Digital Commons Network^™

Predicting Mortality Within 1 Year Of Art Initiation In Children And Adolescents Living With Hiv In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study, Alexander Kay, Bhekumusa Lukhele, Sandile Dlamini, Abigail Seeger, Phumzile Dlamini, Sandile Ndabezitha, Nobuhle Mthethwa, Teresa Steffy, Lilian Komba, Pauline Amuge, Eunice Ketangenyi, Peter Elyanu, Adamson Munthali, Amos Msekandiana, Yvonne Maldonado, Elizabeth Chiao, Adeodata Kekitiinwa, Lineo Thahane, Lumumba Mwita, H Lester Kirchner, Anna Maria Mandalakas

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Differentiated service delivery (DSD) for children and adolescents living with HIV can improve targeted resource use. We derived a mortality prediction score to guide clinical decision making for children and adolescents living with HIV.

METHODS: Data for this retrospective observational cohort study were evaluated for all children and adolescents living with HIV and initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART); aged 0-19 years; and enrolled at Baylor clinics in Eswatini, Malawi, Lesotho, Tanzania, and Uganda between 2005 and 2020. Data for clinical prediction, including anthropometric values, physical examination, ART, WHO stage, and laboratory tests were captured at ART initiation. Backward stepwise variable …

Crisis Management: Unveiling Information And Communication Technologies’ Revamped Role Through The Lens Of Sub-Saharan African Countries During Covid-19, Ruthbetha Kateule, Egidius Kamanyi, Mahadia Tunga

The African Journal of Information Systems

The management of COVID-19 pandemic has revealed inefficiencies in coordinating global response, particularly in African countries. Therefore, creating an urgent need to examine the literature on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in crisis management to appreciate its contextual role. Employing a systematic review, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), this paper critically assessed the extent of the use of ICT in crisis management in Africa’s response to COVID-19 to reconstruct its resilience against future crises. Findings indicate that while countries with limited ICT infrastructure faced considerable challenges in utilizing ICT solutions in COVID-19 management, countries …

Navigating The Virtual Realm: Unveiling The Crucial Role Of Libraries In Open Distance Learning, Abraham Christopher

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study explores the critical role that libraries play in the field of open distance learning, especially in light of the way that e-learning technologies are changing educational environments. By examining the difficulties, advantages, and tactics related to library assistance in distance learning, the research highlights the vital connection between libraries, technology, and open distance learning. The study highlights the importance of libraries in providing remote learners with fair access to knowledge. It also emphasises the need to use technology to improve educational outcomes in the virtual environment and fortify library services.

How Can Pastors Who Are Working With Youth In Tanzania Help Youth Resolve Christian-Muslim Tensions?, Ombeni Martin Ulime

Master of Theology Theses

No abstract provided.

Governance And Islam In East Africa: Muslims And The State In Kenya And Tanzania, Farouk Topan, Kai Kresse, Erin E. Stiles, Hassan Mwakimako

Exploring Muslim Contexts

Explores the relationship between Muslim communities and the State in East Africa in political, institutional and legal contexts

• Focuses on the relationship between Muslims and the State in Kenya and Tanzania
• Asks which factors, both within and outside the Muslim community, shape and affect this relationship in contemporary times
• Presents 13 case studies exploring governance issues within and across the categories of politics, institutions and law in Kenya and Tanzania
• Identifies cross-cutting issues of governance and Muslim communities which are relevant beyond East Africa

Recent studies of Muslims in Kenya and Tanzania have tended either to examine governance of Muslims …

The Influence Of Informal Economy On Voluntary Contributions To Informal Social Organisations, Nyagwegwe Wango

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

This study explores the dynamics of the informal economy and the voluntary contributions made to groups, associations, and memberships within this sector. It provides an overview of the background information on these organizations, their operations, and the issues surrounding protection and risk mitigation. Additionally, the study delves into the practices of voluntary contributions within the informal economy. Qualitative research methods, including interviews and focus group discussions, were employed to gather data from informal economy actors participating in informal social organizations such as the bodaboda association, food vending networks, and beach groups. The findings suggest that informal workers often pool money …

