Cavendish International Journal of Science and Technology

Cover Page

2024-08-08T06:10:54+00:00

Editorial for inaugural issue

2024-08-04T14:41:47+00:00

PARENTAL PREDISPOSING RISK FACTOR TO CANCER AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN UGANDA CANCER INSTITUTE-KAMPALA

2024-08-04T15:17:41+00:00

Background: This study investigated parental predisposing risk factors for cancer among children and adolescents in Uganda, specifically focusing on the Uganda Cancer Institute-Kampala. The study was conducted at the Uganda Cancer Institute.
Methods: It applies a mixed-methods approach, the research combined quantitative data from medical records and surveys with qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions. The investigation involved statistical analyses of data collected from 339 participants, comprising children, adolescents, and their parents or guardians.
Results: Key findings indicated that parental lifestyle choices, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, had a direct impact on the likelihood of their children developing cancer. Specifically, the children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer were exposed to second-hand smoke and had parents who consumed alcohol regularly. Exposure to second-hand smoke and alcohol-related carcinogens during prenatal development and early childhood could increase cancer risk.
Conclusion: These findings emphasized the need for targeted interventions to educate parents about the risks associated with these behaviors. The study concluded that addressing parental factors through targeted interventions, improved healthcare infrastructure and policy reforms is essential to reducing cancer incidence and improving outcomes among children and adolescents in Uganda.

ENHANCING CLASS ATTENDANCE WITH AI: A STUDENT FACE RECOGNITION SYSTEM USING OPENCV

2024-08-04T15:38:15+00:00

Background: With the rapid advancement of technology, there is an increasing need to incorporate these innovations into education, particularly in attendance tracking. Traditional methods, such as roll calls, are inefficient, error-prone, and unsuitable for large classes. Computer vision, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), utilizes machine learning and neural networks to extract valuable information from digital images and videos, aiding in well-informed decision-making.
Methods: This study employs computer vision, a subset of AI, using the OpenCV library to develop a Student Facial Recognition system. The system captures and analyzes students' images during class sessions, automatically recording their attendance. Actual classroom experiments were conducted to evaluate the system's effectiveness and accuracy.
Results: The Student Facial Recognition system has demonstrated its value by achieving a 92% accuracy rate in identifying students, with an average processing time of 10 seconds per student. This level of efficiency and accuracy can significantly enhance the attendance tracking process in educational institutions.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the facial recognition system holds promise for improving attendance tracking, but it also raises significant data privacy and ethical concerns that require careful consideration. Despite these challenges, the system's potential to transform attendance tracking in education is reason for optimism. Future research should address these issues and explore the technology's broader potential in education.

PREVALENCE OF DIARRHEAGENIC BACTERIA AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING KASHERE GENERAL HOSPITAL, GOMBE STATE

2024-08-04T16:00:46+00:00

Introduction:
Diarrheal diseases are a major public health concern globally and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Africa and most other developing countries. Children between the ages of five and below are particularly at high risk of diarrheal diseases. Rural areas in Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to diarrheal diseases due to poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, poor hygiene practices, and low immunization coverage, among others. Given these, the research wishes to isolate and identify common diarrhea-causing bacteria from stool samples of patients attending Kashere General Hospital in a rural community.
Material and Methods:
Stool samples were collected from patients attending the Hospital and subjected to microbiological analysis using standard procedures for the identification of the targeted bacteria.
Results:
The distribution of age groups of samples collected was high (39.9%) for 0–5 years and 6–10 years (28.6%), across genders, with seven different groups of bacteria identified in male and female samples: E. coli sp., Shigella sp., Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Paratyphi, Campylobacter sp., Vibrios sp., and E. coli O157:H7. While Campylobacter sp. was not isolated from any female sample. There was a significant difference in the number of Shigella sp. isolates from Samonella Paratyphi and Salmonella Typhi, Vibrio sp., and E. coli.
Conclusions:
There is an alarming rate of isolation of Shigella among children under five years of age that cuts across genders, and incidence first ever reported prevalence in the study area. This is important in terms of a strategic public health approach to address factors supporting the infection chain for the transmission of diarrheal pathogens in the area. However, further studies may be required to confirm these observations and identify additional risk factors associated with bacterial infections in this population.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS FED ON BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVA MEAL INCLUSIONS

