Since the demise of colonialism as well as the cold war, Africa has battled to put democratic governments in place. The legacies of these two political and historical landscapes have had a hand in shaping and disfigur...Since the demise of colonialism as well as the cold war, Africa has battled to put democratic governments in place. The legacies of these two political and historical landscapes have had a hand in shaping and disfiguring the nascent governments that would be born in Africa with vanguard parties not tolerating opposition. In a bid to stay in leading positions, as founding fathers of revolution, incumbent governments have used different tools, some very unorthodox, from brute force, genocides, governments of national unity and violent elections to stay in power and destroy opposition. This paper seeks to trace how Zimbabwe has fared in establishing a democratic government from Lancaster to the 2013 March referendum. Zimbabwe, following a Lancaster House Agreement C1979）, like Kenya （1960）, held elections in 1980, making R. G. Mugabe the first black Prime Minister and C. Banana the President. Some scholars have argued that the 1980 elections have been the only free and fair elections in Zimbabwe＇s history of elections. To measure the level of democracy in Zimbabwe, the paper shall highlight the euphoria at 1980, read through gukurahundi of 1983, the unity accord of 1987, select parliamentary and presidential elections, the fast track land reform of 2002, the 2009 Government of National Unity as well as the 2013 constitution amendment. The study shall largely make use of desktop and interviews of ordinary Zimbabweans, politicians, and students in universities with regards to matters of governance. The paper concludes that post communist governments have struggled to establish democracy.展开更多
Interoperability constraints in health information systems pose significant challenges to the seamless exchange and utilization of health data, hindering effective healthcare delivery. This paper aims to evaluate and ...Interoperability constraints in health information systems pose significant challenges to the seamless exchange and utilization of health data, hindering effective healthcare delivery. This paper aims to evaluate and address these constraints to enhance healthcare delivery. The study examines the current state of interoperability in health information systems, identifies the key constraints, and explores their impact on healthcare outcomes. Various approaches and strategies for addressing interoperability constraints are discussed, including the adoption of standardized data formats, implementation of interoperability frameworks, and establishment of robust data governance mechanisms. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration, policy development, and technical advancements in achieving enhanced interoperability. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive evaluation of interoperability constraints and the implementation of targeted interventions to promote seamless data exchange, improve care coordination, and enhance patient outcomes in healthcare settings.展开更多
Maize tassel-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MT-MWCNT) composite has been used as a matrix for physical adsorption of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode through electrostatic inter...Maize tassel-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MT-MWCNT) composite has been used as a matrix for physical adsorption of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode through electrostatic interactions. The HRP/MT-MWCNT biosensor was applied for the detection of Zn2+ in aqueous solution. The biosensor designed was able to determine Zn2+ in the range of 0.35 - 12 mg/L with a detection limit of 7.5 μg/L. The inhibition was found to be reversible and uncompetitive when data were modeled using the Dixon and Cornish-Bowden plots. The biosensor was found to have good repeatability, reproducibility and high selectivity. The developed biosensor can be used to detect other HRP inhibiting trace metal ions.展开更多
Small surface reservoirs play an important role of providing ready and convenient source of water for various uses in semi-arid areas which are characterized by erratic and low rainfall. Lack of current data on reserv...Small surface reservoirs play an important role of providing ready and convenient source of water for various uses in semi-arid areas which are characterized by erratic and low rainfall. Lack of current data on reservoir capacity loss due to sedimentation is one of the challenges to the sustainable management of surface reservoirs. The study investigated the capacity loss due to sedimentation from 2000-2012, and estimated the trap efficiency of the Mutangi reservoir which is located in semi-arid Chivi, Southern of Zimbabwe. Hydrographic surveys, grab sampling and water depth-capacity methods were used to determine the capacity of the dam as of 2012. To compute capacity loss from 2000 to 2012, the 2000 and 2012 dam capacities were compared whilst the trap efficiency of the reservoir was determined using a set of empirical models that relates trap efficiency to the capacity-watershed area ratio and capacity-inflow ratio. The results show that Mutangi reservoir has a trap efficiency of 95% - 98% (av = 96.4%) and has lost 37% of its capacity due to sedimentation in 12 years (2000 and 2012). Rates of sedimentation were 8539 t·yr-1, 9110?t·yr-1 and 8265 t·yr-1 for the hydrographic survey, grab sampling and water depth-capacity method respectively, and the little difference in these figures demonstrates that any method can be used to determine sedimentation rates. The area specific sediment yield (ASY) ranged from 14 - 15.5 t·ha-1·yr-1 (av = 14.956 t·ha-1·yr-1). At the current rate of sedimentation the projected dead level of the reservoir will be lost to sedimentation in 8 years while the useful life of the reservoir is estimated to be 30 years. Capacity loss due to sedimentation is further complicating the already strained water scarcity situation in semi-arid areas and management decisions should be made based on the current sedimentation rates estimated by different methods. These results imply that management practices that reduce erosion, hence sedimentation in these small reservoirs should be practiced in order to prolong their lifespan.展开更多
