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Tanzania Journal of Science

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Articles 91 - 120 of 249

Full-Text Articles in Biology

Wastewater Clarification And Microbial Load Reduction Using Agro-Forestry And Agricultural Wastes, Joel Njewa, Ephraim Vunain, Timothy Biswick Feb 2021

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 Feb 2021

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 …


Cellulase-Producing Bacteria Isolated From Mufindi Paper Mill Industrial Effluent, Iringa Tanzania, Erick Sinza, Aneth Mwakilili, Cyprian Mpinda, Sylvester Lyantagaye Feb 2021

Cellulase-Producing Bacteria Isolated From Mufindi Paper Mill Industrial Effluent, Iringa Tanzania, Erick Sinza, Aneth Mwakilili, Cyprian Mpinda, Sylvester Lyantagaye

Tanzania Journal of Science

Effluent and effluent-contaminated soil samples collected from Mufindi Paper Mill Limited, Iringa Tanzania were investigated for the presence of cellulolytic bacteria. The components of cellulase are endoglucanase, exoglucanase and β-glucosidase and these are very important for complete hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose monomers. Isolates were grown on nutrient agar and screened for cellulolytic activity on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) agar plates using Gram’s iodine solution. Cellulases activities; endoglucanase, exoglucanase and β-glucosidase were assayed using CMC, avicel and cellobiose substrates, respectively by dinitrosalicyclic acid method. Out of 17 cellulolytic isolates obtained, crude enzyme extracts of only five isolates expressed all cellulases activities, the …


Acetylcholinesterase Activity And Oxidative Stress Biomarkers In Fiddler Crabs (Austruca Occidentalis) Along The Coastal Mangrove Areas Of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, James Lugata, Flora Stephano, Harishchandra Pratap Feb 2021

Acetylcholinesterase Activity And Oxidative Stress Biomarkers In Fiddler Crabs (Austruca Occidentalis) Along The Coastal Mangrove Areas Of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, James Lugata, Flora Stephano, Harishchandra Pratap

Tanzania Journal of Science

The aquatic organisms such as crustaceans serve as bioindicators of the environmental stressors which affect the aquatic ecosystems. The present study assessed environmental health status through fiddler crabs (Austruca occidentalis) towards oxidative stress biomarkers and AChE activity in mangroves with different levels of salinity and environmental contamination. Fiddler crabs were collected from Mtoni Kijichi, Kunduchi and Mbweni, which experience different levels of contamination from high to low along the Dar es Salaam coastline. Malondialdehyde the biomarker of oxidative stress was analysed by lipid peroxidation (LPO) assay and AChE activity was tested using Ellman assay in the crab tissues (muscles, hepatopancreas …


Effects Of Time On Ph, Total Bacteria Counts, And Total Hydrocarbon Contents In The Bioremediation Of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil Using Indigenous Bio-Stimulants, Ita Uwidia, Osalodion Uwidia Feb 2021

Effects Of Time On Ph, Total Bacteria Counts, And Total Hydrocarbon Contents In The Bioremediation Of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil Using Indigenous Bio-Stimulants, Ita Uwidia, Osalodion Uwidia

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of time on pH, total bacteria counts, and total hydrocarbon contents in the bioremediation of crude oil contaminated soil using pig waste and sawdust as bio-stimulants. Dried soil samples (500 g each) were weighed each into seven different plastic bowls, and each bowl was contaminated with 10 g of crude oil. Six of the contaminated soil samples in six of the plastic bowls were amended with a combination of pig waste and sawdust as bio-stimulants in the ratio of 1:1 in amounts of 150 g, 125 g, 100 g, 75 g, 50 …


Floristic Studies On Herbaceous And Grass Species Growing In The University Of Lagos, Nigeria, George Nodza, Ruth Anthony, Temitope Onuminya, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe Feb 2021

Floristic Studies On Herbaceous And Grass Species Growing In The University Of Lagos, Nigeria, George Nodza, Ruth Anthony, Temitope Onuminya, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe

