Kyambogo University Digital Repository (KYUSpace)
KYUSpace preserves research output from the Kyambogo University Community
Communities in KYUSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Fatty acid composition and cholesterol distribution in edible tissues of long-horned Ankole cattle
(Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2025-12-02) Wanyama, Joseph; Kwetegyeka, Justus; Twinomuhwezi, Hannington; Omara, Timothy; Kiganda, Ivan
Ankole cattle is a vital genetic resource and an economic asset in East and Central Africa, usually reared for their beef and milk. For the first time, the total lipid content, fatty acid composition and cholesterol concentration in beef of Ugandan long-horned Ankole cattle were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography. Significant variations in the total lipid content, fatty acid composition and cholesterol concentration were observed among the different samples, with the liver and kidneys possessing the highest values (P < 0.05). The fatty acid composition followed the order: monounsaturated fatty acids> saturated fatty acids > polysaturated fatty acids. Nutritional indices indicated that the kidney, liver, and heart had better fatty acid compositions. In contrast, the rib, large intestine, and chuck had higher atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, which may be associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases when consumed.
Performance comparison of decoction and ultrasound assisted extraction of Allium burdickii extracts for tie-dyeing cotton fabrics
(Discover chemistry, 2025-12-01) Agulei, Karen D.; John T. Githaiga; Benson Dulo; Eric O. Nganyi; John Khafafa
The selection of precise variables during the extraction and colouration with natural dyes either enhances or vitiates their yield. This research study focused on the extraction of total phenolic content from Allium burdickii bulbs and their application to cotton fabric. The extraction performed using two methods, namely decoction and ultrasound-assisted extraction, was varied under three different parameters (temperature, time, and solvent type). The extracts were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed using Raman, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Gas ChromatographyMass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Subsequently, the extracts were applied on cotton fabric using four dyeing conditions (temperature, time, salt, and mordant concentration) and three mordanting methods (pre, meta, post), using the tie and dye method. The results confirmed the presence of compounds such as phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins in the Allium burdickii bulb. The GC-MS profile revealed the presence of eight compounds in the extract. The highest TPC of 984.1 ± 5.6 mg GAE/g DW was attained using 50% glycerol, at 40 ˚C and for 60 min, using ultrasound-assisted extraction. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopic analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups, including nitroso, phenols, azo, triazenes, aromatic ethers, and alkenes. For fabric colouration, the highest exhaustion and fixation were 81.0% and 59.1%, respectively, obtained at 69.8 ˚C, 20 min, 5% mordant concentration, and 2% salt concentration conditions. This study has therefore demonstrated that the Allium burdickii bulb is a sustainable source of dye compounds suitable for use in textile colouration, and hence, can potentially substitute for the often toxic synthetic analogues.
Experimental and numerical investigations of fire resistance of hybrid steel, concrete and timber slab
(Springer Nature, 2025-12-01) Asiimwe, Ronald Wilfred; Sam Bulolo; Micheal Kyakula
This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study investigating the fire resistance of a novel steel–timber–concrete (STC) hybrid slab system. The research combines both an experimental approach to evaluate the structural performance of the STC slab under realistic fire conditions and a numerical approach to evaluate the thermal temperature gradients based on natural fire temperatures obtained from the experiment, Eurocode parametric curve (ECPC) temperatures, ISO 834 (International Organization for Standardization, 1999) temperatures and ASTM E119 (American Society for Testing and Materials, 2020). Experimental and numerical model parameters and specifications were informed by a baseline study on building designers and contractors utilising STC slab systems in Uganda, ensuring relevance to practical applications. A 4 × 3 m slab model was constructed, featuring a 75-mm concrete topping cast on an expanded metal lathe fixed to 100 × 100 mm Eucalyptus grandis beams spaced 600 mm centre to centre. These timber beams were simply supported on I-beams, which in turn were supported by SHS 75 × 75 x 5 mm columns. A natural fire scenario, as per Eurocode specifications, was implemented in a contained structure with burnt clay brick walls. The experimental investigation demonstrated that the STC slab could withstand a natural fire for over one hour while maintaining its load-carrying capacity. A numerical simulation was conducted using ABAQUS-CAE, a Finite Element Model program, to analyse the slab's response under both the experimentally obtained natural fire temperatures and the Eurocode parametric curve. The numerical results showed strong consistency with the experimental observations. Based on these findings, the STC slab successfully meets the East African code recommendations for an R60 fire rating, highlighting its potential for safe and sustainable construction.
AI-Augmented terahertz metamaterial biosensor for rapid and accurate isoquercitrin detection in herbal medicines
(Taylor and Francis, 2025-12-01) Wekalao, Jacob; Jonas Muheki; Hussein A. Elsayed; Haifa A. Alqhtani; Mayi Bin-Jumah; Amuthakkannan Rajakannu; Ahmed Mehaney; Stefano Belluci
We present a novel metamaterial-based terahertz biosensor integrated with AI for rapid isoquercitrin detection in herbal medicines. The sensor, optimized through COMSOL simulations, delivers exceptional sensitivity (300GHzRIU-1) and detects refractive index changes as small as 0.05 RIU. Its precision is validated by a near-perfect linear correlation (R2 ¼ 99.73%) and stable performance metrics, including a 0.015 THz FWHM and Quality Factor of 47. Uniquely, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network augments predictive capability, achieving R2 values up to 1.00 across diverse conditions. This synergistic approach—combining terahertz spectroscopy, metamaterial-enhanced signal amplification, and AI-driven modeling—offers a transformative solution for standardizing and quality-controlling botanical therapeutics. By enabling fast, accurate, and scalable quantification of bioactive compounds, the system sets a new benchmark for analytical methodologies in natural product research.
Investigating the effect of leachate from solid wastes management plant on surface water quality in Mbale
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-09) Alunyu, Denis
This study investigated the effect of leachate from solid wastes composite plant on River Namatala water quality in Mbale City. Data was collected on the amount of solid wastes generated per day within Mbale city. Concentrations of water pollutants in the leachate produced from the decomposed solid wastes were tested in the laboratory. Possibility of treating lead as a pollutant using low cost adsorbent was explored. The results indicated that 273.5 tons of solid wastes are collected per day and deposited at the wastes management plant. Of this total, biodegradable and nonbiodegradable wastes constituted 84.4% and 15.6%, respectively. The concentrations or values of water pollutants especially total phosphorus, chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, lead and electrical conductivity from the leachate were higher than the limits recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).The heavy metals such as copper, iron, nickel, silver, chromium had lower values compared to maximum acceptable limit set by WHO. However, heavy metals should not be ignored as they are potential sources of pollution to nearby environments. The differences in the means of upstream and downstream pH, iron, chromium, lead, copper, total nitrogen, total phosphorus concentration and electrical conductivity were statistically significant (p < 0.05) while nickel, silver chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand were statistically not significant (p >0.05).Raw avocado seeds had a higher lead removal efficiency (93.97%) compared to activated avocado seeds (89.7%). The households in Mbale city should be sensitized on the need for separation of wastes into biodegradable and nonbiodegradable. Water from River Namatala should be first treated before its domestic use.