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Full-Text Articles in Plant Biology

Potency Of Dioscorea Sansibarensis (Dioscoreaceae) Leaf Eluates On Callosobruchus Chinensis, Linnaeus 1758 (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) In The Protection Of Phaseolus Vulgaris (Fabaceae), Godfrey O. Mauti Aug 2021

Potency Of Dioscorea Sansibarensis (Dioscoreaceae) Leaf Eluates On Callosobruchus Chinensis, Linnaeus 1758 (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) In The Protection Of Phaseolus Vulgaris (Fabaceae), Godfrey O. Mauti

Tanzania Journal of Science

Post-harvest losses of stored Phaseolus vulgaris to the bean weevil Callosobruchus chinensis have reached levels of significant concern. Governments and health organisations propose the discovery of reliable,  healthy and biodegradable pesticides with higher selectivity and a broad spectrum. This study presents investigations on the activities of Dioscorea sansibarensis leaf extracts on the mortality of C. chinensis and reduction of their egg-laying ability. Laboratory experiments under Completely Randomized Design (CRD) were carried out to determine the mortality and anti-oviposition activity of the vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) eluates of n-hexane (HE), chloroform (CE), ethyl acetate (EE), n-butanol (BE) and methanol (BE) at …


Effects Of Xanthan Gum On Rheological Properties Of Aloe Vera-Moringa Leaf Juice Blends, Victor V Matabura, Leonard Mp Rweyemamu May 2021

Effects Of Xanthan Gum On Rheological Properties Of Aloe Vera-Moringa Leaf Juice Blends, Victor V Matabura, Leonard Mp Rweyemamu

Tanzania Journal of Science

Understanding the impacts of hydrocolloid agents on the rheological properties of nutraceutical beverages like Aloe vera-moringa juice blend is very useful for functional properties and product stability. To this end, the effects of xanthan gum on rheological properties in Aloe vera-moringa leaf juice blends were investigated using a Brookfield rheometer. Aloe vera-moringa leaf juice blends were prepared and then incorporated with xanthan gum at different ratios (w/w) of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1%. The results revealed that the viscosity of Aloe vera-moringa juice blend was strongly affected by the xanthan gum addition. The viscosity profiles depicted a decreasing trend …


Application Of Optimal Control To Tuberculosis Model With Parameter Estimations: Bayesian Approach, Goodluck M Mlay, Alfred K Hugo May 2021

Application Of Optimal Control To Tuberculosis Model With Parameter Estimations: Bayesian Approach, Goodluck M Mlay, Alfred K Hugo

Tanzania Journal of Science

In this paper, one-strain tuberculosis (TB) model with two control mechanisms, education campaigns and chemoprophylaxis of TB-infected patients, was studied to determine their effects on the reduction of latent and active TB cases. In the case of analysis, boundedness and positivity of the model solutions were carried out to determine the biological feasibility of the study. Besides, the calibration of the parameters by utilizing the identifiability technique through the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) was thoroughly analysed. The optimum conditions for controlling TB were derived from the Pontryagin Maximum Principle. The numerical simulations were carried out using the forward-back sweep …


Variations In The Effects Caused By Magnetic Field On Chlorophyll, Nitrogen, Calcium, And Iron Contents In Species Of Vegetable Plants, Olusegun O. Alabi, Samuel O. Sedara, Kafayat Adeyemi, Felix Oladejo, Funmilayo Ayedun May 2021

Variations In The Effects Caused By Magnetic Field On Chlorophyll, Nitrogen, Calcium, And Iron Contents In Species Of Vegetable Plants, Olusegun O. Alabi, Samuel O. Sedara, Kafayat Adeyemi, Felix Oladejo, Funmilayo Ayedun

Tanzania Journal of Science

The rates of reduction in chlorophyll and nutrients such as nitrogen, calcium and iron with the distance or range of source of Magnetic Field (MF) had not been considered. In this work, patterns of damage or reduction caused by a magnetic field on two different species of vegetables were studied. The first group was planted in an environment without the influence of MF, while the second group was subjected to high MF under the 330 kV electric lines. The magnetometer was used to measure the MF intensities. The chlorophyll content of each vegetable sample was determined on the field with …


Amending Traditional Substrate Rice Straw With Agroforestry Tree Foliage Increases Production Cycle And Nutritional Value Of Pleurotus Floridanus, Samora M Andrew, John R Mbwambo May 2021

Amending Traditional Substrate Rice Straw With Agroforestry Tree Foliage Increases Production Cycle And Nutritional Value Of Pleurotus Floridanus, Samora M Andrew, John R Mbwambo

