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.
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Recent Submissions
Evaluation of cosmic-ray damage and doses on hybrid and inorganic halide lead perovskites in space environment
(Elsevier, 2026-02-20) Omojola, Joseph; Engelbrecht, N.E.; Oryema, Bosco; Strauss, R.D.
This study evaluates the radiation damage and doses of hybrid (CH3NH3PbI3) and inorganic (CsPbI3) halide lead perovskites (HLPs) in a simulated space environment utilising the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) in its cosmic-ray source mode. Contributions from galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), solar energetic particles (SEPs), and radiation within Low Earth Orbit (LEO) were considered. A crucial comparative simulation with pure Silicon (Si) under identical conditions revealed Si’s superior resistance to radiation damage, while both HLPs exhibited reduced displacement per atom (DPA) at thicknesses 500 nm. The inorganic perovskite, CsPbI3, demonstrated a higher DPA and lower absorbed dose compared to CH3NH3PbI3, attributed to its greater mass density, greater energy per unit volume and higher linear energy transfer (LET). SEPs were identified as the primary cause of material damage due to their higher LET. While the higher mass density of CsPbI3 may lead to greater structural degradation over long-term energy applications, its high energy absorption per unit volume and lower ionisation energy suggest its suitability as a short-term space radiation sensor. Conversely, CH3NH3PbI3, when manufactured with a thickness 500 nm and properly encapsulated, may offer enhanced durability comparable to silicon-based solar cells for a cost-effective and dependable energy source for energy production in space.
Genome-wide survey and expression analysis of peptides containing tyrosine sulfation (PSY) gene family in Cicer arietinum L.
(Springer Nature, 2026-02-21) Kesawat, Mahipal Singh; Kumar, Vinay; Manohar, Swati; Sohail, Aqib; Rani, Manjusha; Chung, Sang-Min; Kumar, Deepak; Lenka, Sangram K.; Masika, Fred Bwayo
Background
Plant growth and developmental processes are tightly regulated by small secreted peptides, however, the functions and mechanisms of Tyrosine Sulfation-containing Peptides (PSY) remain unclear. In chickpea, knowledge of PSY genes family is limited.
Results
This study employed comprehensive bioinformatics approaches to identify and characterize seven CaPSY genes in the chickpea genome. The analyses encompass chromosomal localization, evolutionary relationships, gene structure, conserved motif identification, promoter architecture, prediction of PSY-targeting miRNAs, and expression profiling. Chromosomal mapping revealed that CaPSY genes are confined to four specific chromosomes rather than being evenly distributed across the genome. Phylogenetic analysis resolved nine distinct groups, each further subdivided into subgroups. Additionally, CaPSY genes were found to contain one to two introns. Amino acid sequence comparisons demonstrated that each CaPSY gene consistently harbors a PSY domain in its C-terminal end. Promoter analysis of CaPSY genes revealed the presence of multiple hormone-responsive elements, including ABRE, SARE, AuxRE, and MeJARE, as well as stress-related elements such as the drought-responsive MBS, suggesting potential regulatory roles in development and stress adaptation. Further, the expression patterns of CaPSY were evaluated in multiple tissues as well as in response to abiotic stresses. The results indicated differential expression of CaPSY genes among tissues and under multiple abiotic stress conditions. We further detected several miRNAs likely to target CaPSY genes and assessed how they are expressed in different tissues.
Conclusion
Thus, these findings serve as a crucial resource for basic and applied research, enabling advancements in chickpea productivity and stress tolerance via precise genome editing and innovative breeding methods.
