Community-based performance indicators for monitoring and evaluating livestock interventions.

The research aimed at identifying livestock performance indicators used by farmers in Malipati community, Zimbabwe, and use them in developing a monitoring and evaluation framework for livestock interventions. Mixed methods research was used in the study. A questionnaire was administered to identify performance indicators of preference by farmers. Focus group discussions were done to rank performance indicators. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25, and data were analysed using the ranking matrix. Scientific validity of performance indicators was determined through literature review. The study concluded that performance indicators of importance in poultry, cattle, goats/sheep, and donkeys were egg production, milk yield, kidding/lambing interval, and animal power, respectively. All performance indicators identified by farmers in Malipati are scientifically valid and were used in the development of the monitoring and evaluation framework.

Reproductive efficiency in naturally serviced and artificially inseminated beef cows.

A study was conducted to compare conception rates in 71 Tuli and 86 Afrikander beef cattle bred using either artificial insemination (AI) or the bull. Animals were bred using either artificial insemination or natural service at Matopos Research Station. Animals were grouped into three groups of heifers (parity 0; P0), second calvers (parity 1; P1) and mature cows (parity 2; P2) before being randomly assigned to one of the two breeding methods. A binary logistic regression was used for statistical analysis where breeding method (AI vs natural service) was the treatment factor and conception rate was the measured response while breed, parity and last calving date were non-treatment factors. No significant differences were observed in conception rates between breeds (P > 0.05). However, the method of breeding animals, parity and calving interval affected (P < 0.05) conception rates. The breeding method, parity and calving interval had a positive Kendall's tau-b correlation coefficients to conception. More animals were pregnant when AI (77.6%) was used compared with natural mating (56.79%). Conception rates were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in C1 compared with C2 cattle. The odds ratio for breeding method and parity are positive and significant (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the study confirms that artificial inseminated animals had similar conception rates to naturally serviced animals for both Tuli and Afrikander breeds. As such, artificial insemination technology can be used to complement or substitute natural service in indigenous cattle's of Zimbabwe.

Kondo effect and enhanced magnetic properties in gadolinium functionalized carbon nanotube supramolecular complex.

We report on the enhancement of magnetic properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) functionalized with a gadolinium based supramolecular complex. By employing a newly developed synthesis technique we find that the functionalization method of the nanocomposite enhances the strength of magnetic interaction leading to a large effective moment of 15.79 µB and non-superparamagnetic behaviour unlike what has been previously reported. Saturating resistance at low temperatures is fitted with the numerical renormalization group formula verifying the Kondo effect for magnetic impurities on a metallic electron system. Magnetoresistance shows devices fabricated from aligned gadolinium functionalized MWNTs (Gd-Fctn-MWNTs) exhibit spin-valve switching behaviour of up to 8%. This study highlights the possibility of enhancing magnetic interactions in carbon systems through chemical modification, moreover we demonstrate the rich physics that might be useful for developing spin based quantum computing elements based on one-dimensional (1D) channels.

Access to and utilisation of healthcare services by sex workers at truck-stop clinics in South Africa: A case study.

BACKGROUND: Sex worker-specific health services aim to respond to the challenges that this key population faces in accessing healthcare. These services aim to integrate primary healthcare (PHC) interventions, yet most services tend to focus on prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). North Star Alliance (North Star) is a public-private partnership providing a healthcare service package in roadside wellness clinics (RWCs) to at-risk populations along transport corridors in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVES: To inform future service development for sex workers and describe North Star's contribution to healthcare provision to this population in South Africa, we describe services provided to and utilised by sex workers, and their views of these services. METHODS: Using a mixed-methods approach, we present quantitative analyses of anonymised North Star routine data for sex workers for October 2013 - September 2015, covering nine sites in seven provinces. Clinic visits were disaggregated by type of service accessed. We performed thematic analysis of 25 semi-structured interviews conducted at five clinics. RESULTS: A total of 2 794 sex workers accessed RWCs during the 2 years. Sex workers attending clinics were almost exclusively female (98.2%) and aged <40 years (83.8%). The majority were South African (83.8%), except at Musina, where the majority of clients were Zimbabwean. On average, sex workers visited the clinics 1.5 times per person. However, in most cases only one service was accessed per visit. PHC services other than for HIV and STIs were accessed more commonly than HIV-specific services and STI treatment. There was an increase in the number of services accessed over time, the figure almost doubling from 1 489 during the first year to 2 936 during the second year. Although during recruitment participants reported having had sex in exchange for goods or money during the past 3 months, not all participants self-identified as sex workers during interviews; however, all reported feeling at higher risk of poor health than the general population owing to their involvement in sex work. Participants reported satisfaction with site accessibility, location and operating hours. Sex workers accessing sites described services as being suitable and accessible, with friendly staff. CONCLUSIONS: RWCs were highly appreciated by the users, as they are suitable and accessible. The sex workers who used the clinics visited them irregularly, mostly for PHC services other than HIV and STIs. Services other than the one for which the sex worker came to the clinic rarely appeared to be offered. We recommend areas for service expansion.