Tanzania Journal of Science

The recent heightened attention on mushrooms has not considered shortening the production time and increasing nutritional value using substrates from agroforestry trees in addition to traditionally used agro-industrial residues. This study therefore, examined harvesting time, protein and essential minerals of Pleurotus floridanus grown on rice straw amended with Gliricidia sepium foliage in Morogoro, Tanzania. Mushrooms were cultivated in 30 x 40 cm 4 kg dry weight polythene bags in randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment. Results showed that the addition of 5% G. sepium into rice straw reduced total time between spawning and first harvest of P. floridanus. Gliricidia sepium …


Screening Of Aflatoxin-Producing Fungi In Maize And Groundnuts From Three Regions In Tanzania, Kusiluka Agape, Valence Mk Ndesendo, Sartaz Begum May 2021

Screening Of Aflatoxin-Producing Fungi In Maize And Groundnuts From Three Regions In Tanzania, Kusiluka Agape, Valence Mk Ndesendo, Sartaz Begum

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study screened aflatoxin-producing fungi in maize and groundnuts from Dodoma, Singida and Iringa regions in Tanzania, and assessed the level of peoples’ awareness on aflatoxins health effects. One hundred and twenty samples (20 each crop) were collected and inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar and one hundred and eleven samples were observed to have fungal growths that were identified to belong to four genera, namely Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Mucor and Dermatophyte with occurrence frequencies of 75, 2.5, 5 and 10%, respectively. Among the four screened genera of fungi, Aspergillus was observed to be the major aflatoxin-producing fungi. Five species of genus …


Bacterial Growth Inhibitory Effects Of Calotropis Procera’S Latex, Leaves And Roots Extracts, Marco Baluhya, Charles O Joseph May 2021

Bacterial Growth Inhibitory Effects Of Calotropis Procera’S Latex, Leaves And Roots Extracts, Marco Baluhya, Charles O Joseph

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study was conducted to evaluate in vitro antibacterial potential of water and ethanolic extracts from Calotropis procera roots, leaves and latex. The growth inhibitory effects of the extracts were tested against Escherichia coli using disc diffusion method. Amoxicillin was used as positive control, whereas ethanol and distilled water were used as negative controls. Results showed that water extracts from root, latex and leaves had 3.27 ± 0.14, 3.1 ± 0.21 and 2.38 ± 0.24 cm of maximum inhibition zones, while the ethanolic extracts showed 2.91 ± 0.19, 3.02 ± 0.16 and 0.84 ± 0.31 cm, respectively of maximum inhibition …


Larvicidal Potency Of Dioscorea Sansibarensis Leaf Extract Against Vector Mosquitoes: Anopheles Gambiae S.S. And Culex Quinquefasciatus, Anitha Philbert May 2021

Larvicidal Potency Of Dioscorea Sansibarensis Leaf Extract Against Vector Mosquitoes: Anopheles Gambiae S.S. And Culex Quinquefasciatus, Anitha Philbert

Tanzania Journal of Science

Mosquitoes are responsible for transmission of illnesses of public health importance including malaria, lymphatic filariasis, dengue, chikungunya, and many other diseases caused by viruses. Vector control using synthetic insecticides has been the cornerstone for management of vector-borne diseases. However, the chemical based interventions have not been sustainable due to emergency of resistance against insecticides among disease vectors. Plant based mosquitocidal products can be potential alternative tools in vector control. Therefore, the present study aimed at exploring the larvicidal properties of Dioscorea sansibarensis leaf extract against malaria and lymphatic filariasis vectors; Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Culex quinquefasciatus. The larvicidal activities of …


Spatial Distribution Patterns Of The Populations Of Two Subterranean Termites (Blattodea: Termitidae) In Eucalyptus (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) Plantations, Olaniyi T Alamu, Francis K Ewete, Ayangbade E Ayandokun, John A Ete May 2021

Spatial Distribution Patterns Of The Populations Of Two Subterranean Termites (Blattodea: Termitidae) In Eucalyptus (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) Plantations, Olaniyi T Alamu, Francis K Ewete, Ayangbade E Ayandokun, John A Ete

Tanzania Journal of Science

The study was conducted in Afaka, Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria to determine the spatial distribution patterns of the populations of Ancistrotermes sp. and Microtermes sp. in Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh, Eucalyptus citriodora Hook, Eucalyptus cloeziana F. and Eucalyptus tereticornis Muell plantations. Spatial distributions patterns of the two termite species populations were determined using indices such as ratios of population variance to mean, Lloyd’s index, Green coefficient, Taylor power and Iwao’s regression models. The values of variance to mean ratios, Lloyd’s index and Green coefficient showed that the populations of both termite species had aggregated distribution pattern in all the Eucalyptus …


