Mbeya University of Science and Technology Journal of Research and Development

Cerebral death: Unraveling the mystery of the silent mind

Muhammad Akram — 2025-03-11

The permanent loss of all brain stem functions, such as breathing, awareness, and cranial nerve reflexes, is known as brain stem death (BSD), and it presents a significant medical and ethical issue. While other bodily functions, such as heart activity and circulation, can be maintained with medical intervention, BSD is defined by the cessation of brain stem activity. The key characteristic that distinguishes BSD from other conditions, such as coma or a persistent vegetative state, is the complete and irreversible loss of brain stem function—a critical control centre for basic physiological processes. Diagnosing BSD requires strict clinical criteria and diagnostic testing to confirm the full and permanent nature of the condition. This typically involves a comprehensive neurological examination, assessment of cranial nerve reflexes, and confirmation through additional tests, such as cerebral blood flow studies or electroencephalography (EEG). A diagnosis of BSD carries significant ethical and legal implications, particularly in relation to organ donation, as it often plays a role in identifying potential donors. The ethical considerations surrounding BSD include its impact on families, the distinction between death and end-of-life care, and the challenges posed by varying legal and cultural perspectives. It highlights the importance of a clear diagnosis, obtaining informed consent, and adhering to established medical protocols to uphold human dignity and ethical standards. As medical technology advances and societal views evolve, the discussion around brain stem death continues to be a critical issue in both bioethics and modern medical practice.

Evaluation of hydropower potential of Kapologwe Waterfalls for rural electrification in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region Tanzania

Charles J. Mgina — 2025-03-11

Hydropower remains one of the most significant renewable energy sources, accounting for a substantial proportion of global electricity production. In Tanzania, where electricity access is limited, particularly in rural areas, untapped hydropower resources could play a critical role in meeting local energy needs. This study investigates the hydropower potential of the Kapologwe Waterfalls on the Kala River, located in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region. Key factors influencing hydropower generation, including hydraulic head, flow rate, and turbine efficiency, were analysed using land survey techniques and hydrological modeling. The hydraulic head was measured at 605.15 meters, and flow rates were calculated based on field data, with a design flow of 1.542 m³/s. A Pelton turbine, known for its high efficiency under high-head, low-flow conditions, was selected for the site. The estimated power potential is 7.238 MW, suggesting that the Kapologwe Waterfalls could significantly contribute to localised electrification and reduce reliance on Tanzania’s national grid. This research highlights the feasibility of small-scale hydropower projects in rural Tanzania and their potential to alleviate energy poverty.

Determination of dynamic cone penetration index (DCPI) of borrow pit materials for construction of low volume roads in Dodoma Tanzania

Vincent Lwanda — 2025-03-11

The study for determination of dynamic cone penetration index (DCPI) of borrow pit materials for construction of low-volume roads was conducted in the Dodoma region in Tanzania. Samples for tests were collected from five borrow pits, which are Nkulabi, Zuzu, Mahomanyika, Dinda, and Ntyuka. Results of plasticity indices were 14%, 11%, 10%, 16%, and 13% for Nkulabi, Zuzu, Mahomanyika, Dinda, and Ntyuka borrow pits, respectively. Results of grading coefficients and shrinkage products were 33.7 and 148.1 units for Nkulabi, 19.9 and 295.9 units for Zuzu, 32.3 and 56.0 units for Mahomanyika, 25.4 and 391.3 units for Dinda, and 32.8 and 111.2 units for Zuzu borrow pits, respectively. Results of dynamic cone penetration indices were 5.8 mm/blow, 5.2 mm/blow, 4.7 mm/blow, 6.0 mm/blow, and 4.5 mm/blow for Nkulabi, Zuzu, Mahomanyika, Dinda, and Ntyuka borrow pits, respectively. Specifications require DCPI values for the tested material not to exceed 5.69 mm/blow in order to be suitable for use as gravel-wearing course material. Therefore, these results indicate that materials from Zuzu, Mahomanyika, and Ntyuka borrow pits have satisfied the requirement and hence qualify to be used as gravel-wearing course material. However, materials from Dinda and Nkulabi borrow pits have DCPI values above the limiting value of 5.69 mm/blow, and therefore they did not meet strength requirements as gravel-wearing course material. Based on grading coefficient, shrinkage product, and strength parameters, which are used for the selection of suitable materials, only Zuzu borrow pit materials qualified for the construction of the gravel wearing course. Therefore, engineering properties of materials from Dinda, Mahomanyika, Nkulabi, and Ntyuka need to be improved through the blending process.

