Faculty Professional Development (FPD) plays a critical role in enhancing teaching effectiveness, strengthening academic capacity, and fostering a culture of continuous learning in higher education institutions. However, across many African university contexts, FPD initiatives remain fragmented, under-resourced, and weakly aligned with faculty needs and institutional priorities. This study examined the key success factors that enable effective and sustainable faculty professional development programs within Ugandan universities. Using a qualitative descriptive research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with fifty-six participants, comprising faculty members and administrators drawn from ten public and private universities across four regions of Uganda. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo 12 software. The findings revealed seven interrelated success factors underpinning effective FPD programs: institutional commitment and support; relevance and customization of program content; continuous and comprehensive learning opportunities; active learning and participant engagement; peer collaboration and professional networking; integration of technology; and systematic evaluation for continuous improvement. These factors explain how institutional alignment, participatory program design, and sustained support mechanisms enhance faculty motivation, skill acquisition, and long-term professional growth. The findings were synthesized into a context-sensitive conceptual framework grounded in adult learning theory and organizational support theory, illustrating interactions between institutional structures and individual learning processes. This study contributes original empirical evidence to the literature on faculty professional development in African higher education. It offers practical implications for university leaders and policymakers seeking to design responsive, inclusive, and sustainable professional development systems. Although situated in Uganda, the findings provide transferable insights to comparable resource-constrained contexts.

Naturally occurring radionuclides in surface water can contribute to internal exposure where untreated water is consumed. This study provides a preliminary dry-season screening of radionuclide activity concentrations and adult ingestion-related radiological risk at 16 shoreline locations in the Hoima section of Lake Albert, Uganda. Four locations were assigned to each of four land-use zones: fishing, farming, domestic and livestock use, and a control zone. Activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra, ²³⁸U, ²³⁴U, ⁴⁰K and ²¹⁰Pb were determined by gamma and alpha spectrometry. Apparent between-zone differences were evaluated using one-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD, effect sizes, assumption tests and a Kruskal-Wallis sensitivity analysis; correlations and exploratory PCA were used to characterize covariance. Zone B had the highest mean concentrations and Zone D the lowest. ANOVA results were significant for all radionuclides (p < 0.001), with very large omega-squared effect sizes (0.888–0.923); however, inference is limited by four independent locations per zone. Near-perfect raw correlations (r = 0.979–0.999) were confirmed and were largely associated with a common between-zone concentration gradient. PCA produced one dominant component (99.30% variance), which was interpreted as a general concentration gradient rather than proof of a specific source. Total adult annual effective dose ranged from 0.0744 to 0.1058 mSv yr⁻¹; Zone B marginally exceeded the 0.1 mSv yr⁻¹ reference dose. Excess lifetime cancer risk ranged from 2.60 × 10⁻⁴ to 3.70 × 10⁻⁴. The sampled locations therefore showed generally low to borderline radiological ingestion risk under the stated assumptions. The results are preliminary and do not establish drinking-water safety or causal effects of agriculture or hydrocarbon development.

Rural electrification in livestock-dominated regions of Sub-Saharan Africa remains constrained by high grid extension costs and dependence on diesel-based generation. This study investigates the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of converting cattle dung into electricity through a decentralized biomass waste-to-energy (WtE) system in Madu, Uganda. Livestock waste availability, biogas potential, digester performance, energy output, and system economics were evaluated using field data and established conversion models. Results indicate that dung from 120 cattle can sustain continuous biogas production, yielding approximately 99,000 m3 of methane annually. The biogas-powered combined heat and power system generated 18-19 MWh of electricity per month, alongside significant thermal energy recovery. The system demonstrated stable operation with a hydraulic retention time of 35 days and no observed process instability. Economic analysis revealed a levelized cost of electricity of 0.064 USD kWh-1 and a simple payback period of six years, substantially outperforming diesel-based rural electricity generation. Environmental assessment showed avoided emissions of approximately 183 tCO2 yr-1, in addition to improved waste management and nutrient recycling benefits. The findings confirm that cattle-dung-based WtE systems offer a technically reliable, economically competitive, and environmentally sustainable solution for rural electrification. Integrating such systems into rural energy planning and climate mitigation frameworks could significantly enhance energy access and support low-carbon development in livestock-rich rural communities.

