Science & Technical Education

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Diversity and Abundance of Arthropods at Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Tanzania.
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH, 2016-09-06) Ojija, Fredrick
Despite the high abundance of arthropods in many terrestrial environments, our understanding of their ecological diversity and abundance remain unknown in some habitats. The aim of this study is to assess the abundance, diversity and species richness of some arthropods found in grassland and woodland habitats at Mbeya University of Science and Technology in Tanzania. A total of 1719 arthropods belonging to 63 species under 12 orders and 46 families were collected. Parameters such as Shannon index, Simpson index, Margalef index, Evenness index and Sorenson similarity index were used to analyse the diversity of arthropods. Result showed that, Hymenoptera (33.101%), Coleoptera (28.098%) and Orthoptera (17.510%) were the most dominant orders, whereas the least abundant order were Diptera (0.814%) and Scolopendromorpha (0.291%). The grassland showed high species richness, Margalef index (D = 6.930), abundance (n = 1177), Evenness (E = 0.854) and Shannon diversity (H = 3.339) of arthropods. The abundance of arthropod groups between grassland and woodland differed significantly(p<0.05). Sorensen similarity index in both habitats showed 53.5% similarity. Therefore, result indicates that the grassland habitat has the potential to support arthropod diversity and act as effective refugia for some arthropods from woodland.
Analysis of Kick Detection Methods in the Light of Actual Blowout Disasters.
(Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 2017) Lindi, Oltingey
Kicks or formation fluid influxes pose persistent challenges and operational costs during drilling, workover, completion and sometimes after temporary abandonment operations. Despite of presence of variety of kick detection methods, oil and gas wells still experience undetected kicks and detected kicks which sometimes becomes uncontrolled and results into blowout. Kicks that evolved into blowout stage cost billions of dollars, human lives and damage to the environment. For instance Macondo well incident that occurred in 2010 cost about $40 billion and 11 fatalities, Piper alpha in north sea that occurred in 1988 cost about $3.4 billion and 167 fatalities, and Petrobras 36, Brazil, that occurred in 2001 cost about $350 million and 11 fatalities (Tabibzadeh & Meshkati, 2014a). So it’s better to incur cost to detect and control kicks rather than healing its consequences. The available methods for kick detection has its strength and weaknesses. These weaknesses give a loop for kicks to flow to surface undetected and hence it might bring about blowout disasters. Therefore the main goal of this thesis will be to analyse kick detection methods to recognise the loop holes for the occurrence of blowout disasters and suggest the means of improvement. The critical evaluation will be based on blowout cases selected which occurred due to late or failed kick detection. Therefore earlier kick identification and controlling is crucial for the development of petroleum industry in general but in particular avoidance of blowouts. The mains causes of blowouts has been categorized into human errors, technological deficiencies, cost cutting and kick detection techniques problems Conclusion from this thesis suggests the extension of kick detection method beyond drilling operations to the completion, workover or completion operations and establishment of advisory program that could automatically be advising the crew working in the rig is paramount. This will enable quick decision making. Also advisory program will reduce the probability of human errors occurrence that leads to blowout. Apart from advisory program also change in mud returning volume method could be developed into sensors that can be used beyond drilling operations
The Influence of Free Education Policy on Motivation of Teachers: A Case of Public Secondary Schools in Dodoma Municipality
(The University Of Dodoma, 2018) Toto,Stella Fulgence
This dissertation reports the findings of the study on the influence of free education policy decision on teachers ‘motivation in secondary schools. The study was conducted in four public secondary schools of Dodoma Municipal, Tanzania. Guided by Herzberg theory of motivation and a conceptual framework the study employed a qualitative approach and a case study design. The study used different tools for data collection i.e interviews, focus group discussions, observations and documentary review, data were generated from 49 informants who were sampled through purposive and snowball sampling. These included the DEO, heads of schools and heads of departments, who were sampled purposively, and teachers and students who were sampled using the snowball sampling technique. The qualitative analysis of the data generated revealed that the Free Education Policy in Tanzania demotivates teachers. It was further revealed that teachers were not ready to implement this policy due to lack of awareness of the policy and the challenges they faced during the policy implementation. The challenges which teachers faced include lack of enough fund, poor working environment, interference of politicians during