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Sublethal Pyriproxyfen Exposure Alters Anopheles arabiensis Fitness and Pyrethroid Susceptibility Without Trans-Generational Carry-Over
(MDPI, 2026-02-26) Mnzava, Simoni; Mmbaga, Augustino; Mutashobya, Anitha; Muyaga, Letus; Mwema, Mwema; Ngowo, Halfan; Lwetoijera, Dickson
Background: Pyriproxyfen (PPF), a juvenile hormone analog, is a promising chemical for autodissemination strategies, where mosquitoes aid in transferring insecticides to their breeding sites. This study evaluated the effects of sublethal PPF doses on Anopheles arabiensis fitness (fecundity, fertility, and body size) and pyrethroids susceptibility across three generations. Methods: Laboratory-reared, pyrethroid-resistant mosquito larvae were exposed once to sublethal PPF concentrations of (0.0003, 0.0006, 0.0008, and 0.001 mg a.i./L), which caused emergence inhibition rates of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, respectively, alongside a control group. Emerged adults were tested for susceptibility to 0.75% permethrin, 3.75% permethrin, and 0.05% deltamethrin using WHO tube bioassays. Knockdown was recorded at 1 h, mortality at 24 h post-exposure, while fecundity, fertility, and body size were measured across three generations. Results: First-generation Anopheles arabiensis emerging from PPF-treated larvae showed reduced susceptibility to 0.75% permethrin and 0.05% deltamethrin compared to controls. Mortality from permethrin dropped from 22.7% in the controls to 11% and then 3% at 0.0003 and 0.001 mg a.i./L. For deltamethrin, mortality fell from 62.7% to 36% and then 23.3% at the same concentrations. Knockdown at 60 min was also significantly reduced, with permethrin KDT60 dropping from 41.3% in controls to 9.3% and 3.3%, and deltamethrin KDT60 from 79.7% to 66.7% and 65%. No significant differences were observed in subsequent generations (p > 0.05). PPF exposure also induced notable fitness costs in the first generation: mean wing length decreased from 3.07 mm in controls to 2.88–2.66 mm (6–13% reduction), mean egg production dropped from 30.1 to 13.9–18.8 eggs per female (37–54% reduction), and egg hatching rate declined from 87% to 79–82% (6–9% reduction). Conclusions: These findings suggest that sublethal PPF doses can temporarily enhance insecticide resistance without leading to heritable resistance and negatively impact key mosquito fitness traits. PPF may thus be a valuable addition to integrated vector management strategies.
Feasibility of biochemical assessment of vitamin D status among pregnant women in Dodoma, Tanzania: a pilot study
(Research square, 2026-06-24) Anatoli, Antony
Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite abundant sunlight exposure in Tanzania, evidence regarding vitamin D status among pregnant women remains limited, particularly in central Tanzania. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of
biochemical assessment of vitamin D status among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Dodoma city and generated preliminary estimates of vitamin D status.
Screening Lablab (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) accessions for drought tolerance at the seedling stage based on their physiological responses to drought stress
(Heliyon, 2026-06-17) Missanga, Julius; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Venkataramana, Pavithravani
Lablab serves a multifunctional role, contributing to both human food and livestock feed. It contributes significantly to the conservation agriculture practices, food security sustainability, and livelihood enhancement, especially under persistent drought conditions. Although it has many advantages, Lablab remains an underutilized crop in many countries. These countries continue to lack access to improved varieties that possess both high yield potential and drought tolerance. This study aimed to screen different Lablab accessions for drought tolerance at the seedling stage, based on their physiological responses to drought stress. The study was carried out in the screen house at Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) - Selian in Arusha, Tanzania through two repeated experiments. The experiments involved 302 test accessions and 3 checks, each assigned Dolichos (D) accession number, and arranged in the Augmented Complete Block Design (ACBD). Thirty-two blocks were established through repeated randomization of the accessions at each experiment. Ten seeds per accession were sown in each block and different watering regimes were applied in phases during each experiment to manage the screening process. Data collection involved different seedling traits at each phase. These traits were then subjected to various statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics were created from the qualitative responses to explain the accessions' performance, while the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and a range of means for the quantitative responses were performed to determine variations among the accessions. The drought-tolerant (DT) and drought-susceptible (DS) accessions were selected based on their performance in qualitative traits and a range of means for each quantitative trait across the experimental phases. The findings revealed a great variation among the accessions for their qualitative and quantitative (p < 0.05*, 0.001**, and 0.0001***) responses to drought stress across the experimental phases. Based on the qualitative and quantitative responses of the accessions to drought stress, D349, D147, HA4, D363, D352, D359, D348, D311, D55, and D250 were selected as the DT accessions while D271, D66, D106, D6, D26, D255, D28, D186, D95, and D258 were identified as the DS accessions. These accessions were recommended for the biochemical and molecular analysis to determine the basis of their drought tolerance under stressed and non-stressed conditions. Finally, they were recommended for seedling-stage and yield-performance evaluation in arid and semi-arid environments to contribute to the development of high-yield, and drought-tolerant varieties prior to their commercialization.
