Faculty of Sciencehttp://ir.must.ac.ug/xmlui/handle/123456789/2182024-03-29T04:58:52Z2024-03-29T04:58:52ZConcept mapping and cooperative mastery learning teaching strategies in lower secondary school classes: Effects on learning outcomes in photosynthesisBizimana, EmmanuelMutangana, DieudonnéMwesigye, Adrianhttp://ir.must.ac.ug/xmlui/handle/123456789/35132024-03-28T03:00:51Z2024-01-01T00:00:00ZConcept mapping and cooperative mastery learning teaching strategies in lower secondary school classes: Effects on learning outcomes in photosynthesis
Bizimana, Emmanuel; Mutangana, Dieudonné; Mwesigye, Adrian
Although the central role of biology in nation’s scientific and technological advancement is unquestionable, the academic achievement of students in the subject has been subpar. To cope with this situation, researchers in science education have continued to look for a successful way to teach and learn biology concepts. The present study, therefore, investigated the comparative effects of concept mapping (CM) and cooperative mastery learning (CML) teaching strategies on students learning outcomes in photosynthesis. A non-equivalent pre-/post- test quasi-experimental research design was adopted. 295 secondary school form two students from four coeducational schools made up the sample of the study. Data were generated through photosynthesis achievement test (PAT). PAT was subjected to reliability analysis using Kuder-Richardson 21 (KR-21) and Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.82 and 0.95, respectively. Data were analyzed using mainly descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics of analysis of covariance. The findings revealed that both CM and CML enhanced students’ achievement (F[1,294]=26.165, p< 0.05), and the retention of the concept of photosynthesis (F[1,294]=9.042, p< 0.05). However, CM was significantly more effective than CML. As a result, the recommendation that came up among others was that science teachers should embrace CM in biology teaching as well as other perceived difficult topics in science subjects. Also considered important was to train science trainee teachers to use CM
2024-01-01T00:00:00ZA Tapestry of Human-Induced and Climate-Driven Environmental Change in Western Uganda: The Ndali Crater Lakes RegionSchmidt, Peter R.Walz, Jonathan R.Besigye, Jackline N.Lejju, Julius B.http://ir.must.ac.ug/xmlui/handle/123456789/35122024-03-28T03:00:49Z2024-01-01T00:00:00ZA Tapestry of Human-Induced and Climate-Driven Environmental Change in Western Uganda: The Ndali Crater Lakes Region
Schmidt, Peter R.; Walz, Jonathan R.; Besigye, Jackline N.; Lejju, Julius B.
Recent archaeological and paleo-environmental research in the Ndali Crater Lakes Region (NCLR) of western Uganda provide important new insights into anthropogenic impacts on moist forests to the East of the Rwenzori Mountains. This research significantly changes previous interpretations of paleo-environmental records in western Uganda and helps to distinguish climate change from human impacts. By drawing on multiple sources such as historical linguistics, archaeological evidence, and environmental proxies for change, a new picture emerges for a region that was a cultural crossroads for early Bantu-speakers and Central Sudanic-speakers between 400BCE and 1000CE. Detailed archaeological data and well-dated sites provide fine-grained evidence that closely fits episodes of significant environmental change, including a later and separate phase of forest clearance, soil degradation, and lake pollution caused by the saturation of the landscape by Bigo related populations between 1300 and 1650 CE.
