Review
Energy & Fuels
Claudio Pasqua, Paolo Chiozzi, Massimo Verdoya
Summary: Based on recent investigations, this study reviewed three major geothermal plays in the East African Rift System (EARS), representing different geological and hydrogeological realms. Alalobeda and Menengai are examples of the Eastern Branch of EARS, while Kilambo-Ilwalilo is an example of the Western Branch. They differ in their structural and volcanic characteristics, as well as their heat sources and reservoir temperatures. The results provide helpful guidelines for future studies on geothermal resources in the rift.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda Barreto Xavier-Leite, Marcela Eugenia da Silva Caceres, Andre Aptroot, Bibiana Moncada, Robert Lucking, Bruno Tomio Goto
Summary: This study presents a broad molecular-phylogenetic revision of the lichenized family Gomphillaceae, based on newly generated sequences. The study identified new genus-level clades and found that the characteristic asexual anamorph called hypho-phores is diagnostic for many of the recognized clades.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wei-Cheng Wang, Ek Sangvichien, Kawinat Buaruang, Shu-Hua Jiang, Tie-Zheng Wei, Jiang-Chun Wei
Summary: A new species of the genus Badimia, Badimia xanthocampylidia, is described from tropical rainforests in southern China and Thailand. The study also discusses three other species and reports the genus Badimia being found in China for the first time. Additionally, a worldwide key to known species in the genus is presented.
Article
Plant Sciences
Leo-Paul M. J. Dagallier, Frank M. Mbago, W. R. Quentin Luke, Thomas L. P. Couvreur
Summary: East Africa is home to a rich diversity of endemic plant species, as highlighted by the discovery of three new species of the Uvariodendron genus. These new species, found in coastal forests of Kenya and Tanzania, exhibit unique characteristics and emphasize the potential for further botanical exploration in the region.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Daniel Puhr-Westerheide, Max Masthoff, Jay Shah, Alina Krechel, Mwivano Shemwetta, Azza A. A. Naif, Ofonime N. N. Ukweh, Ziad Abdul, Abizer Sarkar, Balowa Musa Baraka, Furaha Malecela, Praygod Justin Lekasio, Latifa Rajab, Abbas Mungia, William Sianga, Karim P. P. Manji, Eric M. M. Mbuguje, Sarah Khoncarly, Frank J. J. Minja, Fabian M. M. Laage Gaupp, Moritz Wildgruber
Summary: The purpose of this project is to implement a sustainable vascular anomalies (VA) program in Tanzania. Through a stepwise approach, the first interdisciplinary VA program was successfully launched at Muhimbili National Hospital. Minimally-invasive treatments were trained and implemented, and follow-up care was established through online conferences and support from other VA centers. This project sets a blueprint for comprehensive and sustainable care for VAs in Tanzania.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Business, Finance
Josephat Lotto
Summary: This study examines the level and determinants of financial inclusion in Tanzania, comparing it with other East African countries. The findings show that financial inclusion in Tanzania is less developed than expected, contrary to other countries in the region. The study also reveals that financial inclusion is positively related to income and education levels, and negatively related to gender. Additionally, there is a non-linear relationship between age and financial inclusion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FINANCE & ECONOMICS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Daniel R. S. Middleton, Blandina T. Mmbaga, Diana Menya, Charles Dzamalala, Gissela Nyakunga-Maro, Peter Finch, Yohannie Mlombe, Joachim Schuz, Valerie McCormack
Summary: This study aimed to assess the contribution of alcohol to the risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in East Africa. The results showed that alcohol consumption significantly contributed to the risk of ESCC in East Africa, especially among men. Cessation or reduction of alcohol consumption could prevent a significant proportion of ESCC cases.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Benjawan Tanunchai, Simon Andreas Schroeter, Li Ji, Sara Fareed Mohamed Wahdan, Shakhawat Hossen, Ann-Sophie Lehnert, Hagen Gruenberg, Gerd Gleixner, Francois Buscot, Ernst-Detlef Schulze, Matthias Noll, Witoon Purahong
Summary: This study used high-throughput sequencing techniques to explore the diversity and composition of lichenized fungi on the leaves and needles of 12 temperate tree species. The study highlights the importance of coniferous trees for maintaining the biodiversity of foliicolous lichens and emphasizes the significance of host species in shaping lichenized fungal communities. The discovery of red list lichens adds valuable information for conservation efforts.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Therese Umuhoza, Wallace D. Bulimo, Julius Oyugi, Jean Pierre Musabyimana, Alison A. Kinengyere, James D. Mancuso
Summary: Our review found a high prevalence of human adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, particularly among individuals with severe acute respiratory disease. The three respiratory viruses significantly contribute to acute respiratory tract infections in the East Africa Community, especially in those aged five and above.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pascal Thoya, Vera Horigue, Christian Mollmann, Joseph Maina, Kerstin S. S. Schiele