Tanzania Journal of Science

Rapid loss in flora diversity, changing patterns of vegetation and land use patterns in the University of Lagos Akoka campus has necessitated investigation on the herb and grass species so as to determine their compositions, structures and diversity within the area. Twenty sampling plots of 10m x 10m each were studied in five selected locations using random sampling. The samples were counted and identified using Flora of West Tropical Africa. A total of 75 taxa (herbs = 53 spp and grasses = 22 spp) belonging to 26 families and 64 genera were recorded in the area. Of all the families, …


Geometric Morphometric Comparison Of Abu Mullet, Planiliza Abu (Heckel, 1843) Populations In Bushehr Basin, Iran: Fatemeh Shabaninejad, Yazdan Keivany, Dara Bagheri, Fatemeh Shabaninejad, Yazdan Keivany, Dara Bagheri Feb 2021

Geometric Morphometric Comparison Of Abu Mullet, Planiliza Abu (Heckel, 1843) Populations In Bushehr Basin, Iran: Fatemeh Shabaninejad, Yazdan Keivany, Dara Bagheri, Fatemeh Shabaninejad, Yazdan Keivany, Dara Bagheri

Tanzania Journal of Science

Many fish behavior and habitats could be defined based on the fish morphology, thus, using the fish body shape, in addition  to its genetic characteristics, could be used to infer the type of fish habitat and its characteristics. This study aimed to compare the body shapes of five populations of abu mullet, Planiliza abu (Heckel, 1843), in Bushehr basin using geometric morphometric method. Some 162 specimens from Hendijan, Genaveh, Helleh, Kaki and Mond rivers were used. Three morphometric characters, total length (TL), fork length (FL) and standard length (SL) were measured. Samples were photographed from the left side, then 18 …


Antibacterial And Anti-Hiv-1 Reverse Transcriptase Activities Of Selected Medicinal Plants And Their Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, Rose J. Masalu, Sai Ngassa, Grace A. Kinunda, Cyprian B. Mpinda Oct 2020

Antibacterial And Anti-Hiv-1 Reverse Transcriptase Activities Of Selected Medicinal Plants And Their Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, Rose J. Masalu, Sai Ngassa, Grace A. Kinunda, Cyprian B. Mpinda

Tanzania Journal of Science

Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and associated opportunistic infections are still global health concerns. Traditional medicines have been used for managing these infections, with little about their biological activities being known. This study evaluated antimicrobial and anti-HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase (RT) activities of medicinal plants; Harungana madagascariensis, Sapium ellipticum, Pseudospondias microcarpa, Capparis erythrocarpos, and Plectranthus barbatus; and activities of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from aqueous extracts of H.  madagascariensis. Results revealed that aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of H. madagascariensis, S. ellipticum, P. microcarpa; and ethyl acetate extracts from P. barbatus exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging …


Detection Of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Escherichia Coli From Urinary Tract Infection In General Hospital, Minna, Nasiru U. Adabara, Naimat D. Bakinde, Sherifat O. Enejiyon, Tijani Salami, Doosuur Iorzua Oct 2020

Detection Of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Escherichia Coli From Urinary Tract Infection In General Hospital, Minna, Nasiru U. Adabara, Naimat D. Bakinde, Sherifat O. Enejiyon, Tijani Salami, Doosuur Iorzua

Tanzania Journal of Science

Possession of virulence factors such as extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) by pathogens generally exacerbates morbidity as well as increases healthcare costs. This study determined the production of ESBL among Escherichia coli isolated from the urinary tracts of subjects attending General Hospital, Minna, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty (150) urine samples were collected from subjects and cultured on CLED agar for the isolation of E. coli. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method, while the phenotypic identification of ESBL-producing strains was carried out using double disk synergy test. All results were interpreted based on Clinical and …


Improved Image Quality In Digital Mammography Using Anti-Scatter Grids, Samson O. Omondi, Peter K. Msaki, Ramadhan R. Kazema, Innocent J. Lugendo Oct 2020

Improved Image Quality In Digital Mammography Using Anti-Scatter Grids, Samson O. Omondi, Peter K. Msaki, Ramadhan R. Kazema, Innocent J. Lugendo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Curability and effective management of breast cancer are dependent on its early detection. Early diagnosis strategies focus on providing timely access to breast cancer treatments by reducing barriers and improving access to effective early diagnosis. Mammography is the screening method of choice but suffers from degrading effects of scatter photons obstructing visualization of ductal carcinoma in situ and micro-calcifications in the breast. Quantitative evaluation of scatter suppression by anti-scatter grid using the beam stopper method has been investigated. Breast tissue equivalent phantom, polymethyl methacrylate was evaluated at X-ray mammographic nominal energy ranges. The anti-scatter grid used had aluminium interspace material …