In addition to being a basic human right, equitable access to high-quality education is essential to sustainable development. This study explores strategies for ensuring equitable access to high-quality education in Uganda using a qualitative research design. Fifty-six people from 12 Ugandan universities participated in the study. Purposive sampling was used in the participant selection process to guarantee a varied representation of experiences and points of view. Through semi-structured interviews, data were gathered and subsequently analysed using thematic analysis. The results highlight the significance of focused funding in underprivileged regions, ongoing professional development for educators, community engagement, equitable policies, and reliable data systems. Policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders may work to ensure that all Ugandans have equitable access to high-quality education by focusing on these important areas.

The rapid expansion of photovoltaic (PV) deployment has intensified thermal-management challenges, particularly in high-irradiance climates where elevated module temperature reduces electrical output and accelerates degradation. Functional surfaces offer a route to passive or low-resource cooling by tailoring optical, thermal, wetting, conductive, phase-change, and evaporative properties at the module interface. This systematic review synthesizes 100 studies published between 2015 and February 2026, supplemented by selected foundational studies, and evaluates six technology classes: radiative cooling surfaces, wettability-engineered surfaces, micro/nanostructured conductive layers, phase-change-material (PCM) systems, evaporative water-retentive surfaces, and hybrid multifunctional architectures. Reported temperature reductions span approximately 3–12°C for many single-mechanism surface treatments and up to 15–25°C in some hybrid demonstrations; however, these ranges are not directly interchangeable because irradiance, humidity, wind, module construction, test duration, reference configuration, and measurement practice differ substantially among studies. The revised synthesis therefore emphasizes evidence quality, test-condition heterogeneity, durability, climate suitability, technology readiness, and techno-economic uncertainty rather than ranking technologies from nominal peak values alone. Radiative and conductive approaches offer strong water independence and integration potential; PCM and evaporative systems can provide larger peak-temperature suppression but introduce mass, regeneration, water, or durability constraints. Hybrid systems report the largest nominal cooling effects, but genuine synergy can only be established when the hybrid and its constituent mechanisms are tested under equivalent boundary conditions. The review proposes climate-aware selection criteria, a cooling-surface qualification protocol aligned with IEC 61215/61730, commercialization and technology-readiness criteria, and priorities for adaptive, thermoelectric, bio-inspired, and additively manufactured cooling surfaces.

Rapid changes in global labour markets have increasingly challenged the capacity of traditional education systems to respond promptly to emerging skill needs. This study explores the potential of micro-credentials as a flexible approach to skill development and workforce adaptability in Uganda. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 150 learners and 20 employers through surveys and semi-structured interviews, complemented by document analysis of selected university initiatives. The findings suggest that micro-credentials support the acquisition of specific, job-relevant skills, particularly in digital, technical, and entrepreneurial areas. Many learners reported applying newly acquired skills within a few months of completion and perceived micro-credentials as contributing to improved employability and career mobility. Employers generally acknowledged the practical relevance of technical micro-credentials, while expressing reservations about programmes lacking accreditation or clear quality assurance. Institutional analysis indicated that micro-credentials are only partially embedded within formal degree pathways, and the absence of national standards may limit their broader recognition and scalability. Drawing on Human Capital Theory and the Lifelong Learning Framework, the study highlights the potential of micro-credentials to complement existing education and training systems. The paper concludes by emphasising the importance of policy coordination, employer involvement, and national frameworks to strengthen the role of micro-credentials in Uganda and similar Sub-Saharan African contexts.

