Cysticercus Tenuicollis in Visceral Organs of Goats and Sheep in Uganda: A Case Study in Lira Municipal Abattoir

Cysticercus tenuicollis is a metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigena residing in the visceral organs of small ruminants and its effects cause economic losses due to condemnation of visceral organs in slaughterhouses. This study reports on the prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in small ruminants slaughtered in Lira Municipal Abattoir. A total of 70 sheep and 70 goats were sampled and examined after slaughter for the presence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in the visceral organs using standard meat inspection procedures. An abattoir data collection sheet was used to record data, which was then analysed in SPSS version 20. The study revealed 51.4% of goats and 68.6% of sheep to be infested with Cysticercus tenuicollis. Following the district of origin for the small ruminants, Otuke district had the highest prevalence of the parasite (82.6%), followed by Kole (72.4%), Alebtong (66.7%), Apac (59.4%) and Lira (31.4%). Cysticercus tenuicollis was more frequently seen in the intestines (57.8%) of sheep and goats than in any other visceral organs. The liver had a prevalence of 20.7%, the lungs 17.8%, the kidneys 3.5% and the fetal sac;(15.7%) in goats and (12.9%) in sheep. Cysticercus tenuicollis was detected in 68.8% of females and 58.8% of male small ruminants. It is recommended to routinely deworm goats and sheep by farmers most especially in districts with the highest prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis infestation. The sale of the condemned parts of sheep and goats and the feeding of dogs on these contaminated materials should be stopped forthwith. It is also being suggested that a national study be carried out to determine the prevalence and economic impact of Cysticercus tenuicollis in small ruminants.

Wireless Sensor Networks for Water Quality Monitoring and Control within Lake Victoria Basin: Prototype Development

The need for effective and efficient monitoring, evaluation and control of water quality in Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) has become more demanding in this era of urbanization, population growth and climate change and variability. Traditional methods that rely on collecting water samples, testing and analyses in water laboratories are not only costly but also lack capability for real-time data capture, analyses and fast dissemination of information to relevant stakeholders for making timely and informed decisions. In this paper, a Water Sensor Network (WSN) system prototype developed for water quality monitoring in LVB is presented. The development was preceded by evaluation of prevailing environment including availability of cellular network coverage at the site of operation. The system consists of an Arduino microcontroller, water quality sensors, and a wireless network connection module. It detects water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and electrical conductivity in real-time and disseminates the information in graphical and tabular formats to relevant stakeholders through a web-based portal and mobile phone platforms. The experimental results show that the system has great prospect and can be used to operate in real world environment for optimum control and protection of water resources by providing key actors with relevant and timely information to facilitate quick action taking.

Annona muricata:Is the natural therapy to most disease conditions including cancer growing in our backyard?A systematic review of its research history and future prospects

Annona muricata(A.muricata)is a tropical plant species belonging to family Annonaceae and known for its many medicinal uses.This review focuses on the research history of its traditional uses,phytochemicals,pharmacological activities,toxicological aspects of the extracts and isolated compounds,as well as the in vitro propagation studies with the objective of stimulating further studies on this plant for human consumption and treatment.A.muricata extracts have been identified in tropical regions to traditionally treat diverse conditions ranging from fever to diabetes and cancer.More than 200 chemical compounds have been identified and isolated from this plant,the most important being alkaloids,phenols and acetogenins.Using in vitro studies,its extracts and phytochemicals have been characterized as antioxidant,anti-microbial,anti-inflammatory,insecticidal,larvicidal,and cytotoxic to cancer cells.In vivo studies have revealed anxiolytic,antistress,anti-inflammatory,immunomodulatory,antimalarial,antidepressant,gastro protective,wound healing,hepato-protective,hypoglycemic,anticancer and anti-tumoral activities.In silico studies have also been reported.In addition,clinical studies support the hypoglycemic as well as some anticancer activities.Mechanisms of action of some pharmacological activities have been elucidated.However,some phytochemical compounds isolated from A.muricata have shown a neurotoxic effect in vitro and in vivo,and therefore,these crude extracts and isolated compounds need to be further investigated to define the magnitude of the effects,optimal dosage,and mechanisms of action,long-term safety,and potential side effects.Additionally,more clinical studies are necessary to support the therapeutic potential of this plant.Some studies were also found to have successfully regenerated the plant in vitro,but with limited success.The reported toxicity notwithstanding,A.muricata extracts seem to be some of the safest and promising therapeutic agents of the 21st century and beyond that need to be studied further for better medicinal formulations and diseases management.