Cashew Plant-Mediated Biosynthesis Of Silver Nanoparticles And Evaluation Of Their Applications As Antimicrobial Additive For Consumer Care Products, Isiaka A. Adelere, David O. Aboyeji, Felicia O. Akindurodoye, Nasiru U. Adabara, Hausatu Babayi Oct 2020

Cashew Plant-Mediated Biosynthesis Of Silver Nanoparticles And Evaluation Of Their Applications As Antimicrobial Additive For Consumer Care Products, Isiaka A. Adelere, David O. Aboyeji, Felicia O. Akindurodoye, Nasiru U. Adabara, Hausatu Babayi

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study reports the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extract obtained from Anacardium occidentale stem bark and evaluation of their antibacterial activities as well as their potential applications as antimicrobial additives for detergent and toothpaste. The biosynthesized AgNPs were analyzed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The particles were dark brown in colour with maximum absorbance at wavelength 419 nm. They were mainly spherical in shape with size ranges from 20 to 60 nm. The peaks of FTIR spectrum revealed that their formation was facilitated by protein molecules present in the …


Corn Stover As Substrate For Biogas Generation And Precursor For Biosilica Production Via Anaerobic Digestion, Akinola D. Olugbemide, Lajide Labunmi, Ikhazuagbe H Ifijen, Damilare I. Ogungbemide Oct 2020

Corn Stover As Substrate For Biogas Generation And Precursor For Biosilica Production Via Anaerobic Digestion, Akinola D. Olugbemide, Lajide Labunmi, Ikhazuagbe H Ifijen, Damilare I. Ogungbemide

Tanzania Journal of Science

Production of fuels and chemicals from renewable biomass is crucial to sustainability of bio-based economy. In this study, anaerobic digestion of corn stover (CS) was carried out to produce biogas under mesophilic conditions. The study also investigated the potential of corn stover digestate ash as a potential source for biosilica production. A cumulative volume of 930 mL of biogas was produced with methane content of 85.87%. Higher and lower calorific values of biogas were calculated to be 36.30 MJ/m3 and 32.70 MJ/m3, respectively. Calcination of raw CS (RCS) and the digestate (CSD) was carried out at 600 °C for 3 …


Radiation Dose To The Contralateral Breast And Effectiveness Of Superflab In Dose Reduction During Treatment Of Breast Cancer By Cobalt-60 External Beam, Julius S. Chiuyo, Peter K. Msaki, Ismail N. Makundi Oct 2020

Radiation Dose To The Contralateral Breast And Effectiveness Of Superflab In Dose Reduction During Treatment Of Breast Cancer By Cobalt-60 External Beam, Julius S. Chiuyo, Peter K. Msaki, Ismail N. Makundi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Radiation therapy for breast cancer inevitably results in scattered dose to contralateral breast. Breast tissues being highly sensitive to ionizing radiations, the chance of the contralateral breast developing second cancer after radiation therapy is high. This study investigated dose to contralateral breast and its reduction by superflab during the course of breast cancer radiation therapy. A thorax breast phantom constructed from tissue-equivalent materials and diodes (type IVD2 1137) were used to measure surface doses to the contralateral breast. The mean doses received by the contralateral breast were 2.2% and 7.1% of the prescribed dose of 200 cGy for 5 × …


Antibacterial Activities Of The Extracts Of Allium Sativum (Garlic) And Allium Cepa (Onion) Against Selected Pathogenic Bacteria, Sherifat O. Enejiyon, Al-Hassan A. Abdulrahman, Abdulameen S. Adedeji, Ramatu Abdulsalam, Mary U. Oyedum Oct 2020

Antibacterial Activities Of The Extracts Of Allium Sativum (Garlic) And Allium Cepa (Onion) Against Selected Pathogenic Bacteria, Sherifat O. Enejiyon, Al-Hassan A. Abdulrahman, Abdulameen S. Adedeji, Ramatu Abdulsalam, Mary U. Oyedum