implementation, overcrowded classes, the dictatorship of leaders towards them and poor cooperation from parents to mention a few. Stakeholders gave their views on how free education could motivate teachers to work effectively. The views included the need to increase funds for policy implementation, improved teachers work environment, awareness creation to parents, engagement of teachers in policy and decision making, avoiding interfere of politics in education issues, establishment of education board to deals with education issues and the need for research before introducing any implementation of any policy. This study will be of a great help to the policy makers when formulating new policies the issues of teachers‘motivation will be considered. It will also add knowledge to educational managers on how to motivate teachers. The study is also expected to improve practice in education
Implementation of Learner-Centered Approach Among Teachers in Ordinary Level Secondary Schools in Tanzania a Case of Mbinga District Council
(Mbeya University of Science and Technology, 2018) Daliko Cosmas Mhule
This study aimed to explore the implementation of Learner-Centred Approach (LCA) among teachers in ordinary level secondary schools in Tanzania. The specific objectives were: to find out the teachers’ understanding on LCA, to explore how teachers practice LCA, to determine facilities for the implementation of LCA and to assess the administrative support for effective implementation of LCA. Constructivism theory and holistic case study design were employed in the study where qualitative approach was largely used but supplemented by quantitative approach through which qualitative and quantitative data were gathered. The 80 respondents for the study were purposeful and voluntarily sampled from four ordinary level secondary schools in Mbinga District Council comprising 4 school heads, 20 teachers and 56 students. Data collection instruments used include questionnaires, semi-structured interview, observation and documentary review from which qualitative data were analysed through content analysis by the aid of ATLAS Ti 7 while quantitative data were analysed by SPSS version 20. Findings were presented in tables, charts and statements. The study found that LCA is partially implemented in schools due to some constraints including shortage of teachers, inadequacy teaching and learning resources and infrastructures, large number of students in classes, lack of training among teachers on curricula change, language barrier and lack of awareness on education among students. Regarding the findings, the study recommends to the central government and various stakeholders to emphasize, monitor and evaluate the implementation of LCA, increase of resources in schools, involve teachers in curricula development and changes, and foster health community-school linkage for the success of LCA in schools
The Linguistic Impact of Kiswahili on Kinga Language in Makete District
(Ruaha Catholic University, 2018) Mbilinyi, Obadia
This study is about the impact of Kiswahili on Kikinga language as the result of their contact. The objective is to identify lexical impact of Kiswahili on Kikinga, to find out morphophonological processes emerging as a result of the contact and to identify semantic impact resulted by the contact. The study gives answers to questions such as; which lexical impact does Kiswahili cause? What morphophonological processes affect Kikinga borrowed word? And which semantic impact does Kiswahili have on Kikinga? The study used a constructivism paradigm. Approaches used were the qualitative approach and a quantitative approach. The study used a descriptive design. The sampling techniques used were probability and non-probability sampling. Research instruments used in the study were interview and documentary review. The study identified some morphophonological processes such as epenthesis, prosthesis, vowel lengthening, consonant substitution, consonant strengthening, devoicing, deletion, assimilation and vowel substitution. The study unveiled that the contact between Kiswahili and Kikinga had impact on the lexicon of Kikinga, In all categories of words grouped by the study there were intrusion of Kiswahili lexicon into Kikinga, in here, the shift stood usual (unmarked) because Kiswahili lexicon seemed to be easily adopted by native speakers of Kikinga. The findings showed that the contact between Kikinga and Kiswahili caused various morphophonological processes such as epenthesis, prosthesis, vowel lengthening, consonant substitution, consonant strengthening, devoicing, deletion, assimilation and vowel substitution. The contact was also found to have semantic impact where new lexical items with new concepts were brought to Kikinga. Such new concepts were found to exist in the fields of religion (specifically Christianity), education, agriculture, and transport, clothing and home utensils. Other semantic aspects which arose were the changes of meanings and extension of meanings. The study convincingly found that Kikinga native speakers are shifting to Kiswahili. The new generation of the Kinga is likely to have many youths whose first language is no longer Kikinga but Kiswahili. The study finally recommends further studies to be conducted to see the danger in which native languages are in as a result of their contact with Kiswahili.
