Use of a hydrological model for environmental management of the Usangu Wetlands, Tanzania

Wetlands / Rivers / Ecology / Environmental effects / Remote sensing / Hydrology / Simulation models / Water budget / Irrigated sites / Land cover / Time series analysis / Tanzania / Usangu Wetlands / Great Ruaha River

Trans-SEC - Estratégias inovadoras para salvaguardar a segurança alimentar na Tanzânia utilizando troca de tecnologias e conhecimento: uma abordagem centrada em pessoas

A segurança alimentar é um dos desafios mais prementes para a humanidade atualmente. Flutuações de mercado, alta dependência de insumos externos, eventos climáticos extremos, sistemas agrícolas pouco diversificados e doenças estão aumentando e intensificando tanto a imprevisibilidade quanto a insegurança alimentar regional, especialmente na África sub-Sahaariana. Para que projetos tenham um impacto positivo e gerem soluções a longo prazo, torna se imperativo que estes tenham foco em análises mais profundas da cadeia produtiva alimentos (desde os recursos naturais necessários para a produção até os consumidores), e que todos os atores estejam envolvidos no design e disseminação das estratégias agroecológicas. Estes são os pressupostos do projeto Trans- SEC “Estratégias inovadoras para salvaguardar a segurança alimentar na Tanzânia utilizando troca de tecnologia e conhecimento: uma abordagem centrada em pessoas”. Stakeholders vem testando, em conjunto, uma serie de estratégias para fortalecer a segurança alimentar local e regional.Eje: B5 Sistemas de conocimiento (Relatos de experiencias)Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestale

Emergency care visits at a South African hospital: Implications for healthcare services and policy

Background: A robust knowledge on the pattern of use of emergency care resources not only serves as an indicator of universal access to care but also provides a basis for quality improvement within the health system. This study was undertaken to describe the pattern of emergency room visits at Brits District Hospital (BDH) in North West province, South Africa. The objectives of this study were to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of emergency department (ED) users and other patterns of ED use. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that was conducted at a district hospital. All patients who reported for emergency care in the ED in 2016 were eligible for the study. Data were extracted and analysed from a systematic sample of 355 clinical notes and hospital administrative records. Results: The age group that visited the ED most frequently (25.3%) was 25–34 years old. A high proportion of the ED users (60%) were self-referred, and only 38% were transported by the emergency medical response services (EMRS). Few (5.6%) presentations were of a non-urgent nature. Trauma-related conditions accounted for the most frequent presentation at the ED (36.5%). Conclusion: Although most ED users were self-referred, their clinical presentations were appropriate and underscore the need for policy strategies to reduce the burden of trauma in the catchment population Contribution: The study findings may have an impact on future health policies by providing decision-makers with baseline information on the pattern of use of ED resources, ensuring better resource deployment and greater access to care

Trans-SEC - Estratégias inovadoras para salvaguardar a segurança alimentar na Tanzânia utilizando troca de tecnologias e conhecimento: uma abordagem centrada em pessoas

A segurança alimentar é um dos desafios mais prementes para a humanidade atualmente. Flutuações de mercado, alta dependência de insumos externos, eventos climáticos extremos, sistemas agrícolas pouco diversificados e doenças estão aumentando e intensificando tanto a imprevisibilidade quanto a insegurança alimentar regional, especialmente na África sub-Sahaariana. Para que projetos tenham um impacto positivo e gerem soluções a longo prazo, torna se imperativo que estes tenham foco em análises mais profundas da cadeia produtiva alimentos (desde os recursos naturais necessários para a produção até os consumidores), e que todos os atores estejam envolvidos no design e disseminação das estratégias agroecológicas. Estes são os pressupostos do projeto Trans- SEC “Estratégias inovadoras para salvaguardar a segurança alimentar na Tanzânia utilizando troca de tecnologia e conhecimento: uma abordagem centrada em pessoas”. Stakeholders vem testando, em conjunto, uma serie de estratégias para fortalecer a segurança alimentar local e regional.Eje: B5 Sistemas de conocimiento (Relatos de experiencias)Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestale

Role of human Pegivirus infections in whole; Plasmodium falciparum; sporozoite vaccination and controlled human malaria infection in African volunteers

BACKGROUND: Diverse vaccination outcomes and protection levels among different populations pose a serious challenge to the development of an effective malaria vaccine. Co-infections are among many factors associated with immune dysfunction and sub-optimal vaccination outcomes. Chronic, asymptomatic viral infections can contribute to the modulation of vaccine efficacy through various mechanisms. Human Pegivirus-1 (HPgV-1) persists in immune cells thereby potentially modulating immune responses. We investigated whether Pegivirus infection influences vaccine-induced responses and protection in African volunteers undergoing whole P. falciparum sporozoites-based malaria vaccination and controlled human malaria infections (CHMI). METHODS: HPgV-1 prevalence was quantified by RT-qPCR in plasma samples of 96 individuals before, post vaccination with PfSPZ Vaccine and after CHMI in cohorts from Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea. The impact of HPgV-1 infection was evaluated on (1) systemic cytokine and chemokine levels measured by Luminex, (2) PfCSP-specific antibody titers quantified by ELISA, (3) asexual blood-stage parasitemia pre-patent periods and parasite multiplication rates, (4) HPgV-1 RNA levels upon asexual blood-stage parasitemia induced by CHMI. RESULTS: The prevalence of HPgV-1 was 29.2% (28/96) and sequence analysis of the 5' UTR and E2 regions revealed the predominance of genotypes 1, 2 and 5. HPgV-1 infection was associated with elevated systemic levels of IL-2 and IL-17A. Comparable vaccine-induced anti-PfCSP antibody titers, asexual blood-stage multiplication rates and pre-patent periods were observed in HPgV-1 positive and negative individuals. However, a tendency for higher protection levels was detected in the HPgV-1 positive group (62.5%) compared to the negative one (51.6%) following CHMI. HPgV-1 viremia levels were not significantly altered after CHMI. CONCLUSIONS: HPgV-1 infection did not alter PfSPZ Vaccine elicited levels of PfCSP-specific antibody responses and parasite multiplication rates. Ongoing HPgV-1 infection appears to improve to some degree protection against CHMI in PfSPZ-vaccinated individuals. This is likely through modulation of immune system activation and systemic cytokines as higher levels of IL-2 and IL17A were observed in HPgV-1 infected individuals. CHMI is safe and well tolerated in HPgV-1 infected individuals. Identification of cell types and mechanisms of both silent and productive infection in individuals will help to unravel the biology of this widely present but largely under-researched virus

Red blood cell indices and\ud Prevalence of Hemoglobinopathies and Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiencies in Male Tanzanian Residents of Dar es Salaam

Hemoglobinopathies, disorders of hemoglobin structure and production, are one of the most common monogenic disorders in humans. Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) is an inherited enzymopathy resulting in increased oxygen stress susceptibility of red blood cells. The distributions of these genetic traits in populations living in tropical and subtropical regions where malaria has been or is still present are thought to result from survival advantage against severe life threatening malaria disease. 384 male Tanzanian volunteers residing in Dar es Salaam were typed for G6PD, sickle cell disease and α-thalassemia. The most prominent red blood cell polymorphism was heterozygous α+-thalassemia (37.8%), followed by the G6PD(A) deficiency (16.4%), heterozygous sickle cell trait (15.9%), G6PD(A-) deficiency (13.5%) and homozygous α+-thalassemia (5.2%). 35%, 45%, 17% and 3% of these volunteers were carriers of wild type gene loci, one, two or three of these hemoglobinopathies, respectively. We find that using a cut off value of 28.6 pg. for mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), heterozygous α+-thalassemia can be predicted with a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 72% in this male population. All subjects carrying homozygous α+-thalassemia were identified based on their MCH value < 28.6 pg

Residual biomass calculation from individual tree architecture using terrestrial laser scanner and ground-level measurements

