Author: Théophile Niyitegeka

Suspected yam thief lynched

{A man identified as Frederic Butera resident of Kibumba village, Manwari cell of Mbazi sector has been beaten to death in a garden where he was suspected to have stolen yams.}

According to information from Mbazi sector officials, Butera and his colleague John Rushogoro were caught red handed in the garden located in Rukarara wetland on Saturday where they were beaten leading to his death as Rushogoro was left in critical condition.

The information has been confirmed by the executive secretary of Mbazi sector ,Immaculee Nyirabizeyimana who said the body of the deceased has been taken to Kaduha hospital for autopsy while Rushogoro is getting treatment at Ngara health center.

“We have arrested one suspect who is detained at Musange police station. Others including the garden owner are still at large. They were beaten by a large number of residents including some from Kaduha sector among others. They are all being hunt while investigations are underway,” she said.

Nyirabizeyimanaexplained that they held an impromptu meetingwarning residents against self-administered justice and asked them to report crimes to leaders.

Another theft suspect in the same locality was beaten to death last month.

A meeting has been organized in the area bringing together residents, district officials and security officials to assess the matter of theft and mob-justice.

April 10, 2017
Saying genocide was triggered by plane crash is a form of torture-Kaboneka

{As Rwandans are commemorating the 1994 genocide against Tutsi for 23rd time, the Minister of Local Government, Francis Kaboneka has said that people linking genocide to the shooting of the plane of former president of Rwanda, Juvenal Habyarimana are unleashing another form of torturer to the survivors. }

He noted this yesterday during the remembrance of over 5000 victims who perished during the 1994 genocide against Tutsi buried at Ntarama memorial in Bugesera district.

Kaboneka explained that people attributing genocide to the shooting down of the aircraft disregard tough words of extermination used earlier by various leaders including, Gregoire Kayibanda.

“ People say genocide against Tutsi was triggered by the shooting down of the aircraft but disregard preparations process and spoken words. When you go deeper into analysis of words preceding execution of genocide in 1994 , people saying the plane was the trigger of genocide are torturers,” he said.

Kaboneka recalled how genocide was stopped and reminded Rwandans to remember but be pleased with achievements, including genocide survivors attaining education and accessing other services. Some people, he noted, decided to stand against the evil and the truth of Inkotanyi prevailed.

“We have to remember, gain and consolidate our strength, giving hope and living successfuly. Our existence as Rwandans doesn’t depend on someone else. No one should advise us nor determine our choice. We have to make own choices,” he said.

Niwemugeni Chantal, a genocide survivor in Ntarama, lauded development support accorded her by the government during her education that today she holds a Master’s degree.

She commended the government for spearheading unity and building hope highlighting that Ndi Umunyarwanda should be prioritized and strive to get rid of the dark past.

Ntamfurayishyari Silas, former EX-FAR militia regretted having worked in the military outfit that killed people despite having made efforts of rescuing 18 people.

He asked residents to stand against divisionism and genocide ideology.

Ntarama genocide memorial is built on at former Ntarama centrale belonging to Nyamata parish .It accommodates over 5000 remains of Tutsi victims killed there by Interahamwe as they sought refuge.

They were killed on 15th April 1994 with guns, grenades and traditional arms including machetes while others were burnt with petrol and mattresses.

April 10, 2017
Truck overturns, kills two

{A truck carrying charcoal and eight people from Kitabi sector to Nyamagabe town has overturned leaving two dead and six injured. }

The accident is reported to have taken place around 9.00pm yesterday in Kigeme sector, at Gatyazo near Nzega.

The police spokesperson in Southern Province, CIP André Hakizimana has confirmed to IGIHE that the accident claimed two lives and injured six among who is the driver that are receiving treatment at Kigeme Hospital.

He explained that the cause of accident has not yet been established but investigations are underway.

“The deceased are laid in a mortuary. The cause of accident remains unknown but we are investigating. We will also ask the driver for details,” said CIP Hakizimana.