Seasonal dynamics of Elaeidobius Kamerunicus in allopatric populations: comparative analysis from indigenous mainland and introduced oil palm ecosystems in Uganda’s lake Victoria islands
(Taylor & Francis, 2026-02-04) Masika, Fred Bwayo; Otuba, Amugoli Moses; Kesawat, Mahipal Singh; Asiimwe, Alex; Baguma, Bidget; Alicai, Titus; Manohar, Swati; Ddamulira, Gabriel
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis L.), native to Africa but widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, is increasingly grown in Uganda, and pollination efficiency is critical for fruit set and oil yield. The study assessed the population and sexual diversity of the primary pollinator, Elaeidobius kamerunicus FAUST, in introduced hybrid plantations in Kalangala and natural stands in Bundibugyo. Pollinator weevils were sampled across both wet and dry seasons in 2022 and 2023, and data were analyzed using ANOVA and correlation tests in Minitab 17. Results revealed significant variation between sites, with higher populations in Kalangala (7,503 ± 8.682) compared to Bundibugyo (5,164 ± 5.829). Furthermore, females (6,636 ± 4.646) outnumbered males (6,032 ± 5.028), with a slightly higher concentration of females in the middle section of male inflorescences. Seasonal differences were evident, as the wet season supported slightly higher weevil populations relative to the dry season. Correlation analysis indicated a weak negative relationship between weevil abundance and weather variables, suggesting that cooler conditions suppress population growth. Overall, Uganda provides favorable conditions for pollinator weevil multiplication, particularly under moist climatic regimes, while extensive cold conditions limit population expansion. These findings highlight the importance of pollinator dynamics in sustaining oil palm productivity in diverse agroecological regions.
Unexplored potential of carrot (Daucus carota L.) bioactive in combating cancer: an insight into intricate mechanisms
(Taylor & Francis, 2026-01-27) Kumar, Santosh; Kesawat, Mahipal Singh; Kherawat, Bhagwat Singh; Singh, Archana; Kumar, Anmol; Kumari, Sweta; Alamery, Salman Freeh; Singh, Pratibha; Masika, Fred Bwayo; Manohar, Swati
The rising incidence of cancer, combined with costs, toxicity, and side effects of conventional treatments such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, underscores the need for preventive strategies. Natural phyto-bioactives, have attracted increasing scientific interest due to their diverse biological activities. These phytochemicals in carrots have been studied for their roles in modulating intracellular signalling pathways in vitro and preclinical studies. Carrots contain an abundant spectrum of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, carotenoids, polyacetylenes, ascorbic acid, and dietary fiber. These constituents have been reported to modulate processes such as apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, and pathways involved in cell proliferation in experimental systems. This comprehensive review studies findings from preclinical studies, epidemiological research, and meta-analyses to evaluate the biological activities of carrot bioactives in cancer-relevant biological mechanisms. By examining their ability to modulate molecular pathways involved in tumour invasion and metastasis, this review highlights the potential mechanistic relevance of carrot-derived phytoactive compounds against metastatic cells. Although preclinical studies suggest that these bioactives may influence processes associated with tumour progression, the available evidence is largely derived from in vitro and animal models, and therefore requires validation through translational research and well-designed, large-scale clinical trials. Rather than establishing definitive cancer-preventive or therapeutic effects, current scientific findings support the role of carrot-derived bioactives as promising candidates for further investigation. Advancing research into the underlying molecular mechanisms of carrots may help identify specific phytochemicals that modulate pathways related to tumour invasion and metastasis, therby enabling the development of future cancer prevention strategies.
Trading tomatoes and onions in Uganda’s watersheds: actors, dynamics, and opportunities
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2026-01-15) Masika, Fred Bwayo; Ddamulira, Gabriel; Obongo, Isaac; Aropet, Stella Adumo; Asiimwe, Alex; Kiryowa, Moses; Logose, Maureen; Amugoli, Otuba Moses; Naluyimba, Rehema; Ramathan, Idd
Horticulture accounts for more than half of Uganda’s agricultural output, yet crops such as tomatoes and onions remain only marginally profitable despite the country’s favorable climate. To assess the state of their marketing, a study was conducted across five watershed irrigation schemes of Ngenge, Tochi, Wadelai, Mubuku II, and Doho. Researchers interviewed 56 key informants and 174 market vendors using questionnaires that explored market actors, their roles and interconnections, seasonal trade dynamics, pricing, supply and demand, gross margins, and both opportunities and constraints. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. The findings showed that nearly half of the markets (46%) were underdeveloped, with women and youth making up the majority of vendors (78%). Farmers were the main suppliers, but often overlapped with other market roles. Seasonal fluctuations affected tomato and onion availability, with oblong tomato varieties being most popular. Key challenges included poor storage facilities, high market fees, and price volatility. However, strong local demand, access to export channels, and opportunities for off-season production highlight promising avenues for improving the profitability and sustainability of tomato and onion marketing in Uganda.