Research Articles

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This will include all research articles published by all scholars of Kabale University in diverse disciplines.

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Open Access
00R - The Library Association RECORD 2000- Index
(kabale university, 2000) Bazirake, Bernard Bamuhiiga
This item contains the Library Association Record index 2000
Open Access
A 5-year Retrospective Review of the Presentation Pattern and Management outcomes of Uterine Fibroids in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.
(Kabale University, 2024) Madunatu, Chimezie Michael; Okoro, Chukwuemeka Chukwubuikem; Onyejiaka, Chukwudubem Chinagorom; Enechukwu, Chukwunonso Isaiah; Ofojebe, Chukwuemeka Jude; Ani, Vincent Chinedu; Eleje, George Uchenna; Mbachu, Ikechukwu Innocent; Okafor, Chigozie Geoffrey; Okoro, Amarachukwu Doris; Okafor, Christiana Nkiru; Oguejiofor, Charlotte Blanche; Eze, Stephen Chijioke
Background: Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological condition affecting reproductive-age women. Although fibroids are considered benign, they are a cause of major quality-of-life issues for women in their reproductive age. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, pattern of presentations and management outcomes of uterine fibroids over 5 years. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review of the prevalence, clinical presentations, and outcome of the management of uterine fibroid over 5 years (between January 1st, 2017, and 31st December 2021) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH). The case files of women who were managed for uterine fibroid during this period were obtained from the hospital’s Health Records department to extract relevant information. The social, demographic, and clinical data of the subjects were extracted using a designed proforma. The outcome measures included the prevalence, clinical presentations, and management outcomes of uterine fibroids. Data was analyzed using the SPSS 26.0 IBM Corporation. Results: The prevalence of uterine fibroids was 10.7% of all gynecological cases that were presented to the clinic. Participants, mean age was 39.11±7.01 years, most (75.4%) being nulliparous. Abdominal swelling was the commonest (62.3%) pattern of presentation and most of the subjects presented late with a mean duration of symptoms of 38.2±9.82 months. Surgery was the commonest method of treatment with myomectomy being the modality used in 86.5% of subjects. The common postoperative complication was anemia which was reported in 15.2% of the subjects. Conclusion: Uterine fibroid prevalence in this review of 10.66% is high and so also are the associated complications. The symptoms correlate with delayed presentations common in our locality. Surgical management comprising predominantly myomectomy and hysterectomy remained the commonest treatment option in our environment.
Open Access
A Call-To-Action: Integrate A Learning Health System Framework into Longitudinal Population Studies to Improve Health Response in Africa.
(Kabale University, 2024) Kadengye, Damazo T.; Kiragga, Agnes N.
Longitudinal population studies (LPSs) in Africa have the potential to become powerful engines of change by adopting a learning health system (LHS) framework. This is a call-to-action opinion and highlights the importance of integrating an LHS approach into LPSs, emphasizing their transformative potential to improve population health response, drive evidence-based decision-making, and enhance community well-being. Operators of LPS platforms, community members, government officials, and funding agencies have a role to contribute to this transformative journey of driving evidence-based interventions, promoting health equity, and fostering long-term public health solutions for African communities.
Open Access
A literature review of climate-smart landscapes as a tool in soil- water management in Sub-Saharan Africa
(International Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Technovation, 2023-02-08) Turyasingura, Benson; Tumwesigye, Wycliffe; Atuhaire, Abraham; Tumushabe, Jennifer Turyatemba; Akatwijuka, , Rogers
Worldwide, information is needed about the social landscape management as there is no known studies that have documented how climate-smart landscape approaches improve soil and water status. In Sub-Saharan Africa, effective social landscape governance necessitates a certain amount of social capital, including trust and agreed-upon standards. Climate-smart landscapes are key to successful soil and water management but little effort have been made to critically improve effective soil and water resources. The study was guided by the specific objectives, which include examining equitable climate-smart landscapes and finding out the major challenges facing the implementation of climate-smart landscapes. Using "landscape governance" AND "climate smart landscape," 31 papers (31) were obtained from the Web of Science (WOS) and twenty-nine (27) from the Scopus databases using search engines from (1992-2022). On equitable climate-smart landscapes, it was found that multi-stakeholder participation in landscape management is an iterative and changing process that can assist in addressing and resolving disputes as well as facilitating fair negotiation procedures for underrepresented and minority groups. Proper planning and the implementation of a comprehensive planning framework that links various planning activities and decision-making processes are required for landscape approaches to be successful. The major challenges included policies and institutions, financial difficulties in the conservation of natural resources, and socio-economic issues. The novelty from this study is to inform policy makers on climate-smart landscape approaches to ease soil and water management.
