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Scopus2-s2.0-81855212815Value based financial performance measures: An evaluation of relative and incremental information contentErasmus P.2008Corporate Ownership and Control60.041666666667NoneDepartment of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South AfricaErasmus, P., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South AfricaValue-based (VB) financial performance measures are often advanced as improvements over traditional measures. It is argued that the inclusion of a firms cost of capital in the calculation of these measures facilitates the evaluation of value creation. Furthermore they attempt to remove some accounting distortions resulting from the limitations of conventional accounting information. This paper investigates the ability of four VB measures to explain market-adjusted share returns and compare it to that of some traditional measures. Empirical results indicate that the relative information contents of the VB measures are not greater than that of earnings. The incremental information content tests indicate that their components add significantly to the information content of earnings, but that the level of significance is relatively low.Accounting information; Cost of capital; Financial performanceNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84867263314The effect of the South African market concentration on portfolio performanceVan Heerden J.D., Saunderson S.2008Corporate Ownership and Control60.041666666667NoneDepartment of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; PO Box 330, Gallo Manor, 2052, South AfricaVan Heerden, J.D., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Saunderson, S., PO Box 330, Gallo Manor, 2052, South AfricaPortfolio risk is mainly a function of portfolio concentration and covariance between the assets in a portfolio. This study shows that South Africa experiences a high level of market concentration and that assets with large weights in the FTSE/JSE All Share Index (ALSI) have large covariances with each other. Together these two phenomena suggest that a high level of portfolio risk can be expected. Active portfolio managers in South African generally attempt to decrease portfolio concentration by deviating from the benchmark's weighting structure in order to decrease their portfolio risk. The effect of such a portfolio construction process on the measurement of relative performance, where the ALSI is used as the benchmark, was investigated by means of a simulation process. The results indicated that during times when those shares with larger weights in the index perform well, the probability of outperforming the ALSI is very small, while the probability of outperforming the ALSI during times when those same shares perform poorly is very high. These findings suggest that investors need to be educated about the bias regarding relative performance measurement using broad market indices, while alternative or additional methods of performance measurement need to be investigated to minimise this bias.Performance measures; South Africa; Stock marketNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84883422763CEO compensation and performance of state owned enterprises in South AfricaNgwenya S., Khumalo M.2012Corporate Ownership and Control100.041666666667NoneDepartment of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, UNISA, 0003, South AfricaNgwenya, S., Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, UNISA, 0003, South Africa; Khumalo, M., Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, UNISA, 0003, South AfricaThe study investigates the relationship between CEO compensation and performance of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa, using data for the period 2009 to 2011. The results indicated that there exist no positive relationship between CEO compensation and SOEs performance as measured by return on assets. The results also indicated a positive relationship between CEO compensation (base salary) and the size of SOEs as measured by total revenue and number of employees. The results suggest that board members of SOEs in South Africa should hold CEOs accountable for the performance of SOEs, and should not pay huge salaries and bonuses to non performing CEOs.CEO compensation; Corporate governance; SOE performance; South AfricaNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84894071742Exemplification and perceived job insecurity: Associations with self-rated performance and emotional exhaustionDe Cuyper N., Schreurs B., Elst T.V., Baillien E., De Witte H.2014Journal of Personnel Psychology130.04166666666710.1027/1866-5888/a000099Research Group Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology, KU Leuven, Belgium; Maastricht University, Netherlands; Human Relations Research Group, HU Brussel, Belgium; North West University, Vanderbijlpark, South AfricaDe Cuyper, N., Research Group Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology, KU Leuven, Belgium; Schreurs, B., Maastricht University, Netherlands; Elst, T.V., Research Group Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology, KU Leuven, Belgium; Baillien, E., Human Relations Research Group, HU Brussel, Belgium; De Witte, H., Research Group Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology, KU Leuven, Belgium, North West University, Vanderbijlpark, South AfricaImpression management is typically seen as a means to achieve success. Little is known about potential side effects for the self, or about impression management aimed at prevention of loss. Here, we probe the relationship between exemplification (impression management aimed at acquiring the image ofmodel employee) and performance and emotional exhaustion, accounting for the moderating role of job insecurity.Weuse the ResourceModel of Self-regulation and the Conservation of Resources Theory to propose that the association of exemplificationwith performance and emotional exhaustion is more positive with increased job insecurity. Hypotheses were tested in a sample of 603 Peruvian workers using structural equation modeling (SEM). The pattern of results supported our hypotheses: Exemplification has unintended effects when workers feel insecure. © 2014 Hogrefe Publishing.Emotional exhaustion; Impression management; Job insecurity; Performance; Well-beingNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-67649119135Do boards and CEOs matter for bank performance? A comparative analysis of banks in GhanaKyereboah-Coleman A., Biekpe N.2006Corporate Ownership and Control40.041666666667NoneUniversity of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa; Centre for Investment Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, South AfricaKyereboah-Coleman, A., University of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa; Biekpe, N., Centre for Investment Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, South AfricaIn this study, we examine whether Board characteristics have impact on bank performance by comparing listed and non-listed banks. The study uses panel data covering the eight year period, 1997- 2004 from all the 18 Banks in Ghana. Findings of the study confirm earlier studies. While the size of the board has positive correlation with bank performance whether listed or not listed, the more independent a board is the better the performance in spite of a bank's listing status. Of significance is the finding that when a CEO doubles as a board chairman, it impact positively on performance in the overall sample, but negatively in both sub-samples.Bank-performance; Corporate governance; GhanaNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84874227877The relationship between board size, board composition, CEO duality and firm performance: Experience from GhanaKyereboah-Coleman A., Biekpe N.2006Corporate Ownership and Control40.083333333333NoneUniversity of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa; Africa Centre for Investment Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, South AfricaKyereboah-Coleman, A., University of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa; Biekpe, N., Africa Centre for Investment Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, South AfricaThe paper examined board characteristics and its impact on the performance of non-financial listed firms in Ghana. Data covering 11 year period (1990-2001) was used and analysis conducted within the panel data framework. The study shows that most Ghanaian firms adopt the two-tier board structure and are largely non-independent. The regression results, though relatively mixed, confirm other studies and show that there should be a clear separation of the two critical positions of CEO and board chairman in order to reduce agency cost for enhanced firm performance.Corporate governance; Firm-performance; Ghana; Tobin's QNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84880451968Legitimacy or good governance: What drives carbon performance in AustraliaQian W.2013Corporate Ownership and Control100.125NoneGovernance and Sustainability, School of Commerce, University of South Australia, SA5001, South AfricaQian, W., Governance and Sustainability, School of Commerce, University of South Australia, SA5001, South AfricaPrevious studies present diverse views on carbon performance. The legitimacy perspective posits that external forces from a wide range of stakeholders drives environmental performance change, while the governance perspective posits that strong internal governance structure leads to performance improvement. This study empirically examines the validity of these different perspectives. Using data released by top polluting companies included in the Australian National Greenhouse and Energy Reports (NGER), the study finds that better governance structures are significantly associated with higher carbon performance, but there is no significant relationship between external carbon disclosure and carbon performance. The results suggest that future policy needs to focus more on ensuring strong corporate governance system and encouraging the integration of environmental aspects into governance agenda.Carbon disclosure; Carbon performance; Corporate governance; Environmental sensitivity; LegitimacyNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84897139760From philanthropy to impact investing: Shifting mindsets in South AfricaViviers S., Ractliffe T., Hand D.2011Corporate Ownership and Control80.16666666667NoneDepartment of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South AfricaViviers, S., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Ractliffe, T.; Hand, D.This paper contributes to the body of knowledge on impact investing in South Africa by defining the phenomenon, outlining the relationship between philanthropy, responsible investing (RI) and impact investing, and discussing the moral roots and historical development of these three concepts. Attention is also given to the current status of philanthropy, RI and impact investing internationally and locally. A review of 53 local RI funds established over the period 1 June 1992 to 31 December 2010 reveal that the majority have an impact investing focus, either on its own or in combination with other RI strategies. The challenges in stimulating growth in impact investing in South Africa are highlighted and suggestions provided to address these challenges.Impact investing; Philanthropy; Responsible investing; South AfricaNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84904965593Impact of carbon emissions on total assets and operating costs: An analysis of the jse100 companiesBimha A.2014Corporate Ownership and Control110.16666666667NoneDepartment of Finance, Banking and Risk Management, University of South Africa, P O Box 392, UNISA, 0003, South AfricaBimha, A., Department of Finance, Banking and Risk Management, University of South Africa, P O Box 392, UNISA, 0003, South AfricaThere is a definite concern in the rise of carbon emissions globally from traditional methods of production (Stern, 2008; IPCC, 2007). More so it is now widely acclaimed that by adopting production processes that reduce carbon emissions to low levels, companies will succeed in reducing their operating costs (Dietz et al, 2009; Sims et al, 2003). There has been limited study in investigating how the present state of companies' carbon emissions output is related to their operating costs and total assets. Therefore the study intends to establish the level of interactions between the carbon emissions, total assets and the operating costs they report annually. A panel data analysis was done on these three variables using a sample of the top 100 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) reporting companies in South Africa. The study utilized the data of companies that report their emissions to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) annually and are the top 100 JSE Companies by market capitalization and categorized the CDP reporting companies into 7 industrials sectors. The 7 industrial sectors are Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Energy and Materials, Financials, Health Care, Industrials and IT and Telecoms. The results indicate that in the short run there is no strong relationship between carbon emissions output and operating costs. More so, the carbon emissions have a very weak and statistically insignificant relationship with total assets.Carbon emissions; JSE100; Panel data analysis; South africaNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84904970991The performance of socially responsible investment funds and exchange-traded funds: Evidence from Johannesburg stock exchangeMarozva G.2014Corporate Ownership and Control110.16666666667NoneDepartment of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, P.O.Box 392, UNISA, 003, Pretoria, South AfricaMarozva, G., Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, P.O.Box 392, UNISA, 003, Pretoria, South AfricaThe research reported in this article explored how the JSE SRI Index performed relative to exchange-traded funds during the period of economic growth as well as during the period of economic decline between 2004 and 2014. The JSE SRI Index and exchange traded funds are analysed by a single factor model as well as other risk-adjusted performance measures including the Sharpe ratio, the Treynor ratio and the M-squared ratio. The single-factor model regression results suggest that during the period of economic growth the JSE SRI index neither significantly outperformed nor underperformed the exchange-traded funds. However, the JSE SRI Index significantly underperformed the exchange-traded funds during the period of economic decline. Further tests that engaged other risk-adjusted measures indicated that the exchange-traded funds performed better than the JSE SRI index in both periods. Based on this research it is recommended that further research be conducted using models that can control for the liquidity difference in funds.Capital asset pricing model; Exchange-traded funds; M-squared ratio; Performance; Sharpe ratio; Socially responsible investment index; Treynor ratioNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84867099092Modeling the impacts of reforestation on future climate in West AfricaAbiodun B.J., Adeyewa Z.D., Oguntunde P.G., Salami A.T., Ajayi V.O.2012Theoretical and Applied Climatology11002-Jan10.1007/s00704-012-0614-1Climate System Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Meteorology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Engineering, FedAbiodun, B.J., Climate System Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Adeyewa, Z.D., Department of Meteorology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Oguntunde, P.G., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Salami, A.T., Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ajayi, V.O., Department of Meteorology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, NigeriaThis study investigates the potential impacts of reforestation in West Africa on the projected regional climate in the near two decades (2031-2050) under the SRES A1B scenario. A regional climate model (RegCM3) forced with a global circulation model (ECHAM5) simulations was used for the study. The study evaluates the capability of the regional model in simulating the present-day climate over West Africa, projects the future climate over the region and investigates impacts of seven hypothetical reforestation options on the projected future climate. Three of these reforestation options assume zonal reforestation over West Africa (i. e., over the Sahel, Savanna and Guinea), while the other four assume random reforestation over Nigeria. With the elevated GHGs (A1B scenario), a warmer and drier climate is projected over West Africa in 2031-2050. The maximum warming (+2. 5°C) and drying (-2 mm day -1) occur in the western part of the Sahel because the West Africa Monsoon (WAM) flow is stronger and deflects the cool moist air more eastward, thereby lowering the warming and drying in the eastern part. In the simulations, reforestation reduces the projected warming and drying over the reforested zones but increases them outside the zones because it influences the northward progression of WAM in summer. It reduces the speed of the flow by weakening the temperature gradient that drives the flow and by increasing the surface drag on the flow over the reforested zone. Hence, in summer, the reforestation delays the onset of monsoon flow in transporting cool moist air over the area located downwind of the reforested zone, consequently enhancing the projected warming and drying over the area. The impact of reforesting Nigeria is not limited to the country; while it lowers the warming over part of the country (and over Togo), it increases the warming over Chad and Cameroon. This study, therefore, suggests that using reforestation to mitigate the projected future climate change in West Africa could have both positive and negative impacts on the regional climate, reducing temperature in some places and increasing it in others. Hence, reforestation in West Africa requires a mutual agreement among the West African nations because the impacts of reforestation do not recognize political boundaries. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.Noneair temperature; atmospheric circulation; climate change; climate modeling; greenhouse gas; monsoon; reforestation; regional climate; temperature gradient; Cameroon; Chad; Guinea; Nigeria; Sahel [Sub-Saharan Africa]; TogoNone
Scopus2-s2.0-35448962527Sink competition and desuckering effects on field performance of triploid and tetraploid plantain genotypesTenkouano A., Vuylsteke D., Swennen R.2007Journal of Crop Improvement2002-Jan10.1300/J411v20n01_02Crop Improvement Division, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.M.B. 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Laboratory of Tropical Crop Improvement, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 13, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; IITA c/o L.W. LamTenkouano, A., Crop Improvement Division, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.M.B. 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria, IITA c/o L.W. Lambourn and Co., 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Vuylsteke, D., Crop Improvement Division, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.M.B. 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Swennen, R., Laboratory of Tropical Crop Improvement, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 13, B-3001 Leuven, BelgiumReproductive growth in polyarchic Musa spp. varieties occurs by the simultaneous growth of several shoots, resulting in competitive inhibition of fruit development in the individual shoots, particularly under poor soil fertility conditions. Nine plantain genotypes were forced into single-culm growth by continuous sucker removal in the ratoon crop (RC). There were no significant differences among genotypes for days to flowering (DTF) and days to harvest (DTH) in the plant crop (PC), but significant differences occurred in RC for both traits. There was a negative correlation between degree of sucker growth in the PC and DTF or DTH in RC, indicating that early flowering and maturity in the RC occurred as a result of fast sucker development in the PC. Likewise, bunch weight in the RC was positively correlated with sucker growth in the previous crop. However, sucker growth appeared to compete against the development of the bunch in the PC, resulting in a significant reduction in fruit size but not fruit number. Desuckering significantly reduced DTF and DTH in the RC. Bunch weight and fruit size were significantly improved by sucker removal in the RC. Gains were highest for genotypes that normally produce multiple lateral shoots and lowest for those displaying a more hierarchical growth habit. Thus, sucker removal could be recommended as a crop management option for the polyarchic Musa genotypes. Copyright © by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.Apical dominance; Bunch weight; Crop management; Desuckering; Genetic improvement; Musa spp.; Suckering behaviorMusaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79958730136Modern mill technology and centralised processing system, an alternative for improving performance of palm oil mills in Abia State, NigeriaOwolarafe O.K., Oni O.A.2011Technology in Society3302-Jan10.1016/j.techsoc.2011.03.002Department of Agricultural Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; New Nigerian Foundation, Lagos, NigeriaOwolarafe, O.K., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Oni, O.A., New Nigerian Foundation, Lagos, NigeriaAn assessment of palm fruit processing technologies in Abia State palm oil industry was carried out in this study. About 95% of the mills were in the small scale category with capacities in the range 0.2-3.0 t/hr. Majority (80-90%) of the mills still utilized local drums for sterilisation of fruit and clarification of oil. Palm fruit digestion and oil extraction operations have been mechanised to some extent with about 90% of the mills having one device or the other to handle the operations. Hand-operated screw press was predominant (80%) in most of the mill as a device for palm oil extraction. Fruit stripping was manually carried out. Nut/fibre separation by mechanical method is adopted by small group (40%) of the mills and 90% of the mills utilize nut cracker to crack their nuts. Most of the machines being utilized are sourced locally. Maintenance of the machines was being carried out mainly when they develop faults. More than 50% of the mills have abandoned one machine or the other with breakdown of machines being the predominant reason. Most of the mills sourced fruit by purchase or served as processing centre. The extraction rate of the mills was very low and was in the range of 7-13%. Cost of production was very high when compared with other West African palm oil producing countries. Introduction of a large scale mill utilising modern technology (and centralised processing system) in form of Public Private Partnership is being proposed. Such system will have to be backed up a palm oil act as well as adequate mobilization of the farmers in order to facilitate the adoption of the system by farmers. A modern mill of 5 t/hr capacity is being planned to serve a group of farmers in a catchment area as a model. This system will make available prompt returns to the farmers to strengthen their palm fruit production capacity and guarantee high quality oil that can be exported. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.Extraction efficiency; Maintenance; Mill technology; Oil palm; Oil yield; QualityCatchment area; Cost of productions; Extraction efficiencies; Extraction rate; Fruit processing; Fruit production; High quality; Improving performance; Mechanical methods; Mill technology; Modern technologies; Nigeria; Oil extraction; Oil palm; Oil yield; One-machine; Palm oil; Processing systems; Public private partnerships; Screw press; Small groups; Small scale; Agriculture; Catchments; Extraction; Fruits; Maintainability; Technology; Vegetable oils; industrial performance; industrial production; industrial technology; maintenance; milling; oil industry; public-private partnership; Abia; Nigeria; ElaeisNone