Dermaseptin B2’s Anti-Proliferative Activity and down Regulation of Anti-Proliferative, Angiogenic and Metastatic Genes in Rhabdomyosarcoma RD Cells <i>in Vitro</i>

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most prevalent soft tissue sarcoma in children, representing approximately 50% of pediatric sarcomas and can develop in any part of the body though more frequently at the extremities. Aim: Evaluating the in vitro anti-proliferative activity of Dermaseptin B2 on Rhabdomyosarcoma RD (CCL-136TM) cells and its effect on the expression of MYC, FGFR1, NOTCH1, and CXCR7 genes involve in processes including proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Methods: RD cells were grown in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum. Exponentially growing cells were treated with Dermaseptin B2 and Antiproliferative activity was assayed using the resazurin and migration assays at three time-points. In order to determine the gene expression profiles of MYC, NOTCH1, FGFR1 and CXCR7, total RNA was extracted from the cells and q-RT-PCR was performed with β-Actin as reference gene. Results: Dermaseptin B2 inhibited the proliferation of RD cells in a time and concentration dependent manner as with IC50 values of 7.679 μM, 7.235 μM, 5.993 μM. The 2-dimentional wound healing assay showed inhibition of migration and motility of the RD cells at time-points of 6, 24, 48 and 72-hours with the greatest inhibition observed at 72-hours. Dermaseptin B2 downregulated the target MYC (fc;1.5013, 1.5185, 2.4144), CXCR7 (fc;2.8818, 4.4430, 3.9924), FGFR1 (fc;2.3515, 2.0809, 2.2543), NOTCH1 (fc;2.4667, 4.6274, 4.3352) genes for the three-time points respectively. NOTCH1 and CXCR7 showed higher fold changes with respect to β-Actin than MYC and FGFR1. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that Dermaseptin B2 is a target molecule for signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, RTK and NOTCH pathways that could affect the transcription of these genes and overall inhibition of cancer progression. Further studies are needed to give a better understanding of the detailed mechanisms of action as well as the effects of the Dermaseptin B2 peptide in vivo.

A simple technique of tissue collection after morcellation during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate(HoLEP)has stood the test of time for management of benign enlarge-ment of prostate[1].Multiple studies since 1990 have shown good results with HoL EP,which are comparable to the re-sults of transurethral resection of the prostate[2-4].

Causes of Restocking Delays in Absence of Real Time Inventory Tracking of Airtel Airtime

The purpose of this research was to ascertain causes of Restocking Delays in a Distributor Company of Airtel Airtime (AA) that give justification for benefits of using Real Time Inventory Tracking (R.T.I.T) in an attempt to mitigate Restocking Delays. From a study out at the Private Marketing and Trading Services (PMTS) an Authorized Distributor of Airtel Products undertaken in 2017 evidenced by Airtime scratch card and Electronic, E-Recharge Airtime among other forms to encourage R.T.I.T among other products in Telecom Companies and other Business Enterprises. The research comprises of the following areas among which included a detailed focus on a Qualitative and Quantitative approach in obtaining different categories of Restocking Delays in form of Themes and Sub Themes encountered in the Distribution Supply Chain (SC) of AA that is contained in this paper. This research continues to capture an in-depth explanation of the Managerial and Operational causes of restocking delays in respect to AA. Similarly, fast consumer products and services other than AA require a solution to Restocking Delays through implementation of Real Time Inventory Tracking Model (R.T.I.T.M) of AA among Distributor Companies (DCs). This paper also elaborated on Literature, Methodology and Findings obtained from the study. The results were obtained from regression analysis by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) that showed a higher significance of Stock Turnover Period and Airtime Denomination as a contributor to Restocking Delays whereas Messages from Airtel Head office to the Distributor had a non-significant contribution to restocking Delays as in Figure 9. The research recommends a Model for R.T.I.T in Telecom Distribution SC of AA and Omnichannel Inventory Management (OIM) as a significant contributor to timely reliable inventory restocking and promotes higher sales among DCs and retailers through minimized Restocking Delays. It shows that the forces of Demand and Supply change over time with different tastes and preferences of customers. The imbalance in AA stock levels changes at given times due to unforeseen forces of consumer demand experienced by DCs, explained by the “Bullwhip Effect” due to information distortion in the Supply Chain (SC).