Open Access
A Mobile Based Technology to Improve Male Involvement in Antenatal Care.
(Kabale University, 2024) Muhoza, B. Gloria; Ssemaluulu, Paul Mukasa; Mabirizi, Vicent
The World Health Organization Technical Working Group on maternal health unit recommended a minimum level of care to be four visits throughout the pregnancy for pregnant mothers [1]. The first visit which is expected to screen and treat anaemia, and syphilis, screen for risk factors and medical conditions that can be best dealt with in early pregnancy and initiate prophylaxis if required (e.g., for anaemia and malaria) is recommended to be made before the end of the fourth month of pregnancy. The second, third and fourth visits are scheduled at 24–28, 32 and 36 weeks, respectively. Male involvement in Antenatal health care has been described as a process of social and behavioural change that is needed for men to play more responsible roles in maternal health care to ensure women's and children’s wellbeing. A study by Okoth [1] reported that, in Uganda, male involvement in antenatal care stands at only 6% and this has been attributed to social, economic and cultural related factors. The situation worsens with the lack of an effective coordinated platform for males sharing their experience in taking part in ANC and this has affected the process of antenatal care service delivery. Objective. To assess the role of mobile technology in improving male involvement in antenatal care by developing a mobile-based technology which sends SMS reminders to male partners encouraging them to escort their pregnant wives for antenatal care services. Research questions. What are the challenges towards the limited antenatal care-seeking behaviours among pregnant mothers? What are the causes of limited male involvement in antenatal care? What roles do ICTs play in enhancing Antenatal Care seeking behaviours among pregnant mothers and in increasing the male involvement in Antenatal Care? Method. We purposively selected pregnant mothers whose phones, had been receiving antenatal care services from Kabale General Hospital and reported staying with their male partners. The recruited participants were interviewed together with their male partners. STATA 13 software was used to define participants’ demographics while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis to come up with classes describing participants’ perceptions. Results. Participants reported that reminding them of their next antenatal visit via SMS reminder plays a significant role towards their antenatal care-seeking behaviour. Conclusion. Mobile health could be a potential approach to improving male involvement in antenatal care through sending timely SMS reminders to both the expectant mother and her male partner reminding them of their next antenatal visit.
Open Access
A Review of the Effects of Climate Change on Water Resources in Sub-Saharan Africa
(African Journal of Climate Change and Resource Sustainability, 2023-06-23) Turyasingura ,Benson
Water provides different goods and services like handcraft and fishing materials, water supply for domestic use, businesses, agriculture, transport, washing, drinking, and eco-tourism. However, few studies have assessed the effects of climate change on water resources in recent years. This study investigated the relationship between water resources and climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the first segment, Vos-Viewer was used to map, study the literature, and identify any gaps in order to evaluate the interdependence between water resources and climate. The study was guided by specific objectives, which include assessing the adaptation and mitigation strategies for the effects of climate on water resources. Searches for the keywords “climate change” and “water resources” were conducted to obtain literature for this study. A total of 125 papers were selected for this study from 1945–2022, from Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science, that were found relevant for this study and were selected and discussed. Thus, the worldwide literature was used to provide a real understanding of the effects of climate change on water resources, adaptation, and mitigation measures. According to the findings of the study, cooperation networks in developing countries were not as prominent as research networks in developed countries. It was shown that irregular rainfall affects water quality and quantity by giving the water a muddy, acidic, and turbid appearance. Therefore, all stakeholders should facilitate prudent water resource usage by 695 million people who still use unimproved water facilities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Open Access
A Review of the Effects of Climate Change on Water Resources in Sub-Saharan Africa.