Scopus2-s2.0-48849086369Impact of corrosion inhibitors on the environmentAmadi S.A., Ukpaka C.P.2007Modelling, Measurement and Control C6802-JanNoneDepartment of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, P.M.B.5080, Port Harcourt, NigeriaAmadi, S.A., Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, P.M.B.5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ukpaka, C.P., Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, P.M.B.5080, Port Harcourt, NigeriaThis paper entailed the analysis of three commercial corrosion inhibitors to know the concentration of heavy metals in them and the attendant health effect of these heavy metals on the environment. The effect on the environment was investigated by polluting some soil samples with the corrosion inhibitors and then analyzing these soil samples, for 1 day and 2 weeks. Results showed that the corrosion inhibitors contain heavy metals whose concentration exceeds the FEPA limits. These heavy metals are injurious to human health, toxic to plants and animals. They also have adveise on the ecology of the receiving environment and on surface and ground water quality. Comparative effect of environmental pollution of these corrosion inhibitors was tested using t-test techniques (t-test for correlated non independent samples) to determine the significance of the difference between the concentration of these samples. The comprehensive and feasible data generated from the experimental investigation shows the significant effect of these samples. Numerical computation methods were employed to determine the variation on the concentration of the sample from 1 day to 2 weeks. The t-test (tcal(o)=0.851, tcal (5) = 0.964, tcal(10)= 1.015, and tcal(15) = 0.981). Finally, this shows that the degree of pollution of corrosion inhibitors to the environment increase daily and therefore poses a great potential impact on the environment.Corrosion inhibitors; Environment; Impact; T-test comparative effectAtmospherics; Concentration (process); Corrosion; Corrosion prevention; Corrosion resistance; Corrosion resistant alloys; Groundwater; Health; Heavy metals; Metals; Soil surveys; Soils; Testing; Water quality; Commercial corrosion; Environment; Environmental pollutions; Experimental investigations; Ground water quality; Human health; Impact; Numerical computations; Soil samples; T-test comparative effect; Test techniques; Corrosion inhibitorsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-34548837460Evaluation of three serological tests for brucellosis in naturally infected cattle using latent class analysisMuma J.B., Toft N., Oloya J., Lund A., Nielsen K., Samui K., Skjerve E.2007Veterinary Microbiology12502-Jan10.1016/j.vetmic.2007.05.012Department of Disease Control, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway; Department of Large Animal Sciences, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Groennegaardsvej 8, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C., Denmark; Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 70062, Kampala, Uganda; National Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 8156 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway; Animal Disease Research Institute, Canada Food Inspection Agency, 3851 Fallowfield Road, Nepean, Ont. K2H 8P9, CanadaMuma, J.B., Department of Disease Control, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway; Toft, N., Department of Large Animal Sciences, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Groennegaardsvej 8, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C., Denmark; Oloya, J., Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 70062, Kampala, Uganda; Lund, A., National Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 8156 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway; Nielsen, K., Animal Disease Research Institute, Canada Food Inspection Agency, 3851 Fallowfield Road, Nepean, Ont. K2H 8P9, Canada; Samui, K., Department of Disease Control, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia; Skjerve, E., Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, NorwaySerological methods are traditionally used in diagnosis of brucellosis. However, the comparative performance of these tests and their accuracy under the local environment in Zambia has not been assessed. Thus, the objective of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of three serological tests for brucellosis; Rose Bengal Test (RBT), competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) and Fluorescence Polarisation Assay (FPA) in naturally infected cattle in Zambia without an appropriate reference test to classify animals into truly infected and non-infected. Serological test results from a study to determine sero-prevalence were used to compare the performance of RBT, c-ELISA and FPA in diagnosing brucellosis in traditional cattle. Since none of the tests can be seen as a perfect reference test or gold standard, their performance in a population of naturally infected cattle was evaluated using latent class analysis which allows the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) to be estimated in the absence of a gold standard. The highest Se was achieved by the c-ELISA (97%; Credible Posterior Interval (CPI) = 93-100%) and the highest Sp by the FPA (93%; CPI = 85-99%), conversely these tests also had the lowest Sp and Se, respectively, with the RBT performing well in both the Se (93%; CPI = 84-98%) and Sp (81%; CPI = 61-97). © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Brucellosis; c-ELISA; FPA; RBT; Sensitivity; Specificityrose bengal; article; brucellosis; cattle disease; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; fluorescence polarization immunoassay; gold standard; nonhuman; sensitivity and specificity; serodiagnosis; serology; seroprevalence; Zambia; Agglutination Tests; Animals; Antibodies, Bacterial; Bayes Theorem; Brucella; Brucellosis, Bovine; Cattle; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay; Rose Bengal; Sensitivity and Specificity; Animalia; BosNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84866512350The performance of DGT versus conventional soil phosphorus tests in tropical soils - An isotope dilution studySix L., Pypers P., Degryse F., Smolders E., Merckx R.2012Plant and Soil35902-Jan10.1007/s11104-012-1192-9Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Soil and Water Management, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Ins. of the Intl. Centre for Tropical Agriculture (TSBF-CIAT), P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, AustraliaSix, L., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Soil and Water Management, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Pypers, P., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Ins. of the Intl. Centre for Tropical Agriculture (TSBF-CIAT), P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Degryse, F., School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia; Smolders, E., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Soil and Water Management, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Merckx, R., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Soil and Water Management, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, BelgiumBackground and aims: A soil test that samples nutrients only from fractions that are accessible to plants will predict availability and uptake more robustly than empirical tests. This can be tested by comparison of the isotope ratios (specific activity, SA) of the nutrient between plant and the soil extract. This study was set up to assess this requirement for the diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT), recently proposed as a soil P test, in comparison with conventional soil P tests viz. Olsen, Colwell, Bray-1, Mehlich-3, ammonium oxalate, anion exchange membranes (AEM) and 0. 01 M CaCl 2 solution. Methods: Maize (Zea mays L.) was grown in two P-deficient soils from western Kenya with contrasting P sorption characteristics, amended with a low and a high P rate and labelled with 33P. Results: The SA in the plant shoot corresponded with that of the extracts of the different soil tests, except for CaCl 2 and ammonium oxalate extracts, at the low P rate in the soil with low P sorption capacity, Teso soil. For the high P rate on this soil, differences in SA between maize shoot and soil test were small for all established soil tests, but significant for the Colwell, Bray-1, Mehlich-3 and AEM tests. The SA in the soil extracts was significantly smaller than that in the maize shoot for Sega the strongly P-sorbing soil at both P rates for all conventional tests, including AEM. This indicates that these tests extracted P from a pool that is not accessible to the plant. For the DGT test, however, there was no difference in SA between the maize shoot and the soil test, for any of the treatments. Conclusions: Most conventional soil tests can extract a fraction of P which is not available to maize. The DGT technique, however, only samples P from the plant-accessible pool. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.Isotopically exchangeable phosphate; Phosphorus deficiency; Soil fertilitychloride; dilution; fractionation; growth rate; ion exchange; isotopic analysis; maize; oxalate; performance assessment; phosphorus; soil fertility; sorption; tropical soil; Kenya; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79960359875Managerial roles and choice of performance measures in the kenyan five-star hotels using a cross-sectional correlational designWadongo B.I., Edwin O., Oscar K.O.2010Managing Leisure1502-Jan10.1080/13606710903447980Department of Ecotourism, Hotel and Institution Management, Maseno University, Private Bag, Maseno, Kenya; American Hospitality Academy Romania, International Hotel Management Schools, Camp. Colegiul Astra, Cladire Corp B, Str Panselelor, Brasov, 500419, KenyaWadongo, B.I., Department of Ecotourism, Hotel and Institution Management, Maseno University, Private Bag, Maseno, Kenya; Edwin, O., American Hospitality Academy Romania, International Hotel Management Schools, Camp. Colegiul Astra, Cladire Corp B, Str Panselelor, Brasov, 500419, Kenya; Oscar, K.O., Department of Ecotourism, Hotel and Institution Management, Maseno University, Private Bag, Maseno, KenyaPerformance management was traditionally defined as the process of financial control, in which the mission and strategy are translated into budgets, and subsequently results are compared with budgets in Kenya. Despite the progress taking place with regard to the design of more effective performance measurement systems, little is known about the linkage between managerial roles and performance dimensionmeasures, yet this provides the best opportunity for organizations to improve their performancemeasurement systems.Across-sectionalcorrelational studyof160managers insixfive-starhotels in Nairobi andMombasa, Kenya found the relationships betweenmanagerial roles and choice of performance measures. Hospitality organizations that want to implement effective performance management systems should use managerial roles to influence managers' choice of performance measures. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.Cross-sectional survey; Hotel industry; Kenya; managerial roles; Performance measuresNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-34347381921Identity and memory in Omobóyòdé Àrowá's Oríkì performance in (Yoruba) Ekiti dialectDasylva A.O.2007African and Asian Studies602-Jan10.1163/156921007X180631Department of English, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaDasylva, A.O., Department of English, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaOríkì is a significant panegyric poetry in indigenous Yoruba communities of South-Western Nigeria. The different sub-generic forms which characterize its form, and its obvious ethnographic and anthropological histrionics constitute its thrust and aesthetic peculiarities. This paper sets out to examine Omoboyode Arowa's oríkì performance, explores how she articulates the ethnographic cum-psychosocial knowledge of her environment, and subsequently exploits the same to advantage. It further demonstrates how this, in turn, engenders her re-inscription of self in the performance under reference. Whereas a performer usually recites, sings, or chants a form of oriki, Àrowá'ş oríkìperformance in Èk̀tì dialect embraces varieties of oríkì sub-types, giving her performance a more elaborate, and unique quality. Besides, the gender specificity noticeable in Àrowás performance in which as a woman chanter, she succeeds in negotiating a space for self re-inscribing, thereby qualifying her oriki corpus as one of the highly developed, complex, and most achieving form of oriki performances in indigenous Yoruba. It concludes that, in view of the findings, there is the urgent need for a new vigor and sense of commitment to the study of the oríkì repertoire of individual performer for the purpose of ensuring its survival in a manner that makes its scholarship transcend its present boundaries, thereby making it serve new functions. © Koninklijke Brill NV 2007.Àrowá'ş oríkì; Eketi; Identity; Memory; Ogun; Omoboyode; orikianthropology; cultural history; cultural identity; indigenous population; language; memory; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-49449092769Impact of rainfall distribution on the parameterisation of a soil-moisture balance model of groundwater recharge in equatorial AfricaMileham L., Taylor R., Thompson J., Todd M., Tindimugaya C.2008Journal of Hydrology35902-Jan10.1016/j.jhydrol.2008.06.007Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Water Resources Management Directorate (WRMD), P.O. Box 19, Entebbe, UgandaMileham, L., Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Taylor, R., Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Thompson, J., Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Todd, M., Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Tindimugaya, C., Water Resources Management Directorate (WRMD), P.O. Box 19, Entebbe, UgandaRobust calibration of hydrological models, driven by gridded precipitation data derived from either Regional Climate Models or statistical downscaling of General Circulation Models, is essential to the quantitative analysis of the impacts of climate change on catchment hydrology and freshwater resources. Predicted warming in equatorial Africa, accompanied by greater evaporation and more frequent heavy precipitation events, may have substantial but uncertain impacts on terrestrial hydrology. In this study, we examine how the spatial representation of precipitation influences the parameterisation and calibration of a soil-moisture balance model (SMBM) in the humid tropics of equatorial Uganda. SMBMs explicitly account for changes in soil-moisture and partition effective precipitation into groundwater recharge and runoff. The semi-distributed SMBM, calibrated with daily station data over a 15 year period (1965-1979), estimates a mean annual recharge of 104 mm a-1 and mean annual surface runoff of 144 mm a-1. Interpolation of station precipitation by inverse distance weighting produces a more uniform distribution, and a 7% increase, in mean annual catchment precipitation relative to point-based station data. Application of interpolated (gridded), uncorrected precipitation to the SMBM results in an underestimation of runoff and overestimation of recharge by 57% and 52%; respectively whereas use of corrected, gridded precipitation results in an underestimation of recharge and runoff by 10% and 64%; respectively. Recalibration of the SMBM using gridded precipitation data requires a 3% reduction in potential evapotranspiration, a 12% increase in the runoff-coefficient, and an 18% reduction in the rainfall threshold. These values are inconsistent with local, point-based observations of these parameters. Although current efforts seek to improve the distribution and duration of key hydrological measurements (e.g. soil-moisture, groundwater levels) in data-poor regions, the parameterisation of gridded hydrological models remains largely empirical due to the discrepancy between gridded and locally observed hydrological parameters. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Africa; Distribution; Groundwater; Precipitation; RechargeCalibration; Catchments; Climate change; Earth sciences; Groundwater; Hydraulic models; Hydrogeology; Hydrology; Moisture; Rain; Runoff; Soil moisture; Soils; Underground reservoirs; Water; Africa; Catchment hydrology; Distribution; Equatorial Africa; Fresh water resources; General circulation models; Gridded precipitation; Groundwater recharging; Heavy precipitation; Humid tropics; Hydrological modelling; Precipitation; Quantitative analysis; Rainfall distributions; Recharge; Regional climate modelling; Robust calibration; Spatial representations; Statistical downscaling; Geologic models; calibration; catchment; climate change; climate effect; climate modeling; climate prediction; evaporation; general circulation model; groundwater; hydrological modeling; interpolation; parameterization; precipitation (climatology); quantitative analysis; rainfall; recharge; runoff; soil moisture; spatial distribution; statistical analysis; uncertainty analysis; warming; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; UgandaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-54449098133The use of an indirect impact quick-stop mechanism during the turning of α-titanium BT5 alloyDahunsi O.A., Awopetu O.O.2008International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials302-Jan10.1504/IJMMM.2008.017626Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, NigeriaDahunsi, O.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Awopetu, O.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, NigeriaThis paper studies the use of an indirect impact quick stop mechanism whose design, construction and mode of operation is relatively simpler in the chip root analysis of α-titanium alloy BT5 in a semi-finish turning operation. The quick-stop was used over a cutting speed range 2 120 m/min, but only micrographs for cutting at 60 m/min were presented, however, the mechanism attained a minimum withdrawal speed of about 3.2 mm/s and an average speed (estimated from the plotted graph) of about 11 m/s. Metallographic analysis of the chip roots presented pronounced Built-Up-Edge (BUE) and segmented chip formation features but the grains varied largely in appearance and shapes. The various chip segments also varied in sizes in contrast to the segments of stainless steel whose chips are usually segmented too. © 2008, Inderscience Publishers.BUE; Built-Up-Edge; Chip root analysis; Metallographic analysis; Segmented chip; Semi-finish; Titanium; Withdrawal speedCutting; Metallography; Turning; Chip root analysis; Segmented chip; Withdrawal speed; Titanium alloysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84875399709Investigation of the impact in variation of secondary radioclimatic variables on microwave at the lower atmosphereJonas A.U., Okechukwu U.D.2013Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics12002-Jan10.1007/s00703-013-0234-zDepartment of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41010 Enugu State, NigeriaJonas, A.U., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41010 Enugu State, Nigeria; Okechukwu, U.D., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41010 Enugu State, NigeriaThe work discusses the effect in the variations of secondary radioclimatic parameters in Nsukka, Nigeria. The data collected from the measured atmospheric profile using two automatic wireless weather stations for 3 years were used to estimate the propagation condition, geoclimatic factor, and effective earth radius. The result shows that, the calculated median value of k-factor is 1. 595, with an absolute span of 0. 26 of the standard value of k-factor 1. 333 owing to the increase in relative humidity during the rainy seasons and intensive temperature inversion in the morning and early afternoon periods of December due to the dry harmattan for the season. Also, from the result super-refraction propagation condition was observed for about 7 months of a year, while ducting condition dominates the remaining 5 months in the region. The regression analysis of k-factor as a function of ground refractivity showed that the pair is strongly correlated (0. 9996). These results have not been obtained in the region and it will help in planning of radio wave line-of-sight for better signal reception. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Wien.Noneair temperature; microwave radiation; radio wave; regression analysis; relative humidity; Enugu [Nigeria]; Nigeria; NsukkaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33846060888Performance of empirical correlations for predicting monthly mean daily diffuse solar radiation values at Kampala, UgandaMubiru J., Banda E.J.K.B.2007Theoretical and Applied Climatology8802-Jan10.1007/s00704-006-0249-1Department of Physics, Makerere University, Kampala, UgandaMubiru, J., Department of Physics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Banda, E.J.K.B., Department of Physics, Makerere University, Kampala, UgandaExisting literature lacks information on formulation and performance assessment of diffuse solar radiation models in the Eastern African region yet this region has a high potential for the utilization of solar energy. The objective of this paper is to assess the performance of seventeen diffuse solar irradiation empirical correlations, at Kampala, Uganda. The best performing correlations were determined using the ranking method. The normalized absolute mean bias error and root mean square error were computed and utilized in the ranking process. The results indicated that the correlations relating diffuse transmittance (H̄d/H̄0) with relative sunshine duration (S̄/S̄0) are more reliable for diffuse solar radiation predictions at least in the Uganda environment. These models are expressed in terms of first, second and third order polynomials of the relative sunshine duration and are particularly recommended for their simplicity and worldwide applicability. © Springer-Verlag 2006.Nonecorrelation; empirical analysis; error analysis; numerical model; ranking; solar radiation; Africa; Central Province [Uganda]; East Africa; Kampala; Sub-Saharan Africa; UgandaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-40949137714Impact of postnatal depression on infants' growth in NigeriaAdewuya A.O., Ola B.O., Aloba O.O., Mapayi B.M., Okeniyi J.A.O.2008Journal of Affective Disorders10802-Jan10.1016/j.jad.2007.09.013Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Nigeria; Department of Mental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex. Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences. OAdewuya, A.O., Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Nigeria; Ola, B.O., Department of Mental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex. Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Aloba, O.O., Department of Mental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex. Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Mapayi, B.M., Department of Mental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex. Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Okeniyi, J.A.O., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences. Obafemi Awolowo University. Ile-Ife, NigeriaBackground: The contribution of maternal postnatal depression to infant growth and under-nutrition in Africa has not been well studied. This study aims to examine the impact of postnatal depression (PND) on infants' physical growth in the first 9 months of life in Nigeria. Methods: A longitudinal case controlled study in which 242 women (consisting of 120 depressed and 122 matched non-depressed postpartum women) had their infants' weight and length measured at the 6th week, 3rd month, 6th month and 9th month after delivery. Discontinuation with breastfeeding and illnesses like diarrhoea, persistent vomiting, fever and cough were also recorded at these periods. Results: Infants of depressed mothers had statistically significant poorer growth than infants of non-depressed mothers at the 3rd month (weight OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.30-8.52; length OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.03-10.47) and the 6th month postpartum (weight OR 4.21, 95% CI 1.36-13.20; length OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.18-9.52). Depressed mothers were more likely to stop breastfeeding earlier and their infants more likely to have episodes of diarrhoea and other infectious illnesses. Limitations: Psychiatric interview was conducted only once (at 6 weeks postpartum), our sample size was moderate and we did not account for mothers who had been depressed in pregnancy. Conclusion: Prevention of postnatal depression and close monitoring of the growth of infants of depressed mothers should be integrated into maternal and child health policies in this region. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Breastfeeding; Cross-cultural; Infants' growth; Postnatal depressionarticle; body weight; breast feeding education; child growth; coughing; diarrhea; disease association; female; fever; human; interview; major clinical study; Nigeria; patient monitoring; priority journal; psychologic test; puerperal depression; vomiting; Adult; Body Height; Body Weight; Breast Feeding; Case-Control Studies; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Depression, Postpartum; Developing Countries; Diarrhea, Infantile; Failure to Thrive; Female; Health Surveys; History, Ancient; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Nigeria; Risk FactorsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77953818977Predicting the impact of food processing industry on water quality of its environment using 24 full factorial designChukwu O.2009Modelling, Measurement and Control C7002-JanNoneDept of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Niger State, NigeriaChukwu, O., Dept of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Niger State, NigeriaA 24 full factorial design was used to predict the impact of a food processing industry on the water quality of its environment. The factorial, main, and interaction effects of four water pollutants, namely, total dissolved solids, sulphide of lead, total nitrates, and total undissolved solids on biological oxygen demand (BOD) were obtained statistically. From sensitive analysis, it was concluded that all the main effects and interactions in the model have significant impacts on the level of BOD of the surface water. The statistical analysis of the experimental data showed that the predictive model is adequate for obtaining optimum conditions. Validation of the model gave a correlation coefficient of 0.999749 between the measured and predicted values. It was recommended that any processing activity by the industry that could lead to the discharge of the pollutants into water bodies at values more than the maximum permissible limits must be discouraged.Biological oxygen demand; Environment; Factorial design; Food processing; Impact; Prediction; Water oualityBiological oxygen demand; Correlation coefficient; Environment; Experimental data; Factorial design; Food processing industry; Full factorial design; Interaction effect; Main effect; Optimum conditions; Predictive models; Processing activity; Sensitive analysis; Significant impacts; Statistical analysis; Total dissolved solids; Undissolved solids; Water pollutants; Waterbodies; Biochemical oxygen demand; Design; Dissolution; Dissolved oxygen; Forecasting; Industry; Surface waters; Waste treatment; Water pollution; Water quality; Food processingNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79957454274Wet season predictive technique for monitoring the hydrocarbon degradation in a continuous discharge of wastewater in pond systemUkpaka C.P., Ogoni H.A., Amadi S.A., Akor J.A.2010Modelling, Measurement and Control C7102-JanNoneDept of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Dept of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Niger Delta of University of Bayelsa State, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria; Dept of AUkpaka, C.P., Dept of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ogoni, H.A., Dept of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Niger Delta of University of Bayelsa State, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria; Amadi, S.A., Dept of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Akor, J.A., Dept of Agriculture and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, NigeriaMathematical model was developed in this paper for the prediction of petroleum hydrocarbon degradation in a continuous discharge of wastewater in a pond system for wet season. The general partial differential equation obtained from the process was resolved using separation of variables tools. The functional parameters were evaluated and computed as shown in this paper, which led to the determination of maximum specific growth rate, maximum degradation rate and equilibrium constant for both theoretical and experimental obtained results. The comparison of theoretical and experimental results in terms of maximum specific growth rate and equilibrium constant shows a good match. This illustrates that the theoretical model developed is reliable and can be used to predict and monitor the degradation of individual hydrocarbon in a pond system upon the influence of momentum transfer.Correlation; Hydrocarbon degradation; Microbial growth; Model; Pond; WastewaterCorrelation; Degradation rate; Functional parameters; Hydrocarbon degradation; Maximum specific growth rates; Microbial growth; Petroleum hydrocarbons; Pond; Pond systems; Predictive techniques; Separation of variables; Theoretical models; Wet season; Equilibrium constants; Hydrocarbons; Lakes; Mathematical models; Partial differential equations; Petroleum chemistry; Wastewater; DegradationNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33745172124Evaluation of the surface and groundwater resources of Efuru river catchment, Mbano, South Eastern NigeriaEgereonu U.U., Nwachukwu U.L.2005Modelling, Measurement and Control C6602-JanNoneDept. of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, NigeriaEgereonu, U.U., Dept. of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Nwachukwu, U.L., Dept. of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, NigeriaHydrochemical investigations were carried out in Isiala-Mbano in Imo state, Nigeria in order to locate the sources of pollution. Survey was carried out on Efuru river and groundwater in its watershed. The spatial distribution of pollutants due to poor land use systems and human activities are reported. The electrical conductivity, pH, metallic ions, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, hardness ions, chemical oxygen demand, silica content, chloride, sulphate, nitrate and langelier index were analysed in both dry and rainy seasons. The results were evaluated in the light of the World Health Organization Standards and were found admissible for human consumption. Negative Langelier index indicated that the groundwater is corrosive while positive langelier index indicates that the groundwater is encrustating. The study emphasized the need for protection of surface and groundwater to meet the rapid population growth and rate of urbanization.Efuru river; Hydrochemical; Langelier index; PollutionAlkalinity; Catchments; Chemical oxygen demand; Chlorine compounds; Electric conductivity; Groundwater resources; Ions; Land use; Nitrates; pH effects; Pollution; Silica; Sulfur compounds; Surveying; Watersheds; Efuru river; Hardness ions; Hydrochemical; Langelier index; Pollutants; RiversNone
