NRU :: Browsing by Author "Maiga, Gilbert"

Browsing by Author "Maiga, Gilbert"

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Automated image-based diagnosis of cowpea diseases
(AGILE, 2018) Nsumba, Solomon; Mwebaze, Ernest; Bagarukayo, Emily; Maiga, Gilbert
Cowpea is the third most important legume food crop in Uganda with the eastern and northern regions accounting for most of the production in the country. However, it is vulnerable to virus and fungal diseases, which threaten to destabilize food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Unique methods of cowpea disease detection are needed to support improved control which will prevent this crisis. In this paper, we discuss automated disease detection model for cowpea based on deep neural network computational techniques that can be used by non-experts and smallholder farmers to do the field-based diagnosis of cowpea diseases. Image recognition offers both a cost-effective and scalable technology for disease detection. New transfer learning methods offer an avenue for this technology to be easily deployed on mobile devices. Using a dataset of cowpea disease images taken in the field in Uganda, we applied transfer learning to train a deep convolutional neural network to identify three cowpea diseases and to identify healthy plants as well. The best-trained model accuracies were 98% for healthy, 95% for powdery mildew, 98% for cercospora, and 96% for the mosaic virus. The best model achieved an overall accuracy of 93% for data not used in the training process. Our results show that the transfer learning approach for image recognition of field images offers a fast, affordable, and easily deployable strategy for digital plant disease detection.
Blended Learning Resources in Constrained Bandwidth Environment: Considerations for Network and Multimedia Optimization
(Advances in Computer Science: An International Journal, 2013) Suhail, Nazir Ahmad; Lubega, Jude; Maiga, Gilbert
The potential of multimedia teaching and learning approach at higher education is well recognized by researchers, as it is a powerful tool to increase the perceived level of user satisfaction, leading to enhance the blended learning process. However, the learning process can be improved significantly by delivering the content using visual media (video, audio, and graphics). On the other hand, such multimedia contents require larger bandwidth for transmission over the Internet, which is limited in developing environments where demand always exceeds the resource. This paper constructs a framework comprising of network optimization and multimedia optimization, as two main components, aimed to improve the multimedia performance in the context of constrained bandwidth environment.
A Conceptual Framework for IT Governance Mechanisms in Uganda’s Higher Institutions of Learning
(International Journal of Digital Strategy, Governance, and Business Transformation, 2021) Ndagire, Lillian; Maiga, Gilbert; Oyo, Benedict
Poor implementation of information technology governance (ITG) leads to several IT systems performing poorly, resulting in discontinuity of services, user frustration, loss of IT investment, increased redundancy, duplication of efforts, poor decision making, and reputation loss. In Uganda, implementation of ITG is low as many public sector organizations are yet to streamline. Yet, for higher institutions of learning (HILs), the implementation of ITG is unexplored. Therefore, this study sought to determine the required mechanisms to design an ITG framework for HILs in Uganda (IGHU). A descriptive field study was conducted, and the data were analyzed using SmartPLS 2.3.9 software. The causal relationships and validity of the constructs of IGHU were tested using partial least square path modeling. The coefficient of determination was 0.35; the path coefficient indicated both positive and negative relationships of independent to dependent constructs, and hypotheses such as accountability of IT projects and awareness campaigns were statistically significant.