2024-01-01T00:00:00ZEnrichment, Bioaccumulation and Health Risks of Trace Metals in Soils and Leafy Vegetables Grown on the Banks of the Ugandan Lifeline River, River RwiziRutehenda, Deus R.Adaku, ChristopherOmara, TimothyAngiro, ChristopherNtambi, Emmanuelhttp://ir.must.ac.ug/xmlui/handle/123456789/34972024-03-23T03:00:54Z2024-01-01T00:00:00ZEnrichment, Bioaccumulation and Health Risks of Trace Metals in Soils and Leafy Vegetables Grown on the Banks of the Ugandan Lifeline River, River Rwizi
Rutehenda, Deus R.; Adaku, Christopher; Omara, Timothy; Angiro, Christopher; Ntambi, Emmanuel
Urban vegetable farming in wetlands and riverbanks are common features of Ugandan cities. However, urbanization has led to various anthropogenic activities that can lead to the pollution of water resources, enrichment of pollutants in soils and, consequently, pollutant bioaccumulation in edible tissues of plants cultivated on such soils. In this study, we report on the levels of six trace metals (TMTs) in 75 samples of leafy vegetables (Brassica oleracea L., Spinacia oleracea L., Amaranthus hybridus L., Cucurbita pepo L. and Solanum nigrum L.) and soils (n = 75) grown on the banks of River Rwizi, the second longest river in Uganda only after the Nile River. The concentrations of TMTs (Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr and Cu) in edible vegetable tissues and soils were quantified using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentrations (in mg kg−1) of the TMTs in the soil samples were 205–373.84 (Mn), 12.72–65.04 (Zn), 0.26–0.42 (Cd), 3.36–16.80 (Pb), 5.96–25.06 (Cr) and 2.83–35.27 (Cu). In vegetable samples, the concentrations ranged from 43.25 to 110.00 (Mn), 1.08 to 1.83 (Cd), 41.06 to 71.20 (Zn), 4.31 to 6.16 (Pb), 0.65 to 0.81 (Cr) and 5.70 to 14.35 (Cu). With the exception of Mn and Cr, the rest of the TMTs were bioaccumulated in the edible vegetable tissues (bioconcentration factors = 1.03 to 10.71). Considering chronic daily intake through ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation of the TMTs in soils from the banks of River Rwizi, there are no potential non-cancer and carcinogenic health effects that could be experienced in both adults and children. Consumption of leafy vegetables could pose both non-cancer health risks (from ingestion of Zn, Pb, Cr, Mn and Cd) and cancer health risks (due to intake of Cd) in both children and adults. There is therefore a need to enforce regulations to mitigate the pollution of River Rwizi for a more sustainable economic development.
2024-01-01T00:00:00ZThe Scourge of Aflatoxins in Kenya: A 60-Year Review (1960 to 2020)Omara, TimothyKiprop, Ambrose KWangila, PhaniceWacoo, Alex PaulKagoya, SarahNteziyaremye, PapiasOdero, Mark PeterNakiguli, Caroline KiwanukaObakiro, Samuel Bakerhttp://ir.must.ac.ug/xmlui/handle/123456789/34582024-03-06T03:00:54Z2021-01-01T00:00:00ZThe Scourge of Aflatoxins in Kenya: A 60-Year Review (1960 to 2020)
Omara, Timothy; Kiprop, Ambrose K; Wangila, Phanice; Wacoo, Alex Paul; Kagoya, Sarah; Nteziyaremye, Papias; Odero, Mark Peter; Nakiguli, Caroline Kiwanuka; Obakiro, Samuel Baker
Aflatoxins are endemic in Kenya. The 2004 outbreak of acute aflatoxicos is in the country was one of the unprecedented epidemics of human aflatoxin poisoning recorded in mycotoxin history. In this study, an elaborate review was performed to synthesize Kenya’s major findings in relation to aflatoxins, their prevalence, detection, quantification, exposure assessment, prevention, and management in various matrices. Data retrieved indicate that the toxins are primarily biosynthesized by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, with the eastern part of the country reportedly more aflatoxin-prone. Aflatoxins have been reported in maize and maize products (Busaa, chan’gaa, githeri, irio, muthokoi, uji, and ugali), peanuts and its products, rice, cassava, sorghum, millet, yams, beers, dried fish, animal feeds, dairy and herbal products, and sometimes in tandem with other mycotoxins. The highest total aflatoxin concentration of 58,000 μg/kg has been reported in maize. At least 500 acute human illnesses and 200 deaths due to aflatoxins have been reported. The causes and prevalence of aflatoxins have been grossly as cribbed to poor agronomic practices, low education levels, and in adequate statutory regulation and sensitization. Low diet diversity has aggravated exposure to aflatoxins in Kenya because maize as a dietetic staple is aflatoxin-prone. Detection and surveillance are only barely adequate, though some exposure assessments have been conducted. There is a need to widen diet diversity as a measure of reducing exposure due to consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods.
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