Application Of Linguistic/Non-Numeric Fuzzy Aggregation To The Ranking Of Processed Crops, David Koloseni May 2021

Application Of Linguistic/Non-Numeric Fuzzy Aggregation To The Ranking Of Processed Crops, David Koloseni

Tanzania Journal of Science

A non-numeric fuzzy aggregation approach is applied for the fusion of information obtained from farmers and experts for evaluation and selection of alternatives under multiple criteria. The technique has the ability to assign linguistic variable to fused information and find consensus of gathered opinions from a number of experts on crop processing for each processed crop. The technique is illustrated with a crop processing problem by adding value to the crop and increase income to entrepreneurs. The proposed technique has been successfully applied to the ranking of the processed crops based on the expert’s opinions, thus obtaining best preferences based …


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 …


Isolation And Quantification Of Flavonoids From Kigelia Africana (Lam.) Benth Fruit And Bark And Their Antiradical And Antibacterial Activities, Pamhidzai Dzomba, George Mhini Feb 2021

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 …


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 Feb 2021

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 Feb 2021

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 …


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 Feb 2021

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 …


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 Feb 2021

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 …


Physicochemical And Sensory Evaluation Of Mixed Juices From Banana, Pineapple And Passion Fruits During Storage, Victor Matabura, Oscar Kibazohi Feb 2021

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 …


Effects Of Plant Species Diversity And Biomass On Grazing Patch Selection By Semi Free-Ranging Cattle, Samora Andrew Feb 2021

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 …


Effectiveness Of Common Household Washing Of Tomatoes On The Removal Of Pesticide Residues, John Mahugija, Flaviana Ngabala, Faustin Ngassapa Feb 2021

Effectiveness Of Common Household Washing Of Tomatoes On The Removal Of Pesticide Residues, John Mahugija, Flaviana Ngabala, Faustin Ngassapa

Tanzania Journal of Science

The effectiveness of common household washing processes of tomatoes on the removal of pesticide residues was investigated in Iringa, Tanzania. Analyses of cleaned-up extracts were carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Nine pesticide residues were detected in unwashed and washed samples. The compounds detected were chlorothalonil, pirimiphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, profenofos, endosulfan sulphate, endosulfan ether, lambda cyhalothrin, cypermethrin and metalaxyl. The concentrations of chlorothalonil, pirimiphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, profenofos, cypermethrin and lambda cyhalothrin in some unwashed and washed samples exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Washing reduced the concentrations of chlorothalonil and endosulfan sulphate in tomatoes by 22.2–98.0% (mean = 70%) and 33.3–55.6% …


Microbiological, Physicochemical And Heavy Metals Assessments Of Soils And Selected Vegetables Grown On Rumde-Doubeli Irrigated Farmland In Yola Nigeria, Mohammed Inuwa Ja’Afaru, Joel Uyi Ewansiha, Abdulwahab Dahiru, Konjerimam Ishaku Chimbekujwo Oct 2020

Microbiological, Physicochemical And Heavy Metals Assessments Of Soils And Selected Vegetables Grown On Rumde-Doubeli Irrigated Farmland In Yola Nigeria, Mohammed Inuwa Ja’Afaru, Joel Uyi Ewansiha, Abdulwahab Dahiru, Konjerimam Ishaku Chimbekujwo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Leaf parts of vegetable plants grown on irrigated farmlands and are easily accessed by contaminants; pose greater risks of being contaminated with heavy metals. Soil, irrigation water and edible vegetable plants were collected and evaluated for concentrations of heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and standard laboratory methods. Physicochemical parameters of irrigation water, compared with WHO limits for chloride (326.14 + 7.03 mg/L, 250 mg/L), total hardness (196.0 + 8.72 mg/L, 150 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (286.4 ±1.35 mg/L; 150 mg/L) and alkalinity (171.0 + 4.36 mg/L, 120 mg/L) were significantly (p ˂ 0.05) higher than the control sites …


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 …


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 …


Sensitivity Analysis And Uncertainty Parameter Quantification In A Regression Model: The Case Of Deforestation In Tanzania, Thadei Sagamiko, Nyimvua Shaban, Isambi S. Mbalawata Oct 2020

Sensitivity Analysis And Uncertainty Parameter Quantification In A Regression Model: The Case Of Deforestation In Tanzania, Thadei Sagamiko, Nyimvua Shaban, Isambi S. Mbalawata

