Browsing by Author "Dube, S."
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- ItemA study of scavenging poultry gastrointestinal and ecto-parasites in rural areas of Matebeleland Province, Zimbabwe.(Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010) Dube, S.; Zindi, P.; Mbanga, J.; Dube, C.A study was carried out to determine endo and ecto-parasites in Matebeleland North and South from free range chickens (Gallus domesticus). Only adult chickens were selected for determination of parasite. For intestinal parasites microscopic studies of eggs and faecal egg counts were done using the salt floatation technique. The endo parasites encountered in the study were Tetrameres americana, Acuaria hamulosa, Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, H. dispar, Allodapa suctoria, Capillaria annulate, Raillietina echinobothrida and R. tetragona. A commercially prepared insecticide constituted as follows (0.02% Tetamethrin, 0.03% pramethrin and 0.034% Imiprothrin) was applied for 2 seconds and feathers were then gentle unruffled so that ectoparasites could be counted and identified. Ecto parasites recorded in this study were Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus, Dermanyssus gallinae, Argas persicus, Ornithonyssus bursa, Cnemidocoptes mutans, Echidnophaga gallinacean, Gonocoites gallinae and Gonocoites hologester.
- ItemAlteration of some Hepatic Enzyme Activities by Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites in Domesticated Ostritches.(Society of Education, 2013-05-05) Siwela, Andrew H.; Motsi, Leonah R.; Dube, S.Using the conventional methods for parasitological examinations of the salt floatation and direct smear, ten ostriches infected with internal parasites were identified. Ten birds that were without internal parasites were used as the controls. The metabolizing enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPX), DT -diaphorase (DTD) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were assayed accordingly using liver samples from the control and infected birds. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxdation, was also assayed. Results showed that cestode eggs occurred at twice the amount of nematode eggs in the faeces of infected ostriches. Infected birds showed significantly higher DTD activity when compared to non-infected birds (Student’s t test, p < 0.05) whilst the activities of SDH and GPX were statistically not altered (Student’s t test p > 0.05). MDA levels were significantly elevated in infected birds compared to controls (Student’s t test, p < 0.001). These results suggest that infected birds are under oxidative stress due to the parasitic infection . Key words: Cestodes, nematodes, glutathione peroxidase, DT-diaphorase, Succinate dehydrogenase, malodialdehyde
- ItemBiological and physical features of sisal (Agave sp.) varieties growing in Matebeleland region(Academy Journals, 2010-10-26) Dube, S.; Chiyaka, ChristinahFive varieties of sisal growing around Matebeleland were studied to determine their biological properties. Morphometric data for Agave deserti are mean of full grown leaf dimensions were, length 64cm, width 9cm, thickness 4mm and fiber yield of 0.0359%. The average fiber length was 50cm and the breaking tensile strain of single ultimate fiber 161.84MPa. For Agave sisalana mean of full grown leaf dimensions were, length 170cm, width 14cm, thickness 5mm and fiber yield of 0.0303%. Average fiber length was 150cm. The breaking tensile strain of single ultimate fiber 88.42MPa. For Agave Americana(variety C) mean of full grown leaf dimensions were, length 215cm, width 22cm, thickness 10cm and fiber yield of 0.0030%. Average fiber length was 200cm. Breaking tensile strain of single ultimate fiber 26.98MPa. For Agave americana (variety D) mean full grown leaf dimensions were, length 200cm, width 22cm, thickness 9mm and fiber yield of 0.0037%. The breaking tensile strain of single ultimate fiber was 54.59MPa. For variety E mean full grown leaf dimensions, length 212cm, width 22cm, thickness 8mm and fiber yield of 0.026%. The terminal spine was absent. The breaking tensile strain of single ultimate fiber 171.16MPa. All the varieties attain full maturity in 5-20 years. Propagation is by bulbils and offsets. Cross sections of the fibres are horse shoe shaped for A, B and E and are lunar shaped for C and D.
