Centre for Information Communication Technology

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A warehouse or local cache for web data
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2005) Ayubu, Jacob
The internet web is becoming important resource as a source of information. Various companies make the information from their databases available through search web page forms. The information ranges from indexed documents to product information. This information becomes more valuable if can be available to other software applications for further processing. In this project I present the efficient mechanism of extracting web data. The approach which I am using is based on anal) sing the patterns of the HTML tags. The customised general model of the web page is produced and is used for extracting data produced by subsequent web queries. The data extracted is populated to the database. The motivation behind this project is that the information is available to other software applications and hence can be used for decision making systems.
Analysis of geospatial data of Morogoro Urban: lessons for educationists and researchers
(ResearchGate, 2019-05) Kira, E. S.; Sumari, N. S.
There has been a growing need of scientists to utilize geospatial data in a variety of fields of study due to the advancement of ICT as a tool for both gathering and analyzing geospatial data. As Geographic Information System (GIS) gains momentum, the use of geospatial data becomes prominent in education especially in subjects that deal with place and space processes such as geography. Unfortunately in developing countries propagation of GIS in education is of low pace partly because of less utilization of ICT and ICT based technologies in teaching and learning. In order to address the problem of underutilization of geospatial data in education teachers‘ knowledge, skills and motivation for using GIS data needs to be reinforced. This paper shows why the use of geospatial data in geography is necessary. It shows how teachers and students in schools can be both supported and motivated to use geospatial data with reference to analysis of information based on satellite images of Morogoro urban district. The paper shows the way these geospatial data can be used to address various questions raised for each topic in geography at advanced level secondary school. The discussion part shades light on the path that needs to be followed by policy makers to mobilize efforts of educationists and other experts in geography, mathematics, statistics and ICT based disciplines. The efforts should focus on gathering and analyzing more of GIS data and also simplify their accessibility by classroom teachers so that they can improve their classroom practice and outdoor learning avenues. The foreseen challenges and the role of individual stakeholders to advance the uses of GIS data in education are also highlighted.
Analyzing usage of crowdsourcing platform Ushaurikilimo' by pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Tanzania
(International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2016-12) Fue, Kadeghe; Geoffrey, Anna; Mlozi, M.R.S.; Tumbo, Siza, D.; Haug, Ruth; Sanga, Camilius, A.
Earlier studies report that agricultural extension service for livestock keepers in Tanzania is not effectively offered. ‘Ushaurikilimo’ which is a crowdsourcing platform consisting of a Web and Mobile based agro-advisory system. It is a system which complements the traditional agricultural extension provided to pastoralists and agro-pastoralists. Mobile crowdsourcing for agricultural extension service is an emerging approach to address some of the problems experiencing in traditional agricultural extension service. This study explored the information seeking pattern of livestock keepers who are using ‘Ushaurikilimo’. In total 1739 questions are in ‘Ushaurikilimo’. Out of 1739 questions and answers, the study concentrated on 1312 questions since 427 questions related to forestry. Out of 1312 questions submitted to ‘Ushaurikilimo’ via livestock keepers’ mobile phones, 605 (47%) questions relate to livestock and 53% relate to crops. Most livestock keepers asked questions with keywords related to chicken, pigs and milk from ‘Ushaurikilimo’ knowledge base. Further data mining analysis showed that the following keywords are the most queried information by livestock keepers: poultry management, poultry equipment and accessories, hatching equipment, feed equipment, feed storage, feed manufacturing machinery, product handling/transport equipment, quality testing equipment and energy saving equipment, milk processing, housing and environment, building materials and equipment, feeds and feeding, food preservation, feed additives and dairy products. In this study, the pattern of information seeking behavior of livestock keepers matched the pattern which has been reported earlier by other researchers who explored the information seeking behavior of livestock keepers who are using other sources of information such as newspapers, television, radio, farmers’ friends and extension agents. One peculiar result from this study is that the average response time after the question had been assigned to an expert to answer was 32.49 hours. Thus, the crowdsourcing platform, web and mobile based agro-advisory system proved to be effective compared to conventional agricultural extension methods. This calls for a need to scale up ‘Ushaurikilimo’ to complement the traditional agricultural extension service in Tanzania.