A study to assess the effect of intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) within the same basin or outside the basin on root length density (RLD) was conducted at the International Crop Resea...A study to assess the effect of intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) within the same basin or outside the basin on root length density (RLD) was conducted at the International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Matopos Research Station from December 2009 to April 2010. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments replicated four times namely;sole maize, sole cowpea, maize-cowpea intercrop with cowpea and maize planted within the same basin and maize-cowpea intercrop with cowpea planted 20 cm outside the maize basin. There was significant difference (P < 0.001) in RLD, grain yield and stover yield. Maize-cowpea intercropped within the same basin achieved higher RLD, grain yield and stover yield than cowpea that was intercropped outside the basin and the sole crops. The land equivalent ratio (LER) in both intercrop designs showed that intercropping had better grain yield performance when compared to sole cropping. It can be concluded that intercropping maize and cowpeas within the same basin can result in an environment around the crop achieving higher RLD which translates to better grain yield compared to the sole cropping and intercropping cowpeas outside the basin.展开更多
Aquaporin 5 has been recently found as an important oncogenic marker whose expression levels seem to be determined by the level of cellular differentiation. Despite aquaporin volume decrease (AVD) being the most conse...Aquaporin 5 has been recently found as an important oncogenic marker whose expression levels seem to be determined by the level of cellular differentiation. Despite aquaporin volume decrease (AVD) being the most conserved earliest event in apoptosis, there is still a paucity of studies exploring on aquaporin expression and its relationship with apoptosis in cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of aquaporin 5 channel protein and to explore on its relationship with apoptosis in well and poorly differentiated non-small cell lung carcinoma both in-vivo and in-vitro. Findings from the study showed that the expression of AQP5 both in-vivo and in-vitro was dependent on the type and degree of tumour differentiation. In-vivo, an increase in aquaporin 5 expression was associated with an increased apoptosis in both poorly and highly differentiated adenocarcinoma (AC) while there was no association between aquaporin 5 expression and apoptosis in both poorly and highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In vitro, differentiation therapy in the form of ATRA decreased both cell proliferation and increased the expression of AQP5 in A549 cells. The cytomorphological changes, expression of differentiation markers and flow cytometry apoptotic results were dependent on the dose of ATRA treatment. In conclusion, a higher expression of aquaporin 5 was found to promote the rate of the apoptotic process in lung adenocarcinoma (AC).展开更多
We investigated the motions associated with prices for futures contracts within financial markets.We aimed to derive the market prices from the physics approach.We used the projectile motion models defined under two d...We investigated the motions associated with prices for futures contracts within financial markets.We aimed to derive the market prices from the physics approach.We used the projectile motion models defined under two distinct conditions(perfect/horizontal and imperfect/drag implication)based on Newton’s and Galileo’s laws of motion.In addition,we applied the simple harmonic oscillatory model to present the movements of prices from the market equilibrium position.Despite that it was more theoretical,we managed to derive the futures price functions and the results showed that futures prices depend largely on market forces of demand and supply and underlying assets price behaviour.Also,we managed to find the terminal prices for the securities given the initial prices,which are a worrying matter to the trading parties.The equilibrium price analysis was done and the simple harmonic model proved to be efficient in such modelling.We managed to identify the price motions to and from the equilibrium point with markets.Results suggested that it is the market frictions(market forces of demand and supply)that propel prices to move.Also,we noted that these forces are responsible for bringing back the prices at equilibrium if the market is left to operate as free.Nevertheless,from the performance comparison of the two models used,results suggested that futures price function from a drag variable is more powerful in modelling the price behaviour for options than the one sorely controlled by market demand and supply forces.And the simple harmonic oscillator model is good at modelling the equilibrium movements of asset prices.Above all,we used the mean absolute deviation(MAD)to validate our futures derivative pricing model.Fortunately,the obtained MAD results supported the efficiency of our model.However,it should not be carelessly taken that the projectile models used are much good at price motions/movements within the market from time to time with a stunted ability to capture in other facts of interest,such as volatility coefficients which pave a research way for other scholars.展开更多
The potential of different water hyacinth compost application rates in influencing growth attributes, yield and heavy metal accumulation of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) in tomato fruit was studied...The potential of different water hyacinth compost application rates in influencing growth attributes, yield and heavy metal accumulation of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) in tomato fruit was studied in Masvingo. Four treatments of water hyacinth compost rates of 0, 37, 55.6 and 74.1 t·ha-1 were each replicated three times and applied in a randomized complete block design set up. Results showed that water hyacinth compost application rates significantly affected plant height, days to maturity and yield but had no influence on the number of tomato fruits per plant. The plant height at application rate of 74.1 t·ha-1 was 25%, 56% and 63% higher than the control at week 6, 9 and 12, respectively. At application rates of 56.6 t·ha-1, plant heights were 11%, 13% and 12% higher than the control whilst marginal plant height differences of -4%, 6% and 4% were recorded between application rate of 34.7 t·ha-1 and the control at week 6, 9 and 12, respectively. Tomato plants under compost rates of 34.7, 56.6 and 74.1 t·ha-1 in comparison to the control delayed maturity by 10, 17 and 20 days, respectively. Yields of 52, 55, 60 and 68 t·ha-1 were realized from hyacinth compost rates of 0, 34.7, 56.6 and 74.1 t·ha-1, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations increased with increase in the water hyacinth compost rate but at all application rates, the average concentrations were 85%, 93% and 86% lower than the Codex Alimentarious Commission permissible levels for Pb, Cu and Zn. Water hyacinth compost at a rate of 74 t·ha-1 therefore can be used for increased tomato yield without exposing consumers to heavy metal toxicity.展开更多