Tanzania Journal of Science

Although many antibiotics have been developed against bacterial diseases, the problems of antibiotic resistance and toxicity have made the continuous search for newer drugs an existential necessity. This study determined the phytochemical components and antibacterial activities of Allium sativum and Allium cepa against Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. The phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard methods. The antibacterial activities of the aqueous, ethanol and acetone extracts of both plants at different concentrations were determined against all the test organisms using agar well diffusion method. All the extracts were found to contain important phytochemicals …


Assessment Of Genetic Diversity Of The Wild Rice (Oryza Longistaminata) Populations In Tanzania Using Microsatellite Markers, Hashim M. Mangosongo, Emerald E. Mneney, Jagger Harvey, Martina Kyallo Oct 2020

Assessment Of Genetic Diversity Of The Wild Rice (Oryza Longistaminata) Populations In Tanzania Using Microsatellite Markers, Hashim M. Mangosongo, Emerald E. Mneney, Jagger Harvey, Martina Kyallo

Tanzania Journal of Science

The genetic diversity of 132 samples of the perennial wild rice (Oryza longistaminata) populations from selected districts (Bagamoyo, Kibaha, Kilombero and Mbarali) in Tanzania was evaluated using twenty eight microsatellite markers. Genomic DNA was extracted using standard protocols. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was carried out in a total reaction volume of 10 µL, using Touchdown protocol. It was found that all 28 microsatellite markers generated polymorphic patterns, with average Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) value of 0.631. Moreover, a total of 243 alleles were detected by the 28 markers, with average of 8.68 alleles per marker. The percentages of genetic variations …


Craniometrics Analysis For Ontogenetic Physiognomy And Sexual Dimorphism In Emin’S Silvery Mole-Rats (Heliophobius Argenteocinereus Emini: Bathyergidae) From Tanzania, Jestina V Katandukila Oct 2020

Craniometrics Analysis For Ontogenetic Physiognomy And Sexual Dimorphism In Emin’S Silvery Mole-Rats (Heliophobius Argenteocinereus Emini: Bathyergidae) From Tanzania, Jestina V Katandukila

Tanzania Journal of Science

Emin’s silvery mole-rat, the Heliophobius argenteocinereus emini belongs to a family Bathyergidae. The Heliophobius argenteocinereus emini (Noak, 1894) isinformation on ontogenetic physiognomy and status of sexual dimorphism in H. a. emini is missing. The present study intended to fill gaps on ontogenetic characteristics and status of sexual dimorphism in these mole-rats by comprehensively examining 55 skulls. Based on teeth eruption and wear, the dental formula of 1/1, 0/0, 1/1, 3/3 is reported for the first time, and subsequently established eight relative age classes. This information was key to the assessment of ontogenetic variations between sexes and age classes. The multidisciplinary …


Comparison Of Seaweed Growth, Fish Abundance And Diversity In Deep Water Floating Raft With Tubular Nets And Shallow Water Off-Bottom Lines Seaweed Farms, Batuli M. Yahya, Saleh A. S. Yahya, Aviti J. Mmochi, Narriman S. Jiddawi Oct 2020

Comparison Of Seaweed Growth, Fish Abundance And Diversity In Deep Water Floating Raft With Tubular Nets And Shallow Water Off-Bottom Lines Seaweed Farms, Batuli M. Yahya, Saleh A. S. Yahya, Aviti J. Mmochi, Narriman S. Jiddawi

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study compared the growth performance of Eucheuma denticulatum, fish abundance and diversity between deep water (using tubular nets) versus shallow water (off-bottom) seaweed farming methods. For each farming method, three plots were set and fish abundance, diversity and seaweed growth rates were measured at intervals of 15 days. Belt transects measuring 10 m x 4 m each, were established on seaweed farms for fish observations. Fish were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level by underwater census. The results showed that the growth rate of E. denticulatum in deep water farms was slightly higher at an average daily growth …


Anti-Diabetic Activity Of Chrysophyllum Albidum (G. Don) Stem Bark In Alloxan-Induced Type 1 Diabetic Female Wistar Rats, Babalola Ola Yusuf, Musa Toyin Yakubu, Musbau Adewumi Akanji Oct 2020