Establishing Kidney Transplantation In A Low-Income Country: A Case In Tanzania, Francis F. Furia, Jaqueline G. Shoo, Paschal Ruggajo, Jonathan W. Jonathan W. Mngumi, Valentine Valentine, Mahmoud A. Muhiddin, Kim Kim, Isaack Mlatie, Moses Mulungu, Namala Mkopi

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background

Sub-Saharan African countries, including Tanzania, have a high burden of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) and limited capacity for the provision of services. Tanzania and other countries in the region have made signifcant improvements in the provision of services for patients with CKD, including hemodialysis. Few countries are ofering kidney transplantation services, which is the defnitive treatment for patients with CKD and kidney failure. This study was conducted to review the steps taken by Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) to establish a kidney transplantation service in Tanzania.

Methods

This study was based on the review of the activities that were undertaken …

Maternal And Neonatal Outcome In Pregnant Women Undergone Induction Of Labor At Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Shweta Jaiswal, Willbroad Kyejo, Charles Kilewo

Family Medicine, East Africa

Introduction

Labor induction is a common obstetric intervention aimed at initiating labor when spontaneous onset is delayed or deemed necessary for maternal or fetal well-being. Despite its widespread use, the practice’s impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. This study aims to evaluate the maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with labor induction in a tertiary hospital setting in Tanzania.

Methodology

A descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a seven-month period from January 2021 to July 2021 at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 120 pregnant women who …

A Christian Perspective On Happiness: Positive Psychology And Rahner’S Theology Of Grace In The Quest For Meaning, Edwin Onyango Odhiambo

Jesuit School of Theology Dissertations

This research examines happiness from a Christian perspective, integrating theological insights with contemporary scientific understanding. It highlights the foundational role of divine grace in shaping a Christian’s approach to happiness, as articulated by one of the greatest 20th-century theologians, Karl Rahner. Rahner’s notion of uncreated grace offers a lens through which Christians can view happiness, not just as a feeling but as a stable state nurtured by a deep relationship with God and manifested in goals and actions aligned with divine will, giving a sense of belonging and purpose instrumental for lasting happiness. This study also acknowledges the relevance of …

Male Infertility: A Retrospective Review Of Laboratory Charts At A Tertiary Teaching Hospital In Nairobi City County, Festus Mulakoli, Doris Machaki, Abednego Ongeso, Maureen Akolo, Ruth Wagathu

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Globally, approximately 50 million couples experience one form of infertility, and 10 million cases of subfertility have been reported in sub-Saharan Africa. Infertility is characterized by a lack of clinical conception among couples who live together for more than one year with regular coitus, without the use of contraception. Factors related to fertility vary by sex and geographical region. These factors include age, lifestyle, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders. In African culture, children are considered a simple inheritance and a measure of masculinity, so efforts are needed to address the growing problem of male infertility in this context. …

Stillbirth Mortality By Robson Ten-Group Classification System: A Cross-Sectional Registry Of 80 663 Births From 16 Hospital In Sub-Saharan Africa, Claudia Hanson, Kristi Annerstedt, Maria Alsina, Muzdalfat Abeid, Hussein Kidanto, Helle Alvesson, Andrea Pembe, Peter Waiswa, Jean-Paul Dossou, Effie Chipeta

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Objective To assess stillbirth mortality by Robson ten-group classification and the usefulness of this approach for understanding trends.

Design Cross-sectional study.

Setting Prospectively collected perinatal e-registry data from 16 hospitals in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda.

Population All women aged 13–49 years who gave birth to a live or stillborn baby weighting >1000 g between July 2021 and December 2022.

Methods We compared stillbirth risk by Robson ten-group classification, and across countries, and calculated proportional contributions to mortality.

Main outcome measures Stillbirth mortality, defined as antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths.

Results We included 80 663 babies born to 78 085 women; …

Thermogravimetric Analysis And Chemical Kinetics Of Waste Tires, Mahir Mohammed Said

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The focus of this paper is to analyse the pyrolysis reaction of waste tires. The pyrolysis was studied experimentally using thermal and chemical kinetics. The tires were pyrolyzed using thermogravimetry at a temperature range of 200 to 600°C, with heating rates of 10, 20, and 50°C/min. The activating energy was observed to increase with increased temperature. The highest activating energy was 101.02 kJ/mol at a heating rate of 50°C/min.

