Muni Repository (MR)
This repository contains open access publications of Muni University Library.
Objectives:
- To digitally collect, preserve and provide electronic access to scholarly works and research output of Muni University.
- Increase the visibility and impact of our research, making it easy for researchers, students, policymakers and journalists to reference, replicate, and re-use the work.
- Issue permanent, unique and trustworthy identifiers when creating URLs to access the resource without concern that the location of the resource may change.
How to publish in Muni Repository
- Contact the library through email: libsupport@muni.ac.ug
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Recent Submissions
Assessment of different genotyping markers and algorithms for distinguishing Plasmodium falciparum recrudescence from reinfection in Uganda
(Research Square, 2025-02-05) Mwesigwa, Alex; Golumbeanu, Monica; Jones, Sam; Cantoreggi, Sara L.; Musinguzi, Benson; Nankabirwa, Joaniter I.; Bikaitwoha, Everd Maniple; Kalyango, Joan N; Karamagi, Charles; Plucinski, Mateusz; Nsobya, Samuel L.; Nsanzabana, Christian; Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline
Antimalarial therapeutic efficacy studies are vital for monitoring the efficacy of antimalarial drugs in malaria-endemic regions. The WHO recommends genotyping of polymorphic markers including msp-1, msp-2, and glurp to aid distinguishing recrudescences from reinfections. Recently, WHO proposed replacing glurp with microsatellites (Poly-α, PfPK2, TA1). However, suitable combinations with msp-1 and msp-2 have not been systematically assessed. Additionally, the performance of different algorithms for classifying recrudescence is unclear. This study investigated various microsatellites alongside msp-1 and msp-2 for molecular correction and compared genotyping algorithms across three malaria-endemic areas in Uganda. Microsatellites 313, Poly-α, and 383 exhibited the highest diversity, while PfPK2 and Poly-α revealed elevated multiplicities of infection across all sites. The 3/3 match-counting algorithm classified fewer recrudescences than the ≥ 2/3, and Bayesian algorithms at both ≥ 0.7 and ≥ 0.8 probability cutoffs. The msp-1/msp-2/2490 combination identified more recrudescences using the ≥ 2/3 and 3/3 algorithms in the artemether-lumefantrine (AL) treatment arm, while msp-1/msp-2/glurp combination identified more cases of recrudescence using the ≥ 2/3 in the dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) arm. Microsatellites PfPK2 and Poly-α, potentially sensitive to detecting minority clones, are promising replacements for glurp. Discrepancies in recrudescence classification between match-counting and Bayesian algorithms highlight the need for standardized PCR correction practices.
Towards a framework for bias prevention to ensure open data quality
(International Journal Corner, 2024-12-31) Nansukusa, Yudaya; Kalyankolo, Umaru
The rapid growth of open data initiatives has emphasized their potential to enhance transparency, foster innovation, and support equitable decision-making across sectors. However, the quality and reliability of open data remain compromised by biases that alter outcomes and spread inequalities. This paper critically examines the systemic sources of bias, including sampling, annotator, and algorithmic biases, that undermine data integrity and decision-making processes. It proposes a comprehensive framework to mitigate these biases through standardized data management protocols, inclusive data collection practices, robust data stewardship, and cross-sector collaboration. The study also highlights the ethical imperatives and practical challenges of bias prevention, emphasizing the need to balance inclusivity with privacy and resource constraints. By prioritizing fairness, inclusivity, and dependability, the proposed interventions aim to enhance the credibility and societal impact of open data, reaffirming its role as a catalyst for equitable innovation and policy development. The findings underscore that addressing biases in open data is not only a technical necessity but also a moral imperative essential for sustaining its transformative potential.
Increasing postgraduate medical mycology research dissertations at Uganda's higher institution of learning
(Elsevier, 2025-01) Achan, Beatrice; Musinguzi, Benson; Itabangi, Herbert; Sande, Obondo James; Meya, David B.
Objectives
Postgraduate medical mycology research may also be affected by funding. This study reports the positive impact of funding on postgraduate medical mycology research at Makerere University, Uganda.
Methods
This retrospective study was conducted on postgraduate medical microbiology dissertation topics from 2023 to 2024 using data collected between September and November 2024.
Results
A total of N = 60 postgraduate medical microbiology dissertations were analyzed for medical mycology topics, of which a total of 18 (30%) focused on medical mycology. The percentage of dissertations centered on medical mycology increased from 16% (four of 25) in 2023 to 40% (14 of 35) in 2024. Cryptococcal meningitis is the most studied fungal disease (35.7%) (five) in 2024. Notably, molecular-based polymerase chain reaction (50%, two) and semi-automated culture (35.7%, five) were the most commonly used laboratory methods in 2023 and 2024. There were 75% (four) and 71.4% (14) timely completions of the postgraduate students, and the Makerere University Fungal Group was formed to promote the “buddy system of learning” among the postgraduate medical mycology students.
Conclusion
There has been an increase in medical mycology research among postgraduate medical microbiology students at Makerere University, Uganda, which is attributable to increased funding.
Covid-19 induced psycho-social challenges: implication for Christian families in Uganda
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2025-01-08) Bukirwa, Joyce Rebecca
The experiences of Covid-19 are varied in different individuals. It is noted that some families nursed people with Covid-19, others lost family members during the pandemic while others only witnessed these from a distance either on radios, television sets or social media. Regardless of the circumstances, individuals reported experiencing pain, fear, and hopelessness during the pandemic. This study sought to explore the Covid-19 induced psycho-social challenges faced by different people from Christian families. A case study was carried out in six families where adults and children were interviewed for personal experiences. The findings revealed that all people whether female adults, male adults, priests and children expressed great fear and anxiety. Therefore, a mitigation strategy was put in place by the researcher to support the survivors in getting onto their feet again and also to avoid prolonged grief disorders amongst the bereaved families.
Model predictive control based on single-phase shift modulation for triple active bridge DC-DC converter
(Springer Nature, 2024-12-05) Adam, Ahmed Hamed Ahmed; Chen, Jiawei; Xu, Minghan; Kamel, Salah; Ali, Guma
The triple-active bridge (TAB) converter is widely used in various applications due to its high efficiency and power density. However, the high-frequency (HF) transformer coupling between the ports presents challenges for controller design. This article presents a model predictive control (MPC) approach based on single-phase shift modulation for the TAB converter. The developed MPC offers improved transient performance, control flexibility, and precision, ensuring compliance with DC voltage regulations and achieving optimal solutions for port decoupling. The MPC utilizes a cost function to provide robust voltage regulation, and an algorithm based on Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions is developed to derive closed-form solutions for optimal control parameters. To validate the performance of the TAB converter with the proposed MPC control, Typhoon 602 hardware-in-loop (HIL) experimental case study is conducted. Additionally, a comparison with previous works is carried out to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results of the HIL experimental setup and the comparative analysis demonstrate that the developed method is effective, providing faster dynamic characteristics and port power decoupling operation capability.