Use of hot air engine to generate electricity from biogas: a critique for rural development in Tanzania

Rural electrification has high national priority because of several reasons. First, more than 90 per cent of the populations in Tanzania have no access to grid electricity and about 80% of this population lives in rural areas. Second, the poverty alleviation projects demand the incorporation of use of electricity in different economic projects. Third, a combination of high prices of fuel and environmental degradation and deforestation demand use of alternative renewable energy sources. The aim of this paper is to give a critical review and selected a suitable renewable energy by considering its ability to provide affordable, reliable and adequate electricity to household, energy-intensive agriculture and small businesses. Hot air engine designed to convert chemical energy of biogas to electricity was considered to be the most suitable technology for this purpose. In view of this, the paper has also described the technical constraints that prevent this technology from being adopted for this purpose and the alternative solutions that can be used to overcome them. It was concluded that it is possible to modify and produce a hot air engine that uses biogas, which produces sufficient and affordable electricity in rural communities in Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Science Vol. 31 (2) 2005: pp. 53-6

Assessment of radioactivity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in soil and plants for estimation of transfer factors and effective dose around Mkuju River Project, Tanzania

Purpose. To establish pre-mining indicators to assess radiological impact as a result of release of radionuclides to environment during uranium mining at Mkuju River Project radioactivity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in soil, plants, fruits and cereals. Methods. The High Purity Germanium detector was used to determine the radioactivity and the data were subsequently used to establish soil to plant transfer factors and annual effective dose. Findings. The results revealed a strong positive correlation (r) of 0.947 and 0.950 for 226Ra and 232Th, respectively, between values determined in soils and plants. Implicit in these finding is that the distribution of radionuclides in soils is directly proportional to the corresponding radionuclides in plants. Originality. The roots of wild grass had the highest specific radioactivity (Bqkg-1) for 226Ra (2.15 ± 0.02), 232Th (1.43 ± 0.02) and 40K (198.16 ± 1.72) and the roots of cabbage had the highest values for 226Ra (1.38 ± 0.04), 232Th (1.34 ± 0.03) and 40K (146.12 ± 1.02) among the food crops, an indication of a higher ability to uptake radionuclides from soil. Similarly, since the TFs were found higher in wild grass for 226Ra (0.0533 ± 0.04), 232Th (0.0374 ± 0.002) and 40K (0.5297 ± 0.05) and cabbage for 226Ra (0.0362 ± 0.03), 232Th (0.0360 ± 0.001) and 40K (0.4173 ± 0.05). Practical implications. It is an evident that these plants can serve as good bio indicators to assess release of radionuclides from inside the mining site to the public domain. Moreover, the annual effective dose (mSvy-1) for 40K (0.23 ± 0.02), 226Ra (0.046±0.004) and 232Th (0.073 ± 0.006) in edible crops when consumed in the vicinity of the MRP before the mining operations were, as expected, insignificant.Мета. Встановити показники радіологічного впливу викиду радіонуклідів на навколишнє середовище під час видобутку урану на родовищі “Мкужу-Рівер”, а саме 226Ra, 232Th та 40K у ґрунті, рослинах, фруктах та злаках. Методика. Для визначення радіоактивності використовувався детектор високочистого германію. Отримані дані були використані для визначення факторів переносу й ефективної дози для ґрунту і рослин. Результати. Результати виявили сильну позитивну кореляцію (r) 0.947 і 0.950 226Ra та 232Th, відповідно, між отриманими значеннями в ґрунтах та рослинах. Розподіл радіонуклідів у ґрунтах прямо пропорційний відповідним радіонуклідам рослин. Наукова новизна. Найвища питома радіоактивність (Бк/кг-1) зафіксована в коріннях трави – 226Ra (2.15 ± 0.02), 232Th (1.43 ± 0.02) та 40K (198.16 ± 1.72), а корені капусти мають найвищі значення радіоактивності серед харчових культур – 226Ra (1.38 ± 0.04), 232Тh (1.34 ± 0.03) та 40 К (146.12 ± 1.02), що свідчить про більш високу здатність поглинати радіонукліди з ґрунту. Аналогічно, найвищий фактор переносу зафіксований у коріннях трави – 226Ra (0.0533 ± 0.04), 232Тh (0.0374 ± 0.002) та 40К (0.5297 ± 0.05) та капусти – 226Rа (0.0362 ± 0.03), 232Тh (0.0360 ± 0.001) та 40К (0.4173 ± 0.05). Практична значимість. Встановлено, що рослини можуть служити хорошими біоіндикаторами для загальнодоступної оцінки викиду радіонуклідів із гірничодобувної ділянки. Крім того, щорічна ефективна доза (мСв-1) для 40К (0.23 ± 0.02), 226Rа (0.046 ± 0.004) та 232Тh (0.073 ± 0.006) в їстівних культурах, що споживаються в околицях уранового родовища “Мкужу-Рівер” до початку його розробки, як і очікувалося, є незначною.