Enhanced Post Deposition Annealing Conditions On The Fabrication Of High Quality Thermochromic Vanadium Dioxide Films, Nuru R. Mlyuka

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Sputter deposition of thermochromic VO2 thin films for smart window applications has been faced with several challenges including the need for high deposition temperature, extremely precise and narrow range of oxygen/argon flow ratio and target poisoning during sputtering. Deposition of VO2 at room temperature without oxygen followed by post-deposition annealing has been cited as one of the potential mitigations to the challenge. In this study, the effects of post-deposition annealing conditions on the structural, electrical and optical properties of VO2 thin films are reported. The films were prepared on soda lime glass substrates using DC magnetron sputtering of metallic vanadium …

Causes And Consequences Of Inefficient Drilling And Blasting In Mine Development Headings: A Case Study Of Hard Rock Gold Mining Operations In Northern Tanzania, George Bennett

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Despite the introduction of the perimeter blasting technique at the Tulawaka Gold Mine, the mine continued to suffer from an overbreak of mine development headings, with an average overbreak of 24% every 22 m, which is approximately twice the acceptable 10% overbreak. The causes of this problem include ineffective drilling practices and uneven and excessive charging of explosives, resulting in a slightly high powder factor of 3.94 kg/m3 instead of 3.8 kg/m3, as per the design. The problem of overbreak resulted in ore dilution, a longer mine development cycle time and additional costs of approximately US$ 45 per cut, especially …

An Optimization Tool For A Standalone Photovoltaic System, Johanes Kasilima

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Stand-alone photovoltaic systems (SAPV) are often used in remote areas where access to grid electricity is limited. This system depends on solar energy. However, Photovoltaic (PV) systems need a greater initial investment than conventional sources of energy, and their effectiveness is reliant on a number of environmental conditions such as the unpredictable solar radiation. One step in reducing the investment cost of a PV system is determining the optimal size of solar PV components that minimize costs. This paper presents a Particle Swarm based optimization tool for sizing Stand-alone PV systems. The optimization tool selects the optimal Levelized Cost of …

Design And Optimization Of An Azeotropic Distillation Pilot Plant For The Production Of Pure Ethanol, Samwel V. Manyele

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study aimed to design an azeotropic distillation plant using Aspen Plus® V10 software and determine optimal process conditions for producing pure ethanol greater than 95% from pre-concentrated near-azeotropic ethanol-water solution. The non-random two-liquid Redlich-Kwong thermodynamic model was the base method for property analysis and performance prediction. Modelling and simulation of the converged process were conducted for fixed column variables (R = 5, N = 12 and p = 1 atm). Plant operating parameters were varied in the range of 0 to 1 for the pre-heater vapour fraction, 2 to 10 for the column feed plates (NFP), 2 to 6 …

Optimization Pump As Turbine Coupled To A Self-Excited Induction Generator Using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm, Emanuel J. Nyirenda

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

As a way of accelerating the deployment of affordable and clean renewable energy generation technologies, applying a pump working as a turbine coupled to a self-excited induction generator is gaining popularity in various areas including energy recovery and micro hydro systems. However, it is currently challenging to predict the performance of the PAT-SEIG system and there is no agreed-upon rule on the selection of the appropriate system to be installed at a particular site. This paper has presented multi-objective optimization to select the best operating point of the PAT-SEIG system. The results show that the peak efficiencies for the PAT …

Effect Of Zr And W Doping On Microstructures, Transition Temperature And Solar Transmittance Modulation Of Thermochromic W/Zr Co-Doped Vo2 Thin Films, Haji F. Haji

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Thermochromic W/Zr co-doped VO2-based thin films with different concentrations of Zr were successfully deposited on soda lime glass substrates by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering of V(99)W(01) alloy and Zr targets at a substrate temperature of 425 °C. The films were characterized by x–ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), two-point probe and UV/VIS/NIR spectroscopy. The film’s structural properties evolution was significantly influenced by Zr concentration in the films. The transition temperature and hysteresis loop widths of the films were found to decrease with increasing Zr concentration. For the Zr concentrations of 0.21 at.%, 0.23 at.% …

