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Mbeya University of Science and Technology Repository (MUST Repository) is an open-access digital platform dedicated to the collection, preservation, management, and dissemination of the University’s official scholarly and institutional resources. Authorized by the University and aligned with national academic and research objectives, the repository ensures that valuable institutional knowledge remains securely preserved and easily accessible to researchers, students, staff, and the wider public.
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Recent Submissions
The effects of π-spacer on electronic properties, charge transfer, and chemical reactivity in D-A′-π-A configured molecules: Computational approach
(Journal of Chemical Research, 2026-05-06) Abubakari1, Ismail; Sanama, Michael Kennedy; Tsere, Melkizedeck Hiiti
In this work, a systematic modification of the π-spacer was carried out to evaluate its influence on molecular geometry,
electronic structure, charge transport properties, and global chemical reactivity descriptors in a series of D-A′-π-A
organic molecules (M1–M4). Density functional theory was employed to analyze key parameters including dihedral angles,
highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energies, natural bond orbital interactions,
reorganization energies, ionization potential, electron affinity, chemical hardness, chemical potential, electronegativity,
and electrophilicity index. The results reveal that M4 demonstrates the most favorable combination of properties,
exhibiting the energy gap, reorganization energy, ionization potential, and chemical hardness of 1.4896, 0.4580, 4.8300,
and 0.7127 eV, respectively. M4 also shows the highest chemical potential, electronegativity, and electrophilicity index
of −4.1174, 4.1174, and 11.8938 eV, respectively. These results demonstrate the critical role of π-spacer engineering in
adjusting the electronic behavior of D-A′-π-A systems and suggest that M4 is a promising candidate for high-performance
organic semiconducting and optoelectronic uses.
Optimizing control strategies to reduce east coast fever spread in livestock–wildlife interface communities
(ELSEVIER, 2026-07-20) Chinyoka, Mirirai; Muchatibaya, Gift; Helikumi, Mlyashimbi; Murambiwa Shingirai T; Jambwa, Prosper; Mushayabasa, Steady
East Coast Fever (ECF) poses a significant threat to livestock in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to
substantial economic losses primarily due to animal mortality. While buffalo are recognized as
natural reservoirs of the disease, the role of the livestock–wildlife interface in the transmission
dynamics of ECF remains poorly understood. To address this gap, a comprehensive mechanistic
model incorporating this interface was developed, calibrated with empirical data collected from
Zimbabwe between 2014 and 2020. Using this model, future ECF cases were projected up to
the year 2030. Analysis of various control measures — including vaccination, acaricide use,
and habitat management — indicates that, although these strategies can effectively reduce
disease prevalence, they are unlikely to completely eradicate ECF within a single year when
implemented individually. These findings underscore the importance of adopting integrated
control approaches that combine multiple strategies, including biological methods, to achieve
sustainable and long-term disease management. The results emphasize the need for continued
research and coordinated efforts to effectively combat ECF and mitigate its impact on livestock
and local economies in the region.
Refining final-year engineering outcomes at Mbeya University, Tanzania
(Open access, 2026) Katambara, Zacharia
Tanzania’s Vision 2025 agenda emphasise rapid industrialisation, necessitating a
technically proficient workforce, particularly in mechanical engineering, to sustain
growth in manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure. This study evaluates the
academic performance of 117 final-year mechanical engineering students at Mbeya
University of Science and Technology (MUST), employing Exploratory Analysis
and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to uncover performance patterns and assess
curriculum alignment with industrial competencies. Descriptive statistics revealed
notable variability in course performance, while correlation analysis identified strong
positive associations between GPA and key technical modules, notably ME 8401
(Fluid Power and Control) and ME 8411 (Automation and Robotics). PCA extracted
five principal components, explaining 58.2% of the total variance, with Component
1 alone accounting for 30.4%, suggesting a dominant academic structure driven
by technical proficiency. High factor loadings for ME 8411, ME 8401, and ME 8415
underscored their central role in student success. At the same time, low-loading
courses such as ME 8408 (Industrial Practical Training III) and ME 8413 highlighted
potential curricular misalignments. Based on these insights, the study concludes
that academic success in mechanical engineering at MUST is tightly linked to
performance in core technical subjects. To align educational outcomes with
Tanzania’s industrial goals, the study recommends targeted curriculum refinement of
underperforming modules, enhancing high-impact courses with structured academic
support, routine application of multivariate analytics for curriculum monitoring,
faculty training in educational data analysis, and the establishment of formal industry-
academic partnerships. These data-driven reforms aim to foster a technically adept
graduate pool that meets the evolving demands of Tanzania’s industrial landscape.