In Zimbabwe sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) production is practiced under different tillage systems with varying vine orientations, which contribute to variable yields. Limited research on yield loss due to these di...In Zimbabwe sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) production is practiced under different tillage systems with varying vine orientations, which contribute to variable yields. Limited research on yield loss due to these different practices is available despite that the majority of farmers are growing sweet potatoes to sustain their livelihoods. A field study was carried out at Midlands State University in the 2013/14 rainy season, to determine the effect of tillage systems and vine orientation on yield of sweet potato. A 2 × 3 factorial treatment structure in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replications was used. Tillage systems had two factors (ridge and mound) and three vine orientations were used (horizontal, fold and loop). Data on storage root length, storage root diameter and storage root weight was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 5% significance level. There was no interaction (p < 0.05) between tillage systems and vine orientations on storage root diameter, storage root length and storage root yield. The horizontal vine orientation gave statistically significant (p < 0.05) storage roots diameter of width 405 mm. Conversely the loop vine orientation had statistically the least (316 mm) storage root diameter. Horizontal vine orientation had significantly (p < 0.05) wider storage roots than the loop vine orientation. The ridge recorded longer (134.2 mm) mean storage root length, while those from mounds had shorter (115.9 mm) root length. The loop and the horizontal vine orientations recorded statistically the highest (35.5 t/ha and 34.8 t/ha respectively) sweet potato storage root yield. On the other hand, the fold vine orientation obtained significantly the lowest (28.7 t/ha) storage root yield. The research concluded that the horizontal and fold vine orientations had the widest storage root diameter and the ridge had longer storage root lengths. The loop and horizontal vine orientations are recommended in sweet potato production if high yields are to be achieved.展开更多
This study sought to assess Gweru＇s water supply system from the source to the consumer to find out whether the water is safe for domestic purposes, mainly consumption. Water samples were taken from Gwenoro dam （raw...This study sought to assess Gweru＇s water supply system from the source to the consumer to find out whether the water is safe for domestic purposes, mainly consumption. Water samples were taken from Gwenoro dam （raw water）, Gwenoro treatment plant （treated water） as well as from GIS-generated random points of residential areas closest to Gwenoro and furthest from both the dam and the treatment plant. These were taken for laboratory testing where parameters like pH, hardness, turbidity and DO （dissolved oxygen） were tested. Questionnaires were used to solicit the views of the consumers on water quality and water service delivery from eight randomly selected residential suburbs. Interviews were also administered to Gwenoro Water Treatment Plant superintendent and deputy to get insight into the day to day challenges that they have to grapple with. Results generally show that treated water from Gwenoro treatment plant is relatively safe to drink for those who have access to it. However, some consumer points like Mkoba 13 and Mkoba 18 receive water whose DO is out of the recommended range. Suburbs which lie on higher ground like Mkoba 19 and Mkoba 14 however rarely receive water from Gwenoro with some residents of Mkoba 19 having had no water from their taps for more than three years now. The study recommends that new equipment be bought for the treatment plant so that treated water reaches all parts of the city. Newly resettled farmers in the Upper Runde Catchment must be resettled elsewhere while urban stream bank cultivation must be banned to reduce water pollution as well as possible sedimentation of Gwenoro dam.展开更多
The ability to modify a waste by-product precursor, maize tassel biomass using sulfuric acid as the activating agent with specific focus on Lead(II) ion from water has been proposed. The treating of maize tassel using...The ability to modify a waste by-product precursor, maize tassel biomass using sulfuric acid as the activating agent with specific focus on Lead(II) ion from water has been proposed. The treating of maize tassel using sulphuric acid is believed to enhance sorption capacity of Lead(II) ions. For this, batch adsorption mode was adopted for which the effects of initial pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time and initial concentration were investigated. Consequently, it was found that the adsorbent capacity depends on pH;since it increases up to 4.5 and then decreases. The highest percentage of Lead(II) ion removal was achieved in the adsorbent dosage of 1.2 g and at an initial concentration of 10 mg/L metal ion. In an attempt to determine the capacity and rate of Lead(II) removal, isotherm and kinetic data were modeled using appropriate equations. To this end, the adsorption data fitted best into the Langmuir model with an R2 (0.9997) while kinetically the Lead(II) adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order model. Furthermore, as a way to address issues related to sustainability, maize tassel is recommended since the process is considered to be a dual solution for environmental cleaning. From one side, it represents a better way to dispose the maize tassel which has no use after fertilization and on the other hand it is an economic source of carbonaceous materials.展开更多