Current Trend on Plant Species Diversity and Productivity Potential among Community Conserved Ngitili Subjected to Grazing Pressure in Kishapu District, Tanzania
(IJSRED, 2020-04) Malunguja Gisandu K.; Devi Ashalata
Ngitili is the common practice among the Sukuma ethnic community in Tanzania, which involves retaining an area of standing vegetation during the rainy season and opening it up for grazing at the peak of the dry season. Exposure of Ngitili into extensive grazing has been associated with species alteration in terms of diversity and productivity. We conducted a field study to assess the trend of Ngitili, in Kishapu district of Tanzania. A phytosociological survey was carried to recognize vegetation composition using a point sampling technique. Regeneration potential was determined based on the population size of seedlings, saplings and adults. Herbaceous and tree species productivity potential was computed based on established allometric models. We recorded a total of 66 plant species, of which 20 were grasses, 18 were forbs, and 28 were trees. The dominant grass species were, Aristida spp. (28.9%) while Monechma debile (4.6%) was the dominant forb species. Importance Value Index recorded, Acacia drepanolobium (45.4) and Balanite aegyptica (42.9) as dominant trees species. The majority of the tree (51.8%) exhibiting a “Not regenerating” condition. A diversity of 1.8 to 2.4, with a stocking potential of 1.23±0.05 tDM ha-1 , 512.07±193.86 stems/ha, and 5.66±0.21 tCha-1, for herbaceous and tree species was recorded, respectively. Therefore, the sustainability of Ngitili in Kishapu are highly threatened by ongoing grazing pressure.
Finite Difference and Shooting Methods for Two-Point Boundary Value Problems: A Comparative Analysis
(MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2020-05-03) Masenge, Ralph Peter and Malak, Sospeter Shikulu
Finite difference and shooting methods are popular with numerical practitioners in solving two-point boundary value problems governed by ordinary differential equations. However, the available literature is silent on which method is the most suitable with respect to accuracy, efficiency, stability, and convergence. In this article, finite difference and shooting methods are applied to solve numerically three types of two-point boundary value problems. One problem is governed by a linear non-stiff differential equation, a second problem is governed by a linear stiff differential equation, and a third problem is governed by a non-linear differential equation. The analytical solution of each problem is given. These solutions are used in assessing the accuracy attained by each of the numerical methods. It is known a prior that finite difference schemes based on central difference quotients in approximating derivative terms are numerically stable. Numerical experiments carried out on the three problems lead to the conclusion that, for linear non- stiff equations, linear shooting gives significantly more accurate results compared to finite difference methods. However, in the case of linear stiff equations, the finite difference method gives very accurate results while the shooting method fails totally, displaying serious instability. As for problems governed by nonlinear equations, although both finite difference and shooting methods converge, the shooting method converges significantly faster than its counterpart. With respect to the attribute of efficiency, finite difference methods are more efficient than shooting methods due to the ease with which the Runge - Kutta initial value problem solver can be applied.
Statistical Modeling of the Factors Affecting Mathematics Performance in Secondary Schools: A Case of Kigoma Region
(MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2020-10-04) Jeremiah, January, Shaban, Nyimvua and Rashid, Mohamed
This work was based on analysis of factors affecting mathematics performance for the purpose of developing multiple linear regression models by using Ordinary Least Squares Method. The data was collected in Kigoma region from five selected secondary schools. This study analysed students’ observed performance data of 92 and 89 selected samples for both basic mathematics and advanced mathematics respectively. Principal Component Analysis method was used to reduce 30 Likert scaled observed variables and filter out latent factors which affect mathematics performance. Latent independent factors namely; students’ self-efficacy and self concept towards mathematics, students’ engagement time in mathematics, students` motivation and evaluation strategies, mathematics teachers and resource availability, students’ mathematical intelligence and access to learning materials, and the school mathematics learning environment were found to be significant factors that influence performance in either Basic or Advanced mathematics. Sensitivity analysis was carried out by construction of partial regression plots and standardized regression coefficient rank approaches. For both basic mathematics and advanced mathematics, students’ performance was predicted using regression models that incorporated independent factors which explained 88.6% and 66.4% of variance in mathematics performance for each model respectively. All significant factors were tested using t-test and found that each factor have positive correlation with mathematics performance. Finally using 95% confidence interval, the simulation of predicted performance was done using simple scatter plots for each model. The scatter plots verified that the predicted mathematics performance reflect real life situation at 0.05 level of significance.