Assessing the role of information literacy in enhancing utilization of internet resources for independent learning among university of Dar es Salaam students: a case of colleges of social sciences and humanities.
(Academic ed, 2019) Kasuke, Lucy Bakari
Internet Resources plays a great role or implication in information accessibility, usability, and effective retrieval. This has added more value to students in their performance and endeavors towards career goals achievement. However, effective use of internet resources by students absolutely depends on information literacy and awareness on available internet resources. Thus, the study was conducted to assess the role of information literacy in enhancing utilization of internet resources among university students, specifically the study intended to examine students’ awareness of the information literacy programs and available internet resources, to find out the relationship between awareness, perception, and use of internet resources, and identifying training programs that relate to information literacy at university level. The study was carried out at the University of Dar es Salaam and adopted an exploratory research design. The study used an electronic questionnaire for data collection and probability sampling technique for identifying a sample of respondents at the University. The study indicated most of the students are computer literate and are aware of the availability of electronic information resources. The study also revealed that students who were aware of available internet resources demonstrated high usage of internet resources. It also noted that Information literacy and lifelong learning are the only courses that relate to information literacy at the University. However, the study revealed that most of the respondents agreed that lack of proficiency in information and computer literacy skills are the limiting factors towards efficient utilization of internet resources. It is therefore recommended that information literacy should be offered as a core course during the first semester of the first year to all students across the university so as to enhance effective use of internet resources for excellence in academic and research.
Characterization and classification of greenbelt soils in Yambio and Nzara counties, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan
(Academic Journal, 2023-05) Bazugba, Isaac A. J.; Massawe, Boniface H. J.; Shitindi, Mawazo; Deng, Pio K.
The objectives of this study were to characterize, classify and evaluate the potential and constraints of the soils of Sakure and Nginda Payams in Nzara and Yambio counties in the Greenbelt zone of Western Equatoria State, South Sudan. Ten soil pits were dug, described and sampled based on FAO soil profile description guideline and samples were analysed using standard routine lab analyses for physical and chemical properties. Data generated were analysed statistically using the coefficient of variation (CV) and correlation. Results showed that top and subsoil were dominated by sandy clay loams. The soil reactions were strongly to slightly acidic (pH = 5.4 - 6.7). The most limiting nutrients were P and N. SOC was highest in the top soil and consistently decreased with depth, the CEC was low (4 - 14.4 Cmol kg -1 ). The soils were classified into six major soil types: Ferralsol, retisols, acrisols, umbrisols, fluvisols, and chernozems. The soils have poor inherent soil fertility. It is recommended that further soil survey be carried out in the Greenbelt zone and to conduct more research to determine the type of soil fertility management feasible.
Computational modelling and entropy generation analysis of nanofluids in a channel
(Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, 2016) Mkwizu, Michael H.
Nanofluid is a fluid containing nanometre- sized particles, called nanoparticles. These fluids are engineered colloidal suspension nanoparticles in a based fluid. The commonly used fluids are water, ethylene, oil and lubricant. Entropy is an extensive thermodynamic property that is the measure of a system’s thermal energy per unit temperature that is unavailable for doing useful work. That is it destroys the available energy in any flow process and thermal system. This study consists of six chapters. Chapter one is an introduction, in this chapter useful terms have been defined, objectives of the study, statement of the problem, significance of the study ware stated. The method used for analysis in all chapters is a semi discretization finite difference method together with Runge-Kutta Fehlberg integration scheme. The nanoparticles used was Copper (Cu) and Alumina (AI2O3). In chapter two, the analysis of the entropy generation in a variable viscosity channel flow of nanofluids with convective cooling was numerically investigated. The results revelled that Entropy generation rate generally increases with time /, Eckert number Ec, viscosity variation parameter /?, pressure gradient A, thermophoresis parameter Nt. Increase in Biot Bi increase entropy generation at the walls but decreases entropy generation within the channel. The paper was prepared and published in Comptes Rendus Mecanique. In chapter three, the combined effect of buoyancy force and convective cooling on the unsteady flow, heat transfer and entropy generation rate in water based nanofluids was investigated. A^Oj-water nanofluid observed to produces higher entropy than Cu-water nanofluid. Fluid friction irreversibility dominants the channel centreline region while the effects of heat transfer irreversibility near the walls increases with Grashof number Gr, Ec, A, but decreases with nanoparticles volume fraction
Conceptualizing digital leadership characteristics for successful digital transformation: the case of Tanzania
(Research Gate, 2021-10) Magesa, Mawazo Mwita; Jonathan, Joan
The objective of this study was to examine the attributes of a compelling leader to lead Digital Transformation in a formal organization. The study conceptualized a digital leader with 26 characteristics grouped into 5 roles. Sample respondents were drawn from some organizations in Tanzania and a self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection. Preliminary analysis involved examining inter-correlation among leadership attributes, dropping 3 out of 26. Exploratory factor analysis of 23 items produced 7 factors which were grouped into 5 roles while dropping 2 factors with one item each. Only 4 factors and 13 items qualified for confirmatory factor analysis which provided better fit for the sample data. The validity check showed that the digital leadership construct somehow converges and the four factors were different from one another. It is implied that good digital leader is anticipated to foster economic growth, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and improve service deliveries.