(Kabale University, 2024) Turyasingura, Benson; Ngabirano, Hannington; Wambui, Kinyi Hellen; Fatima, Sule Mohammed; Ayiga, Natal; Bojago, Elias; Benzougagh, Brahim; Abhishek Banerjee; Kumar, Singh Sudhir
Water provides different goods and services like handcraft and fishing materials, water supply for domestic use, businesses, agriculture, transport, washing, drinking, and eco-tourism. However, few studies have assessed the effects of climate change on water resources in recent years. This study investigated the relationship between water resources and climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the first segment, Vos-Viewer was used to map, study the literature, and identify any gaps to evaluate the interdependence between water resources and climate. The study was guided by specific objectives, which include assessing the adaptation and mitigation strategies for the effects of climate on water resources. Searches for the keywords “climate change” and “water resources” were conducted to obtain literature for this study. A total of 125 papers selected for this study from 1945–2022, from Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science, were found relevant for this study and were selected and discussed. Thus, the worldwide literature was used to provide a real understanding of the effects of climate change on water resources, adaptation, and mitigation measures. According to the findings of the study, cooperation networks in developing countries were not as prominent as research networks in developed countries. It was shown that irregular rainfall affects water quality and quantity by giving the water a muddy, acidic, and turbid appearance. Therefore, all stakeholders should facilitate prudent water resource usage by 695 million people who still use unimproved water facilities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Open Access
A rights-based approach to desertification control in pursuit of sustainability in Africa
(Routledge, 2023-08-14) Kabaseke , Charlotte
Desertification is fast becoming a global threat and has had diverse impacts on the environment as well as on human beings. This has vitiated the enjoyment of human rights, especially for the most vulnerable and affected populations in Africa, including the poor, women, children, indigenous communities and the disabled, among others. Although various efforts have been employed to minimise desertification, employing the rights-based approach is still largely developing. This chapter, therefore, critically analyses the role of a human rights-based approach in desertification control in Africa. It questions whether this approach to addressing desertification is capable of advancing the pursuit of environmental sustainability in Africa. The chapter concludes that the rights-based approach is a vital complement to the environmental-related solutions to desertification control, especially as the effect of desertification on the environment and human rights is undeniable. Ensuring the enjoyment of human rights to a healthy environment will go a long way in curbing the persistent adverse effects of desertification in Africa and accordingly promote sustainability in that regard. The doctrinal method of research is employed to achieve the objective of this chapter.
Open Access
Access to finance and women entrepreneurship development in the Kigezi subregion, Uganda
(Routledge Taylor & Francis group, 2022) Eton, Marus; Dianah, Nkamusiima
Women entrepreneurs are challenged by access to finance in their quest to start any entrepreneurial activity. Global business failures have not spared women entrepreneurs; hence, this study is very significant, as it may direct the path to new business venture creation by women entrepreneurs. The provision of financial support to a business enterprise does not guarantee its success or growth. The study explored the role access to finance plays in entrepreneurship development, the strategies that stimulate women’s entrepreneurship, and the relationship between access to finance and entrepreneurship development. We used beta coefficients to quantify the effects of access to finance on entrepreneurship development. The findings revealed that women entrepreneurs find it difficult to access cheap and adequate financial services. The study recommends increased funding, development of good policies, and entrepreneurship training and education for women-owned businesses in order to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship development.