Advanced Level Student Competences In Doing Biology Practical: The Case Of Dissection Of Frog In Kinondoni And Bagamoyo Districts, Tanzania
(IJRISS, 2021) Kibani, Leoncia H.
This study examined students’ learning competences of biology practical skills during dissection of animal specimen Frog/Toad in A’level secondary schools in Kinondoni and Bagamoyo district. Mixed method approach and case study design were employed. Biology practical sessions were examined in 10 secondary schools, five from each district. Participants involved 10 form six biology students and 2 teachers from each school. Data were collected through interview with teachers, focus group discussion with students and participatory observation. Sampling was purposively to teachers and randomly to students. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed thematically and descriptively respectively. Findings includes: A’level students were not competent in dissecting frog. Students lack practical technical skills in dissection, lack clear knowledge on the internal features of frog, lack knowledge on the ethics of dissection processes, lack familiarity of some dissecting materials and skills in using dissecting tools. There was limited practical guides and facilities needed for dissection. The study concludes that teachers need to be trained on how to teach practical lessons. The study recommend the government to supply guides and dissecting kits to all schools and make a follow on what and how students are learning practical lessons
Mathematical Analysis of Harvested Predator-Prey System with Prey Refuge and Intraspecific Competition
(Tanzania Journal of Science, 2021) Mapunda, Alanus; Sagamiko, Thadei
In this paper, a predator-prey relationship in the presence of prey refuge was studied. The analysis of the dependence of locally stable equilibrium points on the parameters of the problem was carried out. Bifurcation and limit cycles for the model were analyzed to show the dynamical behaviour of the system. The results showed that the system is stable at a constant prey refuge m = 0.3 and prey harvesting rate H = 0.3. However, increasing m and decreasing H or vice versa, the predator-prey system remains stable. It was further observed that for a constant prey refuge m ≥ 0.78, the predator population undergoes extinction. Therefore, m was found to be a bifurcation parameter and m = 0.78 is a bifurcation value
Support Children to Develop Desire in Science, Technical and Technology Education: The Case of Kinondoni Pre-Primary Classroom, Tanzania
(Open Access, 2021) Kibani, Leoncia Henerico
Recent studies have shown that science, technical and technological fields are underrepresented academically and professionally from school to university level. The interests in learning such fields can be traced back from early childhood education to higher learning levels. Studies revealed that teaching and learning materials either guided or free when integrated into children’s games and plays become valuable resources that create desires into learning these subjects. This study therefore, explored on the supportive teaching and learning materials employed by teachers and parents in children’s game and plays to build their desire and interests of learning the subjects. The study was conducted in Kinondoni district, Tanzania. The study employed a mixed method approach based on descriptive survey design. The study collected data from 230 participants in 20 pre-primary classes. Purposive sampling was for teachers and parents. Random stratifies sampling technique adopted to get pre-primary classes. Findings revealed that children curiosity and interest in learning science, technical and technological elements are impacted by improper and inadequate supportive learning materials. Also, types of plays and games engaged in, classroom environment, parent’s participation in children plays and communication done to children. Majority 20 (100%) teacher were employing certain common games and plays those bored children. Many 16 (80%) teachers do not implement recommended supportive materials effectively. The study concluded that supported children demonstrate curiosity and interest which build foundation for future professionals, expertise and specialists. The study recommends for positive support to children’s ideas, natural curiosity and perspectives to enhance their interest in learning science, technical and technology aspects.