Evaluation Of Cybersecurity In Remote Working Settings For Mobile Network Operators, Victoria Mahabi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Cybersecurity has increasingly been a primary concern to people as technology advances and allows them to work remotely. This study thus evaluated the cybersecurity posture for organisations that have opted for remote working culture, whereas emerging cyber threats, practices to combat them, and appropriate guidelines for managing cyber threats were discussed. The study used a descriptive design with a quantitative approach from 118 information technology personnel working for Tanzania's three major mobile network operators (MNOs). SPSS analysed the collected data. The study revealed that predominant cyber-threats affecting MNOs in remote working include human errors, phishing attacks, malicious domains, denial of …

Sol-Gel Synthesis And Microstructure Characterization Of Nio-Tio2 Semiconductor, Godlisten N. Shao

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

NiO-TiO2 is a fascinating p-n semiconducting binary metal oxide with unique electronic and optical properties. The NiO-TiO2 has been synthesized using complicated preparation methods and expensive precursors that hamper their large-scale production. The present study reports the preparation of NiO-TiO2 semiconductor with improved physicochemical properties. NiO-TiO2 samples were prepared through one-pot sol-gel synthesis process followed by sintering of the as-synthesized materials at temperatures ranging from 600 to 1000 °C. The role of thermal treatment and NiO content on the microstructures was exquisitely studied. The microstructure of the NiO-TiO2 samples was examined by Raman spectroscopy, XRD, XRF, SEM-EDAX, high resolution TEM, …

General Hydrogeochemical Characterization Of Groundwater In Coastal Aquifers Of Kilwa Kisiwani Oceanic Island, South East Tanzania, Simon R Melchioly

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The main objective of this study was to determine the hydrogeochemical processes controlling the groundwater chemistry on the Island and assess its suitability for human consumption and irrigation. The methodology used in the study include hydrogeological assessment of the study area and laboratory analysis for general physico-chemical parameters of groundwater. Other parameters such as Soluble sodium percentage (SSP) or % Na+, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), Residual sodium carbonate (RSC), hydrochemical facies classification, and Water Quality Index (WQI) were calculated using empirical formulae. The effects of salinization of groundwater were classified using the chloride-Bicarbonate (Cl/HCO3) and the …

Sediment Characteristics And Hydrocarbon Composition Of Makukwa Seep In Southern Tanzania: Potential Implications For Subterranean Hydrocarbon Accumulation, Makungu M. Madirisha

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Exploring the interplay between natural seeps and nearby sediment and hydrocarbon properties is key to unlocking subsurface hydrocarbon potential. This study presents findings on the hydrocarbon composition and sediment characteristics of the Makukwa seep in southern Tanzania, providing insight into subterranean hydrocarbon accumulation. Sediment analysis across areas A and B, located approximately 20 m apart, showed a decrease in porosity with depth, indicative of typical sandstone formations. Area A, near the seeps, exhibited porosity ranging from 23% to 36%, whereas Area B, further away, showed porosity ranging from 22% to 38%. This suggests that a lower cretaceous sandstone layer may …

Optimal Load Shedding During Service Restoration In Electrical Secondary Distribution Network Based On Reinforcement Learning, Rukia J. Mwifunyi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Increased stress in traditional power systems results in blackouts due to voltage instability attributed to a mismatch between available capacity and load demand, especially in distribution networks. Service restoration schemes are designed to return power supply to the affected parts of the networks. The availability of insufficient supply is a complex problem that requires operational experience or an automatic system. The stochastic nature of load demand significantly impacts service restoration as it results in increased restored demand in case a fault occurs during off-peak hours and helps reduce overload if the fault occurs during peak hours. The study adopts an …

Production Of Biofertilizer From Fruit And Garden Waste, Neema Msuya

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The project focused on the production of bio-fertilizer from fruit and garden waste, with a specific emphasis on utilizing pineapple tops in the composting process. The objective was to produce and assess the properties of the bio fertilizer obtained from this process and evaluate its potential application in agriculture. In this study, the composting process was done in a 0.7 m long, 0.85 wide and 1.1 m high vessel, and 0.238 m3 pineapple top wastes, resulting in 0.35 m3 of biofertilizer. The bio fertilizer produced exhibited favorable characteristics, including a moisture content of 36%, pH of 7.1, and a total …