Цель. Установить показатели радиационного воздействия выброса радионуклидов в окружающую среду при добыче урана на месторождении “Мкужу Ривер”, а именно 226Ra, 232Th та 40K в почве, растениях, фруктах и злаках. Методика. Для определения радиоактивности использовался детектор высокочистого германия. Полученные данные были использованы для определения факторов переноса и эффективной дозы для почвы и растений. Результаты. Результаты выявили сильную положительную корреляцию (r) 0.947 и 0.950 226Ra и 232Th, соответственно, между полученными значениями в почвах и растениях. Распределение радионуклидов в почвах прямо пропорционально соответствующим радионуклидам растений. Научная новизна. Наивысшая удельная радиоактивность (Бк/кг-1) зафиксирована в корнях травы – 226Ra (2.15 ± 0.02), 232Th (1.43 ± 0.02) и 40K (198.16 ± 1.72), а корни капусты имеют наивысшие значения радиоактивности среди пищевых культур – 226Ra (1.38 ± 0.04), 232Тh (1.34 ± 0.03) и 40 К (146.12 ± 1.02), что свидетельствует о более высокой способности поглощать радионуклиды из почвы. Аналогично, наивысший фактор переноса зафиксирован в корнях травы – 226Ra (0.0533 ± 0.04), 232Тh (0.0374 ± 0.002) и 40К (0.5297 ± 0.05) и капусты – 226Rа (0.0362 ± 0.03), 232Тh (0.0360 ± 0.001) и 40К (0.4173 ± 0.05). Практическая значимость. Установлено, что растения могут служить хорошими биоиндикаторами для общедоступной оценки выброса радионуклидов с горнодобывающего участка. Кроме того, ежегодная эффективная доза (мСВ-1) для для 40К (0.23 ± 0.02), 226Rа (0.046 ± 0.004) и 232Тh (0.073 ± 0.006) в съедобных культурах, потребляемых в окрестностях уранового месторождения “Мкужу-Ривер” до начала его разработки, как и ожидалось, является незначительной.The authors gratefully acknowledge the owners of MRP, the Uranium One, for permission to take samples in the area. The technical assistance and the logistical support provided by Mr. Beria, Site Manager, and John Ntukula, Environmental Manager, for supplying valuable background information and transport to sampling points is highly appreciated. The authors would also like to thank Mr. Mujuni Rweyemamu of TAEC for his assistance in radioactivity measurement of the samples. Thanks also go to COSTECH for financial support, and the TAEC for granting a study leave

Assessment of heavy metal concentration in water around the proposed Mkuju River Uranium Project in Tanzania

Effective verification for compliance with water quality standards in uranium mining in Tanzania requires data sensitive to monitor heavy metal concentration in water around the Mkuju River Uranium Project before mining commences. The area susceptible for pollution by the project was estimated using AERMOD dispersion model and found to cover about 1300 km2. Thirty one surface and groundwater samples were collected and analysed for heavy metals and physicochemical properties using ICP-MS and standards techniques, respectively. The physicochemical properties for water samples analysed ranges from 5.7 to 7.8 for pH, 2.8 to 80.2 mg/L for TDS and 15 to 534.5 mS/cm for EC. These values show that the water in the vicinity of the Mkuju River Uranium Project is normal. The ranges of concentration of heavy metals (μgL-1) determined in water ranges were: Al(2 to 9049), Cr(0.2 to 19.96), Mn (0.1 to 1452),Fe(2 to 53890),Co(0.02 to 27.63), Ni(0.2 to 9.7), Cu(2 to 17), Zn(2 to 62.94), As(0.4 to 19.17), Cd(0.02 to 0.14), Pb (0.02 to 78.68), Th (0.002 to 1.73),U(0.002 to 29.76). These values are below the tolerance levels of concentrations set by different International organisations. Therefore heavy metal toxicity in the study area is marginal. The parameters that could serve as baseline data because of their enhanced sensitivity to pollution were (i) concentration of chromium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium and lead in water (ii) pH, TDS and EC for water, (iii) TDS ratio for surface to ground water values and (iv) correlation coefficients between the heavy metals. However, since TDS values are season dependent, this indicator can serve as baseline data when measured during the dry season as was the case in the study.Keywords: Baseline, Heavy Metal Pollution, Mkuju River Project, Uranium Mining, Water Pollutio