Scopus2-s2.0-48949090293Health impact optimization model for the Nigerian National Onchocerciasis Control Program (NOCP)Inyama S.C., Ogbugh C.C.2007Modelling, Measurement and Control C6802-JanNoneDept. of Mathematics and Computer Science, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics, Federal Polytechnics, Nekede, Owerri, NigeriaInyama, S.C., Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Ogbugh, C.C., Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics, Federal Polytechnics, Nekede, Owerri, NigeriaYearly, the National Onchocerciasis Control Programme (NOCP) commits its resources to the control/ eradication of Onchocerciasis, otherwise known as River blindness. This paper therefore aims at finding the optimal way of allocating this meager resources to achieve an optimum health impact. To achieve this, data was collected from Global 2000 River Blindness Programme, National Onchoocerciasis Control Programme and National Population Commission on the eight hyper-endemic Local Government areas of Imo State. A regression model of the health impact (Y) on the five facilities provided by NOCP (xi, i=1,2,3,4,5) was obtained as: Y=-39.6898932+0.0001377x1+0. 004225x2-0.635122x3+0.072234x4+1.94289x 5. The health impact (Y) is standardized and an optimization model constructed in linear programming form. This was solved using the simplex method which determines the resource combination that gives the maximum health impact. This yields a maximum health impact of 88.88% a year.Global 2000; Health impact; Hyper-endemic; Onchocerciasis; Simplex methodEye protection; Food processing; Population statistics; Regression analysis; River control; Control programs; Global 2000; Health impact; Health impacts; Hyper-endemic; Local Government Areas; Nigerian; Onchocerciasis; Optimization modeling; Regression modelling; Simplex method; Concurrency controlNone
Scopus2-s2.0-26444465627In vitro evaluation of drug release from self micro-emulsifying drug delivery systems using a biodegradable homolipid from Capra hircusAttama A.A., Nkemnele M.O.2005International Journal of Pharmaceutics30402-Jan10.1016/j.ijpharm.2005.08.018Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, NigeriaAttama, A.A., Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Nkemnele, M.O., Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, NigeriaSelf micro-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) are specialized form of delivery systems in which drugs are encapsulated in a lipid base with or without a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. In this work, SMEDDS were formulated with a biodegradable homolipid from Capra hircus and Tween 65, and contained lipophilic drug-piroxicam, hydrophilic drug-chlorpheniramine maleate and hydrolipophilic drug-metronidazole. The SMEDDS formulated were evaluated for their drug release and drug content. The drug release studies were conducted in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), and distilled water, representing different pH values. Particle size of the SMEDDS was determined by light microscopy. The results of this study indicated that drug release was affected by the particle size of the SMEDDS. It was found that piroxicam release from the SMEDDS formulated with homolipids from Capra hircus was highest in SIF compared to the other drugs. This method of drug delivery could prove to be a versatile and reliable alternative to conventional drug delivery approaches. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Biodegradable; Drug release; Homolipids; Self micro-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS); SGF; SIFbase; capra hircus homolipid; chlorpheniramine maleate; lipid; metronidazole; piroxicam; polymer; surfactant; tween 65; unclassified drug; adipose tissue; article; biodegradable implant; drug delivery system; drug formulation; drug release; emulsion; encapsulation; goat; hydrophilicity; in vitro study; intestine fluid; lipophilicity; microscopy; particle size; pH; priority journal; simulation; stomach juice; Adipose Tissue; Animals; Biodegradation, Environmental; Chlorpheniramine; Drug Carriers; Emulsions; Gastric Juice; Goats; Humans; Intestinal Secretions; Lipids; Metronidazole; Models, Biological; Particle Size; Piroxicam; SolubilityNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33746054903Evaluation of Clitoria, Gliricidia and Mucuna as nitrogen supplements to Napier grass basal diet in relation to the performance of lactating Jersey cowsJuma H.K., Abdulrazak S.A., Muinga R.W., Ambula M.K.2006Livestock Science10302-Jan10.1016/j.livsci.2005.12.006Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 Njoro, Kenya; KARI Mtwapa, P.O. Box 16-80109, Mtwapa, KenyaJuma, H.K., Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 Njoro, Kenya; Abdulrazak, S.A., Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 Njoro, Kenya; Muinga, R.W., KARI Mtwapa, P.O. Box 16-80109, Mtwapa, Kenya; Ambula, M.K., Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 Njoro, KenyaA study was carried out at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute Mtwapa in Coastal lowland Kenya to evaluate the effects of supplementing Napier grass variety Bana (Pennisetum purpureum) with Clitoria ternatea (Clitoria), Gliricidia sepium (Gliricidia) and Mucuna pruriens (Mucuna) on feed intake, diet digestibility and milk yield of lactating Jersey cows. Clitoria and Mucuna were compared with Gliricidia; a widely studied nitrogen supplement to roughage-based diets in dairy rations in coastal Kenya. Twelve lactating Jersey cows in their mid lactation were assigned to four groups balanced for initial milk yield and live weight in a completely randomised design. One group was fed Napier grass ad libitum and 3 kg of maize bran daily (control). The remaining three groups were fed the control diet supplemented with 8 kg of fresh Clitoria, Gliricidia or Mucuna. Mucuna had lower CP (180 g kg- 1) concentration compared to Gliricidia (232 g kg- 1) and Clitoria (218 g kg- 1). Tannin concentration was higher in Gliricidia compared to the other legumes. They were however below the critical level of 6% hence were not expected to have any negative effect on animal performance. The total dry matter intake was not affected by legume supplementation (P > 0.05). Legume supplementation had no significant effect on organic and dry matter digestibilities (P > 0.05). Nitrogen supplementation (P < 0.05) increased daily milk yield by 20%, 27.5% and 32.5% for cows fed Gliricidia, Clitoria and Mucuna respectively. Results from this study show that Mucuna and Clitoria can give similar lactation performance to Gliricidia as nitrogen supplements Napier grass basal diet. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Diet digestibility; Feed intake; Jersey cows; Milk yield; Nitrogen supplementationAnimalia; Clitoria; Clitoria ternatea; Gliricidia; Gliricidia sepium; Mucuna; Mucuna deeringiana; Mucuna pruriens; Pennisetum glaucum; Pennisetum purpureum; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-12344282103Long-term effect of tillage and manure application on soil organic fractions and crop performance under Sudano-Sahelian conditionsMando A., Ouattara B., Sédogo M., Stroosnijder L., Ouattara K., Brussaard L., Vanlauwe B.2005Soil and Tillage Research8002-Jan10.1016/j.still.2004.03.002Inst. l'Environnement Rech. Agric., 03 BP 7192, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso; Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, Netherlands; Trop. Biol. and Fertility Programme, PO Box 30592, Nairobi, Kenya; An Intl. Ctr. Soil Fertil. Agric. D., BP 4483, Lomé, TogoMando, A., Inst. l'Environnement Rech. Agric., 03 BP 7192, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso, An Intl. Ctr. Soil Fertil. Agric. D., BP 4483, Lomé, Togo; Ouattara, B., Inst. l'Environnement Rech. Agric., 03 BP 7192, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso; Sédogo, M., Inst. l'Environnement Rech. Agric., 03 BP 7192, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso; Stroosnijder, L., Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, Netherlands; Ouattara, K., Inst. l'Environnement Rech. Agric., 03 BP 7192, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso; Brussaard, L., Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, Netherlands; Vanlauwe, B., Trop. Biol. and Fertility Programme, PO Box 30592, Nairobi, KenyaHuman-induced degradation of natural resources in general and of soil in particular, is a major problem in many regions, including the Sudano-Sahelian zone. The combined effects of tillage and manure application on Lixisol properties and on crop performance were investigated at Saria, Burkina Faso, to find efficient soil management practices to improve soil fertility. A randomized block design with four treatments (hand hoeing only, hand hoeing+manure, ploughing only, oxen ploughing+manure) in three replications was started in 1990. Ten years later, total soil organic (SOC), particulate organic matter and C mineralization were measured. Initial SOC concentration was 4 mg/g and dropped to 2.1 mg/g soil in ploughed plots without manure and to 2.5 mg/g soil in hoed plots without manure. Manure addition mitigated the decrease of SOC in ploughed plots and even built up SOC in hoed plots, where it increased to 5.8 mg/g soil. Manure had a large effect on the fractions in which SOC was stored. In ploughed plots, a large amount of SOC was stored in physical particles >0.25 mm, while in hand hoed plots the maximum SOC was stored in finer fractions. In the topsoil, hoeing and manure resulted in a higher SOC than ploughing with no manure. However, in the 15-25 cm layer, particularly in September, particulate organic matter was greater in ploughed plots with manure than in hoed plots with manure. Crop yields were highest on ploughed+manure plots and lowest on ploughed plots with no manure. We conclude that applying manure annually mitigates the negative effect of ploughing and hand hoeing on SOC and related properties and therefore can contribute to the sustainability of the agricultural system in the Sudano-Sahelian zone. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Crop performance; Manure; Organic C; Particulate organic matter; PloughingAgriculture; Crops; Degradation; Manures; Natural resources; Organic compounds; Sustainable development; Manure applications; Particulate organic matter; Tillage; Topsoil; Soils; crop performance; manure; soil organic matter; tillage; Agriculture; Degradation; Farm Crops; Manure; Natural Resources; Organic Matter; Soil; Sustained Yield; Africa; Burkina Faso; Eastern Hemisphere; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; World; Bos; BovinaeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-41349106751Diclofenac sodium delivery to the eye: In vitro evaluation of novel solid lipid nanoparticle formulation using human cornea constructAttama A.A., Reichl S., Müller-Goymann C.C.2008International Journal of Pharmaceutics35502-Jan10.1016/j.ijpharm.2007.12.007Institut für Pharmazeutische Technologie, Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, NigeriaAttama, A.A., Institut für Pharmazeutische Technologie, Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria; Reichl, S., Institut für Pharmazeutische Technologie, Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany; Müller-Goymann, C.C., Institut für Pharmazeutische Technologie, Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, GermanySolid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared with a combination of homolipid from goat (goat fat) and phospholipid, and evaluated for diclofenac sodium (DNa) delivery to the eye using bio-engineered human cornea, produced from immortalized human corneal endothelial cells (HENC), stromal fibroblasts and epithelial cells CEPI 17 CL 4. Encapsulation efficiency was high and sustained release of DNa and high permeation through the bio-engineered cornea were achieved. Results obtained in this work showed that permeation of DNa through the cornea construct was improved by formulation as SLN modified with phospholipid. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Diclofenac sodium; Drug permeation; Human cornea construct; Ocular drug delivery; Solid lipid nanoparticles; Surface modificationdiclofenac; phosphatidylcholine; solid lipid nanoparticle; article; cornea; differential scanning calorimetry; drug delivery system; drug formulation; drug instillation; drug penetration; drug release; encapsulation; eye; human; in vitro study; particle size; priority journal; X ray diffraction; zeta potential; Algorithms; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Biological Transport, Active; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cornea; Diclofenac; Drug Compounding; Eye; Humans; Lipids; Nanoparticles; Particle Size; Permeability; Solubility; Tissue Engineering; X-Ray DiffractionNone
Scopus2-s2.0-34648817250Maleic anhydride derivatives of a protein isolate: Preparation and functional evaluationLawal O.S., Dawodu M.O.2007European Food Research and Technology22602-Jan10.1007/s00217-006-0525-4Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Bundesstr. 45, Hamburg 20146, Germany; Department of Chemical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, P.M.B 2002, Agolwoye, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, BowenLawal, O.S., Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Bundesstr. 45, Hamburg 20146, Germany, Department of Chemical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, P.M.B 2002, Agolwoye, Nigeria; Dawodu, M.O., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, NigeriaAfrican locust bean protein isolate (NPI) was acylated with maleic anhydride at various concentrations. Addition of maleic anhydride at the levels of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 g/g of protein produced 36.4% (MP1), 43.7% (MP2) and 73.6% (MP3) of maleylated protein isolate, respectively. Water absorption capacity increased after maleylation but oil absorption capacity reduced progressively with increase in level of modification. Results also revealed that gelation capacities reduced after protein modifications. Emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsion stability (ES) increased following protein modification. In addition, corresponding increases in emulsifying properties were observed with increase in degree of modification of the proteins. Maleylation improved the foaming capacity of the native protein. Foaming capacity increased with increases in protein concentration for both native and maleylated protein derivatives while progressive decline in foam stability occurred with increases in level of protein modification. © 2006 Springer-Verlag.Functional properties; Maleic anhydride; Modification; Protein isolateDerivatives; Emulsions; Gelation; Maleic anhydride; Water absorption; Emulsifying activity (EA); Emulsion stability (ES); Foam stability; Functional properties; Protein isolate; Proteins; Parkia filicoideaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-34247483432Bacterial wilt and drought stresses in banana production and their impact on economic welfare in Uganda: Implications for banana research in East African HighlandsAbele S., Pillay M.2007Journal of Crop Improvement1902-Jan10.1300/J411v19n01_09International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, UgandaAbele, S., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda; Pillay, M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, UgandaThis study investigates the economic impact of banana Xanthomonas wilt (bxw) and drought on banana production in Uganda. The objective of this research is to determine the benefits of targeted research to avoid economic losses. In the worst-case scenarios, spread of bxw at a rate of 8% per annum, or drought at 50% yield losses in a five-year interval, results in significant losses for both consumers and producers. These losses would not only seriously jeopardize food security, but also affect overall macro-economic performance in Uganda. More likely scenarios with lower bxw and drought losses still show high economic losses, but they are mainly occurring on the consumers' side. Producers benefit from price increases at small production losses. This implies that research has to focus on public goods that can be delivered at no cost to farmers, as farmers under these circumstances are not likely to adopt costly preventive management measures. The best bet in this case would be publicly financed breeding, plant material multiplication and dissemination. Other options may be quarantine or trade restrictions, however, research on linkages between trade and the spread of bxw is yet to be done. © 2007 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.Banana markets; Breeding; Impact; Musa; Uganda; Xanthomonas wiltBacteria (microorganisms); Musa; XanthomonasNone
Scopus2-s2.0-24044440115Determination of lorazepam in plasma from children by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detectionMuchohi S.N., Obiero K., Kokwaro G.O., Ogutu B.R., Githiga I.M., Edwards G., Newton C.R.J.C.2005Journal of Chromatography B: Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences82402-Jan10.1016/j.jchromb.2005.07.040Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640, 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya; Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), P.O. Box 230, 80108 Kilifi, Kenya; Walter Reed Project/KEMRI Centre for Clinical Research, New Nyanza Provincial General Hospital, P.O. Box 54, Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology Research Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, L3 5QA Liverpool, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, L69 3GE Liverpool, United Kingdom; Neurosciences Unit, Institute of Child Health, University of London, London, United KingdomMuchohi, S.N., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640, 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), P.O. Box 230, 80108 Kilifi, Kenya; Obiero, K., Walter Reed Project/KEMRI Centre for Clinical Research, New Nyanza Provincial General Hospital, P.O. Box 54, Kisumu, Kenya; Kokwaro, G.O., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640, 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), P.O. Box 230, 80108 Kilifi, Kenya, Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Ogutu, B.R., Walter Reed Project/KEMRI Centre for Clinical Research, New Nyanza Provincial General Hospital, P.O. Box 54, Kisumu, Kenya; Githiga, I.M., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Edwards, G., Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology Research Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, L3 5QA Liverpool, United Kingdom, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, L69 3GE Liverpool, United Kingdom; Newton, C.R.J.C., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), P.O. Box 230, 80108 Kilifi, Kenya, Neurosciences Unit, Institute of Child Health, University of London, London, United KingdomA simple, sensitive, selective, and reproducible reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with UV detection was developed for the determination of lorazepam (LZP) in human plasma, using oxazepam (OZP) as internal standard. LZP and OZP were extracted from alkalinized (pH 9.5) spiked and clinical plasma samples using a single step liquid-liquid extraction with a mixture of n-hexane-dichloromethane (70:30%; v/v). Chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed-phase Synergi ® Max RP analytical column (150 mm × 4.6 mm i.d.; 4 μm particle size), using an aqueous mobile phase (10 mM KH2PO 4 buffer (pH 2.4)-acetonitrile; 65:35%, v/v) delivered at a flow-rate of 2.5 ml/min. Retention times for OZP and LZP were 10.2 and 11.9 min, respectively. Calibration curves were linear from 10 to 300 ng with correlation coefficients (r2) better than 0.99. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 2.5 and 10 ng/ml, respectively, using 0.5 ml samples. The mean relative recoveries at 20 and 300 ng/ml were 84.1 ± 5.5% (n = 6) and 72.4 ± 5.9% (n = 7), respectively; for OZP at 200 ng the value was 68.2 ± 6.8% (n = 14). The intra-assay relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) at 20, 150 and 270 ng/ml of LZP were 7.8%, 9.8% (n = 7 in all cases) and 6.6% (n = 8), respectively. The inter-assay R.S.D. at the above concentrations were 15.9%, 7.7% and 8.4% (n = 7 in all cases), respectively. Intra- and inter-assay accuracy data were within the acceptance interval of ±20% of the nominal values. There was no interference from other commonly co-administered anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, antipyretic, and antimalarial drugs. The method has been successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of LZP in children with severe malaria and convulsions following administration of a single intravenous dose (0.1 mg/kg body weight) of LZP.Analysis in plasma; Children; High-performance liquid chromatography; Lorazepam; PharmacokineticsBioassay; Concentration (process); Drug products; High performance liquid chromatography; Pharmacokinetics; Plasmas; Separation; Solvent extraction; Analysis in plasma; Children; Lorazepam; Oxazepam (OZP); Ultraviolet detectors; acetonitrile; analgesic agent; anticonvulsive agent; antiinfective agent; antimalarial agent; antipyretic agent; artesunate; buffer; chloramphenicol; chloramphenicol hemisuccinate; chloroquine; cycloguanil; diazepam; dichloromethane; fosphenytoin sodium; gentamicin; hexane; lorazepam; midazolam; oxazepam; paracetamol; penicillin G; phenobarbital; phenytoin; potassium derivative; proguanil; pyrimethamine; quinine; salicylic acid; sulfadoxine; accuracy; alkalinity; article; calibration; child; controlled study; correlation coefficient; drug blood level; drug determination; drug isolation; flow rate; human; liquid liquid extraction; particle size; priority journal; reproducibility; reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography; ultraviolet radiation; Anticonvulsants; Calibration; Child; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Lorazepam; Reproducibility of Results; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; Artesunate; Cinchona pubescensNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33244492442Work ethic, locus of control and salesforce task performanceNtayi J.M.2005Journal of African Business602-Jan10.1300/J156v06n01_09Makerere University Business School, P.O. Box 1337, Kampala, UgandaNtayi, J.M., Makerere University Business School, P.O. Box 1337, Kampala, UgandaThis study explores the relationship between work ethic, locus of control and salesforce task performance. Using data from Uganda retail firms, this study finds that work ethic was a significant positive predictor of salesforce task performance. Further, there was a significant relationship between the different behavioural families of work-related activity work withdrawal behaviours, organizational retaliation behaviours and salesforce task performance. Results from regression analysis indicate that organizational retaliation behaviours and work withdrawal behaviours are important factors for explaining declining performance of salespeople in Uganda retail firms. Managers aiming to improve salesforce task performance should recruit individuals with a strong work ethic. Additionally, retail managers need to reduce work withdrawal and organizational retaliation behaviours so as to increase salesforce task performance. © 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.Job withdrawal behaviours; Locus of control; Organizational retaliation behaviours; Work ethic; Work withdrawal behavioursethics; performance assessmentNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84857287863Innovation policies institutions and performance: Why Malaysia overtook Nigeria in the oil palm industryAdebowale B.O.A.2012International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development502-Jan10.1504/IJTLID.2012.044880National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 012, Ile-Ife, Osun State, NigeriaAdebowale, B.O.A., National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 012, Ile-Ife, Osun State, NigeriaForty years ago, Nigeria and Malaysia had comparative GDP per capita; Nigeria was the leading oil palm producer and exporter in the world. Within a decade, Malaysia overtook Nigeria both as producer and exporter. This paper provides a comparative perspective of the evolution of institutions and policies contrasting Nigeria and Malaysia over a relatively long period. The aim is to understand, based on the evidence, how and why Malaysia performed so well and Nigeria did not thereby exploring the systemic, remote and immediate causes of the different evolutionary trajectories of the two countries with very similar geographical characteristics. The data for this paper came from a variety of methods including secondary and primary survey as well as face to face interviews. The paper concludes that differential institutions, policies and investment efforts explain much of the catch-up story of the oil palm sectors in the two countries. © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.Development; Economic catch-up; Industry performance; Innovation policies; Institutions; Investment; Malaysia; Nigeria; Technological learningNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84877900719Evaluation of current rapid HIV test algorithms in Rakai, UgandaGaliwango R.M., Musoke R., Lubyayi L., Ssekubugu R., Kalibbala S., Ssekweyama V., Mirembe V., Nakigozi G., Reynolds S.J., Serwadda D., Gray R.H., Kigozi G.2013Journal of Virological Methods19202-Jan10.1016/j.jviromet.2013.04.003Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Division of Intramural Research, NIAID National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Makerere College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda; Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, United StatesGaliwango, R.M., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Musoke, R., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Lubyayi, L., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Ssekubugu, R., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Kalibbala, S., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Ssekweyama, V., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Mirembe, V., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Nakigozi, G., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Reynolds, S.J., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda, Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Division of Intramural Research, NIAID National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, United States; Serwadda, D., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda, Makerere College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda; Gray, R.H., Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Kigozi, G., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, UgandaRapid HIV tests are a crucial component of HIV diagnosis in resource limited settings. In Uganda, the Ministry of Health allows both serial and parallel HIV rapid testing using Determine, Stat-Pak and Uni-Gold. In serial testing, a non-reactive result on Determine ends testing. The performance of serial and parallel algorithms with Determine and Stat-Pak test kits was assessed. A cross-sectional diagnostic test accuracy evaluation using three rapid HIV test kits as per the recommended parallel test algorithm was followed by EIA-WB testing with estimates of the performance of serial testing algorithm. In 2520 participants tested by parallel rapid algorithms, 0.6% had weakly reactive result. Parallel testing had 99.7% sensitivity and 99.8% specificity. If Stat-Pak was used as the first screening test for a serial algorithm, the sensitivity was 99.6% and specificity was 99.7%. However, if Determine was used as the screening test, sensitivity was 97.3% and specificity was 99.9%. Serial testing with Stat-Pak as the initial screening test performed as well as parallel testing, but Determine was a less sensitive screen. Serial testing could be cost saving. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.Algorithms; HIV; Rakai-Uganda; Rapids testingadolescent; adult; age distribution; algorithm; article; controlled study; cost control; cross-sectional study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; high risk population; HIV rapid test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection risk; major clinical study; male; predictive value; priority journal; screening test; sensitivity and specificity; Uganda; Western blotting; Adolescent; Adult; Algorithms; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sensitivity and Specificity; Uganda; Young AdultNone
Scopus2-s2.0-21244483602Long-term integrated soil fertility management in South-western Nigeria: Crop performance and impact on the soil fertility statusVanlauwe B., Diels J., Sanginga N., Merckx R.2005Plant and Soil27302-Jan10.1007/s11104-005-0194-2Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of CIAT, PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria; C/o L.W. Lambourn and Co., 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Soil and Water Management, Department of Land Management, K.U. Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, BelgiumVanlauwe, B., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of CIAT, PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Diels, J., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria, C/o L.W. Lambourn and Co., 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Sanginga, N., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of CIAT, PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Merckx, R., Laboratory of Soil and Water Management, Department of Land Management, K.U. Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, BelgiumCrop response, tree biomass production and changes in soil fertility characteristics were monitored in a long-term (1986-2002) alley-cropping trial in Ibadan, Nigeria. The systems included two alley cropping systems with Leucaena leucocephala and Senna siamea on the one hand and a control (no-trees) system on the other hand, all cropped annually with a maize-cowpea rotation. All systems had a plus and minus fertilizer treatment. Over the years, the annual biomass return through tree prunings declined steadily, but more drastically for Leucaena than for Senna. In 2002, the nitrogen contribution from Leucaena residues stabilized at about 200 kg N/ha/year, while the corresponding value for Senna was about 160 kg N/ha/year. On average, the four Leucaena prunings were more equal in biomass as well as in amounts of N, P and cations, while the first Sennapruning was always contributing up to 60% of the annual biomass or nutrient return. Maize crop yields declined steadily in all treatments, but the least so in the Senna + fertilizer treatment where in 2002 still 2.2 tonnes/ha of maize were obtained. Nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency was usually higher in the Senna treatment compared to the control or the Leucaena treatment. Added benefits due to the combined use of fertilizer N and organic matter additions were observed only for the Sennatreatment and only in the last 6 years. At all other times, they remained absent or were even negative in the Leucaenatreatments for the first 3 years. Most chemical soil fertility parameters decreased in all the treatments, but less so in the alley cropping systems. The presence of trees had a positive effect on remaining carbon stocks, while they were reduced compared to the 1986 data. Trees had a positive effect on the maintenance of exchangeable cations in the top soil. Exchangeable Ca, Mg and K - and hence ECEC - were only slightly reduced after 16 years of cropping in the tree-based systems, and even increased in the Senna treatments. In the control treatments, values for all these parameters reduced to 50% or less of the original values after 16 years. All the above points to the Senna-based alley system with fertilizers as the more resilient one. This is reflected in all soil fertility parameters, in added benefits due to the combined use of fertilizer nitrogen and organic residue application and in a more stable maize yield over the years, averaging 2.8 tonnes/ha with maximal deviations from the average not exceeding 21%. © Springer 2005.Added benefits; Alley cropping; Leucaena leucocephala; Maize; Nitrogen use efficiency; Senna siameaalley cropping; biomass; crop performance; fertilizer application; soil fertility; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Ibadan; Nigeria; Oyo; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; World; Leucaena; Leucaena leucocephala; Senna; Senna siamea; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79960573679Performance of six commercial enzyme immunoassays and two alternative HIV-testing algorithms for the diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in Kisumu, Western KenyaZeh C., Oyaro B., Vandenhoudt H., Amornkul P., Kasembeli A., Bondo P., Mwaengo D., Thomas T.K., Hart C., Laserson K.F., Ondoa P., Nkengasong J.N.2011Journal of Virological Methods17602-Jan10.1016/j.jviromet.2011.05.021US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya; Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Global AIDS Program, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States; US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, United States; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Poverty-related Communicable Diseases (CPCD), Center for Infection and Immunity (CINIMA), Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), NetherlandsZeh, C., US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya; Oyaro, B., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Vandenhoudt, H., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Amornkul, P., US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya; Kasembeli, A., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Bondo, P., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Mwaengo, D., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Thomas, T.K., US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya; Hart, C., Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States; Laserson, K.F., US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya, US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, United States; Ondoa, P., Center for Poverty-related Communicable Diseases (CPCD), Center for Infection and Immunity (CINIMA), Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Netherlands; Nkengasong, J.N., Global AIDS Program, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United StatesPerformances of serological parallel and serial testing algorithms were analyzed using a combination of three ELISA and three rapid tests for the confirmation of HIV infection. Each was assessed individually for their sensitivity and specificity on a blinded panel of 769 retrospective sera of known HIV status. Western blot was used as a confirmatory assay for discordant results. Subsequently, one parallel and one serial testing algorithm were assessed on a new panel of 912 HIV-positive and negative samples. Individual evaluation of the ELISAs and rapid tests indicated a sensitivity of 100% for all assays except Uni-Gold with 99.7%. The specificities ranged from 99.1% to 99.4% for rapid assays and from 97.5% to 99.1% for ELISAs. A parallel and serial testing algorithms using Enzygnost and Vironostika, and Determine followed by Uni-Gold respectively, showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. The cost for testing 912 samples was US$4.74 and US$ 1.9 per sample in parallel and serial testing respectively. Parallel or serial testing algorithm yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. This alternative algorithm is reliable and reduces the occurrence of both false negatives and positives. The serial testing algorithm was more cost effective for diagnosing HIV infections in this population. © 2011.Algorithm; Alternative; Diagnosis; HIV-1; Immunoassay; Sensitivity; Specificityantigen p24; glycoprotein gp 41; Human immunodeficiency virus antigen; immunoglobulin G antibody; immunoglobulin M antibody; recombinant protein; adolescent; adult; agglutination test; algorithm; analytical error; article; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; cost control; cost effectiveness analysis; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test; diagnostic test accuracy study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; false positive result; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; immunoaffinity chromatography; intermethod comparison; Kenya; major clinical study; parallel testing algorithm; predictive value; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; serial testing algorithm; serodiagnosis; Western blotting; AIDS Serodiagnosis; Algorithms; Blotting, Western; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV-1; HIV-2; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Kenya; Predictive Value of Tests; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Human immunodeficiency virus 1None
Scopus2-s2.0-84864859953Impact-based cost-benefit analysis model for management of crude oil contaminated agricultural soilOgugua V.N., Egolum C.C., Onyike N.B., Onwurah I.N.E.2012International Journal of Environment and Waste Management1003-Feb10.1504/IJEWM.2012.048373Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Estate Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria; Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Abia State University, Abia State, Nigeria; PollutiOgugua, V.N., Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, Nigeria; Egolum, C.C., Department of Estate Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria; Onyike, N.B., Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Abia State University, Abia State, Nigeria; Onwurah, I.N.E., Pollution Control and Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, NigeriaEvaluating the compensation payable to farmers whose farms/farmlands have been rendered unproductive due to oil spill requires adequate scientific research and improved decision-making. This work proposes a bacterial-based mathematical framework as a decision-support system for evaluating crude oil spill impact on agricultural soil. The rate of 'in situ' biodegradation of the crude oil predicts the half-life of the spilled crude oil in the soil ecosystem while the inherent toxicity of the spilled oil provided the impact value (E), which was integrated into a version of Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) model referred to as Impact-Based Cost-Benefit Analysis (IBCBA) that can be used for computing the adequate compensation payable. Scientific research initiatives that may engender integrated management of crude oil-contaminated agricultural soil are highlighted. © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.Adaptive management; Biodegradation rate; Oil-polluted soil; ValuationAdaptive Management; Agricultural soils; Analysis models; Biodegradation rate; Impact value; In-situ; Integrated management; Mathematical frameworks; Scientific researches; Agriculture; Biodegradation; Cost effectiveness; Crude oil; Decision support systems; Microbiology; Oil spills; Resource valuation; Soil pollution; Soils; Solid wastes; Waste management; Geologic modelsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-62649112701Evaluation of plantain peelings ash extract as coagulant aid in the coagulation of colloidal particles in low pH aqua systemOladoja N.A., Aliu Y.D.2008Water Quality Research Journal of Canada4303-FebNoneDepartment of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, NigeriaOladoja, N.A., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria; Aliu, Y.D., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, NigeriaThe use of plantain peelings ash extract (PPAE) as a coagulant aid in a low pH water was evaluated in the present studies. Plantain peelings were collected, washed, dried, and ashed in a furnace. The ash was extracted using deionized water, and the chemical composition was examined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Synthetic turbid water of varying turbidities (50, 100, 300 NTU) and varying pHs (2, 3, 4) were prepared by clay dispersion in deionized water. The optimum alum dosages for the coagulation of colloidal particles in different turbid waters of varying pHs were determined by method of continuous variation using the jar test procedure. The residual turbidities of the treated waters were determined, and the alum doses that gave the minimum residual turbidities were taken as the optimum dosage for the removal of colloidal particles. The use of PPAE as a coagulant aid with alum showed an improvement in the value of residual turbidities of the treated waters. Results obtained from the different studies showed that treated waters of lower residual turbidities were obtained from synthetic waters of higher initial turbidities and pHs. The pH of the treated water decreased with an increase in alum dosage, whereas an increase in the pH value was observed with the addition of PPAE as a coagulant aid. High correlation coefficient values (r2) were obtained when the changes in pH (i.e., ΔpH = pHf -pH) of the treated waters were correlated with alum and PPAE additions, and mathematical relationships were derived from the linear graph. Studies on the effect of flocculation time on residual turbidity showed that an optimum flocculation time of 30 minutes was attained, when alum was used alone, before redistribution and redispersion of the flocs was noticed. This phenomenon did not occur when PPAE was used as a coagulant aid. © 2008, CAWQ.Alum; Ash; Coagulant; Plantain peel extract; TurbidityAlum; Atomic absorption spectrophotometer; Chemical compositions; Clay dispersion; Colloidal particle; Correlation coefficient; Jar test; Linear graph; Mathematical relationship; pH value; Redispersions; Residual turbidity; Synthetic waters; Turbid water; Coagulation; Flocculation; Solvent extraction; Turbidity; Water absorption; Water treatment; Deionized water; ash; atomic absorption spectroscopy; chemical composition; coagulation; colloid; dispersion; flocculation; pH; plant extract; turbidity; water quality; water treatmentNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33645528199Performance of a prototype baited-trap in attracting and infecting the tick Amblyomma variegatum (Acari: Ixodidae) in field experimentsMaranga R.O., Hassanali A., Kaaya G.P., Mueke J.M.2006Experimental and Applied Acarology3803-Feb10.1007/s10493-006-0002-6Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O Box 62000, Nairobi, Kenya; International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Biology, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia; Department of Biological Sciences, Kenyatta University, P.O Box 43844, Nairobi, KenyaMaranga, R.O., Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O Box 62000, Nairobi, Kenya; Hassanali, A., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya; Kaaya, G.P., Department of Biology, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia; Mueke, J.M., Department of Biological Sciences, Kenyatta University, P.O Box 43844, Nairobi, KenyaInvestigations were commenced to study the potential use of the fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and the attraction-aggregation- attachment pheromone (AAAP) for the control of Ambloyomma variegatum as an environmentally friendly technology. The objective of the study was to develop and test a device, which could be used for pheromone and carbon dioxide delivery and infection of ticks with the fungi in an attempt to control the tick populations in the vegetation. Using a pheromone-baited device treated with the fungi mixture, 79% of the ticks released were attracted and exposed to the fungi and of these, 78% died during incubation in the laboratory. In another set of experiments, of the released ticks that were similarly exposed to fungi using the pheromone-baited device and left in the vegetation, 33.8% were recovered compared to recoveries of between 76 and 84% in the controls. These results were significantly different at the 5% level, an indication that the pheromone/fungi mixtures had significant effect in reducing the tick population in the field. © Springer 2006.Attraction-aggregation-attachment pheromone; Fungi; Vegetationcarbon dioxide; pheromone; aggregation pheromone; attractant; biological control; fungus; pest control; tick; animal; article; Ascomycetes; biological pest control; female; growth, development and aging; infestation; insect control; male; methodology; microbiology; tick; Animals; Ascomycota; Dry Ice; Female; Ixodidae; Male; Pest Control, Biological; Pheromones; Tick Control; Tick Infestations; Acari; Amblyomma; Amblyomma variegatum; Beauveria; Cordyceps bassiana; Fungi; Ixodidae; Metarhizium anisopliaeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-37549003684Performance and fitness traits versus phenotypic appearance in the African Ankole Longhorn cattle: A novel approach to identify selection criteria for indigenous breedsNdumu D.B., Baumung R., Wurzinger M., Drucker A.G., Okeyo A.M., Semambo D., Sölkner J.2008Livestock Science11303-Feb10.1016/j.livsci.2007.04.004Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank, P. O. Box 183, Entebbe, Uganda; School of Environmental Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, North. Territ. 0909, Australia; International Livestock Research Institute, P. O. Box 30709, Nairobi, KenyaNdumu, D.B., Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria, National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank, P. O. Box 183, Entebbe, Uganda, International Livestock Research Institute, P. O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Baumung, R., Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Wurzinger, M., Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Drucker, A.G., School of Environmental Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, North. Territ. 0909, Australia; Okeyo, A.M., International Livestock Research Institute, P. O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Semambo, D., National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank, P. O. Box 183, Entebbe, Uganda; Sölkner, J., Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, AustriaAnkole cattle are well known for their massive white horns and red coat colour. These characteristics are attributed to centuries of cultural breeding practices. Two experiments with traditional cattle keepers were carried out at a governmental Ankole nucleus farm in south-western Uganda to identify phenotypic characteristics as well as production and fitness traits which are important indigenous selection criteria. Forty one body measurements each were taken from 15 bulls and 35 cows and phenotypic characteristics were described in detail. In the first experiment 12 groups of 6 to 8 cattle keepers were invited to rank several groups of 4-5 animals according to their preference for a breeding bull or cow based on phenotype alone. In the second experiment the ranking was based on phenotype and a hypothetical life history that was randomly assigned to each animal on each day of experiment. The history included milk yield (on own performance for cows and that of the dam for bulls), fertility of the animal and its sire as well as events of East Coast Fever. For analysis, Generalized Multinomial Logit Models were fitted. To compare different models the likelihood-based pseudo R square measure was used. The results indicate that, in the selection of cows, performance and fitness traits are emphasized by the cattle keepers while in the selection of bulls, the phenotypic appearance of the animal plays an important role. Individual fertility followed by milk performance are the main criteria for selecting cows, resistance to East Coast Fever was of highest importance in bulls. In both sexes a dark red coat colour was highly rated. The study indicates that the methodology of preference ranking combining phenotype and a hypothetical life history may provide insight into indigenous selection criteria of stock owners elsewhere. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Ankole cattle; Indigenous selection criteria; Multinomial logistic regression; Phenotypic rankingAnimalia; BosNone