- ItemCeylonocotyle, Bothriophoron, and Calicophoron species Parasitic in some Nigerian Cattle(Society of Education, 2013-06) Dube, S.; Onyedineke, N.E.; Aisien, M.S.O.The following genera Ceylonocotyle, Bothriophoron and Calicophoron were recovered from the inner walls of stomachs of cattle slaughtered in abattoirs in the North and South of Nigeria. Some parasites were flattened and diagnostic features taken while some were sectioned in the median saggital plane from where the histology and morphology of the pharynx, genital atrium, acetabulum and testis were analysed for identification. Ceylonocotyle dicranocoelium. Bothriophoron bothriophoron, Calicophoron calicophorum, and Calicophoron microbothrioides were identified. Photomicrographs of the features used in identifications were made and are here presented. Damage to host tissues of the reticulum and rumen was in the majority of cases severe when Ceylonocotyle dicranocoelium was present but the other species did less damage to rumens and reticulum. Parasite loads ranged between 20 and 200 parasites in the infected animals and frequencies of occurrence in cattle were 10% for Ceylonocotyle dicranocoelium, 2 % for B. bothriophoron, 15% for C. calicophorum, and 5 % for C. microbothrides. All the described parasites are being reported in Nigeria for the first time.
- ItemCharacterization of Fasciola gigantica isolates from cattle from South-western Zimbabwe using RAPD-PCR(International Organization Of Scientific Research (IOSR)., 2014) Chauke, E.; Dhlamini, Zephaniah; Mbanga, Joshua; Dube, S.The study sought to characterize Fasciola gigantica isolates from cattle in different localities using RAPD-PCR. Adult flukes morphologically identified as F. gigantica were collected from slaughtered infected animals during meat hygiene inspections. DNA was extracted from single flukes and subjected to RAPD-PCR analysis. In the RAPD-PCR analysis, genomic DNA isolated from the conical anterior end of the worms was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction using 10 random oligonucleotide primers. Depending upon the Fasciola gigantica isolate-primer combination, 1-13 DNA fragments in the range of 75-2000bp were amplified. It was observed that all the 10 primers directing amplification of DNA were of potential interest in the generation of polymorphic DNA. The percentage polymorphic loci ranged from 33.33-100%. Polymorphic bands were scored and used to calculate Nei’s 1978 genetic distance. The genetic distance values ranged between 0.0690 (isolate 5 and 6 from Gwanda and 0.6109 (isolate 6 from Gwanda and isolate 14 from Matopo). The mean Nei’s gene diversity was 0.2839. The study showed the variability of Fasciola gigantica isolates from the same host, using RAPD markers could be applied as a low cost way of identification
- ItemConsumer's views and use of labels on food items sold in Bulawayo urban province, Zimbabwe(African scholarly science communication trust., 2017-11) Ncube, T.; Makurunje, S; Dube, S.Food labels are a medium by which consumers acquire knowledge about packaged foods they are considering to purchase. The label makes the first impression about a product and has a great effect on the purchasing decision for consumers. In recent years, literate consumers have become interested in nutritional issues. Lifestyle, age, dietary and safety concerns have been the contributing factors to nutritional awareness by consumers. Nutritional labels can generally have a positive impact on food consumption and may save health-care costs for those consumers with health concerns. On the other hand, for those consumers who are illiterate, price may be more important in making purchase decisions. This study intended to investigate how consumers in Bulawayo Urban Province (Zimbabwe) view and use labels on packaged food items. Seventy-five randomly selected consumers were questioned about their perceptions, attitudes and use of label information using open ended structured questionnaires. The consumers were selected on the basis of being present at the supermarkets at the time of sampling. The respondents were interviewed at different times of the day to cater for employed and unemployed people. The results obtained indicate that the extent to which food labels are used depends on factors such as price of food products, individual health needs and gender. For consumers who use food labels to make their purchase decisions, not all the information on the label is considered. Items on the labels to which the consumers responded were brand, nutritional profile and mass of product in relation to the price. The label elements which were extensively used by consumers in this study are date mark (81.3%), weight of food (89.3%) and price (77.3%). The least used element is the nutritional panel (50.7%). About 44% of the consumers were not sure about the trustworthiness of the information given on food labels. Food labels are important to a greater extent for people with special dietary requirements, while the remainder of the studied population are influenced by price in their purchase decisions. Consumers seem not to understand some of the information on the food labels because of the difficulties in interpreting what is written.