Open Access
Addressing Curriculum Gaps to Enhance Research Engagement Among Postgraduate Students in Low Resource Settings
(2020) Frederick, Ssempala
For any country to develop, it should be able to conduct research to generate knowledge necessary to solve problems of humanity by producing necessary goods and services. Research is essential for any nation’s success. Most goods and services consumed today are products of research conducted in developed countries by post-graduate students. Unfortunately, most post-graduate students in developing countries face a lot of challenges that limit their ability to engage in original research that should be published in refereed journals and to acquire necessary patents accordingly. Curriculum gaps inhibit most graduate students in low-resource settings from engaging in productive research necessary to transform the developing country’s economy. Hence, the chapter discusses the importance of research engagement and strategies to fill curriculum gaps in the postgraduate programs to enhance research engagement among the post-graduate students in low-resource settings.
Open Access
Adherence to Viral Load Testing Guidelines, Barriers, and Associated Factors Among Persons Living with HIV on ART in Southwestern Uganda: a Mixed-Methods Study.
(Kabale University, 2024) Lubega, Polly; Nalugya, Sylivia Juliet; Kimuli, Angella Namyalo; Twinokusiima, Majoreen; Khasalamwa, Mercy; Kyomugisa, Richard; Kabami, Jane; Owaraganise, Asiphas
Background: Uganda adapted Viral load (VL) testing for monitoring HIV treatment success and virologic failure. However, there is a paucity of data on how the VL testing guidelines are followed in practice in HIV clinics. This study determined the adherence to national guidelines on VL testing, barriers, and associated factors in persons living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART in southwestern Uganda. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional mixed methods study from April to May 2021 at four HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda. Patient chart review using a checklist that captured age, gender, and level of a healthcare facility, dates of ART initiation, dates VL specimens were drawn, line of ART, and patient adherence to ART was done. Continuous data were summarized using mean and median and Chi-square was used for categorical data. We performed regression analysis to determine factors associated with adherence to viral load testing guidelines at a 95% level of significance. Key informant interviews with managers of the health facility, ART clinic, and laboratory were carried out, and thematic analysis was conducted to explore barriers to adherence to VL testing guidelines. Results: The participants’ mean (SD) age was 39.9(±13.1) years, 39.5% were male, 45.8% received care at a general hospital and the median duration of ART was 5 years (IQR;3–7). Of the 395 patient charts reviewed, 317 had their VL testing (80.3%) per the guidelines (defined as up to one month post-due date). Receiving care at a hospital (aOR=2.20; 95%CI 1.30–3.70; p=0.002) and increasing patient age (aOR=1.02; 95%CI 1.02–1.06; p=0.020) were the factors associated with adhering to VL testing guidelines. Long turnaround times of VL results and insufficient VL testing kits were cited by providers as barriers. Conclusion: We found suboptimal adherence to VL testing guidelines in PLHIV on ART in southwestern Uganda. Increasing patient age and getting care at a higher-level health facility were associated with guideline-based viral VL testing. The long turnaround time of VL test results and inadequate test kits hindered compliance with VL monitoring guidelines. Strategies that target young PLHIV and lower-level health facilities, increase the stock of consumables, and Shorten VL results turnaround time are needed to improve adherence to VL testing guidelines.
Open Access
Adoption and Utilization of Business Innovations of Agricultural Research in Uganda: Empirical Analysis.
(Kabale University, 2024) Barekye, Alex; Tamwesigire, Caleb
This paper seeks to examine the adoption of business innovations within the context of the agricultural sector in Uganda. The findings emerge from research carried out to assess the utilization of business innovations of research in Uganda considering the National Agricultural Research Organization(NARO) as a reference, specifically to find out the association between innovation attributes and their use on-farm, as well as establish the consequence of innovation features and demand (market) about the use of discoveries in farm management. The opinions of 99 participants in producing major crops in the Kanungu district where the NARO innovations were verified were sought. The information was assembled and scrutinized with SPSS and STATA. The findings revealed that innovation features played an important role in the extent of application of the technology. Similarly, how old participants have had a negative linkage with the use of technologies, while the extent of education helps the application of technologies by farmers.