Prevalence and antimicrobial sensitivity of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli among underfives presenting with diarrhoea at hospitals in Mwanza City, Tanzania

Background: Escherichia coli is among the most common causes of diarrhoea in children below five years of age in developing countries. Diarrhoeal diseases rank the second most common cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Here we report the magnitude of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection among underfives with diarrhoea in Mwanza, Tanzania.Methods: This study was carried out at Nyamagana and Sekou Toure hospitals in Mwanza, Tanzania. Between July, 2015 and March, 2016, children aged < 5 years with diarrhoea were included in the study. Demographics and relevant information were recorded. Stool specimens were cultured onto MacConkey and Salmonella-Shigella Agars. CHROMagar STEC was used to identify STEC. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed to all pathogenic bacteria using disc diffusion method.Results: A total of 304 children were include in the study. The mean (±standard deviation) age of the enrolled children was 1.4 (±1.03) years. Out of 304 diarrhoea cases, 32 (10.5%) were positive for STEC and 12 (3.9%) were due to other pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella and Shigella species.). Of 32 STEC isolates, 22 (68.8%) and 20 (62.5%) were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole respectively and 3 (9.4%) were found to produce extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL). Use of water from wells (p=0.006) was found to be the predictor of the presence of pathogenic bacteria.Conclusion: Clinicians should consider STEC as the potential pathogens causing diarrhoea in the region. More than 60% of pathogenic bacteria were resistant to commonly prescribed antimicrobials like amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. There is a need to emphasize on the provision of safe water, health education together with improvements in sanitation and personal hygiene as key strategies to reduce these infections

Comparison of Prescribed from Delivered Dose to Cancer of Cervix Patients Treated by Theratron Equinox 80 cm Source-to-Axis Distance (SAD) Technique at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Tanzania

The aim of the present study was to investigate deviations between prescribed from delivered dose for cervical cancer patients treated at Ocean Road Cancer Institute using Equinox 80 Tele-cobalt machine. In this work, anterior-posterior (AP) and posterior anterior (PA) fields using Source-to-Axis Distance (SAD) technique was used. Measurements of entrance doses were taken using calibrated diode detector in three groups of patients. In group 1, only 15 patients out of 31 curative intent patients received doses lower than ± 5% of 2 Gy as compared to the prescribed dose. In group 2, 1 measurement was done for 9 patients who received palliative single dose of 10 Gy and 2 patients out of 9 received doses within the range of ± 5% of the prescribed dose. In group 3, 1 daily measurement was done for 12 patients who were prescribed a curative dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions. The maximum observed deviation was + 25.08%, while that of minimum was – 0.59%. Since significant deviations between prescribed and delivered doses exist, there is a need to conduct another study using both patient and machine related factors to refine the problem of high dose deviations among the patients. Keywords: Tele-cobalt machine; in-vivo dosimetry; measured and delivered dose; cervical cancer; diode detecto

The Geriatric G8 Score Is Associated with Survival Outcomes in Older Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer in the ADHERE Prospective Study of the Meet-URO Network

