Zimbabwe Journal of Science and Technology
Zimbabwe Journal of Science and Technology publishes original research papers and reviews that bring you in-depth information on scientific and technological developments. The Journal is geared towards generating new research interests, innovativeness and finding the most suitable regional solutions to issues in science and technology. It is a peer reviewed Journal which includes: Comprehensive papers written by experts who have practical experience of the local phenomena. Practical solutions to local scientific and technological problems Review articles as well as book review Submissions on exciting new research which report findings of multidisciplinary significance. (Register as an author.) Referees who would be willing to act as reviewers on this original content and provide recommendations that will be able to serve as a guide to the author(s) to improve on their work.( Register as a reviewer)
Parasitological quality of drinking water gotten from major sources in parts of Ogun State, Nigeria
Water drunk by humans and animals should be safe for consumption worldwide. Humans unknowingly ingest contaminants found in drinking water. This cross-sectional study aimed at assessing parasites associated with drinking water sources in parts of Ogun State, Nigeria. One hundred and thirteen (113) accessible water sources across seven (7) study communities were subjected to sedimentation method and examination of parasites with the aid of a microscope and a World Health Organization identification chart. Data were analyzed, and presented in frequencies and percentages. An overall prevalence of 70(61.9%) had parasites with Hand-Dug Wells (HDWs) having the highest prevalence with 43(61.4%). Out of the 69 HDWs, 43(61.4%) harbored 8 parasites namely Taenia sp. (1.2%)>Hookworm sp. (3.3%)>Trichuris trichiura (3.3%)>Entamoeba histolytica (4.2%)>Strongyloides stercoralis (5.5%)>Giardia duodenalis (6.6%)>Cryptosporidium parvum (10%)>Ascaris lumbricoides (50%). For water from Boreholes (BH), 23(32.9%) of the samples were detected to harbor 7 parasites namely; Hookworm sp. (0.8%)>Taenia sp. (3.3%)>Entamoeba histolytica (5.8%)>Trichuris trichiura (6.0%)>Strongyloides stercoralis (9.8%)>Giardia duodenalis (20.8%)>Ascaris lumbricoides (30.8%). Lastly all the sampled streams were parasite-infected with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most occurring with 100%. In conclusion, water from the major drinking water sources in the study area have been found to possess parasites, an indication that it is unsafe for inhabitants of the study area to drink as they could lead to gastrointestinal diseases. The health authorities must carry out sensitization programs on the awareness on the potential health risks associated with constant consuming of the parasitic-contaminated water.
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Levels of Arsenic and other environmentally significant elements in Upper Pote River, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe: Impact on riverbank garden vegetables irrigated using water from the river
The aims of the present study were (a) to assess the impact of the Runhanga Cattle Dip in Zimbabwe, historically based on arsenic dip, on the levels of arsenic and other environmentally significant elements in Upper Pote River water, riverbank soil and riverbank garden vegetables irrigated using the water. Samples of Runhanga Cattle dip site soils, Upper Pote River water, Upper Pote riverbank garden soils and riverbank garden vegetables, were collected from 5 sites close to and along Upper Pote River, and were analyzed using ICP MS. Data obtained confirmed contamination of Runhanga Cattle Dip site soils and Upper Pote river by 161.8 plus or minus 0.7 micrograms per kilogram. and 8 plus or minus 0.28 to 12.1 plus or minus 0.28 micrograms per kilogram. As respectively. Arsenic levels in the river were highest close to the dip site, confirming leaching of As from the contaminated dip site. Arsenic was detected in all three vegetable species, at concentrations ranging from 9 plus or minus 0.14 to 22 plus or minus 0.1 micrograms per kilogram.. The levels of As, as well as Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Sb and Zn, in the river water, riverbank garden soils and riverbank vegetables, fell within the permissible limits set by the WHO/FAO for food, irrigation water and soil respectively. However, the levels of Co in vegetable samples were above the set permissible limits and therefore, being highly toxic or carcinogenic, are cause for concern. Statistical correlation analysis confirmed that irrigating the garden soils with the Upper Pote River water had no significant effect on the concentration of As, or any of the metals studied, in the garden soils and the vegetable grown in the garden soils. Possible sources of the high levels of As, Co, Cd, Cr and Hg in the ecosystem are discussed.
Studies on behavioural, blood metabolites and biochemical composition of Clarias gariepinus exposed to quarry particles
In fish, exposure to pollutants can induce increase or decrease in haematological and biochemical composition. Haematology, biochemical and behavioural parameters of Clarias gariepinus exposed to quarry dust were examined. Quarry particles were collected and taken to the Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago - Iwoye for sieving with tight perforated sieve to allow free passage of only the dust, then weighed for the experimental exposure. Two hundred C. gariepinus juveniles were obtained from Ministry of Agriculture fish farm, Ikenne, Remo, Ogun State at three weeks and six days of age and then acclimatized for 14 days at the Animal House. The fish were fed with commercial fish feed at 5% of their body weight twice daily. During the acclimatization, 80% of water in each tank was replaced daily. Quarry dust of 65 g, 150 g and 250 g were introduced in each allocated labeled tank. Behaviour of the fish species were observed and then sacrificed for the haematology study through recommended procedures. The fish size range between 579 and 590 cm in total length and 670 and 690 grams in total weight, while the average water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electric conductivity and total dissolved solids was 28.0±0.1 ºC, 7.8±0.025, 3.05±1.3 ppm, 683.75±50 µscm-1 and 432.33±64 ppm respectively. Haematological parameters showed pack cell volume (PCV) and neutrophils to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher and white blood count (WBC) lower in the fish species. Meanwhile, lymphocyte, eosinophil, basophil and monocyte showed no significant difference in all the exposure. C. gariepinus blood biochemistry showed lower triglycerides level and higher cholesterol and high density lipoproteins, while levels of blood bilirubin, albumin, protein, urea, creatinine and alanine transaminase were higher. Thereby, quarry dust has harmful effects on fisheries and the findings shall serve as a baseline data for study other fish species.
