Effect of maize intercrop plant densities on yield and beta-carotene contents of orange-fleshed sweetpotatoes

Despite efforts to demonstrate the value of orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) (Ipomoea batatas L.) and quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) in combating vitamin A and protein malnutrition, small land holdings by rural poor farmers still limit the crops’ overall production in Africa. As such, intercropping and optimum plant density in cropping systems will help farmers to improve productivity of the crop, and hence, improve household food and nutrition security. This study determined the effect of maize plant population, in a sweetpotato-maize intercrop, on yields and β-carotene content of two popular OFSP cultivars, Ejumula and NASPOT 9 O (Kabode). Each variety was intercropped with maize variety Longe 5, at three plant densities (i.e. 41,666, 55,555 and 88,888 plants ha-1), at Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute in Uganda. While 55,555 plants of each OFSP cultivar were used for both sole and intercrops, the sole maize plot was 44,444 plants ha-1. Maize and sweetpotato were harvested at 120 and 135 days after planting, respectively. β-carotene content and yield in sweetpotato roots were significantly (P<0.05) reduced by high maize density. Irrespective of maize density, NASPOT 9 O produced more root yields than Ejumula. Land Equivalent Ratios of >1.2 were obtained at maize intercrop densities of 41,666 and 55,555 plants ha-1.Keywords: Ipomoea batatas, land equivalent ratio, Zea may

Factors that influence transition to advanced roles by RN to BSN nurses, in three selected hospitals of Central-Uganda

Background Despite the global rise in the number of nurses upgrading from Registered Nursing (RN) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), studies have indicated that successful role transition is difficult once the nurses return to their previous workplaces. Guided by the Transitional Theory, this study investigates the factors that influence the transition from basic to advanced roles among RN to BSN nurses in Uganda, Africa. Methods This study employed a descriptive correlational design. Using convenience sampling, fifty-one (51) RN to BSN nurses completed the semi-structured questionnaires. Results All the study participants (100%) described themselves as having transitioned from RN to BSN role. In bivariate linear regression, personal factors that were found to predict successful role transition included holding a managerial role, being aware and prepared for the role transition, and positive role transition experiences. Role transition motivators that predicted successful role transition included: job promotion, internal desire for self-development, and career development. One community factor – that is the support of doctors/physicians during the RN to BSN transition – predicted unsuccessful role transition. Societal factors deterring successful role transition included lack of support from other colleagues and the perception that BSN learning was not applicable to the RN clinical setting. In multivariate linear regression, only sub-scales of personal factors such as advanced skills mastery and positive personal experiences predicted successful role transition. Conclusion The study suggests that personal factors influence successful role transition more than external factors

Mycobacterium tuberculosis spoligotypes and drug susceptibility pattern of isolates from tuberculosis patients in South-Western Uganda

BACKGROUND: Determination of the prevalence and drug susceptibility of the M. tuberculosis strains is important in tuberculosis control. We determined the genetic diversity and susceptibility profiles of mycobacteria isolated from tuberculosis patients in Mbarara, South Western Uganda. METHODS: We enrolled, consecutively; all newly diagnosed and previously treated smear-positive TB patients aged ≥ 18 years. The isolates were characterized using regions of difference (RD) analysis and spoligotyping. Drug resistance against rifampicin and isoniazid were tested using the Genotype(® )MDRTBplus assay and the indirect proportion method on Lowenstein-Jensen media. HIV-1 testing was performed using two rapid HIV tests. RESULTS: A total of 125 isolates from 167 TB suspects (60% males) with a mean age 33.7 years and HIV prevalence of 67.9% (55/81) were analyzed. Majority (92.8%) were new cases while only 7.2% were retreatment cases. All the 125 isolates were identified as M. tuberculosis strict sense with the majority (92.8%) of the isolates being modern strains while seven (7.2%) isolates were ancestral strains. Spoligotyping revealed 79 spoligotype patterns, with an overall diversity of 63.2%. Sixty two (49.6%) of the isolates formed 16 clusters consisting of 2-15 isolates each. A majority (59.2%) of the isolates belong to the Uganda genotype group of strains. The major shared spoligotypes in our sample were SIT 135 (T2-Uganda) with 15 isolates and SIT 128 (T2) with 3 isolates. Sixty nine (87%) of the 79 patterns had not yet been defined in the SpolDB4.0.database. Resistance mutations to either RIF or INH were detected in 6.4% of the isolates. Multidrug resistance, INH and RIF resistance was 1.6%, 3.2% and 4.8%, respectively. The rpoβ gene mutations seen in the sample were D516V, S531L, H526Y H526D and D516V, while one strain had a Δ1 mutation in the wild type probes. There were three strains with katG (codon 315) gene mutations only while one strain showed the inhA promoter gene mutation. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that the TB epidemic in Mbarara is caused by modern M. tuberculosis strains mainly belonging to the Uganda genotype and anti-TB drug resistance rate in the region is low

