Showing papers by "University of Zambia published in 2003"

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Africa: successes and challenges in scaling-up a nevirapine-based program in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract: Background: Nearly half of perinatal HIV infection is preventable with nevirapine (NVP) which has transformed the ability to confront this transmission route in resource-limited settings. Methods: A NVP-based perinatal HIV prevention program initiated in Lusaka Zambia in November 2001. Results: The first 12 months cost US$221 000 and enabled 178 district health employees to be trained in voluntary counseling and testing: 17 263 pregnant women were counseled for HIV 12 438 (72%) were tested and 2924 (24%) were found to be infected with HIV. NVP has been taken by 1654 (57%) mothers and 1157 (40%) babies. It is estimated that at least 190 infants have been spared HIV infection (11 per 1000 counseled women or 65 per 1000 identified HIV-infected women). Conclusions: Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission is feasible and cost effective in resource-limited settings. In Lusaka thousands of women have received voluntary counseling and testing and NVP therapy under the present scheme. Patient attrition and non-adherence represented a major source of program inefficiency which requires to be systematically addressed. (authors)

Potential of rainwater harvesting in urban Zambia

Abstract: This paper was associated with a WARFSA funded research project “Potential of rainwater harvesting in urban Zambia”. The general objective of the research was to investigate the applicability of rainwater harvesting in urban Zambia. This paper presents the results obtained at the time of writing the paper. Rainwater harvesting was not new to Zambia and there had been installations which were mainly confined to rural areas. Laboratory analysis of water samples from one such system showed that the water was suitable for drinking purposes. Two peri-urban areas of Lusaka were selected mainly based on the water stress in the areas. The socio-cultural survey conducted in the two areas indicated that water ranked among the top two priorities by the Residential Development Committee. Design of the systems was based on the mass curve analysis for storage and rational formula for the gutters. However, a maximum storage of 10 cubic meters was chosen due to budgetary limitation. Construction of five systems was in progress.

Evidence for a Neoproterozoic ocean in south-central Africa from mid-oceanic-ridge type geochemical signatures and pressure-temperature estimates of Zambian eclogites

Abstract: Precambrian eclogites, metagabbros, and gabbros occur in an similar to200-km-long by 40-km-wide zone in central Zambia. Pressure-temperature (P-T) estimates of kyanite-bearing eclogites (kyanite eclogites) throughout the zone give temperatures of 590-750 degreesC at minimum pressures of 20 kbar. Phengite-bearing eclogites equilibrated at 720-755 degreesC and 26-28 kbar and show evidence for a clockwise P-T path. These P-T conditions imply a low geothermal gradient of similar to8 degreesC/km and a subduction depth of similar to90 km. The eclogites, metagabbros, and gabbros show incompatible element patterns similar to those of recent mid-oceanic-ridge basalts, and thus are interpreted to represent former oceanic crust. The low geothermal gradient indicates a cold subducted oceanic lithosphere, implying long-lived, fast convergence and a relatively large (>1000 km) associated ocean basin. A Sm-Nd isochron defines an age of 595 +/- 10 Ma for the eclogite facies metamorphism. These results imply that a Neoproterozoic suture zone exists between the Congo and Kalahari cratons. Suturing occurred during the same orogenic cycle that formed the Zambezi belt and is related to the assembly of Gondwana.

Cultural childbirth practices and beliefs in Zambia.