Variation of packing densities and liquid film thicknesses in alkali solution and water in natural pozzolan calcium hydroxide pastes and mortars

Asson Malisa — 2025-03-11

The characteristic properties of concrete depend on the quality of mortar. In order to improve the properties of hardened concrete, the mortar needs to have good performance. The property of mortar is affected by wet packing density, liquid film thickness, type and quality of binder, gradation of fine aggregates, and binder-to-fine-aggregate ratio. The commonly used alkali solutions to produce polymer mortar and concrete are cursed by carbon dioxide emissions. This study used alkali solution and water to investigate the variation of packing densities and film thicknesses on paste and mortar mixes. of natural pozzolan and calcium hydroxide at a ratio of 75P25CH and standard sand. The standard proctor compaction tools and procedures were adopted to attain the maximum values of packing density of 0.937 for mortar mixed with alkali solution, 0.919 for mortar mixed with water, 0.906 for paste mixed with alkali solution, and 0.829 for paste mixed with water. For the case of film thicknesses, the optimum values obtained were 0.548 μm for mortar mixed with alkali solution, 0.248 μm for mortar mixed with water, 0.398 μm for paste mixed with alkali solution, and 0.09 μm mixed with water. The results indicate that alkali solution produced higher packing density and liquid film thickness than water for both paste and mortar, and the packing density and liquid film thickness increase with the increase of the number of compacting blows with 9 blows to 36 blows. The study recommends the establishment of standard compaction effort and procedure.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Tanzanian gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) leaf extract against multi-drug resistance Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi

Baraka Ngingo — 2025-03-11

This study was conducted to evaluate in-vitro antibacterial activities of methanolic leaf extract of Physalis peruviana growing in Dodoma, Tanzania, against multidrug-resistant bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi) using agar well diffusion and standard microdilution methods. Moreover, leaf extract was screened qualitatively for the presence of phytoconstituents using standard methods. Methanolicleaf extract of P. peruviana (from 0.2 mg/mL to 0.4 mg/mL concentrations) showed antibacterial activity against tested E. coli and S. typhi with zones of inhibition ranging from 19 to 21 mm and 17.7 to 22 mm, respectively. The micro-dilution method revealed the minimum inhibitory concentration of methanolic leaf extract of P. peruviana to be 10 µg/µL and 5 µg/µL for E. coli and S. typhi, respectively. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of methanolic leaf extract of P. peruviana identified the presence of tannins, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, and phenols. Methanolic leaf extract of P. peruviana has antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria (E. coli and S. typhi). This plant may be a promising new source of future antibiotics that potentially combat the existing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

Communities’ knowledge and perceptions towards the conservation of Nguru Spiny Pygmy Chameleon (Rampholeon acuminatus) in Nguru Mountains, Tanzania

Enoka Munduka — 2025-03-11

Rhampholeon acuminatus is a critically endangered species in Tanzania's Nguru Mountains. Its main threat is habitat loss due to human activities like farming and the pet trade. Understanding public awareness and perceptions about its conservation is crucial for the survival of this chameleon and other reptiles in the area. This study was conducted in five villages bordering the Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve (MNFR), part of the Nguru Mountains. This study assessed the communities’ knowledge, perception, and practices towards conserving R. acuminatus. The results revealed that 31.5% of people perceived no benefits that communities get from the preservation of R. acuminatus p = 0.001. Moreover, about 25.2% of the respondents are unaware of the activities that threaten the conservation of R. acuminatus in Nguru mountains p = 0.148. The study also found that about 88.3% of the respondents cleared the land to create space for the cultivation of crops such as cardamom, cassava, beans, and maize. The majority of the respondents (97%) reported that there are no education programs or initiatives in place that target to increase awareness of the R. acuminatus Nguru mountains, thus making it difficult for communities to identify the species. Thus, only a few respondents were able to identify the R. acuminatus during the survey, and the rest were not able to identify it even after being shown a photo p = 0.139. Thus, the study recommends public awareness programs and conservation education as well as the reduction of forest-dependent activities that target chameleon species to ensure their survival and reduce perceived threats by dispelling myths and encouraging interest in reptiles’ conservation.

Stabilisation of incubation temperature in hot water chicken egg incubator

Shanel Mbawala — 2025-03-11

In this study, the existing egg incubator at Songwe Geothermal Hot Spring was improved by stabilising incubator temperature, hence improving hatching efficiency. The improved hot water egg incubator with a capacity of 280 eggs was designed, fabricated, and tested. Incubator temperature was stabilised by a variable flow rate of circulating hot water that corresponds to changes in incubator temperature. The flow rate of circulating hot water (1.5–2 litres/min) was proportional to the temperature of the incubator. A heat balance equation was formulated to quantify the heat transferred from hot water to circulating water, incubator circulating air, eggs, and the heat lost surrounding. Results revealed that the improved hot water egg incubator had an average hatching efficiency of 89% and a relatively stable temperature with a mean and standard deviation of 37.83°C and 0.1°C, respectively. The results showed a significant improvement as compared to the existing incubator, which had the capacity of 240 eggs, an average hatching efficiency of 84%, and relatively temperature stability with a mean and standard deviation of 37.3°C and 0.69°C, respectively. Results for the heat balance equation showed that most of the heat transferred from circulating water to the incubator was used to raise and maintain the temperature of the incubator at 37.8°C. The eggs absorbed a relatively small amount of heat, which was 3.136W. The improved incubator can also be operated by heat from geothermal resources and waste heat from industries and power plants in the 50°C - 100°C temperature range.

