University Of Khartoum Research Articles

Effects of Soil Types and Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Humus on Growth and Survival of some Tree Seedlings in the Nursery

This study aimed to assess the effects of various soil types andorganic growing media on the growth of some tree seedlings. It wasconducted in the nursery of the Faculty of Forestry, University ofKhartoum, Shambat, during March-November 2006. Soil growing growthmedia consisted of sand, silt and clay, while the organic matter consistedof decomposed mango humus. Seeds of Tamarindus indica L., Albizialebbeck (L.) Benth. and Acacia senegal (L.) Wild. were directly sown inpolyethylene bags (10x20 cm). Seedlings shoot height, diameter, shootand root biomasses of all the species were positively significantly affectedby clay and silt media. Root growth was significantly greater in sand thanother media. Mango humus had negatively (P < 0.05) affected seedlings'growth of all the tested species. Nonetheless, seedlings' survival rate wasfar better in the sand than in the other media. Silt and clay can be used assuitable growing media; pure sand may be used if production of seedlingswith well developed root system is envisaged. However, type and sourceof organic matter should be cautiously chosen before it can be confidentlyused as a suitable growing medium

Response of Three Indigenous Pulse Crops to Different Moisture Conditions

A field experiment was conducted in the Demonstration Farmof the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum for two seasons(January to May 2005 and December 2005 to May 2006). The objectiveof the experiment was to study the effect of 7 and 14 days irrigationintervals on growth and yield of three local pulse crops; namely, Vignaunguiculata ‘Lubia Hilu’, V. sinensis ‘Lubia Kordofani’ and Lablabpurpureus ‘Lubia Afin’. The results showed that irrigation every 14 daysreduced dry matter production and seed yield, but increased thepercentage of crude protein in the seeds of the three crops as a result ofincrease in the ratio proteins: carbohydrates

Growth Performance of the Seedlings of Four Acacia Species Raised in Compost-Amended Sandy and Silty Soils

The objective of this study was to determine the effects ofcompost on growth of Acacia nilotica, A. seyal, A. senegal and A. tortilisseedlings. It was conducted in Khartoum University Farm, duringDecember 1999- January 2002. Compost was prepared in a pit from forestlitter and poultry manure. Four quantities of compost were added to asandy soil and a silty soil (% volume): zero, 25%, 50% and 75%. Theblends were packed in polythene bags prior to transplanting. The compostwas slightly acidic, non-saline, and rich in nutrients and had high waterholding capacity. The compost negatively affected acacia seedgermination percentage by 1.5 to 5.3 folds compared to the mineral soils.Shoot height in the compost-sand mixes increased significantly ascompared to the unamended sandy soil by 1.4 to 2 folds. Root length wasgenerally lower in the compost treatments. Shoot and root biomass in thecompost media was significantly higher than in the sandy soil andincreased by 3 to 7 and 1.5 to 3.0 folds, respectively. In the silt-compostmixes, seedlings' shoot heights were significantly greater than in theunamended silty soil. Root lengths in the silt-compost mixes were notsignificantly different from those in the silty soil. Shoot and root biomassin the silt-compost mixes was not significantly different from that in theunamended silty soil. Compost effects on seedlings’ growth occurred in

THE BIG-FIVE PERSONALITY FACTORS AS PREDICTORS OF OBSESSION-COMPULSION AMONG A SAMPLE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS FROM SUDAN

The aim of the present study was to explore the associations between the Big-Five (B-F) personality factors and obsession-compulsion. A sample of Khartoum University students was recruited (N = 547). They responded to the Arabic Big-Five Personality Inventory and the Arabic Scale of Obsession-Compulsion-Revised. Results indicated that women obtained a significantly higher mean scores than did men on agreeableness, neuroticism, and extraversion, but the size effects were small. Obsession-compulsion was significantly and positively associated with neuroticism, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness (in men), neuroticism, and agreeableness (in women). Principal components analysis extracted two high-loaded components in both sexes and labeled: “Stable personality”, and “Psychological disorder”. Regression analysis indicated that the predictors of obsession-compulsion were neuroticism, openness (in men, R2 = .18), neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness (in women, R2 = .23). These results refer to the associations between the B-F and obsession compulsion, particularly neuroticism. In psychotherapy, the amelioration of neuroticism may reduce symptoms of obsession-compulsion.

