David Fred Okot | Makerere University Kampala (original) (raw)

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Papers by David Fred Okot

Research paper thumbnail of Review of small hydropower technology

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2013

This paper gives a review of small hydropower technology. A Small hydropower (SHP) plant uses imp... more This paper gives a review of small hydropower technology. A Small hydropower (SHP) plant uses impulse or reaction turbines and is mainly 'run-off-river'. SHP technologies currently used in generating electricity for rural electrification in both developed and underdeveloped countries are helping to slow down climatic change, creating employment opportunities, and are having low maintenance costs (but high capital costs).

Research paper thumbnail of In Vitro Anti-Venom Potentials of Aqueous Extract and Oils of Toona ciliata M. Roem against Cobra Venom and Chemical Constituents of Oils

Molecules

There are high mortality and morbidity rates from poisonous snakebites globally. Many medicinal p... more There are high mortality and morbidity rates from poisonous snakebites globally. Many medicinal plants are locally used for snakebite treatment in Uganda. This study aimed to determine the in vitro anti-venom activities of aqueous extract and oils of Toona ciliata against Naja melanoleuca venom. A mixture of venom and extract was administered intramuscularly in rats. Anticoagulant, antiphospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibition assay, and gel electrophoresis for anti-venom activities of oils were done. The chemical constituents of the oils of ciliata were identified using Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (GC-MS/MS). The LD50 of the venom was 0.168 ± 0.21 µg/g. The venom and aqueous extract mixture (1.25 µg/g and 3.5 mg/g) did not cause any rat mortality, while the control with venom only (1.25 µg/g) caused death in 1 h. The aqueous extract of T. ciliata inhibited the anticoagulation activity of N. melanoleuca venom from 18.58 min. to 4.83 min and reduced the hemolytic halo diamet...

Research paper thumbnail of Production of Hydrocarbon Fuels from Polyethylene Plastic Wastes Using Thermal and Catalytic Pyrolysis

Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastic... more Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastics has gone up to 299million tones in 2013, which is believed to be increasing in the near future. The utilization of plastics and its final disposal pose a tremendous negative significance impacts on the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal and catalytic pyrolysis for production of hydrocarbon fuel from the polyethene plastic wastes. Catalysts used in the experiment were acid activated clay mineral and aluminum chlorides on activated carbon. The clay mineral was activated by refluxing it with 6M Sulphuric acid for 3hours. The experiment was conducted in three different phases: the first phase of the experiment was done without a catalyst where 88mL oil was obtained at a maximum temperature of 39 and heating rates of 12.5, reaction time of 4hours. The second phase involves the use of acid activated clay mineral where 100mL of oil was obtained and heating rates...

Research paper thumbnail of Anti-venom potentials of Toona ciliata against cobra venom and chemical constituents of its essential and non-volatile oils

There are high mortality and morbidity rates due to poisonous snakebites globally with sub-Sahara... more There are high mortality and morbidity rates due to poisonous snakebites globally with sub-Saharan Africa having some of the highest cases. Uganda is one the tropical countries with many poisonous snakes causing serious health hazards. Antivenin serum is the only remedy available to treat snakebite victims successfully to date. Infusion of antivenin drugs may lead to adverse reactions ranging from severe itching of the skin, hives to potentially serious allergic reactions. Due high cost and lack of antivenin drugs in residents of rural communities in Uganda, herbalists use different herbal formulations to treat snakebite victims. This study was conducted to search of a cheap, readily available and easy formulate remedies for treating snakebite victims. Root bark of Toona ciliata which is one of many plants used by herbalist was chosen for analysis of its anti-venom potentials. The aqueous extract of T. ciliata was tested for anti-venom potential against forest cobra (Naja melanoleuc...

Research paper thumbnail of Raw data on medicinal plant species for treatment of snakebites envenomation in Uganda

This data set describes the medicinal plant species used in the treatment of snakebites in Acholi... more This data set describes the medicinal plant species used in the treatment of snakebites in Acholi, Teso and Karamoja sub regions of Uganda. It includes the how traditional medicinal practitioners (TMP) prepare and administer the medicinal plants, the parts used, type of snake envenomation treated and the frequency of citation. The data set also includes the biodata of the TMP.