Anti-Diabetic Activity Of Chrysophyllum Albidum (G. Don) Stem Bark In Alloxan-Induced Type 1 Diabetic Female Wistar Rats, Babalola Ola Yusuf, Musa Toyin Yakubu, Musbau Adewumi Akanji

Tanzania Journal of Science

Anti-diabetic activity of aqueous extract of Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark (AECASB) in female Wistar rats was investigated to confirm or refute the purported use and the underlying mechanism of action of C. albidum stem bark in the management of type 1 diabetes in Nigeria traditional medicine. Seventy female rats (180.60 ± 8.50 g) were assigned into seven groups. Rats in Group 1 (non-diabetic) were orally administered 1 mL of distilled water, while animals in Groups 2-7 were made diabetic and orally administered 1 mL of distilled water, 2.5 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of glibenclamide, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg …


Stabilizing Capability Of Gum Arabic On The Synthesis Of Poly(Styrene-Methylmethacrylate-Acrylic Acid) Latex For The Generation Of Colloidal Crystal Films, Ikhazuagbe Ifijen, Stanley Omorogbe, Muniratu Maliki, Ifeanyi Odiachi, Aireguamen Aigbodion, Esther Ikhuoria Jun 2020

Stabilizing Capability Of Gum Arabic On The Synthesis Of Poly(Styrene-Methylmethacrylate-Acrylic Acid) Latex For The Generation Of Colloidal Crystal Films, Ikhazuagbe Ifijen, Stanley Omorogbe, Muniratu Maliki, Ifeanyi Odiachi, Aireguamen Aigbodion, Esther Ikhuoria

Tanzania Journal of Science

This article describes the generation and characterization of colloidal crystals from particles of gum arabic (GA) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfate (SDBS) emulsified poly(styrene methylmethacrylate-acrylic acid) (P(St-MMA-AA) latex. The colloidal latex was synthesized using GA and SDBS as the emulsifying agents and then used to generate colloidal crystal films via the vertical deposition technique. Dynamic light scattering analysis placed the average particle diameter, polydispersity and Zeta potential at about 122 nm, 0.014 and –36.20 mV for the as-synthesized GA emulsified terpolymer latex and 213 nm, 0.006, –35.60 mV for the SDBS emulsified terpolymer latex, respectively. Thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry …


Device–To-Device Association Algorithm For Optimal Neighbour Selection And Channel Sharing In 5g Cellular Networks, Chiza Christophe, Omar Hamad, Libe Massawe, Abdi Abdalla Jun 2020

Device–To-Device Association Algorithm For Optimal Neighbour Selection And Channel Sharing In 5g Cellular Networks, Chiza Christophe, Omar Hamad, Libe Massawe, Abdi Abdalla

Tanzania Journal of Science

The integration of device-to-device (D2D) communication in 5G cellular networks has generated the possibility of multiple transmission modes in a single cell. This has motivated scholars to investigate different mode selection and D2D association algorithms that guarantee the selection of proper transmission mode. However, the complexity of algorithms and tractability of devices in the cell are still remarkably challenging. This paper, therefore, presents a utility based D2D association algorithm that ensures optimal neighbour selection by using numerical linear algebra to minimize computational complexity. Simulation results show that the minimum utility based D2D association increases the expected values of attached devices …


The Effects Of Milk Components On Lactoperoxidase Activity, Leonard Fweja, Michael Lewis, Alistair Grandison Jun 2020

The Effects Of Milk Components On Lactoperoxidase Activity, Leonard Fweja, Michael Lewis, Alistair Grandison

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study examined the effects of storage conditions (in particular temperature and media composition) and changes in composition of each milk fraction, and of individual components on lactoperoxidase (LP) activity. The enzyme demonstrated a pulsing characteristic especially in samples stored at 5 °C, however, temperature and media composition did not have great effects on the pulsing behaviour of the enzyme. The results also indicated small but statistically significant variations (P ≤ 0.05) in LP activity between whole milk (control) and acid whey, rennet whey and cream and non-significant variations (P > 0.05) between the control and skimmed milk, and between skimmed …


