Engineering and Technology

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Bamboo mapping of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda for the year 2016 using multi-temporal Landsat imagery
(International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 2018-07-13) Zhao,Yuanyuan; Akombo, Rose; Mutyaba, Joseph; Oduor, Nellie Mugure; Ndawula, Andrew Kalema; Gong, Peng
Mapping the spatial distribution of bamboo in East Africa is necessary for biodiversity conservation, resource management and policy making for rural poverty reduction. In this study, we produced a contemporary bamboo cover map of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda for the year 2016 using multi-temporal Landsat imagery series at 30 m spatial resolution. This is the first bamboo map generated using remotely sensed data for these three East African countries that possess most of the African bamboo resource. The producer's and user's accuracies of bamboos are 79.2% and 84.0%, respectively. The hotspots with large amounts of bamboo were identified and the area of bamboo coverage for each region was estimated according to the map. The seasonal growth status of two typical bamboo zones (one highland bamboo and one lowland bamboo) were analyzed and the multi-temporal imagery proved to be useful in differentiating bamboo from other vegetation classes. The images acquired in September to February are less contaminated by clouds and shadows, and the image series cover the dying back process of lowland bamboo, which were helpful for bamboo identification in East Africa.
THE TECHNOMART PLATFORM An Online Gateway to Uganda’s Research and Innovation Ecosystem
(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-07-02) Geoffery Sempiri
The Technomart Platform is an innovative digital gateway developed by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) to enhance visibility, collaboration, and commercialization within Uganda’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem. Presented at the 2nd NEMRA Conference on 2nd July 2025, this platform aims to serve as the national one-stop centre for linking academia, industry, and innovators. It offers a suite of interconnected services, including a searchable database of shared research equipment, expert profiles, an innovation marketplace, a technology challenge hub, and access to production facilities. By enabling real-time information exchange and fostering demand-driven innovation, Technomart supports the development of solutions to industrial challenges, facilitates public-private partnerships, and strengthens Uganda’s capacity for research utilization. Ultimately, it positions itself as a strategic tool for accelerating socio-economic development through STI.
Sustainable urban transportation planning: Integrating an electrified metro system into Kampala metropolis
(Elsevier Ltd, 2024-11-21) Kimuli, Ismail;; Kirabira, John Baptist;; Nkambwe, Ismael ;; Nakyejwe, Saadat L.K.;; Lubwama, Michael;; Sendawula, Kasimu;; Nabaggala, Nashua K
Electrified metro critical.•Policy shifts vital.•Multi-modal integration.•Renewable energy focus.•Kampala-specific solutions. With the United Nations (UN) predicting that 60% of the global population will reside in cities by 2050, sustainable transportation planning is a prominent global trend. This study examines Kampala's transportation sustainability and addresses existing knowledge gaps. It leverages the TIMES-VEDA model, an acronym for “The Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System - Versatile Data Analyst.” TIMES-VEDA is an engineering optimizer used to explore four scenarios: Business-as-Usual (BAU), Reduction in Electricity Consumption (REC), Renewable Electricity Portfolio (REP), and Carbon Reduction Target (CRT). These scenarios analyze the inherent aspects of the Kampala metropolis energy system, providing a foundation for evidence-based decision-making. The approach aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN's SDGs 7, 11, & 13), Uganda's Vision 2040, and the third National Development Plan (NDPIII). The analysis demonstrates that sustainability is within range and highlights the imperative of a holistic approach, the potential of mass rapid transit, anchored by an electrified metro system, to advance green mobility. It sheds light on sustainable practices and trade-offs among distinctive pathways, suggesting a mix of policy measures to combat climate change. The KAMPALA-TIMES model, a bottom-up framework, reveals that a region-specific policy package, particularly the CRT scenario, achieves significant decarbonization, promoting eco-friendly multimodal transportation and paving the way for a more sustainable future for Kampala until 2060. The findings inform policy on urban planning and sustainable transportation that is adaptable elsewhere, ensuring long-term environmental and economic resilience.