Random coil-rich filamentous fungi contaminates cassava flakes in Ogun State, Nigeria
The role of filamentous fungi in contaminating food grains during the pre- and post-harvest stages is well-documented, and effective control of this agricultural issue may rely on a detailed understanding of their secondary protein structures. This study, therefore, aimed to characterize the secondary structures of filamentous fungi isolated from cassava flakes in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 1,000 cassava flake samples (250 from each of the four geopolitical zones in Ogun State) were collected and analyzed for fungal contaminants using standard microbiological and molecular methods. Identified fungal sequences were translated into amino acid sequences and subjected to secondary structure prediction using the SOPMA tool. Results showed that Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus carbonarius were the most prevalent species (F = 88.167, p < 0.05), while Rhizopus stolonifer was the least frequent, comprising 1.15% of isolates. Secondary structure analysis revealed a predominance of random coil structures across most isolates, except Aspergillus fumigatus, which exhibited a higher proportion of alpha helices. Amino acid sequence lengths ranged from 162 to 292 bp. Protein sequence database queries showed no significant similarity to known proteins. Phylogenetic analysis indicated no cluster-specific speciation among the isolates, with species dispersed across various clades. In conclusion, cassava flakes in Ogun State are contaminated with diverse filamentous fungi, predominantly rich in random coil structures, suggesting structural variability that may influence their adaptability and pathogenicity.
Towards Energy Efficient Machining of Titanium Alloy – Ti6al4v: Characterising Chip Morphological Impact on Specific Energy Use During the Mechanical Finish Cutting Process
During mechanical cutting of aircraft grade titanium alloy, Ti6Al4V, chip morphology features observation relay fundamental intelligence towards understanding the machining activity energy efficiency management. In the present study, the effect of chip formation, on specific energy use, was experimentally investigated. Design of experiments was used to plan the 18 machining experiments iteration set in Minitab 22 software. The input cutting parameters were varied and the segmented chip morphological variation was studied in order to understand its effect on the energy efficiency, which is reflected through specific energy use. Key, Ti6Al4V material chip formation feature attributes, were examined and characterised as regards how the chip profile features correlate with specific energy use during cylindrical billet exterior cutting on the CNC turning machine tool. The research, aimed to generate insight into the energy efficient machining of the Ti6Al4V, as mirrored through the chip morphology system. Furthermore, the intention was to get a macroscopic insight about the energy use from observing the chip profile trends during machining of the high grade titanium alloy. Results established the correlation between the seven analysed chip morphology attributes changes with specific energy use minimisation up to some point beyond which the reduction trend changes direction towards energy consumption increase. The profiles of the chip morphology versus specific cutting energy plot suggest the subsistence of an energy use optimum point during the cutting of Ti6AL4V. The study findings provide important reliable guidance to the machining industry stakeholders who could apply this knowledge to monitor the process efficiency of their operations by macroscopically monitoring the features of the cutting chips produced. Conclusion reached is that it is feasible to observe the specific energy use trend, of the machining process, through observing the chip morphology system. Future work relate to establishing the optimum operating parameters from the chip morphology models.
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An Update on the epidemiology of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase's (ESBLs) Producing Organisms in Nigeria
The significance of extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL)-producing organisms in aggravating public health threats, long hospital stays, treatment failures and sometimes death is a very topical issue eliciting great deal of concerns. This study was therefore aimed at providing an expansive update on the epidemiology of ESBL producing organisms in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, with a view to providing details of all ESBL producing organisms from different sources including foods, environmental and clinical samples. To achieve this, a literature search was carried out on articles published between 2007 and 2023 through electronic databases including Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), Scopus and PubMed. The inclusion criterion was that the articles must have been published between 2007 and 2023 in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A total of 252 articles were identified while only 63 studies (10 from north-central, 11 from southwest, 9 from northeast, 10 from southeast, 11 from southsouth and 12 from southwest Nigeria) that met the inclusion criteria were used for the study. The prevalence of ESBL producing organisms from the six geopolitical zones were determined to be (42.88 ± 8.28), (30.7±5.49), (46.57±5.14), (38.45±5.14), (32.49±7.33) and (30.75±6.14) for North-Central, North-West, North-East, South-East, South-South and South-West respectively. Majority of the studies analyzed used the phenotypic method which is based on double-disc synergy test (DDST) while none of the studies used the minimum inhibition concentration method. The most encountered ESBL producing organism was Escherichia coli and this was followed by Klebsiella spp. In conclusion, the prevalence of ESBL producing organisms was considerably very high in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. This, therefore, highlights the need for establishing programs in Nigeria to educate the populace on the implications of wide epidemiology of ESBL-producing organisms and the best ways to preventing their spread including frequent and thorough hand hygiene.