Measuring the impact of covid-19 on mobility in Gauteng province, South Africa

Papers presented virtually at the 41st International Southern African Transport Conference on 10-13 July 2023.The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown restrictions by the South African government had an Impact on household travel patterns in Gauteng Province. The regulations that were promulgated in line with the state of disaster included the imposition of travel restrictions, as well as the closure of schools and minimisation of non-essential travel. In this paper, the authors present the results of a household travel survey undertaken in Gauteng Province. The impacts of the pandemic on household mobility in the province are analysed and recommendations are provided on how the results of this research can guide decision making in the province. Although the restrictions put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 played a role in the reduction of travel in the province at different stages during the pandemic, shifts in travel patterns may have been short-lived. The authors conclude, therefore, that people in the province will return to pre-COVID-19 ways of travelling for work, shopping and education. Furthermore, the trends in traffic patterns that were established by previous household travel surveys in the province will mostly remain intact

Village Baseline Study: Site Analysis Report for Kagera Basin – Rakai, Uganda

The village baseline study of Kyengeza village in the CCAFS site Kagera Basin – Rakai in Uganda took place from 4 to 6 July 2011. Study participants are aware that their food security depends on protecting and appropriately managing natural resources. Nonetheless, there is a general decline in the state of natural resources such as rivers, lakes and forests, and the current use of the same resources is not sustainable over time. The main drivers of such changes in the region are population growth and government policies that have privatised forests and other natural areas previously managed by the village, effectively disempowering the community. There are more organisations operating beyond the locality than those operating in the community. The external organisations started delivering food, tools, medicines and other resources in response to HIV/AIDS. Their ability to mobilise resources, however, is undermining self-help capacity within the village, which is not conducive to sustainable rural development. Radio and organisations are the most frequently used sources of information for agricultural decision- making. There is a relatively active information network compared to other CCAFS sites, and a fair amount of consultation with all kinds of sources of information. This may be linked to high levels of uncertainty associated with climate change and food security

Weekend admission and mortality from acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in winter

Historically, acute medical staffing numbers have been lower on weekends and in winter numbers of medical admissions rise. An analysis of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) admissions to Portsmouth Hospitals over a seven-year period was undertaken to examine the effects of admission on a weekend, of winter, and with the opening of a medical admissions unit (MAU). In total, 9,915 admissions with AECOPD were identified. Weekend admissions accounted for 2,071 (20.9%) of cases, winter accounted for 3,026 (30.5%) admissions, and 522 (34.4%) deaths. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) for death on day 1 after winter weekend admission was 2.89 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.035 to 8.076). After opening the MAU, the OR for death day 1 after weekend winter admission fell from 3.63 (95% CI 1.15 to 11.5) to 1.65 (95% CI 0.14 to 19.01). AECOPD patients have an increased risk of death after admission over a weekend in winter and this effect was reduced by opening a MAU. These findings have implications for the planning of acute care provision in different seasons. © Royal College of Physicians, 2011. All rights reserved

Differences in symptom severity and quality of life among patients with cancer using conventional therapies with/without herbal medicines in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Objective: Patients with cancer experience numerous symptoms related to cancer and treatment side effects that reduce their quality of life (QOL). Although herbal medicine (HM) is used to manage such symptoms by patients in sub-Saharan Africa, data on patients perceived clinical outcomes are limited. We compared differences in QOL and symptom severity between patients with cancer using HM plus conventional therapies (i.e., chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiotherapy, surgery) and those using conventional therapies alone. Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients with cancer aged \u3e18 years who were consecutively sampled and completed a researcher-administered questionnaire between December 2022 and January 2023. Specifically, data was collected using The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MDASI-TCM). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square and logistic regression analyses. Results: Of 400 participants (67.5% female), 49% (n=195) used HM plus conventional therapies and 51% (n=205) used conventional therapies alone. Most participants were aged \u3e38 years (73.3%; median age 47 years). A univariate analysis showed the HM plus conventional therapies group had better mean scores for most QOL and symptom severity measures than the conventional therapies alone group. However, only role functioning significantly differed (p=0.046) in the bivariate analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups after confounder adjustment for all others measures of symptom severity and QOL. Conclusion: HM plus conventional therapies may offer minimal benefits or differences for clinical outcomes among patients with cancer. However, our findings have clinical, research, and public health implications for Uganda and other sub-Saharan African settings

The Impact of Intra-Household Gender Relations in Accessing Agricultural Extension Services for Improved Livelihoods: The Case of NAADS Beneficiary Sub-Counties in Kabale District

