Academic submissions (CoNAS)
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ItemDesign and construction of underground cable fault detector(Makerere University, 2025)This project presents the design and implementation of a low-cost Underground Fault Cable Detector using fundamental electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), integrated circuits (ICs), and a breadboard for prototyping. The primary objective is to detect the location of faults (short circuits or open circuits) in underground power cables, which are otherwise difficult to locate due to their concealed positioning and high cost of conventional detection equipment. The system operates on the principle of voltage drop measurement along the length of the cable. A simple DC voltage is applied at one end of the faulty cable through a current-limiting resistor. When a fault is present, the voltage drops sharply at the point of fault due to impedance discontinuity. This voltage is then sensed using a voltage comparator circuit constructed using operational amplifiers (op-amps). The analog voltage is processed through a series of resistors and capacitors to stabilize the signal, which is then interpreted by the comparator IC. An array of LEDs is used to provide a visual indication of the fault location. As the voltage across the cable is probed at regular intervals, the LED corresponding to the last detected voltage drop (before the fault point) lights up, helping to estimate the fault’s distance from the starting point. This setup is entirely constructed on a breadboard for easy modification and demonstration purposes. The proposed design emphasizes simplicity, portability, and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal educational project and a practical tool for field technicians. Additionally, the use of passive components and standard ICs ensures that the system is easy to understand, replicate, and maintain. The successful implementation of this detector not only aids in efficient cable fault diagnosis but also demonstrates the effectiveness of basic electronic components in solving real-world electrical engineering problems.
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ItemA study of malaria prevalence and its vector species composition among communities in Bwembe Village, Malongo Sub-County, Mayuge District(Makerere University, 2022-01)Malaria prevalence, vector species composition and assessment of knowledge, attitude, perception and skills were determined in Bwembe village, Malongo subcounty, Mayuge district. A cross sectional and descriptive study design was used. A sample size of 170 people and 30 homes were sampled using purposive, simple random sampling techniques and questionnaire tool. Malaria prevalence was determined by examination of blood by use of RDTs and blood smear examination for parasite presence, quantification and species identification. The materials used were Glass slides, Binocular microscope, RDT, Lancets, Gloves, Alicohal and Gemsa stain. Adult mosquito species composition was established by morphological identification of the Anopheles mosquitoes collected with the help of CDC Light trap, Exit trap, Pyrethrum spray catch (PSC), and Human landing collection ( HLC ). Knowledge, attitude, perception and skills of community towards malaria control measures was determined by a Questionaire tool used to collect information from participants. Malaria prevalence was found to be 33.5% (57⁄170). Most affected age groups were 6 – 10 years (12.9%), 0 -5 years (7.6%) and 11 – 15 years (5. 9%). Prevalence of malaria in pregnant mothers was 10% (1⁄10). Females 32 (18.8%) were much affected than males 25 (14.7%). Plasmodium falciparum 57 (33.5%) was the only found species dominantly causing malaria. Female Anopheles gambiae s.l 136 (11.5%), female Anopheles funestus 07 (0.6%) and female Anopheles christyi 08 (0.7%) were the only major malaria vectors in November, 2021 in Bwembe village, Malongo sub county Mayuge district. An.gambiae s.l was found to be the dominant potential transmitting malaria vector species. Other mosquito species collected were female Culex 175 (14.7%), female Mansonia 83 (70.0%). On assessing community awareness about malaria and its prevention and control, 30.6% said sleep under mosquito nets, 6.5% close doors and windows early evening, 5.3% pour oil on stagnant water,3.5% slash bushes near homes, 2.4% destroy unused containers, 2.9% indoor residual spraying (IRS), 1.8% drain stagnant water and 1.2% take anti malaria medicine were among the main responses. Surprisingly, 4.1% and 2.9% of participants did not know what transmits and causes malaria. Continuous effective health education about malaria and mosquito biology and its control measures, effective diagnosis and testing, treatment and tracking of patients, proper usage of mosquito nets, IRS, larviciding where money is available, regular community malaria outreaches, continued entomological and malaria surveillance by V.C.O in the district would strengthen awareness and reduce prevalence of malaria in the district.