Error Analysis and English Prepositions Learning Strategy of Sudanese EFL Leaners

This study aimed to investigate the learning strategy of English preposition proficiency of Sudanese EFL Learners. The participants of the study were 50 intermediate year students chosen randomly from the School of Management Studies, Khartoum University. The participants enrolled in a pre- intermediate general English language course for two semesters. Written and oral samples were taken at the end of the first and second semesters, respectively. Errors were grouped into three types: omission, addition and substitution. Errors were analyzed in terms of performance mistakes, negative transfer, and overgeneralization. The main findings of the study indicated significant differences in the strategy of learning English prepositions between the first and second semesters. The study showed that the students were progressing well in their learning of English prepositions. It also, revealed that female students achieved better learning strategies in learning English prepositions compared to male students in both written and oral productions in the two semesters.

Comparing the performance of the common used eumycetoma diagnostic tests.

Mycetoma is a neglected tropical implantation disease caused by 70 different infectious agents. Identifying the causative organism to the species level is essential for appropriate patient management. Ultrasound, histopathology, culture and two species-specific PCRs are most the commonly used methods for species identification in endemic regions. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of these commonly used assays using sequencing of barcoding genes as the gold standard. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mycetoma Research Centre, University of Khartoum, Sudan. It included 222 patients suspected of fungal mycetoma caused by Madurella mycetomatis. 154 (69.3%) were correctly identified by ultrasound, histology, culture and both species-specific PCRs. In 60 patients, at least one of the diagnostic tests failed to identify M. mycetomatis. Five patients had no evidence of eumycetoma, and for three, only the ultrasound was indicative of mycetoma. The two species-specific PCRs were the most sensitive and specific methods, followed by culture and histology. Ultrasound was the least specific as it only allowed differentiation between actinomycetoma and eumycetoma. The time to result was 9.38 minutes for ultrasound, 3.76 hours for PCR, 8.5 days for histopathology and 21 days for grain culturing. Currently, PCR directly on DNA isolated from grains is the most rapid and reliable diagnostic tool to identify M. mycetomatis eumycetoma.

Feasibility of Introducing an E-Learning Project Program at the Faculties of Medicine and Nursing

E-Learning helps in situations of quarantine and lockdown. It helps us continue our learning process despite the interruption of travel, public transport, and restriction of personal movement. E-learning has become quite popular among students worldwide, particularly during the lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project aims to assess the current situation of establishing an eLearning Program in the Faculties of Medicine and nursery sciences at Khartoum. A cross-sectional, mixed quantitative and qualitative, campus-based study. A total of 95 participants who were accessible to us during lockdown were assessed to estimate the availability of essential resources needed to apply the online delivery teaching system. The teachers and students of the two faculties of medicine and nursing sciences at the University of Khartoum were selected purposefully and trained on basic generic eLearning activities. Their skills and competencies were assessed via Pre and Post Test. In this study, 95 participants completed the project process. Of them, 75 (78.9%) were students, and 25 (21.1%) were faculty and administrators from medicine and nursing. The evaluation of the implementation of an e-learning program in our setting through faculty and student input was assessed and satisfied, in addition to the availability of technological resources and commitment. Both students and faculties positively support e-learning for a successful transition to e-learning partly in times of emergencies with the support of the World Health Organization. We have investigated the feasibility of implementing an e-learning project and recommend the adoption of the guide. We advocate improving internet connectivity, power supply, and costs.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEAD ON THE COEFFICIENT OF UNIFORMITY AND WATER DISTRIBUTION ON A PORTABLE SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEM

A portable sprinkler irrigation system was installed with the objective of evaluating the performance of the system layout. Two sets of sprinkler heads were used; single and twin. The study was conducted during the period March to September 2012 in the Demonstration Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, Shambat, longitude 32o 32'E: latitude 15o 40'N and altitude 380 m above mean sea level. After installation of the system the coefficient of uniformity (CU %) and the distribution uniformity (DU %) were determined for each set of sprinkler heads under an operating pressure of 2.5 bars. The completely randomized block design (CRBD) was used. Three replicates were used for each set and the data were analyzed by the SAS program. The statistical analysis showed that there were high significant differences (P≥0.01) in CU% and DU% values between the different sprinkler heads. The highest CU% and DU% values 87% and 76%, respectively, were obtained under plastic sprinkler heads, while the lowest ones of 81.3% and 68.1% were obtained under the brass sprinkler heads, respectively. It