This study explored the influence of intra-household gender relations in access to Agricultural Extension Services (AESs) for improved livelihoods as a pathway to long term poverty reduction. The study covered the four NAADS pioneer beneficiary Sub counties of Bubare, Bukiinda, Ikumba and Maziba in Kabale district. It analysed gender based relational differences prevailing between men and women in a household (HH) in the creation and recreation of secure livelihoods through AESs. A mixed method approach with cross sectional and exploratory research designs was used to collect data through documentary review, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), HH surveys, Key Informant (KI) interviews and observation checklist. The study sample comprised of 181 farmers’ HHs and 14 KIs.The study results revealed that intra-HH gender relations among the Bakiga people of Kabale district are situated within a patriarchal setting which exhibit men’s dominance over women’s decisions in major spheres of life which affects equal access to AESs. Although AESs have been  operational in the district for over a decade, their existence has not transformed farmers’ livelihoods in  which is majorly attributed to unequal gender relations with regard to gender roles and division of labour, resource distribution, ownership and control as well as decision making which are reinforced by the Bakiga’s patriarchal system. Extension system is “gender blind” and NAADS agents/officials pay little attention to the gender relations which are skewed in favour of men, yet women are the key actors in agriculture production and reproduction. Micro, meso and macro level extension systems and structures were also anchored onto the patriarchal power setting thus obscure how women and men access production resources in their HHs in pursuit of livelihood streams. Thus, there is need for equitable technical advice to principle HHs members and examination of the composition of AESs structure as well as deconstructing HH power and control structure in pursuit of improved livelihood. This will empower women who are the linchpin of HH production and reproduction hence creating foundational pathways for improved livelihood

EFFECT OF MAIZE INTERCROP PLANT DENSITIES ON YIELD AND \u3b2-CAROTENE CONTENTS OF ORANGE-FLESHED SWEETPOTATOES

Despite efforts to demonstrate the value of orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) ( Ipomoea batatas L.) and quality protein maize ( Zea mays L.) in combating vitamin A and protein malnutrition, small land holdings by rural poor farmers still limit the crops\u2019 overall production in Africa. As such, intercropping and optimum plant density in cropping systems will help farmers to improve productivity of the crop, and hence, improve household food and nutrition security. This study determined the effect of maize plant population, in a sweetpotato-maize intercrop, on yields and \u3b2-carotene content of two popular OFSP cultivars, Ejumula and NASPOT 9 O (Kabode). Each variety was intercropped with maize variety Longe 5, at three plant densities (i.e. 41,666, 55,555 and 88,888 plants ha-1), at Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute in Uganda. While 55,555 plants of each OFSP cultivar were used for both sole and intercrops, the sole maize plot was 44,444 plants ha-1. Maize and sweetpotato were harvested at 120 and 135 days after planting, respectively. \u3b2-carotene content and yield in sweetpotato roots were significantly (P<0.05) reduced by high maize density. Irrespective of maize density, NASPOT 9 O produced more root yields than Ejumula. Land Equivalent Ratios of >1.2 were obtained at maize intercrop densities of 41,666 and 55,555 plants ha-1.Malgr\ue9 les efforts visant \ue0 d\ue9montrer la valeur nutritionnelle en combinaison de la patate douce \ue0 chaire orange (OFSP) ( Ipomoea batatas L.) et du ma\uefs \ue0 grande valeur proteique ( Zea mays L.) dans la lutte contre la malnutrition li\ue9e au manque de la vitamine A et de proteine, les petits producteurs Africains continuent de limiter les rendements de leur cultures. A cet effet, l\u2019association des cultures doubl\ue9e d\u2019une densit\ue9 optimale des plants dans les systems de cultures, aiderait les producteurs \ue0 am\ue9liorer les rendements de leurs cultures et par consequent am\ue9liorer la qualit\ue9 de vie dans les m\ue9nages et assurer la s\ue9curit\ue9 alimentaire. La pr\ue9sente \ue9tude a d\ue9t\ue9rmin\ue9 l\u2019effet de la densit\ue9 des plants de ma\uefs, dans une culture associ\ue9e avec la patate douce sur le rendements et la teneur en \u3b2-carotene de deux vari\ue9t\ue9s populaires de patate douce OFSP, Ejumula et NASPOT 9 O (Kabode). Chaque vari\ue9t\ue9 a \ue9t\ue9 plant\ue9e en association avec la vari\ue9t\ue9 de ma\uefs Longe 5, \ue0 trois diff\ue9rentes densit\ue9s (i.e. 41,666, 55,555 et 88,888 plants ha-1), et ceci \ue0 l\u2019Institut Zonale de Developpement et de Recherche en Agriculture de Ngetta en Ouganda. Pendant que la densit\ue9 55,555 plants de chaque vari\ue9t\ue9 de OFSP a \ue9t\ue9 utilis\ue9 dans la culture solitaire et en association, la culture solitaire de ma\uefs \ue9tait \ue0 44,444 plants ha-1. Ma\uefs et patate douce ont \ue9t\ue9 r\ue9colt\ue9s respectivement \ue0 120 et 135 jours apr\ue8s. La teneur en \u3b2-carotene et le rendement en tubercules de patate douce ont \ue9t\ue9 r\ue9duits de fa\ue7on significative (P<0.05) par une densit\ue9 forte de ma\uefs. Quelle que soit la densit\ue9 de ma\uefs, NASPOT 9 O a produit plus de tubercules qu\u2019Ejumula. Le ratio \ue9quivalent \ue9tait >1.2 pour une densit\ue9 de ma\uefs de 41,666 et 55,555 plants ha-1, en culture d\u2019association