A Growth Reference for Mid Upper Arm Circumference for Age among School Age Children and Adolescents, with Validation for Mortality in Two Cohorts

OBJECTIVES: To construct growth curves for mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC)-for-age z score for 5-19 year olds that accord with the World Health Organization growth standards, and to evaluate their discriminatory performance for subsequent mortality. DESIGN: Growth curve construction and longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: United States and international growth data, and cohorts in Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. PARTICIPANTS The Health Examination Survey (HES)/National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) US population datasets (age 5-25 years), which were used to construct the 2007 WHO growth reference for body mass index in this age group, were merged with an imputed dataset matching the distribution of the WHO 2006 growth standards age 2-6 years. Validation data were from 685 HIV infected children aged 5-17 years participating in the Antiretroviral Research for Watoto (ARROW) trial in Uganda and Zimbabwe; and 1741 children aged 5-13 years discharged from a rural Kenyan hospital (3.8% HIV infected). Both cohorts were followed-up for survival during one year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Concordance with WHO 2006 growth standards at age 60 months and survival during one year according to MUAC-for-age and body mass index-for-age z scores. RESULTS: The new growth curves transitioned smoothly with WHO growth standards at age 5 years. MUAC-for-age z scores of −2 to −3 and less than−3, compared with −2 or more, was associated with hazard ratios for death within one year of 3.63 (95% confidence interval 0.90 to 14.7; P=0.07) and 11.1 (3.40 to 36.0; P<0.001), respectively, among ARROW trial participants; and 2.22 (1.01 to 4.9; P=0.04) and 5.15 (2.49 to 10.7; P<0.001), respectively, among Kenyan children after discharge from hospital. The AUCs for MUAC-for-age and body mass index-for-age z scores for discriminating subsequent mortality were 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.70 to 0.92) and 0.75 (0.63 to 0.86) in the ARROW trial (absolute difference 0.06, 95% confidence interval −0.032 to 0.16; P=0.2) and 0.73 (0.65 to 0.80) and 0.58 (0.49 to 0.67), respectively, in Kenya (absolute difference in AUC 0.15, 0.07 to 0.23; P=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: The MUAC-for-age z score is at least as effective as the body mass index-for-age z score for assessing mortality risks associated with undernutrition among African school aged children and adolescents. MUAC can provide simplified screening and diagnosis within nutrition and HIV programmes, and in research

THE POTENTIALS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN IMPROVING AFRICA INFORMAL CROSS BORDER TRADE. : WHAT WORKS, WHAT DOESN’T, AND WHAT’S NEXT TO AFRICANS?

Context and background The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into businesses has become increasingly widespread in recent years, particularly in developed countries, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation. AI presents numerous opportunities for small businesses, including those involved in cross-border trade. It has the potential to transform various aspects of business operations, such as customer interactions, marketing research, understanding consumer behavior, optimizing routes, and forecasting sales and marketing trends. Additionally, AI can contribute to the formalization of business processes, and assist these businesses in adapting more effectively to the ever-changing dynamics of the market. However, the successful implementation of AI necessitates a meticulous assessment of AI applications to ensure alignment with the objectives and resources of each individual small business. Goal and Objectives: The primary focus of this paper is to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing Africa's cross-border trade. The paper will address the following research questions: What are the effective applications of artificial intelligence in cross-border informal trade in Africa, and what are the limitations? What does the future hold for African countries in terms of utilizing artificial intelligence for cross-border trade? How can African informal cross-border traders and their stakeholders benefit from incorporating artificial intelligence in their activities? Methodology: The research is purely empirical research based on observation and measurement of phenomena, as directly experienced by the researcher. Results: AI can be effectively applied by Informal Cross-Border Traders (ICBT) to enhance their businesses and enhance competitiveness. There are several AI applications accessible to ICBT within their operational context. Although the adoption and utilization of AI in Africa are still in their infancy, there is considerable promise for the future. Africans must address the challenges hindering the adoption and utilization of AI, as technology is advancing rapidly, and opportunities await those who embrace it

