Digital Commons Network^™

If Rumors Were Horses, Katina Strauch

Against the Grain

No abstract provided.

The Injustice Of Unfit Clinical Practice Guidelines In Low-Resource Realities, Nanna Maaløe, Anna Marie Rønne Ørtved, Jane Brandt Sørensen, Brenda Sequeira Dmello, Thomas Van Den Akker, Monica Lauridsen Kujabi, Hussein Kidanto, Tarek Mequid, Christian Bygbjerg, Jos Van Roosmalen, Dan Wolf Meyrowitsch, Natasha Housseine

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

To end the international crisis of preventable deaths in low-income and middle-income countries, evidence-informed and cost-efficient health care is urgently needed, and contextualised clinical practice guidelines are pivotal. However, as exposed by indirect consequences of poorly adapted COVID-19 guidelines, fundamental gaps continue to be reported between international recommendations and realistic best practice. To address this long-standing injustice of leaving health providers without useful guidance, we draw on examples from maternal health and the COVID-19 pandemic. We propose a framework for how global guideline developers can more effectively stratify recommendations for low-resource settings and account for predictable contextual barriers of implementation …

Fetal Heart Rate Development During Labour, Jarle Urdal, Kjersti Engan, Trygve Eftestøl, Solveig H. Haaland, Benjamin Kamala, Paschal Mdoe, Hussein Kidanto, Hege Ersdal

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background Fresh stillbirths (FSB) and very early neonatal deaths (VEND) are important global challenges with 2.6 million deaths annually. The vast majority of these deaths occur in low- and low-middle income countries. Assessment of the fetal well-being during pregnancy, labour, and birth is normally conducted by monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR). The heart rate of newborns is reported to increase shortly after birth, but a corresponding trend in how FHR changes just before birth for normal and adverse outcomes has not been studied. In this work, we utilise FHR measurements collected from 3711 labours from a low and low-middle …

Professional Image Of Nursing And Midwifery In East Africa: An Exploratory Analysis, Eunice Ndirangu, Ahmed Sarki, Columba Mbekenga, Grace Edwards

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Evidence suggests that there is a negative image of nursing and midwifery that does not promote these professions as attractive career options. Furthermore, there is a paucity of studies documenting how nursing and midwifery is perceived in East Africa and where such studies exist they are country-specific. The aim of this study was to explore views regarding the image of nursing and midwifery among nurses and midwives in three East African countries, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Methods: An exploratory descriptive cross-sectional study administered online using Survey Monkey Questionnaires assessed the views and perceptions of nurses and midwives regarding the …

Library Newsletter : Spring 2021, Office Of The University Librarian

Office of the University Librarian Reports

CONTENT:

- Greetings

- COVID-19 : Changed the Library Scene

- Transforming AV-LRC to Digital Scholarship Centre

- Impressions by our Leaders

- Impressions by Students

- Technology in Place

- Upcoming Projects

- Obituary

Knowledge About Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine Usage Among Nurses At A Tertiary Hospital In Tanzania, Wilson Paulo Lomnyack, Tumbwene Mwansisya, Stewart Mbelwa, Kahabi Isangula, Zephania Saitabau Abraham

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) provides an air pressure that maintains the patency of the airway in patients with a variety of breathing problems. Nurses provide the hour to hour management of patients who require CPAP. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of nurses about CPAP machine usage at the tertiary hospital in Tanzania which serves the largest number of patients who require CPAP.

Method: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from March to June 2019 at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) where 149 nurses who consented …

Developing Students’ Curiosity Through Chemistry Hands-On Activities: A Case Of Selected Community Secondary Schools In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Esther Kibga, Emmanuel Gakuba, John Sentongo

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Curiosity is the inner drive for learning or ‘hunger for learning’ which is among the twenty-firstcentury learning competencies. Students in their earliest stage ought to exhibit curiosity to stirup knowledge acquisition and exploration, yet the development of curiosity in the context of education is considered to be unusual. This research assesses how chemistry students develop and express curiosity in a hands-on learning environment. A sample of 169 senior three students from three community secondary schools in Dar es Salaam was involved in this study. Besides, the study examined how hands-on activities in chemistry lessons can be incorporated as a pedagogical …