Leveraging AI in academia: university students’ adoption of ChatGPT for writing coursework (take home) assignments through the lens of UTAUT2
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025-03-22) Namatovu, Afulah;; Kyambade, Mahadih
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, with tools like ChatGPT offering innovative support for university students in tasks such as essay writing and problem-solving. This study examines factors influencing ChatGPT adoption among students in Uganda, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) framework. The UTAUT2 model explores performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, price value, and habit as key drivers of technology use. A mixed-method approach was employed, involving a survey of 473 third-year Makerere University Business School students and qualitative interviews. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyzed relationships between UTAUT2 constructs and students’ intentions to use ChatGPT. The findings show that performance expectancy, habit, and social influence significantly impact adoption, while effort expectancy and price value have less influence. This research highlights the potential of AI to enhance academic performance in resource-constrained settings. The insights are valuable for educators and policymakers aiming to integrate AI tools effectively in developing countries, addressing barriers like limited digital literacy and technological access. The study provides a foundation for strategies that support the adoption of AI in higher education, enhancing learning outcomes in Uganda’s unique socio-economic context.
Contribution of R&D grants and investment to the commercialization of innovations in Uganda: Lessons from UNCST a science granting council
(Informa UK Limited, 2024-11-09) Jjagwe, Ronald; Kirabira, John Baptist; Mukasa, Norbert
The Government of Uganda (GoU) has prioritized Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in its pursuit of a knowledge-based economy. While scholars have identified a positive association between innovation investment and performance, the role of R&D grants and investment in the commercialization of innovations and their influence on innovation performance require further clarification. The objective of this study is to examine the contribution of R&D funding and investment to the commercialization of innovations in Uganda. A qualitative research method was employed using case study and interview approaches. This method involves gathering various types of evidence including document reviews, field visits, and interviews with key informants and focus groups. Data analysis was conducted by matching themes derived from document reviews, case studies, and interviews. The study findings highlight the need for GoU to prioritize institutional development, address structural problems to innovation input, promote talent flow, and rationally build regional knowledge value chains to improve innovation and commercialization efficiency. The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) must maintain momentum in gathering STI indicators to support the evidence-based formulation of effective STI policies. This study provides theoretical and policy-oriented insights by emphasizing the significance of R&D funding and investment in facilitating the commercialization of innovations in Uganda.
Conceptual and Procedural Trajectories in Transformation Geometry: A Comparative Study of Technology-Enhanced and Conventional Van Hiele Phased Instruction
(International Journal of Education, Technology and Science, 2025-05-01) Ndungo, Issa; Balimuttajjo, Sudi; Akugizibwe, Edwin
This study investigates the effectiveness of Technology-Enhanced Van Hiele Phased Instruction (TVHPI) compared to Conventional Van Hiele Phased Instruction (CVHPI) in enhancing learners' conceptual understanding and procedural fluency in transformation geometry. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 144 secondary school learners from six schools in Uganda. Conceptual and procedural understanding was assessed from learners’ test scripts using a 5-point scale of performance, and performance across Van Hiele levels was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that TVHPI significantly improved both conceptual understanding (t = 10.861, p = 0.00) and procedural fluency (t = 10.491, p = 0.00) compared to CVHPI. Performance across Van Hiele levels showed foundational tasks (Levels 1 and 2) were better supported by both strategies, while TVHPI showed an advantage at intermediate levels (Level 3). The study recommends integrating technology like GeoGebra into instructional practices to enhance learning outcomes. These findings emphasize the potential of technology-enhanced strategies to improve geometric reasoning and inform curriculum design.
Uganda’s National Transmission Backbone Infrastructure Project: Technical Challenges and Way Forward
(IEEE, 2010-12-30) Bulega, T.; Kyeyune, A.; Onek, P.; Sseguya, R.; Mbabazi, D.; Katwiremu, E.