Research paper thumbnail of Medicinal plants species used by herbalists in the treatment of snakebite envenomation in Uganda

Tropical Medicine and Health

Background There are high mortality and morbidity rates due to poisonous snakebites globally with... more Background There are high mortality and morbidity rates due to poisonous snakebites globally with sub-Saharan Africa having some of the highest cases. However, traditional medicine practitioners (TMP) have been treating snakebites in Uganda for long despite the fact that few studies have been conducted to document such vital and rich indigenous traditional knowledge before it is lost. This study aimed to document the medicinal plant species used by experienced TMP in treating snakebite envenomation in selected post-conflict parts of Uganda. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in Kitgum, Serere, Kaberamaido and Kaabong districts in Uganda. Twenty-seven TMP with expertise in treating snakebites were purposively identified using the snowball technique and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Results Sixty plant species from 28 families were documented with high consensus among the isolated indigenous Ik tribe...

Research paper thumbnail of Medicinal plants used by herbalists in the treatment of snakebites envenomation in the Acholi, Teso and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda

Background There is high mortality and morbidity due to poisonous snakebites globally, with Sub S... more Background There is high mortality and morbidity due to poisonous snakebites globally, with Sub Saharan African having one of the highest rates. However, Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMP) have been treating snakebites in Uganda for long. However, few studies have been conducted to document such vital traditional indigenous knowledge before its lost. The aim of this study was to document the medicinal plant species used by experienced TMP in treating snake envenomation in selected post-conflict parts of northern Uganda. Methods An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in Serere, Kaberamaido and Kaabong districts in Uganda. Twenty-five TMP with expertise in treating snakebites were purposively identified using the snowball technique, and interviewed using semi structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Results Sixty plant species from 28 families were documented with high consensus among the isolated Ik community in Kaabong district. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Production of Fuel Oil from Municipal Plastic Wastes Using Thermal and Catalytic Pyrolysis

Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastic... more Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastics has gone up to 299million tones in 2013, which is believed to be increasing in the near future. The utilization of plastics and its final disposal pose a tremendous negative significance impacts on the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal and catalytic pyrolysis for production of fuel oil from the polyethene plastic wastes. Catalysts used in the experiment were acid activated clay mineral and aluminum chlorides on activated carbon. The clay mineral was activated by refluxing it with 6M Sulphuric acid for 3hours. The experiment was conducted in three different phases: the first phase of the experiment was done without a catalyst where 88mL oil was obtained at a maximum temperature of 39 and heating rates of 12.5, reaction time of 4hours. The second phase involves the use of acid activated clay mineral where 100mL of oil was obtained and heating rates of 12.5...

Research paper thumbnail of Production of Fuel Oil from Municipal Plastic Wastes Using Thermal and Catalytic Pyrolysis

Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastic... more Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastics has gone up to 299million tones in 2013, which is believed to be increasing in the near future. The utilization of plastics and its final disposal pose a tremendous negative significance impacts on the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal and catalytic pyrolysis for production of fuel oil from the polyethene plastic wastes. Catalysts used in the experiment were acid activated clay mineral and aluminum chlorides on activated carbon. The clay mineral was activated by refluxing it with 6M Sulphuric acid for 3hours. The experiment was conducted in three different phases: the first phase of the experiment was done without a catalyst where 88mL oil was obtained at a maximum temperature of 39 ℃ and heating rates of 12.5℃/minutes, reaction time of 4hours. The second phase involves the use of acid activated clay mineral where 100mL of oil was obtained and heating rates of 12.5℃/minutes and reaction time of 3hours 30minutes. The third phase was done using aluminium chlorides on activated carbon and 105ml oil was obtained at a maximum temperature of 400℃ and heating rates of 15.5℃ reaction time of 3hours 10minutes. From the results, catalytic pyrolysis is more efficient than purely thermal pyrolysis and homogenous catalysis (aluminum chlorides) shows a better result than solid acid catalyst (activated clay minerals) hence saving the energy needed for pyrolysis and making the process more economically feasible.

