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Exploiting the unique interaction characteristics of Neutrons for improved Cancer Therapy: A radiobiological Perspective
(Elsevier, 2024-01-01) Kiragga, Festo
Fast neutrons have sufficient energy to liberate recoil protons, alpha particles, and other products when they interact with the nuclei of the target material through scattering and absorption processes. Physical interactions with biological tissues occur mainly with hydrogen nuclei and as the protons interact with the hydrogen in tissues, they create dense ionization chains along their tracks thus depositing energy. Fast neutron therapy was pioneered by Robert Stone in 1938 a few years after the discovery of the neutron. Its main advantage is the limited sensitivity to hypoxia and treatment of slow-growing tumors hence better local control. This is where photon therapy has yet to have much success. Energy deposition by fast neutrons in living tissues is higher than in conventional radiotherapy using mega voltage (MV) photon beams. This higher energy deposition gives fast neutrons a higher relative biological effectiveness (RBE) in dealing with certain tumors. Fast neutrons also have a higher linear energy transfer (LET) and can reach deep-sited tumors better than photon therapy. The main challenge with Fast neutron therapy has been extreme toxicity in late-reacting tissues. Overall, fast neutron therapy holds potential for the treatment of certain tumors by leveraging the unique interaction characteristics of fast neutrons with biological tissues. This review therefore intends to bring this uniqueness to light to enhance the understanding of the radiobiological properties of fast neutrons and the advantages associated with its therapy
Human–Wildlife Conflict and Livelihood Vulnerability: A Sustainable Livelihoods Framework Analysis from Northern Uganda
(East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2026-04-07) Aloyo, J. Innocent; Laloyo , A .Stella
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) remains a major barrier to sustainable development in conservation-adjacent landscapes across Sub-Saharan Africa, where frequent wildlife incursions threaten livelihoods, food security, and social cohesion. In northern Uganda, communities in Lii Subcounty, Nwoya District, face repeated crop destruction, livestock predation, and human injuries, creating complex socioeconomic, environmental, and governance challenges. This study examines the multidimensional impacts of HWC on household livelihoods using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) to capture the interplay of economic, human, social, natural, and physical capital. Methodology: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining 126 household surveys, 6 key informant interviews, and 5 focus group discussions involving 40 participants. Quantitative data measured the scale of economic losses, food insecurity, and livelihood disruptions, while qualitative narratives provided insights into lived experiences, coping strategies, and social dynamics of HWC. Findings: Findings indicate that HWC constitutes a multidimensional shock undermining all five livelihood capitals. Economically, households reported annual losses averaging UGX 5,823,636, with over 57.7% experiencing severe food insecurity. Human capital is diminished through injuries, fatigue, and psychological distress associated with constant farm protection. Women and children bear a disproportionate burden, facing increased labour demands, heightened exposure to risks, and rising incidences of gender-based violence. Social cohesion is eroded by fear, mistrust, and reduced cooperation, while educational outcomes are disrupted as children miss school to guard crops or due to insecurity. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concludes that unresolved HWC represents a multidimensional development and governance crisis that undermines progress toward SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 5 (Gender Equality), and 15 (Life on Land). Policy recommendations emphasise integrated, participatory, and gender-responsive strategies: strengthening community-based wildlife management, establishing early warning systems, implementing compensation or insurance schemes for livelihood losses, and aligning conservation policy with local development priorities through adaptive co-management frameworks. These measures are essential to mitigate risks, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable human–wildlife coexistence, ensuring that both conservation objectives and community livelihoods are supported in the long term.
Establishment of Computed Tomography Diagnostic Reference Levels on Paediatric Patients in Uganda
(NSP: Natural Sciences Publishing Cor., 2021-09-01) Ayugi G 1,*, B. Oruru 1, F. Kiragga 2, H. Kisembo 3 and H. Kyagulanyi 1.
Paediatric dosimetry in radiation protection when compared with adults is based on radiation sensitivity of children to radiation. Children are known to be at a higher risk of developing radiation-induced cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the radiation doses to paediatric patients during computed tomography procedures (CT) so that a diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) could be proposed. DRLs are useful in high dose examinations such as CT to achieve collective dose reduction. Information about patients, protocol and CT system for 684 patients were recorded during 2019 and 2020 from five CT scanners. The dose was determined in four age groups: 0-1 year, 1-5 years, 5-10 years, and 10-15 years for the head, chest and abdomen protocols. The 75th percentile of CTDIvol and DLP were considered as DRLs and compared with IAEC and Japan DRLs. CT dosimetry software Impact CT patient dosimetry calculator, version 1.0.4 with National Radiation Protection Board SR250 data set, was used to validate and compare scanner generated dose values. DRLs are proposed using CTDIvol (mGy) and DLP (mGy cm). The mean DRL of 43.6 and 922 for the head, 3.0 and 258 for the Chest and 3.1 and 292.5 for the abdomen were established during the study. There was high deviation in head CT doses compared to the reported DRLs in IAEC and Japan. The established DRLs for head were higher than those available in other countries. This study showed the need for harmonization of radiation dose optimization of this protocol.
International fieldschool reciprocity: using a whole-of-university approach to create positive change in Northern Uganda
(HIGHER EDUCATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, 2019-04-02) Munro, G. Paul; Anne L. Bartlett; Dhizaala, T. James; Laloyo, A. Stella; Oguti , O. Sebastian; Sarah Walker
International field schools to developing countries have become an important component of the university curriculum because they provide experiential learning and research skills, while also contributing a range of soft skills such as resilience, empathy, resourcefulness, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication. Yet, with the increasing popularity of ‘developing world’ field schools, an ever-more pertinent question to ask is, cui bono? Who benefits when relatively ‘privileged’ students from wealthy countries travel to visit ‘underprivileged’ communities in poorer parts of the world? In this article, we contribute to the discussion about field school reciprocity using data from a newly established program in Northern Uganda, established as part of the University of New South Wales’ UNSW2025 strategy. We show that a whole-of-university approach has significant benefits for staff and students from both institutions, more diffuse benefits for the wider Ugandan host community, as well as the potential to create synergies to leverage community transformation. We also look at challenges that include: power differentials, uncertainty in the field environment, sustainability, and the ability to maintain collaborative equity between institutions over the long term.
Gender, land rights and fragility in Northern Uganda: the case of Amuru District
(Globe: A Journal of Language, Culture and Communication, 2018) Laloyo, A.Stella
Armed conflicts globally create social and economic shifts that affect women’s and men’s claims to land. Jacobs (2012) explains that land is crucial to the livelihoods and security of many rural women. Asiimwe (2001) and Tripp (1997) note that land rights in most parts of Africa are passed on from the male lineage and women who have lost their lineage ties through widowhood, divorce, not having sons, and separation become vulnerable and may be excluded. . This paper discusses struggles over access, control and ownership rights in relation to land among women and men in Amuru district Uganda. This article is a result of a qualitative study that conducted 10 focus group discussions with 40 women and 40 women in Pabbo, Amuru and Lamogi sub counties of Amuru Sub County and 4 focus group discussions with Area Land Committee members in the above sub counties. My findings indicate that ethnic based land tensions fostered insecurity and instability in the Amuru as people could not walk around freely, access their gardens, were displaced and this in turn affected their ability to make a living through accessing the land. I also found that many women had relational access to land through their marriage and relationship with male kin and this seemed to give them fragile land rights. Men on the other hand had firm control over land and made final decisions relating to sales and land use.