Ethanolic Fermentation of Saccharified Common Thatch Grass Hydrolysate by Candida shehatae AND Saccharomyces cerevisiae Species
Fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gases, still remain the prime sources of energy worldwide. These resources are likely to be depleted within the next few decades. Current environmental issues like global warming, acid rain and urban smog have led to a shift of focus to utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind,and biofuels, which are less environmentally harmful and are sustainable. Ethanol is one of the most promising alternative biofuel in this respect. A number of biomass feedstock have been considered for bioethanol production among which grasses have been suggested. In this study, bioethanol was produced by the fermentation of a hydrolysate obtained from the saccharification of pre-treated common-thatch grass (Hyparrhenia spp.). The grass is abundant in Southern Africa and can be used as feed during its early stages of development. Older grasses have low nutritional value due to lignification and is thus used for thatching, fences or is burnt to clear the veld. Size reduction was done to the grass after-which it was pre-treated with either alkali or acid to remove lignin which is a barrier to saccharification. The grass was enzymatically saccharified using a mixture of cellulases namely Celluclast™ and Aspergillus niger cellulase mixture to produce glucose and other fermentable sugars. Candida shehatae CSIR -Y 0492 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae WBSA 1386 were utilised to convert the glucose in the hydrolysate to ethanol. The effect of adding a nutrient supplement on the production of ethanol was also investigated. The pre treatment method and addition of nutrients had no significant effect on the amount of bioethanol produced from the grass hydrolysate. Both S. cerevisiae WBSA 1386 and C. shehatae CSIR-Y 0142 were able to produce ethanol above the theoretical expected value of 0.5 g/L, indicating the use of sugars other than glucose in the production of ethanol. Ethanol production was at an average of 8.3 g/L for both organisms. The results obtained indicate that pre-treated thatch grass, when saccharified by cellulases and xylanases, can potentially be utilized for production of bioethanol.
Using Chemically Modified Tanzanian Cashew Nut Shell Liquid in Sequestering Pb2+ and Cd2+ from Simulated Contaminated Water
Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)-based micron-sized polymeric particles (MSPPs) of average particle sizes of approximately 0.1 µm to 0.4 µm, were prepared by formaldehyde emulsion polycondensation of technical CNSL. The technical CNSL of 820 centipoise viscosity was used. Surface chemical modifications of MSPPs were carried out to introduce appropriate functional groups for cation exchange. Through suitable reactions with monochloroacetic acid, concentrated sulfuric acid, and aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, respectively, carboxylic, sulphonic, and aminopropylsilyl functional groups were introduced onto MSPPs. Column-packed MSPPs and chemically modified MSPP were successfully used to exchange lead and cadmium ions in contaminated water. The extent of Pb2+ and Cd2+ exchanged was analysed by AAS. The amount of Pb2+ and Cd2+ exchanged by the unmodified MSPP was 0.022 mg/g and 0.034 mg / g, respectively. The amounts of Pb2+ exchanged by the modified resins were 0.056 mg/g, 0.023 mg / g, and 0.103 mg/g for the carboxylated, sulfonated and aminopropylsilylated MSPPs, respectively. The amount of Cd2+ exchanged by the carboxylated, sulfonated and arnimpropylsilylated MSPPs was 0.062 mg/g, 0.093 mg / g, and 0.040 mg/g. The results suggested improvement in Pb2+ and Cd2+ exchange capacity with chemical modifications of the CNSL based polymer particles. A strong correlation between Pb2+ and Cd2+ uptake of the polymer particles and the pH of the solution is also observed. The low values of Pb2+ and Cd2+ exchanges, call for further study to optimise the resins' heavy metal ions uptake capacity
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Comparative geographical distribution and abundance of Xenopus species AND Hymenochirus species in a secondary swamp forest, Okpara Inland, Delta State, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria
The distribution and abundance of Xenopus sp and Hymenochirus sp were investigated in a secondary swamp forest at Okpara Inland, Nigeria. Due to the fact that they are two of the most dominant species inhabiting the water potholes and remanant puddles, this would give an adequate representation of the distribution of species inhabiting these habitats. The total study area was about 1,600m2 having a matrix of cassava, oil palm and yam farms. Sampling was carried out during the dry season and at the advent of the wet season in which three methods were used namely; sweep netting, pitfall traps and visual encounter. Most anuran (332 individuals) were collected using the sweep netting method of which 284 individuals were Hymenochirus sp. There were more Xenopus sp (63 individuals) were collected in the pitfall traps than the Hymenochirus sp (31individuals). The visual encounter method had the least (25 individuals). However, there was no significant difference (F1.3,9.6, df=2, P=0.37781) between the different collection methods. Overall, the results indicated that most of the anuran species were collected in the aquatic habitat than the terrestrial habitat. Both the SVL (snouth-vent-length) and the weight of the two anuran species were significantly different at (F1.2,4.7, df=1, P˂0.05) and (F0.6,4.4, df=1, P˂0.05) respectively. The study suggests that Hymenochirus sp was the more abundant species, but Xenopus sp seems to be more distributed in this human-modified landscape.