Abstract: Background. Zambia, one of the world's poorest countries, also has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Most pregnant women in Zambia (96%) attend antenatal care, while 53% deliver at home. This may be related to socio-economic and cultural factors, but cultural childbirth practices and beliefs in Zambia have been little documented. Aim. The aim of this study was to explore cultural childbirth practices and beliefs in Zambia as related by women accompanying labouring women to maternity units. These social support women were also interviewed about their views on providing companionship to labouring women. Methods. Thirty-six women accompanying labouring women to urban and rural maternity units in Zambia were interviewed A thematic guide with closed and open-ended questions was used. EPI INFO, an epidemiological statistical software package, was used to analyse the quantitative data; qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Findings. Eighteen of the women considered themselves to be mbusas, or traditional birth assistants and the rest said that they followed labouring women to maternity units. Those who considered themselves traditional birth assistants advised childbearing women on appropriate cultural childbirth practices and assisted with deliveries at home. They also advised women on the use of traditional medicine, for example, to widen the birth canal and to precipitate labour. If something went wrong during labour, they relied on traditional beliefs and witchcraft to explain the mishap and expected the woman in labour to confess her purported ‘bad’ behaviour. Twelve of the women were in favour of providing support to labouring women in maternity units and learning about childbirth care from midwives. Conclusion. These social support women, including those who considered themselves as mbusas, lacked understanding of the causes of obstetric complications during childbirth, and had inadequate knowledge of the appropriate management of labour. Culturally-specific knowledge from this study should be used to guide policy-makers and health planners in the future development of safe motherhood initiatives in developing countries. Midwives have a unique opportunity to ensure that care given during childbirth is clinically safe and culturally sensitive.

Postnatal Human Herpesvirus 8 and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection in Mothers and Infants from Zambia

Abstract: The specific route and timing of human herpesvirus (HHV) 8 infection in regions where Kaposi sarcoma is endemic are not known. HHV-8 infection and any risk factors that may be associated with HHV-8, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 infection, were monitored during the 12-month postdelivery period for 416 mothers and 485 infants from Lusaka, Zambia. HHV-8 incident infection rates during this period were 3.2 and 5.3 infections/100 person-years for infants and mothers, respectively. HHV-8 infection among infants was not associated with HHV-8 or HIV-1 infection in the mother. Among the HHV-8-positive infants, 2 of 12 tested were found to have HHV-8 DNA in their peripheral blood mononuclear cells at birth, which suggests that in utero infection is possible. However, most HHV-8-positive infants appeared to have acquired infection either intrapartum or postpartum. The present study indicates that transmission of HHV-8 to infants can occur early and is likely via multiple routes.

Overcoming constraints to the implementation of water demand management in southern Africa

Abstract: This paper presents results of a study on water demand management status and overcoming constraints to implementation of water demand management in the southern African region, as part of Phase II of water demand management (WDM) programme implemented by the IUCN (The World Conservation Union). The study was conducted in Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The study methodology consisted of a survey of literature, and interviewing and communicating with stakeholders in order to learn from stakeholders on the critical constraints to WDM implementation and strategies to overcome them. The study has shown that, despite the potential savings that would accrue from implementation of WDM, the water sector across the southern African region continues to focus on water supply augmentation. There are inadequate financial and human resources for rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of water conveyance systems resulting in system leaks, which contribute to high levels of unaccounted-for water, a situation that masks the potential benefits of WDM. In most countries, the water sector operates on ad-hoc sub-sector water user objectives, which provided guidelines only for development and management purposes. Most of the institutional frameworks have remained diffuse, resulting into poor performance in the sector, and into crisis management in the water resources development. Though the WDM policy in most countries is already accessible through guidelines for catchment management institutions and water supply institutions; there is a lack of broad commitment to implementing them. In other countries the instruments are relatively new and have not been applied widely. Similarly, the effectiveness of instruments has not been well evaluated in most countries. In countries where policy is weak there is often a lack of clarity as to who is responsible for WDM implementation, and even less clarity on who is responsible for facilitating and monitoring implementation, and taking appropriate action when a serious case of non-performance occurs. Thus, one of the main strategies to overcome constraints to implementing WDM in the region is through high-level advocacy to increase awareness among the stakeholders at different levels on the needs and benefits of WDM. There is also need for capacity building that target the private and public sector planners responsible for development of proposals, as well as at scheme managers and operators who have to implement WDM. The results of study have indicated that it is not sufficient to know how to implement WDM. One needs to know what requires implementation, when to implement it, how to select and motivate the most appropriate parties to implement it and how to audit the results.

