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Chemical Characterization of Pumice Material Sourced from Mbeya, Tanzania
(MUST, 2025-02) Nyangi, Patrice
Pumice, a lightweight volcanic material abundantly available in Mbeya, Tanzania, is underutilized and often discarded following excavation activities. In most construction projects within the region, conventional materials like clay soil, river sand, normal-weight aggregates, and cement are pre-dominantly used, leaving the potential of pumice largely unexploited. This study presents a comprehensive chemical characterization of pumice sourced from two locations, MUST main campus (Sample A) and Wimba (Sample B), to assess its suitability as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis revealed that Sample A contained 70.3% SiO₂, 17.9% Al₂O₃, and 3.53% Fe₂O₃, while Sample B had 71.3% SiO₂, 17.3% Al₂O₃, and 3.38% Fe₂O₃. The combined SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃ content for both samples exceeded the 70% ASTM C618 threshold for pozzolanic materials, confirming strong pozzolanic properties. Additionally, K₂O was 5.21% in Sample A and 5.05% in Sample B, while CaO was 0.667% and 0.763%, respectively.SO₃ was detected at 0.448% (Sample A) and 0.482% (Sample B), and TiO₂ at 0.528% and 0.507%, respectively. Na₂O and MgO were not detected. The high levels of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ suggest strong pozzolanic properties, while the low CaO content indicates that pumice would function primarily as a pozzolanic additive rather than a primary binder. Consequently, these findings confirm that pumice is better suited as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) and filler rather than a complete replacement for cement. By partially replacing cement with pumice, it could be possible to reduce the carbon footprint, contributing to more sustainable construction practices.
What Accounts for Graduates Intentions of Being Self Employed? An Evidence of Mbeya University of Science and Technology and Teofilo Kisanji University, Tanzania.
(IJMT, 2024-07) Mwidege, Asheri M.; Ngimba, Christopher
It has been recognized that the route for young graduates from tertiary universities to the labor market is far from straightforward. However, little is known on what accounts for graduates intentions of self employment. This study therefore, assessed factors that account for graduates intentions to self employment along their specializations. This study employed quasi experimental approach and stratified purpose sampling plan to select finalist students from both Mbeya University of Science and Technology and Teofilo Kisanji University. Closed ended questionnaires were used to collect cross sectional data in which 388 students were interviewed. Descriptive statistics and non parametric approaches were methods for data analysis. Survey findings showed that there were an increase of interviewed respondents to become self employed from 29.4% to 39.7% before and after university studies. Also, there were an increase of respondents from 18.3% to 47.7% and 9.3% to 36.9% in business and technician activities accordingly before and after graduation. It is therefore concluded that specialization accounts for 32.7% and 100% to self employment and activities of graduates’ intentions, respectively. Thus, it is recommended that universities should associate specializations with self employment.
Using Learning Analytics to Predict Students’ Performance in Moodle Learning Management System: A Case of Mbeya University of Science and Technology.
(EJISDC, 2017) Mwalumbwe, Imani; Mtebe, Joel S.
The past decade has seen the rapid adoption and use of various Learning Management Systems (LMS) in Africa, and Tanzania in particular. Institutions have been spending thousands of dollars to implement these systems in a bid to improve the quality of education as well as increasing students’ enrolments through distance and blended learning. However, the impact of these system on improving students’ performance has been a popular subject of research in recent years. Studies have been relying on data from users’ opinions and subjective interpretation through surveys to determine the effectiveness of LMS usage on students’ learning performance. The use of such data is normally subject to the possibility of distortion or low reliability. Therefore, this study designed and developed Learning Analytics tool and used the tool to determine the causation between LMS usage and students’ performance. Data from LMS log of two courses delivered at Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) were extracted using developed Learning Analytics tool and subjected into linear regression analysis with students’ final results. The study found that discussion posts, peer interaction, and exercises were determined to be significant factors for students’ academic achievement in blended learning at MUST. Nonetheless, time spend in the LMS, number of downloads, and login frequency were found to have no significant impact on students’ learning performance. The implications of these results on improving students’ learning are discussed.
Career Aspiration in Relation to Academic Achievement among Undergraduate Students of Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Tanzania.
(MIER Journal of Educational Studies Trends & Practices, 2024-11) Mhule, Daliko; Babu M Daliko; Ngonyani,Mussa; Sumbiz, Enerico
Academic achievement and career aspirations are pivotal in preparing youth for socio economic participation. This study investigated the relationship between the career aspirations and academic achievement of 217 randomly selected undergraduate students, utilizing a cross-sectional survey design and the career aspirations scale (Gregor & Brien, 2016). Results showed that students had moderate career aspirations (Median=3.29) and academic performance (Median=3). Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U Test indicated no significant gender differences in career aspirations (U=5895, z=.117, p=.91) but a significant difference in academic achievement (U=4775.50, z=-2.57, p=0.01), suggesting that career aspirations predict academic success. The findings highlight the need for academic support services to enhance student performance and career goals, emphasizing career aspirations (U=5895, z=.117, p=.91) but a significant difference in academic achievement (U=4775.50, z=-2.57, p=0.01), suggesting that career aspirations predict academic success. The findings highlight the need for academic support services to enhance student performance and career goals, emphasizing career aspirations as critical for academic success and a central concern for educational policy.
Application of the RUSLE model to estimate sedimentation in the Lwanyo Reservoir in Mbarali District Mbeya– Tanzania
(IWA Publishing, 2025) Moshi, Baraka Moses; Katambara, Zacharia; Lingwanda, Mwajuma
The constant increase in the global population is proportional to the increase in basic human needs associated with environ mental degradation. Sedimentation in water bodies poses socio-economic challenges as it lessens the storage capacities. The RUSLE model expresses the effect of sedimentation in the Lwanyo reservoir sub-catchment. Key factors influencing sedimentation include: maximum erosivity factor (R) is 421.39 (MJ mm ha 1 h 1 yr), the soil erodibility factor (K) is 0.071, the topographic factor (LS) due to catchment topography is 9.086, the vegetation cover and management factor (C) is 0.1045, and the conservation practice factor (P) is 0.14. The RUSLE model estimates soil sediment loss to be 3.977 tonnes/ha/year, as the average annual soil loss for the Lwanyo sub-catchment area is 39.6 km2. This value indicates that for every hectare, the average annual soil loss is 1.004 10 3tonnes/year, with silt as the dominant soil sediment being eroded. If no intervention measures are implemented, the sediment load could reach 119.31 tonnes over 30 years, reducing the reservoir’s storage capacity by 68.177 m3. Reducing human activity in the catchment and promoting afforestation to mitigate sedimentation can help increase soil stability and reduce erosion.