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A comparative study of iron bioaccessibility and antinutrient levels in Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) leaves and Calyces and Persea americana (Avocado) leaves and seeds : nutritional implications
(Journal of the American Nutrition Association, 2025-11-25) Barugahara, Evyline Isingoma; Kyarimpa, Christine Mugumya; Buzigi, Edward
Objective
To compare iron bioaccessibility (availability for absorption) and antinutrient levels in Roselle leaves and calyces and Avocado leaves and seeds in fresh and dry forms.
Methods
The iron content and nutrients linked to its metabolism such as protein, vitamin C, and betacarotene and iron absorption inhibitors such as calcium and antinutrients (total phenolic compounds, phytates, oxalates, tannins, and flavonoids) were analyzed in triplicate using standard methods. Iron and calcium inhibition was predicted using molar ratios. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Scientists and means compiled. Analysis of variance and differences among means was compared by Duncan’s Post Hoc test at p < 0.05.
Results
The iron content in 100 grams was 15.71 ± 0.04 and 8.16 ± 0.01 mg in fresh and dry Roselle leaves respectively, 13.47 ± 0.01 mg in fresh Avocado leaves and seeds, 10.16 ± 0.01 mg in fresh Roselle calyces, 4.47 ± 0.01 mg in dry Avocado leaves and Roselle calyces and 2.47 ± 0.01 mg in dry Avocado seeds. The highest protein content of 13.82 ± 0.13% was found in fresh Avocado leaves while fresh Roselle leaves had the highest betacarotene content of 9.30 ± 0.00 mg/100 g. Vitamin C was significantly high in fresh Avocado and Roselle leaves (>30 mg/100 g). Calcium contents in all samples were low (<80 mg/100 g) and not inhibited by phytates and oxalates. In all samples, iron was not inhibited by oxalates and only in fresh Avocado seeds was iron inhibited by phytates. Tannins, phytates and oxalate concentrations were all below the maximum tolerable levels. Though fresh Roselle leaves had the highest iron content, its total phenolic compounds were above the maximum tolerable levels, depicting toxicity.
Perception and cultural influence towards the use of insects and livestock raised on insect-enriched feed in urban Uganda
(Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 2025-11-25) Ssepuuya, Geoffrey; Ssendagala, George William; Nakimbugwe, Dorothy
The increasing population and urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa are escalating the demand for acceptable alternative protein sources such as insects to conventional ones such as soy and animal protein. This study investigates the perception and cultural influence towards native and non-native insects’ use for food and feed, and the consumption of animal products raised on insect-enriched feed in urban Uganda. The study that surveyed 384 participants spanning 24 ethnic groups from both formal and informal sectors, revealed a substantial 87% engagement in entomophagy, predominantly among the youth (81%). Native edible insects i.e. grasshoppers (58%) and white ants (41%) were preferred to non-native ones such as house crickets (1%). Cultural influence was the predominant motivator, significantly (χ2 (1) = 238.6, p≤ 0.001) driving 83% of respondents’ entomophagous behaviour. A noteworthy 57% affirmed willingness to consume livestock raised on insect-enriched feed, majority (90%) support insect rearing and using insect-enriched feeds, with maggots (larvae) being the most preferred (χ2 (3) = 285.8, p<0.001) for feed. Familiarity and prior exposure through entomophagy significantly (p<0.05) influenced respondents’ attitudes towards using insects for food, feed, and consumption of livestock raised on insect feed. Ethnicity did not influence insects’ use as food but significantly influenced their attitude towards rearing insects for feed (p<0.001), supported by the Ganda, followed by Acholi and Ankole, and not other ethnic groups. Education was a significant (p<0.05) predictor of the respondents’ thinking that insects can be harmful and that packaging and hygiene associated with insect trade are poor. Emerging trends, such as purchasing insects from formal stores and consideration of safety and hygiene, especially among the educated, reflect a shift toward high regard for hygienic food and feed. Culture and familiarity should be used to promote insects’ utilisation, with appropriate guidelines/policies to ensure safe and hygienic insect farming, processing and marketing/distribution.