Mapping of Prevalence of Nodding Syndrome and Associated Epilepsy Reporting in Uganda: Spatial – Temporal Approach
(AGILE, 2018) Ongaya, Kizito; Oyo, Benedict; Ssemaluulu, Paul; Maiga, Gilbert
In recent years, transmission of diseases has exhibited new spatial and temporal patterns. Emerging diseases are being discovered more often. Some have unknown transmission patterns and mechanisms for diagnosis. This results to numerous hypothetical postulations just as in the case of nodding syndrome which has affected thousands of children in Uganda. Spatial-temporal analysis may provide a quick mechanism to establish comparative understanding of the various hypotheses ascribed to an emerging disease. This situation, is particularly seen in nodding syndrome where there is considerable suspicion that nodding syndrome is a form of epilepsy. Little literature is available on spatial-temporal comparison between incidences of these two ailments. The aim of this paper is to establish spatial-temporal relationships between ailments diagnosed as nodding syndrome and ailments diagnosed as epilepsy. We carried out an exploratory survey in three districts of Northern Uganda. Spatial data of health centres were recorded and ArcGIS was used for display. Our findings established that, there was significant spatial-temporal relationship of diagnosis reporting of nodding syndrome and epilepsy. The study concludes that the surveillance mechanisms for nodding syndrome established in 2012 are effective. At the same time, the study affirms that in the event of occurrence of an emerging disease, when there is no established clinical diagnosis, geographical info
Multimedia to Enhance Blended Learning Experience in Constrained Low Bandwidth Environment
(Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2012) Ahmad Suhail, Nazir; Lubega, Jude T.; Maiga, Gilbert
This paper identifies multimedia compatible with the challenges of constrained low bandwidth environment by using a Multi Level Systematic Approach (MLSA) through literature investigation, aimed to enhance blended learning experience in developing countries. At level I, a huge database for various media formats was identified. At level II, most commonly used visual media was selected based upon the usability characteristics. At Level III, we conducted a critical deep investigation of selected very commonly used media formats using different characteristics. The analysis of Level III investigation was done at Level IV. The study concluded that MP4, MP3 and JPEG or PNG are, respectively, the video, audio and graphic formats compatible with the challenges of constrained low bandwidth environment. This paper extends some sections of the previous work published by the same authors.
Online Courseware Development in Public Universities in Uganda: The Precepts of Active, Passive and Exclusive Participation
(Springer, Cham, 2018) Oyo, Benedict; Maiga, Gilbert; Birevu Muyinda, Paul
Irrespective of the maturity or infancy of e-learning adoption in a university, the academic staff always have varying levels of commitment to online courseware development and delivery. Some will be actively engaged, some will be passively involved while others will remain ignorant about online courses’ issues. This paper investigates trends in online courseware development in Uganda and classifies emerging participation levels into three, namely active, passive and exclusive engagement. The latter clustering followed a survey of 120 academic staff from six public universities in Uganda, with general findings indicating low participation of instructors in courseware development. For instance, whereas 60% of the respondents had been trained in the use of authoring tools, only about a half of them had continued to use these tools for courseware development. Essentially, the survey revealed that the variation in courseware development engagement is caused by both the individual and institutional strengths (active case) and weaknesses (passive and exclusive scenarios). As such, institutional support strategies for improvement in courseware development for each of these three categories are explored and discussed. Future researchers are encouraged to test the developed institutional support strategies in their e-learning or blended learning practice.
Optimization Based Multimedia Performance to Enhance Blended Learning Experience in Constrained Low Bandwidth Environment
(Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg., 2011) Ahmad Suhail, Nazir; Lubega, Jude T.; Maiga, Gilbert
The efficient transmission of multimedia applications and time sensititive applications in particular, over the heterogeneous networks is a challenging research problem that requires investigation. This paper focuses on an experimental testbed designed to verify the theoretical concept; performance of multimedia content can be improved by optimizing both network and application. User-driven parameter ‘latency’ was used to achieve the objective, during transmission of multimedia files (video, audio, graphics, and text) over a wireless network. Results indicated that latency factor was reduced significantly, when optimization technique was applied on both network and multimedia content as compared to applying on each component individually. This work falls within the scope of “Optimization Technique for Implementation of Blended Learning in Constrained Low Bandwidth Environment” [1].
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Nodding Syndrome in Northern Uganda 1990-2014
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2020) Ongaya, Kizito; Aturinde, Augustus; Farnaghi, Mahdi; Mansourian, Ali; Maiga, Gilbert; Oyo, Benedict; Bagarukayo, Emily
The emergence of nodding syndrome (NS) in Northern Uganda has generated controversial views with respect to patterns, natural history, and aetiology of the disease which is yet unknown. This study explored spatial patterns of NS using spatial-temporal methods to establish its clustering patterns across both space and time. Village and year of NS onset for individual patients between the years 1990 and 2014 were entered as input for spatial and temporal analysis in the 6 districts in northern Uganda where it is prevalent. Our temporal results showed that NS onset started before the population was moved in Internally Displaced People’s (IDPs) camps. It also shows that NS continued to be reported during the IDPs and after people had left the IDPs. Our spatial and spatiotemporal analysis showed that two periods had persistent NS clusters. These were 2000-2004 and 2010-2014, coinciding with the period when the population was in the IDP camps and when the population was already out of the camps, respectively. Our conclusion is that the view of associating NS outbreak with living conditions in IDP camps is thus coincidental. We, therefore, contend that the actual aetiological factor of NS is still at large.