Does the Brand Name Matter to Purchase Decision? The Case of Mobile Phone

The study aims at determining the influence of brand name on consumer buying decision. Data collected from 160 mobile phone users at Dodoma municipal by using questionnaires and interview.  The findings show that consumers’ are not loyal in single brand name and their judgment in a purchase decision on the mobile phone is influenced by three factors; the need, country of origin, and the durability. This means that when different brand names of mobiles are presented to the consumers; they answer mainly three questions: does it match with my need? Where is it made? and if it can stays for a reasonable time. It is recommended that the manufacturers of mobile phones to accentuate on the needs of the market (marketing orientation), durability, and country of origin products (intra- trade) in order to enhance marketing competitiveness. Keywords: Brand Name, Purchase Decision, Mobile Phon

Contributions of Educational Stakeholders Towards Access to Quality Education in Morogoro Municipality

This study aimed to explore the contribution of educational stakeholders in enhancing access to quality education in Morogoro municipality secondary schools. The study adopted a mixed research approach and descriptive survey research design towards a sample of 170 respondents composed of parents, teachers, students, educational administrators, and a representative from NGOs and political leaders from selected secondary schools. Respondents were selected by using simple random sampling techniques and purposive sampling techniques. Methods used for data collections were questionnaires and interviews. The validity of data collection was tested using a pilot study. Using Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha, reliability was tested, and a coefficient of 0.8 was realized, which was considered reliable. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics that gave tables of frequencies and percentages. Meanwhile, qualitative data were coded thematically for easier narration. The study results reveal that the key stakeholders who have been very interactive in supporting quality education provision in secondary schools in Tanzania are the ministry of education, ministry of finance, PoRALG, business association and employers, teachers’ union, parents, and international organizations through providing financial, facilities, materials, technical support and programs to initiate quality education provision in secondary school. However, the extent of quality education in Morogoro Municipality secondary schools has not been fully reached due to limited area support of stakeholders as each stakeholder supports its ability to do so as well as due to their priority areas. The study recommended that the government and other stakeholders should intensify facilities and support for students’ and teachers’ training as strategies to improve the teaching and learning process toward improving access to quality education provision in secondary school

Exploring the Usage of Digital Marketing among Selected Agricultural Marketing Co-operatives in Morogoro, Tanzania

Digital marketing has revolutionized the way businesses attract and engage potential customers for their products and services. It has transformed the traditional marketing mix into a sophisticated digital ecosystem capable of executing millions of marketing activities in seconds. However, the extent to which cooperatives leverage digital marketing remains largely unexplored. This research utilized a quantitative descriptive approach, gathering data from 114 members and management teams of Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) in Morogoro, Tanzania. Data were collected through closed-ended questions directed at AMCOS leaders and members in March 2024 and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that the concept of digital marketing is not well understood among cooperatives, and its usage is minimal. The most used digital marketing tools include mobile marketing via SMS, voice calls, calendar functions, photos, and videos, followed by social media marketing. The study indicates that where digital marketing is applied, it has increased efficiency, expanded reach, and reduced operational costs. These findings highlight a significant opportunity for cooperatives to enhance their marketing strategies by adopting digital tools more effectively. Policymakers and cooperative leaders should prioritize digital literacy and infrastructure development to fully harness the potential of digital marketing in this sector

THE POTENTIALS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN IMPROVING AFRICA INFORMAL CROSS BORDER TRADE.