Dufuya wetland gardens and Insukamini irrigation scheme in Lower Gweru communal areas of Gweru district are two examples of how rural communities can be self-reliant if they are capacitated. This study sought to compa...Dufuya wetland gardens and Insukamini irrigation scheme in Lower Gweru communal areas of Gweru district are two examples of how rural communities can be self-reliant if they are capacitated. This study sought to compare crop diversity between these two vegetable producing schemes. The location of the two areas and the selected plots were determined using the GPS （global positioning system） hand receiver. Maps of the quadrants were produced in a GIS （geographic information system） on a computer. Simpson＇s index D = sum （pi2） was used to measure crop diversity while the Shannon-Weiner index （/4） was used to measure crop evenness. Results show that although both schemes are viable, Dufuya Gardens have higher crop diversity than Insukamini irrigation scheme. The study recommends that AGRITEX officers at Insukamini must advise farmers to diversify their crops in order for their produce to be more competitive on the market and also to cushion farmers against the effects of natural hazards. Given the success of the two schemes, the government must seriously consider sustainable utilization of the many small-scale dams and wetlands lying idle across the country for crop production in order to empower poor rural communities as well as alleviate poverty.展开更多
Since the year 2000, the city of Gweru has had an unprecedented proliferation of unattended potholes on most of its roads. These potholes have caused discomfort to the motoring public, caused death to others and damag...Since the year 2000, the city of Gweru has had an unprecedented proliferation of unattended potholes on most of its roads. These potholes have caused discomfort to the motoring public, caused death to others and damaged vehicles. This paper presents the results of a study that sought to establish the spatial distribution of potholes and determine their socio-economic impacts in Gweru＇s residential areas. Pothole location and dimensions were measured in the field whilst interviews and questionnaires were administered to vehicle owners, motor mechanic experts, drivers and the travelling public to determine their socio-economic and mechanical impacts. Stratified, convenience and purposive sampling methods were used in the selection of study streets and respondents to questionnaires and interviews. Results revealed that potholes are more concentrated in high density residential areas compared to low density areas. This is primarily due to the substandard construction of roads done in high density residential areas. Other causes of pothole formation identified during this study are poor drainage on the roads, rainfall impact, advanced age of roads, poor or lack of maintenance, type and volume of traffic as well as the effect of tree-root prying on paved surfaces. It is recommended that Gweru City Council enters into partnerships in road construction. The city should also establish fundraising projects to augment its budget. This would help ease problems of service delivery including road maintenance. Signposts can be erected to warn drivers about these hazards in the most affected streets and suburbs. It is also important that council set aside a toll-free telephone line link with road users so that areas where new potholes have been detected are quickly reported and attended to. This will not only save lives but also reduce road maintenance costs and vehicle damage.展开更多
Advertising revenue is generally regarded as the lifeblood of the mass media since it largely contributes to the financial fortunes of both commercial and so-called public media houses. There is a consensus among poli...Advertising revenue is generally regarded as the lifeblood of the mass media since it largely contributes to the financial fortunes of both commercial and so-called public media houses. There is a consensus among political economy scholars that gives advertisers power over media content. It has also been argued that advertisers usually do not associate with ideological enemies. This research therefore sought to find out whether political advertisements especially, during election time, influence media content and whether political advertisers do not associate with media houses they are not ideologically compatible with. During election times, political parties also become big advertisers and newspapers together with broadcasting media compete to get advertisements from political parties so as to boost their financial fortunes. The research focused on the March 29, 2008 Zimbabwe harmonised elections with Network Guardian News a Kwekwe based privately owned community newspaper being used as a case study. This study utilised critical discourse analysis on purposively selected newspaper stories published during the period under study; while in-depth unstructured interviews with editors, reporters from the newspaper and politicians were also conducted to gather information. The findings revealed that in spite of the pro-ZANU-PF Network Guardian News newspaper carrying both MDc and ZANU-PF advertisements, its editorial stance remained hostile to the MDC-T party.展开更多
Since the turn of the 21st century, the central government in Zimbabwe encouraged community participation in natural resources utilization. The research intends to understand the efficacy of this paradigm shift on sus...Since the turn of the 21st century, the central government in Zimbabwe encouraged community participation in natural resources utilization. The research intends to understand the efficacy of this paradigm shift on sustainable wetland utilization in communal areas, focusing specifically on Chebvute wetland in Zvishavane district of Zimbabwe. Research data was gathered through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, direct observations and field measurements. These instruments targeted 19 purposively selected plot holders, project chairperson, Environmental Management Agency officer, Agritex officer and the headman. Mapping of the wetland area and its landuse was done using global positioning system receivers and the map was produced using ILWIS, ArcView and Google Earth images. Research findings revealed that the conserved wetland increased its size and biodiversity. Generally, all crops grown had estimated yields higher than the national averages per hectare. The average maize yield was 2.726 tonnes per hectare compared to national average of 0.87. However, conflicts between plot holders, other community members and officials from government institutions such as Environmental Management Agency and Agritex should be ironed out in order to safeguard the wetland＇s future.展开更多