Several publications such as media articles have pointed out key technical challenges facing Uganda's National Transmission Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) project. The challenges emanate from the use of G652 instead of other fiber-optic cable types like the G655 fiber-optic cable. However, the articles do not suggest ways of addressing the technical limitations of the project. This paper uses an exploratory, quantitative and analytical approach to evaluate the goals of the project, and the already deployed part of the infrastructure, and compares the evaluation results, against the technical capability of the backbone, based on global backbone infrastructure performance benchmarks. A survey of previous work and results from related studies form inputs to a grounded theory-based hypothesis formulation. The paper highlights the national demand of bandwidth by all anticipated users such as government ministries, universities, schools, health centers, administrative headquarters and private sector entities. The findings of the study are validated through comparisons with results of investigations carried out on similar projects in developing countries. Finally the paper suggests ways of addressing the challenges of the NBI project using alternatives such as the use of Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) repeaters after shorter distances, leasing bandwidth from private companies to cater for the deficit, use of microwave links for redundancy, setting up a Network Operation Center (NOC) for operation and maintenance, and deployment of WiMAX as a last mile solution.
Building information modelling adoption in Uganda’s construction industry
(Informa UK Limited, 2022-04-04) Acheng, Pamela O.; Kibwami, Nathan; Mukasa, Tom J.; Odongkara, Brian B.; Birungi, Rachel; Semada, Julius; Manga, Musa
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has gained traction over the last decade seeing several countries making BIM mandatory. Projects using BIM have enjoyed better quality, reduced costs, and duration. However, its adoption remains low in developing nations like Uganda. This study assessed the state of BIM and its feasibility in Uganda’s construction industry. Data was collected using a structured online survey from 162 registered Architecture, Construction, and Engineering professionals. The analysis applied statistical tests like One-way non-parametric ANOVA, pairwise post hoc dunn and Mann-Whitney tests to assess relationships between profession, work experience, role in the supply chain, involvement in academia, against the awareness, BIM tools used, BIM functions, perceived benefits of BIM, and barriers to BIM adoption. Enhanced productivity was the highest benefit of BIM, along with complete project information and improved design quality. Acquisition and training costs were the top barriers to adoption. The ANOVA test showed those in academia had better understanding of BIM concepts, implying academia's importance in promoting BIM while work experience influenced BIM functions used and awareness of BIM tools. Different professions had varied understanding of some BIM concepts.
Effects of technical and security factors on grid electricity reliability: evidence from Uganda national electricity grid network
(Emerald, 2023-11-03) Migisha, Adella Grace; Ntayi, Joseph Mapeera; Adaramola, Muyiwa S.; Buyinza, Faisal; Senyonga, Livingstone; Abaliwano, Joyce
Purpose An unreliable supply of grid electricity has a strong negative impact on industrial and commercial profitability as well as on household activities and government services that rely on electricity supply. This unreliable grid electricity could be a result of technical and security factors affecting the grid network. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of technical and security factors on the transmission and distribution of grid electricity in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach This study used the ordinary least squares (OLS) and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models to examine the effects of technical and security factors on grid electricity reliability in Uganda. The study draws upon secondary time series monthly data sourced from the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) government utility, which transmits electricity to both distributors and grid users. Additionally, data from Umeme Limited, the largest power distribution utility in Uganda, were incorporated into the analysis. Findings The findings revealed that technical faults, failed grid equipment, system overload and theft and vandalism affected grid electricity reliability in the transmission and distribution subsystems of the Ugandan power grid network. The effect was computed both in terms of frequency and duration of power outages. For instance, the number of power outages was 116 and 2,307 for transmission and distribution subsystems, respectively. In terms of duration, the power outages reported on average were 1,248 h and 5,826 h, respectively, for transmission and distribution subsystems. Originality/value This paper investigates the effects of technical and security factors on the transmission and distribution grid electricity reliability, specifically focusing on frequency and duration of power outages, in the Ugandan context. It combines both OLS and ARDL models for analysis and adopts the systems reliability theory in the area of grid electricity reliability research.