A decision support system for enhancing crop productivity of smallholder farmers in semi-arid agricultureA decision support system for enhancing crop productivity of smallholder farmers in semi-arid agriculture
(2013) Churi, A. J.; Mlozi, M. R. S; Tumbo, S. D.; Casmir, R.; Mahoo, M. R. S
This study aimed at investigative decision support systems for assisting strategic and tactical decision making of smallholder farmers to reduce climate risks and increase crop productivity of semi-arid areas. Specifically, the study assessed farm-level decisions used by the farmers for reducing climate risks; examined information communication and knowledge sharing strategies for enhancing decision making and designed a system for assisting the farmers in selecting appropriate options for improving crop productivity. Development of DSS was governed by design science where prototyping approach was used to allow complete participation of end-users. The proposed architecture allows difference agricultural actors participate in communicating agricultural information and sharing of knowledge with smallholder farmers. The DSS was implemented and assessed by farmers as a useful tool for accessing information and advisories in agricultural systems. More research is recommended to enable simple and affordable mobile phones be used by farmers to access wealth of agricultural knowledge and policies from research centres and government resources.
e-Agriculture promising practice UshuariKilimo information system web and mobile phones for extension services in Tanzania
(FAO, 2018-05) Sanga, C.
‘UshauriKilimo’ is a Swahili word from ‘Ushauri’ and ‘Kilimo’ which means ‘advisory’ and ‘agriculture’ respectively. ‘UshauriKilimo’ is a system for agricultural advisory services. It is an agro advisory and extension service system that allows any actor in the agricultural sector to ask for advisory services to an agriculture extension officer using either the web or a mobile phone. The mobile and web based advisory information system for farmers was developed in collaboration with the Kilosa Community Radio, using participatory action research to ensure the improved extension services would correspond to the needs of the end users. The Web based Farmers Advisory Information System (MFAIS) and Mobile based Farmers Advisory Information Systems (WFAIS) were released for public use in January 2015, after an awareness raising campaign conducted in Kilosa District of Tanzania.
ECAWsoft: A web based climate and weather data visualization for big data analysis
(Global Journal of Computer Science and Technology: H Information & Technology, 2017-03) Tumbo, Siza D.; Kadeghe, Fue G.; Sanga, Camilius A.
In Tanzania, data for climate and weather are normally analyzed by Meteorological Agency and then are published through TV, website and radio. Different stakeholders normally obtain the weather and climate data / information in a generalized way. This calls for a need of a system which allows data to be shared openly to different stakeholders so that they can analyze those data as per their specific needs. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents the overview of the developed system, ECAWsoft. Also, it gives some few interfaces showing different outputs from the system. Findings: The goal of this paper has been attained by developing a working data visualization tool for climate and weather called ECAWsoft. The system is current operational and is providing open data for different stakeholders.