Assessment Of Risk Factors Related To Body Pain Complaints In Tanzania Construction Industry, Fatma K. Mohamed

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The construction industry is associated with risks that can result in musculoskeletal diseases. Although young male workers who are presumed to be healthy dominate the industry in Tanzania, body pain complaints have been widely reported. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and causes of body pains in workers. A cross-sectional study involving 396 workers was conducted. A chi square test was used for testing association of independent categorical variables and binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors for body pain complaints. The results show that all study participants complained of at least one form …

Comparison Of Meteorological Drought Indices In Tanzania Using The Meteorological Drought Monitoring Software Package, Paul Ts Limbu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Low precipitation, substantial evaporation, and an unequal distribution of precipitation throughout the area are the characteristics of drought, a climatic abnormality. This study used the Meteorological Drought Monitoring (MDM) software and monthly rainfall data from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) to examine and compare the Deciles Index (DI), Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI), Percent of Normal Index (PNI), Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI), Z-Score Index (ZSI), China-Z Index (CZI), and Modified China-Z Index (MCZI) for drought monitoring in Tanzania from 1988 to 2017. It was found that ZSI represented the dry years better than other indices, followed by DI, RAI, PNI, SPI, …

Study Of The Effects Of Thermal Aging Coupled With Shot-Peening Treatment Of Carbonitrided Din 1.6587 Low Alloy Steel On Retained Austenite And Residual Stresses, Richard J. Katemi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This work investigated the effects of thermal aging and shot-peening of carbonitrided 1.6587 steel grade on retained austenite and residual stresses. After carbonitriding samples contained maximum of 0.87% carbon, 0.34% nitrogen and 50 mass. -% retained austenite. Thermal aging conditions investigated were -30°C, 90°C and 150°C while the aging period were 14, 96 and 720 hours. After thermal aging, some of the samples were subjected to shot-peening treatment using standard cut wire shots StD – G3 - 0.6 mm VDFI 8001 with intensity in the range of 0.25 to 0.30 mmA and coverage of 1.00 to 1.24 x 98%. It …

Geological Structure And Possible Mineralized Zones In Ikungi – Manyoni Area, Tanzania: Delineated From High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Data, Raymond K. Pius, Michael M. Msabi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Understanding geological structures is important in mineral exploration. Delineating subsurface geological structures, structural intersections, and complexities of potential geological settings for the formation of hydrothermal mineral deposits, such as gold requires using magnetic data, particularly, high-resolution aeromagnetic data. To define possible targets for mineral exploration, this study used linear detection and the Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) techniques on high-resolution aeromagnetic data for structural delineation and interpretation. The study's conclusions indicate that the majority of geological features, such as faults, shears, fault intersections, and fracture systems, trend NE-SW, N-S, and occasionally NW-SE. These structures create potentially large areas that have …

Extraction Of Natural Dyes From Delonix Regia Flowers For Cotton Fibres, Lutamyo Nambela, Liberato V Haule

Tanzania Journal of Science

Textile colouration is among the major industry that pollutes the environment with effluents rich in dye chemicals. Most of the dyes used are synthetics which possess health and environmental impacts. Potentially, the use of bio-based dyes and other chemicals can lessen the environmental challenges of the textile effluents. This study reports on sustainable extraction and dyeing of cotton fabric using extract of Delonix regia flowers. The extraction process was done using acidified water as a solvent and the dyeing process was free from hazardous auxiliary chemicals. To improve the dyeing performance, banana sap was used as an affordable and eco-friendly …

Modeling The Transmission Dynamics Of Tuberculosis In Humans, Farida Kisinda, Joshua A. Mwasunda, Mbwiga S. Aloni

Tanzania Journal of Science

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major threat to human health particularly in most of developing countries. In this article, we formulate and analyze a deterministic model for the transmission dynamics of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. The next generation method is employed to find the basic reproduction number which helps to determine whether TB clears or persists in the human population. Global stability of model equilibria is done through Lyapunov functions whereas the normalized forward sensitivity index method is adopted to determine parameters that drive tuberculosis. Analysis shows that both TB free and endemic equilibria exist. The TB free equilibrium is globally …