Impact of high temperature on PV productivity in hot desert climates

Hot dry climate regions enjoy high solar irradiation, albeit with high ambient temperatures. These two factors have a contradictory effect on the power generated from PV systems. This work studies the combined effect of high ambient temperature and high irradiation on the net performance of PV systems. The study is based on monitoring a grid-connected 5 kW PV system installed on the rooftop of the Energy Research Center of the University of Khartoum, Sudan. The performance was monitored by meteorological and power measurement equipment from April 2017 to March 2018. The results showed stable power output from the PV system with an average final yield of 4.57 kWh/kWp and a 0.21 standard deviation from this average value. The stability in power output is due to the compensation of the efficiency degradation due to high temperature by high irradiation in summer. This is combined with the relatively low irradiation in winter compensated by the low temperature effect in winter. The annual deviation of the temperature and irradiation is small in Khartoum due to its proximity to the equator. The semi desert climate, offers Khartoum notably few annual cloudy hours. These characteristics were compared with the annual performance of other countries with different climates. The conclusion from this work on hot dry regions is that despite the negative effect of temperature, the annual output power from the system tends to be stable due to the substitution contributed by the regionally high radiation and the relatively cool winter climate.

Assessment of Male Medical Students' Knowledge and Attitudes About Prostate Cancer and Screening at the University of Khartoum

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cancer among men in Sudan. It was ranked fourth among all cancer treatment centers in Khartoum. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude toward PC among male medical students in their final and semifinal years at the University of Khartoum. Methods and Results: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted at the University of Khartoum (Faculty of Medicine) on semifinal and final-year male medical students from March 2022 until May 2022. Data were collected from medical students, using a standardized, pretested, coded questionnaire that contained close-ended questions. The questionnaire was distributed online to the medical students using Google Forms. Knowledge levels were determined using 10 questions on risk factors, signs and symptoms, prevention, treatment, and complications of PC. A total of 131 participants received questionnaires, and the response rate was 100%. The results are presented in chronological order in the way they were analyzed, starting with sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, sources of information on PC, knowledge levels (low, medium, and high) of PC, and attitude levels (positive, negative) relating to the year of study. All medical students in the last 2 years have heard about PC, and medical students overwhelmingly (88.5%) believe that early detection of PC through screening improves survival. Almost all the respondents in our study indicated their willingness to go for PC screening (87.8%), and the rest of the respondents’ attitudes about the importance of PC and treatment were positive. Conclusion: Most students have sufficient knowledge about prostate cancer, its risk factors, complications, and treatment. Medical students are an important population in studying the determinants of screening for prostate cancer.

Assessment of Litter Input, Decomposition and Elements Dynamics in Yatta Tropical Forest in Western Equatoria State, South Sudan

This study characterized soils, assessed litter input, litter decomposition and elements release in Yatta forest, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan during May 2008 and March 2010. The soil was described and sampled. Litter was collected weekly from plots of 16 m2 under the forest cover with forty replicates. Seventy five litter bags were buried at 15-30 cm soil depth to assess decomposition and elements' release. Twenty fife bags were withdrawn at every 6, 12 months periods Fallen litter, remaining decomposed litter and soil samples were analyzed in the Laboratory of the Department of Soil and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum. The soil was characterized as Oxisols, sandy clay loam, acidic, rich in organic matter, and amply furnished with nutrients. Litter input was 1791 kg/ha/year; with concessive seasonal maxima and minima in dry and wet months. Losses of dry matter were high, ranging of 52.2 % to 96.8 % during the tested periods. The elements K, N, P, Ca, Mg were rapidly released with successive rates ranges of 37 %-62 %, 56 %-72 % and 62 %-90 % during 6, 12 and 18 months observation periods. The results showed a high potential fertility of this natural forest site which will support the sustainability of the growing stock and utilization of the forest for high yielding food crops.