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ItemComparison of Titratable acidities in selected wines locally made in Uganda(Makerere University, 2021-02-22)Wine is one of the oldest products where microbiological processes contribute significantly to the final quality of the product. In wine, there are a great number of organic acids, even more than 40, which differ in origin. Therefore the acid amount in wine can vary in wide ranges depending on the grape variety, ripeness degree, climatic conditions during ripening, type of soil, vineyard position, conditions according to which alcohol fermentation was done, wine storage and standing. Titratable acidity of wines is in the range of 4.0-8.0g/dm3 (0.4 to 0.8%) expressed in tartaric acid because a part of tartaric acid is deposited in the form of salts during alcohol fermentation, for wines that are less than 0.4%, there arises a suspicion about their origin. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the titratable acidities of locally made wines in Uganda and samples of selected wines used were sourced from markets. Three samples locally made were bought and one internationally recognized was bought. Classical titration was done using sodium hydroxide against the wine samples and results revealed that the titratable acidities of the locally made wines were 0.500, 0.575 0.520 for Obre wine, Bella wine and Mercelino wine respectively and were in the normal ranges as published. However, the P values obtained were 0.119, 0.031 and 0.318 for Obre wine, Bella wine and Mercelino wine respectively hence the null hypothesis was accepted for Obre wine and Mercelino wine but was rejected for Bella wine.
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ItemUse of pectin fibers from water hyacinth and banana peels as an anti-obesity food supplement(Makerere University, 2021-02-22)This research aimed at utilizing phytomass pectin from water hyacinth and banana peels to formulate an anti-obesity food ration whose effects were tested using Wister female albino rats. Obesity is a condition of excess body fat which increases likelihood of various cardio vascular diseases. Diet modification involving increase in pectin composition has been recommended in lowering lipids. In this study, water hyacinth was collected from L.Victoria and fresh banana peels from restaurants from which pectin was extracted using acid water and characterized by decarboxylation by sulphuricacid. Efficacy of pectin on reducing weight gain was done using female wister albino rats. Five groups of rats of which three groups were normal weights and two groups subjected to diet induced obesity after which pectin effect was tested on the normal weight groups and obese groups under a high fat diet for a period of four weeks. Pectin composition in water hyacinth and banana peels was 26% and 4.2% respectively. It was shown that normal rats under fat diet and pectin increased in weight but not as much as weight gain increase for normal rats under fat diet without pectin. For obese rats under fat diet and pectin, their weights were maintained generally constant well as for obese rats under fat diet without pectin, their weights increased during treatment. Pectin additive resulted into formation of a viscous fiber gel in the gastral lining reducing food absorption, pectin reduced activity of Alkaline Phosphatase enzyme thus reducing lipid uptake, reduced bile reabsorption and the butyric acid from pectin breakdown induce production of satiety hormones PYY and reducing food intake thus overall effect is reduction in weight gain. Thus consumption of a pectin rich food ration by rats on a high fat diet decrease weight gain.
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ItemImplementation of ICT in teaching and learning among selected secondary schools in Jinja District, Uganda( 2019-10)The purpose of this study was to examine the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching and learn in among selected schools in Jinja District. The focus was on three main aspects; teachers' expertise in using ICT resources that improve the teaching and learning process, differences in ICT use by students in terms of school type and location and the factors relating to students' ICT use. A descriptive survey design was used to collect data from the field through the use of questionnaires and observation checklists. A total of 288 students and 30 STEM teachers participated in the study. Data was analyzed descriptively in SPSS version 20. The study found out that majority of the teachers were competent in using the basic ICT skills like word processors and Power Point presentations. They reflected low competence in using advanced ICTs like projectors during the teaching and learning process. The analysis also found out that students in private schools used ICT for learning purposes that students from public schools. In addition, urban school students use ICT for learning purposes more than students in semi-urban and rural schools. The overall ICT use by students was average with the majority using ICT mainly for entertainment purposes. There searchers thus recommend that pre-service and in-service teacher training programmes tailored to school programmes should be embraced to equip the teachers with the up-to-date ICT skills