Investigating the modern renewable energy-environmental Kuznets curve (REKC) hypothesis for East Africa Community (EAC) countries
(Emerald, 2023-11-28) Nabaweesi, Jennifer; Kigongo, Twaha Kaawaase; Buyinza, Faisal; Adaramola, Muyiwa S.; Namagembe, Sheila; Nkote, Isaac Nabeta
Purpose The study aims to explore the validity of the modern renewable energy-environmental Kuznets curve (REKC) while considering the relevance of financial development in the consumption of modern renewable energy in East Africa Community (EAC). Modern renewable energy in this study includes all other forms of renewable energy except traditional use of biomass. The authors controlled for the effects of urbanization, governance, foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade openness. Design/methodology/approach Panel data of the five EAC countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda for the period 1996–2019 were used. The analysis relied on the use of the autoregressive distributed lag–pooled mean group (ARDL-PMG) model, and the data were sourced from the World Development Indicators (WDI), World Governance Indicators (WGI) and International Energy Agency (IEA). Findings The REKC hypothesis is supported for modern renewable energy consumption in the EAC region. Financial development positively and significantly affects modern renewable energy consumption, whereas urbanization, FDI and trade openness reduce modern renewable energy consumption. Governance is insignificant. Originality/value The concept of the REKC, although explored in other contexts such as aggregate renewable energy and in other regions, has not been used to explain the consumption of modern renewable energy in the EAC.
Internet financial reporting adoption
(Emerald, 2019-04-03) Bananuka, Juma; Night, Sadress; Ngoma, Muhammed; Najjemba, Grace Muganga
Purpose This study aims to examine the contribution of board role performance and isomorphic forces on internet financial reporting. Design/methodology/approach This study is cross-sectional and correlational. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 40 financial services firms. The study’s unit of analysis was a firm. Chief Internal Auditors and Chief Finance Officers were the study’s unit of inquiry. Data were analyzed through correlation coefficients and linear regression using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Findings The results suggest that board role performance and isomorphic forces are significant predictors of internet financial reporting. However, board role performance is not a significant predictor of internet financial reporting in the presence of isomorphic forces. The control and strategic roles of the board are positively and significantly associated with internet financial reporting unlike the service role. Only the coercive isomorphism is positively and significantly associated with internet financial reporting unlike the normative and mimetic isomorphism. Originality/value This study provides initial empirical evidence on the contribution of board role performance and isomorphic forces on internet financial reporting using evidence from Uganda’s financial service firms. To the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first perception-based study on internet financial reporting.
Factors influencing selection of drinking water technologies for urban informal settlements in Kampala
(Water and Environment journal, 2014) Isoke, Jennifer; van Dijk, Meine Pieter
Access to drinking water in urban informal settlements of developing countries still remains a challenge for the poor and depends on technology selected. This paper determines the score on criteria used for technology selection by two major stakeholders in the water service delivery chain, the users and the utility. The criteria are: affordability to connect, affordability of consumption, method of payment, ease of operation, ease of spare parts acquisition, access distance, access time, generating sufficient water continuously, service coverage, the possibility of cost recovery and security of installation (SOI). The study was carried out in Bwaise II and Kisenyi III, two informal settlements in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Through a household survey and semistructured interviews of key informants, data were collected for the score on these criteria of four piped water distribution technologies: public water points (PWPs) with conventional meters, PWPs with prepaid meters, house connections and yard taps. Using multicriteria methods and preference elicitation by pair wise ranking, the most preferred factor for technology selection from the users' point of view is affordability to connect, while from the utility's point of view, it is SOI. These preferences were confirmed by data from focus group discussions and in‐depth interviews.