Zambian women's experiences of urban maternity care: results from a community survey in Lusaka.

Abstract: Urban African maternity care systems face problems, as rapid population growth puts them under increasing pressure. In 1983 a decentralised system with midwife-run maternity units at health centres was initiated in Lusaka. A community-based survey of 1210 women conducted in 1999 examined access, coverage and quality of care in these maternity services. Results were generally positive: 99% of respondents received some antenatal check-ups and three quarters had five or more. Institutional delivery rate was 89.5%. Home birth was associated with belonging to a “very poor” household. Sixty three per cent of births were in the decentralised units. Eighty nine per cent reported care as “good” or “very good”, but 21% remembered someone who had treated them badly during labour, principally by shouting or scolding. One fifth of women reported having been left alone for “too long” in labour. Less than half of the women said they would like a lay labour companion and three quarters would prefer a companion at the delivery. (Afr J Reprod Health 2003; 7[1]: 92–102) Resume Les experiences des femmes zambiennes a l\'egard des soins de maternite urbains: resultats d\'une enquete dans une communaute a Lusaka. Les systemes de soins de maternite urbains ont beaucoup de problemes car une croissance demographique rapide fait de plus en plus pression sur eux. En 1983, on a introduit a Lusaka un systeme decentralise avec des centres de maternite diriges par les sages-femmes dans des centres medicaux. Une enquete de 1210 femmes basee sur la communaute et menee en 1999 a examine l\'acces, la couverture et la qualite de soin de ces services de maternite. En general, les resultats ont ete positifs: 99% des interroges ont subi quelques examens medicaux prenatals alors que 75% en ont subi cinq on plus. Le taux d\'accouchement etait 89,5%. L\'accouchement a domicile etait lie a l\'appartenance a une famille “tres pauvre”. Soixante-trois pourcent des naissances ont eu lieu dans les centres decentralisees. 89% ont declare que les soins etaient “bien” ou “tres bien”, mais 21% se souvenaient que quelqu\'un les avait mal-traitees pendant le travail, surtout en criant ou en engeulant. Un cinquieme des femmes ont declare qu\'elles ont ete delaissees pour “trop longtemps” pendant le travail. Moins de la moitie des femmes ont dit qu\'elles prefereraient un compagnon a l\'accouchement. (Rev Afr Sante Reprod 2003; 7[1]: 92–102) Key Words: Zambia, maternity services, labour companions, home birth

Water balance and maize yield following improved sesbania fallow in eastern Zambia

Abstract: Sesbania [Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.] fallows are being promoted as a means for replenishing soil fertility in N-depleted soils of small-scale, resource-poor farmers in southern Africa. Knowledge of soil water distribution in the soil profile and water balance under proposed systems is important for knowing the long-term implications of the systems at plot, field and watershed levels. Soil water balance was quantified for maize (Zea mays L.) following 2-year sesbania fallow and in continuous maize with and without fertilizer during 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 at Chipata in eastern Zambia. Sesbania fallow increased grain yield and dry matter production of subsequent maize per unit amount of water used. Average maize grain yields following sesbania fallow, and in continuous maize with and without fertilizer were 3, 6 and 1 Mg ha - 1 with corresponding water use efficiencies of 4.3, 8.8 and 1.7 kg mm - 1 ha - 1 , respectively. Sesbania fallow increased the soil-water storage in the soil profile and drainage below the maximum crop root zone compared with the conventionally tilled non-fertilized maize. However, sesbania fallow did not significantly affect the seasonal crop water use, mainly because rainfall during both the years of the study was above the normal seasonal water requirements of maize (400 to 600 mm). Besides improving grain yields of maize in rotation, sesbania fallows have the potential to recharge the subsoil water through increased subsurface drainage and increase nitrate leaching below the crop root zone in excess rainfall seasons.