Open Access
Adoption of ICT in Hotel Sector During COVID-19 Pandemic in Uganda: Case Study of Selected Hotels in Kigezi Sub Region.
(Kabale University, 2024) Tushabe, Sylivia Byarugaba; Turyasingura, Benson; Rwotolonya, Sarah
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Information and Communication Technologies(ICT) transformed tourism and hospitality worldwide; however, few studies havebeen conducted to present local evidence on adopting ICT in the hotel sector. Thestudy aimed to examine the effects of ICT on the hotel sector in the Kigezi region,the adoption of ICT in hotels during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and ICT trends in thehotel business for 2023. The study employed a case study design, utilising qualitativeand quantitative approaches to provide relevant and accurate research information.Using simple random and purposive sampling techniques, 68 respondents wereselected to participate from a total population of 250. Primary data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with the hotel participants. The ANOVAresults show a significant effect of ICT on hotel guests and receipts since the P-valueis between 0.00 and 0.05. This indicates that the impact of ICT adoption extendedbeyond hotel receipts and guests. This research demonstrates that many hotels haveadopted ICT and improved service speed and quality through ICT adoption. Even still, ICT adoption by hotels in the Kigezi Sub-region is not at the anticipated level.
Open Access
Adverse Maternal Outcomes and Associated Factors Among Mothers of Advanced Age delivering at a Tertiary Hospital, Southwestern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study.
(Kabale University, 2024) Masembe, Sezalio; Migisha, Richard; Turyasingura, Godwin; Aheisibwe, Hillary; Nzabandora, Emmanuel; Lule, John C.
Background Mothers of advanced age, defined as pregnant women aged≥35 years at the time of giving birth, are traditionally known to be associated with increased risks of adverse maternal outcomes. We determined the prevalence of adverse maternal outcomes and associated factors among mothers of advanced age who delivered at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital (KRRH), in Southwestern Uganda. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Maternity Ward of KRRH from April to September 2023. We consecutively enrolled pregnant women aged≥35 years during their immediate post-delivery period and before discharge. We obtained data on their socio-demographic, obstetric, and medical characteristics and their maternal outcomes using interviewer-administered questionnaires. We define adverse maternal outcome as any complication sustained by the mother that was related to pregnancy, delivery, and immediate post-partum events (obstructed labor, antepartum hemorrhage, mode of delivery [cesarean or vacuum extraction], postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm or postdate pregnancy, anemia, premature rupture of membranes, multiple pregnancy, and maternal death). A participant was considered to have an adverse outcome if they experienced any one of these complications. We identified factors associated with adverse outcomes using modified Poisson regression. Results Out of 417 participants, most were aged 35–37 years (n=206; 49.4%), and had parity≥5 (65.5%). The prevalence of adverse maternal outcomes was 37.6% (n=157, 95%CI: 33.1–42.4%). Common adverse maternal outcomes included caesarian delivery (23%) and obstructed labor (14.4%). Other complications included anemia in pregnancy (4.5%), chorioamnionitis (4.1%), preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (3.9%), and chronic hypertension and preeclampsia (both 2.4%). Factors associated with adverse maternal outcomes were precipitate labor (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]=1.95, 95%CI: 1.44–2.65), prolonged labor, lasting>12 h (aPR=2.86, 95%CI: 1.48–3.16), and chronic hypertension (aPR=2.01, 95%CI: 1.34–3.9). Conclusion Approximately two-fifth of the advanced-aged mothers surveyed had adverse outcomes. Mothers with prolonged labor, precipitate labor, and chronic hypertension were more likely to experience adverse outcomes. We recommend the implementation of targeted interventions, emphasizing proper management of labor as well as close monitoring of hypertensive mothers, and those with precipitate or prolonged labor, to mitigate risks of adverse outcomes within this study population.