Comparative Study of Bachelor of Civil Engineering Curricula in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania: A Systematic Review
(IISTE, 2021) Mhando, Yusuph B.; Kifanyi, Gislar E.
This paper compares the curricula of Bachelor degree in the field of civil engineering. This helps improving the quality of curriculum that generates demand driven engineering graduates with an equal competency in the context of labour market. Descriptive survey was adopted, and a checklist of courses from purposively selected higher learning institutions was used. Constant comparative analysis to categorize types of information investigated was adopted. Findings indicate that Bachelor degree programme in civil engineering at Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) and St. Joseph College of Engineering and Technology (SJCET) has duration of 3 or 4 years depending on the entry qualification of the student, whereas at Arusha Technical College (ATC) it takes 3 years to complete the programme. On the other hand, inconsistency on the number of courses and academic loads offered in these institutions was revealed. The study suggests a joint development of curricula for training programmes. This could help trainers, researchers, curricula developers and policy makers to harmonize and minimize discrepancies of the curricula contents of the same programme offered in different institutions.
Perceptions of Primary School Pupils on the Value of Education as a Determinant to Sustained Learning Motivation
(MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2021-02-05) Sumbizi, Enerico John and Kyando, Newton M
Globally, value of Education is gaining heightened attentions. What counts as values of Education are the benefits gained from Education in wide sphere of life: political, economical and socially. However, for society to benefit from Education, Post-primary Education opportunities should be provided to the majority. This paper investigates Primary School pupil’s perceptions on the value of Education as motivation to participate in learning process. Increased opportunity to access Secondary Education in Tanzania has not been well taped by the community members despite available schools in proximities. Little is known about learner related factors for youth failures to participate in Secondary Schooling whereas opportunities are available. A cross-section survey design study was conducted in the Katavi region, Mpanda in Tanzania to investigate stakeholders' perceptions of the value of Post-primary Education as a motivational factor for children to engage in learning. A sample of 286 participants was selected through simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected using questionnaires, focused group discussions, and interview guides. The analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 20 and Excel 2007. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation results were presented using tables and graphs. The study reveals that 73% of respondents supported that Post- primary Education is valuable nowadays,42% indicated that Secondary Education promote social recognition and 40% indicated that Secondary Education is a ladder to higher learning, professionalism and better life. However, the study revealed that unemployment and low-quality Education has a negative influence on Primary School pupils to actively participate in the lifelong learning process. It was concluded that the value of Education from a community perspective creates negative feedback to children on the decision to engage in the learning process. The study recommends that, stakeholders should collaborate with the government to improve the quality of Education that will prepare the youth well.
Quantitative Assessment and Predicting the Effects of Soil Pollutants on Herbaceous Biomass Production in Reserved Forests.
(Springer, 2021-05-12) Malunguja, Gisandu K.; Devi, Ashalata
Heavy metal concentrations in surface soils of Reserved Forests (RFs) have a significant impact on understorey herbaceous layer. However, research on their effects on herbaceous productivity and ecological risk in Assam’s RFs is still scarce. Thus, we undertook an eco logical study to gain a better understanding of this. Levels of ecological risks were assessed using geostatistical indices, and the impacts of metals on productivity were predicted using Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis. Results identified a total of 64 herbaceous plants (13 grasses, 42 forbs, and 09 climbers) from 29 families and 61 genera. According to IVI, the dominating grasses, forbs, and climbers were Cynodon dactylon, Datura stramonium, and Piper betle, respectively. Herbaceous productivity was strongly negatively correlated with heavy metals (i.e. Cr (- 94%), Cd (- 83%), Pb (75%), Ni (- 65%), for grasses; and Ni (- 89%), Cr (- 74%), Pb (- 66%), Cd (- 59%) for forbs). This suggested that metals are strong predictors of herbaceous productivity with a significant impact. Meanwhile, the contamination and pollution levels ranged from slightly to severely contaminated and from moderately to highly polluted. Among the metals, Pb and Cd were highly contaminating with significant implications on productivity. Regression analysis found that metals exerted a considerable impact, accounting for approximately 43.4%, 61.7%, 80.0%, and 49.3% of the variances in Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb, respectively. The empirical model for predicting metals’ Y effects on productivity is: ˆ = 24.977 ? 288.607Cd ? (- 149.635Cr) ? (- 6.534 Ni) ? (- 6.656Pb). Therefore, policymakers must devise efficient metal discharge mitigation techniques in the RFs
A Note on Fractional-Order Model for Cholera Disease Transmission with Control Strategies
(Mbeya University of Science and Technology, 2021-12-29) Helikumi,Mlyashimbi; Lolika,Paride O.