- ItemCyber Security Awareness and Education Framework for Zimbabwe Universities: A Case of National University of Science and Technology(2022-04-05) Mutunhu, B.; Dube, S.; Ncube N.; Sibanda, S.Internet-related attacks have become prevalent and are expected to increase as the reliance on the internet also increases. Consequently, cyber security has become an essential concept in everyday life and cyber security awareness is key in the protection of people and systems against cyber threats. The study is sought to establish the current levels of cyber security awareness among students and staff in universities and propose a framework for conducting cyber security awareness and education programs. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and represented in descriptive and frequency ways as well as in percentage form. Based on research findings in this study, it has been established that students and staff at universities do not have the requisite knowledge and understanding of the importance of cyber security principles, their practical application in their day-to-day activities, and are not aware of how to protect their data. It is therefore recommended that universities should implement comprehensive awareness and education programs for the adoption of necessary safety measures and a framework for conducting such programs are proposed.
- ItemDecontamination of aflatoxin-contaminated maize by dehulling(Society of Chemical Industry., 2005) Siwela, Andrew H.; Siwela, Mthulisi; Matindi, Gibson; Dube, S.; Nziramasanga, NoziphoDehulling of maize grains as an aflatoxin decontamination method was investigated. Sixty kilograms of maize (whose average moisture content was 110 g kg−1) were thoroughly mixed and divided into two samples. The kernel moisture content of one sample was adjusted to 200 g kg−1 while the other (control) was left at 110 g kg−1. The two samples were kept at ambient temperature (25–30 ◦C) for 21 days. Twenty sub-samples, ten from each, were further divided into two so that one lot was dehulled while the other was not dehulled. These sub-samples were then milled to pass through a 1mm screen and the meal was evaluated for aflatoxin contamination. It was found that there was a 92% decrease in aflatoxin levels in dehulled maize meal compared with undehulled maize meal. We therefore suggest that dehulling the grain can be used to reduce aflatoxin levels in maize.
- ItemDescriptive studies on Paramphistomes of small domestic ruminants in Southern Nigeria(ZJST, 2010) Dube, S.; Aisien, M.S.O.Goats and sheep slaughtered in Southern Nigeria had their rumens and reticulums examined for the frequency and intensity of infections with paramphistomes. The overall frequency of infected goats and sheep was 30% and 80% respectively. The range of intensity of parasite in goats and sheep was, 2 to 500 and 2 to 700 respectively. From the morphological and histological studies of diagnostic features, which included the acetabulum, genetilium and pharynx, carried out on flattened whole mounts and median sagittal sections the following parasites were identified, Cotylophoron cotylophorum infecting 8% of the goats,Cotylophoron fuelleborni infecting 20% of the goats, Carmyerius synethes infecting 4% of the goats and 70% sheep, and Calicophoron microbothrium infecting 20% of the goats and 33%,sheep. Goats were infected with all the four species while sheep infected with only the last two species. The degree of tissue damage on both hosts was mild.
- ItemEffect of Including Some Insects as Feed Supplement on Broilers Reared in Zimbabwe(Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2014) Dube, S.; Mukwanise, T.A trial to test the effect of including some insects as feed supplement on broilers reared in Zimbabwe was conducted. The initial weight of the day old chicks was 48 g they all looked healthy. The feed was provided as mash which the young birds ate normally. On day 12 and 18 when Bursa gomboro vaccine was administered there was no change in feeding frequency. Growth was steady the birds approximately doubling their own weight every 5 days. Throughout the study period day temperatures were between 25 and 35°C Celsius and night temperature were between 15 and 20°C Celsius. Humidity ranged between 65 and 95% the mean being 75%. Rainfall with thunder occurred at least 5 times but did not affect the birds with regards to feeding frequency. The birds that fed on Encosternum delegorguei had a lower mass than the others until slaughter. Those fed on Macrotermes falciger had a higher mass until day 25 after which the control group took the lead. There was a significant difference in growth rate between hens and cocks in all the groups (H, I, C) p>0.05. Comparison of cocks fed on Macrotermes falciger, Encosternum delegorguei and the control showed no significant difference p>0.05. Comparison of hens fed on Macrotermes falciger, Encosternum delegorguei and the control showed no significant difference p>0.05. There was significant difference between feed consumed during the day and that consumed at night among all the three groups p>0.05. The sizes of the various body parts were within range for all the groups indicating food utilization by the birds was even and not channeled to one organ. No unusual ill health effects were recorded, the appearance of the birds was normal, internal organs did not show any signs indicating ill health for hens and cocks fed on Macrotermes falciger, Encosternum delegorguei and the control.
