Browsing by Author "Happy, Kenneth"

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    Agricultural sustainability through Smart Farming Systems: A comparative Analysis Between the Republic of Korea and Republic of Uganda.
    (Kabale University, 2024) Happy, Kenneth; Gang, Roggers; Ban, Yeongjun; Yang, Sungyu; Rahmat, Endang; Okello, Denis; Komakech, Richard; Cyrus, Okello; Okello, Kalule David; Kang, Youngmin
    Smart farming involves the integration of information and communication technologies into machinery and sensors for use in agricultural systems. It is expected to potentially enhance the sustainability of agriculture and global food security. The need for smart farming arises from the increasing adverse environmental, ecological, social, and economic impacts on food systems. The potential impact of smart farming solutions on different countries is less known. Therefore, we comprehensively analyzed the role of smart farming solutions in sustaining agricultural production in the context of comparing a developed (Republic of Korea), and an emergent (Republic of Uganda) country. We scrutinized the agricultural assets, natural resources, approaches, technologies, policy interventions, achievements, challenges encountered, and reasons of smart farm pursuit for each country. Information presented in the paper indicated that both countries have similar objectives in the pursuit for smart farming: response to climate change and sustaining food security. However, the Republic of Korea employs a holistic approach of revolutionizing agriculture via smart farms. In contrast, distinct smart farming interventions implemented by government institutions, competing private sector, and non-governmental organizations are shaping the development of a smart farm concept in the Republic of Uganda. In conclusion, the application of smart farming solutions appears to be promising in enhancing the stability of the whole food system in both countries.
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    Direct somatic embryogenesis induction in Aspilia Africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams, and assessment of genetic homogeneity and physiology of regenerants
    (Scientific reports, 2025) Gang, Roggers; Yang, Sungyu; Happy, Kenneth; Mudondo, Joyce; Haniffadli, Ariranur; Okello, Denis; Ban, Yeongjun; Kang, Youngmin
    Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams is a valuable medicinal plant, and the expanding therapeutic use of the plant due to explosion of human population is causing depletion of its wild population, thus requiring propagation. This study established an effective method for direct somatic embryogenesis in A. africana using leaf explants. We evaluated the effects of exogenous plant growth regulators (PGRs) and some molecules on induction, development, and maturation of somatic embryos. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 3.472 × 10−2 mg/L adenosine 5-monophosphate (AMP) optimally induced direct somatic embryogenesis in A. africana leaf explants (100% response and 9.50 ± 0.29 somatic embryos per explant). Differentiation and maturation of somatic embryos was enhanced under osmotic stress induced by using 9 g/L gelrite in MS medium augmented with 0.5 mg/L abscisic acid (ABA) and 6.634 × 10−2 mg/L nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) (6.27 ± 0.36 globular, 3.40 ± 0.35 heart, 2.60 ± 0.51 torpedo, and 4.73 ± 0.41 cotyledonary). Half strength MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L gibberellin (GA) and 0.1 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) optimally supported germination (31 ± 1.73%) of cotyledonary somatic embryos. Pre-germination treatment of cold (stratification at 4o C) further stimulated somatic embryo germination (60.00%) and their conversion into plantlets (26.67%). After five weeks of acclimatization, the survival rate of somatic embryo derived A. africana plants was 75.00%. Histological observations and flow cytometric analysis confirmed different somatic embryo stages and stability in genome size of regenerated plants, respectively. Moreover, chlorophyll contents and photosynthetic rates were similar between zygotic and somatic embryo derived plants. This method could be employed in mass clonal regeneration, conservation, synthetic seed production, cryopreservation, and genetic improvement of A. africana. Additionally, the system would provide suitable model for investigating molecular, biochemical, and physiological events, which occur at the induction and development of embryogenesis in A. africana.
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    Trichosanthis Radix: A comprehensive review on botany, ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control and toxicology
    (Elsevier, 2025) Mudondo, Joyce; Happy, Kenneth; Okello, Dennis; Kang, Youngmin
    Trichosanthis Radix, derived from the roots of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz and Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms, is used widely in traditional Asian medicine. It has been used for centuries across China, Japan, South Korea, and other Asian countries to treat several ailments, including diabetes, cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. The pharmacopoeias in several countries recognize its ability to clear heat, reduce swelling, expel pus, generate fluids, and regulate menstruation. This review provides a comprehensive synopsis of botanical, and ethnomedicinal uses of Trichosanthis Radix. In addition, the phytochemical constituents, including proteins (trichosanthin), terpenoids (cucurbitacins), alkaloids, lignans, coumarins, and flavonoids, which contribute to its diverse pharmacological effects including antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, abortifacient, neuroprotective, immunoregulatory, and antiviral activities are examined. Furthermore, the clinical, pharmacokinetic, quality control measures, processing methods, and toxicity associated with Trichosanthis Radix are discussed. Finally, future research opportunities and potential applications of Trichosanthis Radix in modern medicine are explored with a focus on expanding its therapeutic use and ensuring safe and effective medicinal applications.