The director of Kigeme Hospital, Dr Ephraim Nzabonimana has told IGIHE that two accident victims sustained head injuries, two wounded in legs while two others were not seriously injured and may be released today.

April 10, 2017
Body retrieved from Rukarara stream

{Unidentified woman’s body has been retrieved in Rukarara stream flowing between Kaduha and Musange sectors in Nyamagabe district of Southern Province. }

The body was seen by residents yesterday evening as confirmed by Kaduha sector officials.

The executive secretary of Kaduha sector,Jean Claude Kabanda has told IGIHE that the body was retrieved yesterday around 20:00 hours in collaboration with residents and security Officials.

“We have retrieved a female body but we have not managed to identify her. She might have drowned and floated from elsewhere because we have not missed a woman in our sector,” he said.

Kabanda explained that the body was taken at Kaduha hospital for postmortem.

April 10, 2017
Some judges show laxity on genocide ideology—IBUKA

{IBUKA, an umbrella of survivors’ associations of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi has raised concern over inappropriate execution of the law punishing genocide ideology and asked for its revision. }

The president of IBUKA, Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu made the call during the night vigil where he raised worries over the spreading of genocide ideology manifested in violence against genocide survivors and stabbing of their domestic animals but judges take time to deliver judges on such offenses.

“Some judges tend to minimize the gravity of such crimes through false appellation. If corruption is not behind such acts, may be such judges have genocide ideology. This has to be properly assessed,” he said.

Dusingizemungu also requested thepursue of leaders not delivering aid reserved for genocide survivors.

A convict of genocide ideology is liable to a punishment ranging from five to nine years of sentence and pay a fine from Rwf 100,000 to 1,000,000 as per article 135 of Rwanda Penal Code.

April 10, 2017
To eat or not to eat (before exercising): That is the question

{Exercise enthusiasts often wonder whether it’s better to eat or fast before a workout. A new study is the first of its kind to show the effects of eating versus fasting on gene expression in adipose (fat) tissue in response to exercise. This study highlights the different roles fat plays in powering and responding to exercise. The study is published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology — Endocrinology and Metabolism.}

Researchers from the University of Bath in the U.K. studied a group of overweight males. The volunteers walked for 60 minutes at 60 percent maximum oxygen consumption on an empty stomach and, on another occasion, two hours after consuming a high-calorie carbohydrate-rich breakfast. The research team took multiple blood samples after eating or fasting and after exercising. The researchers also collected adipose tissue samples immediately before and one hour after walking.

Gene expression in the adipose tissue differed significantly in the two trials. The expression of two genes, PDK4 and HSL, increased when the men fasted and exercised and decreased when they ate before exercising. The rise in PDK4 likely indicates that stored fat was used to fuel metabolism during exercise instead of carbohydrates from the recent meal. HSL typically increases when adipose tissue uses stored energy to support increased activity, such as during exercise, explained Dylan Thompson, corresponding author of the study.

These results reinforce the view that “adipose tissue often faces competing challenges,” Thompson wrote. After eating, adipose tissue “is busy responding to the meal and a bout of exercise at this time will not stimulate the same [beneficial] changes in adipose tissue. This means that exercise in a fasted state might provoke more favorable changes in adipose tissue, and this could be beneficial for health in the long term,” he noted.

Source:Science Daily

April 10, 2017
Five suspected money counterfeiters arrested

{Five people have been arrested separately in Nyagatare and Gasabo districts in connection with circulating counterfeit money.}

At least two were arrested in Nyagatare with fake notes amounting Rwf615, 000 while three others were arrested at a bar in Gatsata – Gasabo – with counterfeit notes valued at Rwf10, 000 and US$50, police said.

Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, Supt. Emmanuel Hitayezu, said that the trio; Boniface Uwimana, Jackson Nzayituriki and Edward Nsanzimana, while drinking at a bar in Gatsata on Saturday, tried to clear their bill with the counterfeit notes, but the vigilant bar attendant was quick to notice and informed Irondo patrol in the area.

“The Irondo patrol immediately reported the matter to the Sector, who also informed the police, and they arrived shortly after and arrested the three suspects with the fake monies,” Supt. Hitayezu said.

