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.

Mate choice occurs only in small choruses of painted reed frogs hyperolius marmoratus

Abstract: In two-choice discrimination experiments, females of Hyperolius marmoratus preferred the calls of lower frequency of the pair of stimuli. This preference was not shown in mating patterns observed in natural choruses, but is when females are phonotactically orienting in small choruses in an experimental enclosure. With an increase in chorus size, the mating pattern shifts from size-based, non-random (with some evidence of size-assortative) mating to random mating. This is the first time that frequency-based mate-choice by female anurans has been associated with chorus size, and hence with the sonic complexity of the acoustic environment.

Decentralizing water management: an analysis of stakeholder participation in the management of water in Odzi subcatchment area, Save Catchment

Abstract: The paper analyses the process of decentralization of water management to catchment and subcatchment councils in the Save catchment area in general and Odzi subcatchment area in particular. The paper explores the different challenges encountered by these stakeholder institutions in water management. The empowerment approach is used to examine the extent to which the formation of these new water institutions is enhancing the empowerment of different stakeholders in the management of water resources. The paper concludes that effective stakeholder participation is being hampered by lack proper representation of stakeholders on catchment and subcatchment councils; lack of stakeholder involvement in catchment planning; inadequate financial resources for catchment and subcatchment councils for use in water management and the government’s unwillingness to stop land invasions by the ruling party supporters. The data presented in this paper was collected through unstructured interviews, attendance of catchment and subcatchment councils meetings and reviewing of recorded minutes of the Save Catchment and Odzi Subcatchment Councils meetings.

Community perspectives on the COVID-19 response, Zimbabwe.

Abstract: Objective: To investigate community and health-care workers' perspectives on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and on early pandemic responses during the first 2 weeks of national lockdown in Zimbabwe. Methods: Rapid qualitative research was carried out between March and April 2020 via phone interviews with one representative from each of four community-based organizations and 16 health-care workers involved in a trial of community-based services for young people. In addition, information on COVID-19 was collected from social media platforms, news outlets and government announcements. Data were analysed thematically. Findings: Four themes emerged: (i) individuals were overloaded with information but lacked trusted sources, which resulted in widespread fear and unanswered questions; (ii) communities had limited ability to comply with prevention measures, such as social distancing, because access to long-term food supplies and water at home was limited and because income had to be earned daily; (iii) health-care workers perceived themselves to be vulnerable and undervalued because of a shortage of personal protective equipment and inadequate pay; and (iv) other health conditions were sidelined because resources were redirected, with potentially wide-reaching implications. Conclusion: It is important that prevention measures against COVID-19 are appropriate for the local context. In Zimbabwe, communities require support with basic needs and access to reliable information to enable them to follow prevention measures. In addition, health-care workers urgently need personal protective equipment and adequate salaries. Essential health-care services and medications for conditions other than COVID-19 must also continue to be provided to help reduce excess mortality and morbidity.

Genotypes of Pneumocystis jiroveci Isolates Obtained in Harare, Zimbabwe, and London, United Kingdom

Abstract: Isolates of Pneumocystis jiroveci from sulfa-exposed and nonexposed patients from London, United Kingdom, and Harare, Zimbabwe, were genotyped. At the dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) locus, there was evidence of selection pressure from sulfa drug exposure, and reversal of DHPS genotype ratios occurred when selection pressure was absent or was removed.

Field evaluation of the chlorophyll meter to predict yield and nitrogen concentration of switchgrass

Abstract: Chlorophyll meters have been used to estimate leaf chlorophyll content, and therefore nitrogen (N) status and fertilization requirements for several crops. However, until now C4 forage grasses have not been investigated in this regard. A field study was conducted in 1995 and 1996 to evaluate the potential of chlorophyll (SPAD) meter readings to determine switchgrass N concentration and herbage yield. Meter readings were taken on the top most fully expanded leaves of switchgrass grown on a free draining sandy clay loam soil (St Bernard, Typic Hapludalf) fertilized at 0, 75, or 150 kg N ha‐1. The switchgrass was either cut at the end of the season or every four or six weeks. Herbage N concentration in uncut stands declined with time while SPAD readings increased to a mid‐season maximum, beyond which they declined rapidly. The relationship between N concentration and SPAD readings was linear (r2=0.62–0.93; p<0.01) for the cut systems. Exceptforthe 1st cut under the 4‐week harvest regime, there were ...