This study evaluated the radiological quality and associated health risks of water from Lake Edward, located in Rukungiri District, Uganda. Water samples were collected from sixteen locations grouped into four zones representing fishing, farming, domestic/livestock, and control areas. Gross alpha and gross beta activities were measured as preliminary indicators of radiological water quality, while activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K) were determined using gamma-ray spectrometry. Radiological health risks were assessed by estimating the annual effective dose (AED) from water ingestion for adults and children, excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), and radiological hazard index (HI) in accordance with guidelines recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection and the World Health Organization. The mean gross alpha activity ranged from 0.16 ± 0.07 Bq L⁻1 in the fishing zone to 0.66 ± 0.05 Bq L⁻1 in the farming zone, while gross beta activity ranged from 0.22 ± 0.03 to 0.75 ± 0.05 Bq L⁻1 across the study area. Most samples complied with WHO guideline limits for drinking water, although a few locations in the farming zone showed elevated alpha and beta activities. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K ranged from below detection limit to 0.28 ± 0.03 Bq L⁻1, 0.21 ± 0.03 Bq L⁻1, and 0.44 ± 0.06 Bq L⁻1, respectively, with higher concentrations observed in agriculturally influenced areas. The calculated AED ranged from 0.022 to 0.128 mSv y⁻1 for adults and from 0.010 to 0.065 mSv y⁻1 for children. Two locations within the farming zone exceeded the WHO screening level of 0.1 mSv y⁻1 for adults. The estimated ELCR values were within internationally acceptable limits, although the hazard index exceeded unity at selected sampling points, indicating potential long-term radiological concern. Overall, the results suggest that water from Lake Edward generally presents low radiological risk for consumption; however, localized elevations in radionuclide concentrations associated with agricultural activities were observed. This study provides essential baseline radiological data for Lake Edward and highlights the need for routine monitoring and improved land-use management to ensure the long-term radiological safety of water resources in the region.

This study assesses the feasibility of generating energy from cow dung in Maddu-Gomba, a rural Ugandan community characterised by intensive cattle farming. Utilising a locally constructed 45 m³ fixed-dome anaerobic digester, the study evaluates daily gas yields and corresponding electrical and thermal energy outputs over three months (June–August). Chemical analysis of the cow dung revealed favourable characteristics for anaerobic digestion, including high moisture content (75%), an optimal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (20:1), neutral pH (6.54), and low sulfur and ash content. Results showed consistent gas production, with daily yields ranging from 248 to 327 m³, generating an average of 600–700 kWh of electricity and over 900 kWh of heat energy. These outputs significantly exceeded the estimated local electricity (33.78 kWh/day) and heat (17.49 kWh/day) demands, confirming the viability of biogas systems in meeting rural energy needs. The study highlights cow dung as a sustainable biomass resource that can address energy access challenges, improve waste management, and promote environmental sustainability. Its findings contribute valuable data for informing renewable energy policy and biogas adoption in cattle-farming communities across Uganda and similar regions.

The growing demand for sustainable materials and circular economy solutions has intensified interest in natural fiber-reinforced composites as alternatives to synthetic reinforcement systems. While fibers such as hemp, flax, jute, and sisal have been extensively investigated, the potential of barkcloth as a composite reinforcement remains largely unexplored. Barkcloth, a traditional material derived from the inner bark of Ficus natalensis and predominantly produced in Uganda, possesses a distinctive non-woven architecture that differentiates it from conventional natural fibers. This review critically evaluates the production, structure, physicochemical characteristics, interfacial behavior, mechanical reinforcement potential, durability, sustainability performance, and emerging applications of barkcloth in composite materials. Comparative analysis indicates that although barkcloth exhibits lower tensile strength and stiffness than established natural fibers, its interconnected fibrous network promotes multidirectional load transfer, enhanced impact resistance, improved energy absorption, and simplified composite fabrication. The review further examines fiber–matrix adhesion mechanisms, manufacturing approaches, moisture absorption behavior, thermal stability, and long-term durability considerations. Sustainability assessment highlights the advantages of barkcloth arising from its regenerative harvesting, low processing energy requirements, favorable environmental profile, and potential contribution to local value chains. Particular attention is given to multifunctional applications, including thermal insulation, acoustic materials, and radiation shielding composites, where barkcloth serves as a structural reinforcement and filler-supporting framework. Key challenges identified include material variability, moisture sensitivity, limited standardization, and insufficient long-term performance data. Surface modification, hybrid composite design, nano-engineering strategies, and standardized characterization protocols are identified as critical pathways for future development. Overall, barkcloth represents a promising yet underutilized reinforcement material whose unique structural and sustainability attributes warrant further investigation for next-generation bio-composite systems.

