Digital Commons Network^™

Efficiency Of Insect-Proof Net Tunnels In Reducing Virus-Related Seed Degeneration In Sweet Potato, K. O. Ogero, J. F. Kreuze, M. A. Mcewan, N. D. Luambano, H. Bachwenkizi, K. A. Garrett, K. F. Andersen, S. Thomas-Sharma, R. A.A. Van Der Vlugt

Faculty Publications

Virus-related degeneration constrains production of quality sweet potato seed, especially under open field conditions. Once in the open, virus-indexed seed is prone to virus infection leading to decline in performance. Insect-proof net tunnels have been proven to reduce virus infection under researcher management. However, their effectiveness under farmer-multiplier management is not known. This study investigated the ability of net tunnels to reduce degeneration in sweet potato under farmer-multiplier management. Infection and degeneration were assessed for two cultivars, Kabode and Polista, grown in net tunnels and open fields at two sites with varying virus pressures. There was zero virus incidence at …

The Influence Of Socioeconomic Factors To The Use Of Mobile Phones In The Agricultural Sector Of Tanzania, Edison Wazoel Lubua Dr, Michael E. Kyobe Prof.

The African Journal of Information Systems

This study determined the influence of socioeconomic factors to the adoption of mobile phones in the farming community of Tanzania. Currently, a series of well-established models (such as the TAM, UTAUT and the Social Capital Model) provide inadequate consideration toward socioeconomic factors, by ignoring them, or putting them under the same cluster, regardless of their differences in impacting the technology use. Methodologically, a survey strategy was adopted, with a sample of 116 respondents. The study involved farmers along the Pangani River Basin, found in Kilimanjaro and Tanga Regions of Tanzania. Data was analyzed using advanced quantitative methods such as the …

Cloud Computing Architecture For Elearning Systems In Secondary Schools In Tanzania, Kennedy F. Mwakisole, Mussa M. Kissaka Dr, Joel S. Mtebe Phd

The African Journal of Information Systems

In recent years, schools have been investing heavily on information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure to implement eLearning systems to enhance the quality of education in secondary schools in Tanzania. The majority of these systems are implemented using a traditional web-based eLearning approach on school premises which is costly and limits usage due to lack of scalability and flexibility. Consequently, many schools have started adopting cloud computing as a solution. However, this adaption depends on well-defined cloud eLearning architecture. This study proposed cloud architecture for implementing an eLearning system in secondary schools in Tanzania by adopting various layers proposed in …

Mobile Technology Usage For Street Traders’ Market Search In Dodoma—Urban Tanzania: An Exploratory Study, Joel Rumanyika, Matti Tedre, Apiola Mikko, Nasibu Rajabu Mramba

The African Journal of Information Systems

Increased access to mobile technologies has significantly contributed to almost all types of work, including informal work. Mobile phones are one such technology that has been exponentially adopted and used by street traders. However, there is limited information about how street traders use mobile phones to search for new markets. This study investigated street traders’ mobile usage for new market search in Dodoma, Tanzania. Qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews with 29 street traders, followed by a focus group discussion with eight street traders. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The results show that using mobile phones …

Bridging The Gap On Schistosomiasis: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining The Knowledge Gap And Common Attitudes And Practices Regarding S. Mansoni Infections Among Varying Education Levels In Luanda K’Otieno, Western Kenya, Kathy Zhang

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Background: Schistosomiasis is considered one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most effective strategy for schistosomiasis control is through preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel (PZQ). In order to successfully control morbidity rates, the WHO recommends mass treatment targeting high risk groups, such as school-age children and adults considered to be at risk.

Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the effects of the National School-Based Deworming Programme (NSBDP) on knowledge of schistosomiasis and subsequent prevalence rates and intensity. A total of 43 residents in Luanda K’Otieno were interviewed, and 34 of …

E-Waste Shouldn’T Be Waste: A Study On The Practices, Perceptions, And Policies On E-Waste In Urban Arusha, Tanzania, Melanie Mckenzie

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study examines the e-waste stream in urban Arusha, answer the questions of where electronics go, how people usually dispose of them, if people are aware of the impacts of e-waste, and what next steps are necessary. The study took place in November 2019 in urban Arusha, Tanzania. Through snowball and convenience sampling in 4 quotas (community members, electricians, business members, and a policy maker), the study finds that there is no place for the proper disposal of e-waste in Arusha. Many electronics are disposed of improperly by being put into the landfill or burned. Most participants were unaware of …

Impacts Of Agricultural Practices On Soil Quality And The Resulting Soil Conservation Implication In Kizanda Village, Lushoto Region, Tanzania, Sarah Maccormick

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study examined soil conservation in Kizanda Village which is in the Lushoto District, Tanga Region in the West Usambara Mountains of Tanzania. In Tanzania, and more specifically, the rural montane area, agriculture is an important part of both social and economic development. Due to a reported high rate of land degradation in Tanzania, this development is threatened though the lack of soil conservation. This study conducted structured interviews with farmers in Kizanda through snowball sampling to collect information about local agricultural practices and farmers’ perceptions on soil conservation issues. Soil samples were then collected from the corresponding farms (n= …

Coastal Stream Salinity And Its Impacts On Pemba Agriculture, Sara Mccormack

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The extent of saltwater inundation of coastal streams was assessed on Pemba Island near agricultural areas in northeastern and northwestern regions of the island. Conductivity and pH were measured from water samples collected at various distances along the stream to determine the extent of salinity at different points in the tidal cycle. This salinity data, as well as the context of recent weather events, runoff, and geological characteristics of the region were used to determine the primary factors that influence changes in surface water salinity. The primary factor that influences surface water salinity was determined to be changes in stream …

Influence Of Library Information Resources And Services On Research Productivity Of Agricultural Scientists In Agricultural Institutions In Benue State, Hajaratu Mafo Ilo, Anthony Agena Igbashal, Jessica Ahemen Agoh

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the influence of Library Information Resources and Services on Research Productivity of Agricultural Scientists in Agricultural Institutions in Benue State. Seven purposes with corresponding research questions guided the study and two hypotheses were formulated. The study adopted survey research design. The population for the study comprises of 242 Agricultural Scientists in Agricultural Institutions in Benue. The sample size for the study was 151 Agricultural Scientists by using proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The instrument employed for data collection was a self constructed structured questionnaire which was validated by experts. The reliability of the instrument …

Frequent Refresher Training On Newborn Resuscitation And Potential Impact On Perinatal Outcome Over Time In A Rural Tanzanian Hospital: An Observational Study, Estomih Mduma, Jan Terje Kvaløy, Eldar Soreide, Erling Svensen, Paschal Mdoe, Jeffrey Perlman, Caroline Johnson, Hussein Kidanto, Hege Langli Ersdal

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objectives: Globally, perinatal mortality remains high, especially in sub-Saharan countries, mainly because of inadequate obstetric and newborn care. Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) resuscitation training as part of a continuous quality improvement (CQI) programme may improve outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe observed changes in perinatal survival during a 6-year period, while adjusting for relevant perinatal risk factors.

Setting: Delivery rooms and operating theatre in a rural referral hospital in northern-central Tanzania providing comprehensive obstetric and basic newborn care 24 hours a day. The hospital serves approximately 2 million people comprising low social-economic status.

Participants: …

Health Professionals' Experiences And Views On Obstetric Ultrasound In Vietnam: A Regional, Cross-Sectional Study, Sophia Holmlund, Pham Thi Lan, Kristina Edvardsson, Ho Dang Phuc, Joseph Ntaganira, Rhonda Small, Hussein Kidanto, Matilda Ngarina, Ingrid Mogren

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objectives: Obstetric ultrasound is an important part of antenatal care in Vietnam, although there are great differences in access to antenatal care and ultrasound services across the country. The aim of this study was to explore Vietnamese health professionals' experiences and views of obstetric ultrasound in relation to clinical management, resources and skills.

Design: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed as part of the CROss Country UltraSound study.

Setting: Health facilities (n=29) in urban, semiurban and rural areas of Hanoi region in Vietnam.

Participants: Participants were 289 obstetricians/gynaecologists and 535 midwives.