Phylogeography of Biomphalaria glabrata and B. pfeifferi, important intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni in the New and Old World tropics.

Abstract: The historical phylogeography of the two most important intermediate host species of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, B. glabrata in the New World, and B. pfeifferi in the Old World, was investigated using partial 16S and ND1 sequences from the mitochondrial genome. Nuclear sequences of an actin intron and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-1 were also obtained, but they were uninformative for the relationships among populations. Phylogenetic analyses based on mtDNA revealed six well-differentiated clades within B. glabrata: the Greater Antilles, Venezuela and the Lesser Antilles, and four geographically overlapping Brazilian clades. Application of a Biomphalaria-specific mutation rate gives an estimate of the early Pleistocene for their divergence. The Brazilian clades were inferred to be the result of fragmentation, due possibly to climate oscillations, with subsequent range expansion producing the overlapping ranges. Within the Venezuela and Lesser Antilles clade, lineages from each of these areas were estimated to have separated approximately 740 000 years ago. Compared to B. glabrata, mitochondrial sequences of B. pfeifferi are about 4x lower in diversity, reflecting a much younger age for the species, with the most recent common ancestor of all haplotypes estimated to have existed 880 000 years ago. The oldest B. pfeifferi haplotypes occurred in southern Africa, suggesting it may have been a refugium during dry periods. A recent range expansion was inferred for eastern Africa less than 100 000 years ago. Several putative species and subspecies, B. arabica, B. gaudi, B. rhodesiensis and B. stanleyi, are shown to be undifferentiated from other B. pfeifferi populations.

Timing of the maternal drug dose and risk of perinatal HIV transmission in the setting of intrapartum and neonatal single-dose nevirapine.

Abstract: Context: Single-dose intrapartum and neonatal nevirapine (NVP) reduces perinatal HIV transmission and is in increasingly common use throughout the developing world. Objective: We studied risk factors for perinatal transmission in the setting of NVP. Design and setting: A prospective cohort study at two public obstetrical clinics in Lusaka Zambia. Patients and methods: In a volunteer sample of HIV-infected pregnant women and their newborns the women received a 200 mg oral dose of NVP at the onset of labor; their infants received 2 mg/kg of NVP syrup within 24 h of birth. The main outcome measure was the infant HIV infection status at 6 weeks of life determined by DNA polymerase chain reaction. Results: Only 31 of 278 (11.2%) infants were infected at 6 weeks. In logistic regression viral load exceeding the median [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–8.7] and 1 h or less elapsing between NVP ingestion and delivery (AOR 5.0; 95% CI 1.8–14) were associated with transmission. Women delivering within 1 h of NVP ingestion had a lower mean drug concentration (351 versus 942 ng/ml; P 100 ng/ml (12.9 versus 11.7%; P = 0.8). We did not identify a threshold concentration below which risk of transmission increased. Conclusions: We confirmed low perinatal transmission rates with single-dose NVP. At least 1 h of pre-delivery NVP prophylaxis was a critical threshold for efficacy. (authors)

The use of the Intranet and Internet by teaching staff of the University of Zambia

Abstract: The use of the Intranet and Internet among academic members of staff at the University of Zambia was surveyed using a questionnaire. The findings revealed that the University had a well-developed network for both Intranet and Internet that was established to foster communication and access to both internal and external information. The paper concluded that there are some bottlenecks to the full use of the network. There is potential for full utilisation of the networks on condition that a policy to integrate the networks and ICT in general university management and running was developed and implemented. Af. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. (2003) 13, 119-132

Transmission of schistosomiasis in Kariba, Zimbabwe, and a cross-sectional comparison of schistosomiasis prevalences and intensities in the town with those in Siavonga in Zambia