Context and background The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into businesses has become increasingly widespread in recent years, particularly in developed countries, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation. AI presents numerous opportunities for small businesses, including those involved in cross-border trade. It has the potential to transform various aspects of business operations, such as customer interactions, marketing research, understanding consumer behavior, optimizing routes, and forecasting sales and marketing trends. Additionally, AI can contribute to the formalization of business processes, and assist these businesses in adapting more effectively to the ever-changing dynamics of the market. However, the successful implementation of AI necessitates a meticulous assessment of AI applications to ensure alignment with the objectives and resources of each individual small business. Goal and Objectives: The primary focus of this paper is to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing Africa's cross-border trade. The paper will address the following research questions: What are the effective applications of artificial intelligence in cross-border informal trade in Africa, and what are the limitations? What does the future hold for African countries in terms of utilizing artificial intelligence for cross-border trade? How can African informal cross-border traders and their stakeholders benefit from incorporating artificial intelligence in their activities? Methodology: The research is purely empirical research based on observation and measurement of phenomena, as directly experienced by the researcher. Results: AI can be effectively applied by Informal Cross-Border Traders (ICBT) to enhance their businesses and enhance competitiveness. There are several AI applications accessible to ICBT within their operational context. Although the adoption and utilization of AI in Africa are still in their infancy, there is considerable promise for the future. Africans must address the challenges hindering the adoption and utilization of AI, as technology is advancing rapidly, and opportunities await those who embrace it

Athari za Matumizi ya Lugha-tandawazi katika Uandishi wa Kitaaluma: Mifano Kutoka Matini za Kiswahili za Wanafunzi wa Vyuo Vikuu, Tanzania

Katika karne ya 21 ukuaji wa utandawazi unaongezeka kwa kasi kubwa sana. Dalili mojawapo ni ongezeko la matumizi ya simu za kiganjani ambayo huhusisha makundi rika yote. Watumiaji wake wako huru kupashana habari ama kwa mazungumzo au kwa kuandika jumbe fupi muda wowote. Miongoni mwa watumiaji wa simu za kiganjani ni wanafunzi wa vyuo vikuu, ambao hutumia lugha-tandawazi. Lugha hii ina athari za kiisimu katika kazi za kitaaluma za wanachuo hususani wa lugha ya Kiswahili. Mbinu za ukusanyaji data katika makala hii ni usahili, uchunguaji na tajiriba ya mtafiti. Utafiti huu uliongozwa na Nadharia ya Urudiaji iliyoasisiwa na Kapka na Oberman (2001). Matokeo ya utafiti huu ni kwamba lugha-tandawazi huathiri uandishi wa wanachuo kiisimu, kiuandishi na mienendo ya kitaaluma na kifikra kwa ujumla. Aidha, kutokana na mazoea na kushindwa kutofautisha matumizi ya lugha kwa muktadha, lugha-tandawazi inakiathiri Kiswahili hali inayohatarisha uhai wake na utamaduni kwa ujumla. Utafiti huu unahitimisha kuwa kuna uhusiano kati ya matumizi ya lugha-tandawazi na uandishi wa Kitaaluma. Uhusiano huo unachagizwa na mazoea ya mtumiaji kama kigeu-kigezo kinachoweza kuleteleza athari hasi. Kwa kuzingatia ukweli kwamba, “Mazoea hujenga tabia.” Watumiaji wa simu za mkononi wako hatarini kushindwa kufuata uandishi rasmi pamoja na kushindwa kutumia Kiswahili sanifu ikiwa watashindwa kutofautisha muktadha na mtindo-stahiki wa lugha. Hata hivyo, katika makala haya, mtafiti amependekeza njia za kuepukana na athari hizo ikiwemo vyuo kuunda vitengo vya uhakiki na wanachuo wenyewe kuhakikiana kazi za