Survey and Molecular Identification of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria Causing Bacterial Spot of Tomato in Blue Nile State in Sudan

This study aimed to survey, characterize, and identify the causal pathogen of tomato bacterial spots (TBS). The survey evaluated the disease incidence and severity on tomato cultivated in Blue Nile State during the autumn season 2015. The surveyed sites were in Alrosseris and Aldmazein localities. Four farms were selected from each locality. Symptomatic leaves were collected and sent to plant pathology laboratory, Department of Crop protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum for detection of the pathogen. Pathogenicity of the isolated bacteria was confirmed by relevant test. The pathogen was isolated and characterized morphologically, biochemically and at molecular level. The survey revealed that there was no significant difference in disease incidence within each locality, while there were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) among locations within both localities in disease severity. The disease incidence was remarkably high in Alrosseris and Aldamazein which recorded 49.27 and 52.17 %, respectively, while the disease severity was 28.28 and 30.32%, respectively. The results showed that the isolates were rod shaped, obligate aerobic, Gram negative, catalase positive, oxidase negative, and were able to hydrolyse starch and gelatine, yellow colonies on nutrient agar and Yeast Dextrose Calcium carbonate (YDC) media. In the pathogenicity test, the bacterium known as Xanthomonas vesicatoria was confirmed to be as Xanthomonas euvesicatoria by PCR and sequence analysis of the 16S RNA gene (Gen Bank Accession No's MH047248, MH051263 and MG686236).These results also indicate that the tomato plants grown in Blue Nile State were highly infected by the bacterial leaf spots. Further studies should be considered to determine potential yield loss caused by the pathogen, as well as control strategies to limit the spread of this pathogen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria causing bacterial spot disease in tomato in Sudan

High Voltage Stress and Equipotential Mapping Using FEM Method

The aim of this paper is to study the voltage stress and the equipotential mapping for a sample of 33kV porcelain insulator, which is used widely in the Sudanese national grid. The available modeling and analysis package COMSOL multi-physics was used, and a limited number of experiments using the high voltage laboratory facility at University of Khartoum was attempted to compare the simulation and experimental results. The simulation predicts that 30 kV/cm ionization (for air at standard conditions) occurs at about 105 kV, while experimentally ionization started as a visible corona discharge at about 101 kV peak .

Using Kotter’s theory to lead change at University of Khartoum: A qualitative study

Changes in Universities need to be prepared, enforced, and sustained to turn the universities into institutions that can function effectively and efficiently. Kotter’s change model is one of the most widely recognised models for leading change, and yet there are few case studies have been used this model in the academic literature. Therefore, this study aimed to test Kotter’s change model at University of Khartoum. To do so, a qualitative research design was followed. To collect data a semi-structured interview was used with 11 leaders in the University of Khartoum. The thematic analysis has shown that create an environment for change depends on create urgency, and develop a vision for change that convinces staff members to participate in the change process. It is evident that the University of Khartoum has engaged and enabled the staff members in each college and work unit to embrace the change. Besides, the analysis indicated that for the change to be implemented and sustained it needs to removing obstacles and making it the university culture. The paper recommended that the importance of change must be embedded in the vision of the University of Khartoum to create a strong climate for change in the University environment.

The problems of Fluency in Spoken English among EFL Learners in Sudanese Universities

This research aims to investigate the problems and challenges which is usually experienced by English learners in the Sudanese university when trying to speak English. It also checks the problems that students face when learning the English language in Sudanese universities and try to find remedies to this problem. The research uses a questionnaire, interviews, and descriptive methods in the collection of data about fluency in the English language in universities in, the Sudan University of Khartoum as an example. The data was then statistically analyzed using the SPSS program. The results showed that there are various problems that hinder English learning in the universities and among them include: under-qualified teachers, unsuitable teaching materials, and the methods used in teaching are also poor. The other problem is the psychological factor that makes student lack motivation while learning English. The study also contains ways in which these problems can be handled so as to bring efficiency in learning and teaching English in Sudanese universities.

Implementing a multi-colour genetic marker analysis technique for embryology education.

Embryology belongs to the basic sciences and is usually an integral part of the anatomy. The subject is traditionally taught by visual inspection of embryonic tissue slides stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) to expose the dynamics of tissue histology as development proceeds. While combining in situ hybridization for gene expression analysis and immunostaining for protein expression analysis is an established technique for embryology research, the implementation of this tool in embryology teaching has not been described. The present study was conducted to assess the use of an online multi-colour gene expression analysis technique, alongside histological sections and diagrams, to improve students' understanding of embryology. The participants of this study were bachelor's students of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Khartoum. The method was also evaluated by distributing questionnaire items to Veterinary students via Google forms; subsequently, their responses were analysed qualitatively. The majority of students stated that the new technique was beneficial for their learning of embryology. The multi-colour images proved a more effective means for learning embryology than the traditional H&E image. Results from the students strengthen the belief in applying the multi-colour technique for better embryology course learning.