Meanwhile, in Nyagatare, Patrick Rukangura, 26, and Miran Ngendahayo 24, were apprehended by residents in Shonga – Tabagwe Sector – who handed them over to the Police, Police spokesperson for the Eastern Province, Inspector of Police (IP) Emmanuel Kayigi, said.

“Rukangura had Rwf 485,000 while Ngendahayo had Rwf130, 000; they both went to a telecom banking agent to defraud her to deposit the fake monies on their mobile accounts,” said IP Kayigi.

“The agent was vigilant and wise, because after authenticating that the currency notes were all fake… she intelligently called people, who were around, who rounded them off until police officers arrived and took up the case,” he added.

The spokespersons commended the vigilance of the would be victims and immediate response of the residents and fast information sharing to ensure that criminals are apprehended to face justice.

Source:Police

April 10, 2017
5 reasons why your vehicle uses more petrol than normal

{As a driver and car owner, you want your vehicle to use as little petrol as possible because you obviously know that the less it consumes, the less money you spend on petrol.}

Some of us own vehicles that use so much petrol and we do not get why this is so. Well, I know a few possible reasons why.

* First of all, the type of engine oil you use matters. Using the right type of engine oil keeps your vehicle running without stress. Using the wrong one on the other hand, can cause it to suffer to move and when that happens, the fuel consumption rate automatically increases.

* The way you drive your vehicle also determines how much petrol it uses. Revving, speeding and sudden application of brakes are examples of things that can make your vehicle use more petrol.

* Slightly deflated tyres consume petrol. When tyres are under-inflated, the surface area of the tyre in contact with the road tends to increase. This will in turn cause rolling resistance to increase; more fuel will burn. But that’s not all; over-inflation can cause loss of traction which makes your car do more work to stay on the road.

Research has shown that a decrease in tyre pressure by 10 psi can lead to up2.5% increase in fuel consumption.

* Your vehicle must have really good air filters always. If you have a thing for driving in dusty conditions, it is advisable to change the air filter as often as possible.

* It is not only unsafe to drive your car when the suspension systems and the chassis are bad; it also affects your gas mileage.

Regularly inspect your vehicle for misalignment. Broken springs, worn suspension, bent wheel and bent axle can cause the drive-train drag to increase.

And that’s all I have to share with you on petrol preservation for now, I do hope you’ve learned something from it. Don’t forget to share with friends who will value this info.

Source:Elcrema

April 10, 2017
How some chickens got striped feathers

{Birds show an amazing diversity in plumage colour and patterning. But what are the genetic mechanisms creating such patterns? In a new study published today in PLOS Genetics, Swedish and French researchers report that two independent mutations are required to explain the development of the sex-linked barring pattern in chicken. Both mutations affect the function of CDKN2A, a tumour suppressor gene associated with melanoma in humans.}

Research in pigmentation biology has made major advances the last 20 years in identifying genes controlling variation in pigmentation in mammals and birds. However, the most challenging question is still how colour patterns are genetically controlled. Birds are outstanding as regards the diversity and complexity in colour patterning. The study published today has revealed the genetic basis for the striped feather characteristic of sex-linked barring. One example of this fascinating plumage colour is the French breed Coucou de Rennes. The name refers to the fact that this plumage colour resembles the barring patterns present in the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). The sex-linked barring locus is on the Z chromosome. (In chickens as well as in other birds the male has chromosomes ZZ while females have ZW).

“Our data show that sex-linked barring is caused by two independent mutations that act together. One is a regulatory mutation that increases the expression of CDKN2A. The other changes the protein sequence and makes the protein less functionally active. We are sure that both mutations contribute to the sex-linked barring pattern because we have also studied chicken that only carry the regulatory mutation and they show a very pale plumage with only weak dark stripes. Thus, this represents an evolutionary process in which the regulatory mutation occurred first followed by the mutation affecting the protein structure. The combined effect of the two mutations causes an even more appealing phenotype for the human eye,” says Leif Andersson, Uppsala University, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Texas A&M University, who led the study.