Modelling the Impact of Sales Promotion on Chophouse Profits
Fast food establishments allocate funds towards sales promotion in order to enhance their daily revenue and overall profitability. Intense market competition compels stores to implement efficient promotional programs to generate earnings. Because of a limited understanding of its economic implications, operation managers must assess the profitability of the current use of sales promotion. This study examines the influence of promotion attributes on sales and revenues and constructs a conceptual model to evaluate the effect of sales promotions on emporium profitability. We utilised the Granger Causality Test, Impulse Response Function, and Pretest/Posttest Design Models to ascertain the causal connection between customer purchasing behaviour and sales promotion, as well as to assess the significance of sales at the Chophouse fast-food restaurant. We use the established framework model to evaluate the profitability of the current sales promotion strategy and identify the most profitable discount rate. The study's findings suggest that Chophouse's sales promotion techniques result in immediate advantages because there is no long-term relationship between sales promotion and consumer purchasing behaviour. Furthermore, a consistent rise in promotional expenditures is unlikely to exert a substantial influence on customer buying patterns and may even result in an ineffectual promotion, given that the findings indicate that sales promotion does not affect consumer purchasing behaviour.
Parasitic infestations in houseflies and soils collected from garbage dumps in parts of Ijebu-North, Ogun State Nigeria: A cross-sectional study
Open defecation and indiscriminate disposal of waste is a common practice and has been highlighted as a risk factor promoting transmission of gastrointestinal parasiteshence, we investigated the prevalence of parasites in Houseflies (Musca domestica) and soil samples from garbage dumps in Ijebu-North, Ogun State, Nigeria, where such data is non-existent. Flies were collected using baited traps and approximately 100g of surface soil were collected from the garbage dumps in the study area. Standard flotation and sedimentation techniques were used to process collected soil samples, including external and internal contents from Musca domestica (M. domestica). Isolated parasites were identified under a binocular microscope. Our findings showed that all the houseflies examined were infested with at least one kind of parasite on either external or internal surfaces. A total of 328 (78.8%) of the flies were infested with Taenia sp., followed by 296 (74.0%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 200 (48.1%) for hookworms, and the least was 64 (15.6%) for Toxocara canis. There were significant differences in the proportions observed across the different garbage dumps in the study area for Hookworm (p=0.048), Fasciola sp. (p=0.002) and Toxocara canis (p=0.033). On their internal surfaces by location, Oru had the highestprevalence for all the parasites except for Hookworms, Toxocara canis, Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichuria.Significant differences were observed across the garbage dumps in the study area and Hookworm (p = 0.015) and Strongyloides stercolaris (p = 0.014). Similarly, at least one kind of parasite was recovered from all the 32 soil samples examined, with Taenia sp. (90.0%), Ascaris lumbricoides. (83.3%) and Hookworms (60.0%) been the most common parasites. This study highlights animportant issue of gross environmental contamination with parasite eggs/larvae across garbage dumps which requires prompt clearing of garbage dumps and proper sanitization to prevent disease epidemics.
Bayesian Estimation of Simultaneous Equation Models with Outliers and Multicollinearity Problem
Outliers and multicollinearity are problems in the analysis of Simultaneous Equation Model (SEM) especially in applied research. They can lead to bias or inefficiency estimators. This study employed a Bayesian technique for estimation of SEM that is characterized by both multicollinearity and outliers. Monte Carlo experiment was applied while the data sets with specified outliers and multicollinearity were simulated for the SEM. The estimates of Bayesian and classical methods namely: two stage Least Squares (2SLS), Three Stage Least Squares (3SLS), Limited Information Maximum Likelihood (LIML) and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) in simultaneous equation model were then compared. The criteria used for comparison were the Mean Square Error (MSE) and Absolute Bias (ABIAS). The Bayesian method of estimation outperformed classical methods in terms of MSE and ABIAS. However, the classical method has the same performance with Bayesian method when there are no outliers and multicollinearity in the simultaneous equation model. Hence, Bayesian method of estimation is preferred than classical method when there is problem of outlier and multicollinearity in a just identified simultaneous equation model.
Socio-psychological rivulets of sport injury rehabilitation: the case of tertiary league handball players in teachers colleges of Zimbabwe
Sport brings enjoyment but injury presence considerably is a great source of pain, despair and stresses in athletes the world over. This study looked at socio-psychological rivulets of sports injury in Zimbabwean Tertiary Handball between 2018 and 2019. It ascertained the extent to which psychological variables impaired recuperating player’s rehabilitation routes and their rehabilitation time-frames of return-to-active sport following an injury. The study was a descriptive, prospective cohort design anchored on quantitative approach. The 228 study participants comprised team physiotherapists, psychologists, fitness trainers, coaches and players from selected Zimbabwe Teachers Colleges Sports Association handball teams. Stratified random sampling was adopted in selecting respondents for the study. Questionnaires were used as data collection tools. IBM SPSS Version 23 was used for data presentation and analysis. Emerging findings revealed high deficiencies regarding players’ psychological and physiological treatment among most sports medicine professionals. Subsequently a multiplicity of injuries with transitional return-to-sport variations evoked players’ psychological distresses (p=0.086>0.05) and psychological instincts of kinesiophobia (p=0.044<0.05; 70.8 mean; 830.8 variance), depressive moods (66.5 mean; 730.8 variance), frustration and stress (p=0.034<0.05; 2.0 and 2.0). Players’ rehabilitation routes ended pre-maturely leading to re-surfacing of index injuries (66.9 mean; 782.4 variance) that emanated from a ‘culture of pain-risk-paradox’. Sufficient recovery and injury monitoring by sports medicine professionals during potential latent period of injury risk are essential for player’s full resurgence of psychological, emotional and physiological parameters. Periodic psychological counselling services are critical in bringing sanity to players’ infractured tenets from injury onset through to return-to-sport.