- ItemEffect of Method of Inoculation, Moisture and Seedling Age on Foliar Anthracnose Development in Two Varieties of Sorghum bicolar (Kadoma 332 and Marapansi)(Academy Science Journals, 2010-10-26) Dube, S.; Chifamba, Olive; Mbanga, JoshuaThe infection efficiency of Colletotrichum sublineolum was determined on two Sorghum bicolar varieties Kadoma 332 and Marapansi. In all situations Marapansi was resistant to Colletotrichum sublineolum whereas K332 was susceptible to varying degrees in different situations. Pathological development progressed as follows; a few circular spots appeared after inoculation and their number increased progressively. Initially they developed into circular well defined elliptical lesions ranging from tan to brown in colour with straw coloured centers which were spotted with minute black specks. Extensive areas of dry tissue were observed leading to the death of mainly the basal leaves as the infected areas coalesced. Bagging showed improvement for the onset and development of the disease with the application of conidial spores being more effective for disease onset than infected leaf powder for both bagged and none bagged plants. Effect of the age of the plant on susceptibility was investigated. This involved inoculation of the plants at three different growth stages. These were the seedling stage, growth stage 3 and growth stage 5 (the booting stage). Development of anthracnose in K332 was optimized at Stage 5 followed by stage 3 then stage one. Increasing the frequency of bagging above once every other day did not improve chances of onset and development of anthracnose on the tested plants. In vitro experiments to study the mode of entry and proliferation of the fungus and its optimal temperature of growth revealed that spores germinated within 24 hours and 27 o C was found to be the optimal temperature for fungal development.
- ItemEffects of Treatment and Drug Resistance on the Transmission Dynamics of Malaria in Endemic Areas(Elsevier, 2009) Chiyaka, Christinah; Garira, Winston; Dube, S.We present a mathematical model for malaria treatment and spread of drug resistance in an endemic population. The model considers treated humans that remain infectious for some time and partially immune humans who are also infectious to mosquitoes although their infectiousness is always less than their non immune counterparts. The model is formulated by considering delays in the latent periods in both mosquito and human populations and in the period within which partial immunity is lost. Qualitative analysis of the model including positivity and boundedness of solutions is performed. Analysis of the reproductive numbers shows that if the treated humans become immediately uninfectious to mosquitoes then treatment will always reduce the number of sensitive infections. If however treated humans are infectious then for treatment to effectively reduce the number of sensitive infections, the ratio of the infectious period of the treated humans to the infectious period of the untreated humans multiplied by the ratio of the transmission rate from a treated human to the transmission rate of an untreated human should be less than one. Our results show that the spread of drug resistance with treatment as a control strategy depends on the ratio of the infectious periods of treated and untreated humans and on the transmission rates from infectious humans with resistant and sensitive infections. Numerical analysis is performed to assess the effects of treatment on the spread of resistance and infection. The study provides insight into the possible intervention strategies to be employed in malaria endemic populations with resistant parasites by identifying important parameters.
- ItemFrequency of stressful life events as risk indicating factors for the onset of type 1 diabetes in African children(South African Journal of Science,, 2007) Djarova, T.; Dube, S.; Tivchev, G.; Chivengo, A.A total of 42 children aged 6–15 years with type 1 diabetes, and 49 control children aged 6–14 years, participated in this study. Life events during the year prior to the clinical onset of type 1 diabetes that occurred within the family were recorded on a survey consisting of 45 questions. The mean frequencies of these life events were higher in diabetic children (7.7) than in the healthy control group (4.9). Diabetic children were found to experience higher relative frequencies of stressful life events within the range of 38–48%, compared with the children of the control group (range 8–16%). The highest relative frequency of 55% for both groups was the birth or adoption of a brother or sister. Life events involving actual or threatened losses within the family, such as serious illness or death of the mother, death of brother or sister, or hospitalization of mother or father, showed significantly increased frequencies in the diabetic group (range 10–30%) than in control children (range 4–10%). We propose that these stressful life events may be factors that precipitate severe emotional stress, increasing consequent risk of later development of type 1 diabetes.