Comparative analysis of data protection regulations in East African countries
(Emerald, 2024-10-02) Shao, Deo; Ishengoma, Fredrick; Nikiforova, Anastasija; Swetu, Mrisho
Purpose Protection of personal data is integral to the digital economy, ensuring trust and privacy as its foundational elements. The purpose of this study is to analyze data protection laws in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda to understand their legal frameworks and identify challenges hindering their effective implementation. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a comparative exploratory case study approach, analyzing legal frameworks of four East African (EA) countries through examination of legal documents, official reports and academic articles. The dimensions of analysis include registration, supervisory authority, data subject rights and cross-border data transfer regulations. Findings While all four EA countries are in the process of enacting data protection acts, they differ in scope, provisions and enforcement; more needs to be done to ensure mature data protection in these countries. The commonalities and distinctions in the legal frameworks are underscored, providing a mapping of data protection regulations in the EA region. Moreover, this study reports implementation constraints and areas for improvement. Practical implications The findings of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers, highlighting areas where data protection regulations can be improved. The results of this study can guide harmonizing regional data protection laws, ensuring consistent and effective enforcement. This study offers a foundation for future policy development and regional cooperation on data protection issues. Social implications The social implications of this research lie in its potential to shape public attitudes on data protection and privacy rights. By highlighting these concerns, this study may influence societal norms and values, encouraging a more informed and conscientious public discourse on inclusive policies that consider the diverse needs of different regional populations. Originality/value This study provides a pioneering comparative analysis of data protection regulations across four EA countries, offering unique insights into the regional variations and commonalities in legal frameworks. Its value lies in informing future policy development, enhancing regional cooperation and contributing to the harmonization of data protection practices in the selected EA countries, which remains an under-explored area in existing literature.
Moving up the value chain with South-South cooperation for trade and technology? An analysis of India’s trade with East Africa
(Emerald, 2023-03-16) Saha, Amrita; Bontadini, Filippo; Cowan, Alistair
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an early assessment of India’s South-South cooperation for trade and technology (SSTT) with East Africa, focusing on Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. It aims to analyse the role of SSTT in providing support to targeted sectors. Design/methodology/approach The paper examines SSTT, focusing on India and East Africa over a specific period (2000–2016) of its emergence, and extends the public sponsorship literature in international business (IB) to better understand the relationship between SSTT and value addition – applying to a particular case study of SSTT interventions in spices. Findings The paper highlights SSTT as a pathway to support value addition in global value chains (GVCs). Trade between India and East African countries has grown, with three developments over the period of analysis in particular: shifting trade patterns, growing share of intermediate goods trade and differences in GVC insertion. However, East African exports are largely of lower value. Capacity building to support processing capability and thriving markets can encourage greater value addition. Preliminary findings suggest early gains at the margins, as SSTT interventions have been focusing on capacity boosting with buffering and bridging mechanisms for increased volume of trade. Moving up the value chain however requires that specific value-enhancing activities continue to be targeted, building on regional capacities. Our high-level case study for spices suggests that activities are starting to have a positive effect; however, more focus is needed to specifically target value creation before export and in particular higher levels of processing. Practical implications While findings are preliminary, policy implications emerge to guide SSTT interventions. There is capacity for building higher value-added supply chains as is evident among East African countries that trade with each other – future SSTT programmes could tap into this and help build capacity in these higher-value value chains. Future SSTT programmes can take a comprehensive approach by aiming at interventions at key points of the value chain, and especially at points that facilitate higher value addition than initial processing. An example is that Ethiopia and Rwanda are likely to benefit from an expanded spice industry, but the next phase should be towards building processing for value-addition components of the value chain, such as through trade policies, incentivising exporters to add value to items before export. From a development perspective, more analysis needs to be done on the value chain itself – for instance, trade facilitation measures to help processers engage in value chains and to access investments for increasing value add activities. (iv), Future research should examine more closely the development impacts of SSTT, namely, the connection between increased trade, local job creation and sustained innovation, as it is these tangible benefits that will help countries in the Global South realise the benefits of increased trade. Originality/value The paper underlines how the SSTT approach can contribute to the critical IB and GVCs literature using a theoretical grounded approach from public sponsorship theory, and with a unique lens of development cooperation between countries in the global south and its emerging impact on development outcomes in these countries.