The Pesticide Residue Level Of Watermelon In Xinjiang Main Producing Area And Its Difference Evaluation, Zhang Yan-Ming, Ma-He-Ba-Li Tuo-Hu-Ta-Er-Han, Shen Qi, Wang Cheng, Tao Yong-Xia

Food and Machinery

In this study, 237 watermelon samples from 19 counties and cities (A-S) in Xinjiang were taken as research objects, and 60 pesticide residues in the samples were investigated and analyzed. On this basis, pesticide residues and pollution levels in each producing area were evaluated through single pollution index, Nemero comprehensive pollution index, and acute and chronic dietary risk. The detection rate of 15 pesticide residues was 46.84%. Pyrimethanil, amidine and carbendazim were the main pesticide residues, accounting for more than 10%. 7 and 2 samples of grade II pollution (relatively safe) were collected from E city and D county, 1 …

Research & Debate—Pier Competitor: Testimony On China’S Global Ports, Isaac Kardon

Naval War College Review

The United States–China Economic and Security Review Commission convened a daylong hearing on the global power-projection capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on 20 February 2020. What follows is a version of the testimony with which the author responded to the commission’s questions on Chinese bases and access points, drawing on an original data set of the ninety-five overseas port terminals that Chinese firms—primarily three entities, two of which are central state–owned enterprises—own, operate, or both.

Effect Of Job Security And Job Satisfaction On The Commitment Of Library Personnel In Academic Libraries In Ogun State Nigeria, Babatunde Ogunbanjo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Commitment of library personnel refers to the extent to which they relate with the goals and aspirations of their respective libraries and their desire to work for the realisation of the goals and, the readiness to be with their respective libraries. All employees, including academic librarians look for attractive salaries, creativity and innovation and job security. These factors fit well into the “Maslow Theory of Needs”. This study adopted a survey design. Two Hundred and ninety personnel drawn from public tertiary institutions in Ogun state participated in the study. A questionnaire was used to gather data and the data was …

Stage-Specific Action Of Juvenile Hormone Analogs, Ramaseshadri Parthasarathy, Subba Reddy Palli

Entomology Faculty Publications

The discovery of juvenile hormones (JH) and their synthetic analogs (JHA) generated excitement and hope that these compounds will replace first- and second-generation insecticides that have not so desirable environmental and human safety profiles. However, JHAs used commercially during the past four decades did not meet these expectations. The recent availability of advanced molecular and histological methods and the discovery of key players involved in JH action provided some insights into the functioning of JHA in a stage and species-specific manner. In this review, we will summarize recent findings and stage-specific action of JHA, focusing on three commercially used JHA, …

F-Wave Parameters And Body Mass Index In Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Philip Adebayo, Rose E. Mwakabatika

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background

Severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) readily lends itself to both clinical and electrophysiological recognition. The uncertainty sometimes is in identifying and quantifying motor involvement in mild and, perhaps, in moderate CTS. Our study aimed to evaluate F responses in mild and moderate CTS and determine the contribution of BMI to the F-wave parameters.

Methods A retrospective review of the clinical and electrophysiological data of patients with CTS seen at the clinical neurophysiology laboratory of Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, between 1 August 2017 and 31 July 2019 was retrieved. Carpal tunnel syndrome was graded according to the electrophysiological …

Perceived Risk Factors Of Dysmenorrhea Among Female Undergraduates In University Of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, Ibrahim Ologele, Precious Daniel Oyiza, Ogunsola Tijani

Tanzania Journal of Science

Dysmenorrrhea is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism among female undergraduates in University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Therefore, the study investigated the perceived risk factors of dysmenorrhea among female undergraduates in the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Descriptive research design of survey type was used for the study. Population for this study comprised of female undergraduates in the University of Ilorin for 2018/2019 academic session. Multi-stage sampling technique of simple, proportionate, purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 263 respondents that participated in the study. The researcher developed a questionnaire which was validated by 3 experts from the …

Potential Of Fungi Isolated From Diesel Contaminated Soil To Degrade Diesel, Oluwafemi Oyewole, Ramat Raji, Suzan Okeke, Gift Chukwuma, Japhet Yakubu