“The most important reason for the extensive colour variation among our domestic animals is that we appreciate this diversity, as long as the mutations underlying the variation are not causing health issues for the animals,” says Leif Andersson.

The study illustrates how useful domestic animals are as models for evolutionary processes in nature. Leif Andersson argues that a similar evolution of gene variants comprising multiple genetic changes affecting the function of a single gene is the rule rather than the exception in natural populations.

CDKN2A is a well-studied tumour suppressor gene that takes part in the regulation of cell division and cell survival. Mutations that inactivate CDKN2A are the most common explanation for familiar forms of melanomas in humans. (However, the great majority of melanoma cases are not associated with a strong genetic risk factor.)

“The gene variant underlying sex-linked barring has an opposite effect compared with the mutations causing melanoma in humans. Sex-linked barring is associated with a gene variant that makes CDKN2A more active leading to a cyclic deficit of pigment cells causing the white stripes during the development of an individual feather. It appears that pigment cells are particularly susceptible to changes in the function of CDKN2A as inactivating mutations in humans are associated with melanoma but rarely other cancer forms and activating mutations cause sex-linked barring in chickens but no other side effects are known,” says Doreen Schwochow Thalmann, PhD student and first author of the paper.

“It is fascinating that a large proportion of chickens used for egg and meat production around the world carry these mutations in a tumour suppressor gene. An example of such a breed is White Leghorn which is one of the most prominent breeds used for egg production, but sex-linked barring is not apparent in these breeds because they also carry the dominant white colour that eliminates all pigment production and masks the effect of sex-linked barring,” says Leif Andersson.

Source:Science Daily

April 10, 2017
The redomestication of wolves

{Large predators are reoccupying former ranges, where they often rely on newly available human foods}

On landscapes around the world, environmental change is bringing people and large carnivores together — but the union is not without its problems. Human-wildlife conflict is on the rise as development continues unabated and apex predators begin to reoccupy their former ranges. Further complicating matters, many of these species are now reliant on anthropogenic, or human, foods, including livestock, livestock and other ungulate carcasses, and garbage.

Writing in BioScience, Thomas Newsome, of Deakin University and the University of Sydney, and his colleagues use gray wolves and other large predators as case studies to explore the effects of anthropogenic foods. They find numerous instances of species’ changing their social structures, movements, and behavior to acquire human-provisioned resources. For instance, in central Iran, gray wolves’ diets consist almost entirely of farmed chickens, domestic goats, and trash.

Other instances of these phenomena abound. In a similar case in Australia, dingoes gained access to anthropogenic foods from a waste facility. The result, according to the authors, was “decreased home-range areas and movements, larger group sizes, and altered dietary preferences to the extent that they filled a similar dietary niche to domestic dogs.” Moreover, wrote the authors, “the population of subsidized dingoes was a genetically distinct cluster,” which may portend future speciation events. Hybridization among similar predator species may also contribute to evolutionary divergence: “Anthropogenic resources in human-modified environments could increase the probability of non-aggressive contact” between species. According to the authors, “If extant wolves continue to increase their reliance on anthropogenic foods, we should expect to observe evidence of dietary niche differentiation and, over time, the development of genetic structure that could signal incipient speciation.”

Wolves’ use of anthropogenic food could have serious implications for wider conservation efforts, as well. In particular, Newsome and his colleagues raise concerns about whether wolf reintroduction and recolonisation programs will meet ecosystem-restoration goals in human-modified systems. Managers will need to consider “how broadly insights into the role played by wolves gleaned from protected areas such as Yellowstone can be applied in areas that have been greatly modified by humans,” say the authors.

Newsome and his colleagues call for further research — in particular, “studies showing the niche characteristics and population structure of wolves in areas where human influence is pervasive and heavy reliance on human foods has been documented.” Through such studies, they argue that “we might be able to ask whether heavy reliance of anthropogenic subsidies can act as a driver of evolutionary divergence and, potentially, provide the makings of a new dog.”

Source:Science Daily

April 10, 2017