To achieve optimum yield of wheat, supplementation of soil and foliar applied fertilizers with plant growth regulators is vital to assure effective assimilation of nutrients by plants. A trial was conducted at Gwebi A...To achieve optimum yield of wheat, supplementation of soil and foliar applied fertilizers with plant growth regulators is vital to assure effective assimilation of nutrients by plants. A trial was conducted at Gwebi Agricultural College Farm in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe, during the 2012 winter wheat season (May to August), to evaluate the effects of differing times of application of Tianda 2116 plant growth regulator on the growth and yield of wheat (variety SC Sekuru). The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The treatments were: Tianda 2116 applied at the following weeks after planting (WAP): 2 WAP, 3 WAP, 4 WAP, 5 WAP, 6 WAP, 14 WAP and no Tianda 2116 applied (control). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were noted among treatments for mean number of tillers per plant and mean number of spikes per plant. Application of Tianda 2116 at 2 and 3 WAP delayed flowering and physiological maturity. Early application of Tianda 2116 increased the number of spikelets per spike, thousand grain weight and grain yield. Conclusively, Tianda 2116 applied 2 or 3 WAP is effective in reducing growth while enhancing yield parameters in wheat production.展开更多
文摘Since the demise of colonialism as well as the cold war, Africa has battled to put democratic governments in place. The legacies of these two political and historical landscapes have had a hand in shaping and disfiguring the nascent governments that would be born in Africa with vanguard parties not tolerating opposition. In a bid to stay in leading positions, as founding fathers of revolution, incumbent governments have used different tools, some very unorthodox, from brute force, genocides, governments of national unity and violent elections to stay in power and destroy opposition. This paper seeks to trace how Zimbabwe has fared in establishing a democratic government from Lancaster to the 2013 March referendum. Zimbabwe, following a Lancaster House Agreement C1979）, like Kenya （1960）, held elections in 1980, making R. G. Mugabe the first black Prime Minister and C. Banana the President. Some scholars have argued that the 1980 elections have been the only free and fair elections in Zimbabwe＇s history of elections. To measure the level of democracy in Zimbabwe, the paper shall highlight the euphoria at 1980, read through gukurahundi of 1983, the unity accord of 1987, select parliamentary and presidential elections, the fast track land reform of 2002, the 2009 Government of National Unity as well as the 2013 constitution amendment. The study shall largely make use of desktop and interviews of ordinary Zimbabweans, politicians, and students in universities with regards to matters of governance. The paper concludes that post communist governments have struggled to establish democracy.
文摘Interoperability constraints in health information systems pose significant challenges to the seamless exchange and utilization of health data, hindering effective healthcare delivery. This paper aims to evaluate and address these constraints to enhance healthcare delivery. The study examines the current state of interoperability in health information systems, identifies the key constraints, and explores their impact on healthcare outcomes. Various approaches and strategies for addressing interoperability constraints are discussed, including the adoption of standardized data formats, implementation of interoperability frameworks, and establishment of robust data governance mechanisms. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration, policy development, and technical advancements in achieving enhanced interoperability. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive evaluation of interoperability constraints and the implementation of targeted interventions to promote seamless data exchange, improve care coordination, and enhance patient outcomes in healthcare settings.
文摘Maize tassel-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MT-MWCNT) composite has been used as a matrix for physical adsorption of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode through electrostatic interactions. The HRP/MT-MWCNT biosensor was applied for the detection of Zn2+ in aqueous solution. The biosensor designed was able to determine Zn2+ in the range of 0.35 - 12 mg/L with a detection limit of 7.5 μg/L. The inhibition was found to be reversible and uncompetitive when data were modeled using the Dixon and Cornish-Bowden plots. The biosensor was found to have good repeatability, reproducibility and high selectivity. The developed biosensor can be used to detect other HRP inhibiting trace metal ions.
文摘Small surface reservoirs play an important role of providing ready and convenient source of water for various uses in semi-arid areas which are characterized by erratic and low rainfall. Lack of current data on reservoir capacity loss due to sedimentation is one of the challenges to the sustainable management of surface reservoirs. The study investigated the capacity loss due to sedimentation from 2000-2012, and estimated the trap efficiency of the Mutangi reservoir which is located in semi-arid Chivi, Southern of Zimbabwe. Hydrographic surveys, grab sampling and water depth-capacity methods were used to determine the capacity of the dam as of 2012. To compute capacity loss from 2000 to 2012, the 2000 and 2012 dam capacities were compared whilst the trap efficiency of the reservoir was determined using a set of empirical models that relates trap efficiency to the capacity-watershed area ratio and capacity-inflow ratio. The results show that Mutangi reservoir has a trap efficiency of 95% - 98% (av = 96.4%) and has lost 37% of its capacity due to sedimentation in 12 years (2000 and 2012). Rates of sedimentation were 8539 t·yr-1, 9110?t·yr-1 and 8265 t·yr-1 for the hydrographic survey, grab sampling and water depth-capacity method respectively, and the little difference in these figures demonstrates that any method can be used to determine sedimentation rates. The area specific sediment yield (ASY) ranged from 14 - 15.5 t·ha-1·yr-1 (av = 14.956 t·ha-1·yr-1). At the current rate of sedimentation the projected dead level of the reservoir will be lost to sedimentation in 8 years while the useful life of the reservoir is estimated to be 30 years. Capacity loss due to sedimentation is further complicating the already strained water scarcity situation in semi-arid areas and management decisions should be made based on the current sedimentation rates estimated by different methods. These results imply that management practices that reduce erosion, hence sedimentation in these small reservoirs should be practiced in order to prolong their lifespan.