Tanzania Journal of Science

In this paper a multiple regression model for the economic factors and policy that influence the rate of deforestation in Tanzania is formulated. Sensitivity analysis for parameters of explanatory variables using one-at-a time and direct methods is carried out and the model is fitted by classical least square (LSQ) and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. Uncertainty quantification of parameters by adaptive Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods is performed. The coefficient of determination indicates that 87% of deforestation rate is explained by explanatory variables captured in the model. Household poverty rate is found to be the most sensitive factor to …


Selected Under-Exploited Plant Oils In Nigeria: A Correlative Study Of Their Properties, Ikhazuagbe H. Ifijen, Adachukwu N. Nkwor Oct 2020

Selected Under-Exploited Plant Oils In Nigeria: A Correlative Study Of Their Properties, Ikhazuagbe H. Ifijen, Adachukwu N. Nkwor

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study examined the physicochemical properties of seven under-exploited plant oils in Nigeria, namely; Hevea brasiliensis seed oil (HBSO), Prunus dulcis seed oil (PDSO), Afzelia africana aril cap oil (AAACO), Jatropha curcas seed oil (JCSO), Sesamum indicum seed oil (SISO), Canarium schweinfurthii seed oil (CSSO) and Hura crepitans seed oil (HCSO). Characteristics such as colour, percentage yield, specific gravity, freezing/melting point, acid value, free fatty acid, iodine value, and saponification value were investigated. The results showed that they have different colours and are liquid at room temperature. The percentage yield of the extracted oils varied from 34 to 55.39%. The …


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 …


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 …


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 …


Acute Toxicity, Antidiarrhoeal And Antioxidant Activities Of Methanolic Leaf Extract Of Baphia Macrocalyx In Mice, Regina Malekela, Jacob Mwakalinga, Rosta Antony, Flora Stephano Jun 2020

Acute Toxicity, Antidiarrhoeal And Antioxidant Activities Of Methanolic Leaf Extract Of Baphia Macrocalyx In Mice, Regina Malekela, Jacob Mwakalinga, Rosta Antony, Flora Stephano

Tanzania Journal of Science

The aim of the current study was to assess the acute toxicity, antidiarrhoeal and antioxidant potentials of methanolic leaf extract of Baphia macrocalyx (BM) in mice. Acute toxicity test of BM extract was performed based on OECD guideline 423. Results revealed that the extract did not produce any changes in general behaviour, body weight or mortality of the tested mice even at the highest oral administered dose (2000 mg/kg body weight). The antidiarrhoeal effect was examined using castor oil induced diarrhoea test. Results showed that BM extract delayed the onset of diarrhoea, decreased frequency of defaecation and reduced the severity …


Assessment Of Biochemical Changes During Fermentation Process For Production Of Traditional Fermented Cassava Meal “Mchuchume”, Severino Alphonce, Lilian Kaale Jun 2020

Assessment Of Biochemical Changes During Fermentation Process For Production Of Traditional Fermented Cassava Meal “Mchuchume”, Severino Alphonce, Lilian Kaale

Tanzania Journal of Science

“Mchuchume” is a ready to eat fermented cassava food whose production is accomplished by a consortium of microorganisms, some of which may be probiotic in nature and others pathogens to humans and of no use in the fermenting system. This work made characterization of biochemical changes evolved at different times in local (open) and biotechnological (closed) fermentation methods. The study also assessed organoleptic properties of final products. Acidification was observed in the retting water as pH ranged from 6.32 to 4.25 and titratable acidity from 0.02% to 0.32%. A decrease in total reducing sugars (6.59 to 4.03 mg/g) in fermenting …


Occurrence Of Aflatoxins In Maize And Maize Products From Selected Locations Of Tanzania And The Effects Of Cooking Preparation Processes On Toxin Levels, Macarius Mtega, Clarence Mgina, Eliangiringa Kaale, Kessy Kilulya Jun 2020

Occurrence Of Aflatoxins In Maize And Maize Products From Selected Locations Of Tanzania And The Effects Of Cooking Preparation Processes On Toxin Levels, Macarius Mtega, Clarence Mgina, Eliangiringa Kaale, Kessy Kilulya

Tanzania Journal of Science

The production and storage of food crops in different countries is affected by aflatoxins contamination, which are known to be carcinogenic and mutagenic to human beings and domestic animals. This study investigated on the occurrence of aflatoxins in maize products and the effects of cooking preparation processes on their concentrations. The maize samples were collected from fields, farmers' stores and markets of selected locations in Tanzania (i.e., Kongwa and Njombe districts). Extracted samples were analyzed for aflatoxins using high performance liquid chromatography. The concentrations of aflatoxins in maize and maize products ranged from below detection limit to 9.99 ± 1.43 …