Abstract: Given that the two communities lie only 10 km apart, on the northern shore of Lake Kariba, it is surprising that human schistosomiasis now appears to be a much less important health problem in Kariba town (Zimbabwe) than in Siavonga town (Zambia). In an attempt to explain this difference, the level and sites of Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni transmission in Kariba, and the prevalences and intensities of human infection with these parasites in both communities, have now been investigated. In a longitudinal study, a cohort of 378 schoolchildren, 150 subsistence fishermen and 42 commercial fishermen from Kariba town was screened three times for schistosome infection, at 6-month intervals. Sixteen human-water contact sites in or near the town were surveyed for intermediate host snails every month for 1 year. Finally, the results of screening 660 Kariba schoolchildren (in January 2001) and 527 Siavonga schoolchildren (in July 2002) were compared. In the longitudinal study, 9.0% of the schoolchildren, 7.3% of the subsistence fishermen and 0% of the commercial fishermen were each found positive for S. haematobium at least once. The corresponding values for S. mansoni were 2.5%, 12.5% and 26.3%, respectively. The results indicated that, each year in Kariba, 2.4% and 2.0% of schoolchildren and 18.2% and 5.2% of fishermen were infected with S. haematobium and S. mansoni, respectively. Although both Bulinus globosus and Biomphalaria pfeifferi were found at 14 of the 16 water-contact sites, snails infected with schistosomes that could infect mammals were only found at three of the sites. The problem of schistosomiasis in Kariba town appears to be greater among fishermen than schoolchildren, all transmission probably occurring in Lake Kariba. As expected, the overall prevalences of S. haematobium and S. mansoni infection among Siavonga schoolchildren (19.4% and 33.5%, respectively) were far higher than the corresponding values for Kariba schoolchildren (7.1% and 2.1%, respectively). The marked differences in the prevalence of human schistosomiasis between Kariba and Siavonga appear to be attributable to the better water and sanitation facilities and a history of schistosomiasis-control activities in Kariba town.

Geographic Variation in the Leaf Oils and DNA Fingerprints (RAPDs) of Juniperus thurifera L. from Morocco and Europe

Abstract: Samples of Juniperus thurifera L. were collected from the Atlas Mts., Morocco, northern and southern Spain, the Pyrenees, France, Fench Alps and Corse Isaland, France. The leaf oils were analyzed and found to be polymorphic for several major compounds (sabinene, limonene, linalool, piperitone, linalyl acetate and sesquiterpenes). In general, the Moroccan trees were higher in sabinene, γ-terpinene, cis-sabinene hydrate and terpinen-4-ol, but lower in limonene, δ-2-carene, and piperitone than trees from Europe. Analysis based on Random Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) for the aforementioned population plus J. foetidissima (as an outgroup), revealed that the Moroccan J. thurifera populations were most similar to plants from southern Spain, then to populations from France. Although the trees generally clustered by populations, there appear to be some differentiation in the RAPDs between the European J. thurifera populations and the Moroccan populations. Combining previous studies on seeds per cone,...

Human activities and threats of chronic epidemics in a fragile geologic environment

Abstract: The quality of groundwater in the Lusaka aquifer is becoming matter of great concern to the city’s inhabitants. Access to good quality water in sufficient quantities to support life is becoming increasingly scarce, while waterborne diseases are becoming rife and on the increase. As a result of rapid urbanisation and a proportionate increase in human activities, there has been increased use of the ground to dispose of different types of solid and liquid wastes. Usually, this has been with no due consideration of the underlying geology. Such unsatisfactory management of wastes over a fragile geologic environment has heightened threats of aquifer pollution through unhindered access of components of the wastes to the groundwater store. Consumption of such water may be responsible for the near-endemic outbreaks of diarrhoeal and dysentery cases in parts of the city. As the demand for water continues to heighten, current trends of aquifer pollution of the meagre available water resources threaten to exacerbate this scenario. Consequently, this will impose further restrictions on the city environment’s ability to sustain human life. This paper highlights some of Lusaka’s typical and pertinent water supply problems. It also implicitly expresses the urgent need for reconciliation between human activities and the underlying geology and hydrogeology in order to preserve an environment that promotes and perpetuates good human health.