Analysis of Flow Estimation Methods for Small Hydropower Schemes in Bua River

Any hydropower project requires an ample availability of stream flow data. Unfortunately, most of the hydropower projects especially small hydropower projects are conducted on ungauged river and consequently hydrologists have for a longtime used stream flow estimation methods using the mean annual flows to gauge rivers. Unfortunately flow estimation methods which include the runoff data method, area ratio method and the correlation flow methods employ a lot of assumptions which affect their uncertainty. This study was conducted on Bua River in Malawi to unveil the uncertainties of these flow estimation methods. The study was done on a well gauged catchment in order to highlight the variations between the observed, true stream flows and the estimated stream flows for uncertainty analysis. After regionalizing the homogenous sites, catchments using L-moments, an uncertainty analysis was done which showed that the area method is better followed by the correlating flow method and lastly the runoff data method in terms of bias, accuracy and uncertainty.

Decentralised Governance of Wetland Resources in the Lake Victoria Basin of Uganda

Recent studies on decentralized wetland governance in Uganda have focused mainly on the relationship between central and local governments. Less attention has been given to the relationship between agricultural systems, local governments, and water bodies. This study aims at assessing decentralized wetlands governance in the upper river Rwizi and Iguluibi micro catchments, Lake Victoria Basin Uganda, in relation to farming practices. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the contribution of decentralized governance to the management of wetlands resources. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive summary statistics with the help of Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) soft ware. Qualitative data analysis involved the categorization of verbal and behavioral data for purposes of classification with the use of Nvivo soft ware. Data were analyzed at two levels: the descriptive level of analysis which is the account of the data in terms of what was said, documented or observed with nothing assumed about it. The second level of analysis was interpretive, where data is transformed into what is meant by the responses and conclusions are drawn. All recorded interviews were transcribed into a written report. Findings revealed that decentralized wetlands governance has brought ecosystem services nearer to communities in form of community-based management planning. However, results indicated inadequate institutional capacity, knowledge gaps of existing legal frameworks, limited political support and accountability for local leaders, lack of cooperation and coordination, and inadequate funding. In all, the policy has not fully realized its intended outcomes.

Performance Evaluation of Collard Based Bio-Filter for Treating Fish Tank Effluent for Re-use

The increasing Uganda’s urban population growth has led to limited space coupled with high cost of living, thus making it difficult for the urban poor in congested areas to afford fish protein hence poor nutrition among the low income earners. Therefore this study was conducted to evaluate the performance of collard based bio-filtration system for filtering fish tank effluent for re-use in congested peri-urban areas. Field physical-chemical parameters (ammonia, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH) were measured at various bio-filter lengths in the effluent from both collard based and GBF (Gravel Based Bio-Filter). Differences in mean ammonia and nitrate levels at various lengths were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at p = 0.05. Ammonia levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) at various lengths: L0 99.1 mg/L;L1 75.8 mg/L (23.6%);L2 53.1 mg/L (46.4%);L3 25.8 mg/L (74%) and L4 6.6 mg/L (93.4%). Similarly, nitrate levels significantly reduced (p < 0.05): L0 11.8 mg/L;L1 7.2 mg/L (39.4%);L2 3.6 mg/L (69.2%);L3 1.6 mg/L (86.7%) and L4 0.1 mg/L (99.3%). Significant difference (p < 0.05) was obtained in mean ammonia and nitrate removal between collard based and gravel bio-filters. Collard based filter yielded higher ammonia and nitrate removal at L4 by 18.3% and 39.5% respectively, hence L4 is the effective length for collard based bio-filter.