Large quantity of residual biomass with possible energy and industrial end can be obtained from management operations of urban forests. The profitability of exploiting this resource is conditioned by the amount of existing biomass within urban community ecosystems. Prior research pointed out that residual biomass from Platanus hispanica and other tree species can be calculated from dendrometric parameters. In this study, two approaches have been analyzed: First, applicability of TLS was tested for residual biomass calculation from crown volume. In addition, traditional models for residual biomass prediction were developed from dendrometric parameters (tree height, crown diameter, and diameter at breast height). Next, a comparison between parameters obtained with both methodologies (standard methodologies vs TLS) was carried out. The results indicate a strong relationship (R2 = 0.906) between crown diameters and between total tree heights (R2 = 0.868). The crown volumes extracted from the TLS point cloud were calculated by 4 different methods: convex hull; convex hull by slices of 5 cm height in the XY plane; triangulation by XY flat sections, and voxel modeling. The highest accuracy was found when the voxel method was used for pruned biomass prediction (R2 = 0.731). The results revealed the potential of TLS data to determine dendrometric parameters and biomass yielded from pruning quitar of urban forestsFernández-Sarría, A.; Velázquez Martí, B.; Sajdak, M.; Martinez, L.; Estornell Cremades, J. (2013). Residual biomass calculation from individual tree architecture using terrestrial laser scanner and ground-level measurements. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 93:90-97. doi:10.1016/j.compag.2013.01.012S90979

Knowledge gaps among smallholder farmers hinder adoption of conservation biological control

Conservation biological control uses habitat management to enhance the survival and impact of arthropod natural enemies for pest control. Its advantages are that it relies on native or established invertebrate populations that are adapted to local agricultural ecosystems and conditions. We surveyed 300 farmers in three agro-ecological zones of Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania to assess farmers’ knowledge of natural enemies, insect pests and pesticide use and ways of accessing agricultural information to identify hurdles to the adoption of conservation biological control measures. Data were collected through face to face interviews using questionnaires and pictures and by using a novel voice-response mobile phone survey. The farmers surveyed regarded almost all insects as pests, with data analyses revealing that 98.7% of farmers were completely unaware of natural enemies. After completing a short training course, however, awareness was transformed, with 80% of farmers recognising beneficial insects and expressing an intention to change farming practices to enhance their survival within the crop. Access to information about synthetic pesticide alternatives was a limiting factor to uptake of biological control measures with 8.7% of farmers reporting no access to agricultural information, while others were mostly dependent on agricultural officers. These findings identified a severe lack of knowledge among smallholder farmers about beneficial insects which will impact adoption of conservation biological control. We recommend improved access to information and knowledge among the technical officers and the smallholder farmers with direct training on agro-ecological intensification for wider adoption of conservation biological control

Enhancing knowledge among smallholders on pollinators and supporting field margins for sustainable food security

Agro-ecological intensification (AEI) harnesses natural processes, such as pollination, that support sustainable food production and can buffer against future risks. However, the transition from conventional agriculture, which relies on inputs that can damage natural ecosystems, to more sustainable food production, is knowledge-intensive. Here, we investigated knowledge gaps among smallholder farmers about pollinators and field margins in a bean agri-system in Tanzania. While 77% of farmers were familiar with and identified honeybees correctly prior to training, only 52% understood their role as a pollinator of crops. Furthermore, 80% and 98% of farmers were unaware of the significance of wild (solitary) bees or the importance of hoverflies as pollinators. A high level of synthetic agrochemical use was reported for the management of pests and weeds, particularly in the more agriculturally intensive production systems. However, an end-line survey conducted one year after training showed an increase in knowledge and the majority of farmers, 99%, 54% and 62% subsequently recognized honeybees, hoverflies and solitary bees respectively, by name. Furthermore, 95%, 69% and 60% of farmers understood the importance of honeybees, hoverflies and solitary bees respectively, as crop pollinators and natural enemies (for hoverflies). Similarly, a majority of farmers recognised the benefits of biopesticides as environmentally over synthetic pesticides as well as the value of field margins in supporting pollinators and other ecosystem services. We argue that, improving understanding among smallholder farmers of ecosystem services and their ecological requirements is both feasible and essential to achieving sustainable intensification in small holder farming systems