Radiation protection is essential in healthcare, where workers face repeated exposure to ionising radiation during diagnostic imaging. Lead-based aprons remain the standard protective gear but are often criticised for their weight, discomfort during extended use, and environmental disposal issues. This study investigated the development of an alternative radiation protection apron using Barium Sulphate (BaSO4) and starch as non-toxic, lightweight shielding materials for healthcare facilities in Uganda. Three fabrics-SA (polyester scrub), SB (cotton scrub), and SC (khaki blend), were cut, sewn, and coated by immersion in a BaSO4-starch mixture (0.125 kg of each in water). After drying and ironing to ensure adhesion, the coated fabrics were analysed for density, thickness, and tensile strength, and their elemental composition verified using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. X-ray irradiation tests were carried out at 60, 80, and 100 kV following IEC 61331-3 standards. Comfort and usability were assessed by 10 radiographers using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire. Results showed that SB (cotton) achieved a radiation attenuation ratio of 91.1 % at 60 kV, closely matching a standard 0.5 mm lead apron, while also receiving the highest scores for comfort and usability. SC (khaki), despite its higher density and tensile strength, demonstrated lower shielding efficiency due to its limited absorbance, resulting in a thinner coating layer. Across all fabrics, attenuation decreased significantly at 80 and 100 kv. These findings suggest that cotton-based aprons may strike a balance between radiation protection and comfort at lower tube voltages, although their poorer performance at higher energies limits their potential as a substitute for lead aprons. The findings highlight the need for further optimisation of coating thickness and material properties to achieve reliable radiation protection across a broader range of diagnostic energies.

The increasing global demand for diagnostic radiology services has intensified the need for effective, safe, and sustainable radiation shielding materials in healthcare infrastructure. Conventional shielding materials, particularly lead and concrete, remain widely used because of their high attenuation efficiency; however, they present significant limitations related to toxicity, environmental impact, structural weight, and cost. These challenges have stimulated growing interest in bio-based materials derived from renewable resources and agricultural or forestry residues as alternative shielding solutions. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent advances in bio-based radiation shielding materials, focusing on rigid and semi-rigid composite systems for fixed applications such as wall panels, partitions, and protective barriers in diagnostic radiology facilities. The review examines the fundamental principles of radiation attenuation and evaluates key shielding parameters, including linear attenuation coefficient, half-value layer (HVL), and effective atomic number (Zeff). The radiological, mechanical, and durability performance of bio-based composites is critically compared with conventional shielding systems. Particular attention is given to emerging strategies such as hybridization with high-density inorganic fillers, nanostructured reinforcement, multilayer composite design, geopolymer-based matrices, and advanced fabrication techniques that improve shielding performance while maintaining sustainability objectives. The potential of agricultural and forestry residues, including rice husk, sawdust, coconut fiber, and wood fibers, is assessed alongside the use of recycled industrial wastes such as steel slag and cathode ray tube (CRT) glass in sustainable shielding systems. Despite promising developments, several challenges remain, including variability in material properties, limited long-term durability data, lack of standardized testing protocols, and absence of comprehensive regulatory frameworks. Overall, bio-based materials represent a promising pathway toward sustainable radiation shielding in fixed radiological installations and have strong potential to complement conventional systems in future environmentally responsible healthcare infrastructure.

Solar energy is viewed as a vital alternative to non-renewable sources amid growing energy demand and environmental issues. This study analyzed the shading effect on a 20 W photovoltaic solar panel in Kansanga, Kampala, Uganda, over eighty days (January–March 2026). The panel was tested under varying shading conditions using one to three layers of paper and leaves while measuring temperature, solar irradiation, voltage, current, and power output to assess efficiency. The results showed that shading significantly decreased solar panel performance, with current being the most affected parameter; unshaded conditions produced the highest average power output of 30.2 W and efficiency of 23.23%, while three layers of paper caused the lowest performance (4.8 W and 3.50% efficiency); leaf shading produced comparatively better performance than paper because of partial light transmittance; increasing shading layers led to progressive declines in power output and efficiency; and partial shading also caused electrical mismatches. Three layers of paper resulted in the lowest performance (4.8 W and 3.50% efficiency), whereas unshaded conditions yielded the highest average power production of 30.2 W and efficiency of 23.23%. Because of the partial light transmittance, leaf shading performed better than paper. Power production and efficiency of solar panels decline with increased shading layers and partial shading causes electrical mismatches. Common items like paper and leaves significantly affect panel efficiency. In tropical urban environments such as Uganda, maximizing photovoltaic (PV) system performance requires precise panel placement, regular cleaning, and vegetation control.