Open Access
African animal trypanocide resistance: A systematic review and meta-analysis
(Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2023-01-04) Keneth Iceland, Kasozi; Ewan, Thomas MacLeod; Susan, Christina Welburn
Background: African animal trypanocide resistance (AATr) continues to undermine global efforts to eliminate the transmission of African trypanosomiasis in endemic communities. The continued lack of new trypanocides has precipitated drug misuse and overuse, thus contributing to the development of the AATr phenotype. In this study, we investigated the threat associated with AATr by using the major globally available chemotherapeutical agents. Methods: A total of seven electronic databases were screened for an article on trypanocide resistance in AATr by using keywords on preclinical and clinical trials with the number of animals with treatment relapse, days taken to relapse, and resistant gene markers using the PRISMA checklist. Data were cleaned using the SR deduplicator and covidence and analyzed using Cochrane RevMan®. Dichotomous outputs were presented using risk ratio (RR), while continuous data were presented using the standardized mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of eight publications in which diminazene aceturate (DA), isometamidium chloride (ISM), and homidium chloride/bromide (HB) were identified as the major trypanocides were used. In all preclinical studies, the development of resistance was in the order of HB > ISM > DA. DA vs. ISM (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI: −0.54, 0.83; I2 = 46%, P = 0.05), DA vs. HB (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.47, 1.45; I2 = 0%, P = 0.86), and HB vs. ISM (SMD = −0.41, 95% CI: −0.96, 0.14; I2 = 5%, P = 0.38) showed multiple cross-resistance. Clinical studies also showed evidence of multi-drug resistance on DA and ISM (RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.71–1.43; I2 = 46%, P = 0.16). To address resistance, most preclinical studies increased the dosage and the treatment time, and this failed to improve the patient’s prognosis. Major markers of resistance explored include TbAT1, P1/P2 transporters, folate transporters, such as F-I, F-II, F-III, and polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors. In addition, immunosuppressed hosts favor the development of AATr. Conclusion: AATr is a threat that requires a shift in the current disease control strategies in most developing nations due to inter-species transmission. Multi- drug cross-resistance against the only accessible trypanocides is a major publichealth risk, justifying the need to revise the policy in developing countries to promote control of African trypanosomiasis
Open Access
African animal trypanocide resistance: A systematic review and meta-analysis
(2024-02) Keneth, Iceland Kasozi; Ewan, Thomas MacLeod; Susan, Christina Welburn
African animals resistance ( AATr) continues to undermine global efforts to eliminate the transmission of africa intrypanosomiasis in endemic communities. the continued lack of new trypanocides has participated drug misuse and over use, thus contributing to the devlopment of the AADr phenotype. in this study, we investigated the threate associated with AAtr by using the major globally available chemotherapeutic agents. Methods: A total of seven electronic databases were screened for an article on trypanocide resistance in AATr by using keywords on preclinical and clinical trials with the number of animals with treatment relapse, days taken to relapse, and resistant gene markers using the PRISMA checklist. Data were cleaned using the SR deduplicator and covidence and analyzed using Cochrane RevMan®. Dichotomous outputs were presented using risk ratio (RR), while continuous data were presented using the standardized mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of eight publications in which diminazene aceturate (DA), isometamidium chloride (ISM), and homidium chloride/bromide (HB) were identified as the major trypanocides were used. In all preclinical studies, the development of resistance was in the order of HB > ISM > DA. DA vs. ISM (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI: −0.54, 0.83; I 2 = 46%, P = 0.05), DA vs. HB (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.47, 1.45; I 2 = 0%, P = 0.86), and HB vs. ISM (SMD = −0.41, 95% CI: −0.96, 0.14; I2 = 5%, P = 0.38) showed multiple cross-resistance. Clinical studies also showed evidence of multi-drug resistance on DA and ISM (RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.71–1.43; I2 = 46%, P = 0.16). To address resistance, most preclinical studies increased the dosage and the treatment time, and this failed to improve the patient’s prognosis. Major markers of resistance explored include TbAT1, P1/P2 transporters, folate transporters, such as F-I, F-II, F-III, and polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors. In addition, immunosuppressed hosts favor the development of AATr.