Tanzania Journal of Science

Diesel is a complex mixture and a common pollutant, consisting mainly of aliphatic hydrocarbons ranging from C9 to C23 and a number of aromatic compounds. The main purpose of this study was to isolate fungi from diesel contaminated soil for biodegradation of diesel contaminated soil. Two fungal species (Aspergillus flavus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were isolated from a diesel contaminated site using cultural and biochemical characterisation. The isolates were screened for their ability to utilize diesel as carbon source. The biodegradation rate of the fungi isolated was measured by determining the optical density using spectrophotometry. The fungal isolates were further tested …

Isolation And Quantification Of Flavonoids From Kigelia Africana (Lam.) Benth Fruit And Bark And Their Antiradical And Antibacterial Activities, Pamhidzai Dzomba, George Mhini

Tanzania Journal of Science

Kigelia africana is an evergreen deciduous tree used in Zimbabwe folklore medicine for wound and diabetes ulcers healing. This paper reports the isolation and quantification of flavonoids from stem barks and fruits of K. africana as well as their antibacterial and antiradical activities. Flavonoids in ethanol and ethyl-acetate extracts were quantified using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and were found to be 213.490 ± 0.001 mg/L and 36.614 ± 0.001 mg/L, respectively per quercetin equivalent. The preparative and analytical thin layer chromatography was used to profile the flavonoids from fruits and barks using ethyl-acetate and petroleum ether (3:7 v/v) mobile solvent systems. Ethanol …

Influence Of Covid-19 On The Psychological Wellbeing Of Tertiary Institution Students In Nigeria, Seun Akorede, Ayodotun Ajayi, Atanda Toyin, Gilbert Uwadia

Tanzania Journal of Science

The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to a global lockdown, pending the time medical researchers find a vaccine for the coronavirus. This study examined if loneliness, depression and stress are influences of COVID-19 on the psychological wellbeing of tertiary institutions students in Nigeria. A descriptive research design of survey type was employed for this study. The population comprised all students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria totaling about 4,406,000. One hundred and thirty-seven (137) respondents were sampled for the study. A validated researcher developed questionnaire tested for reliability was used for the study. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. …

Determination Of Aquifer Parameters From Resistivity Data: A Case Of University Of Ilorin Campus, Northcentral Nigeria, Babatunde Onawola, Saminu Olatunji, Oluwatoyin Ologe, Razak Jimoh

Tanzania Journal of Science

A total of twenty-one (21) vertical electrical sounding (VES) data were acquired using Pz-02 resistivity meter within the Precambrian basement area of part of Ilorin Metropolis north central Nigeria to evaluate the hydraulic characteristics of aquifers. The Schlumberger configuration with half-current electrode separation (AB/2) varying from 1 m to 60 m was used. The aquifer hydraulic characteristics such as hydraulic conductivity K and transmissivity T (Ωm2) were calculated from the interpreted VES data using the concept of Dar-Zarrouk parameters. The data, processed with computer software IPI2WIN, indicated three to four geo-electric layers, namely; topsoil, clayey (wet to dry), weathered or …

Antibacterial Activities Of Hyphaene Thebaica (Doum Palm) Fruit Extracts Against Intestinal Microflora And Potential Constipation Associated Pathogens In Yola Metropolis, Nigeria, Joel Ewansiha, Chidimma Ugo, Damaris Kolawole, Lilian Orji

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study aimed at determining the antibacterial activities of Hyphaene thebaica fruit extracts against some intestinal constipation associated bacteria. Qualitative analysis of some phytochemical constituents, agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods were used to determine the zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the plant extracts. Phytochemical components viz flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, glycosides and steroids were detected in the plant extracts, and the test organisms were susceptible to the plant extracts. The diameter zone of inhibition (DZI) obtained with n-hexane extract ranged from 15.10 ± 0.51 mm to 2.0 ± 0.55 mm against K. …

Forest Structure And Climate Change Mitigation Potential: A Case Of Wilolesi And Ikonongo Forested Hills In Iringa Municipality, Tanzania, Evarist Fundisha, Hamidu Seki, Anasia Saria

Tanzania Journal of Science

Vegetation plays major roles in carbon storage and ecosystem functioning by modifying the rate of carbon fluxes thereby mitigating climate change. However, the focus of assessing the potentials for different vegetation on climate change mitigation has for so long been conducted outside cities, towns and municipalities. This study was conducted in Wilolesi and Ikonongo hills located in Iringa as representative of the Municipality forested hills in Tanzania to assess vegetation structure and their potential for climate change mitigation. Random sampling technique was employed to establish 20 rectangular plots of 20 m x 40 m (0.08 ha) in each hill to …