- ItemThe Mineral Composition of Five Insects as Sold for Human Consumption in Southern Africa(academicJournals, 2015-08) Payne, Charlotte L. R.; Umemura, Mitsutoshi; Dube, S.; Azuma, Asako; Takenaka, Chisato; Nonaka, KenichiEdible insects have been proposed as an alternative protien source that is economically and environmentally preferable to livestock, and certain species may be high in nutrients that benefit human health. We present data describing the mineral content of five edible insects as sold in South Africa and Zimbabwe. We report high variation between and within species, and note that these insects contain significant quantities of potentially beneficial, and potentially harmful, micronutrients. Two caterpillars were notably high in Fe and Zn, which are important nutrients for combating iron deficiency anemia. Na content varied both between and within species, suggesting that some sellers add quantities of salt that could be harmful to health. Mn levels were high in edible termites. We concluded that caterpillars can be promoted as nutrient rich foods in southern Africa; that added salt should be limited in commercial products; and that further research is required to determine whether common serving sizes of termites may put consumers in danger of manganese poisoning.
- ItemMolecular Characterization of Paramphistomes fromCattle from Matebeleland Region (Zimbabwe) using RandomAmplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) and Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA)(Society of Education, 2014) Sibula, M.S.; Dhlamini, Zephaniah; Dube, S.Paramphistome isolates collected from local abattoirs were genetically characterised using the Random Ampl41i47fied Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique and Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA). These isolates were morphologically characterized using median sectioning and five putative species were identified. Of the 18 isolates that were being investigated, 16 were positively identified: three belonged to Calicophoron calicophorum, two were Calicophoron microbothrium, one was Gigantocotyle symmeri, 6 were identified as Calicophoron raja and the other 6 were identified as Calicophoron clavula. A restriction digest of the amplified ITS-2 region of all isolates was done using two restriction enzymes Hae III and Sau 3A1 and the fragments obtained did not show any detectable polymorphisms on all isolates. A total number of 110 bands were generated by RAPD-PCR and 91.82% of these were polymorphic with an average genetic distance of 0.4810+/- 0.185 that showed substantial variability among the paramphistome isolates. The RAPD-PCR technique however, gave banding patterns that on analysis were able to cluster (on the dendrogram) the isolates into their respective species groups and even aid in identifying the two isolates that were not positively identified morphologically as Calicophoron raja. A fragment of approximately 1300bp was generated from primer OPB 07 on Calicophoron microbothrium isolates which can be used as a selectable marker for this species. The findings of the present study therefore showed that the RAPD- PCR technique can be used for molecular identification of paramphistomes.
- ItemOxidative stress associated with nematode infections in sheep: a preliminary study(International Formulae Group, 2010-02) Siwela, Andrew H.; Mambvura, Chiedza Isabel; Masanganise, K.E.; Dube, S.A hundred and seven sheep slaughtered at the Cold Storage Company (CSC) in Bulawayo, were examined for nematode parasite infections using coporological methods. Direct smear and salt floatation methods were used to observe nematode parasite eggs. Nine sheep were found to be infested with nematode eggs only. Nine uninfected sheep were used as controls. Liver samples collected from the infected and noninfected sheep were used for assays of the antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and diphosphotriphosho-diaphorase (DTD) as well as the intermediary metabolic enzyme,succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). Lipid peroxidation was assayed by determining malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Significantly higher GPX activities were observed in infected sheep when compared with non- infected sheep (p < 001). No difference in the activity of DTD was observed in both infected and non-infected sheep (p>0.05). Parasitic infection resulted in significant reduction in SDH activity (p <0.05) and significantly higher MDA levels (p < 0.01). This study suggests that parasitic infections induce oxidative stress.
- ItemParamphistome species infecting cattle in Matabeleland North province in Zimbabwe(University of Zambia Press, 2005-11-20) Dube, S.; Siwela, Andrew H.; Dlamini, N.R.; Masanganise, K.E.Two thousand five hundred and eighty three cattle originating fromvarious localities in Matabeleland North province were examined for adult paramphistomes in wet season and two thousand two hundred and twenty in dry season. On slaughter, the rumen and reticulum of each amimal were cut open and inner walls examined for attached paramphistomes. About 37% were infected by paramphistomes in the wet season and 39% in the dry season. Applying t-test showed no significant differences at p<0.05 between infected cattle in the dry and wet seasons. In the wet season proximity to the dry season did not significantly influence the prevalence at p<0.05. Morphological structures and measurement of diagnostic features were me i median sagittal sections. Analysis of the structures of acetabulum, pharnyx, and genital atrium revealed the following parasites in the area: paramphistomum microbothrium, paramphostomum clavula, calicophoron calicophorum, calicophoron raja, and Gigantocolye symmeri in 20%, 2%, 10%, 2% and 5% of cattle examined respectively. The visible damage by adult parasites on the host's tissue was a result of sucking the rumen and reticulum mucosa into the acetabulum, which eventually nipped off, leading to slightly hardened areas devoid of ruga due to necrosis. In a few severe casesthe papillae was damaged and catarrhal pus like exudate was noticed on the mucosa.