Scopus2-s2.0-27844442716On-farm evaluation of biological nitrogen fixation potential and grain yield of Lablab and two soybean varieties in the northern Guinea savanna of NigeriaOkogun J.A., Sanginga N., Abaidoo R., Dashiell K.E., Diels J.2005Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems7303-Feb10.1007/s10705-005-3821-7International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of CIAT (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya; Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, OklahomaOkogun, J.A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria, IITA, c/o L.W. Lambourn and Co., 26 Dingwall Rd., Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Sanginga, N., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria, Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of CIAT (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya; Abaidoo, R., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Dashiell, K.E., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University, United States; Diels, J., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, NigeriaSeveral legumes with high biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) potentials have been studied in on-station trials. The processes involved in BNF and the benefits of these species to crop production need to be evaluated using farmers' management practices in farmers' fields. An on-farm trial with 20 farmers was conducted in the northern Guinea savanna (NGS) of Nigeria. The aims were to evaluate the BNF potentials of an improved soybean variety (TGx 1448-2E) and a local variety (Samsoy-2) when inoculated with Bradyrhizobium strains, and of Lablab in farmer-managed and researcher-managed soybean-maize and Lablab-maize crop rotation systems. The level of soil P was generally low with more than 50% of the fields having less than the critical P level. The plant available P content was statistically significantly (P = 0.05) correlated with P in grain (r = 0.60), P in the shoot (r = 0.68), grain yield (r = 0.40) and nodule weight (r = 0.35). Variations in plant parameters (nodulation, shoot dry matter, percentage nitrogen derived from the air [%Ndfa], grain yield, and nutrient uptake) among and within farmers' fields were attributed to differences in soil fertility and crop management. About 60% of the fields were moderately fertile, sufficient to support legume establishment, while about 30% of the farmers' fields had a low fertility level. For farmers in the study area to benefit from the BNF potentials of the legumes, an external P fertilizer input was necessary as well as suitable crop management practices because all parameters measured in the researcher-managed plots were higher than in the farmer-managed plots. © Springer 2005.Biological nitrogen fixation; Grain yield; Northern Guinea savanna; Soybeancrop yield; nitrogen fixation; rhizobacterium; soybean; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Bradyrhizobium; Glycine max; Lablab; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-34547655621Evaluation of the performance of the Kenya Dual Purpose Goat composites: Additive and non-additive genetic parametersMugambi J.N., Wakhungu J.W., Inyangala B.O., Muhuyi W.B., Muasya T.2007Small Ruminant Research7203-Feb10.1016/j.smallrumres.2006.10.001Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Dev., P.O. Box 34188, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Animal Production, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya; National Animal Husbandry Research Centre, P.O. Box 25, Naivasha, KenyaMugambi, J.N., Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Dev., P.O. Box 34188, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Animal Production, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya; Wakhungu, J.W., Department of Animal Production, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya; Inyangala, B.O., Department of Animal Production, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya; Muhuyi, W.B., National Animal Husbandry Research Centre, P.O. Box 25, Naivasha, Kenya; Muasya, T., National Animal Husbandry Research Centre, P.O. Box 25, Naivasha, KenyaGrowth data from 6800 progeny of straightbreds, intermediate crosses and the resulting Kenya Dual Purpose Goat (KDPG) composites from 1982 to 2004 were used to estimate additive and non-additive genetic parameters. The KDPG was developed by crossing Toggenburg (T), Anglo-Nubian (N), Small East African (E) and Galla (G) breeds in equal proportions. All parameters were simultaneously estimated for early growth traits by fitting an animal model using Derivative-Free-Restricted Maximum Likelihood (DFREML) procedures (Meyer, 1998). The model included sex, type of birth, period and season of birth, and age of dam classes as fixed effects; crossbreeding parameters were fitted as covariates. Relative to Small East African breed, Anglo-Nubian showed the highest breed effects for weaning weight (+1.69 kg), yearling weight (+1.74 kg) and pre-weaning average daily gains (+13.28 g/day). Between the indigenous breeds, breed differences were in favour of Galla breed except for yearling weight. Individual heterosis had a positive effect on birth weight (+0.05 kg), yearling weight (+0.36 kg) and post-weaning average daily gains (+3.04 g/day) but negative in pre-weaning traits. Maternal heterosis was favourable in the traits influenced by pre-weaning maternal environment (weaning weight and pre-weaning average daily gains). The effect of recombination was negative and, therefore, reduced performance in all traits. Heritability estimates were low with very narrow range between traits. These estimates were 0.13 ± 0.03, 0.16 ± 0.01 0.16 ± 0.04, 0.24 ± 0.01 and 0.10 ± 0.02 for birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, pre-weaning and post-weaning average daily gains, respectively. The study shows that the developed KDPG composites have not optimized on the positive dominance effects; an effect due to retained recombination loss caused by lack of selection during breed development. It was concluded therefore, that the KDPG composites are still segregating and have not stabilized into a new breed as was the aim of the breeding programme. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Crossbreeding parameters; Heritability; Kenya Dual Purpose Goat; Recombination lossAnimalia; Capra hircusNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84928016842Status and impact of strategic technology alliances among telecommunications firms in NigeriaAjao B.F., Oyebisi T., Aderemi H., Jegede O.2015International Journal of Business Performance Management1603-Feb10.1504/IJBPM.2015.068723National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria; African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Management and Accounting, Obafemi Awolowo University IAjao, B.F., National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Oyebisi, T., African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Aderemi, H., Department of Management and Accounting, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Jegede, O., National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, NigeriaThis paper examined strategic technology alliance among telecommunications service providers in Nigeria and the benefits accrued to service providers and subscribers from the alliances. This was with a view to providing appropriate recommendation to improving the services rendered to subscribers. Primary data were collected from four GSM network operators, two CDMA network operators and three telecommunications service vendors in Nigeria. Findings revealed the existence of strategic technology alliances such as licensing, joint venture, turnkey, venture capital, franchising, merger and acquisition. Benefits derived from the strategic alliances in decreasing order were improved network coverage, decrease in call drops, decrease in signal down time and decrease in tariff of data and voice services. Furthermore, the allies enjoyed increased turnover when they engaged in strategic technology alliance. The study concluded that a well-structured strategic technology alliance relationship among telecommunications firms can bring about better services for sustainable development in the country. Copyright © 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.CDMA; Global system of mobile; GSM; Licensing; STA; Strategic technology alliance; Subscribers; Telecommunications vendorsNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-27744487139Evaluation of top, middle and bottom stalk of sugarcane as planting materialKolo I.N., Adesiyun A.A., Misari S.M., Ishaq M.N.2005Sugar Tech703-FebNoneNational Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, P.M.B. 8, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria; Dept. of Crop Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, NigeriaKolo, I.N., National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, P.M.B. 8, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria; Adesiyun, A.A., Dept. of Crop Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Misari, S.M., Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Ishaq, M.N., National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, P.M.B. 8, Bida, Niger State, NigeriaOne of the major constraints of chewing sugarcane farming is the dearth of planting material. Two trials were conducted in 1996 and 1997 seasons to evaluate the growth performance of the different parts of the chewing sugarcane stalk viz: top, middle and bottom. Three - budded cuttings of each part used as planting material was obtained from the stalks of the local chewing sugarcane variety NIG 008. There were no significant differences in most of the parameters taken, although, the growth performance of the Top and Middle parts of the stalk were better than the bottom one. In chewing sugarcane production, planting material (cane setts) are obtained from the middle of the stalk to the apex. Although both the middle and top are used, the top of the stalk is preferred by the local farmers as planting material because of the monetary value derived from the middle and bottom parts. . However, in large scale sugarcane farming, the bottom portion, in addition to the top and middle ones can be used without the fear of low cane yield.Cane stalk segments (top, middle and base); Chewing sugarcane; Planting materialsSaccharum hybrid cultivarNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33947433681Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy: Evaluation of a new delivery approach and the policy implications for malaria control in UgandaMbonye A.K., Bygbjerg I., Magnussen P.2007Health Policy8103-Feb10.1016/j.healthpol.2006.05.018Reproductive Health Division, Department of Community Health, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda; Department of International Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; DBL, Institute of Health Research and Development, Jaegersborg Allé ID, 2920 Charlottelund, DenmarkMbonye, A.K., Reproductive Health Division, Department of Community Health, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda; Bygbjerg, I., Department of International Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Magnussen, P., DBL, Institute of Health Research and Development, Jaegersborg Allé ID, 2920 Charlottelund, DenmarkThe impact of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) on malaria in pregnancy is well known. In countries where this policy is implemented, poor access and low compliance to this intervention has been widely reported. A study was designed to assess a new approach to deliver IPT to pregnant women through traditional birth attendants (TBAs), drug-shop vendors (DSVs), community reproductive health workers (CRHWs) and adolescent peer mobilisers (APMs); and compared this approach with IPT at health units. We evaluated this approach to assess user perceptions, its acceptability and sustainability. Results show that the new approach increased access and compliance to IPT. Mean gestational age at first dose of IPT was 21.0 weeks with the community approaches versus 23.1 weeks at health units, P > 0.0001. Health units accessed a high proportion of adolescents, 28.4%, versus 25.0% at the new approaches, P < 0.03; most primigravidae, 23.6%, versus 20.0% at the new approaches, P < 0.04. The proportion of women who received two doses of SP was 67.5.2% with the new approaches versus 39.9% at health units, P < 0.0001. The new approach was associated with a three-fold increase in use of ITNs from 8.8% at baseline to 23.4%. The factors that most influenced acceptability and use of IPT were trusted and easy accessible resource persons, their ability to make home visits especially with CRHWs and APMs; the support of spouses. Another factor was the high awareness on dangers of malaria in pregnancy and the benefits of IPT created by the resource persons. The women perceived better health using the first dose of sulphadoxine-pyremethamine (SP) and this compelled them to go for the second dose. IPT with this approach was highly acceptable with 89.1% of women at the new approaches intending to use it for the next pregnancy, while 48.0% of them had recommended it to other women. We suggest a review of the current policy on malaria prevention in pregnancy to allow provision of IPT through community structures that are feasible, practical and acceptable. © 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.Acceptability; Compliance; Intermittent preventive treatment; Malaria in pregnancy; Sustainability; Ugandaantimalarial agent; fansidar; folic acid; iron; mebendazole; absence of side effects; adolescent; adult; article; attitude to health; attitude to illness; attitude to pregnancy; community care; controlled study; female; fever; health auxiliary; health care personnel; health care policy; health care utilization; health promotion; home care; human; intermittent preventive treatment; interview; major clinical study; malaria; malaria control; maternal morbidity; outcomes research; patient compliance; patient education; patient referral; peer group; perception; pregnancy; prenatal care; preventive health service; preventive medicine; repeated drug dose; school child; traditional birth attendant; Uganda; unspecified side effect; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Female; Health Policy; Humans; Malaria; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Preventive Medicine; UgandaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-34250017351Effect of dietary protein supplementation on performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) does during pregnancy and lactationNnadi P.A., Kamalu T.N., Onah D.N.2007Small Ruminant Research7103-Jan10.1016/j.smallrumres.2006.06.007Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NigeriaNnadi, P.A., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Kamalu, T.N., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Onah, D.N., Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NigeriaThe effect of dietary protein supplementation on the reproductive performance of West African Dwarf goats (WAD) was studied. Eighteen 9-12-month-old female WAD goats that were free from both helminth and trypanosome infections were divided into two groups (A and B) of nine females each and confined separately in concrete floored, fly proof pens. Group A was maintained on a high dietary protein (HDP) diet of 13% crude protein (CP) per day and group B on a low dietary (LDP) protein diet of 9% crude protein (CP) per day from mating until 6 weeks postpartum. The mean live weights and body condition scores were determined weekly from mating (day zero of pregnancy) up to 6 weeks postpartum. These were also determined in neonates within 12 h of birth and at 6 weeks of age. The results showed that animals on HDP gained significantly more weight (P < 0.01) and also had significantly higher body condition scores P < 0.05 than those on LDP. Equally, they delivered and weaned kids of significantly higher birth and weaning weights than those on LDP (P < 0.01). It was concluded that protein supplementation in reproducing traditionally managed WAD goats enhanced foetal development, birth weight, mammary gland development and promoted lactation, all of which enhanced survivability of the neonates. These translated into the delivery of viable kids and weaning of kids of higher body weights, which are requirements for early disease resistance and finish. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Gestation; Lactation; Protein supplementation; WAD goatsAnimalia; Capra hircus; Trypanosoma; VermesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77649340615Effects of feeding different levels of dried cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) based concentrates with Panicum maximum basal on the performance of growing West African Dwarf goatsOni A.O., Arigbede O.M., Oni O.O., Onwuka C.F.I., Anele U.Y., Oduguwa B.O., Yusuf K.O.2010Livestock Science12903-Jan10.1016/j.livsci.2009.12.007Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, UnivOni, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Arigbede, O.M., Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oni, O.O., Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocation, Federal College of Education, PMB 2096, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Onwuka, C.F.I., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Anele, U.Y., Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oduguwa, B.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Yusuf, K.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, NigeriaThe feeding value of dried cassava leaves as supplement in the diet was investigated in an experiment with West African Dwarf goats at different inclusion levels of 0, 20, 40 and 60% of DM respectively, using guinea grass as a basal feed. The study lasted for 112 days during which feed intake, performance characteristics, digestibility and nitrogen utilization were monitored in 40 male goats using a completely randomized design. Dry matter (DM) intake from guinea grass was significantly (P < 0.05; 0.01) increased from 0% to 60% inclusion of dried cassava leaves in the diet. The total DM intakes were 482, 526, 537 and 528 g/d for the 0, 20, 40 and 60% of dried cassava leaves in the diet, respectively. The body weight gain of the animals were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in the control group. The highest gain was recorded in goats with 60% of dried cassava leaves in the diet (52.9 g/d) and lowest for the control (33.8 g/d). The inclusion of dried cassava leaves significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the apparent digestibility of DM, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF), while it increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE), resulting in higher nitrogen balance (3.75 g/d) at 60% of the supplement. In conclusion, supplementing a basal diet of guinea grass (Panicum maximum) with dried cassava leaves improved DM intake, weight gain, apparent digestibility and N-retention in WAD goats. The inclusion level of dried cassava in the diet can be up to 60% level in a compounded ration for ruminant animals on DM basis. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Digestibility; Dried cassava leaves; Guinea grass; Nitrogen utilization; WAD goatsAnimalia; Bovidae; Capra hircus; Manihot esculenta; Panicum maximumNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84858128134Growth performance, blood characteristics and plasma lipids of growing pullet fed dietary concentrations of organic and inorganic copper sourcesJegede A.V., Oduguwa O.O., Oso A.O., Fafiolu A.O., Idowu O.M.O., Nollet L.2012Livestock Science14503-Jan10.1016/j.livsci.2012.02.011Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Alltech Biotechnology Centre, Dunboyne, IrelandJegede, A.V., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Oduguwa, O.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Oso, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Fafiolu, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Idowu, O.M.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Nollet, L., Alltech Biotechnology Centre, Dunboyne, IrelandA 140-day study was conducted to determine the influence of dietary organic Cu (Cu proteinate) and inorganic Cu (CuSO 4) on growth performance, blood characteristics and plasma lipids of growing pullet. 480day-old Kabiru® breed chicks were randomly allocated to 6 treatment groups of 80 birds split over 4 replicates of 20 birds each. The diets consisted of a basal diet (containing 32.84 and 31.78mg/kg Cu for starter and grower phases respectively) supplemented with organic Cu (Cu proteinate; Cu-P) or inorganic Cu (Cu sulphate; CuSO 4) fed at 3 dietary concentrations (50, 100 and 150mg/kg). No significant (P&gt;0.05) effect of Cu source, concentration and interaction of Cu source and concentration was obtained for growth response at starter and grower phases. CuSO 4 supplementation resulted in elevated (P&lt;0.05) serum uric acid. Supplementation of diets with 150mg/kg Cu resulted in the reduction (P&lt;0.05) of white blood cell count of the birds. Cu-P decreased (P&lt;0.05) plasma cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride in comparison to CuSO 4. CuSO 4 supplementation resulted in increased high density lipoprotein (HDL). Cu concentration elicited a linear response (P&lt;0.05) for total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride. It was concluded that the source and concentration of Cu did not lead to a significant difference in growth performance. Furthermore, Cu-P reduced (P&lt;0.05) the plasma cholesterol concentration of the experimental birds when compared to CuSO 4. Also plasma cholesterol concentration reduced (P&lt;0.05) with increased dietary Cu concentration. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.Copper; Growth; Lipid; Performance; PulletAvesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-78649335405Syntheses of new imidazole ligand series and evaluation of 1-, 2- and 4,5-imidazole substituent electronic and steric effects on N-donor strengthsEseola A.O., Sun W.-H., Li W., Woods J.A.O.2010Journal of Molecular Structure98403-Jan10.1016/j.molstruc.2010.09.015Department of Chemical Sciences, Redeemer's University, Redemption City, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of PEseola, A.O., Department of Chemical Sciences, Redeemer's University, Redemption City, Ogun State, Nigeria; Sun, W.-H., Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Li, W., Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Woods, J.A.O., Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaA series of new imidazole based heterocycles (5-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol- 2-yl)furan-2-yl)methyl acetate (Him-dp), (5-(1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl) furan-2-yl)methyl acetate (HIm-pt), (5-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2- yl)furan-2-yl)methyl acetate (HIm-phen), 2-(2-nitrophenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H- imidazole (HIm-n), 1-methyl-2-(2-nitrophenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole (MeIm-n), N-(2-(1-ethyl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenyl)benzamide (EtIm-ba) and 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(8-(1-ethyl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1,4- dihydroquinolin-2-yl)phenol (EtIm-q) were synthesized and studied for the dependence of their azole donor characteristics on substituent factors by means of experimentally determined ionization constant data (derived as pK as), spectroscopic analyses and calculated properties of their DFT optimized molecular geometries performed at the B3LYP/6-311 + G level. Results showed that the lowest donor strength recorded for HIm-pt (pKa = 2.67 ± 0.07) could be traced to the extensive electronic conjugation of the azole π-electrons with 4,5- and 2-substituents. On the other hand, the strongest imidazole donor strength in the series was obtained from EtIm-q (pKa = 4.61 ± 0.04) for which the substituents possessed negligible π-overlap with the azole ring. The experimental results and theoretical calculations lead to conclusions that effective conjugation between the imidazole ring and substituent aromatic groups is accountable for significant withdrawal of charge densities on the imidazole N-donor atom and vice versa. Furthermore, observed donor strengths in the series suggest that electronic inductive effects of the substituents provided lesser impact on donor strength modification of imidazole base and that alkylation of 1-imidazole position did not yield the anticipated push of electron density in favour of the N-donor atom. It is anticipated that the results should promote the understanding of azole-containing bio-macromolecular species and reactions as well as tuning and application of azole functions in molecular science. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.DFT calculations; Protonation-deprotonation; Spectroscopy; Substituent effects1H-imidazole; Aromatic group; Benzamides; DFT calculation; Donor atoms; Donor strength; Electron densities; Heterocycles; Imidazol; Inductive effects; Ionization constant; Methyl acetates; Molecular geometries; Molecular science; Steric effect; Substituent effect; Theoretical calculations; Amides; Phenols; Protonation; Spectroscopic analysis; Sulfur compounds; Impact strengthNone