Determinants of house prices using spatial analysis: the case for Bulawayo
The factors affecting house prices are crucial to Zimbabwe’s property organisation, and they necessitate an understanding of market trends and patterns in the housing industry. The primary goal of this research is to investigate the correlations between house prices and the factors that influence them to develop a model that can forecast house prices in Bulawayo. This study uses exploratory data analysis and spatial regression approaches to analyse factors affecting house prices in Bulawayo to understand how much housing costs are influenced by the availability of health services and retail stores. How does the distance to schools and the central business district (CBD) affect property prices, as well as the size of the land and the physical environment? To attain these goals, spatial analysis and local regression parameter estimates were used. The study found that many variables have both positive and negative effects on house prices across space and that the spatial lag model is the best fit for predicting house values in Bulawayo.
Agility as a strategy in Zimbabwean manufacturing industries
Customer needs as well as requirements are always in a continuous state of flux and more often than not, Manufacturing Companies find themselves in a quandary as they try to meet these. The inherent ability of Manufacturing Companies to meet the ever-changing customer requirements is key in ensuring that they are able to gain a competitive advantage over their counterparts as well as succeed in this highly volatile market. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as its noticeably widespread effects also brought about disruptive effects within an already turbulent environment as the Zimbabwean Manufacturing Sector was not spared the scourge of the pandemic. The organizations thus have to gain resilience so as to be able to thrive as well as grow competitively within their sector. The purpose of this paper was to assess how applicable the Agile Strategy is within the Zimbabwean Manufacturing sector as well as to come up with effective methods by which the strategy could be adopted by more organizations within the sector. The key drivers to the implementation of the strategy within these sectors as well as challenges associated with the implementation were also reviewed in depth.
Water spinach (Ipomoea spp.) and its potential: A review
The problem of malnutrition justifies the need to explore underutilized crops that have the potential to address the food and nutrition insecurity issues. Certain underutilized crops can play a significant role in both food and nutrition security of the vulnerable populations especially children below the age of five and women. Water spinach, a green leafy vegetable, is one of the underutilized crops in Zimbabwe. It is envisaged that exploration, exploitation and full utilization of water spinach would be an appropriate and cost effective strategy to supplement the caloric and nutritional value of the staple crops. The potential of water spinach cannot be overemphasized as far as meeting the nutrition needs of humans is concerned. This review aims at highlighting the inherent potential of water spinach and possibilities of its production to boost food and nutrition security.
Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites among primary school pupils in Abayi, Osisioma Ngwa L.G.A, Abia State, Nigeria
Gastrointestinal parasitic infection is one of the neglected tropical disease known to be a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity especially amongst school children in tropical Africa. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among primary school pupils in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area Abia State, Nigeria between the months of March and October, 2015.Prior to the study, consent of parents and guardian of the pupils were sort and approval obtained. A total of 648 pupils aged 5-13 years made up of 324 males and 324 females in primaries one to six had their faecal samples examined. Direct smear and formol ether concentration techniques were the parasitological procedures used for the faecal examination. A total of 281 (43.36%) children were infected. Four parasites were observed namely Ascaris lumbricoides (40.8%), Entamoeba coli (38.9%), Hookworm (17.1%) and Trichuris trichiura (3.3%). Mixed infections were also encountered. The combination of A. lumbricoides and Hookworm was the most common (67.1%). The age group 5-7 years had the highest prevalence (83.33%). More females (46.60%) than males (40.12%) were infected though the result showed a statistically nonsignificant difference. The public schools recorded a higher prevalence (48.46%) than the private schools (38.27%). Infection was highest in pupils in primary 3 (57.41%) (P > 0.05). Pupils whose mothers are farmers recorded the highest prevalence (96.67%). Many of the pupils (65,8%) responded “No” to eating food that fell to the ground. Those who used water closet system type of toilet had more infection (43.85%) than those who used pit latrine (41.67%) (P < 0.05). Infection based on sources of water for drinking and domestic purposes shows that those who used the combination of borehole and harvested rain water were the most infected (56.89%). This study recorded an overall parasitic infections of 43.4%. De-worming of pupils should be made an essential component of school health programmes. Adequate health education is also recommended and proper sanitary measures should be put in place to help reduce to the barest minimum infection awith gastrointestinal parasites in school children.
Feeding behavioural patterns of Imbrassia belina larvae that minimizes the production of tannins in Colophospermum mopane leaves
Mopane (Colophospermum mopane) trees respond to herbivory by producing secondary metabolites known as tannins. In order to exploit such trees, insects will adopt feeding patterns that will best reduce production of such feeding deterrents. To elucidate this, the behavioural feeding patterns of Imbrasia belina larvae were studied on Mopane trees and artificial damage on the same was done by punching small holes on a large number of leaves over a period of 25 days. Similarly, a control was used to simulate feeding behaviour of I. belina larvae by removing a large number of full leaves on each day over a period of 25 days. In each instance leaves were collected and tested for tannin content using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. The feeding behavioural patterns showed that I. belina larvae will feed on a full leaf at a time and will not leave a leaf unfinished. The surface area of leaf eaten by these larvae increases exponentially from the first instar to the last instar until the entire tree foliage is finished. The results obtained for tannin content showed that removing full leaves as in the control resulted in no increase in amount of tannin produced whereas artificial damage resulted in an increase in amount of tannin produced. From these results it can then be concluded that the feeding behaviour of I. belina will minimises production of tannins on Mopane trees.
