University of Zimbabwe

About: University of Zimbabwe is a education organization based out in Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The organization has 4378 authors who have published 6800 publications receiving 160720 citations. The organization is also known as: UZ & University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

The role of mantle plumes in the development of continental-scale drainage patterns: The southern African example revisited

Abstract: Mantle plumes that precede continental break-up have been postulated to exert a major influence on continental drainage patterns. In this model, a radial drainage develops away from the centre of the plumes, while failed arms of the associated rift system provide conduits for rivers from the continental interior towards the newly formed ocean. This paper summarises drainage evolution in southern Africa from the Permo-Carboniferous to the lower Cretaceous in order to test this model. A major reorganisation of the river system occurred at the time of eruption of the Karoo volcanics, or during subsequent fragmentation of Gondwana. The Karoo and Parana Plumes imposed a first-order imprint on the drainage pattern. The superimposition of the Parana plume pattern on the earlier Karoo plume drainage is responsible for the dominant eastward drainage system from the Early Cretaceous to the present-day. The post-Gondwana river network has been modified by at least three other major factors: structural controls, exhumed ancient land surfaces, and post-Gondwana epeirogenic flexing of the sub-continent and resulting river capture. Understanding the factors responsible for initiation and evolution of continental–scale drainage patterns has important economic implications - for example, the identification of primary sources of diamond placers.

Prevalence and factors associated with knowledge of and willingness for male circumcision in rural Zimbabwe

Abstract: Summary objective To explore male circumcision (MC) prevalence, knowledge, attitudes and intentions among rural Zimbabweans. methods Representative survey of 18–44 year olds in two provinces, as part of an evaluation of the Zimbabwe National Behaviour Change Programme. We conducted univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. Linear regression was employed to predict knowledge of MC (composite index) and logistic regression to predict knowledge that MC prevents HIV, willingness (oneself or one’s partner) to undergo MC, and willingness to have son circumcised. results Two thousand seven hundred and forty-six individuals participated in the survey (87% of eligibles). About two-thirds were women (64%). Twenty per cent of men reported being circumcised, while 17% of women reported having a circumcised partner. Knowledge of MC and its health benefits was low. Attitudes towards MC were relatively positive. If it could prevent HIV, 52% of men reported that they would undergo MC and 58% of women indicated that they would like their partners to be circumcised. Seventy-five per cent of men who reported being HIV positive were willing to undergo MC, against 52% of those who reported HIV negative status. Reported acceptability of neonatal circumcision was high with 58% of men and 60% of women reporting that they would have their sons circumcised if it protected them against HIV. Fear of adverse effects was highlighted as a barrier to MC acceptability. conclusion More knowledge about MC’s health benefits positively affects people’s attitudes towards MC. The relatively high MC acceptability suggests an enabling environment for the scale-up programme.

Mycobacterium avium-related epizootic in free-ranging lesser flamingos in kenya

Abstract: An epizootic in free-ranging lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) in Kenya resulted in more than 18,500 deaths from August through mid-November 1993. Disease was concentrated along the shores of Rift Valley Lakes Bogoria and Nakuru (Kenya) and did not involve any of the other avian or mammalian species frequenting the lakes. Coincidental to the outbreak was a bloom of algae on Lake Bogoria, toxins from which were first suspected to be causative. Discrete necrotic and granulomatous lesions were often noted in spleen and liver, and Mycobacterium avium serovar I was isolated from both organs. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa also were often recovered in pure culture from liver. Gross and histopathological evaluation of the cases disclosed signs of acute sepsis and also chronic, potentially life-threatening lesions of mycobacteriosis, primarily involving the spleen and liver. Lesions typical for algae toxicosis were not seen in any birds. Deaths were attributed to septicemia, complicated in those...

Effect of on-farm seed priming on emergence, growth and yield of cotton and maize in a semi-arid area of zimbabwe

Abstract: The effects of on-farm seed priming (i.e. seed soaking) on the emergence, growth and yield of cotton and maize were studied in the field in the south-eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe. Experiments were conducted on both crops in the 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 seasons and, in the 2001 winter season, on maize only. The interaction of priming with tillage (ox-drawn ploughing or hand-hoeing) and simulated sowing rainfall regimes (irrigations of 15 mm, 30 mm or 45 mm at planting) was studied. Priming usually increased the rate of emergence in maize, but always decreased final percent emergence in cotton. In the 2000/2001 season, there was an interaction between priming and simulated sowing rainfall regimes such that the 15 mm treatment gave a smaller adverse effect of priming in cotton than the 30 and 45 mm treatments. In maize, however, the 15 mm treatment gave an adverse rather than a positive effect of priming on emergence. There was little effect of tillage on emergence or growth. Priming did not affect the relative growth rate of cotton or maize, although plants grown from primed maize seed were consistently larger at any given date throughout the 2001 winter season. Plants from primed seed also flowered and matured earlier in the winter 2001 season. There were no significant effects of priming on yield, except in the 1999/2000 season, where priming decreased yield in cotton. It was concluded that the effect of priming can depend on crop species.