Scopus2-s2.0-34249800094Study of the impact of land use and hydrogeological settings on the shallow groundwater quality in a peri-urban area of Kampala, UgandaKulabako N.R., Nalubega M., Thunvik R.2007Science of the Total Environment38103-Jan10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.03.035Department of Civil Engineering, Makerere University, P.O.Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Water and Sanitation Program-Africa (WSP-AF), The World Bank, P.O.Box 4463, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100-44 Stockholm, SwedenKulabako, N.R., Department of Civil Engineering, Makerere University, P.O.Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Nalubega, M., Water and Sanitation Program-Africa (WSP-AF), The World Bank, P.O.Box 4463, Kampala, Uganda; Thunvik, R., Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100-44 Stockholm, SwedenA study to assess the impacts of land use and hydrogeological characteristics on the shallow groundwater in one of Kampala's peri-urban areas (Bwaise III Parish) was undertaken for a period of 19 months. Water quality monitoring was carried out for 16 installed wells and one operational protected spring to ascertain the seasonal variation. The aspects of hydrogeological setting investigated in the study were the subsurface unconsolidated material characteristics (stratigraphy, lithology, hydraulic conductivity, porosity and chemical content), seasonal groundwater depths and spring discharge, topography and rainfall of the area. Both laboratory and field measurements were carried out to determine the soil and water characteristics. Field surveys were also undertaken to identify and locate the various land use activities that may potentially pollute. The results demonstrate that the water table in the area responds rapidly to short rains (48 h) due to the pervious (10- 5 - 10- 3 ms- 1) and shallow (&lt; 1 mbgl) vadose zone, which consists of foreign material (due to reclamation). This anthropogenically influenced vadose zone has a limited contaminant attenuation capacity resulting in water quality deterioration following the rains. There is widespread contamination of the groundwater with high organic (up to 370 mgTKN/l and 779 mgNO- 3/l), thermotolerant coliforms (TTCs) and faecal streptococci (FS) (median values as high as 126E3 cfu/100 ml and 154E3 cfu/100 ml respectively) and total phosphorus (up to 13 mg/l) levels originating from multiple sources of contamination. These include animal rearing, solid waste dumping, pit latrine construction and greywater/stormwater disposal in unlined channels leading to increased localised microbial (faecal) and organic (TKN/NO- 3) contamination during the rains. The spring discharge (range 1.22-1.48 m3/h) with high nitrate levels (median values of 117 and 129 mg/l in the wet and dry seasons) did not vary significantly with season (p = 0.087) suggesting that this source is fed by regional base flow. However, the microbial quality deterioration observed in the spring discharge after a rain event (median values of 815TTCs cfu /100 ml and 433 FS cfu/100 ml) was attributed to the poor maintenance of the protection structure. Identification and selection of appropriate management solutions for the protection of shallow groundwater in informal settlements should not only be based on water quality problems and the causal physical characteristics as demonstrated by this study, but also institutional and socio-economic factors. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Hydrogeological setting; Land use; Peri-urban; Thermotolerant coliforms; Total Kjedahl nitrogen; Total phosphorusHydrogeology; Land use; Nitrogen; Topography; Urban planning; Water quality; Hydrogeological settings; Thermotolerant coliforms; Total Kjedahl nitrogen; Total phosphorus; Groundwater; ground water; phosphorus; rain; well water; anthropogenic effect; coliform bacterium; discharge; fecal coliform; field survey; groundwater pollution; hydrogeology; land use; management practice; organic nitrogen; periurban area; phosphorus; pollution monitoring; seasonal variation; social impact assessment; socioeconomic conditions; topographic effect; vadose zone; water quality; article; coliform bacterium; Enterococcus faecalis; environmental monitoring; environmental reclamation; field experiment; hydraulic conductivity; laboratory test; land use; porosity; priority journal; soil analysis; solid waste management; stratigraphy; topography; Uganda; urban area; water analysis; water contamination; water quality; water table; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollution; Rain; Refuse Disposal; Soil; Uganda; Water; Water Supply; Africa; Central Province [Uganda]; East Africa; Kampala; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda; AnimaliaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-65549145508Performance evaluation of a refrigerant-charged integrated solar water heater in northern NigeriaEnaburekhan J., Yakasai U.T.2009Desalination24303-Jan10.1016/j.desal.2008.05.014Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Bayero University, PMB 3011, Gwarzo Road, Kano, NigeriaEnaburekhan, J., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Bayero University, PMB 3011, Gwarzo Road, Kano, Nigeria; Yakasai, U.T., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Bayero University, PMB 3011, Gwarzo Road, Kano, NigeriaThe thermal performance of the refrigerant-charged integrated solar water heater was analyzed to show its applicability in Nigeria, using data of several sunny and cloudy days. This unit, having three identical small-scale solar water heating systems using refrigerants R-134a, R12, and ethanol, was constructed and tested side by side under various environmental and load conditions in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. The thermal performance was evaluated extensively throughout the months of August and September 2006; the maximum water temperature increases of 28°C, 37°C and 40°C for R12, ethanol and R-134a were attained at about 14:00 h respectively, while the maximum collection efficiencies computed were 40.63%, 50.78% and 56.59% for R12, ethanol and R-134a respectively. Best performance was obtained using R134a, probably due to its higher latent heat, higher liquid thermal conductivity, and lower viscosity and high surface tension to improve capillary pumping. This reveals a good capability of the system to convert solar energy to heat which can be used for heating water in northern Nigeria. © 2009.Heat-pipe solar collector; Phase-change; Refrigerant-charged solar collector; Solar water heatingCapillary pumping; Cloudy days; Collection efficiencies; Heat-pipe solar collector; Integrated solar water heaters; Load conditions; Nigeria; Northern Nigeria; Performance evaluations; Phase-change; Refrigerant-charged solar collector; Solar water heating; Solar water heating systems; Thermal performance; Water temperatures; Ethanol; Heat pipes; Heating; Heating equipment; Mixed convection; Refrigerants; Solar collectors; Solar heating; Solar water heaters; Surface tension; Solar energy; equipment; heating; performance assessment; thermal conductivity; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-24644432106Evaluation of five medicinal plants used in diarrhoea treatment in NigeriaAgunu A., Yusuf S., Andrew G.O., Zezi A.U., Abdurahman E.M.2005Journal of Ethnopharmacology10103-Jan10.1016/j.jep.2005.03.025Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, NigeriaAgunu, A., Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Yusuf, S., Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Andrew, G.O., Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Zezi, A.U., Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Abdurahman, E.M., Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, NigeriaFive medicinal plants [Acacia nilotica, Acanthospermun hispidum, Gmelina arborea, Parkia biglobosa and Vitex doniana] used in diarrhoeal treatment in Kaduna State, Nigeria, were investigated. This study was carried out on perfused isolated rabbit jejunum and castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice. The aqueous methanol extracts (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mg/ml) were generally found to cause a dose-dependent response in the isolated rabbit jejunum, though this was not uniform in all the plants. Gmelina arborea and Vitex doniana showed concentration dependent relaxation at low doses (0.5, 1.0 mg/ml), but showed no significant relaxation at higher doses (2.0, 3.0 mg/ml). Other extracts showed biphasic effects. For example, Acacia nilotica at 3.0 mg/ml caused initial relaxation quickly followed by contraction. In the castor oil-induced diarrhoeal, 100% protections were shown by extracts of Acacia nilotica and Parkia biglobosa (100, 200 mg/kg) while Vitex doniana showed a dose-dependent effect. The least protection was shown by Acanthospermun hispidum, at the same dose, when compared with the other four plants. The results obtained revealed that the aqueous methanol extracts of all the five medicinal plants investigated have pharmacological activity against diarrhoea. This may explain their use in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea. © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.Antidiarrhoeal; Castor oil; Medicinal plants; Methanol extracts; Tissue relaxationAcacia nilotica extract; acanthospermum hispidum extract; castor oil; Gmelina arborea extract; loperamide; methanol; Parkia biglobosa extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; vitex doniana extract; Acacia; acanthospermum hispidum; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; article; concentration (parameters); controlled study; diarrhea; drug activity; drug effect; drug screening; gmelina arborea; intestine contraction; jejunum; male; medicinal plant; mouse; muscle relaxation; Nigeria; nonhuman; Parkia biglobosa; rabbit; Vitex doniana; Acacia; Animals; Diarrhea; Jejunum; Male; Mice; Nigeria; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Rabbits; Vitex; Acacia nilotica; Gmelina arborea; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Parkia biglobosa; Vitex donianaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33644518381Performance optimization of coagulant/flocculant in the treatment of wastewater from a beverage industryAmuda O.S., Amoo I.A., Ajayi O.O.2006Journal of Hazardous Materials12903-Jan10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.07.078Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, NigeriaAmuda, O.S., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Amoo, I.A., Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Ajayi, O.O., Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, NigeriaThis study investigated the effect of coagulation/flocculation treatment process on wastewater of Fumman Beverage Industry, Ibadan, Nigeria. The study also compared different dosages of coagulant, polyelectrolyte (non-ionic polyacrylamide) and different pH values of the coagulation processes. The effect of different dosages of polyelectrolyte in combination with coagulant was also studied. The results reveal that low pH values (3-8), enhance removal efficiency of the contaminants. Percentage removal of 78, 74 and 75 of COD, TSS and TP, respectively, were achieved by the addition of 500 mg/L Fe2(SO 4)3·3H2O and 93, 94 and 96% removal of COD, TSS and TP, respectively, were achieved with the addition of 25 mg/L polyelectrolyte to the coagulation process. The volume of sludge produced, when coagulant was used solely, was higher compared to the use of polyelectrolyte combined with Fe2(SO4)3·3H2O. This may be as a result of non-ionic nature of the polyelectrolyte; hence, it does not chemically react with solids of the wastewater. Coagulation/ flocculation may be useful as a pre-treatment process for beverage industrial wastewater prior to biological treatment. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Beverage wastewater; Coagulation; pH control; Polyelectrolyte; SludgeBeverages; Chemical reactions; Flocculation; Optimization; pH effects; Polyelectrolytes; Sewage sludge; Wastewater treatment; Beverage wastewater; Biological treatment; PH control; Sludge; Coagulation; coagulating agent; polyelectrolyte; proton; sulfur oxide; Beverages; Chemical reactions; Coagulation; Flocculation; Optimization; pH effects; Polyelectrolytes; Sewage sludge; Wastewater treatment; wastewater; article; beverage; chemical analysis; chemical reaction; flocculation; food contamination; pH; sludge; waste water management; wine industry; Beverages; Flocculation; Fruit; Industrial Waste; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Waste Management; Water Pollutants, ChemicalNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33847666890Recovery assessment of a refined-oil impacted and fire ravaged mangrove ecosystemOtitoloju A.A., Are T., Junaid K.A.2007Environmental Monitoring and Assessment12703-Jan10.1007/s10661-006-9285-7Department of Zoology, Ecotoxicology Laboratory, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Federal Ministry of Environment, National Reference Laboratory, Lagos, NigeriaOtitoloju, A.A., Department of Zoology, Ecotoxicology Laboratory, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Are, T., Department of Zoology, Ecotoxicology Laboratory, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Junaid, K.A., Federal Ministry of Environment, National Reference Laboratory, Lagos, NigeriaAn assessment of the diversity and abundance of macrobenthic community in a refined-oil (petrol) impacted and fire-ravaged mangrove ecosystem within the vicinity of a marine receipt terminal facility (Atlas Cove) serving as a distribution and pump station for refined products was carried out. The mangrove ecosystem was subjected to massive petrol spillage from a leaking pipeline and eventual fire outbreak. Following rehabilitation activities, a recovery assessment of the impacted ecosystem was carried out. The field surveys revealed that the petrol leakage and fire outbreak resulted in a near complete destruction of the mangrove ecosystem around the Atlas Cove depot, with macrobenthic species diversity index ranging between 00.4, compared to 0.780.87 in the control stations. The dominant early arrivals or colonizers of the impacted stations areas were Clibanarius africanus and Callinectes amnicola. Early signs of recovery of the impacted area were observed within about two and a half (2 1/2) to three (3) months, based on diversity and abundance indices respectively. The period of early signs of recovery also coincide with an observed reduction in the total hydrocarbon content (THC) levels in the sediment collected from the impacted stations by about nine folds from 3.67 mg/kg to 0.42 mg/kg within 3 months. Despite the apparent signs of recovery, the need for long-term monitoring of the impacted stations was discussed. © Springer Science+Business Media, B.V. 2006.Atlas cove; Fire; Macrobenthos; Mangrove; Petroleum products; Recovery assessmentEnvironmental impact; Environmental impact assessments; Environmental protection; Fire hazards; Fires; Leakage (fluid); Petroleum pipelines; Petroleum products; Petroleum refining; Fire outbreak; Fire ravaged mangrove ecosystem; Macrobenthic community; Petrol spillage; Ecosystems; gasoline; hydrocarbon; abundance; assessment method; diversity index; macrobenthos; mangrove; oil spill; petroleum hydrocarbon; pollution effect; pollution monitoring; species diversity; article; biodiversity; controlled study; ecosystem fire history; ecosystem regeneration; ecosystem restoration; environmental impact assessment; environmental monitoring; macrobenthos; mangrove; Nigeria; petrochemical industry; population abundance; species diversity; spillage; vegetation; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Remediation; Fires; Geologic Sediments; Nigeria; Petroleum; Rhizophoraceae; Callinectes amnicola; ClibanariusNone
Scopus2-s2.0-67349267289Performance of Toggenburg dairy goats in smallholder production systems of the eastern highlands of KenyaAhuya C.O., Ojango J.M.K., Mosi R.O., Peacock C.P., Okeyo A.M.2009Small Ruminant Research8303-Jan10.1016/j.smallrumres.2008.11.012FARM-Africa, Kenya Country Office, P.O. Box 49502, Nairobi, Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; University of Nairobi, Department of Animal Production, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya; Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, Box 536, 20107 Njoro, KenyaAhuya, C.O., FARM-Africa, Kenya Country Office, P.O. Box 49502, Nairobi, Kenya; Ojango, J.M.K., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya, Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, Box 536, 20107 Njoro, Kenya; Mosi, R.O., University of Nairobi, Department of Animal Production, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya; Peacock, C.P., FARM-Africa, Kenya Country Office, P.O. Box 49502, Nairobi, Kenya; Okeyo, A.M., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Box 30709, Nairobi, KenyaThe use of exotic dairy goats in breeding programmes for smallholder production systems is popular in Eastern Africa. However, information on the performance of exotic breeds within these systems is scarce. This paper presents information on performance of Toggenburg dairy goats under smallholder production systems in a medium to high agricultural potential environment in Kenya under a community-based set-up as part of the characterization of its adaptive and productive attributes. Environmental factors affecting growth of 646 goats born in the environment, and fertility and milk production of 160 does from 1997 to 2005 were evaluated. Genetic parameters were also estimated for early growth traits. The average birth weight (BW) for 607 kids was 3.27 kg. Corrected weaning weights (CW), and average daily gain to weaning (ADG) for 646 kids were 19.12 kg and 136 g/day, respectively. The results indicated that the smallholder farmers were able to maintain comparably high levels of milk production in the first three parities (LMY), with yields of 475 ± 9 l in 201 days for 160 does in the first parity, 507 ± 9 l in 264 days from 130 does in the second parity and 513 ± 13 l in 296 days for 82 does in the third parity. Kidding intervals though initially long decreased with time to reasonable levels (302 ± 117 days). The heritability estimates obtained were low (0.23 ± 0.13 for BW, 0.18 ± 0.11 for CW and 0.14 ± 0.11 for ADG). Genetic correlations between the traits were also low. Genetic and phenotypic trends indicated little change in BW, CW and LMY over the years. The phenotypic trend in the kidding interval showed a reducing interval over time. The results demonstrated that the Toggenburg goats were able to perform and thrive reasonably well under the low-input farming conditions. © 2009.Genetic parameters; Goat milk; Smallholder farming; ToggenburgCapra hircusNone
Scopus2-s2.0-9744227368Evaluation of the phenotypic performance of a Red Maasai and Dorper double backcross resource population: Natural pasture challenge with gastro-intestinal nematode parasitesMugambi J.M., Audho J.O., Baker R.L.2005Small Ruminant Research5603-Jan10.1016/j.smallrumres.2004.06.003Intl. Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya, Kenya; National Veterinary Research Centre, P.O. Box 32, Kikuyu 0902, Kenya, Kenya; P.O. Box 238, Whangamata, New Zealand, New ZealandMugambi, J.M., National Veterinary Research Centre, P.O. Box 32, Kikuyu 0902, Kenya, Kenya; Audho, J.O., Intl. Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya, Kenya; Baker, R.L., P.O. Box 238, Whangamata, New Zealand, New ZealandSix first cross (F1) Red Maasai x Dorper rams were mated to both Red Maasai (R) and Dorper (D) ewes to produce 1342 double backcross progeny (672 3/4 D/1/4 R and 670 3/4 R/1/4 D lambs born alive). These six double backcross resource families are being used to identify quantitative trait loci controlling resistance to gastro-intestinal (GI) nematode parasites (particularly Haemonchus contortus). This paper reports the phenotypic performance of the double backcross progeny relative to the performance of straight bred Red Maasai (158 born) and Dorper (131 born) lambs evaluated at pasture from birth to 6 months of age. Resistance to GI nematode parasites was assessed in terms of faecal egg counts (FEC), while resilience (tolerance) was assessed in terms of blood packed red cell volume (PCV). The R and 3/4 R lambs were consistently more resistant (lower FEC) and resilient (higher PCV) than the D and 3/4 D lambs and these differences were significant for lambs from 3 to 6 months of age. The difference between the backcrosses for both FEC and PCV was about a half of the difference between the straightbred R and D lambs indicating additive gene action. The D lambs were consistently significantly heavier than the R lambs at all sampling times from birth to 6 months with the difference increasing from a 52% advantage at birth (3.72 versus 2.44 kg, respectively) to a 86% advantage for 6-month-old lambs (23.1 versus 12.4 kg, respectively). The 3/4 D lambs were also significantly heavier than the 3/4 R at all sampling times and this difference was about a half that between the D and R lambs (5.1 ± 0.2 versus 10.7 ± 0.5 kg, respectively for 6-month-old lambs). For pre-weaning mortality there was a significant (P &lt; 0.05) breed by birth type interaction due to significantly higher mortality rates in D and 3/4 D lambs than in R and 3/4 R in multiple-born lambs, but no significant breed effect for single-born lambs. There was a significant (P &lt; 0.05) breed effect for post-weaning mortality (3.5-6 months of age) with the D lambs (15.0%) and 3/4 D lambs (7.3%) having higher mortality rates than the 3/4 R and R lambs (0.8 and 1.4%, respectively). Mortality was attributed mainly to starvation/miss-mothering followed by pneumonia during the pre-weaning period and to haemonchosis and pneumonia from weaning to 6 months of age. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Breed differences; Gastro-intestinal nematodes; Haemonchus contortus; Resistance; SheepHaemonchus contortus; lamb; Nematoda; Ovis; Ovis ariesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84863748844Prediction of reservoir performance in multi-well systems using modified hyperbolic modelAdeboye Y.B., Ubani C.E., Oribayo O.2011Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology104-Feb10.1007/s13202-011-0009-3Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, AkokaAdeboye, Y.B., Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Ubani, C.E., Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria; Oribayo, O., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, NigeriaDecline curve analyses are usually based on empirical Arps' equations: exponential, hyperbolic and harmonic decline. The applicable decline for the purpose of reservoir estimates is usually based on the historical trend that is seen on the well or reservoir performance. This remains an important tool for the reservoir engineer, so that the practice of decline curve analysis has been developed over the years through both theoretical and empirical considerations. Despite the fact that the fundamental principles are well known and understood, there are aspects which can still lead to a range of forecast and reserve estimates that until now have not been investigated. In this work, a model was developed considering the effect of well aggregation and interference in multi-well systems. This approach accounts for the entire production history of the well and the reservoir, and thus reduces the influence of well interference effects on decline curve analysis. It provides much better estimates of reserves in multi-well systems. The models were validated with field data from different wells. Production decline data from different wells in a reservoir were analyzed and used to demonstrate the application of the developed model. © 2011 The Author(s).Decline curve; Forecast; Interference; Reserve estimates; Well aggregationArps' equation; Decline curve analysis; Decline curves; Developed model; Field data; Forecast; Fundamental principles; Historical trends; Hyperbolic models; Prediction of reservoir; Reserve estimates; Reservoir engineers; Reservoir performance; Well interference; Estimation; Oil well production; Wave interference; Wells; ForecastingNone