Prevalence and Attitude towards Trichomonas vaginalis infection among undergraduate students of a higher institution in South Eastern Nigeria
A study to determine the prevalence and attitude towards Trichomonas vaginalis infection amongst undergraduate students of a higher institution in south Eastern Nigeria was conducted between January and June 2015. A total of 250 students comprising of 104 males and 146 females had their urine samples examined using the microscopy method for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from all the consenting participants after which high vaginal swabs were collected, processed and examined for T. vaginalis using microscopy. Out of this number, 40 (16%) were infected. Age related infection rate was highest in the 31 – 35 years (25%) age group. Symptoms associated with this infection included genital discharges, painful urination, painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), itching, and irregular menstruation. Factors which affect the student’s attitude towards getting screened for the infection are fear, ignorance, poverty, self-medication, lack of time and even carelessness. Possible causes of T. vaginalis infection were revealed as: sharing of towels (10.0%), sharing of bathing sponge (6.0%), sharing of under wears (5.2%), unclean or infected toilet facility (2.0%). sharing of shaving sticks, razor blade and scissors (for pubic hair) (1.2%) and unprotected sex (0.8%). Known preventive measures against Trichomonas vaginalis infection included avoidance of sexual contact with infected persons (2.8%), use of condoms (32.8%), avoidance of premarital sex (9.2%), having only one sexual partner (12.8%), disinfecting and keeping the toilet clean (17.2%) and not sharing towels (6.0%). Public health enlightenment that is targeted at behavioural change is strongly advocated.
Image-based parameters: Bayesian Model in banana fruit mass prediction
The emergence of contagious diseases has intensified the need for the adoption of technologies that minimize human contact with potentially contaminated surfaces and objects. Due to the manual nature of fruit weighing within Zimbabwean supermarkets, there is frequent human-mass scale contact. Hence, manually operated mass scales are on the long list of prospective disease spreading surfaces. This study proposes the assessment of the feasibility of banana fruit mass modelling based on image analysis, as a way of eliminating human-mass scale contact during the manual weighing process. The banana fruit image-based parameters considered in this study are filled image, minor axis length, equivalent diameter, perimeter, stalk length and major axis length. The Bayes Linear Regression model has been utilized in identifying image-based parameters that are of significance to the mass determination model. The major axis length of the banana has been identified as the most significant mass prediction image-based parameter. Using the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), the major axis length-based model accuracy has been assessed. The model has an accuracy of 96.61 %. Since, the accuracy value lies within the upper quartile region, the formulated model is accurate enough to be used for banana mass prediction. Based on the paired t-test results, the difference between the average of predicted value minus actual value is not big enough to be statistically significant. The system has an acceptable response time of four seconds.
Identification of fibres and sizing of Timbuktu manuscripts using polarised light microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
The aim of this work was to determine the material composition as well as the optical characteristics of the fibres of the Timbuktu manuscripts. Analysis of the fibres was done using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and sizing determination was done using Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy. PLM was done with ordinary light, plane polarised light and cross-polarised light as well. FTIR measurements were done in reflection mode by use of Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR). The sample fibres were observed to be colorless with joints, surface irregularities fractures and swollen tissues. The retardation color was found to be yellow, with a birefringence of 0.060. These optical properties are consistent with hemp fibres. The total crystallinity index of 0.2 and lateral order index of 0.35 were deduced for the sample fibre. FTIR results showed that the sizing on the manuscripts were kaolin, gelatin and clay. These results provide useful insight in planning for the conservation of the Timbuktu manuscripts.
A Microsoft Excel based cryptography scheme using matrix operations
The Microsoft Office suite which usually is encompassed on the Windows operating system comprises of the Microsoft Excel package which can be of great value if properly utilised. Various daily operations can be modelled as a set of linear equations which can easily be presented in form of a matrix. The limitation on the spectrum of users capable of solving these problems to achieve intended results is mainly based on the complex theoretical mathematical operations and computer programming efficiency usually required. This paper intends to demonstrate the ability to solve modelling problems by the use of Microsoft Excel in the field of Cryptography. The encoding process in the conversion of plaintext to cypher text and the decoding process which is the reverse process are illustrated by utilising in-built formulas associated with the Microsoft Excel package. The thrust of this paper is on the utilisation of the uniqueness of the inverse property of invertible matrices.
Effectiveness and impact determination for Enterprise Resources Planning Systems: A case for manufacturing entities in Zimbabwe
The research looked at utilization and impact of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for manufacturing organizations in Zimbabwe. Existing literature on adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning systems, its utilization and benefits realized was reviewed. A survey of eighteen Zimbabwean manufacturing organizations was conducted to establish the utilization of Enterprise Resource Planning systems. The survey centered on operational, strategic, managerial, and Organizational functions and their interaction with the Enterprise Resource Planning systems. The strategic, managerial, and Organizational functions, results reflected positive feedback on the system usage. Operational functions had mixed responses with an overall of 58% being positive and 42% negative. Various impact dimensions were determined and mechanisms of effectiveness in the application of ERP systems established. The research went on to develop a tool using C-Sharp that organizations can use to determine their level of Enterprise Resource Planning system utilization and gave recommendations on how organizations can improve on their Enterprise Resource Planning system utilization for competitive advantage.
