Search

Zimbabwean journalist Jeffrey Moyo loves his job and wouldn't swap it for any other. But last year it landed him in prison with the risk of a 10-year jail term. [...]

The much larger volume of trade that will be generated by the AFCFTA will require an overall increase in vehicles and other equipment to transport the goods. The ECA has [...]

Ahead of 2024 elections, the Zimbabwe government is pushing through a law that civil society groups say could restrict their freedom and quash dissent. The Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment [...]

Captured CO2is a potential feedstock to produce fuel/chemicals using renewable electricity as the energy source. We explored resource availability and synergies by region in the United States and conducted cost and environmental analysis to identify unique opportunities in each region to inform possible regional and national actions for carbon capture and utilization development. This study estimated production cost of synthetic methanol and Fischer–Tropsch (FT) fuels by using CO2captured from the waste streams emitted from six industrial [ethanol, ammonia, natural gas (NG) processing, hydrogen, cement, and iron/steel production plants] and two power generation (coal and NG) processes across the United States. The results showed that a total of 1594 million metric ton per year of waste CO2can be captured and converted into 85 and 319 billion gallons of FT fuels and methanol, respectively. FT fuels can potentially substitute for 36% of the total petroleum fuels used in the transportation sector in 2018. Technoeconomic analysis shows that the minimum selling prices for synthetic FT fuels and methanol are 1.8–2.8 times the price of petroleum fuel/chemicals, but the total CO2reduction potential is 935–1777 MMT/year.

Electrofuels from renewable H2and waste CO2streams are of increasing interest because of their CO2emissions reduction potentials compared to fossil counterparts. This study evaluated the well-to-wheel (WTW) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of Fischer–Tropsch (FT) fuels from various electrolytic H2pathways and CO2sources, using various process designs (i.e., with and without H2recycle) and system boundaries. Two systems with different boundaries were considered: a stand-alone plant (with CO2from any source) and an integrated plant with corn ethanol production (supplying CO2). The FT fuel synthesis process was modeled using Aspen Plus, which showed that 45% of the carbon in CO2can be fixed in the FT fuel, with a fuel production energy efficiency of 58%. Using nuclear or solar/wind electricity, the stand-alone FT fuel production from various plant designs can reduce WTW GHG emissions by 90–108%, relative to petroleum fuels. When integrating the FT fuel production process with corn ethanol production, the WTW GHG emissions of FT fuels are 57–65% lower compared to petroleum counterparts. This study highlights the sensitivity of the carbon intensity of FT fuels to the system boundary selection (i.e., stand-alone vs integrated), which has different implications under various GHG emission credit frameworks.

Little progress made on fund to help countries cope with climate change.

The present research work is focussed on the treatment of leachate generated from crude oil-contaminated soil sites using wet air oxidation as an advanced oxidation process. The factors affecting the wet air oxidation (WAO) process, viz. temperature, pressure and time of treatment were optimized using central composite design and response surface methodology. The significant factors were optimized to maximize % COD removal from the leachate. The linear effects of pressure and temperature (p= 0.000); the square effects of pressure (p= 0.019) and time (p= 0.007) and the interaction effect of temperature–pressure (p= 0.002) were found to be significantly governing the % COD removal. The maximum COD removal of 76% was obtained at temperature = 244 °C, time = 30 min and pressure = 5 bar. Further, the biodegradability index (BOD5/COD) increased from 0.14 ± 0.007 of the untreated leachate to 0.48 ± 0.02 of the wetox-treated leachate. Moreover, the degradation of recalcitrant hydrocarbons in initial leachate by WAO treatment was confirmed using GC–MS analysis.

The present study demonstrates apoptosis-inducing potential and mechanism of action of Tribulus terristrisalkaloid extract in Jurkat E6-1 cancer cell line. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and High Resolution-Mass Spectrometry analysis identified the presence of four N-feruloyltyramine derivatives, namely trans-N-feruloyl-3-hydroxytyramine (1), trans-N-coumaroyltyramine (2), trans-N-feruloyltyramine (3) and trans-N-feruloyl-3-ethoxytyramine (4) in the alkaloid extract. Compounds 2and 3have not been yet reported in the alkaloid extract of T. terristris. In silicoanalysis revealed therapeutic potential of N-feruloyltyramine derivatives and strong binding efficiency to both chains of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1. Treatment of alkaloids extract to Jurkat E6-1 clone induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity (LC50140.4 μg mL−1). Jurkat cells treated with alkaloids extract at sub-lethal concentration showed DNA fragmentation, enhancement in caspase-3 activity and phosphatidylserine translocation (apoptosis indicator) compared to control cells. Gene expression analysis using Human Apoptosis RT2Profiler PCR Array analysis upon alkaloid treatment was found to significantly alter expression of critical genes such as TNFR1, FADD, AIFM, CASP8, TP53, DFFAand NFKB1. These genes are predicted to mediate apoptotic cell death via both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathway. In summary, we report the identification of new N-feruloyltyramine derivatives from alkaloid extract of T. terristrisfruit with probable anti-leukemic and pharmacological potential.