Research paper thumbnail of Review of small hydropower technology

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2013

This paper gives a review of small hydropower technology. A Small hydropower (SHP) plant uses imp... more This paper gives a review of small hydropower technology. A Small hydropower (SHP) plant uses impulse or reaction turbines and is mainly 'run-off-river'. SHP technologies currently used in generating electricity for rural electrification in both developed and underdeveloped countries are helping to slow down climatic change, creating employment opportunities, and are having low maintenance costs (but high capital costs).

Research paper thumbnail of In Vitro Anti-Venom Potentials of Aqueous Extract and Oils of Toona ciliata M. Roem against Cobra Venom and Chemical Constituents of Oils

Molecules

There are high mortality and morbidity rates from poisonous snakebites globally. Many medicinal p... more There are high mortality and morbidity rates from poisonous snakebites globally. Many medicinal plants are locally used for snakebite treatment in Uganda. This study aimed to determine the in vitro anti-venom activities of aqueous extract and oils of Toona ciliata against Naja melanoleuca venom. A mixture of venom and extract was administered intramuscularly in rats. Anticoagulant, antiphospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibition assay, and gel electrophoresis for anti-venom activities of oils were done. The chemical constituents of the oils of ciliata were identified using Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (GC-MS/MS). The LD50 of the venom was 0.168 ± 0.21 µg/g. The venom and aqueous extract mixture (1.25 µg/g and 3.5 mg/g) did not cause any rat mortality, while the control with venom only (1.25 µg/g) caused death in 1 h. The aqueous extract of T. ciliata inhibited the anticoagulation activity of N. melanoleuca venom from 18.58 min. to 4.83 min and reduced the hemolytic halo diamet...

Research paper thumbnail of Production of Hydrocarbon Fuels from Polyethylene Plastic Wastes Using Thermal and Catalytic Pyrolysis

Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastic... more Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastics has gone up to 299million tones in 2013, which is believed to be increasing in the near future. The utilization of plastics and its final disposal pose a tremendous negative significance impacts on the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal and catalytic pyrolysis for production of hydrocarbon fuel from the polyethene plastic wastes. Catalysts used in the experiment were acid activated clay mineral and aluminum chlorides on activated carbon. The clay mineral was activated by refluxing it with 6M Sulphuric acid for 3hours. The experiment was conducted in three different phases: the first phase of the experiment was done without a catalyst where 88mL oil was obtained at a maximum temperature of 39 and heating rates of 12.5, reaction time of 4hours. The second phase involves the use of acid activated clay mineral where 100mL of oil was obtained and heating rates...

Research paper thumbnail of Anti-venom potentials of Toona ciliata against cobra venom and chemical constituents of its essential and non-volatile oils

There are high mortality and morbidity rates due to poisonous snakebites globally with sub-Sahara... more There are high mortality and morbidity rates due to poisonous snakebites globally with sub-Saharan Africa having some of the highest cases. Uganda is one the tropical countries with many poisonous snakes causing serious health hazards. Antivenin serum is the only remedy available to treat snakebite victims successfully to date. Infusion of antivenin drugs may lead to adverse reactions ranging from severe itching of the skin, hives to potentially serious allergic reactions. Due high cost and lack of antivenin drugs in residents of rural communities in Uganda, herbalists use different herbal formulations to treat snakebite victims. This study was conducted to search of a cheap, readily available and easy formulate remedies for treating snakebite victims. Root bark of Toona ciliata which is one of many plants used by herbalist was chosen for analysis of its anti-venom potentials. The aqueous extract of T. ciliata was tested for anti-venom potential against forest cobra (Naja melanoleuc...

Research paper thumbnail of Raw data on medicinal plant species for treatment of snakebites envenomation in Uganda

This data set describes the medicinal plant species used in the treatment of snakebites in Acholi... more This data set describes the medicinal plant species used in the treatment of snakebites in Acholi, Teso and Karamoja sub regions of Uganda. It includes the how traditional medicinal practitioners (TMP) prepare and administer the medicinal plants, the parts used, type of snake envenomation treated and the frequency of citation. The data set also includes the biodata of the TMP.