文摘A study to assess the effect of intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) within the same basin or outside the basin on root length density (RLD) was conducted at the International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Matopos Research Station from December 2009 to April 2010. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments replicated four times namely;sole maize, sole cowpea, maize-cowpea intercrop with cowpea and maize planted within the same basin and maize-cowpea intercrop with cowpea planted 20 cm outside the maize basin. There was significant difference (P < 0.001) in RLD, grain yield and stover yield. Maize-cowpea intercropped within the same basin achieved higher RLD, grain yield and stover yield than cowpea that was intercropped outside the basin and the sole crops. The land equivalent ratio (LER) in both intercrop designs showed that intercropping had better grain yield performance when compared to sole cropping. It can be concluded that intercropping maize and cowpeas within the same basin can result in an environment around the crop achieving higher RLD which translates to better grain yield compared to the sole cropping and intercropping cowpeas outside the basin.
文摘Aquaporin 5 has been recently found as an important oncogenic marker whose expression levels seem to be determined by the level of cellular differentiation. Despite aquaporin volume decrease (AVD) being the most conserved earliest event in apoptosis, there is still a paucity of studies exploring on aquaporin expression and its relationship with apoptosis in cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of aquaporin 5 channel protein and to explore on its relationship with apoptosis in well and poorly differentiated non-small cell lung carcinoma both in-vivo and in-vitro. Findings from the study showed that the expression of AQP5 both in-vivo and in-vitro was dependent on the type and degree of tumour differentiation. In-vivo, an increase in aquaporin 5 expression was associated with an increased apoptosis in both poorly and highly differentiated adenocarcinoma (AC) while there was no association between aquaporin 5 expression and apoptosis in both poorly and highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In vitro, differentiation therapy in the form of ATRA decreased both cell proliferation and increased the expression of AQP5 in A549 cells. The cytomorphological changes, expression of differentiation markers and flow cytometry apoptotic results were dependent on the dose of ATRA treatment. In conclusion, a higher expression of aquaporin 5 was found to promote the rate of the apoptotic process in lung adenocarcinoma (AC).
文摘We investigated the motions associated with prices for futures contracts within financial markets.We aimed to derive the market prices from the physics approach.We used the projectile motion models defined under two distinct conditions(perfect/horizontal and imperfect/drag implication)based on Newton’s and Galileo’s laws of motion.In addition,we applied the simple harmonic oscillatory model to present the movements of prices from the market equilibrium position.Despite that it was more theoretical,we managed to derive the futures price functions and the results showed that futures prices depend largely on market forces of demand and supply and underlying assets price behaviour.Also,we managed to find the terminal prices for the securities given the initial prices,which are a worrying matter to the trading parties.The equilibrium price analysis was done and the simple harmonic model proved to be efficient in such modelling.We managed to identify the price motions to and from the equilibrium point with markets.Results suggested that it is the market frictions(market forces of demand and supply)that propel prices to move.Also,we noted that these forces are responsible for bringing back the prices at equilibrium if the market is left to operate as free.Nevertheless,from the performance comparison of the two models used,results suggested that futures price function from a drag variable is more powerful in modelling the price behaviour for options than the one sorely controlled by market demand and supply forces.And the simple harmonic oscillator model is good at modelling the equilibrium movements of asset prices.Above all,we used the mean absolute deviation(MAD)to validate our futures derivative pricing model.Fortunately,the obtained MAD results supported the efficiency of our model.However,it should not be carelessly taken that the projectile models used are much good at price motions/movements within the market from time to time with a stunted ability to capture in other facts of interest,such as volatility coefficients which pave a research way for other scholars.
文摘The potential of different water hyacinth compost application rates in influencing growth attributes, yield and heavy metal accumulation of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) in tomato fruit was studied in Masvingo. Four treatments of water hyacinth compost rates of 0, 37, 55.6 and 74.1 t·ha-1 were each replicated three times and applied in a randomized complete block design set up. Results showed that water hyacinth compost application rates significantly affected plant height, days to maturity and yield but had no influence on the number of tomato fruits per plant. The plant height at application rate of 74.1 t·ha-1 was 25%, 56% and 63% higher than the control at week 6, 9 and 12, respectively. At application rates of 56.6 t·ha-1, plant heights were 11%, 13% and 12% higher than the control whilst marginal plant height differences of -4%, 6% and 4% were recorded between application rate of 34.7 t·ha-1 and the control at week 6, 9 and 12, respectively. Tomato plants under compost rates of 34.7, 56.6 and 74.1 t·ha-1 in comparison to the control delayed maturity by 10, 17 and 20 days, respectively. Yields of 52, 55, 60 and 68 t·ha-1 were realized from hyacinth compost rates of 0, 34.7, 56.6 and 74.1 t·ha-1, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations increased with increase in the water hyacinth compost rate but at all application rates, the average concentrations were 85%, 93% and 86% lower than the Codex Alimentarious Commission permissible levels for Pb, Cu and Zn. Water hyacinth compost at a rate of 74 t·ha-1 therefore can be used for increased tomato yield without exposing consumers to heavy metal toxicity.