Modelling the environmental impacts of noise and dust from quarry stone mining in Harare – a case study of Pomona Quarry
Granite quarry mining has contributed significantly to infrastructure development of many nations and Zimbabwe is no exception. However it has also contributed to environmental pollution and other socio ecological ills. This study investigated the environmental impacts of quarry stone mining and processing at Pomona Quarry mine in Harare. Ambient noise and dust concentrations were measured at different distances and directions from the source. The correlation between the distance and noise level as well as dust concentration were carried out to determine a safety zone from the quarry mine. Multiple regression analysis of the data was conducted and a model developed for the prediction of noise and dust levels.
Acute effects of beetroot juice ingestion on blood flow and blood pressure in diabetic patients with early-stage peripheral artery disease
The objective of the study was to determine the acute effects of beetroot juice ingestion on blood flow and blood pressure in diabetic patients with early-stage peripheral arterial disease compared to non-diabetic controls. In this quasi-experimental cohort study of 35 Black-African diabetic patients and 36 non-diabetic controls, peak systolic velocity (PSV), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were utilised to assess blood flow in the popliteal arteries (PA) basally, 90 minutes, 150 minutes, and 210 minutes-post-ingestion of beetroot juice both between and within groups. A two-way analysis of variance with Benferroni post-hoc analysis were performed to compare the two groups across 4-time points after the intake of beetroot juice. One sample and two-sample t-tests with Cohen’s d effects sizes were performed to determine whether any changes in dependant variables were significant and meaningful within and between groups. Within groups, PSV, SBP and DBP reduced significantly and meaningfully during baseline to 90 minutes and 150 minutes-210 minutes’ time points (P ≤0.02; d ≤1.70). However, no significant or meaningful change (P ≤0.9; d ≤0.29) occurred in PSV, SBP and DBP during the 90 minutes to 150 minutes’ time point. Between groups, PSV and DBP were significantly and meaningfully higher (P ≤0.04; d ≤1.95) in diabetic patients at baseline. At 90 minutes and 150 minutes PSV remained higher in diabetic patients (P ≤0.04; d ≤1.30) unlike SBP (P ≤0.8; d ≤0.34). At 210 minutes, PSV and SBP did not change significantly or meaningfully (P ≤0.59; d ≤0.18) between groups while DBP showed no significant or meaningful difference (P ≤0.7; d ≤0.33) between the groups at all the time points. The combined group effects were significant for PSV (diff ≤ 20.0 cm/s; P <0.0001) across all the time points except between 90 minutes to 150 minutes (diff = 0.4cm/s; P = 1.0) The combined group effects were significant for SBP (diff ≤ 22.01mmHg; P<0.0001) amongst all the time points except 90 minutes to 150 minutes time point (diff = 1.2 mmHg; P = 1.00) and finally the combined group effects for DBP were significant and meaningful (diff ≤13.4 mmHg; P <0.0001) amongst all the time points except 90 minutes to 150 minutes (diff = 1.34 mmHg; P = 1.00) after beetroot juice ingestions. The acute effects of beetroot juice on the blood flow of the popliteal artery were reflected as lowered PSV, SBP and DBP during the 150-210 minutes’ time point in both groups.
Proximate analysis and evaluation of total phenolic compounds in Azanza garckeana fruit for use as gelatin crosslinking agent
Azanza garckeana (A. garckeana) is a wild edible fruit native in Africa, widely distributed in the East and Southern Africa. The species grow naturally in semi-arid areas. The consumption of the fruit is linked to many phytochemicals present within the fruit, one of these being phenolic compounds. Several studies have been conducted on A. garckeana, but, study on the phenolic content of the pulp and the seed coat has been overlooked. However, to link the effect of these phenolics, the complete quantification of the whole fruit is mandatory. The objective of this research was therefore to conduct proximate analysis and to determine the Total Phenolic Content (TPC) in different constituents of A. garckeana fruit for use as a natural crosslinking agent in gelatin resin. Firstly, the phytochemical yield was determined and this was done through separating the fruit into different components (i.e., pulp, seed and the seed coat) defatting and extracting using methanol. The extracts were filtered, concentrated and the yield was calculated. Secondly, phytochemical screening for phenolics and clean-up was done prior to the determination of TPC. TPC was estimated based on Folin Ciocalteu’s method using SpectraMax M2 UV-vis spectrophotometer. The linearity of the Folin Ciocalteu method was verified through the method of least squares which was applied through different concentrations of standard gallic acid. TPC was calculated from the gallic acid standard curve and the results expressed as mg/g gallic acid equivalents (Standard curve equation: y = 2.9503x + 0.0348; Correlation coefficient: R 2 = 0.997). The extraction yield was found to be 0.57, 0.18 and 0.14g/g for the pulp, seed and the seed coat, respectively. All phytochemical screening tests revealed a positive test for phenolics. The TPC varied from 18.14 to 20.78 and 24.92mgGAE/g in the seed coat, seed and the pulp, respectively. High TPC (24.92mgGAE/g) was found in the fruit pulp.