Towards a Public Participatory GIS-Based Framework for Municipal Solid Waste Management
(Springer International Publishing, 2019) Arinaitwe, Irene; Maiga, Gilbert; Nakakawa, Agnes
Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is a global controversial environmental challenge globally. Participatory approaches in planning and decision making have been advanced as part of the strategies in order to attain sustainable waste management systems. However, achieving meaningful public participation for such systems is still a challenge. The need therefore remains to explore different ways in which public participation in MSWM can be enhanced. The use of Public Participatory GIS (PPGIS) has a potential to increase public participation in MSWM. However, its use still face hurdles from the social, institutional and political aspects that limit “public participation”. This paper reports on a study that explores the social, political and institutional challenges affecting public participation in MSWM problem in Uganda. An exploratory study was conducted in Uganda’s central region with key stakeholders in MSWM. The results were analyzed using thematic analysis based on the Enhanced Adaptive Structuration Theory (EAST-2) framework. The results show that knowledge and awareness, participant attitudes, institutional practices, political will and legislation are important for successful MSWM participatory planning process.
Towards an Interactive Agent-Based Approach to Real-Time Feedback (IAARF) in E-Learning System
(Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2012) Omoda-Onyait, Godfrey; Lubega, Jude T.; Maiga, Gilbert; Angole, Richard O.
E-learning management systems use an interactive approach that presents the learner with learning objects to interact with during the learning process. Several interactive platforms for sharing learners’ ideas, integrating mutual knowledge or providing feedback have been proposed. However, these approaches have met with limited success. Furthermore, although design education is already taking full advantage of the current state and economy of online information, online teaching materials suffer from scanty content, poor interactivity, and insufficient participation. This paper proposes an interactive agent-based approach to real-time feedback (IAARF) generation in e-learning systems for higher institutions of learning. This approach presents the possible way to use agents in an interactive manner to create learner profiles, guide the learners to set the learning goals, learner activities, and extract learner resources during the learning process. The major strength of this approach is the high level of learner engagement, with real-time feedback (RF) to the learner, shaping and transforming their learning dynamics.
Widely Acclaimed but Lowly Utilized: Congruencing ODL Utilization with its Wide Acclaim
(Universal Journal of Educational Research, 2019) Birevu Muyinda, Paul; Mayende, Godfrey; Maiga, Gilbert; Oyo, Benedict
World over, open distance learning (ODL) is widely articulated and vouchered as a panacea pedagogy for increased access and flexibility to higher education. In reality, however, the actual use of ODL approaches in higher institutions of learning in developing regions is unexpectedly low and not in tandem with its wide favorable regional and international vouchering. This paper has the goal to suggest a framework for congruencing the low utilization levels of ODL approaches with their wide acclaim. Using a cross sectional survey, an inquiry was conducted among faculty across institutions of higher learning in Uganda to establish: i)the factors explaining the wide acclaim for ODL; ii) theutilization level of ODL; iii) the factors that explain the present utilization levels of ODL; and iv) a framework for congruencing low ODL utilization with the hype surrounding it. The study revealed that being an ICT-driven pedagogy, ODL has the potential to transform higher education since ICTs are transforming other sectors. Further, the majority of institutions have put in place policies to spur ODL, but even then, ODL utilization has largely remained voluntary, implying lack of policy enforcement. This has left about 50% of the faculty with no presence whatsoever on their universities’ LMSs. Low utilization was explained by factors personal or institutional in nature. Personal factors related to lack of will by faculty to get out of their perceived comfort zones and limited ODL pedagogy capacity. Institutional factors related to limited connectivity and access to ICT systems. Others were defective LMSs and lack of ODL pedagogy support. Institutions wishing to spur ODL utilization must first address people issues (soft dimensions) as they address the technological issues (hard dimensions). This way the hype will match the reality.

Browsing by Author "Maiga, Gilbert"

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