Ruwaza za Toni katika Vitenzi Visoukomo Changamani vya Kirombo

Makala haya yanahusu uchanganuzi wa ruwaza za Toni katika Vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya Kirombo. Lengo kuu la makala haya ni kuchunguza ruwaza ya ujitokezaji wa toni katika vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya Kirombo na kanuni zinazotawala utokeaji huo. Aidha, malengo mahususi: kubainisha silabi inayohusishwa na Tonijuu Msingi (kuanzia sasa TJM) na mbili, kujadili ruwaza ya utokeaji wa toni katika vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya Kirombo na kanuni zinazotawala hutokeaji huo. Data ya Makala haya imetokana na utafiti mpana uliofanywa juu ya toni katika wilaya ya Rombo (2019) ambao&nbsp;&nbsp; uliongozwa na Nadharia ya Fonolojia Vipandesauti Huru kwa kutumia Mkabala wa Tonijuu Msingi kama ulivyoasisiwa na Goldsmith (1976) na kuboreshwa na wanazuoni mbalimbali katika taaluma ya fonolojia. Aidha, mbinu za ukusanyaji data zilizotumika ni pamoja na mahojiano na ushuhudiaji. Katika mahojiano vitenzi visoukomo changamani viliandaliwa kwa Kiswahili na watoataarifa walihitajika kuvitamka kwa Kirombo huku mtafiti akirekodi na kualamisha toni katika vitenzi hivyo. Matokeo ya utafiti yanaonesha kuwa kuna ruwaza mbalimbali za kitoni zinazoleteleza utokeaji wa kanuni za kitoni ambazo hutofautiana kutegemeana na idadi ya silabi na uwapo au kutowapo kwa yambwa. Aidha, vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya silabi moja hutawaliwa na kanuni ya uhusishaji wa toni chini na vitamkwa na sharti la ukubalifu, wakati vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya silabi mbili hadi ama tano au sita za shina hutawaliwa na kanuni ya udondoshaji wa TJM pamoja na kanuni nyingine kitoni kama vile: kanuni ya msambao wa tonijuu kuelekea kulia mwa shina, uhamaji wa TJM kutoka silabi ya kwanza kwenda katika silabi ya pili ya shina, unakiliji wa TJM katika silabi ya mwisho kasoro moja. Aidha, TJM hupachikwa katika mofimu ya yambwa kwa vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya silabi moja ya shina. Pia, matokeo yanaonesha kwamba kuna TJM mbili, yaani, ya kwanza ni ya yambwa na ya pili ikiwa ya shina, ambapo katika mchakato wa ukokotozi wa uibuzi wa toni, TJM ya shina hudondoshwa kwa kuwa yambwa ina nguvu zaidi.&nbsp; Makala haya yamesaidia kujua namna toni zinavyojitokeza katika vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya Kirombo kwa ujumla.Makala haya yanahusu uchanganuzi wa ruwaza za Toni katika Vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya Kirombo. Lengo kuu la makala haya ni kuchunguza ruwaza ya ujitokezaji wa toni katika vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya Kirombo na kanuni zinazotawala utokeaji huo. Aidha, malengo mahususi: kubainisha silabi inayohusishwa na Tonijuu Msingi (kuanzia sasa TJM) na mbili, kujadili ruwaza ya utokeaji wa toni katika vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya Kirombo na kanuni zinazotawala hutokeaji huo. Data ya Makala haya imetokana na utafiti mpana uliofanywa juu ya toni katika wilaya ya Rombo (2019) ambao&nbsp;&nbsp; uliongozwa na Nadharia ya Fonolojia Vipandesauti Huru kwa kutumia Mkabala wa Tonijuu Msingi kama ulivyoasisiwa na Goldsmith (1976) na kuboreshwa na wanazuoni mbalimbali katika taaluma ya fonolojia. Aidha, mbinu za ukusanyaji data zilizotumika ni pamoja na mahojiano na ushuhudiaji. Katika mahojiano vitenzi visoukomo changamani viliandaliwa kwa Kiswahili na watoataarifa walihitajika kuvitamka kwa Kirombo huku mtafiti akirekodi na kualamisha toni katika vitenzi hivyo. Matokeo ya utafiti yanaonesha kuwa kuna ruwaza mbalimbali za kitoni zinazoleteleza utokeaji wa kanuni za kitoni ambazo hutofautiana kutegemeana na idadi ya silabi na uwapo au kutowapo kwa yambwa. Aidha, vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya silabi moja hutawaliwa na kanuni ya uhusishaji wa toni chini na vitamkwa na sharti la ukubalifu, wakati vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya silabi mbili hadi ama tano au sita za shina hutawaliwa na kanuni ya udondoshaji wa TJM pamoja na kanuni nyingine kitoni kama vile: kanuni ya msambao wa tonijuu kuelekea kulia mwa shina, uhamaji wa TJM kutoka silabi ya kwanza kwenda katika silabi ya pili ya shina, unakiliji wa TJM katika silabi ya mwisho kasoro moja. Aidha, TJM hupachikwa katika mofimu ya yambwa kwa vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya silabi moja ya shina. Pia, matokeo yanaonesha kwamba kuna TJM mbili, yaani, ya kwanza ni ya yambwa na ya pili ikiwa ya shina, ambapo katika mchakato wa ukokotozi wa uibuzi wa toni, TJM ya shina hudondoshwa kwa kuwa yambwa ina nguvu zaidi.&nbsp; Makala haya yamesaidia kujua namna toni zinavyojitokeza katika vitenzi visoukomo changamani vya Kirombo kwa ujumla

