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Optimizing LoRaWAN Throughput in Maritime Environments Through Adaptive Coding and Modulation in Rayleigh Fading Channels
(Zenodo, 2025) Lyimo, Martine; Mgawe, Bonny; Leo, Judith; Dida, Mussa; Michael, Kisangiri
This dataset supports the article “Optimizing LoRaWAN Throughput in Maritime Environments through Adaptive Coding and Modulation under Rayleigh Fading”.
It includes simulation outputs and MATLAB source code for reproducing all figures and results in the study. Files include throughput, PER, energy efficiency, spectral efficiency, and an ACM algorithm function.
The role of artificial intelligence tools in enhancing accessibility and usability of electronic resources in academic libraries
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2025-01-28) Mosha, Neema
Purpose
This study examined the role of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in facilitating the accessibility and usability of electronic resources (e-resources) in academic libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a quantitative descriptive survey to collect data from library users. The population targeted was sampled using a purposive sampling technique. A total of 427 (58%) participated in this study.
Findings
Most respondents preferred electronic journals (e-journals) among the e-resources stored in academic libraries. Chatbots were identified as preferred AI tools for accessing and enhancing the usability of these resources. Strategies mentioned included the potential for integrating AI tools across various e-resources. However, among the challenges reported was the inability to integrate AI tools with the existing library management systems. Improving e-resource discovery and access can significantly enhance the effectiveness of AI tools in academic libraries.
Originality/value
Originality in the context of AI applications in academic libraries refers to the unique approaches, innovative tools and creative solutions that enhance the accessibility and usability of electronic resources. By focusing on unique solutions that enhance the accessibility and usability of e-resources, these libraries can better serve their diverse user populations and adapt to the evolving landscape of information needs.
Multiporate Poaceae pollen grains observed in the recent fossil record from the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem and Lake Victoria region
(Elsevier, 2025-02-01) Mustaphi, Colin; Camara-Brugger, Sandra; Ekblom, Anneli; Munishi, Linus; Kariuki, Rebecca; Shoemaker, Anna; Lane, Paul; Marchant, Rob
The analysis of fossil pollen from sediments is used to understand past vegetation and land cover variability. The observations of multiporate Poaceae pollen from sediments have received little attention in the literature and causes and rates of occurrence have few estimates, and the rates observed in the sediments are much lower than estimates observed from modern plants in Asia. Pollen analysis of the uppermost sediments from Speke Gulf, Lake Victoria, eastern Africa, showed relative abundances of Poaceae between 65 and 75% during the past centuries. A total of 19 of the ∼ 11,000 Poaceae pollen grains observed had conspicuous morphological variations and were documented. More consistent presence of abnormal grains occurred since the mid twentieth century, at the same time of increased anthropogenic environmental stressors. Multiporate pollen grains of Poaceae have been previously observed in Asia, South America, and northern Africa, predominantly in the Panicoideae subfamily. Morphological variations may present an added challenge for automated pollen identification techniques and descriptions of fossil pollen.
Multiple paleofire proxy metrics from tropical lake sediment and soil in the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem
(Sage, 2025-06) Mustaphi, Colin; Camara-Brugger, Sandra; Chellman, Nathan; Muñoz, Samuel; Kariuki, Rebecca; Damber, Maja; Shoemaker, Anna; Ekblom, Anneli; Munishi, Linus; Lane, Paul; Marchant, Rob; Heiri, Oliver
Black carbon is a paleofire proxy that has been measured from glacial ice, snow, soils and lake sediments, though relatively few comparisons have been made with other fire indicators in sedimentary geoarchives. Microscopic charcoal, quantified from palynological microscope slides and macroscopic charcoal, quantified from wet-sieved deposits, are the most commonly applied methods for paleofire interpretation of Quaternary sediments. This research explores the down-profile patterns across three paleofire proxies (refractory black carbon, microscopic and macroscopic charcoal) and potential paleofire interpretations from a sediment core dating to the last centuries from Speke Gulf, Lake Victoria, and a young soil profile from a kopje located in the surrounding watershed in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The results of three paleofire metrics show similar trends within each site, with a positive trend across all metrics and increasing variability with increased measurement values (heteroscedastic). Notably, refractory black carbon (rBC) concentrations are two orders of magnitude higher in lake sediment samples compared to soil samples. rBC is positively correlated with both microscopic and macroscopic charcoal values and the overall profile patterns down the sediment core are similar, with the exception of the rBC increases from 2.5 to 0 cm depth that may result from increased fossil fuel combustion. The Speke Gulf rBC measurements are in an intermediate range between those published from glacial ice and other lake sediments. New rBC records from different ecosystems and temporal scales will provide paleofire insights and potential to interpret source areas and depositional patterns. The exploration of soil archives offers the potential to exploit semi-arid ecosystems and archaeological sites that have no nearby traditional paleoenvironmental study site targets.
Social determinants for household clean water accessibility in northern Tanzania: A case of Kikwe peri-urban ward in Arusha
(African Quarterly Social Science Review, 2025) Ngayaga, Mwahija; Nade, Paschal; Mpumi, Nelson; Ripanda, Asha; Rwiza, Mwemezi
Clean water accessibility is vital to human health and well-being, a fundamental human right. Over 1.7 billion people do not have consistent access to safe drinking water, negatively affecting their health and socioeconomic status. Despite global recognition of clean water as a fundamental human right, many households in peri-urban areas of developing countries, including northern Tanzania, continue to face significant challenges in accessing reliable water sources. In the Kikwe peri-urban ward, disparities in access to clean water are influenced by various social determinants such as education level, gender roles, marital status, and proximity to water sources. These social factors contribute to unequal water distribution and increased vulnerability to waterborne diseases and economic burdens, especially among women and marginalized groups. However, limited empirical data exists on how these social determinants specifically affect household water access in Kikwe, hindering the development of targeted, evidence-based interventions. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the social determinants of household clean water accessibility in Kikwe peri-urban ward of northern Tanzania. The cross-sectional survey combined quantitative and qualitative research methods on 353 respondents sampled from the Kikwe ward. Inference and descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the social determinants and respective associations with clean water accessibility. Results show that 64% of respondents finished elementary school, 53% were male, the majority 25.8% aged between 45 to 54, 73.7% were married, 37.4% rely on water from the rivers, 33.7% use public standpipes as the primary source of water, 62.9% female primarily responsible for fetching water and 84.7% of users do not treat water for their daily use. A weak significant correlation existed between water sources and social variables tested, implying clean water is an essential commodity, which needs to be distributed equally regardless of individual status. The findings highlight that clean water accessibility in peri-urban Kikwe is significantly influenced by social inequalities, particularly gender, and proximity to water sources. While the statistical correlations were weak, the trends point to systemic disparities that require deliberate policy attention. It is concluded that equitable access to clean water cannot be achieved without addressing these underlying social determinants. Therefore, it is recommended that targeted educational programs using mobile platforms be introduced to enhance awareness on water treatment and conservation. Additionally, empowering communities through participatory water governance, investing in affordable and decentralized water treatment solutions, and improving local infrastructure is critical for long-term water security and public health resilience in peri-urban areas like Kikwe.