Utilisation of Library and Information Services in the Judiciary of Uganda
(Regional Institute of Information and Knowledge Management, 2020-12-01) Bukirwa, Joyce; Nanfuka, Reges
Rationale of Study – The purpose of this study was to examine the utilisation of library and information services in the Judiciary of Uganda. It was based on the premise that if library and information services in the Judiciary of Uganda are well utilised, effective administration of justice in Uganda would be achieved.Methodology – The study was guided by Saracevic-Kantor theory of use-oriented value of library and information services. Participants were drawn from two (2) selected libraries namely, the High Court (criminal division) and the Supreme Court libraries. These are the oldest and have the biggest collection compared to the rest of the judiciary libraries. Given a population of five (5) librarians (2 from Supreme court library and 3 from the High Court library), interviews were held with four (4) librarians, two from each of the libraries.Findings – The study established that both the High Court and Supreme Court libraries provide a wide range of services including current awareness, referral, research, selective dissemination of information, Internet, photocopying and newspaper clipping services. The services were regularly utilised across the libraries. However, only 47% of the users were very satisfied with the services, followed by 31% that were satisfied. Some of the challenges affecting the utilisation of library and information services in the Judiciary of Uganda include poor Internet connectivity, inadequate current information, insufficient funding, and limited library facilities.Implications – This study recommends strengthening of library and information services across the Judiciary by digitising the information resources, system-wide automation, training of library users, improving Internet connectivity, increasing funding for library services, and formulation and implementation of a Judiciary of Uganda library policy.Originality – This study is an addition to the scanty literature about judiciary library services, most especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The study ascertains the need for strengthening library and information services in judiciaries.
Charcoal as an Energy Resource: Global Trade, Production and Socioeconomic Practices Observed in Uganda
(Resources, 2019) Nabukalu, Catherine; Gieré, Reto
Around the world, charcoal has persisted as an energy resource and retained unequivocal dominance in the energy consumption mix of some nations many years on since modern alternatives were invented. Furthermore, it has secured unyielding significance as a commodity on local and international markets and remained an aggressive competitor to electricity and gas for cooking. Here, we analyze the charcoal supply chain and highlight the rudimentary production techniques common within the sub-Saharan region, using Uganda as an example. Top global producers, importers, and exporters are discussed and, based on fieldwork from ten locations in Uganda, we describe common trade practices, economic contributions and the realities of charcoal consumption in areas with concentrated grid and electricity coverage. Indeed, forest degradation and deforestation in the charcoal trade is indiscriminate and the world’s top producers and exporters of charcoal do not necessarily have vast forest resources. Pyrolysis, the process used to produce charcoal from wood, exacerbates risks of wild fires and deteriorates air quality. Our fieldwork indicates that little to no innovation exists to manage waste materials such as ash and polluting gases along the supply chain. Recommendations for the future include better forest conservation practices and more innovation at the cooking level, because e ects of localized environmental degradation inevitably lead to negative impacts beyond geographical borders.
Evaluation of EGM2008 by means of GPS Levelling Uganda
(African Journals Online (AJOL), 2014-12-02) Abeho, D. R.; Hipkin, R.; Tulu, B. B.
The global gravity model EGM2008 is evaluated in various regions of Uganda to assess if it is good enough for geodetic applications. The evaluation method involves comparison of geoid heights computed from the model with those computed at irregularly distributed GPS Levelling stations. For testing the model, a total of seven levelled benchmarks available in Uganda which belong to the New Khartoum datum were used. The spatial positions of these benchmarks were determined at mm accuracy, with respect to ITRF2008. The agreement between the EGM2008 geoid and the geoid undulation derived from GPS Levelling over the seven irregularly distributed benchmark points has a standard deviation of 0.255m, with a mean of -0.859m. The datum offset may be due the choice of Wo (potential of the geoid) and Uo (potential on the surface of the ellipsoid); using GRS80 for the gravitational reference system and WGS84 for the geometrical reference system; some possibly different tidal conventions; but, by using the same method of analysis for Ethiopia and Uganda, these absolute offset effects are eliminated when comparing the two so that the computed difference [0.118m] in datum offset for the two states does tell us something about the differences in levelling datums. The standard deviation of 0.255m suggests that sparser, irregularly-distributed and inhomogenous gravity data for Uganda was used in the development of EGM2008 not ruling out errors in levelling since there is barely any documentation pertaining the accuracy of results obtained regarding the levelling network in Uganda.