Enhancing maternal, newborn and child health support services using an interactive mobile application

A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master’s in Information and Communication Science and Engineering of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and TechnologyReducing maternal and infant deaths rates in developing countries, particularly in sub-Sahara Africa, remains a challenge. Among the interventions to address the challenge is mHealth. MHealth interventions are associated with positive healthcare outcomes such as in improving clinical attendance, skilled delivery and reducing mortality. However, there is slow adoption of mHealth applications in Tanzania. Factors hindering the use of mHealth are technology exposure and language barrier. This study provides a way to address the challenges by adopting interactive features in a mobile app solution which are successful in social networking and ecommerce apps. Such features may help a patient access services before reaching health facility, hence reducing the risk of maternal and infant deaths during emergency. We adopted a case study approach at Mwananyamala and Temeke hospitals. Respondents expressed readiness in appropriate mobile device ownership and willingness to use the mobile app. The mobile app was developed using the Rapid application development model. Different tools and languages such as Unified Modelling Language (UML), Java, XML, PHP programming language, and MySQL database management system were used. The app was tested colleagues at Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, followed by user’s validation at Temeke and Mwananyamala Hospitals. We, recommend enhancement and deployment of the app to users. Since users still view SMS as the preferred feature, future works may integrate this app with text messages. In addition, the government and other stakeholders should adopt innovative methods and efforts aimed at reducing maternal mortality and infant mortality, such as by providing smartphones pregnant women and infant mothers

Athari za Uhamishaji wa Sauti Za Kirombo katika Ujifunzaji wa Kiswahili kama Lugha ya Pili

Suala la athari za L1 katika ujifunzaji wa Kiswahili kama L2 limewavuta wataalamu wengi. Lugha ya Kiswahili hutumika sanjari na lugha za kijamii. Lugha ya kijamii huzungumzwa katika jamii inayohusika na huwa na wazungumzaji wa lugha hiyo kwa eneo zima. Kirombo ni lugha ya kijamii ambayo ipo miongoni mwa lugha za Kichaga ambazo kwa ujumla wake zipo sita: Kirombo, Kimachame, Kikahe, Kihusa, Kimochi na Kisia katika mkoa wa Kilimanjaro (Mluta, 2009). Lugha ya jamii hutumiwa katika ngazi ya familia, biashara, shughuli za kilimo, harusi, mazishi, na kadhalika. Makala haya yanalenga kubaini athari za uhamishaji wa sauti za Kirombo katika ujifunzaji wa Kiswahili kama lugha ya pili. Uhamishaji wa matamshi ya Kirombo katika ujifunzaji wa Kiswahili huathiri lugha ya Kiswahili kama lugha ya pili. Sehemu ya kwanza ya makala haya yanahusu utangulizi wa jumla na fasili ya dhana za msingi kama vile lugha ya kwanza na lugha ya pili, ujipataji wa lugha na ujifunzaji wa lugha. Pia, sehemu hii imefafanua mbinu za utafiti zilizotumika na nadharia iliyoongoza utafiti huo. Aidha, sehemu ya pili ya makala haya yamebainisha athari za kifonolojia za Kirombo zinazohamishiwa katika Kiswahili wakati jamii ya Warombo inapojifunza Kiswahili kama lugha ya pili, na sababu za athari hizo. Mwisho, mwandishi amependekeza njia za kuondokana na tatizo la athari za L1 katika ujifunzaji wa L2 kwa jamii ya Warombo