Summary: Recently, the rights of small-scale fishers have been increasingly acknowledged in ocean governance due to coastal development and maritime activities. However, small-scale fisheries are facing threats from ocean grabbing, pollution, and exclusion from decision-making processes. This study in East Africa explores the characteristics and concerns of small-scale fishers in relation to port development, finding that fishers rely on nearshore ecosystems and are severely impacted by the construction of ports. It also highlights the need for meaningful fisher participation and policy measures to support sustainable small-scale fisheries.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhonghua Zhao, Xiaolong Yao, Qiqi Ding, Xionghu Gong, Jianjun Wang, Saadu Tahir, Ishmael Aaron Kimirei, Lu Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of 70 anthropogenically-sourced OMPs in 18 lakes in Tanzania, revealing high pollution levels of PAEs, suggesting the need for targeted monitoring and pollution control measures.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abbie Barry, Sten Olsson, Christabel Khaemba, Joseph Kabatende, Tigist Dires, Adam Fimbo, Omary Minzi, Emile Bienvenu, Eyasu Makonnen, Appolinary Kamuhabwa, Margaret Oluka, Anastasia Guantai, Eugene van Puijenbroek, Ulf Bergman, Alex Nkayamba, Michael Mugisha, Parthasarathi Gurumurthy, Eleni Aklillu
Summary: The pharmacovigilance systems within the NTD programs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania were assessed using the East African Community Harmonized Pharmacovigilance Indicators tool. Despite having strategic master plans with pharmacovigilance components, limited or no individual case safety reports were received, and there was minimal collaboration with national pharmacovigilance centers. These programs lacked a specific budget for pharmacovigilance, and although some safety monitoring elements were present, key elements such as adverse event reporting and collaboration with national centers were limited or missing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wei-Cheng Wang, Azlan Abas, Xin-Li Wei, Xu Qian, Jiang-Chun Wei
Summary: Two new species of the lichenized genus Lasioloma, Lasioloma longiramosum and Lasioloma verrucosum, are described in this study. Molecular phylogenetic analysis confirmed their placement in the genus and the length of conidial branches was identified as an important feature for species delimitation in Lasioloma.
Article
Geography, Physical
Dennis M. Njagi, Joyanto Routh, Daniel Olago, Kasun Gayantha
Summary: The multi-proxy records from the Kapsabet peat deposit in western Kenya provide insights into late Holocene climate changes and vegetation evolution, with distinct stages of climatic conditions and their impacts revealed through various proxies.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bahati Ally Magesa, Geetha Mohan, Indrek Melts, Hirotaka Matsuda, Jian Pu, Kensuke Fukushi
Summary: This study investigated potential adaptation measures for farmers in the Mwanga and Same Districts of Tanzania and assessed their impact on sustainable development goal indicators. The findings revealed that some adaptation strategies had strong negative interactions with achieving certain SDGs, while other strategies had strong positive interactions. Integration of different strategies is necessary to achieve the desired goals.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ricardo Miranda-Gonzalez, Andre Aptroot, Robert Lueking, Adam Flakus, Alejandrina Barcenas-Pena, Maria de los Angeles Herrera-Campos
Article
Mycology
Marcin Piatek, Pamela Rodriguez-Flakus, Alejandra Domic, Arely N. Palabral-Aguilera, M. Isabel Gomez, Adam Flakus
MYCOLOGICAL PROGRESS
(2020)
Article
Plant Sciences
Edit Farkas, Bernadett Biro, Zsolt Csintalan, Katalin Veres
Article
Mycology
Edit Farkas, Bernadett Biro, Nora Varga, Monika Sinigla, Laszlo Lokos
Summary: The distribution patterns of lichen secondary metabolites are taxon specific, showing additional chemical diversity apart from morphological-anatomical biodiversity. This study identified four Cetrelia species, with Cetrelia chicitae and C. monachorum being new additions to the Hungarian lichen flora, with the latter being the most common species in Hungary. Protection measures may be needed for C. chicitae and C. cetrarioides.
CRYPTOGAMIE MYCOLOGIE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Veselin V. Shivarov, Nora Varga, Laszlo Lokos, Wolfgang von Brackel, Anna Ganeva, Rayna Natcheva, Edit Farkas
Summary: This study presents an annotated checklist of 45 taxa of lichenicolous fungi from Bulgaria, with some species reported for the first time in the country. By comparing with other regions, it is estimated that Bulgaria may have between 225 and 315 lichenicolous fungi based on the known number of lichens in the country.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Arthur M. Muhoro, Edit E. Farkas
Summary: This review focuses on lichens with potential insecticidal and antiprotozoal activity, testing the effects on various insect and protozoa species. Results suggest that lichen secondary metabolites, especially usnic acid, may serve as effective insecticides. Further validation in the field and on non-human primates is needed.