Scopus2-s2.0-74349100385Assessment of environmental impact on air quality by cement industry and mitigating measures: A case studyKabir G., Madugu A.I.2010Environmental Monitoring and Assessment16004-Jan10.1007/s10661-008-0660-4Chemical Engineering Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi P. M. B. 0248, NigeriaKabir, G., Chemical Engineering Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi P. M. B. 0248, Nigeria; Madugu, A.I., Chemical Engineering Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi P. M. B. 0248, NigeriaIn this study, environmental impact on air quality was evaluated for a typical Cement Industry in Nigeria. The air pollutants in the atmosphere around the cement plant and neighbouring settlements were determined using appropriate sampling techniques. Atmospheric dust and CO2 were prevalent pollutants during the sampling period; their concentrations were recorded to be in the range of 249-3,745 mg/m3 and 2,440-2,600 mg/m3, respectively. Besides atmospheric dust and CO2, the air pollutants such as NOx, SOx and CO were in trace concentrations, below the safe limits approved by FEPA that are 0.0062-0.093 mg/m 3NOx, 0.026 mg/m3SOx and 114.3 mg/m3 CO, respectively. Some cost-effective mitigating measures were recommended that include the utilisation of readily available and low-cost pozzolans material to produce blended cement, not only could energy efficiency be improved, but carbon dioxide emission could also be minimised during clinker production; and the installation of an advance high-pressure grinding rolls (clinker-roller-press process) to maximise energy efficiency to above what is obtainable from the traditional ball mills and to minimise CO2 emission from the power plant. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.Atmosphere; Cement; Emission; Environment; Mitigation; PollutionAir pollutants; Atmosphere; Atmospheric dust; Blended cement; Carbon dioxide emissions; Clinker production; High-pressure grinding; Mitigating measures; Nigeria; Press process; Sampling period; Sampling technique; Trace concentrations; Air quality; Ball milling; Ball mills; Carbon dioxide; Cement industry; Cement plants; Cements; Dust; Energy efficiency; Environmental impact; Environmental impact assessments; Global warming; Pollution; Carbon monoxide; carbon dioxide; carbon monoxide; cement; nitric oxide; sulfur oxide; air quality; anthropogenic source; atmospheric pollution; carbon dioxide; carbon emission; cement; concentration (composition); dust; energy efficiency; environmental impact assessment; industrial emission; pollution policy; sampling; air pollutant; air quality; air sampling; article; atmosphere; case study; cement industry; controlled study; dust; environmental impact assessment; Nigeria; Air Pollutants; Carbon Dioxide; Construction Materials; Environmental Monitoring; Nigeria; NigeriaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-70349242255Monitoring of the physical parameters and evaluation of the chemical composition of river and groundwater in Calabar (Southeastern Nigeria)Edet A., Worden R.H.2009Environmental Monitoring and Assessment15704-Jan10.1007/s10661-008-0532-yDepartment of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Liverpool, 4 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L69 3GP, United Kingdom; Department of Geology, University of Calabar, Unical Post Office, Calabar 540001, NigeriaEdet, A., Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Liverpool, 4 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L69 3GP, United Kingdom, Department of Geology, University of Calabar, Unical Post Office, Calabar 540001, Nigeria; Worden, R.H., Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Liverpool, 4 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L69 3GP, United KingdomA 12-month study was carried to assess the seasonal and tidal effects on the physical parameters of river and groundwater, which constitute the major potable water sources in Calabar (Nigeria). The study also included an evaluation of the chemical composition of the different water bodies and their relationship. The results show that there was a significant seasonal effect on dissolved oxygen (DO) and nitrate in groundwater on one hand, and on temperature, redox potential (Eh), and DO in river water on the other. Also, a significant tidal influence exists on DO in both river-and groundwater. Comparison between groundwater and river water show statistically significant difference in EC, TDS, Eh, DO, Na, Cl and NO3. The significant differences in EC, TDS, Na and Cl are due to tidal flushing. The difference in Eh is due to geology of the area while, NO3 is as a result of anthropogenic pollution. The concentrations of ions in the river and groundwater for the different seasons and tidal cycles show an inverse relationship, while the river water is generally more concentrated than the groundwater. Using a binary mixing model, estimates show that the degree of mixing of river water and groundwater is low, with values of between 1.93% and 2.76% respectively, in the western and eastern parts of the study area. The study concludes that tidal flushing, anthropogenic effects and oxygen supply during recharge contribute to the shaping of water chemistry in the area. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008.Calabar; Chemical composition; Coastal aquifer; Drinking water quality; Groundwater; Physical properties; River; Season; TideCalabar; Chemical composition; Coastal aquifer; Drinking water quality; Season; Aquifers; Biochemical oxygen demand; Dissolution; Dissolved oxygen; Dissolved oxygen sensors; Electric conductivity measurement; Groundwater resources; Hydrogeology; Oxygen supply; Physical properties; Rivers; Water distribution systems; Water pollution; Water quality; Potable water; dissolved oxygen; drinking water; ground water; nitrate; river water; chemical composition; coastal aquifer; dissolved oxygen; groundwater; nitrate; redox potential; river water; water chemistry; article; chemical composition; geology; monitoring; Nigeria; oxidation reduction potential; oxygen supply; physical chemistry; seasonal variation; statistical significance; temperature; water analysis; water pollution; Chlorine; Cities; Electric Conductivity; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Nigeria; Nitrates; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxygen; Rivers; Seasons; Sodium; Temperature; Water Pollutants; Africa; Calabar; Cross River [(STT) Nigeria]; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-78049326022The impact of irrigated agriculture on water quality of rivers Kongoni and Sirimon, Ewaso Ng'iro North Basin, KenyaMutisya D.K., Tole M.2010Water, Air, and Soil Pollution21304-Jan10.1007/s11270-010-0373-5Department of Environmental Sciences, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Pwani University College, P. O. Box 195, 80180 Kilifi, KenyaMutisya, D.K., Department of Environmental Sciences, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Tole, M., Department of Environmental Sciences, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Pwani University College, P. O. Box 195, 80180 Kilifi, KenyaThis study aimed at determining the water quality of River Sirimon and River Kongoni, Ewaso Ng'iro North Basin, Kenya. Water quality analysis of these two rivers was done for a period of 5 months between November 2005 and February 2006. Portable Palintest equipment was used for the chemical analysis. The study established that there were sulphates concentrations of 22 mgL-1 in the Kongoni River water associated with the use of commercial fertilisers as compared to mean values of 7 mgL-1 along Sirimon River; phosphate concentrations were 1.3 mgL-1 in Kongoni and 0.15 mgL-1 in Sirimon and salinity 3 mgL-1 in Kongoni and 0.47 mgL-1 in Sirimon. On average, mean nitrates concentrations of 1.7 mgL-1 were recorded for Kongoni River, which were higher than those recorded for Sirimon River (0.033 mgL-1). These concentration levels were however within the standard levels set by WHO for example 50 mgL-1 for nitrates (WHO 2008). River Kongoni has two major irrigated horticultural farms across it which were likely polluting the river during the time of this study. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.Fertilizer; Irrigation; Kenya; Kongoni and Sirimon rivers; PollutionConcentration levels; Fertilisers; Irrigated agriculture; Kenya; Kongoni and Sirimon rivers; Mean values; Palintest; Phosphate concentration; River water; Sulphates; Water quality analysis; Chemical equipment; Concentration (process); Fertilizers; Irrigation; Nitrogen compounds; Pollution; Quality control; Rivers; Water quality; River pollution; ammonia; fertilizer; manganese; nitrate; nitrite; river water; sulfate; agriculture; chemical analysis; concentration (composition); fertilizer; horticulture; irrigation; nitrate; phosphate; river water; sulfate; water quality; article; concentration (parameters); controlled study; environmental impact assessment; fertilizer application; irrigation (agriculture); Kenya; river basin; river ecosystem; salinity; trend study; waste disposal; water analysis; water contamination; water pollutant; water quality; water standard; world health organization; Kenya; Ngiro RiverNone
Scopus2-s2.0-74349089723Evaluation and analysis of noise levels in Ilorin metropolis, NigeriaOyedepo O.S., Saadu A.A.2010Environmental Monitoring and Assessment16004-Jan10.1007/s10661-008-0719-2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kwar State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Kwara State, NigeriaOyedepo, O.S., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Saadu, A.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kwar State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Kwara State, NigeriaEvaluation and analysis of noise pollution levels have been carried out to determine the level of noise and its sources in Ilorin metropolis. Noise measurements have been done in the morning, at noon, in the evening, and at night to determine noise pollution all over the city. The selected areas of study are commercial centers, road junctions/busy roads, passenger loading parks, and high-density and low-density residential areas. The road junctions had the highest noise pollution levels, followed by commercial centers. The results of this study show that the noise levels in Ilorin metropolis exceeded allowed values at 30 of 42 measurements points. There is a significant difference (P<0.05) in the noise pollution levels and traffic noise index in all the locations. From the measured noise values, a map of noise pollution was developed for Ilorin. Many solutions proposed for noise abatement in the city are set out. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.Environmental noise; Ilorin; Noise; Noise map; Noise pollution; Traffic noiseEnvironmental noise; High-density; Ilorin; Nigeria; Noise levels; Noise map; Noise measurements; Noise pollution level; Residential areas; Road junction; Traffic noise; Noise pollution; Parks; Roads and streets; Noise abatement; commercial activity; metropolitan area; noise pollution; pollution monitoring; traffic congestion; article; controlled study; Nigeria; noise measurement; noise pollution; residential area; traffic noise; Cities; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollution; Nigeria; Noise; Ilorin; Kwara; NigeriaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33750429282Assessing the performance of global solar radiation empirical formulations in Kampala, UgandaMubiru J., Banda E.J.K.B., D'Ujanga F., Senyonga T.2007Theoretical and Applied Climatology8704-Jan10.1007/s00704-005-0196-2Department of Physics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, NorwayMubiru, J., Department of Physics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Banda, E.J.K.B., Department of Physics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; D'Ujanga, F., Department of Physics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Senyonga, T., Department of Physics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, NorwaySolar radiation incident on the Earth's surface is a determining factor of climate on Earth, hence having a proper solar radiation database is crucial in understanding climate processes in the Earth's atmosphere. Solar radiation data may be used in the development of insolation maps, analysis of crop growth and in the simulation of solar systems. Unfortunately, measured solar radiation data may not be available in locations where it is most needed. An alternative to obtaining observed data is to estimate it using an appropriate solar radiation model. The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of thirteen global solar radiation empirical formulations, in Kampala, Uganda, located in an African Equatorial region. The best performing formulations were determined using the ranking method. The mean bias error, root mean square error and t-statistic value were calculated and utilized in the ranking process. Results have shown that the formulation: H̄/ H̄0 = a + b(S̄/S̄0) + c(S̄/ S̄0)2 is ranked the highest and therefore is the recommended empirical equation for the estimation of the monthly mean global solar irradiation in Kampala, Uganda and in other African Equatorial locations with similar climate and terrain. © Springer-Verlag 2006.Noneempirical analysis; error analysis; numerical model; performance assessment; ranking; solar radiation; Africa; Central Province [Uganda]; East Africa; Kampala; Sub-Saharan Africa; UgandaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84865466015Performance and stability of seed yield in rainfed sesame genotypes as influenced by plant population densityAdebisi M.A., Ajala M.O.2006Tropical Agriculture8304-JanNoneDepartment of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, NigeriaAdebisi, M.A., Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ajala, M.O., Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, NigeriaA study was conducted to determine the performance and stability of seed yield in 14 sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes which were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replications at three plant population densities in South-West Nigeria in each of two years. Two stability parameters were obtained (i) as the linear regression (b value) of genotype mean yield in each environment and the deviations from the regression (S 2d). The genotypes evaluated differed significantly for seed yield and genotype x environment (G x E) interactions. Regression coefficients ranged from 0.65-1.25 and were statistically close to unity. One genotype, 530-3, with a regression coefficient value of 1.01 and smaller S2d value and a relatively high seed yield, could be considered the most widely-adapted genotype. Deviations from the regression were significant in all the genotypes. The highest-yielding genotypes appeared less stable than the average of all entries. Three genotypes, Type A, 530-6-1, and Pbtill No. 1 were identified as suitable for cultivation in all the environments. Genotypes E8 and 69B-88Z were identified as desirable genotypes for cultivation in any of the three plant populations. The result pointed out Goza as being most appropriate for cultivation in 133 333 plants ha-1 and 73A-11 and C-K-Z in 266667 plants ha-1, while Domu would be appropriate in 266667 plants ha -1. These genotypes were distinct and therefore deserve a place in commercial seed production and future breeding programmes. ©2006 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad).Environment; Genotypes; Performance; Plant population density; StabilitySesamum indicumNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84865527472The effect of seedbed preparation on the efficacy of herbicides and maize performanceKayode J., Ademiluyi B.2006Tropical Agriculture8304-JanNoneDepartment of Plant Science, University OfAdo-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, NigeriaKayode, J., Department of Plant Science, University OfAdo-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Ademiluyi, B., Department of Plant Science, University OfAdo-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, NigeriaMaize (Zea mays L.) performance and weed control efficiency with three seedbed preparation methods combined with either a pre-plant or post-emergence herbicide were compared over two years. The treatments were: zero tillage + weedy check, zero tillage + hoe weeding, zero tillage + glyphosate, zero tillage + atrazine, ridge + weedy check, ridge + hoe weeding, ridge + glyphosate, ridge + atrazine, heap + weedy check, heap + hoe weeding, heap + glyphosate, and heap + atrazine. Atrazine applied at 3.0 kg active ingredient ha-1 post-emergence and glyphosate applied pre-emergence at the same rate produced better weed control efficiency, plant height, and grain yield under ridge and heap tillage than under zero tillage system. Atrazine compared well with hoe weeding, but performed better than glyphosate. ©2006 Trop. Agric (Trinidad).Atrazine; Glyphosate; Heap; Hoe weeding; Weedy check; Zea mays; Zero tillageZea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-80054751982Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense enzymes in Clarias gariepinus as useful biomarkers for monitoring exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonsOtitoloju A., Olagoke O.2011Environmental Monitoring and Assessment18204-Jan10.1007/s10661-010-1870-0Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, NigeriaOtitoloju, A., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Olagoke, O., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, NigeriaThe toxicological evaluations of crude oil, xylene, toluene and benzene were carried out against juvenile stages of Clarias gariepinus. On the basis of LC 50 value, benzene (0.017 ml/l) was found to be the most toxic followed by xylene (0.086 ml/l), toluene (0.398 ml/l) and crude oil (2.219 ml/l) was the least toxic. The results of the lipid peroxidation assay showed that the level of malonaldehyde (MDA) in liver and gills of fish exposed to all the test chemicals increased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) when compared to control. Measurement of activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in liver and gill of fishes exposed to sublethal concentration of the test chemicals over a 28-day period was found to decrease significantly (P &lt; 0.05) when compared to control. The observed reduction in the activities of antioxidant defense enzymes such as SOD, CAT and GST in conjunction with an increase in MDA levels in the gill and liver tissues of test animals exposed to aromatic hydrocarbon compounds were recommended as a good battery of biomarkers for early detection of pollution during biomonitoring programmes. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.Antioxidant enzymes; Aromatic hydrocarbons; Biomarkers; Biomonitoring; Lipid peroxidationAntioxidant defense; Antioxidant enzyme; Biomonitoring; Clarias gariepinus; Early detection; Glutathione-S-transferase; Hydrocarbon compounds; Lipid peroxidation; Liver tissue; Malonaldehyde; Superoxide dismutases; Toxicological evaluation; Aldehydes; Animals; Aromatic compounds; Aromatization; Benzene; Computer system firewalls; Crude oil; Enzymes; Hydrocarbons; Oxidation; Oxidative stress; Oxygen; Pollution detection; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Tissue; Toluene; Toxic materials; Xylene; Catalysts; benzene; biological marker; catalase; glutathione transferase; malonaldehyde; petroleum; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon; superoxide dismutase; toluene; xylene; bioassay; biomarker; biomonitoring; enzyme activity; fish; lipid; oxidation; PAH; pollution exposure; toxicity test; toxicology; acclimatization; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; biological monitoring; Clarias gariepinus; concentration (parameters); controlled study; environmental exposure; environmental monitoring; enzyme activity; enzyme inhibition; fingerling; gill; LC 50; lipid peroxidation; liver toxicity; nonhuman; oxidative stress; physical chemistry; signal transduction; Siluriformes; toxicity testing; Animals; Biological Markers; Catalase; Catfishes; Environmental Monitoring; Gills; Glutathione Transferase; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Nigeria; Petroleum Pollution; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Superoxide Dismutase; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Animalia; Clarias gariepinus; PiscesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84865526554Performance of four cauliflower varieties (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) under open field conditions in seychellesIjoyah M.O., Rakotomavo H.2006Tropical Agriculture8304-JanNoneVegetable Evaluation and Research Station, Anse Boileau, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 166, Mahe, Seychelles; Department of Crop Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, NigeriaIjoyah, M.O., Department of Crop Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Rakotomavo, H., Vegetable Evaluation and Research Station, Anse Boileau, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 166, Mahe, SeychellesA field experiment was conducted from March to September 2005 at the Vegetable Evaluation and Research Station, Anse Boileau, to evaluate the performance of four cauliflower varieties under open-field conditions in Seychelles. Results of the study showed that variety Rami not only produced curds with the largest circumference of 33.9 cm, but also produced the highest number of curds not affected with the black rot fungal disease. This variety, in addition, gave curd yield increases of 7.8, 15.7, and 25.0% compared to the yield obtained from Amazing, Clima, and Tropical Extra Early varieties, respectively. Rami performed best under open field conditions in Seychelles and can be considered as a potential replacement for the common variety (Tropical Extra Early). ©2006 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad).Cauliflower varieties; Performance; SeychellesBotrytis; Brassica oleracea; Brassica oleracea var. botrytisNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84949686387Evaluation of microbial systems for biotreatment of cassava mill waste water in Nigeria: biodegradation of cyanideAgarry S.E., Owabor C.N.2012International Journal of Environmental Engineering404-Mar10.1504/IJEE.2012.050771Biochemical Engineering and Environmental Biotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin-City, NigeriaAgarry, S.E., Biochemical Engineering and Environmental Biotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Owabor, C.N., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin-City, NigeriaThe capability of six isolated bacterial strains to utilise cyanide in cassava mill wastewater as a nitrogen source in a batch bioreactor was examined and evaluated. The results revealed that all the isolates were capable of degrading cyanide with percent degradation between 60 and 94% in 96 h. There was high positive correlation between cyanide biodegradation and microbial growth (0.90 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.97). The Monod kinetic model adequately described the dynamic behaviour of cyanide degradation by the different bacterial isolates. Thus, the study revealed the possibility of using the bacterial isolates in the biotreatment of cyanide waste effluents. © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.bacterial isolates; bioremediation; cassava mill wastewater; cyanide removal; Monod kinetic modelNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33846268795Effect of drilled solids on drilling rate and performanceNjobuenwu D.O., Wobo C.A.2007Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering5504-Mar10.1016/j.petrol.2006.08.012Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Fluids Division, Baker Hughes Nigeria Ltd, Plot 268 Trans Amadi, Industrial Layout, PMB 5241, Port Harcourt, NigeriaNjobuenwu, D.O., Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Wobo, C.A., Fluids Division, Baker Hughes Nigeria Ltd, Plot 268 Trans Amadi, Industrial Layout, PMB 5241, Port Harcourt, NigeriaThis paper describes the results of laboratory investigations into the effect of drilled solids on the drilling rate and drilling performance. Drilling fluid performance and a successful result during drilling operations are characterised by the fluid's properties providing hole cleaning and cutting transport. Various concentrations of bentonite which has the same specific gravity with drilled solids were used to simulate drilling performance. The results were discussed in terms of electric stability (emulsion stability), high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) including the resultant filter cake, rheological properties of the active fluid Experiments show that the ES drops in half as the drilled solid (bentonite) concentration increases from 0 to 75 lb/bbl. The HPHT FL test produced thicker filter cake and the HPHT FL doubles while the YP quadruples as the bentonite concentration increases. Accumulation of filter cake on the bit or BHA during pull out of hole of a drill string and hole problems are attendant problems associated with inefficient solid control. The use of bentonite to simulate the drilled solid is good agreement with previous works. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Drilled Cuttings; Drilled Solids; Drilling Fluids; Emulsion Stability; Hole Problems; Synthetic Based MudDrilled solids; Drilling performance; Drilling rate; Emulsion stability; High-pressure high-temperature; Bentonite; Boreholes; Density (specific gravity); Drilling fluids; Emulsions; Stability; Oil well drilling; Bentonite; Boreholes; Density (specific gravity); Drilling fluids; Emulsions; Oil well drilling; Stability; bentonite; drilling fluid; emulsion; performance assessmentNone
Scopus2-s2.0-36649026694Evaluation of the susceptibility of local cocoa germplasms in Nigeria to Phytophthora pod rot disease using the leaf discs techniqueOtuonye A.H., Adeoti A.Y.A., Agbeniyi S.O., Aikpokpodion P.O., Enikomehin O., Popoola T.O.2007Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment504-MarNoneCocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, NigeriaOtuonye, A.H., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adeoti, A.Y.A., University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Agbeniyi, S.O., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Aikpokpodion, P.O., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Enikomehin, O., University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Popoola, T.O., University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, NigeriaThe Phytophthora pod rot disease constitutes a major threat to cocoa cultivation in all cocoa-growing regions worldwide. It is one of the most important diseases limiting the attainment of genetic yield potential of this tree crop. Though available, chemical control methods are often expensive and beyond the reach of peasant farmers that produce more than 95% of Nigeria crop. Also, the limited knowledge of rational chemical application among rural farmers and the adverse effect on the environment makes it an unfriendly approach. Breeding commercially viable resistant cacao genotypes have been advocated to be the most durable control approach against the Phytophthora pod rot. Towards achieving this objective, promising cacao materials were selected from the gene pool in Cocoa Research Institute ofNigeria (CRIN) Headquarters, Ibadan. Screening of these eight selected cocoa clones with four isolates of Phytophthora megakarya of known aggressiveness in combination-NGRI4, using the leaf discs inoculation method at standard inoculum concentration of zoospores of 3 x 105 ml-1 was carried out. Results showed that T12/5 was resistant, while clones T17/11 and T86/2 are moderately resistant. The other clones, T85/5, T85/45 and T20/11, were moderately susceptible. It is therefore suggested that clone T12/5 be integrated into the resistance breeding effort against Phytophthora pod rot.Aggressiveness; Clones; Cocoa; Isolate; Phytophthora megakarya; Resistant; ScreeningPhytophthora; Phytophthora megakarya; Theobroma cacaoNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33845422044Cultivar evaluation and mega-environment investigation of Dioscorea cayenensis cultivars in Ghana based on the GGE biplot analysisOtoo E., Asiedu R.2006Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment404-MarNoneCrops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, Oyo, Ibadan, NigeriaOtoo, E., Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Asiedu, R., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, Oyo, Ibadan, NigeriaCultivar evaluation and mega-environment identification are the most important objectives of multi-environment trials (MET). The objective of this study was to assess the effect of genotype and genotype x environment interaction on the tuber yield of 18 yellow yam (D. cayenensis L.) genotypes via GGE (genotype plus genotype x environment) biplot methodology. Experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design (RCD) 4 years at 3 locations (12 environments). The biplot analysis identified three D. cayenensis mega-environments in Ghana. The first mega-environment contained Wenchi 2002 (WEN02) with G10 as the winning genotype; Genotype 16 won in the second mega-environment consisting of Wenchi 2004 (WEN04), Bodwease 2001 (BOD01), Bodwease (BOD02), Fumesua 2001 (FUM01), Wenchi 2003 (WEN03), Bodwease 2004 (BOD04) and Fumesua 2002 (FUM02) and the winning genotype at Fumesua 2003 (FUM03), Wenchi 2001 (WEN01), Bodwease 2003 (BOD03) and Fumesua 2004 (FUM04) (the third mega-environment) was Genotype 17. Two thirds of the tested genotypes were identified as redundant. Genotype 16 was the most stable and highest yielding genotype and Genotype 11 the poorest. Genotypes 16 and 17 were closest to the ideal genotype. FUM02 and BOD04 were closest to the ideal environment with BOD04 as the best and WEN02 the poorest environment.Dioscorea cayenensis; GGE; Ghana; YamsDioscorea alata; Dioscorea cayenensisNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84908702550Impact of micro credit and training on efficiency of small-scale entrepreneurs: Evidence from national directorate of employment (NDE) loan/training programmes in NigeriaAkinrinola O.O., Fasoranti M.M., Aturamu O.A.2014Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment1204-MarNoneDepartment of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Economics, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo, Nigeria; Ekiti State College of Education, Ikere, Ekiti, NigeriaAkinrinola, O.O., Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria; Fasoranti, M.M., Department of Economics, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo, Nigeria; Aturamu, O.A., Ekiti State College of Education, Ikere, Ekiti, NigeriaThis study analyses the impact of micro-credit and training on efficiency of small-scale entrepreneurs, using the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) programme as a case study. National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has been found to be functioning effectively in its training services. However, in the area of credit provision and utilization, there is no empirical evidence to support its efficiency. In order to evaluate the link between the loan/training programmes of the Directorate and the level of efficiency of micro-entrepreneurs in the state, we estimate technical efficiencies and identify significant policy variables influencing efficiency of selected micro enterprises, using the stochastic frontier production function. Results indicate that there are intra and inter group variations in the efficiency of bakers, furniture makers and burnt-brick makers, showing that there is possibility of improving the level efficiency of these entrepreneurs. The most significant determinants of technical efficiencies of bakers, furniture makers and burnt-brick makers are the level of education, business experience, age of operators, credit access, training experience and level of working capital and initial capital outlay. © 2014 World Food Ltd. and WFL Publishers. All rights reserved.Employment; Entrepreneurs; Loan; Micro credit; Small scaleaccounting; Article; commercial phenomena; education; enterpreneur; funding; furniture; human; loan; mathematical model; micro credit; named groups of persons; productivity; program efficacy; stochastic model; training; work experienceNone