Effectiveness of hiv/aids campaigns on sexual behaviour among the youths in Bunda district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Lukuba, Zilipa Zabron
Despite campaigns against HIV/AIDS, youths continue to be affected disproportionally by the pandemic. Therefore, there is a need of measuring the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS campaigns among the youths since there is no cure of HIV/AIDS infection. The general objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS campaigns on sexual behaviour among the youths in Bunda District, Tanzania. The specific objectives were documentation of main messages of campaigns on sexual behaviour among the youths; determination of the attitude of youths towards campaigns against IIIV/AIDS, assessment of the level of awareness about HIV/AIDS; assessment of their sexual behaviour; and determination of the correlation among the altitude towards campaigns against HIV/AIDS, knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The study adopted a cross-sectional design and a sample of 142 respondents was used. Data were collected through questionnaire - based interviews. 8 Focus Group Discussions and key informant interviews. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 12 was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics, likert scales and correlation of variables were used to gauge levels of risky sexual behaviour, misconceptions about means of HIV/AIDS transmission, level of awareness about IIIV/AIDS, attitude of youths towards campaigns against HIV/AIDS, and attitude towards use of condoms. The major findings indicate that the main messages for HIV/AIDS campaigns were about HIV/AIDS transmission, VCT, and HIV infection prevention. The overall attitude towards HIV/AIDS was positive (30,5 out of 50.0); the overall awareness was high (39.2 out of 50.0); and the overall attitude towards condom use was 38.7 out of 50.0. The correlation between attitude towards campaigns against HIV/AIDS and sexual behaviour was not significant (p = 0.712). In view of the conclusion it is recommended that HIV/AIDS control programmes should measure the effectiveness of their campaigns against HIV/AID so as to enable them to come up with interventions for HIV/AIDS prevention.
Examining a technology acceptance model of internet usage by academics within Thai Business Schools
(Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia, 2007) Kripanont, Napaporn
Information Technology has been a significant research area for some time, but its nature has changed considerably since the Internet became prominent just over a decade ago. Many researchers have studied and proposed theories and models of technology acceptance in order to predict and explain user behaviour with technology to account for rapid change in both technologies and their environments. Each theory or model has been proposed with different sets of determinants and moderators and most of them have been developed in the U.S. It is therefore questioned whether the theories and models of technology acceptance that have been developed, modified, and extended in the U.S. can be used in other countries, especially in Thailand. It is also questioned whether there might be other determinants and moderators that also play important roles in this specific environment. This thesis (1) reviewed literature in respect of nine prominent theories and models, (2) reviewed previous literature about IT acceptance and usage within four contexts of study, (3) investigated the extent to which academics use and intend to use the Internet in their work, (4) investigated how to motivate academics to make full use of the Internet in their work, (5) investigated to what extent using the Internet helps in improving academics’ professional practice, professional development and quality of working life, (6) formulated a research model of technology acceptance regarding Internet usage by Thai academics, and (7) generated and validated the research model that best describes Thai academics’ Internet usage behaviour and behaviour intention. These last two objectives represent the main focus of the thesis. Questionnaire survey method was used to collect primary data from 927 academics within Business Schools in 20 Public Universities in Thailand. The survey yielded 455 usable questionnaires, with a response rate of 49%. Statistical analysis methods and Structural Equation Modelling with AMOS version 6.0 were used to analyse data. The research model was formulated with five core determinants of usage and up to nine moderators of key relationships. It was then tested and modified, the final modified model evidenced by goodness of fit of the model to the data, explained 31.6% (Square Multiple Correlation) of the variance in usage behaviour in teaching, 42.6% in usage behaviour in other tasks, 55.7% in behaviour intention in teaching and 59.8% in behaviour intention in other tasks. From the Findings, three core determinants: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and self-efficacy significantly determined usage behaviour in teaching. Two core determinants: perceived usefulness and self-efficacy significantly determined usage behaviour in other tasks. Finally, usage behaviour significantly influenced behaviour intention. In addition three moderators: age, e-university plan and level of reading and writing, impacted the influence of key determinants toward usage behaviour. Only two moderators: age and research university plan, impacted the influence of usage behaviour toward behaviour intention. The rest including gender, education level, academic position, experience and Thai language usage did not impact the influence of the key determinants toward usage behaviour and did not impact the influence of usage behaviour toward behaviour intention. Consequently, the final modified research model which is called the “Internet Acceptance Model” or “1AM” has the power to explain and predict user behaviour in a Thai Business Schools environment. A thorough understanding of the model may help practitioners to analyse the reasons for resistance toward the technology and also help them to take efficient measures to improve user acceptance and usage of the technology.