Carbon nanoadsorbents have attracted tremendous interest for metal ion removal from wastewater due to their extraordinary aspect ratios, surface areas, porosities, and reactivities. However, challenges still exist as they suffer from subpar dispersion and recovery, tending to aggregate, and so on. Thus, significant research efforts focus on modification of these carbon nanomaterials to increase the dispersions and recoveries, while maintaining or even enhancing the desirable properties. This review aims to give an in-depth look at recent and impactful advances in metal ion adsorption applications involving these modified carbon nanostructures. Here, the advanced design and testing of modified carbon nanostructures for metal ion removal are emphasized with comprehensive examples, and various adsorption behaviors and mechanisms are discussed, which are hoped to help the development of more effective adsorbents for water treatment.

Cross-resistance after first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) failure is expected to impair activity of nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in second-line therapy for patients with HIV, but evidence for the effect of cross-resistance on virological outcomes is limited. We aimed to assess the association between the activity, predicted by resistance testing, of the NRTIs used in second-line therapy and treatment outcomes for patients infected with HIV.

Despite international condemnation, a new law criminalizing foreign funding of NGOs has passed the Zimbabwe Parliament and, as the NI goes to press, is awaiting President Robert Mugabe's signature. The [...]

JENNI WILLIAMS is the National Co-ordinator of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), a pressure group formed in Zimbabwe in 2004. With a membership of over 1,000, WOZA has staged peaceful […]

INVIOLATTA is the Executive Director for the Western Region Foundation, which helps women, youth, orphans and community-based organizations in areas of health, water, HIV/AIDS, education and income generation. It operates […]

The Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill, likely to be law by the end of 2022, will alter the legislation which governs NGOs and independent organizations in the country. Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights have warned that it will "result in government over-regulation" and "the curtailment of human rights". Ahead of 2024 elections, the Zimbabwe government is pushing through a law that civil society groups say could restrict their freedom and quash dissent. [Extracted from the article]

This cross-sectional study at a tertiary-care hospital in Botswana from 2000 to 2007 was performed to determine the epidemiologic characteristics of Staphylococcus aureusbacteremia. We identified a high prevalence (11.2% of bacteremia cases) of methicillin-resistant S. aureus(MRSA) bacteremia. MRSA isolates had higher proportions of resistance to commonly used antimicrobials than did methicillin-susceptible isolates, emphasizing the need to revise empiric prescribing practices in Botswana.

The diatom Navícula giffeniana is transferred to the new genus Fogedia. Light and electron microscopic studies revealed that there are distinct morphological differences between F. giffeniana and Navícula sensu stricto. The most important differences are the presence of lateral areas, apical raphe endings and the placement of the internal raphe fissure. Fogedia giffeniana is morphologically quite similar to Navicula finmarchica, which is also transferred to Fogedia. Based on morphological criteria the following new taxa are described: Fogedia christensenii, F. geisslerae and F. giffeniana var. yemenitica. All known Fogedia taxa appear to inhabit marine littoral sediments as members of the epipelon.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn renewed attention to telepsychology. This study reports on the experiences of psychologists in response to the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic pertaining to the provision, application, and accessibility of telepsychology services in the South African context. The findings highlight the direct and indirect implications of the pandemic and its impact on both practitioners and clients. The core themes comprise an increase in mental health care needs, challenges pertaining to therapeutic modalities in response to crises, as well as contextual considerations. The latter include barriers to telepsychology, such as the costs of data, as well as limitations to confidentiality and privacy.

This retrospective review evaluated records of cerebrospinal fluid samples between 2000 and 2008 at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana. Of the 7501 cerebrospinal fluid samples reviewed, Streptococcus pneumoniae(n 125) and Haemophilus influenzae(n 60) were the most common bacteria cultured. There were also 1018 cryptococcal and 44 tuberculous meningitis cases. Antimicrobial susceptibilities are described. Public health interventions could decrease the burden of meningitis in Botswana.

Presents political and economic news briefs in Africa as of October 2001. Removal of the Decree No. 2 of 2001 by King Mswati III of Swaziland, Africa's last absolute monarch; Economic plans under the African Union.

Presents national issues and events across Africa as of December 2000. Approval of Capital Radio for a right to operate a privately owned broadcasting station in Zimbabwe; Outbreak of violence against black African immigrants in Libya.

Interviews the Zimbabwe-based development worker, Inviolatta Moyo concerning her views about the United Nations (UN). Details about her role as executive director for the Western Region Foundation and funds received from the UN; Peacekeeping operations and relief programs; Views about poverty alleviation.

Interviews the Zimbabwe-based women's rights activist, Jenni Williams concerning her views about the United Nations (UN). Role of the UN in providing a platform for negotiation and cooperation among the member states; Failure of the UN to represent her country in international negotiations; Mission of the UN in maintaining peaace and promoting global development.

Presents news briefs on politics and current events in Africa as of February 2002. Views of South African President Thabo Mbeki on AIDS; War against terrorism in Zimbabwe.

Presents concerns on the response of the United States to the terrorist attacks in September 2001, published in several newspapers in Zimbabwe. Importance of restraint; Exercise of caution in retaliatory strikes; Need to bring the terrorist to justice.

Pays tribute to Zimbabwe's political leader Ndabaningi Sithole who died on December 12, 2000 in Pennsylvania. Contribution of Sithole as one of the founding fathers of the Zimbabwean nation; Political career of Sithole.

Discusses the degenerating quality of the cultural scene in South Africa after the collapse of apartheid. Unprecedented degree of cultural activity at the height of the struggle against the apartheid regime; Staging of foreign musicals; Tributes to American performers; Deluge of American and British television programs; Prospects for the creation of a vibrant, local culture.