Is ALT control really necessary for routine ART monitoring in resource poor settings?

2006 AIDS Conference in Toront

The Impact of Charcoal Production on Forest Degradation: a Case Study in Tete, Mozambique

Charcoal production for urban energy consumption is a main driver of forest degradation in sub-Saharan Africa. Urban growth projections for the continent suggest that the relevance of this process will increase in the coming decades. Forest degradation associated to charcoal production is difficult to monitor and commonly overlooked and underrepresented in forest cover change and carbon emission estimates. We use a multi-temporal dataset of very high-resolution remote sensing images to map kiln locations in a representative study area of tropical woodlands in central Mozambique. The resulting maps provided a characterization of the spatial extent and temporal dynamics of charcoal production. Using an indirect approach we combine kiln maps and field information on charcoal making to describe the magnitude and intensity of forest degradation linked to charcoal production, including aboveground biomass and carbon emissions. Our findings reveal that forest degradation associated to charcoal production in the study area is largely independent from deforestation driven by agricultural expansion and that its impact on forest cover change is in the same order of magnitude as deforestation. Our work illustrates the feasibility of using estimates of urban charcoal consumption to establish a link between urban energy demands and forest degradation. This kind of approach has potential to reduce uncertainties in forest cover change and carbon emission assessments in sub-Saharan Africa

Integration of biomonitoring and instrumental techniques to assess the air quality in an industrial area located in the coastal of Central Asturias, Spain

Throughout the world, epidemiological studies were established to examine the relationship between air pollution and mortality rates and adverse respiratory health effects. However, despite the years of discussion the correlation between adverse health effects and atmospheric pollution remains controversial, partly because these studies are frequently restricted to small and well-monitored areas. Monitoring air pollution is complex due to the large spatial and temporal variations of pollution phenomena, the high costs of recording instruments, and the low sampling density of a purely instrumental approach. Therefore, together with the traditional instrumental monitoring, bioindication techniques allow for the mapping of pollution effects over wide areas with a high sampling density. In this study, instrumental and biomonitoring techniques were integrated to support an epidemiological study that will be developed in an industrial area located in Gijon in the coastal of central Asturias, Spain. Three main objectives were proposed to (i) analyze temporal patterns of PM10 concentrations in order to apportion emissions sources, (ii) investigate spatial patterns of lichen conductivity to identify the impact of the studied industrial area in air quality, and (iii) establish relationships amongst lichen conductivity with some site-specific characteristics. Samples of the epiphytic lichen Parmelia sulcata were transplanted in a grid of 18 by 20 km with an industrial area in the center. Lichens were exposed for a 5-mo period starting in April 2010. After exposure, lichen samples were soaked in 18-MΩ water aimed at determination of water electrical conductivity and, consequently, lichen vitality and cell damage. A marked decreasing gradient of lichens conductivity relative to distance from the emitting sources was observed. Transplants from a sampling site proximal to the industrial area reached values 10-fold higher than levels far from it. This finding showed that lichens reacted physiologically in the polluted industrial area as evidenced by increased conductivity correlated to contamination level. The integration of temporal PM10 measurements and analysis of wind direction corroborated the importance of this industrialized region for air quality measurements and identified the relevance of traffic for the urban area

Labour not land constrains agricultural production and food self-sufficiency in maize-based smallholder farming systems in Mozambique

Despite abundant land and favourable climatic conditions, Mozambique remains food insecure. We investigated the diversity, constraints and opportunities to increase smallholder productivity and achieve food self-sufficiency in maize-based farming systems in two Posts in central Mozambique. We identified four farm types in each village based on cultivated area and labour. Farm type 1 cultivated relatively large areas, owned cattle and hired in labour. Farm type 2 cultivated moderate areas and both hired in and hired out labour. Farms of type 3a and 3b cultivated the smallest areas. Farm type 3a shared labour while Farm type 3b only hired out labour. For each farm type, we calculated land and labour productivities of maize, sunflower and sesame and assessed maize self-sufficiency. Access to labour during weeding was the main constraint. The hiring out of labour by small farms caused severe reductions in both land and labour productivity. Yield reductions on these farms were due to delayed weeding in own fields. In one Post, Farm type 3b was not maize self-sufficient. Labour quality was probably impaired by excess alcohol consumption among the poorer farmers (both men and women). Our results showed that production can be increased based on current agricultural practices. Farmers did not cultivate all of their land, suggesting that lack of labour constrained intensification by smallholder farmers

Letter to Alpheus Manghezi from Bento Sitoe

Letter with a poem, given to Alpheus Manghezi by Bento Sitoe in September 1982, shortly after Ruth First's assassination. (This letter was read as part of Alpheus Manghezi's talk at the symposium A Revolutionary Life: Ruth First 1925-1982 in London on June 7, 2012.