Bio-Filtration Technologies for Filtering Ammonia in Fish Tank Effluent for Reuse--A Review

Peri-urban fish farms with limited access to open natural water bodies draw fresh water from urban water supply and dug wells,which is unreliable and costly.Reuse of fish pond effluent is also limited by high ammonia concentration(>0.3 mg/L)that renders water toxic and is stressful to fish.Despite the existence of several fish effluent treatment methods,not all may be appropriate for a particular location.This review article therefore examines the various fish effluent treatment methods to aid selection of the most suitable one(s)for peri-urban areas.The key parameters considered in their comparison were:initial,operational and maintenance costs;ammonia removal efficiency;energy consumption and land requirement.The effluent treatment methods are both conventional and non-conventional.Despite a slight higher treatment efficiency and less space requirement by conventional methods,they mainly require reliable power supply for continuous running,highly skilled labor for operation and maintenance leading to high operational costs.In addition,their investment costs are higher than non-conventional methods,hence not widely applied in developing countries and majority have broken down.On the other hand,non-conventional methods such as constructed wetlands are widely in use for treating effluent mainly due to their cost effectiveness and no or little energy requirement.Constructed wetlands were found most suitable bio-filtration system for treating fish effluent because they are cost effective,require less skilled labor and still have better effluent treatment though space required is slightly more.Vegetables(lettuce,collards,etc.)have potential to grow in constructed wetlands thus form vegetable-based bio-filtration units which serve not only as bio-filters but also provide additional sources of nutrition and income.This review indicated limited information on the appropriate size and performance of vegetable-based bio-filtration unit utilizing indigenous vegetables and recommended further research to explore the idea.

Phosphorus Fertilizer Rating and Rhizobia Inoculation for Improved Productivity of Cowpea in Northern Uganda

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important legume crop in the tropics and subtropical regions of the world. It is mainly grown for its leaves and grains, and to a lesser extent as a fodder crop. Cowpea is considered as the most important food grain legume in the dry savannas of tropical Africa. This study compared the yield of local (Agondire) and improved (SECOW 2W) cowpea varieties grown on an Oxisol. Inorganic P at levels of 0, 10, 20, and 40 kg·ha-1 was tested on each variety with or without rhizobia inoculation. The experiments were set up in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice during the short and long rains of the 2015/2016 seasons on fifteen fields in Arua district, northern Uganda. Agondire responded significantly (P < 0.05) better than SECOW 2W when high rates of inorganic phosphorus (40 kg P ha-1) were applied. A significant increase of 26.4% and 28.4% in grain yield of Agondire and SECOW 2W, respectively was obtained after inoculation with rhizobia. We concluded that inoculation and P fertilizer application increased the yield of both varieties, but with inoculation, SECOW 2W performs much better at lower P fertilizer rates than Agondire. Therefore, we recommend growing of SECOW 2W under inoculation with 20 kg P ha-1 and an application of 40 kg P ha-1 for Agondire local cowpea variety in northern Uganda.

Hydrological Modeling of Upper OumErRabia Basin (Morocco), Comparative Study of the Event-Based and Continuous-Process HEC-HMS Model Methods