Current Epidemiological Assessment Of Plasmodium Falciparum And Helminth Co-Infections In Children After A Decade Of Implementation Of Control Programs In Morogoro Region, Tanzania, Christopher Kisiringyo, Winifrida Kidima Jun 2020

Current Epidemiological Assessment Of Plasmodium Falciparum And Helminth Co-Infections In Children After A Decade Of Implementation Of Control Programs In Morogoro Region, Tanzania, Christopher Kisiringyo, Winifrida Kidima

Tanzania Journal of Science

A school based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2018 to assess the burden of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum, Schistosoma and soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections in Mvomero. A total of 374 children (age range =  5–16 years, mean age = 11.3 years) were recruited from five primary schools. Prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum infections were 29.9%, S. haematobium 49.7%, hookworm 20.3%, Ascaris lumbricoides 12.6%, Taenia saginata 0.5% and S. mansoni 0.3%. Malaria parasite density increased with increasing children age (r = 0.99). Only 6.5% (12/186) of S. haematobium infected children were presented with heavy infections, whereas all STH-positive …


Effects Of 15 Local Medicinal Plant Species On Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1b And Dipeptidyl Peptidase 1v Activity As Herbal Antidiabetic Type 2 Remedies, Pamhidzai Dzomba, Chidavayenzi Tinevimbo Jun 2020

Effects Of 15 Local Medicinal Plant Species On Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1b And Dipeptidyl Peptidase 1v Activity As Herbal Antidiabetic Type 2 Remedies, Pamhidzai Dzomba, Chidavayenzi Tinevimbo

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study aimed at investigating plant species that are used locally in Zimbabwe to manage diabetes type 2 and their respective modes of action using in vitro studies. The plants for this study were identified by ethnobotanical studies and their respective antidiabetic potentials were evaluated using protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP 1B) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) inhibition assays. Out of the 15 plant species used to manage diabetes in traditional practices, 9 inhibited PTP 1B with half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) ranging from 0.03 ± 0.00 to 61.31 ± 0.70 µg/mL. The mechanism of inhibition deduced from Lineweaver-Burk …


Extraction, Derivatization, Characterization And Antifungal Investigation Of Limonene From Citrus Sinensis Peels, Ita Uwidia, Bodunde Owolabi, Richard Okafor Jun 2020

Extraction, Derivatization, Characterization And Antifungal Investigation Of Limonene From Citrus Sinensis Peels, Ita Uwidia, Bodunde Owolabi, Richard Okafor

Tanzania Journal of Science

Limonene, a cyclic monoterpene is the main component in citrus oils. Oranges (Citrus sinensis) were sourced from a local market, peeled and the peels collected for this study. The orange peels were distilled using steam distillation to obtain the oil. The oil obtained was then distilled to obtain a pure colourless form of limonene (95%). The limonene (2 ml) was dissolved in dry chloroform (25 ml) and freshly distilled hydroiodic acid (57%; boiling point 127 °C) to give the derivative iodo-limonene (1.4 g; 30% yield). Another reaction of epoxidation of limonene was carried out by reacting limonene with hydrogen peroxide …


Assessment Of The Geochemical Characteristics Of Water And Surface Sediments Of Rufiji Mangrove Forest, Tanzania, Dativa Shilla, Daniel Shilla Jun 2020

Assessment Of The Geochemical Characteristics Of Water And Surface Sediments Of Rufiji Mangrove Forest, Tanzania, Dativa Shilla, Daniel Shilla

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study was carried out to investigate the geochemical characteristics of the Rufiji mangrove systems using mineralogy and heavy metal analyses. Rufiji mangrove sediments showed predominance of fine grain size fractions with silt as the major component. Stoichiometric ratios of nutrients revealed phosphorus enrichment in Rufiji sediment. The overall order of heavy metal concentrations in sediments was: Fe > Mg > Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu > Co > Cd. There was no relationship between grain size and some of the heavy metal concentrations, except for Co, Cr, Fe, and Mg which negatively correlated with sand, and positively correlated with silt. The findings …


Variability Of Selected Mineral Contents In Marine Fish From Local Markets In Tanzania, Stella Shija, Matobola Mihale, Daniel Shilla Jun 2020

Variability Of Selected Mineral Contents In Marine Fish From Local Markets In Tanzania, Stella Shija, Matobola Mihale, Daniel Shilla