“I Am Happy that God Made Me a Boy”: Zambian Adolescent Boys\' Perceptions about Growing into Manhood

Abstract: Adolescence is a period of transition during which a person is neither considered a child nor an adult. As little is known about adolescent boys\' perceptions, norms, role models and gender relations that influence their male identity and behaviour, this qualitative study was conducted. Data were drawn from seven FGDs and twelve mails of adolescent boys (15–19 years old) residing in two townships outside Lusaka and Kitwe in Zambia. Findings show that growing up to a man entails a certain level of ambiguity and contradictory perceptions in terms of supposedly appropriate social and sexual behaviour but indicates a few alternatives. Based on the findings, we recommend that the information gap, misconceptions and anxiety among boys regarding their male identity should be addressed. The respondents suggested that an educational programme that will pay due attention to their needs and answer their questions should be designed and implemented with active involvement of male adolescent peers. (Afr J Reprod Health 2003; 7[1]: 49–62) Resume “Je suis content que le bon Dieu m\'ait cree un garcon”: les perceptions des adolescents mâles zambiens sur le proces d\'atteindre l\'âge l\'homme. L\'adolescence est une periode de transition pendant laquelle l\'on n\'est considere ni comme un enfant ni comme un adulte. Nous avons entrepris cette etude parce qu\'on connait tres peu de choses sur les perceptions des adolescents mâles, leurs normes, leurs modeles et les rapports entre les sexes qui influent sur leur identite et comportement masculins. Nous avons reculli des donnees des 7 DGCs et de douze courriers des garcons adolescents (15–19) qui habitaient dans deux municipalites hors de Lusaka et Kituve en Zambie. Les resultats ont montre que le proces d\'atteindre l\'âge d\'homme implique une certaine ambiguite et des perceptions contradictoires sur le plan du comportement sexuel et social soi-disant approprie. L\'etude a propose des alternatifs. En nous fondant sur les resultats, nous proposons que les problemes du manque d\'information, des idees fausses et de l\'inquietude chez les garcons a l\'egard de leur identite masculine soient abordes. Les interroges ont propose qu\'un programme educatif qui s\'occuperait de leurs besoins et qui repondrait a leurs questions soit concu et realise avec la participation active des pairs adolescents mâles. (Rev Afr Sante Reprod 2003; 7[1]: 49–62) Key Words: Adolescents, gender, male identity, role models, sexuality, Zambia

Traditional Values of Caterpillars (Insecta: Lepidoptera) Among the Bisa People of Zambia

Abstract: —The traditional values of caterpillars to the Bisa people of northern Zambia were assessed through a questionnaire survey involving 104 households from 24 villages. Information validation was by Participatory Rural Appraisal, Focus Group Discussions, caterpillar collection and identification. Caterpillars of eight Saturniidae moth species are valued very highly by the Bisa. Six of these were collected and identified from the miombo woodlands of the study area. The harvesting of Gynanisa maja (Klug), Gonimbrasia belina (Westwood), China forda (Westwood), Imbrasia epimethea (Drury), I. rubra (Bouvier) and Imbrasia sp.3 caterpillars by local people, provides an alternative source of dietary animal protein and is associated with several cultural and spiritual processes and beliefs which bind the people together as one tribe. Edible caterpillars are bartered and sold at markets, enabling the local people to gain access to goods and services that normally are out of their reach. An individual collector processed 11.5 kg of sun-dried edible caterpillars worth Zambian Kwacha (ZK) 172,600 (US$ 52) during the caterpillar-harvesting period in 1999, while a household averaging six members processed 69.1 kg caterpillars worth ZK 1,036,098 (US$ 309). The income generated from sales of edible caterpillars far outstripped that generated from the sale of agricultural produce. Estimates of household incomes for 1999, an edible-caterpillar bumper harvest year, and the Bisa traditional edible-caterpillar management system are discussed.