Article
Plant Sciences
Katalin Veres, Zsolt Csintalan, Bence Kovacs, Edit Farkas
Summary: Inland dune ecosystems are rich in terricolous lichen species, which are sensitive to both local and global human activities. The composition and richness of terricolous lichen communities are influenced by environmental factors and disturbance histories at different sites. Arid and humid dune sides exhibit differences in herb cover, moss cover, and presence of certain lichen species.
Article
Microbiology
Katalin Veres, Zsolt Csintalan, Zsanett Laufer, Rita Engel, Krisztina Szabo, Edit Farkas
Summary: In lichens, both the mycobiont and photobiont cooperate to protect the susceptible photosynthetic apparatus from excess light using various mechanisms. The study explored the impact of seasonality and microhabitat exposure on photoprotection and photoacclimation in six lichen species in Hungary, revealing differences in metabolism between sun and shade populations on different sides of dunes. The research found that rapid, non-regulated non-photochemical quenching mechanisms in the photobiont played a significant role in protecting the photosynthetic system in hydrated conditions, while solar screening metabolites produced by the mycobiont and curling during desiccation provided defense in dehydrated conditions.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nora Varga, Laszlo Lokos, Edit Farkas
Summary: Knowledge of lichenicolous fungi is limited worldwide, especially in regions like Central and Southern Europe. Recent studies in Hungary have led to the discovery of 104 lichenicolous species, including 53 new ones, indicating a greater diversity than previously thought.
Article
Microbiology
Edit Farkas, Nora Varga, Katalin Veres, Gabor Matus, Monika Sinigla, Laszlo Lokos
Summary: The analysis of lichen distribution data allows for the determination of climate change trends and pollution types, predicting future changes. By studying distribution maps, the ecological requirements of different lichen species and their adaptability to environmental conditions can be inferred, holding significant value for bioindication and establishing current and future climatic and pollution situations.
Article
Plant Sciences
Norbert Bauer, Annamaria Huvos-Recsi, Laszlo Lokos, Edit Farkas
Summary: The first observation of Xanthoparmelia pulvinaris in Austria is reported, where it was found in significant amounts at two locations in the Hainburg Hills. This discovery supports the assumption that the region belongs to the Pannonicum floristic province.
Article
Mycology
Katalin Veres, Monika Sinigla, Krisztina Szabo, Nora Varga, Edit Farkas
Summary: This study investigated the effect of decreased UV-protectant metabolites on algal photoprotection in lichens and examined the dynamics of metabolite production. The results showed that seasonality had a greater impact on lichen function than acetone treatment, and the level of photoprotection in the algae remained unchanged.
MYCOLOGICAL PROGRESS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Rebeka Aszalosne Balogh, Gabor Matus, Laszlo Lokos, Balazs Adorjan, Csongor Freytag, Ilona Meszaros, Viktor Olah, Peter Szucs, Peter Erzberger, Edit Farkas
Summary: Between 2016 and 2018, the cryptogams of ten urban flatroofs with different age and size were studied. Siliceous and calcareous substrata were found at each site. The microclimate at two shaded sites was monitored from September 2016 to January 2017. In October 2018, the biomass of two different aged flatroofs was sampled. Cladonia and Xanthoparmelia taxa were identified. A total of 61 taxa were detected with a difference in species composition between shaded and exposed sites. The diversity of lichen has not reached saturation even at the largest sites. Flatroofs with traditional roofing techniques can support diverse microhabitats and species-rich synanthropic vegetation. It is important to study these sites before renovation with modern roofing techniques eliminates them. Diversification of urban surroundings is possible in the future through the use of various substrates in renovated and newly constructed roofs.
Article
Plant Sciences
Edit Farkas, Arthur Macharia Muhoro
Summary: This study focused on the classification and naming of lichens in Kenya, with 178 species belonging to the parmelioid clade. An identification key was created to support further research, and a new combination species was published.
Article
Plant Sciences
Monika Sinigla, Erzsebet Szurdoki, Laszlo Lokos, Denes Bartha, Istvan Galambos, Andras Bidlo, Edit Farkas
Summary: The study found that the protected Cladonia species mainly grow in open acidofrequent oak forests at the top of hills and mountains, but can also occur in other habitats. Cladonia rangiferina is a good indicator species of natural habitats in Hungary due to its restricted distribution and low ecological tolerance. The results may lead to the adoption of effective conservation methods in the future, such as game exclusion and artificial dispersal.