The role of extractives and lignin for the durability of three hardwood species grown in Mozambique

Master's Dissertation in Wood TechnologyThe present study is aimed at assessing separately the role of extractives and lignin content for the natural durability of three tropical hardwoods growing in Mozambique, namely: ntholo (Pseudolachnostylis maprounaefolia Pax), metil (Sterculia appendiculata K.Schum) and neem (Azadirachta indica). The experiment consisted of exposing wood samples to fungal attack under three treatments, namely: untreated, a set of samples from which extractives were removed and a set of samples from which lignin were removed. Thereafter, all specimens from each treatment were exposed against wood destroying fungi such as b rown rot (Postia placenta and Gloeophyllum trabeum), white rot (Trametes versicolor and Pycnoporus sanguineus) and soft rot (Chaetomium globusum and Phialophora mutabilis) under controlled environment. In general as expressed by mass loss, all species suffered more decay after removal of extractives and lignin. The results show that untreated wood samples of ntholo were relatively more durable showing lower mass loss percentages: 0.26 - 2.63%. Untreated wood samples of neem: 0.74 - 15.77%. The most perishable of untreated samples was metil with higher mass loss against all fungi types: 8.44 - 29.78%. After removal of extractives ntholo increased mass loss: 2.17 - 4.22%. The decay also increased for neem: 1.93 - 18.19%. Metil showed similar percentages as in untreated wood: 8.66-26.58%. After delignification all species experienced severe decay as described by mass loss. Ntholo: 14.47 - 44.43%. Neem: 15.43 -62.82%. Metil: 5.57 – 51.58% Regarding to extractives, ntholo had the highest extractives content (3.95%). Metil (1.11%) and neem (1%) had similar content. Apparently both lignin and extractives seem to play key role against fungal attack especially for ntholo and neemO presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar separadamente o papel dos extrativos e do teor de lignina na durabilidade natural de três madeiras tropicais nobres em Moçambique, a saber: ntholo (Pseudolachnostylis maprounaefolia Pax), metil (Sterculia appendiculata K.Schum) e nim (Azadirachta indica) . O experimento consistiu em expor amostras de madeira ao ataque fúngico em três tratamentos, a saber: não tratada, um conjunto de amostras das quais foram retirados os extrativos e um conjunto de amostras das quais foi retirada a lignina. Posteriormente, todos os espécimes de cada tratamento foram expostos a fungos destruidores de madeira, como podridão bruta (Postia placenta e Gloeophyllum trabeum), podridão branca (Trametes versicolor e Pycnoporus sanguineus) e podridão mole (Chaetomium globusum e Phialophora mutabilis) em ambiente controlado. Em geral, conforme expresso pela perda de massa, todas as espécies sofreram mais decomposição após a remoção dos extrativos e da lignina. Os resultados mostram que as amostras de madeira não tratada de ntholo foram relativamente mais duráveis, apresentando menores percentagens de perda de massa: 0,26 - 2,63%. Amostras de madeira não tratada de nim: 0,74 - 15,77%. O mais perecível das amostras não tratadas foi o metil com maior perda de massa contra todos os tipos de fungos: 8,44 - 29,78%. Após a remoção dos extrativos ntholo aumentou a perda de massa: 2,17 - 4,22%. A decomposição também aumentou para o nim: 1,93 - 18,19%. Metil apresentou percentagens semelhantes às da madeira não tratada: 8,66-26,58%. Após a deslignificação, todas as espécies experimentaram deterioração severa, conforme descrito pela perda de massa. Ntholo: 14,47 - 44,43%. Neem: 15,43 -62,82%. Metil: 5,57 - 51,58% Em relação aos extrativos, o ntholo apresentou o maior teor de extrativos (3,95%). Metil (1,11%) e nim (1%) apresentaram conteúdo semelhante. Aparentemente, tanto a lignina quanto os extrativos parecem desempenhar um papel fundamental contra o ataque de fungos, especialmente para ntholo e nim. (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA

Implementation of Point-of-Care Diagnostics Leads to Variable Uptake of Syphilis, Anemia and CD4+ T-Cell Count Testing in Rural Maternal and Child Health Clinics

Introduction: Anemia, syphilis and HIV are high burden diseases among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in four health facilities in Southern Mozambique to evaluate the effect of point-of-care technologies for hemoglobin quantification, syphilis testing and CD4+ T-cell enumeration performed within maternal and child health services on testing and treatment coverage, and assessing acceptability by health workers. Methods: Demographic and testing data on women attending first antenatal care services were extracted from existing records, before (2011; n = 865) and after (2012; n = 808) introduction of point-of-care testing. Study outcomes per health facility were compared using z-tests (categorical variables) and Wilcoxon rank-sum test (continuous variables), while inverse variance weights were used to adjust for possible cluster effects in the pooled analysis. A structured acceptability-assessment interview was conducted with health workers before (n = 22) and after (n = 19). Results: After implementation of point-of-care testing, there was no significant change in uptake of overall hemoglobin screening (67.9% to 83.0%; p = 0.229), syphilis screening (80.8% to 87.0%; p = 0.282) and CD4+ T-cell testing (84.9% to 83.5%; p = 0.930). Initiation of antiretroviral therapy for treatment eligible women was similar in the weighted analysis before and after, with variability among the sites. Time from HIV diagnosis to treatment initiation decreased (median of 44 days to 17 days; p\u3c0.0001). A generally good acceptability for point-of-care testing was seen among health workers. Conclusions: Point-of-care CD4+ T-cell enumeration resulted in a decreased time to initiation of antiretroviral therapy among treatment eligible women, without significant increase in testing coverage. Overall hemoglobin and syphilis screening increased. Despite the perception that point-of-care technologies increase access to health services, the variability in results indicate the potential for detrimental effects in some settings. Local context needs to be considered and services restructured to accommodate innovative technologies in order to improve service delivery to expectant mothers