Keywords Mechanical engineering education, Principal component analysis, Skills
gap, Industrialization, Workforce readiness.
Active chitosan films containing Zingiber officinale Roscoe essential oil for Aspergillus flavus inhibition and peanut butter preservation
(Elsevier, 2026-05-14) Zhang, Yiming; Li, Qian; Fred, Mwabulili; Xiao, Hongying; Wang, Jianhua
Peanut butter, particularly homemade varieties lacking antioxidants, is highly susceptible to oxidation, posing risks during processing, storage, and consumption. To address this, this study developed a novel chitosan film incorporated with Zingiber officinale Roscoe essential oil (GEO) to evaluate its antifungal properties and impact on peanut butter preservation. Results demonstrated that GEO acted as a potent inhibitor against Aspergillus flavus with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 8 μL/mL. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the composite films increased with higher GEO concentrations. Physical assessments revealed these films possessed greater thickness and moisture content, alongside reduced water solubility and swelling compared to controls. The films' preservation efficacy was tested on peanut butter stored at 40 ◦C for 21 days. The composite films effectively maintained texture properties, closely matching the hardness, cohesiveness, and gumminess of fresh peanut butter, while delaying adhesiveness increases. Furthermore, treatments with the highest GEO concentration significantly alleviated lipid and protein oxidation. This was evidenced by minimal increases in peroxide, acid, thiobarbituric acid values, and carbonyl content, alongside unchanged fatty acid and amino acid compositions, and stable protein electrophoresis band intensities. Sensory evaluations confirmed excellent overall acceptability comparable to fresh samples, proving this non-contact preservation method highly promising.
Nourishing the peripheries: examining weekly food markets and access to nutritious foods in rapidly growing urban settings – insights from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
(Elsevier, 2025) Kissoly, Luitfred; Ngassa,Claudio; Normana, Fatma; Rutatora, Sabrina; Aluko, Angela
Rapid urbanization and population growth in Sub-Saharan African cities exacerbate challenges in the availability and accessibility of nutritious foods for urban households, particularly in the underserved peripheries of fast-expanding urban areas. Although alternative food retail solutions, such as weekly food markets (WFMs), have emerged to address these issues, their contribution to urban food systems and to food access in rapidly expanding peripheries remains insufficiently examined. This paper examines the role of WFMs in providing nutritious foods, using the case of peripheral wards in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data from 506 buyers and 381 vendors across 31 WFMs in five municipalities are analyzed through spatial, statistical, and qualitative methods. Results reveal adequate food diversity in WFMs in peripheral wards of Dar es Salaam. These markets comprise of a diverse vendor base and operate during convenient hours. Despite constraints in sanitation, waste management, and formal infrastructure, WFMs remain accessible due to their locations along major roads, facilitating access from residential and workplace areas. They also serve as key sources of nutritious foods at prices perceived as affordable, with informal pricing practices supporting low-income households. These findings demonstrate that WFMs function as primary food access points in underserved urban peripheries, while their temporary and informally governed status limits infrastructure investment and integration into formal planning frameworks. Policy efforts should prioritize integrating WFMs into urban planning and strengthening basic market infrastructure.