2024-08-04T16:14:33+00:00

Background:
The purpose of this study was to examine the potential advantages of incorporating Black Soldier Fly Larva (BSFL) meals into feed formulations for broiler chickens to improve their growth performance. The research was conducted in a mini-animal house at Federal Low-Cost Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria.
Methods:
We acquired eighty-one 2-week-old Arbor Acres chicken strain from May Farms, Gombe. The BSFL were obtained from chicken waste and leftover fruits, then oven-dried, analyzed based on dry matter, and ground using a local milling machine. The BSFL meal was added to poultry diets by replacing dietary fishmeal at 0% (Control, A), 50% (B), and 100% (C). Each dietary treatment involved nine birds in triplicate in a completely randomized design. The birds were placed in pens marked with plywood and were fed the experimental diets for six weeks under similar management and dietary conditions. Data on weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency ratio, and linear body measurements were collected and analyzed.
Results:
The weight gain varied significantly (p<0.05) among the different treatment groups. Birds on Treatment C (1693.30±25.39 g) showed the highest weight gain, followed by those on Treatment B (1592.10±22.94 g), with the lowest mean final weekly weight gain observed in Treatment A (1416.03±32.66 g). Similarly, feed intake followed a similar pattern to weight gain. As for linear body measurements, the greatest increase in body length was recorded in Treatment C (20.54±1.01 cm), while the smallest was recorded in Treatment A (16.84 ±1.25 cm). Similar trends were seen for body width increase, thigh length increase, shank length increase, and wing length increase.
Conclusion:
The study showed that including BSFL in the diet promoted the growth of broiler chickens and could potentially serve as a significant protein source in poultry feed formulation.

SHIGELLA, E. COLI AND SALMONELLA: A DIARRHEAL PATHOGENS SPECTRUM OF PATIENTS ATTENDING PINDIGA COTTAGE HOSPITAL

2024-08-04T16:29:50+00:00

Introduction:
Bacterial infections significantly contribute to infectious diarrhea, leading to high morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Diarrhea-causing bacteria, including Shigella, Salmonella, and E. coli, are linked to poor sanitation, nutrition, and low immunity, particularly in children.
Methodology:
Patients who reported diarrhea were targeted, and stool samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological, cultural, and biochemical techniques for the identification of the targeted bacteria.
Results:
Six different bacteria were identified with a mean number of isolates of 45.5 and 54.5 of the male and female samples, respectively. The most commonly isolated bacteria were: Shigella sp. Mean number of isolates was 7.8±9.5 for males and 13.0±10.3 for females, E. coli sp. The mean number of isolates was 11.0±7.9 and 9.0±4.9 for males and females prospectively. Salmonella typhi were 6.4±4.4 and 6.8±3.6 for males and females, S. paratyphi mean number was 3.8±4.0 males and 3.8±4.9 females, Vibrio sp. was only isolated among males, with an average of 0.2±0.5, and E. coli O157; H7 mean numbers were 0.4±0.9, and 0.2±.4 for males and females. In general, Shigella sp., E. coli sp., and Salmonella typhi were significantly higher than other species, and children aged 0–15 years had a higher detection rate.
Conclusions:
Shigella sp., E. coli and S. typhi were the most frequently isolated bacteria in both male and female samples, especially among children aged 0–15. This emphasizes the need for public health policies and interventions focused on improving sanitation, vaccination, nutrition, addressing gender-specific risk factors, and reducing bacterial infections among children under five.