Hypoglycemia and Risk Factors for Death in 13 Years of Pediatric Admissions in Mozambique

Hypoglycemia is a life-threatening complication of several diseases in childhood. We describe the prevalence and incidence of hypoglycemia among admitted Mozambican children, establishing its associated risk factors. We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 13 years collected through an ongoing systematic morbidity surveillance in Manhica District Hospital in rural Mozambique. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for hypoglycemia and death. Minimum community-based incidence rates (MCBIRs) for hypoglycemia were calculated using data from the demographic surveillance system. Of 49,089 children < 15 years hospitalized in Manhica District Hospital, 45,573 (92.8%) had a glycemia assessment on admission. A total of 1,478 children (3.2%) presented hypoglycemia (< 3 mmol/L), of which about two-thirds (972) were with levels < 2.5 mmol/L. Independent risk factors for hypoglycemia on admission and death among hypoglycemic children included prostration, unconsciousness, edema, malnutrition, and bacteremia. Hypoglycemic children were significantly more likely to die (odds ratio [OR] = 7.11; P < 0.001), with an associated case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.3% (245/1,267). Overall MCBIR of hypoglycemia was 1.57 episodes/1,000 child years at risk (CYAR), significantly decreasing throughout the study period. Newborns showed the highest incidences (9.47 episodes/1,000 CYAR, P < 0.001). Hypoglycemia remains a hazardous condition for African children. Symptoms and signs associated to hypoglycemia should trigger the verification of glycemia and the implementation of life-saving corrective measures

Determinants of Farmer’s Participation in Farmers’ Associations: Empirical Evidence from Maputo Green Belts, Mozambique

Currently, the creation of farmers’ association has been suggested as an instrument for improving farmer’s well-being in developing countries, either to its potential contribution to markets access as well as by strengthening dissemination of information between farmers. However, most urban agriculture studies deal with production and marketing. Few studies analyze the determinants of producers' engagement in farmers’ associations. Therefore, the study has evaluated the determinants of producer’s participation in farmers’ associations in Maputo green belts, Mozambique. The random sampling technique has been used to collect data from 126 smallholders, of which 63 are the members of farmers’ association. A log it regression model has been used for quantifying the factors influencing farmer’s decision to affiliate on farmers’ association. The results of this study indicate that the variables with more influence on farmer’s decision to affiliate on farmers’ association are: gender, age, household size, and household income. Men are more likely to become members of farmer’s associations than women. The results also suggest that farmers outside farmers’ association have higher incomes and apparently have little interest for being affiliated to farmers associations because they can self-finance their agricultural activities. Access to credit and the size of cultivated area are not significant, however, the probability associated with the odds ratio for these variables have positive effects. The study recommends the implementation of agricultural programs and policies that encourage young farmers especially those with larger areas, and incomes to participate on agricultural and marketing associations

Limpopo River Basin Monograph

The purpose of the Limpopo River Basin Monograph Study (LRBMS) is to compile essential baseline information on the Limpopo River Basin. This is required for the preparation of alternative development scenarios and an Integrated Water Resources Management Strategy and Plan (IWRM Strategy and Plan) for the sustainable management of the Basin. Six themes were agreed for the structure of the monograph and each is described below: Basin Characteristics Socio-economy River Basin Ecosystem Water Resources Water Governance LIMIS There are two main elements of the monograph that are the core outputs of the study, and they bring together the information from the six themes. The first element is the development of the Limpopo River Basin Information System (LIMIS). This comprises a GIS-based information management system that has been and will continue to be used to capture, analyse and manage all the relevant data for the Limpopo River Basin. The LIMIS is a long-term information management tool that will also be used to monitor the long-term impacts of development and management initiatives on the water resources of the Limpopo River Basin. The second key element is the Water Balance model for the Limpopo River Basin. The Water Balance will indicate where water shortages exist and where interventions are necessary to reconcile water requirements with water availability.The development of the Water Balance for the Limpopo has taken into account all the current water uses (surface and ground water) in the basin under current basin development conditions and management scenarios. It also takes into consideration the water availability, after providing for ecological water requirements and the possible impacts of climate change