Interactions between Public Research Organizations and Industry : Simple Additive Weighting Approach to Evaluation of Interactions
(Intl' Conference on Advances in Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics, 2014) Nakamatte, Olivia; Okidi-Lating, Peter
Interactions between Public Research Organizations and Industry (PRO-I interactions) are important to facilitate learning. This paper seeks to measure interactions between Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) and SMEs in Uganda. Theoretically, the study relates to the area of interactive learning between the two actors in the innovation system. The study is based on original data collected through a questionnaire administered to SME Managers between January and February 2013. Findings revealedpull efforts by SMEs and strong collaborations between UIRI and SMEs. The study concluded that the firm may be motivated to drive a strong relationship for maximum benefit since the relationship is established primarily based on the firm’s interest.
Interactions between Public Research Organizations and SMEs: A Case of Uganda Industrial Research Institute
(International Journal of Technoscience and Development, 2015) Nakamatte, Olivia; Okidi-Lating, Peter; Muyanja, Charles
Knowledge Translation (KT) is important to understand how knowledge is transformed to economic value. This paper seeks to scrutinize the synthesis, dissemination, exchange and application of knowledge produced by Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI). Theoretically, the study relates to the area of public research organizations (PRO)–industry linkages with regard to knowledge uptake by the SMEs in LDCs. Through a case study approach, this paper contributes to the field of KT by discussing how interactions affect the usefulness of knowledge produced by research organizations. The study is based on original data collected through interviews carried out with UIRI researchers between November 2012 and January 2013. Knowledge Translation Indices were developed for sample projects. The findings revealed that both Mode 1 and Mode 2 types of knowledge generation existed, with the former leading to underutilization of knowledge or wasted results. Generally, KT is complex and cannot be achieved through linear relationships, thus, the study concludes that more interactions with the indigenous agro-processing SMEs will lead to industrial development.
Acid-Responsive Decomposable Nanomedicine Based on Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging/Chemotherapy Combined Tumor Theranostics
(Pharmaceutics, 2024) Guo, Heze; Mukwaya, Vincent; Wu, Daikun; Xiong, Shuhan; Dou, Hongjing
Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles (NPs) are gaining traction in tumor theranostics for their effectiveness in encapsulating both imaging agents and therapeutic drugs. While typically, similar hydrophilic molecules are encapsulated in either pure aqueous or organic environments, few studies have explored co-encapsulation of chemotherapeutic drugs and imaging agents with varying hydrophilicity and, consequently, constructed multifunctional ZIF-8 composite NPs for acid-responsive, near-infrared fluorescence imaging/chemotherapy combined tumor theranostics. Here, we present a one-pot method for the synthesis of uniform Cy5.5&DOX@ZIF-8 nanoparticles in mixed solvents, efficiently achieving simultaneous encapsulation of hydrophilic doxorubicin (DOX) and hydrophobic Cyanine-5.5 (Cy5.5). Surface decoration with dextran (Dex) enhanced colloidal stability and biocompatibility. The method significantly facilitated co-loading of Cy5.5 dyes and DOX drugs, endowing the composite NPs with notable fluorescent imaging capabilities and pH-responsive chemotherapy capacities. In vivo near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging in A549 tumor-bearing mice demonstrated significant accumulation of Cy5.5 at tumor sites due to enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects, with fluorescence intensities approximately 48-fold higher than free Cy5.5. Enhanced therapeutic efficiency was observed in composite NPs compared to free DOX, validating tumor-targeted capability. These findings suggest ZIF-8-based nanomedicines as promising platforms for multifunctional tumor theranostics

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