Results: A majority (88%) …

Educational Leadership In A Mayan Village In Southern Belize: Challenges Faced By A Mayan Woman Principal, Yanira Oliveras, Wesley D. Hickey

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

A Mayan woman principal taking a position in a historically paternalistic village in Southern Belize faces inevitable challenges due to the cultural structure of the village. In this case, the challenges go beyond cultural norms. Mrs. Po, a Mopan woman leading a school in a Kekchi village, faces challenges related to her role as a teaching principal in a multigrade school, her lack of leadership preparation, the remoteness of the village, and the language barrier, among others. The reader is encouraged to ponder the myriad of issues that impact the principal’s efforts to improve the education system while working in …

Assessing The Information Literacy Skills Among Undergraduate Students At The University Of Mines And Technology (Umat), Tarkwa, Ghana, Raphael Kwame Kavi Mr, Peter Anafo Mr., Kwabena Asiedu Bugyei Mr., Yaw Ofori Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Information literacy skills have become a topical issue in the academic lives of university students. It is a skill needed to be able to identify an information need, knowing the sources of information, effectively searching for information and ethically using information in this era of the information age. Various studies have observed that university students lack the basic skills needed to make them effectively search for academic information and how to apply them. This situation, if not checked, would negatively affect the academic lives of students. This paper, therefore, sought to examine the level of information literacy skills among incoming …

Academic Disciplines And Use Of Library-Based Online Resources For Learning Activities By Undergraduates In University Of Ibadan, Nigeria, Michael Oladiran, Tolulope Balogun

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of academic disciplines on the use of library-based online resources for learning activities by undergraduates in the University of Ibadan.

The paper adopted the quantitative research method. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the undergraduate students from each faculty and department with the sampling fraction of 2.5%. The sample size for the study is 303 undergraduates of University of Ibadan. Questionnaire was the instrument used to gather data for the research. 286 (94.4%) questionnaires were properly completed and analyzed.

The study revealed that that the Internet is the …

Free And Open Source Gis In South America: Political Inroads And Local Advocacy, Sterling Quinn

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

Geographical information systems (GIS) practitioners worldwide enjoy a growing array of free and open source software (FOSS) options. This software has expanded the accessibility of GIS in economically developing countries while fostering local technical expertise. This article reviews FOSS GIS uptake and advocacy in South America, especially how it relates to a climate of political friendliness toward FOSS in the region. The use or absence of FOSS GIS is assessed in public-facing web maps in South America, first at the national government level, and then at the provincial level using Argentina as a country of study. Local technical support groups …

Vitamin D Status And Risk Of Incident Tuberculosis Disease: A Nested Case-Control Study, Systematic Review, And Individual-Participant Data Meta-Analysis, Omowunmi Aibana, Chuan-Chin Huang, Said Aboud, Alberto Arnedo-Pena, Mercedes C. Becerra, Juan B. Bellido-Blasco, Ramesh Bhosale, Roger Calderon, Silvia Chiang, Jerome Galea

Social Work Faculty Publications

Background: Few studies have evaluated the association between preexisting vitamin D deficiency and incident tuberculosis (TB). We assessed the impact of baseline vitamins D levels on TB disease risk.

Methods and findings: We assessed the association between baseline vitamin D and incident TB in a prospective cohort of 6,751 HIV-negative household contacts of TB patients enrolled between September 1, 2009, and August 29, 2012, in Lima, Peru. We screened for TB disease at 2, 6, and 12 months after enrollment. We defined cases as household contacts who developed TB disease at least 15 days after enrollment of the index patient. …

Vitamin D Status And Risk Of Incident Tuberculosis Disease: A Nested Case-Control Study, Systematic Review, And Individual-Participant Data Meta-Analysis, Omowunmi Aibana, Chuan-Chin Huang, Said Aboud, Alberto Arnedo-Pena, Mercedes C. Becerra, Juan Bautista Bellido-Blasco, Ramesh Bhosale, Roger Calderon, Rabia Hussain, Najeeha Talat Iqbal