Multi-resonator plasmonic metasurface biosensor with graphene enhancement for ultra-sensitive terahertz pregnancy detection using machine learning optimization
(Journal of Electromagnetic Waves and Applications, 2025-11-27) Wekalao, Jacob; Muhek,Jonas; Elsayed, Hussein A.; Mehaney,Ahmed; Othmane, Sarah I.; Abukhadra, Mostafa R.; Bellucci, Stefano; Rajakannu,Amuthakkannan; Ochen, William
This study presents a multi-resonator plasmonic metasurface biosensor operating in the terahertz range for detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a primary pregnancy biomarker. The sensor consists of four resonators with different geometries and dimensions made from graphene, copper, aluminum, and gold. Its operation is based on surface plasmon resonance. Finite element simulations showed that transmittance varied from 98.428% to 30.736% as the graphene chemical potential changed from 0.1 to 0.45 eV. The optimized sensor achieved a sensitivity of 1000 GHz per refractive index unit (RIU) and a figure of merit of 13.333 RIU−1 . A Gradient Boosting Regressor model was used to predict sensor behavior. The model produced R 2 values between 0.90 and 1.00 for variations in incident angle, square ring geometry, and graphene chemical potential. Resonance frequency shifted from 0.32 to 0.30 THz with refractive index changes, following a linear relationship (R2 = 0.88947) that allows calibration for hCG detection.
Design and optimization of a hybrid graphene–gold–silver terahertz metasurface biosensor for high-sensitivity sperm detection with machine learning for behavior prediction
(Journal of Electronic Materials, 2025-11-25) Muheki, Jonas; Elsayed, Hussein A.; Alfassam, Haifa E.; Ochen, William; Rajakannu, Amuthakkannan; Mehaney, Ahmed; Wekalao, Jacob
This study introduces a plasmonic-based sensor for sperm detection, integrating gold, graphene, and black phosphorus within a tailored multilayer structure. The sensor design consists of a silver-coated circular ring resonator (radius: 2–2.5 µm), a black phosphorus-coated square ring (7–8 µm), and four gold-coated circular resonators (each with a 2 µm radius) placed on a graphene-coated square platform. Electromagnetic simulations performed using COMSOL Multiphysics indicate optimal sensing performance within the 0.1–0.6 THz frequency range. The sensor demonstrates remarkable sensitivity of 5000 GHz per refractive index unit (RIU−1), a figure of merit of 90.909 RIU−1, and a detection limit of 0.02 RIU. It is capable of detecting sperm concentrations in a range of 17–197 million/mL, corresponding to refractive index variations from 1.33 to 1.3461. Furthermore, performance optimization through XGBoost machine learning achieved perfect prediction accuracy (R2 = 1.00) across all test cases. This high-efficiency sensor marks a significant step forward in sperm detection technologies, with promising applications in male fertility assessment and reproductive medicine
Community development in Uganda: a historical inquiry in the practice of meeting community needs
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2024) Bwambale, Bhangyi Venesio; Senkosi Moses Balyejjusa
Community development in Uganda is rooted in both historical collective indigenous ideals as well the transformational endeavors of the post-independence governments. In the past two decades, community development has gained heightened attention as the country seeks to transform its society from a peasant low-income state to a middle-income society. This is evidenced by social-economic transformation being the theme of the past and present national development plans in this period. This chapter, therefore, discusses community development in Uganda as a historical practice of meeting community needs. It explores the historical roots and contemporary influences on community development in Uganda. It then outlines the challenges and opportunities of community development in the country. Using the human needs thinking as its theoretical framework, the chapter is constructed using a qualitative approach to guide systematic literature review, the analysis of secondary data and the resultant comparative thematic analysis. Recommendations that challenge the temporariness, politicization and foreignness of community development practice are offered. These include, among others, technical professionals leading the design of sustainable policies, building shared interests that incorporate technical and political considerations, the integration into policies of local development experiences, and building internal development funding through domestic mobilization of resources and inputs. It then draws conclusions suggesting that Uganda’s community development could yield more if linked with bottom-up processes, informed by local community experiences/voices, and integrated with agrarian livelihood practices in which a majority of both rural and urban communities derive wellbeing.