Open Access
African Childhood “Reawakened”: Using Cultural Studies Theory in Understanding the Use of Symbolism in Camara Laye’s The African Child.
(East African Journal of Traditions, Culture and Religion, 2021) Johnson, Ocan; Lillian, Tindyebwa
This paper reports the findings of a pragmatic study that uses follow-up interviews as a method to investigate how participants read the language in the novel by a renowned African novelist Camara Laye. The study builds on antecedent work that has identified patterns of language presentation as techniques of characterisation in the novel “The African Child”. The article offers a spotlight on the critical use of symbolism in the novel ‘The African child’ (Laye, 1953). This article is set in a research context that brings together surveillance from cultural studies theory on the use of symbols in the novel. The results show that symbols are read significantly faster than the overall clusters which are stored as units in the brain. This pronouncement is complemented by the results of the follow-up questions which indicate that readers do not seem to refer to symbols when talking about character information, although they are able to refer to symbols when prompts are used to elicit information. Beyond the specific results of the study, this article makes a contribution to the development of complementary methods in children’s literature from Africa and it points to directions for further sub-classifications of the use of symbolism in children’s literature that could not be achieved on the basis of this data alone.
Open Access
African Indigenous Medicine Activities in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda
(International Journal of Research in Sociology and Anthropology, 2019) Godfrey, Barigye
Some African indigenous medicine healers and neo-liberalists have misused the cherished objectives of community values and turned it into witch-craft characterized with human sacrifice, money extortion, and many more evil related practices. The study was on activities of traditional indigenous knowledge in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda. It was established that most African indigenous healers were mainly practicing herbalism, midwifery/traditional birth attendance, spirituality/foretelling, bone-setters, snake poison healers and rain-makers. The African indigenous healers were in the age group of 40 years and above, had an educational level of secondary, most of them were females, who were Banyankore, Baganda, Congolese and Swahili, and were married. Most of the beneficiaries of African indigenous medicine were farmers and Banyankore by tribe. It was concluded that African indigenous medicine practices and systems of local people are interactive technology whose dissemination is feasible, efficient, and cost-effective when learnt from village-level experts.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
Allium Cepa (Onion) Extract Enhances and Protects Testicular Function and Architecture against Paraquat Induced Oxidative Damage.
(International Journal of Life science and Pharma Research, 2020) Uzozie Chikere, Ofoego; Ejike, Daniel Eze
Allium cepa (A. cepa) is consumed for its health benefits. This study investigated the therapeutic potentials of ethanolic extract of A. cepa bulbs against paraquat-induced testicular toxicity in animal model. Thirty Wistar rats were split into control and five test groups (n=5). Group A (Control) received feed and water; test groups (B-F) were treated orally as follows: group B (20 mg/kg b.w. of paraquat for 4weeks); group C (1000 mg/kg b.w. of A. cepa extract for 4weeks); group D (a co-administration of 20 mg/kg b.w. of paraquat and 100 mg/kg b.w. of A. cepa extract for 4weeks); group E (a co-administration of 20 mg/kg b.w. of paraquat and 1000 mg/kg b.w. of A. cepa extract for 4weeks); and group F (1000 mg/kg b.w. of A. cepa extract for 2weeks before co-administration with 20 mg/kg b.w. of paraquat for 2weeks). In the end, sperm count, morphology, motility, sera testosterone levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels as well as histology of the testes were assessed. Paraquat administration caused significantly (P<0.05) reduced sperm count, motility, alteration in sperm morphology and induced cell death. Oral gavage of paraquat also caused significant (P<0.05) decrease in serum testosterone and SOD levels with concomitantly elevated MDA levels. However, following the co-administration with ethanolic extract of A. cepa to experimental rats, there was an improvement in sperm parameters (count, motility and morphology) as well as in sera testosterone and SOD levels. It can be concluded that A. cepa exerts strong antioxidant effects in a dose-dependent manner in ameliorating testicular toxicity induced by paraquat in animal models.