G-Space Institutional Repository
Welcome to the Gwanda State University Institutional Repository, G-Space. G-Space is an open access digital archive that collects, preserves, and distributes digital scholarly output produced, owned, and maintained by the Gwanda State University community.
Communities in G-Space
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Clustering and spatial dynamics of informal trading in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic
(Elsevier B.V, 2025-03-22) Ndlovu, Meshach
The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant disruptions across various sectors, with Zimbabwe's informal economy being acutely impacted. In response, the Zimbabwean government implemented measures to mitigate the economic challenges faced by informal traders, including the establishment of new trading spaces such as Nkulumane Sekusile in Bulawayo. This study investigates the spatial dynamics, understood as the clustering and grouping of different types of traders within Sekusile market during the pandemic. The research examines how the influx of traders from various regions altered the market's structure and competition. By employing advanced statistical clustering methods—such as hotspot analysis, the K-means algorithm, ordinary kriging, and persistence diagrams—this study provides critical insights into these spatial variations, informing policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the socio-economic resilience of informal traders.
Assessing biological control method on the progression of anaplasmosis disease in dominant cattle species in the Matabeleland north province Zimbabwe
(arXiv, 2024-04-24) Ndlovu, Meshach
This paper presents a compartmental (SI) model for the transmission dynamics of Anaplasmosis in resource limited farmer’s cattle subjected to a biological control method. The study seeks to evaluate the stability and control of cattle herds dynamics relative to finite agitation. Anaplasmosis disease pose a major threat in eradicating cattle population growth in resources limited communities. In gaining the insight of the disease, the following model analysis strategies were used in order to compute simulations, analysis of the model upon varying initial predator population and testing the effects of different predation rate on the disease dynamics. It is essential that the progression of Anaplasmosis be stable after the introduction of tick predators into cattle-tick system because that provides the usability of predation as a control measure. After analysing the effect of different prediction rates on the spread of the disease in resource limited communities the study asserted that tick predators like birds and bacteria have been neglected as contributors to natural mechanism of Anaplasmosis. Furthermore, the study brought to light that predictors have been neglected as major contributors to natural control mechanism of Anaplasmosis in Zimbabwe. Additional numerical simulations showed that predation method can be used in the eradication of Anaplasmosis disease thus improving rural livelihood. Investigation of natural tick enemies and predation behaviour can lead to better control of the Anaplasmosis disease efficiently and effectively. Finally, we recommend the
necessity for resource limited farmers to capitalise on the use of biological disease control measures.
Rational homotopy type of projectivization of the tangent bundle of certain spaces
(Emerald, 2024-08-22) Gastinzi, Jean Baptiste; Ndlovu, Meshach
Purpose
The paper aims to determine the rational homotopy type of the total space of projectivized bundles over complex projective spaces using Sullivan minimal models, providing insights into the algebraic structure of these spaces.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper utilises techniques from Sullivan’s theory of minimal models to analyse the differential graded algebraic structure of projectivized bundles. It employs algebraic methods to compute the Sullivan minimal model of
and establish relationships with the base space.
Findings
The paper determines the rational homotopy type of projectivized bundles over complex projective spaces. Of great interest is how the Chern classes of the fibre space and base space, play a critical role in determining the Sullivan model of P(E). We also provide the homogeneous space of P(E) when n = 2. Finally, we prove the formality of P(E) over a homogeneous space of equal rank.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations may include the complexity of computing minimal models for higher-dimensional bundles.
Practical implications
Understanding the rational homotopy type of projectivized bundles facilitates computations in algebraic topology and differential geometry, potentially aiding in applications such as topological data analysis and geometric modelling.
Social implications
While the direct social impact may be indirect, advancements in algebraic topology contribute to broader mathematical knowledge, which can underpin developments in science, engineering, and technology with societal benefits.
Originality/value
The paper’s originality lies in its application of Sullivan minimal models to determine the rational homotopy type of projectivized bundles over complex projective spaces, offering valuable insights into the algebraic structure of these spaces and their associated complex vector bundles.
Citron watermelon characterisation and trait analysis in Kalahari sands
(AOSIS Publishing, 2025-06-13) Tembo, Lenon; Maphosa, Mcebisi
Background: Citron watermelon, a drought-tolerant and nutrient-dense crop requiring low input, holds potential for enhancing food security under climate change conditions. However, it remains under-researched, with low productivity levels.
Aim: To agro-morphologically characterise citron watermelon accessions and identify trait relationships relevant for variety development.
Setting: The experiment was carried out at a Lupane State University Farm with Kalahari sands in Zimbabwe.
Methods: A randomised complete block design field experiment, with three replications, was conducted over two consecutive seasons.
Results: The accessions displayed wide diversity in fruit shape, skin colour and seed colour. Fruit yield ranged from 18.5 t/ha to 190.2 t/ha, exhibiting a strong positive correlation with the number of fruits per plant (R = 0.99) and individual fruit weight (R = 0.98). Path analysis confirmed that these traits exerted the highest direct effects on yield. Principal component analysis revealed that the first three components explained 89.85% of the total variation between accessions.
Conclusion: The significant variation and trait correlations observed offer opportunities for effective parental selection and early genetic gains in breeding programmes. There is scope to improve yield-determining traits, such as the number of fruits per plant and individual fruit weight, forming a strong basis for initiating a breeding programme for this crop.
Contribution: Promising accessions identified in this study can be utilised as parental lines for citron watermelon improvement.
The effect of pre-soaking common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds in gibberellic acid solution on germination and seedling growth
(Horticultural Association of Kenya (HAK), 2024-12-01) Zanamwe, Pesanai; Tembo, Lenon; Madzaramba, Tendai Hardwork
Poor seed germination and early seedling growth often limit common bean production. Pre-treatment with plant hormones, such as gibberellic acid (GA3), can improve germination and seedling vigour in many plants. However, its effects on common bean seeds are not well understood. This study evaluated GA3’s potential to promote germination and seedling growth in common beans. Laboratory germination tests and greenhouse trials were conducted using two varieties, Gloria and Nua45. Seed from each variety was divided into two groups and the other group was soaked in 60 ml/L GA3 solution for 5 min and the other group was left untreated and used as a control. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three technical and two biological replicates. Data on germination percentage were collected every 24 hours for 120 h, along with measurements of rootlet length, seedling vigour indices, root length, shoot length, and dry weight. Results indicated that GA3-treated Nua45 seeds had significantly higher germination percentages than untreated seeds after 48, 72, and 96 h, while treated Gloria seeds showed lower germination than untreated seeds within the same time frames. By 120 h, both treated and untreated seeds of both varieties reached a minimum of 90% germination. Nua45 seeds treated with GA3 showed significantly greater rootlet length (5.29 cm) than untreated seeds (4.12 cm), while Gloria seeds showed no significant difference in rootlet length between treated (2.49 cm) and untreated seeds (2.86 cm). For Nua45, GA3-treated seedlings had higher shoot length (46.7 cm), dry weight (4.10 g), and seedling vigour index II (3.7) than untreated seedlings (28.5 cm, 2.34 g, and 2.25, respectively). In contrast, untreated Gloria seedlings had greater root length (35.1 cm) than treated seedlings (14.4 cm), with no shoot length difference. These findings suggest that pre-soaking Nua45 seeds in GA3 solution enhances germination and growth, while pre-soaking Gloria seeds reduces them. These findings suggest a hormone-genotype interaction effect warranting further study.