measured Data, Daniel N Katongole, Karidewa Nyeinga, Denis Okello, Daniel Mukiibi, James Mubiru, Yeeko Kisira

Tanzania Journal of Science

The paper presents an analysis of spatial and temporal solar potential variations in Uganda. The solar radiation potential distribution was investigated based on measured data from 56 ground meteorological stations across Uganda from January 2015 to February 2022. The data were recorded after every 5-minute interval. The monthly average daily Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) was analysed using the spatial inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation technique in ArcGIS 10.7.1. The GHI distribution was found to have maxima at equinox and minimum between June and July. The average global horizontal irradiation is found to be 1680 KWh per year, with a daily …

Ethanol Extracts From Selected Tanzanian Medicinal Plants Selectively Inhibit Plasmodium Falciparum Growth In Vitro, Robert Christopher, Amina Msonga, Heinrich C. Hoppe, Fabrice F. Boyom

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study aimed to assess the in vitro antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of ethanol extracts from the root barks, leaves and stem barks of seven medicinal plant species growing in Tanzania. The antiplasmodial activities of extracts against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and multidrug-resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum were determined using a SYBR green I-based fluorescence assay, while the cytotoxicity of active extracts was determined against the human HepG2 cell line using a resazurin-based assay. Out of twenty-one extracts screened, two of them, namely, DFRE from Dracaena fragrans root bark (IC50Pf3D7 = 2.4 mg/mL) and EHSE from Erythrina haerdii stem bark (IC50Pf3D7 …

Simulation Of Mathematical Model Of Network Interference On Global System For Mobile Communication, Yidiat O. Aderinto, Yusuf Musa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Network interference is the incorporation of undesirable signals to desirable ones in an interconnected system. In this paper, the simulation of mathematical model of network interference with respect to global system of mobile communication is presented. The model was formulated and analyzed mathematically. Numerical simulation was carried out using real life data from Communication Towers Nigeria Limited, Northwest regional office Kaduna, Nigeria. The results obtained were very close to that of laboratory investigation. Keywords: Mathematical Model, Network, Interference, Congestion, Mobile communication, Stability

Short-Term Energy Load Forecasting Model With Sample Filtering, Ruthbetha Kateule, Lucas A. Sakala, Mahadia Tunga

Tanzania Journal of Science

Short-term energy load forecasting is a crucial task in the power smart grid, which enables the power utilities to understand the future energy demands and plans to attain the demand and supply equilibrium, thereby optimizing power deployment and reducing power losses. Several techniques have been implemented to enhance energy load forecasting. However, the nonlinear nature of the data collected in the smart grid makes it difficult to attain 100% energy load forecasting accuracy. For instance, the Deep Feedforward Neural Networks model based on Input Attention Mechanism and Hidden Connection Mechanism has a mean absolute percentage error of 3.17%; model based …

Geo-Statistical Analysis Of Meteorological Drought And Recurrence Intervals In The Context Of Climate Change Over Extreme Northeastern Region Of Nigeria, Iliya B. Abaje

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study examined the occurrence of meteorological drought in the context of climate change over the extreme northeastern region of Nigeria using rainfall and temperature data spanning a period of 60 years (1961-2020) and 40 years (1981-2020), respectively. Linear regression, 5-year moving average and Cramer’s test were used to examine the changes in the rainfall and temperature. Rainfall Anomaly Index was used in depicting periods of different drought intensities in the region. The trend analysis of the climate data revealed that the region has been experiencing increasing rainfall and temperature in recent years. Findings also revealed that the droughts of …

Maintenance Scheduling Algorithm For Transformers In Tanzania Electrical Secondary Distribution Networks, Hadija Mbembati, Kwame Ibwe, Baraka Maiseli

Tanzania Journal of Science

The drive by the government of Tanzania to electrify every village has resulted into expansion of the electrical secondary distribution networks (ESDNs). Therefore, maintenance management is of the highest priority for the smooth operation of the ESDNs to reduce unscheduled downtime and unexpected mechanical failures. Studies show that condition-based predictive maintenance (CBPdM) method allows the utility company to monitor, analyze and process the information obtained from ESDNs transformers. Thus, this study adopts the CBPdM method to develop a maintenance scheduling algorithm that can predict the transformer state, forecast maintenance time based on transformer load profile and schedule its maintenance using …

Evaluation Of Image Enhancement Techniques For Electrical Capacitance Tomography Applications, Alfred J Mwambela

Tanzania Journal of Science

The fast generation of images in Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) systems is a desirable feature for many industrial applications. Non-iterative reconstruction algorithms which qualify for this requirement generate poor-quality images. The Linear Back Projection (LBP) is the fastest non-iterative reconstruction algorithm. The challenge is to find a technique to improve the quality of images from LBP at a low computational cost. Image enhancement techniques have been investigated for improving the quality of images reconstructed from the LBP algorithm. Simulated and measured static and dynamic flow data were used in the evaluation. The performance results were benchmarked with results from the …

Recruitment Behaviour In An African Meliponine Bee Species (Hymenoptera, Apidae: Meliponini): Understanding Glandular Origin And Pheromonal Components, Bridget O. Bobadoye, Olaniyi T. Alamu, Jennifer A. George-Onaho, John A. Ete, Ayangbade E. Ayandokun, Ifeoluwa S. Agboola, Olubusola T. Adeoye, Popoola J. Adekola

Tanzania Journal of Science

Meliponine bees are speculated to use a variety of communication mechanisms to effectively recruit workers of a colony to collect sufficient amounts of food to nourish the entire nest population. Mechanisms used to convey such information include thoracic vibrations and trophallaxis within the nest; footprint secretions and pheromone marks deposited in the field, or a combination of these signals and cues. There have been numerous discrepancies about the origin of trail pheromone production from the head, thorax, abdomen and leg regions of meliponine bees. Because the glandular origin of pheromone marks deposited by African meliponine bee’s species has not yet …

Measurement Of Solar Irradiance For Determining The Optimal Tilt Angle For Photovoltaic Panels, Gbadebo I. Olatona, Tolulope J. Fadairo

Tanzania Journal of Science

The challenge of solar panel installers in determining the tilt angle needed to obtain optimal performance from the photovoltaic panels was the focus of this paper. The performances of two 150 W panels under varied conditions of temperature and solar irradiance on a plane at two different heights (1 m and 11.5 m) from the ground surface were determined to find the effects of tilt angle and altitude on their performances. Measurements of solar irradiance, temperature, open-circuit voltage, and short circuit current were made at various tilt angles and compared to one another based on the measured irradiance. The optimal …