Human sensor web crowd sourcing security incidents management in Tanzania context
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2018) Mshangi, M.; Nfuka, E. N.; Sanga, C.
Security incidents affecting information systems in cyberspace keep on rising. Researchers have raised interest in finding out how to manage security incidents. Various solutions proposed do not effectively address the problematic situation of security incidents. The study proposes a human sensor web Crowd sourcing platform for reporting, searching, querying, analyzing, visualizing and responding to security incidents as they arise in real time. Human sensor web Crowd sourcing security incidents is an innovative approach for addressing security incidents affecting information systems in cyberspace. It employs outsourcing collaborative efforts initiatives outside the boundaries of the given organization in solving a problematic situation such as how to improve the security of information systems. It was managed by soft systems methodology. Moreover, security maturity level assessment was carried out to determine security requirements for managing security incidents using ISO/IEC 21827: Systems security engineering capability maturity model with a rating scale of 0 - 5. It employed descriptive statistics and non-parametric statistical method to determine the significance of each variable based on a research problem. It used Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Test ( X 2) to determine the statistical significance of result findings. The findings revealed that security controls and security measures are implemented in ad-hoc. For managing security incidents, organizations should use human sensor web Crowd sourcing platform. The study contributes to knowledge base management learning integration: practical implementation of Crowd sourcing in information systems security.
Mobile phone use in accessing rice information for adaptation to climate change in kilosa and kilomberodistricts, Morogoro, Tanzania
(2020) Mwalukasa, N.
The study aimed at determining the use of mobile phones in accessing rice information for adaptation to climate change in Kilosa and Kilombero Districts in Morogoro Region. The study involved 400 rain fed-rice farmers owning mobile phones. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design to collect data using a semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and key informants interview. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in the data analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using frequency, percentages, chi-square, binary logistic regression and poisson count regression. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The study found that sociodemographic factors influenced respondents’ use of mobile phone for accessing rice information for adaptation to climate change were sex, age, education level, marital status, farm size, farming experience, radio ownership and off-farm incomes. In addition, access to market location was statistically significantly influenced use of mobile phones for accessing rice information for adaptation to climate change at p< 0.02. Moreover, few, 99 (24.8%)of the respondents used mobile phone to access strategic rice information while 105 (26.3%) of the respondents used mobile phone to access tactical rice information for adaptation to climate change. Furthermore, use of mobile phones for accessing rice information for adaption to climate change among study districts was low and did not differ at p< 0.08. Voice calling was most used application compared to other application. Moreover, type of rice variety, type of herbicides and weather forecast information was the major rice information for adaptation to climate change accessed by respondents through mobile phone. The study concludes that socio-demographic and institutional factors influence use of mobile phones for accessing rice information for adaptation to climate change. It can also be concluded the respondents’ use of mobile phones to access rice information for adaptation to climate change in study areas was low.The study recommends that Kilosa and Kilombero Districts council through DAICO’s should train farmers in using mobile phones in accessing rice information for adaptation to climate change through campaigns, workshop and seminars
Ommerce alerter for web information changes & semi automatic web wrapper
(University of Essex, 2005) George, Henry
Data extraction is an area of computer science that will come to play an increasingly important role in the near future. This project provides two separate software applications that can help in the understanding of the various aspects of data extraction and the analysis of the different problems and tentative solutions. First is the E-Commerce alerter system, a program which is developed to monitor the change of products on an E-commerce site (www.eBay.com Auctions). The program extracts items from the www.eBay.com site and stores them in a Relational database. It is scheduled to check for updates in information on the site every twelve hours. Also, it monitors the stored data for the purpose of reporting updates to the users who request them. If any changes are found, the user is informed via electronic mail. Secondly, a semi automatic wrapper has been developed, which is a too! to assist system developer to wrap HTML pages into XML Documents. The tool helps in extracting the items of interest from an hind source page. The extracted data can he used by another application because it is stored in XML formal, which is well structured. The technique used in developing semi automatic wrapper is tag Set Progression Grid (TpGrid) which is the fingerprint representation of an hind page.