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Background: Few studies have evaluated the association between preexisting vitamin D deficiency and incident tuberculosis (TB). We assessed the impact of baseline vitamins D levels on TB disease risk.
Methods and Findings: We assessed the association between baseline vitamin D and incident TB in a prospective cohort of 6,751 HIV-negative household contacts of TB patients enrolled between September 1, 2009, and August 29, 2012, in Lima, Peru. We screened for TB disease at 2, 6, and 12 months after enrollment. We defined cases as household contacts who developed TB disease at least 15 days after enrollment of the index patient. …

Vitamin D Status And Risk Of Incident Tuberculosis Disease: A Nested Case-Control Study, Systematic Review, And Individual-Participant Data Meta-Analysis, Omowunmi Aibana, Chuan-Chin Huang, Said Aboud, Alberto Arnedo-Pena, Mercedes C Becerra, Juan Bautista Bellido-Blasco, Ramesh Bhosale, Roger Calderon, Silvia Chiang, Carmen Contreras, Ganmaa Davaasambuu, Wafaie W Fawzi, Molly F Franke, Jerome T Galea, Daniel Garcia-Ferrer, Maria Gil-Fortuño, Barbará Gomila-Sard, Amita Gupta, Nikhil Gupte, Rabia Hussain, Jesus Iborra-Millet, Najeeha T Iqbal, Jose Vicente Juan-Cerdán, Aarti Kinikar, Leonid Lecca, Vidya Mave, Noemi Meseguer-Ferrer, Grace Montepiedra, Ferdinand M Mugusi, Olumuyiwa A Owolabi, Julie Parsonnet, Freddy Roach-Poblete, Maria Angeles Romeu-García, Stephen A Spector, Christopher R Sudfeld, Mark W Tenforde, Toyin O Togun, Rosa Yataco, Zibiao Zhang, Megan B Murray

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the association between preexisting vitamin D deficiency and incident tuberculosis (TB). We assessed the impact of baseline vitamins D levels on TB disease risk.

METHODS AND FINDINGS: We assessed the association between baseline vitamin D and incident TB in a prospective cohort of 6,751 HIV-negative household contacts of TB patients enrolled between September 1, 2009, and August 29, 2012, in Lima, Peru. We screened for TB disease at 2, 6, and 12 months after enrollment. We defined cases as household contacts who developed TB disease at least 15 days after enrollment of the index patient. …

Risk And Strategies Of China's Oversea Port Infrastructure Investment Under "One Belt One Road" Initiative, Jingshun Ke

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Understanding Energy Transitions: The Changing Versions Of The Modern Infrastructure Ideal And The ‘Energy Underclass’ In South Africa, 1860-2019, Stephen Essex, Jiska De Groot

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

There is increasing recognition that the prospects of a post-networked city challenges the myth of the modernist ideal of a networked city and offers a more realistic proposition for energy transitions in the global south. This paper examines the energy transitions involved in the development of South Africa's versions of the modern infrastructural ideal for electricity provision since the nineteenth century. Four phases of South Africa's energy transition are identified, consisting of colonial, apartheid, post-apartheid and low-carbon phases. The paper argues that the agendas influencing the generation, distribution and consumption of electricity in South Africa are multiple and potentially conflicting, …

Making A World After Empire : The Bandung Moment And Its Political Afterlives, Christopher J. Lee

Ohio University Press Open Access Books

In April 1955, twenty-nine countries from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East came together for a diplomatic conference in Bandung, Indonesia, intending to define the direction of the postcolonial world. Ostensibly representing two-thirds of the world’s population, the Bandung conference occurred during a key moment of transition in the mid-twentieth century—amid the global wave of decolonization that took place after the Second World War and the nascent establishment of a new Cold War world order in its wake. Participants such as Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Zhou Enlai of China, and Sukarno of Indonesia seized this …

Climate Changes Awareness Among Young Social Media Users, Muhammad Ramzan Dr, Roma Shehzadi, Principal Author, Noma Khawaja, Hina Adeeb

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Our climate is changing so fast and influencing all aspects of our life. Serious efforts are needed to make our youth aware of environmental changes happening in our localities and globally. Youth is heavily using social media these days. Therefore, it is imperative to understand how informed are our young boys and girls of changings occurring in our climates and then educate them to cope with these changes. This study investigated levels of awareness about climate changes amid social media users and non-users amongst youth in Pakistan. Primary data was collected through 187 randomly sampled young college and university students …