Seismic Attributes Analysis As A Precursor To Hydrocarbon Indicators: A Case Study Of “Ok” Field, Niger Delta, Oluwatoyin Ologe, Mary Olowokere

Tanzania Journal of Science

Seismic data volume was employed to gain more insights into the complexities of the hydrocarbon hosting units within and outside the vicinity of well control in the OK-field Niger Delta to overcome wrong deductions from complexly faulted subsurface configuration for the oilfield exploration programme. The methodology involved integration of well log with seismic data, seismic structural analysis and seismic attributes analysis. Horizons and fault interpretations were carried out to produce subsurface attribute maps. Lithologic panels derived from well log data showed that the study area is characterized by sand-shale interbedding. Two hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs were delineated within the study interval, …

Hiv/Aids Transmission Dynamics: Modelling The Roles Of Long Distance Truck Drivers, Nyimvua Mbare

Tanzania Journal of Science

A mathematical model to investigate the roles of long distance truck drivers on HIV transmission dynamics was formulated and analyzed to establish the existence of disease free and endemic equilibrium points. The results show that, the disease free equilibrium point is asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number is less than unity and unstable otherwise. Furthermore, comprehensive analyses on the two steady states (infection free and endemic) have shown that they are both globally and asymptotically stable. Sensitivity analysis is performed on the reproduction number in order to establish the relative importance of parameters, and it shows that the truck …

Analyzing The Electricity Consumption And Costs Of Electrical-Powered Machines When There Is Orepass Failure In Underground Mine, Bartłomiej Skawina, Abubakary Salama

Tanzania Journal of Science

In underground mining environment where the loss of orepasses is a dominant factor, the mine may face a challenge of improving the loading and hauling operations. Some of the options will be to rehabilitate the lost orepasses, or developing the new ones. When the rehabilitation cost is high, alternative strategies should be applied to compensate for the orepasses failure. One of the possible options is to use diesel or electric Load-Haul-Dumps (LHDs). The use of diesel-powered LHDs will increase heat and gas emissions which increase environmental concerns and ventilation costs, while adoption of electric-powered vehicles needs to be analysed. Therefore, …

Effects Of Drying, Packaging Conditions And Storage Time On Proximate Composition Of Chia Seeds (Salvia Hispanica), Ashura Katunzi-Kilewela, Leonard Rweyemamu, Oscar Kibazohi, Lilian Kaale

Tanzania Journal of Science

The effects of drying, packaging conditions and storage time on proximate composition of chia seeds were investigated. Chia seeds were dried at 63 °C for 30 min (low-temperature long time–LTLT) and at 75 °C for 30 s (high-temperature short time-HTST) using dry oven, air/vacuum-packed and stored for ten weeks. The effect of heat processing (drying) on chia seeds had significant difference (p < 0.05) in ash, fiber and fat contents while there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in moisture and protein contents. Except for fiber content, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in moisture, ash, fat and protein of chia seeds dried at LTLT and HTST before storage. During storage time, there was …

Effects Of Plant Species Diversity And Biomass On Grazing Patch Selection By Semi Free-Ranging Cattle, Samora Andrew

Tanzania Journal of Science

Studies examining forage selection by large herbivores have generally focused on single herbivore-plant relationships and few studies link plant species diversity with large herbivore feeding preferences, particularly in species-rich ecosystems. A study was therefore conducted to examine how herbaceous plant biomass, species richness, diversity and evenness, together with elevation and distances to houses, agricultural fields and cattle holding-pen areas (kraals), predict cattle grazing intensity at small (0.5 x 0.5 m) and large (20 x 50 m) patches by semi free-ranging indigenous cattle in Kilombero Valley Floodplain wetland Tanzania. Results showed that cattle grazed patches with high species richness and intermediate …

Modelling Road Traffic Accidents Counts In Tanzania: A Poisson Regression Approach, Thadei Sagamiko, Nyimvua Mbare