In this paper, we formulated and analyzed a fractional-order model for cholera disease transmission that consists of human population and surrounding environment. Three control strategies namely: health education campaigns, hygiene practices, and treatment of infected individuals are investigated. We divided the human pop- ulation into three sub-classes namely: Susceptible, infected and recovered classes. The main assumptions on the disease transmission were that susceptible humans acquire the disease through contact with either infected humans or directly from environment. Mathematical analysis of the model was carried out and the threshold quantity R0 which determine the existence of the disease in the population was determined. The model analysis showed that the disease exist in the population whenever R0 > 1 and dies wherever R0 ≤ 1. It was also noted that both the disease-free and endemic equilibria are globally stable. Further more, we performed the numerical simulations of the model and the results showed that the order of derivatives have the influence on spread of cholera disease in the population. It was also noted that both the aforementioned control strategies have the potential to minimize the spread of cholera in the community.
Global Dynamics of Fractional-order Model for Malaria Disease Transmission
(Asian Research Journal of Mathematics, 2022) Helikumi, Mlyashimbi; Lolika, Paride O.
In this study, we formulated and analyzed a fractional-order model for malaria disease transmission using Atangana-Beleanu-Caputo in sense to study the effects of heterogeneity vector biting exposure on the human population. To capture effects the heterogeneity vector biting exposure, we sub-divided the human population into two sub-groups namely; the population in high and low risk areas. In the model analysis, we computed the basic reproduction number R0 and qualitatively used to assess the existence and extinction of disease in the population. Additionally, we used the fixed point theorem to prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions. Numerical schemes for both Euler and Adam-Bathforth-Moulton are present in details and used in model simulations. Furthermore, we performed the numerical simulation to support the analytical results in this study. From numerical simulations, we estimated the values of model parameters using least square fitting method for the real data of malaria reported in Zimbabwe. The sensitivity analysis of the model parameters was done to determine the correlation between model parameters and R0. Finally, we used the Euler and Adam-Bashforth-Moulton scheme to simulate the model system using estimated parameters. Overall, we noted that fractional-order derivatives have more influence on the dynamics of malaria disease in the population.
Pushing In Single Sex Schools for Enrichment of Both Enrolment and Gender Equity in STEM Careers.
(Discover Education, 2022-01-22) Kibona, Isack E.; Nkya, Henry E.
Background Quality education has been emphasized by the world Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) of the 17 goals the world set to achieve by 2030. According to the twenty-first century skills, quality education obliges to equip learners to compete in the twenty-first century job market. In addition to enriching enrolment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), leveraging of gender equity is indispensable. Objectives This study revealed and processed data to guide education policy maker’s decisions that could ensure quality education. Thus, the study shall lead to shape educational practices leading to achieve SDG4 timelines. Methodology The authors studied results of the Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE) of 52 coeducations and six single-sex secondary schools in Mbeya city. Out of 52 co-education secondary schools, the researchers selected the best six secondary schools in performance and compared those to the six single-sex secondary schools. Results The study revealed that, the six single-sex schools outperformed co-education schools. In addition, single-sex schools were richer of girls’ enrolment than coeducation schools in STEM education. Although, coeducation schools leveraged gender equity in STEM performance, but there was an acute drop of number of number of girls in coeducation schools. Conclusion This study calls for awareness and seek for more insights into the acute girl’s school dropouts in best-performing coeducation schools, review of educational policies so that the world achieves SDG4 by 2030. Therefore, the study wide-opens that though challenged by many, single-sex schools are decent and remains an addition to achieve the SDG4.