S3.1a Update in mycetoma control

S3.1 Neglected implantation mycoses, September 21, 2022, 4:45 PM - 6:15 PMMycetoma is a badly neglected tropical disease, reported globally but endemic in many tropical and subtropical, and Sudan has the highest disease burden. Mycetoma epidemiological features remain uncharacterized. Hence, there is no preventive or control program for mycetoma worldwide. To reduce the disease burden and its socio-economic impacts on patients, families, communities, and the health system in the endemic regions, the Mycetoma Research Center, University of Khartoum, Sudan, WHO Collaborating Center on Mycetoma has adopted a unique holistic approach to management and mycetoma patients, and it gained a great experience on that.In this presentation, we will share the MRC's experience in dealing with the patients at the endemic villages level, supporting the affected communities and collaborating with the local health authorities to improve the life quality of the affected patients.

S4.5d Comparing the diagnostic performance of the commonly used eumycetoma diagnostic tests using sequencing of the internally transcribed spacer region as the gold standard

S4.5 Mycetoma Clinical Trial on fosravuconazole treatment in eumycetoma– Top Line Results, September 22, 2022, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM ObjectivesMycetoma is a neglected tropical implantation disease caused by 70 different infectious agents. Identifying the causative organism to the species level is essential for appropriate patient management. Ultrasound, histopathology, culture, and two species-specific PCRs are most the commonly used methods for species identification in endemic regions. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of these commonly used assays using sequencing of barcoding genes as the gold standard.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mycetoma Research Centre, University of Khartoum, Sudan. It included 222 patients suspected of fungal mycetoma caused by Madurella mycetomatis.ResultsIn total 154 (69.3%) were correctly identified by ultrasound, histology, culture, and both species-specific PCRs. In 60 patients, at least one of the diagnostic tests failed to identify M. mycetomatis. A total of five patients had no evidence of eumycetoma, and for three, only the ultrasound was indicative of mycetoma. The two species-specific PCRs were the most sensitive and specific methods, followed by culture and histology. Ultrasound was the least specific as it only allowed differentiation between actinomycetoma and eumycetoma. The time to result was 9.38 minutes for ultrasound, 3.76 h for PCR, 8.5 days for histopathology, and 21 days for grain culturing.ConclusionCurrently, PCR directly on DNA isolated from grains is the most rapid and reliable diagnostic tool to identify M. mycetomatis eumycetoma.

Leading Change at The Faculty of Education in Light of Kotter's Change Model

The purpose of this study was to examine Kotter's leading change model at the Faculty of Education University of Khartoum with a major purpose of evaluating the contribution of this theory to enhance the importance and understanding of leading change at the University context. In doing so, a survey research design was employed. Among 239 staff members at the Faculty of Education University of Khartoum, data were collected from 106 (44.00%) respondents using questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using one sample t-test. The result showed that creating a climate for change has been practised in the Faculty of Education University of Khartoum. The Faculty of Education University of Khartoum has engaged and enabled the whole organization in the change process. The findings also indicated that the Faculty of Education University of Khartoum has implemented and sustained change process. Hence, the implication of these findings adds to the understanding of how college officials ought to play a role model in embedding the change in their behaviors.

Impact of Teaching Short Stories on Sudanese EFL Learners’ Vocabulary learning

The current study aimed to explore the relationship between teaching short stories and the improvement of the learners' vocabulary in the Sudanese EFL context. The study used a descriptive and analytical research design. It used a pre-test and post-test for 20 students from Khartoum University and was divided into two groups- an experimental group and a control group, with 10 participants in each group. Using statistical analysis, the findings showed that the participants who were taught using short stories improved their vocabulary in terms of increasing their word count and usage that the participants in the control group. That is to say, using short stories motivates the learners to learn new words and enables them to use such vocabulary in sentences. Reading a short story can improve students' vocabulary. With this significant result, it can be said that short stories develop learners' vocabulary and this helps EFL learners, like many other similar contexts, to develop their vocabulary through the teaching of short stories. Keywords: ELT, EFL learners, Short stories, Sudanese Context, Vocabulary