Tanzania Journal of Science

Road traffic accidents have become serious threats to Tanzanians in recent years. The outcryemanates from the increasing prevalence of negative effects of accidents on human lives,properties, environments and the economy. Poisson regression model was used to study therelationship between road accidents and the factors facilitating them in Tanzania. Count data onyearly road traffic accidents for Tanzania covering the period 1993 to 2019 were used. Due toover-dispersion of Poisson regression model, quasi-Poisson regression model was found the mostappropriate approach for the analysis of these data. Results indicated that all predictors aresignificant under Poisson regression model with p-value less than 0.05 but …

Campylobacteriosis Transmission Dynamics In Humans: Modeling The Effects Of Public Health Education, Treatment, And Sanitation, Furaha Chuma, Zubeda Mussa

Tanzania Journal of Science

An epidemic model for the dynamics of campylobacteriosis disease with public health education, treatment, and sanitation control strategies was formulated and analyzed. The stabilities of the equilibrium points were analyzed by using the Routh-Hurwitz criterion. The effective reproduction number was computed by using the Next Generation Matrix method. Numerical simulations were carried out and the results showed that, public health education has a substantial influence on the reduction of the effective reproduction number. Moreover, treatment and sanitation control strategies have also shown significant reduction of infected individuals from the respective population.Keywords: Campylobacteriosis; public health education; treatment; sanitation.

Physicochemical And Sensory Evaluation Of Mixed Juices From Banana, Pineapple And Passion Fruits During Storage, Victor Matabura, Oscar Kibazohi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Juices from fresh fruits offer various health benefits, including strengthening the immune system and preventing diseases. Mixed fruit juices tend to have good nutritional contents and organoleptic properties like colour, flavour, taste, and overall appeal of different fruits. This work investigated the physicochemical and sensory attributes of fruit juice of low viscosity banana juice blended with pineapple and passion juices. The prepared juices were pasteurised at 92 °C for 15 s, bottled in air-tight glass bottles, and subsequently stored in two different conditions: an ambient temperature of approximately 28 ± 2 °C and a fridge at 4 ºC for one …

Corrosion Inhibition Of Mild Steel In Seawater By 2,4,6-Triamino-3-Pentadecylphenyl Acetate Derived From Cashew Nut Shell Liquid, Emanuel Ricky, Esther Lugwisha, Joseph Philip

Tanzania Journal of Science

The corrosion inhibition performance of 2,4,6-triamino-3-pentadecylphenyl acetate on mild steel in seawater at stationary condition, 30 °C and pH 8 was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The maximum inhibition efficiency of 93% was found in the presence of 300 ppm of 2,4,6-triamino-3-pentadecylphenyl acetate for both potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The potentiodynamic polarization curves show that 2,4,6-triamino-3-pentadecylphenyl acetate acts as a mixed type inhibitor which influences more the anodic processes. The Nyquist plots revealed that the polarization resistance (Rp) increases whereas the double-layer capacitance (Cdl) and corrosion current density (icorr) decrease as the concentrations of …

Wastewater Clarification And Microbial Load Reduction Using Agro-Forestry And Agricultural Wastes, Joel Njewa, Ephraim Vunain, Timothy Biswick

Tanzania Journal of Science

Five agro-wastes, namely: cassava peels, Irish potato peels, Jatropha curcas seeds, Moringa oleifera seeds and rice husks were investigated as plant-based coagulants for turbidity and microbial load removal from sewage wastewater. Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas seeds before usage were defatted with 95% ethanol and the active coagulating component was extracted with 1.0 M NaCl. For the other three agro-wastes, their ashes were evaluated for turbidity and microbial load removal. The ash was prepared through pyrolysis of the raw biomass at a temperature of 800 °C for 3 h. The effect of pH, coagulant dose, settling time on turbidity reduction …

Characterization, Antimicrobial And Toxicity Studies Of Silver Nanoparticles Using Opuntia Ficus Indica Leaves Extracts From Effurun, Delta State, Christiana Ogwuche, Harrison Moses

Tanzania Journal of Science

The silver nanoparticles were synthesized by reacting silver nitrate, a metal precursor with the extract obtained from the leaves of Opuntia ficus indica, which acts as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Formation of silver nanoparticles was indicated by colour change from light yellow to dark brown which was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy showing surface plasmon band at 369 nm resulting from relatively small amount of reductive biomolecules for the silver ion reduction. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis gave the morphology of the nanoparticles and showed that the silver particles were of spherical shape. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer presented …