Perceived benefits of participation in public electronic procurement: a comparative analysis of vendors in Ilala district, Tanzania
(2021) Siwandeti, Meshack; Sanga, Camilius; Panga, Faustine
Public electronic procurement (PEPS) is an emerging technology in public procurement for efficiency and value assurance. Vendors’ participation has been un-avoidable for true realisation (benefits) of PEPS; however, studies are still inconclusive regarding perceived benefits contributions on participation for participants and non-participants vendors. This study therefore did a comparative analysis on perceived benefits contributions for participants and non-participants vendors’ participation in PEPS. The study adopted across-sectional research design and Ilala District was a study area. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 300 respondents with 73 participants and 227non-participants vendors. A purposive sampling technique used to select three key informants, each one from Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), Government Procurement Service Agency (GPSA) and Medical Stores Department (MSD). The structured questionnaire and Key informant Interview guide were used for collecting quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Quantitative data used multiple response analysis and independent samples t-test for analysis while content analysis technique analysed qualitative data. The Findings have revealed a significant difference (p< 0.05) between participants and non-participants on perceived benefits (transparent, paper reduction, cost control and corruption control). The study therefore concludes that, perceived benefits have contribution for vendors’ participation in PEPS. The study recommends to non-participants vendors to consider participating in PEPS in order to gain significant perceived benefits. The study also to PPRA to make sure the PEPS offer the perceived benefits for vendors’ participation. This can be done once the system stakeholders improve impacting benefits knowledge to vendors, hence attracts more vendors to participate in PEPS.
QoE-Centric control and management of multimedia services in software defined and virtualized networks
(University of Plymouth, 2020) Barakabitze, Alcardo Alex
Multimedia services consumption has increased tremendously since the deploy ment of 4G/LTE networks. Mobile video services (e.g., YouTube and Mobile TV) on smart devices are expected to continue to grow with the emergence and evolution of future networks such as 5G. The end user's demand for services with better quality from service providers has triggered a trend towards Quality of Experience (QoE) - centric network management through efficient utilization of network resources. However, existing network technologies are either unable to adapt to diverse changing network conditions, or limited in available resources. This has posed challenges to service providers for provisioning of QoE-centric multimedia services. New networking solutions such as Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) can provide better solutions in terms of QoE control and management of multimedia services in emerging and future networks. The features of SDN, such as adaptability, programmability and cost effectiveness make it suitable for bandwidth intensive multimedia applications such as live video streaming, 3D/HD video and video gaming. However, the delivery of multimedia services over SDN/NFV networks to achieve optimized QoE, and the overall QoE-centric network resource management remain an open question especially in the advent development of future softwarized networks. The work in this thesis intends to investigate, design and develop novel ap proaches for QoE-centric control and management of multimedia services (with a focus on video streaming services) over software defined and virtualized networks. First, a video quality management scheme based on the traffic intensity under Dynamic Adaptive Video Streaming over HTTP (DASH) using SDN is developed. The proposed scheme can mitigate virtual port queue congestion which may cause buffering or stalling events during video streaming, thus, reducing the video quality. A QoE-driven resource allocation mechanism is designed and developed for improving the end user's QoE for video streaming services. The aim of this approach is to find the best combination of network node functions that can provide an optimized QoE level to end-users through network node cooperation. Furthermore, a novel QoE-centric management scheme is proposed and developed, which utilizes Multipath TCP (MPTCP) and Segment Routing (SR) to enhance QoE for video streaming services over SDN/NFV-based networks. The goal of this strategy is to enable service providers to route network traffic through multiple disjointed bandwidth-satisfying paths and meet specific service QoE guarantees to the end-users. Extensive experiments demonstrated that the proposed schemes in this work improve the video quality significantly compared with the state-of- the-art approaches. The thesis further proposes the path protections and link failure free MPTCP/SR-based architecture that increases Survivability, resilience, availability and robustness of future networks. The proposed path protection and dynamic link recovery scheme achieves a minimum time to recover from a failed link and avoids link congestion in softwarized networks.