Introduction: Androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) have been increasingly offered to older patients with prostate cancer (PC). However, prognostic factors relevant to their outcome with ARPIs are still little investigated. Methods and Materials: The Meet-URO network ADHERE was a prospective multicentre observational cohort study evaluating and monitoring adherence to ARPIs metastatic castrate-resistant PC (mCRPC) patients aged ≥70. Cox regression univariable and multivariable analyses for radiographic progression-free (rPFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed. Unsupervised median values and literature-based thresholds where available were used as cut-offs for quantitative variables. Results: Overall, 234 patients were enrolled with a median age of 78 years (73–82); 86 were treated with abiraterone (ABI) and 148 with enzalutamide (ENZ). With a median follow-up of 15.4 months (mo.), the median rPFS was 26.0 mo. (95% CI, 22.8–29.3) and OS 48.8 mo. (95% CI, 36.8–60.8). At the MVA, independent prognostic factors for both worse rPFS and OS were Geriatric G8 assessment ≤ 14 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004) and PSA decline ≥50% (p < 0.001 for both); time to castration resistance ≥ 31 mo. and setting of treatment (i.e., post-ABI/ENZ) for rPFS only (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively); age ≥78 years for OS only (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Baseline G8 screening is recommended for mCRPC patients aged ≥70 to optimise ARPIs in vulnerable individuals, including early introduction of palliative care

Adherence to Oral Treatments in Older Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer, the ADHERE Study: A Prospective Trial of the Meet-URO Network

\ua9 2022 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press. Background: Novel androgen receptor signaling inhibitors for prostate cancer (PC) impose the burden of self-administration on older patients overwhelmed by the requirement of many other concomitant medications. Patients and Methods: This study evaluated the proportion of non-adherence in a 12-month follow-up period and the first 3 months to abiraterone (ABI) or enzalutamide (ENZ). In a prospective multicenter observational cohort study, patients with metastatic castration-resistant PC (mCRPC) aged ≥70 years receiving ABI or ENZ pre- or post-docetaxel were enrolled. Treatment monitoring included pill counting, a self-assessment questionnaire, and clinical diaries at each clinical visit. Non-adherence rates were based on proportions of missed/prescribed pills ratios by pill counting. Results: Overall, 234 patients were recruited with median age of 78 years (range, 73-82); 86 (37%) were treated with ABI, and 148 (63%) with ENZ. The median follow-up for adherence was seven monthly cycles (IQR: 4-12). The two cohorts were well balanced for baseline characteristics. The percentage of non-adherence by pill counting was slightly higher for ABI than ENZ (5.2% vs. 4.2%, P &lt;. 001). By self-reporting, patients on ENZ tended to report more frequently than those with ABI forgetfulness as the reason for missing events (42% vs. 17%, P &lt;. 001). A lower Geriatric G8 score correlated with non-adherence (P =. 004). Overall survival (OS) was 48.8 months. Patients on ABI had radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) of 28.4 [24.2-32.5], while for ENZ patients, we reported a median rPFS of 23.1 [18.2-28.1] months. Conclusion: Physicians tend to treat older mCRPC patients with ENZ. Non-adherence rate is relatively low overall but can be higher with ABI than with ENZ and correlates with the Geriatric G8 score. Forgetfulness is a potential barrier for ENZ

The Geriatric G8 Score Is Associated with Survival Outcomes in Older Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer in the ADHERE Prospective Study of the Meet-URO Network

\ua9 2022 by the authors.Introduction: Androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) have been increasingly offered to older patients with prostate cancer (PC). However, prognostic factors relevant to their outcome with ARPIs are still little investigated. Methods and Materials: The Meet-URO network ADHERE was a prospective multicentre observational cohort study evaluating and monitoring adherence to ARPIs metastatic castrate-resistant PC (mCRPC) patients aged ≥70. Cox regression univariable and multivariable analyses for radiographic progression-free (rPFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed. Unsupervised median values and literature-based thresholds where available were used as cut-offs for quantitative variables. Results: Overall, 234 patients were enrolled with a median age of 78 years (73–82); 86 were treated with abiraterone (ABI) and 148 with enzalutamide (ENZ). With a median follow-up of 15.4 months (mo.), the median rPFS was 26.0 mo. (95% CI, 22.8–29.3) and OS 48.8 mo. (95% CI, 36.8–60.8). At the MVA, independent prognostic factors for both worse rPFS and OS were Geriatric G8 assessment ≤ 14 (p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.004) and PSA decline ≥50% (p &lt; 0.001 for both); time to castration resistance ≥ 31 mo. and setting of treatment (i.e., post-ABI/ENZ) for rPFS only (p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively); age ≥78 years for OS only (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Baseline G8 screening is recommended for mCRPC patients aged ≥70 to optimise ARPIs in vulnerable individuals, including early introduction of palliative care