Theft And Mutilation On The Use Of Library Resources In Nigerian Academic Libraries., Idakwo Innocent

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The ability of the library to meet the needs of its teeming users is greatly dependent on the availability of information resources. Theft and mutilation are serious factors that hamper not just availability but usability of information resources. This paper discussed some of the causes of theft and mutilation to include high cost of books, lack of photocopying machine, lack of electronic security measures, and lack of proper monitoring of students, porous library security system, and unavailability of online databases among others. This study also revealed that theft and mutilation of information resources has lots of negative impact on the …

Kleptoparasitism Of Shoebills Balaeniceps Rex By African Fish Eagles Haliaeetus Vocifer In Western Tanzania, Jasson John, Woo Lee

Tanzania Journal of Science

Kleptoparasitism is a specialised form of foraging interference occurring throughout the animal kingdom and especially is well documented among birds including African fish eagle Haliaeetus vocifer. However, only one record is reported between fish eagle and shoebill Balaeniceps rex despite their habitat overlap and it remains undescribed. This paper documents kleptoparasitism of shoebills by fish eagles in Malagarasi wetlands, western Tanzania. Kleptoparasitism was highly seasonal occurring in the dry season, especially at low floods. Both adults and non-adult eagles stole prey from shoebills, with non-adults initiating attacks at shorter distances than adults perhaps because of the lack of experience. The …

Improved Hybrid Blind Papr Reduction Algorithm For Ofdm Systems, Kwame Ibwe

Tanzania Journal of Science

The ever growing demand for high data rate communication services has resulted into the development of long-term evolution (LTE) technology. LTE uses orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) as a transmission technology in its PHY layer for down-link (DL) communications. OFDM is spectrally efficient multicarrier modulation technique ideal for high data transmissions over highly time and frequency varying channels. However, the transmitted signal in OFDM can have high peak values in the time domain due to inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) operation. This creates high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) when compared to single carrier systems. PAPR drives the power amplifiers to …

Microstructure And Materials Characterization Of Sol-Gel Synthesized Zro2 Systems, Sungsoo Park, Godlisten Shao

Tanzania Journal of Science

The roles of pH and thermal treatment on the microstructures of sol-gel synthesized mesoporous ZrO2 systems have been investigated. In order to control the crystal structures and particle sizes of the final products, the pH values of the reaction mixtures were controlled between 5 and 12 followed by calcination at temperatures ranging from 450 to 1000 °C. The microstructures of the zirconia systems were then examined by XRD, TEM, TGA, UV-visible DRS and nitrogen physisorption study analyses. It was found that pH values and calcination temperatures have significant influence on the crystallization temperature, phase transformation and particle size of the …

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

Tanzania Journal of Science

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

Decision Rules For Supplier Selection Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Topsis, Dickson Omorogbe, Sunday Omosigho

Tanzania Journal of Science

This paper provides a methodology for addressing contradictions in the ranking of suppliers when more than one metric functions are adopted in intuitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution) for supplier selection. Our literature search revealed contradictions when more than one metric functions are adopted in the method.  Two types of contradictions were addressed: (i) contradiction of the best supplier, and (ii) contradiction at the middle of the park.  Decision rules algorithms were developed to address the problems.Worked examples were given to illustrate the rules for resolving the contradiction. A major thrust of this …

Geological Modeling Of Hydrocarbon Reservoir Rocks In The Mafia Basin, Offshore Tanzania, Bahati Mohamed, Elisante Mshiu, Ernest Mulaya

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study presents a 3D geological model of reservoir rocks in the Mafia Basin based on interpretation of 2D seismic and well data towards understanding the hydrocarbon prospectivity. 2D seismic data were used to generate surface maps and therefore the subsurface configuration of the reservoir complemented with petrophysical analysis to determine lithology and reservoir properties. Structural and petrophysical properties modeling were distributed stochastically within the constructed 3D grid using Sequential Indicator Simulation (SIS) and Gaussian Random Function Simulation (GRFS) algorithms. Results from well log analysis and petrophysical models classify the reservoir under a moderate reservoir quality with 19% to 20% …

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

Tanzania Journal of Science

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