Real-Time 3-D Measurement of Cotton Boll Positions using Machine Vision Under Field Conditions
(The Cotton Foundation, 2018-01-05) Kadeghe, F.; Glen, R.; Wesley, P.
Cotton harvesting is performed by expensive combine harvesters that hinder small to medium-size cotton farmers Advances in robotics provide an opportunity to harvest cotton using small and robust autonomous rovers that can be deployed in the field as an “army” of harvesters. This paradigm shift in cotton harvesting requires high accuracy 3D measurement of the cotton boll position under field conditions. This in-field high throughput phenotyping of cotton boll position includes real-time image acquisition, depth processing, color segmentation, features extraction and determination of cotton boll position. In this study, a 3D camera system was mounted on a research rover at 82° below the horizontal and took 720p images at the rate of 15 frames per second while the rover was moving over 2-rows of potted defoliated cotton plants. The software development kit provided by the camera manufacturer was installed and used to process and provide a disparity map of cotton bolls. The system was installed with the Robot Operating System (ROS) to provide live image frames to client computers wirelessly and in real time. Cotton boll distances from the ground were determined using a 4-step machine vision algorithm (depth processing, color segmentation, feature extraction and frame matching for position determination). The 3D camera used provided distance of the boll from the left lens and algorithms were developed to provide vertical distance from the ground and horizontal distance from the rover. Comparing the cotton boll distance above the ground with manual measurements, the system achieved an average R2 value of 99% with 9 mm RMSE when stationary and 95% with 34 mm RMSE when moving at approximately 0.64 km/h. This level of accuracy is favourable for proceeding to the next step of simultaneous localization and mapping of cotton bolls and robotic harvesting.
Role of food security groups’ networks in poverty reduction: a case study of Chamwino district, Dodoma region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2007) Madaiha, Rasel
This study focused on the role of food security groups’ networks in poverty reduction in Chamwino district, Dodoma region Tanzania. The objectives of the study were to a) describe FGNs in terms of membership, activities and sustainability; b) identify the roles and extent to which Food Security Groups Networks have contributed towards poverty reduction: c) identify factors of success or failure and best practices in Food Security Groups Networks; d) identify and describe strategics for strengthening FSGNs. The study population consisted of all members of FSGNs who had participated in FSGNs for a minimum of three years. Data for this study were obtained using a case study research design whereby purposive sampling was used to select three villages out of 13 villages. The criteria for selecting the three villages were existence of FSGN in each of the villages, presence of a complete Community Cereal Bank building in a particular village and accessibility. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used to collect data for this study, 'fools such as personal interviews, in depth interviews. documentary review, observations and focused group discussion were used to collect data. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis whereby quantitative data mainly from structured questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The main findings of this study in relation to poverty reduction arc summarized as follows; the FSGNs have played different roles including increasing the capacity of members to access the extension services and empowering FSGN members in the areas of knowledge, decision making, finance and entrepreneurial
Role of food securty groups network in poverty reduction:A case study of Chamwino district, Dodoma region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2007) Madaha, Rasel
This study focused on the role of food security groups’ networks in poverty reduction in Chamwino district, Dodoma region Tanzania. The objectives of the study were to a) describe FGNs in terms of membership, activities and sustainability; b) identify the roles and extent to which Food Security Groups Networks have contributed towards poverty reduction: c) identify factors of success or failure and best practices in Food Security Groups Networks; d) identify and describe strategics for strengthening FSGNs. The study population consisted of all members of FSGNs who had participated in FSGNs for a minimum of three years. Data for this study were obtained using a case study research design whereby purposive sampling was used to select three villages out of 13 villages. The criteria for selecting the three villages were existence of FSGN in each of the villages, presence of a complete Community Cereal Bank building in a particular village and accessibility. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used to collect data for this study, 'fools such as personal interviews, in depth interviews. documentary review, observations and focused group discussion were used to collect data. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis whereby quantitative data mainly from structured questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The main findings of this study in relation to poverty reduction arc summarized as follows; the FSGNs have played different roles including increasing the capacity of members to access the extension services and empowering FSGN members in the areas of knowledge, decision making, finance and entrepreneurial

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