Information and communication technologies: enhancing women entrepreneurship and productivity in the textile cottage industry
The textile cottage industry is important in employment creation, income and profits generation and foreign currency earning for a country through exports. The pursuit of women entrepreneurship in the textile cottage industries acts as an instrument towards their emancipation, consistent with the MDG # 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women; and SDG #5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls. This paper focuses on how information and communication technology could enhance productivity in the cottage textiles in Zimbabwe. The study was qualitative in nature, employing non-probability sampling techniques. Semi structured interviews were administered to representatives of Ministries of Information and Communications Technology, Small-Medium Enterprises, and Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development to investigate policy issues. Focus group discussions were conducted on 67 participants selected from a total of 370 representatives of women entrepreneurs. The study primarily used thematic analysis tool for data analysis. Findings of the study showed that the textile cottage industry largely operated manual systems, had inconsistent connectivity, inadequate energy power systems, product innovations were inhibited, and disjoint information and communications technologies. To enhancing entrepreneurships and sustainable productivity it was recommended that textile cottage industry adopted robust information and communication technology strategies.
Repeatability of ultrasound parameters in measuring blood flow in the lower limb arteries of asymptomatic diabetic patients with earlystage peripheral artery disease
The objectives of the study were to i) To determine the repeatability of ultrasound parameters in measuring lower limb blood flow in diabetic patients with early-stage peripheral artery Disease (PAD) and ii) To determine whether any differences in dependent variables between sessions are significant or meaningful. Ultrasound parameters consisting of peak systolic velocity (PSV), pulsatility index (PI), resistive index (RI) and vessel diameter inner to inner (VDI) were assessed for repeatability in measuring blood flow in the popliteal arteries (PA), anterior tibial arteries (ATA) and posterior tibial arteries (PTA) of 10 asymptomatic Black-African diabetic patients [3 males, 7 females; mean age - 49.5 (13.8) years; mean glycated haemoglobin levels (HbA1c) - 5.9 (0.7)%; mean Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) 1.1 (0.1)and median Body Mass Index (BMI - 29.5 (24-33.7)] with early stage peripheral artery Disease (PAD). Within and between sessions reliability intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC], percentage coefficient of variation [%CV]), measurement error (standard error of measurement [SEM] and smallest detectable difference [SDD] were calculated for Ultrasound parameters which include peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and vessel diameter inner to the inner (VDI) to establish their repeatability in measuring blood flow in the popliteal arteries [PA], anterior tibial arteries [ATA] and posterior tibial arteries [PTA] of diabetic patients with early-stage peripheral artery disease [PAD]. Paired t-tests were performed and effect sizes calculated to establish if the differences between sessions were significant or meaningful. PSV, PI and RI showed very good (ICC ≥0.8; 0.6 – 0.9, 95% CI) to excellent (ICC ≤1.0; 1.0 -1.0, 95% CI) reliability and acceptably low variability (≤5.6%CV) both within and between sessions. The SEM was only high for VDI-PTA (SDD = 13.6%). PSV, PI and RI were repeatable in measuring blood flow in the lower limbs of diabetic patients with early-stage PAD.
Subsurface and lithological evidences from aeromagnetic data in some parts of the Sokoto Basin, North West Nigeria
In this work, a reconnaissance study is presented to delineate the subsurface and lithological interpretation of the aeromagnetic data. To achieve this goal, several enhancement techniques and filtering processes were carried out on these maps. At first, the total intensity aeromagnetic map is processed through the application of reduction to the magnetic equator technique. Six aeromagnetic data sheets covering some parts of the Sokoto Basin were used. These maps were digitized on a TMI grid. An analysis of the total magnetic field over the area of study was carried out using the aeromagnetic data sets. The following deduction were made: the interpreted lineaments follow a predominantly EW- and NSW-trending orientation, while other orientations in the survey area include NW-, ENE- and, more rarely E-trending structures, the existence of several high short wavelength magnetic closures with steep gradients near the geologic boundary is a strong indication that the basin may not be as large as shown by the geologic map. The residual magnetic field values were employed to obtain the two-dimensional Fourier transforms from which the radial spectrum was extracted. The slopes of the graph of spectral energy against frequency of nine sections were obtained and used to estimate the depth values. The results suggested that the deeper depth of the study area ranges from 1.99 km – 2.83 km while the shallow depth ranges from 0.78 km – 1.25 km in conformity to the delineation of favourable lithological units between cretaceous meta-sediments and Eocene boundary. Finally, the study reveals that structural interpretation based on aeromagnetic data is an efficient tool for frontier exploration for hydrocarbon accumulation and/or other mineralization.
Towards goal programme optimisation of machining parameters during the production of TI-alloy components
Optimisation of the manufacturing process parameters, which are often in conflicting orientations, is an important consideration for actuating efficient production processes in order to improve competitiveness. Efficient machining of the hard-to-process materials such as Titanium alloy reveals an extensive field of research and has become increasingly significant in fulfilling multiple requirements of sustainable manufacturing such as ecological, economic and legislative consideration in production activities. Throughout the past few decades, multi-objective mathematical programming had been a lively area of research in the field of the manufacturing industry, particularly for purposes of operating conditions optimisation. In this literature-based survey and experimental study, goal programming is assessed for feasibility of use for predicting and optimising the machining parameters during the turning of Ti6Al4V components. A comprehensive literature study, about the application environments of Goal Programming, had been performed. Outside turning experiments were conducted with coated carbide tools at different process parameter settings. Cutting parameters were characterised against the output parameters. Mathematical Models were developed using regression analysis, on Minitab 20 Software. The parameters characterisation results and developed mathematical models, which are all linear in nature, show applicability of goal programming once the goal targets for each machining output performance parameter are established. Survey results showed the feasibility of goal programming as a tool for predicting machining process parameters. Future research is also outlined.