- ItemParamphistomes in Matabeleland South Province Zimbabwe and their effect on aspects of blood plasma composition in infected cattle.(International Organization Of Scientific Research (IOSR), 2014) Dube, S.; Tizauone, M.Cattle originating from various localities in Matabeleland South Province were examined for adult Paramphistome prevalence. Of the three thousand 27% were infected with paramphistomes. For identification of paramphistomes, the structures and measurements of diagnostic features were made in median sagittal sections. Analysis of the structures of the acetabulum, pharynx and genital atrium revealed the following parasites in the area: Calicophoron microbothrium, Calicophoron clavula, Calicophoron calicophorum, Calicophoron raja, and Gigantocotyle symmeri in 20 %, 2 %, 5%, 2 % and 2% of cattle examined respectively. The visible damage by adult parasites on the hosts’ tissue were as a result of their sucking the reticulum and rumen mucosa into the acetabulum, which eventually nipped off, leading to slightly hardened areas devoid of rugae due to necrosis. In a few severe cases the papillae was damaged and catarrhal pus like exudate was noticed on the mucosa. Fifty coded Nguni cattle aged three years, infected with paramphistomes had their final carcass mass and blood chemistry recorded. Only total protein and cholesterol showed significant difference between the infected and the controls p<0.05. The final carcass mass was significantly different between cattle harboring more than 500 parasites per animal and the controls P<0.05.
- ItemA Preliminary Study on Causes of Non Retention of Masendu Ward Girls at Secondary School(Zimbabwe Journal of science and technology, 2010) Nkiwane, Londiwe C.; Dube, S.; Maposa, Daniel; Nxumalo, M.This case study is a preliminary attempt to identify possible factors that might contribute to poor retention and progression of a girl-child in Secondary School education in Masendu Area. The study was conducted using school leavers from Masendu ward, in the Bulilima district of Zimbabwe. The results presented in this study were collected from a workshop attended by 13 female and 2 male school leavers from Masendu Ward and 10 female students from the National University of Science and Technology. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used as instruments for collecting data. The results serve as a preliminary to the pilot study conducted at the Mangwe district in Plumtree. A paper on the study is to follow. From the data collected in the workshop, twelve major problems were identified which most participants viewed as the key contributors to the poor retention and progression of a girl child in secondary school education. The problems identified included just to mention a few: early pregnancies, lack of finance, lack of moral support and protection from unruly characters on the way , after school sporting activities which cause the children to leave school late, leaving school to seek job in neighbouring countries. Some of the suggestions of improving the retention on a girl –child at secondary school included the need to educate school girls on importance of abstinence, community to seek sponsorships, need for intervention from the community at large to safeguard the education of all children irrespective of gender, provision of cheap accommodation at school or at villages near school, sport activities could be scheduled one morning of a chosen day during the week to enable the students to leave school early and get home before it of dark. Lessons for that day could be covered by extending the other remain 4 days by a lesson or two, career guidance that emphases the need of education for a long lasting career.
- ItemPrevalence of Paramphistomes in Mashonaland West, Central, and East, and Midlands Provinces, Zimbabwe(Acta ZoologicaTaiwanica, 2002) Dube, S.; Siwela, Andrew H.; Masanganise, K.E.; Dube, C.Paramphistomes were collected from cattle from various localities in Mashonaland West, Central, and East and Midlands Provinces. After slaughter, their rumens and reticulum were cut open and examined for paramphistomes. Identifications were based on the morphological structuresand measurementsof diagnosticfeaturesfrom flattened and median sagittal sections. Analysis of the structures of the acetabulum, pharynx, and genital atrium revealed the following parasites in the area, Paramphistomum microbothrium, P. clavula, Calicophoron calicophorum, C. raja, and Gigantocotyle symmeri. The average number of cattle found infected annually was 29.39% with an upper limit of the range of around 69%. Parasite loads and damage to tissues were not serious in most cases, except in a few severe cases where the papillae were damaged and a catarrhal pus-like exudate was noticed on the mucosa