Micro-credentials as a pathway to higher learning: the case of an MSc in data science and artificial intelligence degree
(Taylor and Francis, 2026) Dida, Mussa
Micro-credentials (M-Cs) are gaining prominence as credible and flexible options that
support lifelong learning. Increasing acceptance by business for capacity building is
pressuring higher education institutions to recognize and integrate these certifications.
Pioneered by universities like MIT and Deakin, M-Cs must yet be scaled for parity with
traditional degree programs. The primary challenges to integration include non-stand
ardized quality assurance, difficulties in credit mapping, and institutional governance
barriers. This gap is critical in emerging technology fields, including data science and
artificial intelligence, where industry needs outpace university curriculum accreditation,
new staff appointments for course delivery, and degree completion times.
Consequently, industry’s increasing use of M-Cs for skilling staff in new technologies
creates a disconnect between professional and academic recognition. This study inves
tigates this challenge by comparatively analyzing a conventional MSc in Data Science
and Artificial Intelligence and industry-recognized M-Cs. Furthermore, it explores using
M-Cs as a pathway toward a Master of Science degree in Data Science and Artificial
Intelligence. The research compares the skills and competencies provided by M-Cs to
those of the traditional degree program, identifies gaps, and proposes a mechanism
for their formal recognition and integration into an MSc degree in Data Science and
Artificial Intelligence.
Chapter 8 - Architectural design requirements for metaverse-based smart healthcare systems
(Elsevier Ltd., 2026-06-26) Ogundokun, Roseline; Bello, Rotimi-Williams; Owolawi, Pius; Mkoba, Elizabeth; Ogbuju, Emeka; Olugbemi, Adesanjo
The metaverse an immersive, networked virtual environment is poised to transform global healthcare by merging physical and digital realms. This chapter provides a comprehensive literature review and conceptual framework for metaverse-based smart healthcare systems, focusing on both technical architecture and clinical outcomes. We outline key research questions and hypotheses regarding how extended reality, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and blockchain can be integrated to enable secure, real-time, patient-centered care in virtual environments. A novel multilayered architecture is proposed, comprising patient and provider domains connected via a virtual hospital metaverse platform with strict cybersecurity and data governance controls. We include mathematical models to formalize data flows and performance requirements, for example, specifying the ultra-low latency needed for realistic telepresence. We then summarize findings from recent studies, including improvements in telemedicine quality, medical training simulations, and remote surgery assistance achieved in prototype metaverse applications. We discuss crucial design requirements (e.g., <20 ms network latency, avatar-based identity management, compliance with health data privacy laws) and address challenges such as protecting patient privacy, maintaining clinical realism, and ensuring equitable access. Technical perspectives (network infrastructure, data security, interoperability) and clinical perspectives (user experience, patient engagement, health outcomes) are examined in depth. The chapter concludes with practical implications for healthcare industries worldwide, including guidance on gradual adoption, workforce training, and regulatory alignment, and outlines future research directions toward achieving safe and adequate healthcare in the metaverse.