UNDERSTANDING THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY AND PROFITABILITY OF MOBILE MONEY IN AFRICA

2024-08-04T18:50:37+00:00

Background:
Mobile money has revolutionized financial services in Africa, providing access to banking and financial services to millions of previously unbanked individuals. The proliferation of mobile phones coupled with innovative financial technologies has enabled this rapid expansion. Mobile money services have been pivotal in driving financial inclusion, fostering economic development, and reducing poverty across the continent. For example, M-Pesa in Kenya in 2007 became a game changer in financial inclusion and accessibility in Kenya. Safaricom developed M-Pesa, which allowed users to deposit, withdraw, and transfer money using their mobile phones, radically changing how Kenyans accessed financial services. Mobile money grew on the back of the rapid mobile communication expansion throughout Africa. The continent's expansive topography, lack of telecommunications infrastructure, and expanding population made it an excellent target for telecommunications carriers (both domestic and international). Despite substantial advances in mobile telecommunication and mobile money services, there is a huge research gap that requires immediate attention.
Methods:
This study analyzed existing literature to identify the critical factors that contribute to or hinder the long-term sustainability and profitability of mobile money in Africa. It reviews and critiques literature from various reputable databases.
Results:
Key issues include gender disparities in mobile money uptake and usage, lower levels of digital and financial literacy among rural communities, and a lack of understanding of the long-term sustainability and profitability of these services in competitive markets.
Conclusion:
This study makes three key contributions to the body of knowledge. It provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and current state of the mobile money ecosystem. The study highlights the significant economic and social impacts of mobile money adoption and the study identifies critical gaps in mobile money research.

THE IMPACT OF MEMORY EFFECT AND NONLOCALLITY IN COVID-19 WORLD DATA USING HYBRID FRACTIONAL ORDER COMPARTMENTAL MODEL AND NEURAL NETWORKS

2024-08-04T17:32:34+00:00

Background:
This study investigates the impact of memory effects and nonlocality on COVID-19 World Data. The primary objective is to explore the dynamics of the pandemic using a hybrid fractional order compartmental model combined with neural networks.
Methods:
The research employs a hybrid fractional order compartmental model alongside an artificial neural network. Key procedures include stability analysis of equilibrium points, the development of a Disease Informed Neural Network (DINN) by integrating the fractional order model with neural networks, and the application of Laplace Transforms to expedite fractional derivative computations during neural network training.
Results:
The study identifies optimal fractional order values: α_1=0.7899, α_2=0.8636,α_3= 0.8496 , and α_4=0.8591. The disease transmission parameters are determined as ρ=0.1730,δ=0.0466, and ω=0.0018. Numerical simulations are conducted, which visually compare the hybrid fractional order compartmental model and neural network results against real COVID-19 World Data across all compartments.
Conclusion:
The paper concludes that the developed model effectively captures the dynamics of COVID-19, emphasizing the role of memory and nonlocal effects in disease transmission. The insights gained from plotting dynamic model behaviors, including minimum and maximum solutions, contribute to a comprehensive understanding of disease transmission and inform potential interventions.

DETERMINANTS OF CONSISTENT CONDOM USE AMONG STUDENTS IN KAMPALA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL CASE STUDY OF CAVENDISH UNIVERSITY UGANDA

2024-08-04T17:46:39+00:00

Background:
This study aimed at assessing determinants of consistent condom use among students in Kampala using a cross-sectional case study of Cavendish University Uganda. Unprotected sex poses a significant public health risk, particularly among young people, including university students, who engage in risky sexual behavior. Studies conducted in Uganda have shown that university students frequently engage in unprotected sex, including the lack or inconsistent use of condoms leading to high risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections and unplanned pregnancies. The importance of addressing the issue of condom use among students at Cavendish University Uganda (CUU) cannot be overstated as the university attracts a diverse student body from various African countries, many of which are highly affected by the HIV pandemic:
Methods:
This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design employing quantitative data collection methods.
Results:
Age demonstrated a strong negative correlation with consistent condom use. Male students were more likely to report consistent condom use compared to females. Students identifying as Muslim or Protestant were more likely to report consistent condom use than Catholic believers. Positive correlations were observed between consistent condom use and knowledge level, perceived risk, and self-efficacy. Additionally, students who discussed HIV/condom use with their partners and those aware of their partners' HIV status showed a higher likelihood of consistent condom use. Having a single sexual partner and using condoms during the first sexual encounter predicted consistent condom use.
Conclusion:
The study concluded that various factors, including age, gender, religion, knowledge, risk perception, self-efficacy, social norms, communication with partners, awareness of partners' HIV status, number of partners, and condom use during first sex, predict consistent condom use among CUU students, and recommended targeted awareness campaigns on sexual and reproductive health, emphasizing condom use among CUU students.