Understanding young men's sexual health and prospects for sexual behaviour change in rural Zambia.

Abstract: Aims: Building on the experiences of an initial study in 1993, the current survey was conducted to enhance understanding of men's sexual health and prospects for behaviour change in Chiawa, rural Zambia. Methods: Seventy-nine randomly selected men in the age range 16 - 25 years were interviewed using a questionnaire. Results: The obstacles to good sexual health reported were: inadequate access to health facilities (35%); unemployment (24%); diseases in general (20%); and HIV/AIDS (17%). Nineteen (24%) had suffered from an STI in the past. Five (13%) of the married and 16 (33%) of the single men had extra or pre-marital relationships at the time of the interviews. In 1993, 50% of the single men had pre-marital relationships. A real man (murume chaiye) was considered to be married, have children, have a job and sexually satisfy his wife; 97% considered themselves to be real men. Some 91% perceived themselves to be at risk of HIV infection; 76 (96%) were aware that HIV could be passed from mother to child, a...

Energy level statistics of a critical random matrix ensemble

Abstract: We study energy level statistics of a critical random matrix ensemble of power-law banded complex Hermitian matrices. We compute the level compressibility via the level-number variance and compare it with the analytical formula for the exactly solvable model of Moshe, Neuberger and Shapiro.

Amplitude and frequency variability of the pulsating DB white dwarf stars KUV 05134+2605 and PG 1654+160 observed with the Whole Earth Telescope

Abstract: We have acquired new time series photometry of the two pulsating DB white dwarf stars KUV 05134+2605 and PG 1654+160 with the Whole Earth Telescope. Additional single-site photometry is also presented. We use all these data plus all available archival measurements to study the temporal behaviour of the pulsational amplitudes and frequencies of these stars for the first time. We demonstrate that both KUV 05134+2605 and PG 1654+160 pulsate in many modes, the amplitudes of which are variable in time; some frequency variability of PG 1654+160 is also indicated. Beating of multiple pulsation modes cannot explain our observations; the amplitude variability must therefore be intrinsic. We cannot find stable modes to be used for determinations of the evolutionary period changes of the stars. Some of the modes of PG 1654+160 appear at the same periods whenever detected. The mean spacing of these periods (≈40 s) suggests that they are probably caused by non-radial gravity-mode pulsations of spherical degree l= 1. If so, PG 1654+160 has a mass around 0.6 M⊙. The time-scales of the amplitude variability of both stars (down to two weeks) are consistent with theoretical predictions of resonant mode coupling, a conclusion which might however be affected by the temporal distribution of our data.

Safe motherhood perspectives and social support for primigravidae women in Lusaka, Zambia.