Critical analysis of parking systems and their economic impact in Tanzania

Sadiki Lameck Kusyama — 2025-03-11

In nearly all large urban places on earth, parking has become an expensive resource in recent years, and its restricted supply is the simultaneous cause of urban traffic congestion and air pollution. The typical method for obtaining a parking spot in Tanzania is manual, in which the motorist typically discovers a spot in the city or on the street as a result of his or her experience or good fortune. This method requires a significant amount of time and effort, and in a city with a high car density, it could potentially lead to a situation where the motorist fails to find any parking spaces, thereby consuming a significant amount of time and fuel. Based on the additional features they may offer, the Innovative Scalable Smart Parking System (ISSPS), a component of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), gives rise to various parking facilities. The ISSPS should be able to work with many parking facility-related aspects in addition to managing the internal operations of the parking facility. This study critically analysed the Smart Parking System (SPS) requirements and their economic impact in Tanzania by conducting a survey in three cities (Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha). Purposive sampling methods were used to select the three cities due to their huge populations of motorists. Four hundred (400) respondents randomly selected from the three cities were involved using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered physically and online. Survey results prompted the conclusion that a secure, knowledgeable, effective, and dependable parking system is absolutely necessary for searching for vacant parking spaces, directing drivers to available spaces, negotiating parking rates, and managing parking spaces in an appropriate manner. The study reveals that inefficient parking systems contribute to significant economic losses through increased fuel consumption, increased time spending, increased air pollution, and negative impacts on urban mobility. The paper also discusses potential solutions and policy recommendations, including the adoption of modern parking technologies; improved urban planning; and enhanced regulatory measures to optimise parking management and alleviate congestion. This analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive reform of parking systems in Tanzania to support economic development, enhance urban mobility, and improve overall quality of life in rapidly growing cities.

Condition assessment of heritage structures: The Case of Fort Ikoma Historical Building in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Rajab Chuo — 2025-03-11

The Fort Ikoma Historical Building, initially constructed by the Germans in 1905 and repurposed several times, holds significant cultural and military importance. Over the years, the fort has served as a hotel, an army-training centre, and an administrative centre and has undergone various structural and architectural changes. The main objective of this study was to assess the physical condition of the Fort Ikoma historical building in Serengeti National Park. This study assessed the fort's architectural and structural conditions through historical surveys, visual inspections, and materials analyses. The findings revealed significant deterioration due to weather exposure, lack of maintenance, and inappropriate interventions, leading to extensive decay in walls, roofs, and other structural elements. Nevertheless, a comprehensive Building Condition Assessment Rating System (BCARS) has revealed that the fort severely deteriorated with significant structural, architectural, and service-related defects. The building is rated five at a critical condition level, requiring urgent and extensive restoration work to preserve its historical value. This study recommends promptly initiating a comprehensive rehabilitation plan using historically appropriate materials and techniques alongside modern reinforcement methods to preserve the fort's historical and cultural significance.

The impacts of bullwhip effects on supply chain and construction project’s performance

Ramadhani Said Tekka — 2025-03-11

Today’s construction businesses have been characterised by the use of science and technology in operation and huge competitiveness resulting from the effect of globalisation that has necessitated a free business market environment beyond borders. The situation has forced even local construction firms to struggle to find an alternative to reduce the increasingly overwhelming challenges resulting from increased client demands and desires. The bullwhip effect is among the identified challenges that affect supply chain management throughout the construction projects. The bullwhip effect is the phenomenon that shows how the small changes at the demand end of a supply chain are progressively amplified for operations further back in the chain. As a result, this study aims to investigate the impact of bullwhip effects on construction projects and supply chain performance. Eighty-two (82) respondents were randomly selected from road construction projects in Tanzania, where the supply chain is well practiced. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and descriptively analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS-24) to obtain the statistical information presented using descriptive information such as frequencies and percentages. The study's findings have identified nine bullwhip effect causes and eleven bullwhip effects that significantly and positively influence the supply chain performance of construction projects. Therefore, the findings recommend that the bullwhip effects, which pose challenges to both the construction firm and the sector as a whole, should not be ignored. However, the study suggests that further research is necessary to determine the role, necessity, and impact of technology within a construction supply chain, particularly in terms of its potential to mitigate the bullwhip effect.