A FLUCTUATING POLICY: EXAMINING UGANDA’S FAILED ATTEMPTS TO PHASE OUT NURSING ASSISTANTS FROM THE HEALTH WORKFORCE

2024-08-04T17:59:44+00:00

Background:
This paper provides a historical basis for introducing the Nursing Assistants in Uganda arguing that the situation has not changed. It interrogates the arguments advanced for abolishing this cadre of health workers and examines the implications of this decision for health care delivery under the current circumstances. In 2013, the Uganda Government, through the Ministry of Public Service, issued a Circular abolishing the Nursing Assistants from the Health Workforce cadres in Uganda effective 2015, after a grace period of three years. Since then, there have been fruitless attempts to remove these cadres without closure.
Methods:
This policy paper examines this policy fluctuation by digging into the history of Nursing Assistants in Uganda to establish if the conditions that led to their recruitment still exist.
Discussion:
It examines the reasons advanced for their abolition, their contributions, and the implications of abolishing them at this point. It proposes a way forward for the Government on the matter of Nursing Assistants.
Conclusion:
It should be clear to everyone of sound mind that any employee who is told to work while keeping the luggage packed, and ready for exit, is not motivated. The quality of work performed by such employees can only diminish as they are no longer investing in the job. That is the current situation of the Nursing Assistants in Uganda. The Ministry of Public Service should write to withdraw the circular that announced the abolition of the Nursing Assistants as a matter of urgency.

ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH SPOILAGE OF SOME FRUITS SOLD IN MARKETS OF SOKOTO CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICTS, SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

2024-08-26T09:40:26+00:00

Background: The socio-economic impact of pathogenic fungi in destructions of fruits in Sokoto Central Senatorial District were found to be very huge, hence the present study was designed to isolate and identify the species that are responsible for the spoilage of Magnifera indica, Citrullus lanatus, Citrus sinensis and Cucurbita maxima fruits in the area.

Methods: 500 fruits comprising of 80 spoiled and 20 healthy from four (4) different plant species were collected from five different markets in the area. Potato dextrose agar (PDA) was prepared as media for analysis, thin section of each rotten and healthy fruit was inoculated into a medium and incubated at 25oc for five days, the isolates were identified using cultural and morphological features.

Results: The results obtained showed the presence of Aspergilus niger Rhizopus stolonifer, Rhizopus oryzae, Alternaria alternata, Mucor, and Fusarium; in this study, A. niger had highest frequency of 77 (32.08%), while Fusarium showed least frequency of 19 (07.92%), mean frequency of these fungal species was significantly different in all selected markets except Kasuwar Daji as we observed at p<0.05. It was recommended that appropriate preventive and control measures should be considered to reduce the potential loss of the products and serious health consequences in the study area.

BACKGROUND IONIZING RADIATION DOSE LEVELS AND EXCESS LIFETIME CANCER RISK IN ASHAKA CEMENT PLC, ASHAKA, GOMBER STATE, NIGERIA