The increasing global generation of municipal, industrial, and agricultural waste, coupled with rising energy demand and stringent environmental regulations, has accelerated the development of intelligent Waste-to-Energy (WtE) systems. Although WtE technologies including incineration, gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and plasma conversion, offer significant potential for sustainable waste management and renewable energy production, their performance is constrained by feedstock heterogeneity, nonlinear process dynamics, emission control requirements, and economic uncertainty. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative enabler capable of addressing these challenges through advanced data-driven modeling, optimization, and decision-making frameworks. This review provides a comprehensive and critical synthesis of AI applications across the WtE value chain, including feedstock characterization, process optimization, intelligent control, emission monitoring, predictive maintenance, and techno-economic planning. Techniques such as machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, evolutionary algorithms, and hybrid physics-informed models are systematically evaluated. The analysis shows that AI-based approaches can improve energy efficiency by 5–15

The global transition toward renewable energy is essential for mitigating climate change, enhancing energy security, and achieving sustainable development. However, the large-scale integration of renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, introduces significant operational challenges due to their inherent variability, uncertainty, and decentralized characteristics. These challenges affect forecasting accuracy, grid stability, maintenance planning, and overall system efficiency, necessitating advanced analytical and control strategies. This review critically examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a system-level enabler for enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of smart renewable energy systems. Unlike existing domain-specific reviews, this study provides a cross-domain synthesis of AI applications across key functional areas, including renewable energy forecasting, smart grid optimization, predictive maintenance, energy storage management, and operational decision-making. The analysis integrates recent advances in machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and reinforcement learning, highlighting their capability to model complex nonlinear relationships and support adaptive system control. Empirical case studies in solar power forecasting and wind farm operation are evaluated to demonstrate measurable performance improvements, including reductions in forecasting error, enhanced energy capture, and improved operational efficiency. However, the findings also reveal that these improvements are highly dependent on data quality, model generalization, and system integration, and may not be directly transferable across different environments. The review further identifies critical barriers to large-scale deployment, including limitations in data availability, cybersecurity risks, computational complexity, and evolving regulatory frameworks. Emerging research directions, such as Edge AI, hybrid physics-based and data-driven models, AI-enabled microgrids, and advanced cybersecurity architectures, are examined as potential solutions to these challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on unresolved technical bottlenecks, including model interpretability, transferability, real-time deployment constraints, and the need for large-scale field validation. Overall, this review demonstrates that AI has significant potential to transform renewable energy systems, but its effectiveness depends on the integration of data-driven intelligence with physical system constraints, robust infrastructure, and supportive policy frameworks. The insights presented provide a structured foundation for researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers seeking to develop scalable and reliable AI-driven solutions for next-generation smart renewable energy systems.

Dust accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) modules is a major source of performance degradation in dusty environments, leading to reduced energy yield and increased operation and maintenance requirements. This study presents a comprehensive experimental evaluation of different PV cleaning methods under controlled and field-representative dusty conditions. A field-based experiment was conducted at a solar test site in Kampala, Uganda, using 15 identical 100 W monocrystalline silicon PV modules arranged in a triplicate design. Controlled laterite-based dust was applied at standardized densities of 10, 20, and 30 g/m2 to simulate light, moderate, and heavy soiling conditions. Five cleaning strategies were investigated: no cleaning (control), manual brushing with water, mechanical wiping, automated robotic cleaning, and electrostatic cleaning. Module performance was monitored at 15-min intervals between 10:00 and 15:00 using calibrated irradiance, temperature, and current–voltage measurement systems. Each dust-level tests was repeated on 5 clear-sky days. Dust was characterized in terms of particle size distribution, morphology, and composition to support the interpretation of soiling behavior and cleaning effectiveness. Statistical analysis was conducted using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey HSD post-hoc testing, and regression modeling, complemented by uncertainty propagation and effect size evaluation. In addition to instantaneous efficiency, cumulative energy yield was calculated to assess practical performance implications. The results show that PV efficiency decreases systematically with increasing dust density, with uncleaned modules exhibiting substantial performance losses. All cleaning methods significantly improved module efficiency relative to the control (p < 0.001). Automated robotic cleaning achieved the highest efficiency and energy yield across all dust levels, while electrostatic and mechanical cleaning demonstrated comparable intermediate performance. Manual cleaning provided moderate improvement but was limited by water and labor requirements. Regression analysis revealed a strong linear relationship between dust density and efficiency loss (R2 > 0.99), confirming the predictability of soiling effects. Techno-economic analysis further showed that while robotic cleaning offers the best technical performance, its economic viability depends on system scale and local cost conditions. This study provides a high-resolution, controlled, and statistically robust comparison of PV cleaning strategies in a dust-intensive urban environment. The findings offer practical and context-aware guidance for optimizing PV maintenance strategies, highlighting the importance of combining technical performance, resource efficiency, and economic considerations to enhance the reliability and sustainability of solar energy systems in dusty regions.