Tanzania Journal of Science

Mineral contents (K, Na, Ca and Mg) in selected marine fish species (Alectis ciliaris, Lethrinus harak, Rastrelliger kanagurta and Siganus canaliculatus) from local fish markets were analysed in wet and dry seasons. The processing methods (frying and boiling) were also assessed for their influence on the mineral contents. Samples were randomly collected from Tanga, Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam and Mtwara seaports, analysed using established methods and determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Mean mineral contents in individual and all analysed fish species were high during dry season compared to wet season except Ca and the difference was statistically significant …


Genetic Diversity Among Tilapia Species Farmed At Chita In Kilombero, Morogoro Region, Tanzania, Mussa G. Mndeme, Amon P. Shoko, Samwel M. Limbu, Chacha J. Mwita Mar 2020

Genetic Diversity Among Tilapia Species Farmed At Chita In Kilombero, Morogoro Region, Tanzania, Mussa G. Mndeme, Amon P. Shoko, Samwel M. Limbu, Chacha J. Mwita

Tanzania Journal of Science

The development of aquaculture industry in Tanzania cannot cope with the expected substantial increase in demand for fish and fish products due to several bottlenecks including unavailability of good quality feeds and fingerlings. Fish farmers often complain about slow growth rate of the farmed fish necessitating genetic characterization. This study identified and determined the genetic diversity of tilapia species farmed in Kilombero Districts at Chita earthen ponds. Fish samples were collected from nine earthen ponds belonging to small-scale fish farmers for genetic characterization. Total DNA was extracted by using the phenol-chloroform technique. The genetic diversity was calculated by using the …


Evaluation Of The Potential Of Freshly Bred Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato Varieties In Combating Vitamin A Deficiency, Badi M. Bao, Leonard W.T. Fweja Mar 2020

Evaluation Of The Potential Of Freshly Bred Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato Varieties In Combating Vitamin A Deficiency, Badi M. Bao, Leonard W.T. Fweja

Tanzania Journal of Science

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is advocated as a rich and readily accessible source of vitamin A. This study was done to evaluate the potential of the newly bred OFSP varieties in combating vitamin A deficiency. OFSP varieties and white fleshed sweet potato (WFSP) varieties were used for the study. β-carotene was extracted with acetone and  its spectrophotometric reading at 450 nm used to calculate its concentration. The optimum amount of OFSP required to meet vitamin A needs for children of different age groups were established. Results indicate that β-carotene was below detection levels in WFSP varieties but was detectable in …


A Survey Of Fish Parasites From Pangani Catchment And Lake Kitangiri In Singida, Tanzania, Fred D. Chibwana, Johnson G. Mshana, Jestina V. Katandukila Mar 2020

A Survey Of Fish Parasites From Pangani Catchment And Lake Kitangiri In Singida, Tanzania, Fred D. Chibwana, Johnson G. Mshana, Jestina V. Katandukila

Tanzania Journal of Science

Inland water fisheries are a significant source of dietary protein to human populations, and consequently they are essential economic activities worldwide. However, both natural waters and aquaculture systems, which form the freshwater fisheries are faced with a problem of fish parasitic diseases which may result in reduced productivity and market value. The present study, therefore, carried out a survey on fish parasites from the Pangani catchment (Nyumba ya Mungu dam and Lake Jipe) and Lake Kitangiri in Singida Region in Tanzania to seal the gap of occurrence, diversity and abundance of helminths. Three species of fish viz. 111 African sharptooth …


Spore Germination For Three Edible Zimbabwean Mushrooms Using Biostimulants, Melody Pamire, Wilson Parawira Mar 2020

Spore Germination For Three Edible Zimbabwean Mushrooms Using Biostimulants, Melody Pamire, Wilson Parawira

Tanzania Journal of Science

Spores play critical roles in the population and community development of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), which grow naturally in the presence of host plants. EMFs have not been cultivated commercially in most countries including those in Africa. In vitro germination of their spores is refractory and has been witnessed only in the presence of stimulants. In this study, germination of spores for three wild ectomycorrhizal fungi commonly collected in Zimbabwe was investigated under the influence of three biostimulants in Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media for the first time. The stimulatory capacity of tomato or potato roots …