Community Structure, Conservation Status, and Functional Groups of Bird Species in Mbeya Range Forests, Tanzania
(Science Education Technology, 2022-03-07) Ojija, Fredrick; Manyanza, Ndaki M.
The Mbeya range forest reserves (MRFRs) of the southern highland of Tanzania are an important hotspot for biodiversity conservation. However, its avian biodiversity has hardly ever been studied. Thus, for the first time, this study presents the inventory of bird species from MRFRs, demonstrating community structure, functional group, and conservation status. The study was carried out in four forest areas (i.e., Idugumbi, Kawetire, Mount Loleza, and Muvwa) within the MRFRs. The bird survey was carried out monthly between March 2018 and June 2018. Standardised line and point counts, as well as mist netting, were used to collect data. A total of 1052 individual birds, representing 41 species and 22 families, were recorded. Relative abundance, Shannon and Simpson species diversity, and species richness were high in Idugumbi forest and lowest in Kawetire forest. Species diversity differed significantly between the four forest areas. Moreover, Idugumbi and Muvwa had relatively low species composition dissimilarity compared to other forest areas. Different bird functional groups, i.e., insectivores, granivores, nectarivores, carnivores, frugivores, or combinations of these, were recorded in MRFRs. The insectivores were twice as abundant as granivores and nectarivores. The multi–layered vegetation structure of native plants in the Idugumbi forest appears to benefit and contribute to bird communities. The study reveals that MRFRs are an important hotspot for bird species that require ecological monitoring and protection. As a result, appropriate land–use practices near MRFRs should be followed to ensure long–term avian conservation
Fixed point theorems for extended interpolative Kanann- iri¢-Reich-Rus non-self type mapping in hyperbolic complex-valued metric space
(Euro-Tbilisi Mathematical Journal, 2023) Wangwe, Lucas; Rathour, Laxmi; Mishra, Lakshmi N.; Mishra, Vishnu N.
This paper aims to demonstrate the xed point theorem for extended interpolative non-self type contraction mapping in hyperbolic complex-valued metric spaces. We provide an example for veri cation of the results. Further, as an application, we prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a class of Hadamard partial fractional integral equations by applying some fixed point theorems.
The Functional Diversity of Microbial Communities in the Multi‑Compartment Biofilters of Shrimp Mariculture Effluents Using 16S rRNA Metabarcoding.
(Springer, 2023-07-18) Lukwambe, Betina; Nicholous, Regan; Zheng, Zhongming
Microbes play important roles in mariculture biofilter systems, such as biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and organic matter degradation. However, their functional diversity for nutrient removal in shrimp mariculture effluents influenced by multi-compartment biofilters remained elusive. This study explored the functional diversity of microbial communities for nutrient removal in the multi-compartment biofilters of shrimp mariculture effluents. We explored the bacterial taxonomy using Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, and the ecological functional diversity of the bacteria was assigned using Functional-Annotation-of-Prokaryotic-Taxa analysis (FAPROTAX). According to the Illumina dataset, there was a high heterogeneity, with phase two (P2) treatment showing significant reversible shifts in microbial communities’ population and biogeochemical dynamics relative to phase one (P1). The genera Candidatus aquiluna, Marivita, HTCC , Anaerospora, and Arcobacter were abundant in both stages and may have the functional capability of biodegrading inorganic matter (OM). FAPROTAX results showed that the predominant functional groups (P1 and P2) for nutrient removal were related to chemo-heterotrophy. Furthermore, the nitrate-reduction and nitrate-ammonification were highly significant (P < 0.05) at P2, resulting in an average removal efficiency of 81.39% for total nitrogen (TN) and 80.63% for total phosphorus (TP). The results suggested that incorporating multicompartment biofilters in the system provides a suitable substrate environment for the potential proliferation of Proteobacteria, Nitrospirae, and Bacteroidetes. Overall, this study enlightens the potential roles of the microbial communities under the influence of biofilters in promoting the feasible and most efficient bioremediation approaches for mariculture effluents.

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