文摘In Zimbabwe sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) production is practiced under different tillage systems with varying vine orientations, which contribute to variable yields. Limited research on yield loss due to these different practices is available despite that the majority of farmers are growing sweet potatoes to sustain their livelihoods. A field study was carried out at Midlands State University in the 2013/14 rainy season, to determine the effect of tillage systems and vine orientation on yield of sweet potato. A 2 × 3 factorial treatment structure in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replications was used. Tillage systems had two factors (ridge and mound) and three vine orientations were used (horizontal, fold and loop). Data on storage root length, storage root diameter and storage root weight was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 5% significance level. There was no interaction (p < 0.05) between tillage systems and vine orientations on storage root diameter, storage root length and storage root yield. The horizontal vine orientation gave statistically significant (p < 0.05) storage roots diameter of width 405 mm. Conversely the loop vine orientation had statistically the least (316 mm) storage root diameter. Horizontal vine orientation had significantly (p < 0.05) wider storage roots than the loop vine orientation. The ridge recorded longer (134.2 mm) mean storage root length, while those from mounds had shorter (115.9 mm) root length. The loop and the horizontal vine orientations recorded statistically the highest (35.5 t/ha and 34.8 t/ha respectively) sweet potato storage root yield. On the other hand, the fold vine orientation obtained significantly the lowest (28.7 t/ha) storage root yield. The research concluded that the horizontal and fold vine orientations had the widest storage root diameter and the ridge had longer storage root lengths. The loop and horizontal vine orientations are recommended in sweet potato production if high yields are to be achieved.
文摘This study sought to assess Gweru＇s water supply system from the source to the consumer to find out whether the water is safe for domestic purposes, mainly consumption. Water samples were taken from Gwenoro dam （raw water）, Gwenoro treatment plant （treated water） as well as from GIS-generated random points of residential areas closest to Gwenoro and furthest from both the dam and the treatment plant. These were taken for laboratory testing where parameters like pH, hardness, turbidity and DO （dissolved oxygen） were tested. Questionnaires were used to solicit the views of the consumers on water quality and water service delivery from eight randomly selected residential suburbs. Interviews were also administered to Gwenoro Water Treatment Plant superintendent and deputy to get insight into the day to day challenges that they have to grapple with. Results generally show that treated water from Gwenoro treatment plant is relatively safe to drink for those who have access to it. However, some consumer points like Mkoba 13 and Mkoba 18 receive water whose DO is out of the recommended range. Suburbs which lie on higher ground like Mkoba 19 and Mkoba 14 however rarely receive water from Gwenoro with some residents of Mkoba 19 having had no water from their taps for more than three years now. The study recommends that new equipment be bought for the treatment plant so that treated water reaches all parts of the city. Newly resettled farmers in the Upper Runde Catchment must be resettled elsewhere while urban stream bank cultivation must be banned to reduce water pollution as well as possible sedimentation of Gwenoro dam.
文摘The ability to modify a waste by-product precursor, maize tassel biomass using sulfuric acid as the activating agent with specific focus on Lead(II) ion from water has been proposed. The treating of maize tassel using sulphuric acid is believed to enhance sorption capacity of Lead(II) ions. For this, batch adsorption mode was adopted for which the effects of initial pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time and initial concentration were investigated. Consequently, it was found that the adsorbent capacity depends on pH;since it increases up to 4.5 and then decreases. The highest percentage of Lead(II) ion removal was achieved in the adsorbent dosage of 1.2 g and at an initial concentration of 10 mg/L metal ion. In an attempt to determine the capacity and rate of Lead(II) removal, isotherm and kinetic data were modeled using appropriate equations. To this end, the adsorption data fitted best into the Langmuir model with an R2 (0.9997) while kinetically the Lead(II) adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order model. Furthermore, as a way to address issues related to sustainability, maize tassel is recommended since the process is considered to be a dual solution for environmental cleaning. From one side, it represents a better way to dispose the maize tassel which has no use after fertilization and on the other hand it is an economic source of carbonaceous materials.