Human population growth and land-use changes raise demand and competition for water resources. The Upper OumErRabia River Basin is experiencing high rangeland and matorral conversion to irrigated agricultural land expansion. Given Morocco’s per capita water availability, River-basin hydrologic modelling could potentially bring together agricultural, water resources and conservation objectives. However, not everywhere have hydrological models considered events and continuous assessment of climatic data. In this study, HEC-HMS modelling approach is used to explore the event-based and continuous-process simulation of land-use and land cover change (LULCC) impact on water balance. The use of HEC-GeoHMS facilitated the digital data processing for coupling with the model. The basin’s physical characteristics and the hydro-climatic data helped to generate a geospatial database for HEC-HMS model. We analyzed baseline and future scenario changes for the 1980-2016 period using the SCS Curve-Number and the Soil Moisture Accounting (SMA) loss methods. SMA was coupled with the Hargreaves evapotranspiration method. Model calibration focused on reproducing observed basin runoff hydrograph. To evaluate the model performance for both calibration and validation, the Coefficient of determination (R2), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), Root Mean Square Error (RSR) and Percent Bias (PBIAS) criteria were exploited. The average calibration NSE values were 0.740 and 0.585 for event-based (daily) and continuous-process (annual) respectively. The R2, RSR and PBIAS values were 0.624, 0.634 and +16.7 respectively. This is rated as good performance besides the validation simulations were satisfactory for subsequent hydrologic analyses. We conclude that the basin’s hydrologic response to positive and negative LULCC scenarios is significant both positive and negative scenarios. The study findings provide useful information for key stakeholders/decision-makers in water resources.

Variation in Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Five Populations of <i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i>C.F. Gaertn. Subsp. <i>Nilotica</i>in Uganda

We studied seed germination and seedling growth performance in an economically and socially important fruit tree species Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. subsp. nilotica (shea tree) in Uganda. The study aimed at determining variations in germination among five shea tree seed provenances and seedling growth performance based on five growth traits (total height, root collar diameter, leaf length, leaf width and leaf petiole length). Five populations were considered from four agroecological zones comprising of 180 candidate “plus” trees. The seed trees consisted of 16 ethnovarieties selected based on their traits for fast growth and high oil yield. A total of 1,204 biological seeds were collected and sown in a tree nursery at Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute during the month of June 2018 in a randomized incomplete block design with three replications. Significant variation (χ = 708;p < 0.01) was observed in seedling phenotypic traits within and between populations. Regression equation for height growth and leaf size index were given as y = 0.3787 + 12.671x and y = 0.6483 + 15.413x respectively. Root collar diameter was more correlated to leaf size index (0.425) than to height growth (0.30). Clustering of shea tree seedlings based on phenotypic growth traits revealed one aggregated cluster indicating that most of the seedlings from the five populations were similar (Jaccard index 0.92, p < 0.01). However, clustering based on SNP markers revealed three different populations. We recorded higher growth (χ = 708;p < 0.001) in Arua shea population. Red seeded;thin pulped and hairy fruited shea tree ethnovarieties recorded faster growth than the rest. The results reveal useful traits in selection for tree growth and further identified shea tree ethnovarieties that could be selected for fast growth.

Evaluation of thermal comfort and air quality of low-income housing in Kampala City,Uganda

This paper presents the results of thermal comfort and air quality studies in naturally ventilated residential buildings in Kampala City,Uganda.Questionnaire surveys were used for obtaining occupant subjective thermal sensation votes.Indoor and outdoor measurements for air temperature(T_(a)),Mean Radiant Temperature(MRT),relative humidity,air speed,and air quality were done for seven buildings over fifteen days during the month of June 2019.DesignBuilder software was used to develop the reference building model and to simulate strategies for improvement of thermal comfort.Survey results showed that 67.8%of the respondents were comfortable with the indoor thermal environment.The indoor air temperature range was 22.7℃-27.9℃ which lies within the 80%acceptable limits set by ASHRAE 55.The measured indoor MRT range was 24.24℃-25.57℃.Measured levels of indoor PM_(2.5)were double the World Health Organization recommended limits,while the levels of PM 10 were thrice the recommended limits of ASHRAE 62.1.The CO_(2)concentrations were within the limits set by ASHRAE 62.1.The developed model predicted comfortable indoor conditions with a temperature range of 23.6℃-25.3℃ based on the 80%acceptable limits set by ASHRAE 55.The results show that majority of occupants preferred cooler temperatures during the day which is justified by the use of adaptive measures to obtain thermal comfort.