Abstract: The safe motherhood goals of being attended by a skilled attendant at birth have not been met in Zambia. Almost all (93%) of Zambian pregnant women attend antenatal care, though only 43% deliver in maternity units. This study was conducted to explore low-risk Zambian primigravidae's preparation for pregnancy including contraceptive use, content of antenatal care, preparation for childbirth and the extent of social support. Two hundred and ninety nine healthy primigravidae, who attended the antenatal clinic at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka, Zambia, were interviewed using a structured interview guide. The women's mean age was 20.7 years; 41% were adolescents. The adolescent group had significantly less years of education (p RESUME Perspectives de la maternite sans risque et l'appui social pour les femmes primigestes a Lusaka, Zambie Les objectifs vises par la maternite sans risque de profiter du service des sage-femmes traditionnels bien habilete au moment de l'accouchement n'ont pas ete atteints en Zambie. Presque toutes (93%) les femmes zambiennes enceintes vont a la consultation prenatale, quoique seules 43% accouchent dans des maternites. Cette etude a ete menee pour explorer comment la primigeste zambienne a bas risque se prepare pour la grossesse y compris l'usage du contraceptif, le contenu des soins prenatals, les preparatifs pour la naissance et le niveau de l'appuie social. Deux cent quatre-vingt dix primigestes qui ont frequente la consultation prenatale au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Lusaka, Zambie ont ete interviewees a l'aide d'un guide d'interview structure. L'âge moyen des femmes etait de 20,7ans; 41% d'elles etaient des adolescentes. Le groupe adolescent etait remarquablement moins scolarise (p < 0,0000). Au total, 78% n'avaient jamais utilise aucune methode contraceptive. Les sources principales d'information en matieres sexuelles et de la sante reproductive etaient des amis et les medias. Il n'y avaient que 2% des femmes qui s'etaient renseignees sur les questions sexuelles et la sante reproductive aupres du personnel medical. Presque la moitie n'ont pas voulu la grossesse. Soixante-trois pour cent des femmes avaient eu leur premiere visite a la consultation prenatale au cours du deuxieme trimestre. Il n'y avait aucun preparatif prenatal des femmes pour la parturition et leur role de parent. Quatre-vingt-cinq pour cent parmi les femmes enceintes avaient identifie la personne qui leur serviraient comme appui social au cours de la grossesse et pendant l'accouchement. Les resultats ont montre que les preparatifs pour le role de parent avait ete accorde une faible priorite en ce qui concerne les soins prenatals. Comme approche de la sante reproductive integree, nous proposons que les cours soient organises pour les parents et qu'un reseau d'appui social soit utilise et fasse partie des soins. (Rev Afr Sante Reprod 2003; 7[3]: 29–40)

The prevalence of bovine herpesvirus-1 in traditional cattle in Southern Province, Zambia.

Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), which causes infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, in cattle destined for market in Southern Province, Zambia. A total of 116 nasal secretion samples were tested using the direct fluorescent antibody test, while blood samples from the same cattle were examined by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The prevalence of the BHV-1 antigens in cattle was 23.28% (27/116), while the mean prevalence of the BHV-1 antibodies was 48.28% (56/116). This study showed that cattle in transit to markets could easily spread the virus, which was reactivated by the stress of trekking for long distances under unfavourable conditions, to the other cattle with which they came into contact. Thus, these transit cattle posed a serious threat to other bovines. Systems of cattle trading where cattle must be transported a long wayto market should be reviewed by the authorities to minimise the conditions that may exacerbate the spread of infection.

Effect of tillage, clipping and climate on grass phytomass in a Zambian savanna

Abstract: The effect of tillage, clipping, precipitation and temperature on above-ground grass production was investigated in permanent plots at a Zambian savanna site for 5 y (1996^2001) by the harvest method. Mean species richness was 4.6 species m-2 with a total of 15 species at the study site. Mean end-of-season grass phytomass was 464 g m-2 with no statistically significant differences among years in control quadrats. Grass phytomass recovered within two wet seasons after tillage and a similar trend was observed after cessation of a 2-y monthly harvesting regime. However, in experimental quadrats, plot, treatment and year had significant effects on grass production. Previous- and current-season precipitation had no significant effect on end-of-wet-season grass phytomass but phytomass of the previous season explained 27-53% of the variation in end-of-wet-season phytomass. Grass production peaked in the wet season and declined sharply as the dry season progressed. The interaction between precipitation, temperature, harvesting and duration of the dry season explained 81-91% of the variation in daily grass production but the significance of the interactions varied with season and duration of harvesting. Precipitation-use efficiency (PUE) of grasses declined from 2.25 g m-2 mm-1 at the start of the wet season in December to 0.25 g m-2 mm-1 at the end of the season in March. Monthly harvesting for 1 y reduced PUE to less than 25%. The results indicate very complex relationships between above-ground grass production (dependent variable) and climate and land-use (independent) factors that makes the prediction of grass production in central southern African savannas difficult.