文摘Dufuya wetland gardens and Insukamini irrigation scheme in Lower Gweru communal areas of Gweru district are two examples of how rural communities can be self-reliant if they are capacitated. This study sought to compare crop diversity between these two vegetable producing schemes. The location of the two areas and the selected plots were determined using the GPS （global positioning system） hand receiver. Maps of the quadrants were produced in a GIS （geographic information system） on a computer. Simpson＇s index D = sum （pi2） was used to measure crop diversity while the Shannon-Weiner index （/4） was used to measure crop evenness. Results show that although both schemes are viable, Dufuya Gardens have higher crop diversity than Insukamini irrigation scheme. The study recommends that AGRITEX officers at Insukamini must advise farmers to diversify their crops in order for their produce to be more competitive on the market and also to cushion farmers against the effects of natural hazards. Given the success of the two schemes, the government must seriously consider sustainable utilization of the many small-scale dams and wetlands lying idle across the country for crop production in order to empower poor rural communities as well as alleviate poverty.
文摘Since the year 2000, the city of Gweru has had an unprecedented proliferation of unattended potholes on most of its roads. These potholes have caused discomfort to the motoring public, caused death to others and damaged vehicles. This paper presents the results of a study that sought to establish the spatial distribution of potholes and determine their socio-economic impacts in Gweru＇s residential areas. Pothole location and dimensions were measured in the field whilst interviews and questionnaires were administered to vehicle owners, motor mechanic experts, drivers and the travelling public to determine their socio-economic and mechanical impacts. Stratified, convenience and purposive sampling methods were used in the selection of study streets and respondents to questionnaires and interviews. Results revealed that potholes are more concentrated in high density residential areas compared to low density areas. This is primarily due to the substandard construction of roads done in high density residential areas. Other causes of pothole formation identified during this study are poor drainage on the roads, rainfall impact, advanced age of roads, poor or lack of maintenance, type and volume of traffic as well as the effect of tree-root prying on paved surfaces. It is recommended that Gweru City Council enters into partnerships in road construction. The city should also establish fundraising projects to augment its budget. This would help ease problems of service delivery including road maintenance. Signposts can be erected to warn drivers about these hazards in the most affected streets and suburbs. It is also important that council set aside a toll-free telephone line link with road users so that areas where new potholes have been detected are quickly reported and attended to. This will not only save lives but also reduce road maintenance costs and vehicle damage.
文摘Advertising revenue is generally regarded as the lifeblood of the mass media since it largely contributes to the financial fortunes of both commercial and so-called public media houses. There is a consensus among political economy scholars that gives advertisers power over media content. It has also been argued that advertisers usually do not associate with ideological enemies. This research therefore sought to find out whether political advertisements especially, during election time, influence media content and whether political advertisers do not associate with media houses they are not ideologically compatible with. During election times, political parties also become big advertisers and newspapers together with broadcasting media compete to get advertisements from political parties so as to boost their financial fortunes. The research focused on the March 29, 2008 Zimbabwe harmonised elections with Network Guardian News a Kwekwe based privately owned community newspaper being used as a case study. This study utilised critical discourse analysis on purposively selected newspaper stories published during the period under study; while in-depth unstructured interviews with editors, reporters from the newspaper and politicians were also conducted to gather information. The findings revealed that in spite of the pro-ZANU-PF Network Guardian News newspaper carrying both MDc and ZANU-PF advertisements, its editorial stance remained hostile to the MDC-T party.
文摘Since the turn of the 21st century, the central government in Zimbabwe encouraged community participation in natural resources utilization. The research intends to understand the efficacy of this paradigm shift on sustainable wetland utilization in communal areas, focusing specifically on Chebvute wetland in Zvishavane district of Zimbabwe. Research data was gathered through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, direct observations and field measurements. These instruments targeted 19 purposively selected plot holders, project chairperson, Environmental Management Agency officer, Agritex officer and the headman. Mapping of the wetland area and its landuse was done using global positioning system receivers and the map was produced using ILWIS, ArcView and Google Earth images. Research findings revealed that the conserved wetland increased its size and biodiversity. Generally, all crops grown had estimated yields higher than the national averages per hectare. The average maize yield was 2.726 tonnes per hectare compared to national average of 0.87. However, conflicts between plot holders, other community members and officials from government institutions such as Environmental Management Agency and Agritex should be ironed out in order to safeguard the wetland＇s future.
文摘To achieve optimum yield of wheat, supplementation of soil and foliar applied fertilizers with plant growth regulators is vital to assure effective assimilation of nutrients by plants. A trial was conducted at Gwebi Agricultural College Farm in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe, during the 2012 winter wheat season (May to August), to evaluate the effects of differing times of application of Tianda 2116 plant growth regulator on the growth and yield of wheat (variety SC Sekuru). The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The treatments were: Tianda 2116 applied at the following weeks after planting (WAP): 2 WAP, 3 WAP, 4 WAP, 5 WAP, 6 WAP, 14 WAP and no Tianda 2116 applied (control). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were noted among treatments for mean number of tillers per plant and mean number of spikes per plant. Application of Tianda 2116 at 2 and 3 WAP delayed flowering and physiological maturity. Early application of Tianda 2116 increased the number of spikelets per spike, thousand grain weight and grain yield. Conclusively, Tianda 2116 applied 2 or 3 WAP is effective in reducing growth while enhancing yield parameters in wheat production.
