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Temperature dependent microstructural defects and surface charge effects on antioxidant activity of green synthesized nanoceria
(Scientific Reports, 2025-08-08) Musa Kabagambe; IsaAhuura; Sam Kinyera Obwoya; Emma Panzi Mukhokosi
This study reports a novel eco-friendly route for synthesizing cerium dioxide nanoparticles
(nanoceria) that converts waste coffee husks into both reagent and process medium. Polyphenol rich
phytochemicals chelate Ce3+, guide hydrolysis, and locally modulate redox conditions, imprinting
abundant surface Ce3+ and oxygen vacancies that underpin activity. Reuse of the clarified supernatant
in successive cycles boosts yield exponentially without added metal oxide precursor, highlighting
intrinsic process efficiency. Subsequent calcination turns the bio templated precipitate into phase pure
fluorite CeO₂ whose crystallite size, strain, and defect concentration can be tuned by temperature
alone. Higher temperatures enlarge particles and improve crystallinity while removing vacancies
and strain. Radical scavenging assays show the highest activity in uncalcined material and a steady
decline with increasing temperature that parallels the loss of surface Ce3+ and vacancies. Statistical
analysis confirms that antioxidant performance depends on defect density, quantum confinement,
and surface charge, whereas external morphology and residual organics are negligible. The unique
mechanism is phytochemical-directed defect engineering, which couples the use of agricultural waste
with precise control of redox-active sites to deliver tuneable nanoceria for biomedical, agricultural, and
environmental remediation applications.
Agri-waste valorization: pathways to sustainable bioenergy and biochemical innovation
(Springer Nature Link, 2025-08-08) Mohammad, Mehdizadeh; Anahita Omidi; Rumbidzai Matindike; Zegeyesh Getachew Nigussie; Theophilus M. Ikegwu; Helen O. Agu; Patrick Onen; Ivan Gumula; Shahira M. Ezzat; Rana M. Merghany
This systematic review examines the potential of agri-waste valorization as a sustainable solution for bioenergy and biochemical production, addressing global energy demands and waste management challenges. Agri-waste, including crop residues, livestock manure, and agro-industrial byproducts, represents a critical yet underutilized resource, with over 5 billion metric tons generated annually. Current disposal practices, such as open-field burning, contribute to environmental degradation, underscoring the urgency of circular bioeconomy strategies. The review evaluates 20 peer-reviewed studies (2015–2025), highlighting thermochemical (pyrolysis, gasification) and biochemical (anaerobic digestion, dark fermentation) technologies for converting heterogeneous feedstocks into biofuels, biogas, and high-value biochemicals. Key findings reveal significant regional disparities: developing nations prioritize decentralized systems for rural energy access, while industrialized regions focus on large-scale biorefineries. Environmental benefits include greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions of up to 90% per kWh output when displacing specific fossil fuels (coal), though scalability is hindered by feedstock variability, high pretreatment costs, and policy gaps. Economic viability remains contentious, with profitability dependent on subsidies and market incentives. The review advocates for integrated approaches including combining machine learning-optimized processes, circular design principles, and participatory policy frameworks, to harmonize technological innovation, ecological resilience, and socio-economic equity. By redefining agri-waste as a foundation of sustainable resource systems, this work aligns with sustainable development goals, offering a roadmap for transitioning to climate-resilient, resource-efficient economies.
Validating Measures of Technological Acceptance Model in the Context of Lecturers at Kyambogo University
(East African Journal of Information Technology, 2025-06-20) Shallon, Atuhaire; Joshua, K. K; Wilson, Mugizi
The study validated the measures of the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of lecturers at Kyambogo University. Based on Davis (1986), the TAM was studied in terms of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioural intention. In this correlational study that involved a sample of 195 lecturers at Kyambogo University, data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling (SEM) using Smart PLS for partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to determine the presence of the three constructs of the TAM, namely perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioural intention. Descriptive results indicated that the above three constructs of the TAM were highly practised by lecturers at Kyambogo University. PLS-SEM showed that the indicators that were used to measure the above three constructs of TAM were appropriate measures. The study concluded that the indicators assessed in this article to measure the three constructs of TAM, namely, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioural intention, are valid and reliable. It was recommended that researchers use the indicators assessed in this article to measure the three constructs of TAM.
Fruits and vegetables used in treating respiratory and other troubles in Africa: ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry
(Springer Nature Link, 2025-08-01) Ivan, Gumula; Daniel, Buyinza; Patrick, Onen; Christine, Kyarimpa
This book provides a comprehensive overview of bioactive compounds derived from African traditional medicinal plants, shedding light on their potential applications in modern medicine. It compiles crucial information on compounds with proven in vitro and in vivo activity against various diseases, providing a foundation for further research in drug discovery. The book also introduces the use of these bioactive secondary metabolites in cosmetics, nutrition, and pest control, with detailed description of medicinal plant species, including their botanical names, ethnomedicinal uses, and pharmacological activities, making it an invaluable resource for researchers and pharmaceutical companies.
Key concepts include the exploration of secondary metabolites from plants in Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Nigeria, and their industrial applications. The chapters cover ethnobotanical knowledge, bioactivities, and chemical profiling of these plants, including the ethnobotanical and phytochemical studies of Ethiopian flora, the role of rose-scented geranium in the perfume industry, and the use of fruits and vegetables in treating respiratory ailments. Readers will also discover insights into the use of secondary metabolites for pest control, the conservation strategies for endangered African plants, and the synthesis of bio-nanoparticles for therapeutic applications. The book presents a detailed analysis of medicinal plants with anti-malarial, antileishmanial, improve sexual desire and antimicrobial properties, highlighting their significance in traditional and modern medicine.
This volume is an essential resource for researchers, graduate students, and professionals in the fields of natural products, phytochemistry, and pharmaceuticals. It provides a unique perspective on the integration of traditional African medicine with contemporary scientific research, offering valuable insights into the potential of these bioactive compounds in drug development.
A dye-sensitized solar cell based on an in-situ hydrothermally grown hematite photo-anode
(Springer Nature Link, 2025-07-22) Nasejje, Stella; Mukhokosi, Emma Panzi; Mmantsae, Diale
Transition metal-oxides have gained research attention for applications in optoelectronics devices like dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This contribution presents an α-Fe2O3-Pt DSSC configuration. An in-situ hydrothermal technique was used to grow spherically shaped α-Fe2O3 thin films on an FTO substrate, forming the photo-anode. The surface morphology, structural, and optical properties were characterized by standard techniques, confirming the samples’ purity. Pt was drop-cast on the FTO substrate, forming the counter electrode. The photo-anode was soaked in N719 ruthenium dye for 24 h. The electrodes were assembled using crocodile clips, and the iodide electrolyte was injected into the space between them. At an intensity of 100 mW/cm2, the α-Fe2O3-Pt DSSC yielded a short-circuit photocurrent density, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and efficiency of 0.098 mAcm−2, 0.410 V, 0.247, and 0.01%, respectively. These results provide a simple, cost-effective strategy for synthesizing spherical nanoporous α-Fe2O3 thin films for potential application as photo-anodes in n-DSSCs.