2024-08-05T04:44:59+00:00

Background:
Radiation monitoring is crucial for assessing environmental safety and public health, particularly in areas with industrial activities such as cement production. Ionizing radiation exposure can have significant health implications, making it essential to evaluate dose levels and associated risks regularly.
Methods:
This study focuses on the radiation dose levels and excess lifetime cancer risk at multiple locations within Ashaka Cement Plc, situated in Ashaka, Gombe State, Nigeria. By measuring radiation levels and analyzing cancer risk, the research aims to ensure the safety of the environment and the well-being of workers and nearby communities. A Geiger counter rate meter was used to measure the radiation dose level 1 m above the ground level.
Results:
The results showed that the dose rates ranged from 0.1100 to 0.3467 μSv/h, with an average of 0.2496 μSv/h. The mean annual equivalent dose was 0.43728 mSv/y, lower than the 1 mSv/y limit, and the mean annual effective dose was 0.3061 mSv/y, higher than the 0.07 mSv/y, global average but lower than the 1 mSv/y limit. The excess lifetime cancer risk was 1.53×10-3, which is higher than the world average of 1.45×10-3.
Conclusion:
Generally, background ionizing radiation levels are safe and pose no immediate health risk. Low-level radiation doses may have long-term health effects over a lifetime (70 years), as per excess lifetime cancer risk values.

PRODUCTION, PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PAPAIN FROM CARICA PAPAYA

2024-08-05T05:00:49+00:00

Background:
Commercially available papain is prepared by performing a tedious and costly purification method that yields papain at different degrees of purity.
Methods:
The expressed ~43 kDa active papain was purified by single-step affinity chromatography and confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis and Western blotting. A 3.7-fold lab-scale purification and 64 % recovery yield of the enzyme were achieved.
Results:
In this research work, the recombinant stem papain has been expressed in E. coli BL21. The purified enzyme exhibited maximum activity at a pH range of 5-8 on synthetic substrates studied with an optimum temperature of 45 ºC. It was inhibited by E-64 (10µM) but only slightly inhibited by non-cysteine protease inhibitors and activated by all the Sulphur-containing reducing reagents studied. Kinetic studies on the enzyme yielded lower values of Ki and Km coupled with a higher kcat/Km ratio for recombinant papain; implying that it had more affinities towards the inhibitor used and all the substrates than commercial papain.
Conclusion:
This study successfully developed expression, characterization, and cultivation conditions for better production of recombinant papain from Carica papaya in E.coli (BL21-AI). Drying technologies such as spray drying and freeze-drying could be explored to establish the best means of recombinant papain technology

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS OF HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES IN SOIL AND WATER SAMPLES AT THE KANAWA IRRIGATION SITE, YAMALTU DEBA L.G.A., GOMBE STATE. NIGERIA

2024-08-05T05:13:07+00:00

Background:
The concentration of heavy metals and the physicochemical characteristics of soil and water samples from the Kanawa irrigation site were evaluated in this study.
Methods:
The physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods, whereas the heavy metal content of the soil and water samples was measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
Results:
The allowable limit and the mean average of all the physical parameters are: Salinity value was (1.02%) and Permissible Limits PL were 2–5, turbidity value was (14.798m) and PL were 1–5, pH value was (6.46) and PL were 6.5–8.5, electric conductivity value was (463.798 µS/cm) and PL are 100–500, total dissolve solid (230.332 mg/l) and PL were 250–500, The overall hardness value was 184.4 mg/l caco3 eqv, the total suspended solid value was 179 mg/l, and the PL was 500. The mean average values of the principal anions' chemical characteristics are: Lead (Pb) was measured at 0.0232 mg/l and the PL was 0.005, chromium (Cr) at 0.0433 mg/l and the PL was 0.005, Nickel (Ni) at 0.09918 mg/l and the PL was 0.1, Cadmium (Cd) at 0.00396 mg/l and the PL was 0.005, Copper (Cu) at 0.05338 mg/l and the PL was 1.5, Iron (Fe) at 0.33146 mg/l and the PL was 0.3, and aspartic (As) at 0.00986 mg/l and the PL was 0.005. In soil samples, the mean average values were compared to the PL as follows: the PL was 73.3 for copper (Cu) and 0.46518 mg/kg for cadmium (Cd); the PL was 0.2 for cadmium (Cd) and 0.24381 mg/kg for chromium (Cr); and the PL was 100 for nickel (Ni).
Conclusion:
The findings indicate that the physiochemical characteristics and heavy metal levels in soil and water samples at the Kanawa irrigation site do not affect farmlands or the safety of the water for human use.