Research paper thumbnail of Medicinal plants species used by herbalists in the treatment of snakebite envenomation in Uganda

Tropical Medicine and Health

Background There are high mortality and morbidity rates due to poisonous snakebites globally with... more Background There are high mortality and morbidity rates due to poisonous snakebites globally with sub-Saharan Africa having some of the highest cases. However, traditional medicine practitioners (TMP) have been treating snakebites in Uganda for long despite the fact that few studies have been conducted to document such vital and rich indigenous traditional knowledge before it is lost. This study aimed to document the medicinal plant species used by experienced TMP in treating snakebite envenomation in selected post-conflict parts of Uganda. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in Kitgum, Serere, Kaberamaido and Kaabong districts in Uganda. Twenty-seven TMP with expertise in treating snakebites were purposively identified using the snowball technique and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Results Sixty plant species from 28 families were documented with high consensus among the isolated indigenous Ik tribe...

Research paper thumbnail of Medicinal plants used by herbalists in the treatment of snakebites envenomation in the Acholi, Teso and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda

Background There is high mortality and morbidity due to poisonous snakebites globally, with Sub S... more Background There is high mortality and morbidity due to poisonous snakebites globally, with Sub Saharan African having one of the highest rates. However, Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMP) have been treating snakebites in Uganda for long. However, few studies have been conducted to document such vital traditional indigenous knowledge before its lost. The aim of this study was to document the medicinal plant species used by experienced TMP in treating snake envenomation in selected post-conflict parts of northern Uganda. Methods An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in Serere, Kaberamaido and Kaabong districts in Uganda. Twenty-five TMP with expertise in treating snakebites were purposively identified using the snowball technique, and interviewed using semi structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Results Sixty plant species from 28 families were documented with high consensus among the isolated Ik community in Kaabong district. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Production of Fuel Oil from Municipal Plastic Wastes Using Thermal and Catalytic Pyrolysis

Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastic... more Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastics has gone up to 299million tones in 2013, which is believed to be increasing in the near future. The utilization of plastics and its final disposal pose a tremendous negative significance impacts on the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal and catalytic pyrolysis for production of fuel oil from the polyethene plastic wastes. Catalysts used in the experiment were acid activated clay mineral and aluminum chlorides on activated carbon. The clay mineral was activated by refluxing it with 6M Sulphuric acid for 3hours. The experiment was conducted in three different phases: the first phase of the experiment was done without a catalyst where 88mL oil was obtained at a maximum temperature of 39 and heating rates of 12.5, reaction time of 4hours. The second phase involves the use of acid activated clay mineral where 100mL of oil was obtained and heating rates of 12.5...

Research paper thumbnail of Production of Fuel Oil from Municipal Plastic Wastes Using Thermal and Catalytic Pyrolysis

Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastic... more Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastics has gone up to 299million tones in 2013, which is believed to be increasing in the near future. The utilization of plastics and its final disposal pose a tremendous negative significance impacts on the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal and catalytic pyrolysis for production of fuel oil from the polyethene plastic wastes. Catalysts used in the experiment were acid activated clay mineral and aluminum chlorides on activated carbon. The clay mineral was activated by refluxing it with 6M Sulphuric acid for 3hours. The experiment was conducted in three different phases: the first phase of the experiment was done without a catalyst where 88mL oil was obtained at a maximum temperature of 39 ℃ and heating rates of 12.5℃/minutes, reaction time of 4hours. The second phase involves the use of acid activated clay mineral where 100mL of oil was obtained and heating rates of 12.5℃/minutes and reaction time of 3hours 30minutes. The third phase was done using aluminium chlorides on activated carbon and 105ml oil was obtained at a maximum temperature of 400℃ and heating rates of 15.5℃ reaction time of 3hours 10minutes. From the results, catalytic pyrolysis is more efficient than purely thermal pyrolysis and homogenous catalysis (aluminum chlorides) shows a better result than solid acid catalyst (activated clay minerals) hence saving the energy needed for pyrolysis and making the process more economically feasible.