The occurrence of naturally occurring radionuclides in freshwater systems represents an important environmental and public health concern due to potential radiation exposure through water consumption. This baseline screening study assessed the activity concentrations, spatial distribution, and age-dependent radiological health risks of selected natural radionuclides in surface water from the Namasale section of Lake Kyoga, Uganda. Sixteen sampling locations were distributed across four land-use zones representing fishing shoreline areas, agricultural runoff zones, domestic/livestock water-use areas, and relatively undisturbed open-water control sites. Water samples were analyzed using gamma spectrometry for 226 Ra, 228 Ra, 40 K, and 210 Pb, and alpha spectrometry for 238 U and 234 U. Measured radionuclide concentrations showed significant spatial variability (p < 0.05), with generally elevated activities in agricultural and domestic zones relative to control areas. Potassium-40 recorded the highest activity concentrations due to its natural abundance, while uranium isotopes exhibited the expected natural disequilibrium pattern ( 234 U > 238 U), indicating geochemically controlled mobility. Pearson correlation, principal component analysis, and spatial interpolation further suggested that radionuclide distribution is influenced by combined geogenic and land-use-related factors. Adult annual effective dose (AED) values ranged from 61.21 to 97.79 µSv yr -1 , remaining below the World Health Organization guideline level of 100 µSv yr -1 , although age-dependent assessment indicated proportionally higher vulnerability for children and infants. Radium isotopes were the dominant contributors to ingestion dose across all populations. Excess lifetime cancer risk values indicated generally low-to-borderline radiological concern under conservative exposure assumptions rather than critical health risk. Although current radionuclide levels do not indicate substantial immediate radiological hazards, the observed spatial variability highlights the importance of continued monitoring, particularly in agriculturally and domestically influenced zones. This study provides important baseline radiological data for Lake Kyoga and supports sustainable freshwater management, environmental surveillance, and future multi-seasonal investigations in Uganda.

Online learning has become a central mode of delivery in higher education worldwide, offering new opportunities for non-traditional students such as working professionals, caregivers, and mature-age learners. However, in developing countries such as Uganda, online education faces significant challenges, including limited digital infrastructure, high data costs, and inadequate institutional policies. While previous research has examined online learning, little is known about how instructors in Ugandan higher education institutions adapt their strategies to support non-traditional students. This study seeks to address this gap by exploring the instructional and institutional practices that enable student persistence in resource-constrained environments. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 52 online instructors from 12 institutions between January and March 2025. Data were transcribed, coded, and analysed thematically, revealing six interrelated themes: flexibility, institutional support services, community building and engagement, balancing multiple roles, perceptions of success, and institutional policies and practices. Findings highlight the importance of flexibility, including extended deadlines, asynchronous learning, and mobile-friendly materials, given students’ competing responsibilities and technological barriers. Instructors emphasised the critical role of support services, particularly digital literacy guidance and mental health counselling. They stressed the value of informal engagement strategies, such as WhatsApp study groups and personal check-ins, for fostering a sense of belonging. Notably, instructors defined success holistically, focusing on persistence, skill acquisition, and workplace application rather than solely degree completion. The study concludes that institutional policies must be reformed to address digital inequities, support informal engagement, and recognise diverse definitions of success. Recommendations include affordable internet initiatives, community-based learning hubs, and context-sensitive student support systems.

