Wood ash content variation in Eucalyptus grandis clones in Mozambique

The sustainability of native forests in Sub-Saharan Africa depends on the diversification of sources to generate bioenergy, and Eucalyptus spp. wood has been highlighted. However, the determination of energy quality parameters has been a challenge to enable plantation wood to generate energy. The research assessed the ash content of radial and longitudinal samples of Eucalyptus grandis (Hill) clone with different ages and growth sites. Samples were collected in three pre-established plots in the center of Mozambique. Five trees were cut down in each plot and six discs were removed from each tree. Grinded samples with <0.5 mm particle size were generated from the heartwood and sapwood of each disk to determine the ash content. Wood from 7-year-olds had a higher ash content compared to 9-year-olds. The two sample plots differed from each other in terms of wood ash content. Heartwood samples had smaller ash content than sapwood samples. In general, the ash content of the intermediate positions was lower than those from the base and top of the stem, for both radial sections. No conclusive differences were found between samples from the base and the top of the trees, indicating that the material from the top of the trees can also be used as wood fuel. Ash content can be a considerable parameter to assess the quality of the wood of Eucalyptus spp. as a fuel

Assessment of measles immunity among infants in Maputo City, Mozambique

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The optimum age for measles vaccination varies from country to country and thus a standardized vaccination schedule is controversial. While the increase in measles vaccination coverage has produced significant changes in the epidemiology of infection, vaccination schedules have not been adjusted. Instead, measures to cut wild-type virus transmission through mass vaccination campaigns have been instituted. This study estimates the presence of measles antibodies among six- and nine-month-old children and assesses the current vaccination seroconversion by using a non invasive method in Maputo City, Mozambique.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Six- and nine-month old children and their mothers were screened in a cross-sectional study for measles-specific antibodies in oral fluid. All vaccinated children were invited for a follow-up visit 15 days after immunization to assess seroconversion. </p> <p>Results</p> <p>82.4% of the children lost maternal antibodies by six months. Most children were antibody-positive post-vaccination at nine months, although 30.5 % of nine month old children had antibodies in oral fluid before vaccination. We suggest that these pre-vaccination antibodies are due to contact with wild-type of measles virus. The observed seroconversion rate after vaccination was 84.2%. </p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These data indicate a need to re-evaluate the effectiveness of the measles immunization policy in the current epidemiological scenario.</p

Bonding quality of two lesser-used wood species Brachystegia spiciformis and Julbernardia globiflora, from mozambique

The objective of this study was to evaluate the density, chemical properties and bonding quality of two lesser-used Mozambican wood species known as messassas (Brachystegia spiciformis and Julbernardia globiflora) aiming at edge-glued panel production. The bonding was performed using structural adhesive polyvinyl acetate D4, semi-structural adhesive emulsion polymer isocyanate and non-structural polyvinyl acetate D3 applied at 120·m-2 and 180·m-2 weights. Density, chemistry, edge shear bonding, wood failure percentage and the finger-joint tests were performed in accordance with ISO 13061-2:2014 (E), TAPPI, EN 13354:2008, ABNT-NBR ISO 12466-1:2006 and ASTM 5572:2005 standards, respectively. The results showed that both species have medium density, high extractives and lignin contents typical of tropical wood. The emulsion polymer isocyanate adhesive was approved with better performance compared to polyvinyl acetate D3 and D4 adhesives. It can also be affirmed that Brachystegia spiciformis and Julbernardia globiflora have similar bonding behaviour and the potential for producing edge glued panel panels, especially for indoor us