The operating temperature of photovoltaic (PV) modules has a pronounced influence on electrical efficiency and long-term reliability, particularly in tropical regions characterized by high ambient temperatures and intense solar irradiance. This study investigates the suitability of selected locally available agricultural and bio-based materials as backside thermal insulators for PV modules, with the aim of providing a low-cost and sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic insulation. Rice husks, sawdust, banana fiber derived from banana pseudostems, coffee husks, and a clay-straw composite were experimentally evaluated and compared with a polystyrene insulation board and an uninsulated baseline. Outdoor experiments were conducted using seven identical 100 W polycrystalline PV module under open-sky conditions in Kampala, Uganda, with measurements recorded at 15-min intervals between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. over a 3-month period. Thermal conductivity was determined using standardized laboratory methods, while module operating temperature and electrical performance were monitored in situ. The results show that all locally sourced materials reduced module operating temperature relative to the uninsulated case, with rice husks and sawdust achieving the greatest reductions of up to 7-9 °C and corresponding electrical efficiency improvements of up to 5% during peak irradiance periods. One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post-hoc analysis confirmed statistically significant differences among insulation materials (p < 0.001). The findings demonstrate that agricultural waste materials can effectively enhance PV module performance under tropical conditions, offering a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and locally adaptable approach to passive thermal management for solar energy systems in developing regions.

The expansion of diagnostic radiology services in developing countries has improved access to medical imaging but has simultaneously increased demand for effective and affordable radiation protection infrastructure. Conventional shielding materials such as Lead and concrete remain widely used because of their high attenuation performance; however, their cost, environmental burden, structural requirements, and dependence on imported supply chains limit implementation in low-resource settings. This PRISMA-informed review synthesizes evidence published between 2022 and 2026 to evaluate sustainable and low-cost radiation shielding alternatives applicable to developing countries, with contextual relevance to Uganda and similar healthcare environments. A total of 90 references were analyzed, covering agricultural residues, forestry by-products, glass-based systems, industrial waste-derived materials, and engineered hybrid composites. Findings indicate that bio-based and hybrid shielding materials can provide attenuation suitable for selected diagnostic energy ranges when optimized through densification, increased thickness, layered design, and incorporation of mineral additives. Hybrid bio–mineral composites demonstrated the most favorable balance between shielding performance, affordability, and implementation feasibility. However, adoption remains constrained by material variability, limited standardization, inadequate testing infrastructure, and insufficient regulatory recognition. Coordinated advances in research, policy development, local manufacturing, and institutional capacity building are essential to support sustainable radiological safety in resource-constrained healthcare systems.

Addressing the critical issue of hydrological insufficiency and aqueous resource depletion in agrarian and metropolitan environments, this study introduces an innovative approach to augmenting the operational efficacy of a solitary solar distillation apparatus (SSD). The proposed methodology focuses on the design and rigorous assessment of modifications to optimize the SSD productivity. A critical component of this methodology involves the implementation of an advanced matte black coating, engineered with a chromogenic compound, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), and Hylocereus polyrhizus (dragon fruit peel extract, DFPE), applied to the absorber plate of the solar distillation unit. The efficacy of conventional solar stills (CSS) and single solar distillers (SSDs) was assessed across varying DFPETN compositions (10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %). Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy analysis revealed that the coating, with peak absorbance in the 300-500 nm range, significantly augments the photothermal efficiency of TiO2. Comprehensive evaluations encompassing thermal, energetic, ecological, and economic parameters were conducted, comparing coated SSDs with CSS, both with and without DFPETN. The DFPETN@30 % coating yielded a remarkable daily distillate output of 9.018 kg/m2 in summer and 7.938 kg/m2 in winter, compared to 2.698 kg/m2 (summer) and 2.528 kg/m2 (winter) for the CSS. This represents a substantial 178.9 % enhancement in SSD performance. Furthermore, the DFPETN@30 % coating significantly improved system efficacy, achieving a 838.87 % increase in summer and a 34.69 % increase in winter. Exergy efficiency for the coated SSD reached 5.80 %, compared to 8.23 % (summer) and 7.14 % (winter) for the CSS. From an environmental standpoint, the 30 % DFPETN-coated solar still decreased carbon emissions to about 12 tons of CO2 per year. From a financial perspective, it reduced drinking water production costs to $0.24 per liter in summer and $0.10 per liter in winter, showing strong economic benefits.