Scopus2-s2.0-80655140359Self-perceived competencies assessment and human resource performance of zonal extension managers in northern NigeriaOgunlade I., Idowu Oladele O., Agboga F.I.2011Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment904-MarNoneDepartment of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Northwest University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X 2046, Mmabatho 2735, SouthOgunlade, I., Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Idowu Oladele, O., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Northwest University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X 2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Agboga, F.I., Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, NigeriaThis study examined the perceptions of Zonal Extension Managers (ZEMs) in Agricultural Development Projects (ADP) of the northern states in Nigeria regarding their human resource management competence and performance of human resources management activities. A simple random sampling procedure was used to select 13 out of 19 ADPs in northern Nigeria. A total of 52 questionnaires were mailed to the respondents but 42 were returned which made a return rate of 80%. The data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, rank and multiple correlations. The results show that the ZEMs were all males with mean age of 49.7 years-old, married (92.9%) and 26.2% had B.Sc/B.Agric. The highest human resource management competencies perceived by the ZEM were knowledge of organization (mean=4.69, SD=0.52), interpersonal relations (mean=4.57, SD=0.63) and engagement (mean=4.43, SD=0.70). The human resource management activities for which the ZEM indicated highest means were ability to understand the history, philosophy and contemporary nature of extension (mean=3.81, SD=0.89) and technical proficiency that enhances individual and organizational effectiveness (mean=3.76, SD=0.43). There is a significant positive relationship between human resource management activities, tenure in extension services and human resource management competencies (r=0.57, r=0.11, p=0.05), respectively. The findings revealed the training needs of ZEM in terms of human resource management.Human resources management competencies; Human resources management performance; Nigeria; Work-related characteristics; Zonal Extension Managersadult; agriculture; article; attitude; female; human; human relation; leadership; male; manager; Nigeria; philosophy; professionalism; questionnaire; resource management; trainingNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84859044666Impact of Agricultural Extension Services on Cocoyam Production in Ogun State, NigeriaOlagunju F.I., Adesiji G.B.2011Journal of Agricultural and Food Information1204-Mar10.1080/10496505.2011.588937Department of Agricultural Economics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, NigeriaOlagunju, F.I., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Adesiji, G.B., Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, NigeriaThis study measured the impact of extension services on cocoyam production in Ogun State by comparing the output of farmers visited by extension workers (FV) with those not visited (FNV). A multistage sampling technique was used to select 90 farmers. Data were analyzed by means of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The regression result for the cocoyam production model revealed that FNV also enjoyed the benefits of extension services through their interaction with FV or cooperative societies in the study area in what could be termed a "trickle down" effect. These findings suggest that extension can help to close the gap between the output attainable with existing technologies and those actually realized by farmers. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.cocoyam farmers; cocoyam production; extension; NigeriaColocasia esculentaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77957801165The impact of dietary protein on the pathophysiology of porcine trypanosome infectionNnadi P.A., Ezeh I.O., Kalu K.C., Ngene A.A.2010Veterinary Parasitology17304-Mar10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.07.004Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UniversityNnadi, P.A., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ezeh, I.O., Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Kalu, K.C., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ngene, A.A., Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NigeriaThe influence of protein nutrition on porcine trypanosomosis was investigated in this study. Thirty six landrace/large white cross weanling pigs were used. Upon purchase, these were divided into two groups of 18 pigs each and these were housed separately to enable them adapt to our animal house management regimen. Post-adaptation, the pigs were divided into 6 groups A1 and A2, B1, and B2, and C1 and C2 (n=6). A1 and A2 were fed diet A1, B1 and B2 diet B while C1 and C2 were fed diet C with 28%, 20% and 16% crude protein, respectively. Two-week post-adaptation groups A1, B1, and C1 were infected with 3×106 Trypanosoma brucei brucei organisms intraperitoneally. Body weight, temperature and Packed Cell Volume of all group members were determined a week prior to infection, on the day of infection and weekly thereafter till end of the study. Serum biochemistry was also concurrently determined. Three days post-infection, blood was collected from all the members of A1, B1 and C1 and thoroughly screened microscopically for the presence of trypanosome organisms. This was repeated on subsequent days till all the infected animals developed patency by showing parasitaemia under wet mount. The result of this study showed that infection did not have any significant effect on the rate of weight gain except in group C (p≤0.05). Moreover, infections caused significant hyperthermia in all the infection groups (p≤0.05) with diet A showing the least response and C the most severe. Furthermore, diet did not have any effect on parasite establishment or parasitaemia as the prepatent period was similar in all the infection groups. There was also significant reduction in PCV whose severity also correlated with reduction in the protein dietary quality. Similar observation was also made on the total serum protein where significant hyperproteinaemia correlated with increasing dietary protein and the uninfected controls having higher serum protein relative to the infected. There was in addition parasite induced hypoalbuminaemia whose severity was also graduated in favour of increasing protein level. The study demonstrated the protective influence of dietary protein on some of the pathophysiological features of porcine trypanosomosis. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.Anaemia; Body weight; Dietary protein; Pyrexia and serum proteinsalbumin; plasma protein; animal experiment; article; blood chemistry; controlled study; disease severity; female; food quality; hematocrit; hyperthermia; hypoalbuminemia; male; nagana; nonhuman; parasitemia; pathophysiology; protein blood level; protein intake; swine; Trypanosoma brucei; weight gain; Animals; Blood Proteins; Body Temperature; Body Weight; Dietary Proteins; Eating; Hematocrit; Parasitemia; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trypanosoma brucei brucei; Trypanosomiasis, African; Animalia; Suidae; Sus; Trypanosoma brucei bruceiNone
Scopus2-s2.0-36649012395Protein supplementary quality of vegetable leaf meal (Amaranthus cruentus) in the diets of laying hens: Egg laying performance, egg quality and heamatological implicationsFasuyi A.O., Dairo F.A.S., Olujimi O.T.2007Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment504-MarNoneDepartment of Animal Production and Health Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NigeriaFasuyi, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Dairo, F.A.S., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Olujimi, O.T., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NigeriaAn experiment was carried out with Hy-line Brown variety layer birds at the beginning of the hen year (first egg laying phase). Four isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated in which the major difference was the percentage inclusion levels of the Amaranthus cruentus leaf meal (ACLM) at 0, 10, 15 and 20% in Diets 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Apart from the yolk colour score and feed efficiency that varied significantly (p<0.05) among the hens on the four dietary treatments, there were no significant differences in the mean values for body weight changes, hen day production, egg weight, albumen height, shell thickness and Haugh unit. The mean egg weight values ranged between 62.67±2.31 g in eggs collected from hens on Diet 3 and 68.30±6.51 g from hens on Diet 4 while albumen height ranged between 4.77±0.15 and 5.23±0.31 mm. The shell thickness also ranged from 0.39±0.04 in eggs from hens on Diet 3 to 0.47±0.09 in eggs from hens on Diet 1. The yolk colour score was significantly different (p<0.05) among eggs collected from hens on the different diets with yolk yellowish colouration deepening from Diet 1 to Diet 4. The feed efficiency, hen day production and albumen height values recorded for hens on Diet 2 (10% ACLM inclusion) were consistently higher than other values. Livability was 100% for all experimental hens and haematological investigation was favourable. No physical health hazards or deformations were observed in all experimental hens. It is evident that ACLM if well harnessed could be a potential supplementary protein source in poultry layer diets particularly at inclusion levels not exceeding 10%.Albumen height; Body weight; Dietary treatments; Egg weight; Feed efficiency; Haugh unit; Shell thickness; Yolk colourAmaranthus; Amaranthus cruentus; AvesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-73949140351Growth performance and meat wholesomeness of broiler chickens reared on different types of litter materialsAdebayo I.A., Awoniyi T.A.M., Akenroye A.H.2009Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment704-MarNoneDepartment of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Food Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, NigeriaAdebayo, I.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Nigeria; Awoniyi, T.A.M., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Nigeria; Akenroye, A.H., Department of Food Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, NigeriaIn an experiment carried out to determine the effects of using different litter materials on the growth performance and wholesomeness of broiler meat for consumption, one hundred and fifty day old broiler chicks were purchased from a commercial hatchery. The chicks were reared for eight weeks and thereafter examined for carcass quality and bacterial load. Wood shavings (control) and saw-dusts, both from Brachystegia eurycoma wood; ricehusks, sand and grass (Eleusine indica) were used as the study litter materials. These constituted the five treatments, each replicated thrice in a completely randomized design. Ten broiler chicks were weighed and randomly assigned per replicate. Data were taken per replicate on weekly basis. The results showed that birds reared on rice husks were significantly affected (P&lt;0.05) in weight gain in the first two weeks of the experiment, while feed consumption and feed conversion ratios were not significantly affected (P&gt;0.05) by all the treatments. Belly fat alone was significantly affected (P&lt;0.05) by type of litter materials in all carcass and organ parameters tested. Mortality rate of experimental birds were less than 3.5% throughout the period of the experiment. Bacterial counts of 3.4 x 103 and 7.5 x 103 colonies formed per unit (CFU) were found in the duodenum of broilers reared on grass and wood shavings, respectively. Bacterial isolates from the pure cultures included Streptococcus faecalis, Esherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Salmonella species. These results showed that any of the litter materials used in this study could be used for rearing broiler chickens on a deep litter system. Also, meat of broiler chickens reared on the study litter materials are safe and wholesome for human consumption.Bacteriological condition; Broiler chickens; Growth performance; Litter materialsanimal food; article; bacterial count; bird; carcass; chicken; colony forming unit; food intake; grass; hatchery; Klebsiella; meat industry; mortality; nonhuman; Salmonella; sand; Staphylococcus aureus; wood; Aves; Bacteria (microorganisms); Brachystegia; Eleusine indica; Enterococcus faecalis; Eurycoma; Gallus gallus; Klebsiella; Salmonella; Staphylococcus aureusNone
Scopus2-s2.0-55249114640Evaluation of earth-ball (Icacina manni) as energy replacement for maize in the diets of ratsUmoren U.E., Ukam V.E., Akpet S.O., Udoekong E.C.2008Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment604-MarNoneDepartment of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science and Fisheries Production, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River State, NigeriaUmoren, U.E., Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Ukam, V.E., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries Production, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River State, Nigeria; Akpet, S.O., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries Production, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River State, Nigeria; Udoekong, E.C., Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, NigeriaEighty weanling male albino rats of Wistar strain 21±2 days old were used in a study to determine the replacement value of differently processed Icacina manni tuber meal for maize in their diets. Five dietary treatments in which maize was replaced with 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% Icacina tuber meal were formulated. The rats were randomly allotted to the five treatments with twenty rats per treatment of four rats per diet in a randomized complete block two-treatment factor analysis of variance. Results showed that daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed efficiency decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing level of Icacina meal in 0, 24 and 48 hours fermented samples. Rats fed 72 hours fermented ration did not differ (p > 0.05) in feed intake, daily weight gain and feed efficiency up to the 50% level of replacement, from those on the control diet. Mortality was highest in the unfermented sample at even the least replacement level (25%). Serum parameters of differently processed Icacina meal diets examined at same level of replacement (75%), revealed that serum glucose and cholesterol were low compared to the control diet. The serum enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) were higher (p < 0.01) in animals fed the unfermented sample than those on the control and other three fermented Icacina diets. It was concluded that fermented sun-dried Icacina tuber meal could replace maize in rat diets up to 75% without any adverse effects on performance.Diets; Energy; Icacina manni; Maize; Rats; ReplacementAnimalia; Icacina; Rattus; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-68149114270Nutritional and phytochemical evaluation of cultivated Psathyrella atroumbonata Pegler, a Nigerian edible mushroomAyodele S.M., Okhuoya J.A.2009South African Journal of Science10504-MarNoneDepartment of Biological Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B. 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria; Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Edo State, NigeriaAyodele, S.M., Department of Biological Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B. 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria; Okhuoya, J.A., Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Edo State, NigeriaA nutritional and phytochemical evaluation of cultivated Psathyrella atroumbonata Pegler was carried out at the immature and mature stages of the mushroom. The cultivated mushroom is very rich in protein and fibres compared with the wild species, and has a low lipid and sugar content. The nutrient composition is dependent upon the stage of its development and nutrient content was at a maximum at immature stage and decreased during further development. Alkaloids were detected in the mature fruit body, but not in the immature stage. However, saponins and tannins were present in both immature and mature stages. Flavonoids and anthraquinones were absent in the mushroom. The importance of these findings is discussed.Evaluation; Nutritional; Phytochemical; Psathyrella atroumbonatadevelopmental stage; mushroom; nutrition; phytochemistry; protein; wild population; Agaricus bisporus; Basidiomycota; PsathyrellaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84862567119The effects of mergers and acquisitions on business performance in Nigerian banking industry: An empirical analysisAwolusi O.D.2012International Journal of Business Performance Management1304-Mar10.1504/IJBPM.2012.047301Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Management and Social Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, P.M.B 21244, Ikeja, Lagos, NigeriaAwolusi, O.D., Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Management and Social Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, P.M.B 21244, Ikeja, Lagos, NigeriaThis paper provides a holistic view of the mergers and acquisitions (M&As) implementation process, by reviewing the hard and soft factors that cause success and failure for M&As implementation, as well as, examine the impact of M&As on perceived business performance measures (PBPM) in Nigerian banking industry. The aim was achieved through an empirical study involving a survey on 19 Nigerian banks involved in mergers and/or acquisitions. Using SEM, multivariate analyses were mathematically represented in a single equation, and findings from this study confirmed that M&As had significant association on PBPM. The equation could be used by banks, and companies alike, to compose strategies to optimise their management of business performance and mergers and/or acquisition programmes. The model was able to provide predictive implications on business performance, given the activities of key factors manifesting successful M&As, hence, these factors could be adopted by companies wishing to undertake M&As programme in Nigeria. Nonetheless, to improve business performance management, companies could control their M&As programme. Copyright © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.Banking; Business performance; Consolidation; M&As; Mergers and acquisitions; Nigeria; Structural equation modellingNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84951202383Values orientation, needs satisfaction and job performance of public servants in Cross River State of NigeriaBassey P.U., Omori A.E.2015Organizational Cultures1404-MarNoneDepartment of Educational Psychology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, NigeriaBassey, P.U., Department of Educational Psychology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Omori, A.E., University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, NigeriaThe purpose of this research was to examine the effect of values orientation and needs satisfaction on public servants’ job performance in Cross River State, Nigeria. Survey data collected from five hundred (500) public servants were used in the study. In all, four hypotheses were formulated covering the variables in the study. The Workers’ Values Orientation, Needs Satisfaction and Performance Questionnaire (WVANSAPQ) was used, and data collected was tested at the 0.05 level of significance using the Pearson Moment Coefficient. The results and data analysis indicated that values orientation and needs satisfaction had significant influence on public servants’ job performance. Consequently, the study recommended that the government and counselors as well as employers of labour should embark on reorienting workers, particularly public servants in the area of values orientation and counseling in the public sector in order to raise their level of awareness and consciousness to the variables in the study as a means of facilitating their job effectiveness in the 21st century. © Common Ground, Peter Unoh Bassey, Anne Emmanuel Omori, All Rights Reserved.Job performance; Needs satisfaction; Public servants; Values orientationNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77957098598Performance assessment of a class of industrial fans with substantial process variability for on-condition monitoring and control system designObinabo E.C., Ikpotokm F.O.2009International Journal of Systems Signal Control and Engineering Application204-Mar10.3923/ijssceapp.2009.51.55Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Department of Computer Science, Ambrose Alli University, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma, Edo State, NigeriaObinabo, E.C., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Ikpotokm, F.O., Department of Computer Science, Ambrose Alli University, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma, Edo State, NigeriaThis study presents a statistical quality control study for on-condition monitoring of draught fans in a steelmaking process. The study proposes a procedure for obtaining consistent estimates of peak vibration levels for performance assessment the machines based on independent measurements of the variable assuming the time between successive occurrences of the peak vibration were distributed with a probability density function. © Medwell Journals, 2009.Experimental design and modelling; Nigeria; On-condition performance assessment; Probability density function; Statistical quality control; Vibration monitoringNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77957069513On the performance assessment of a class of industrial fans with substantial process variability for on-condition monitoring and control system designOchonogor C.U., Obinabo E.C.2009International Journal of Systems Signal Control and Engineering Application204-Mar10.3923/ijssceapp.2009.40.44Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Petroleum Training Institute, P.M.B. 20, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria; Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, P.M.B. 14 Ekpoma, Edo State, NigeriaOchonogor, C.U., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Petroleum Training Institute, P.M.B. 20, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria; Obinabo, E.C., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, P.M.B. 14 Ekpoma, Edo State, NigeriaThis study presents a statistical quality control study for on-condition monitoring of draught fans in a steelmaking process. The study proposes a procedure for obtaining consistent estimates of peak vibration levels for performance assessment the machines based on independent measurements of the variable assuming the time between successive occurrences of the peak vibration were distributed with a probability density function. © Medwell Journals, 2009.Experimental design and modelling; Machine; Nigeria; Probability density function; Statistical quality control; Vibration monitoringNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84855436865Binary models for evaluation of stakeholders' support for private forestry in southwest NigeriaAgbeja B.O.2010Discovery and Innovation2104-MarNoneDepartment of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, NigeriaAgbeja, B.O., Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, NigeriaNigeria has a negligble record of private sector participation (PSP) in the forestry sector. The forestry sector tends to be weak, having taken for granted investment potential under the private sector. The study examined the perceptions of stakeholders on incentives to support private forestry in Southwest Nigeria with a view to eliciting support for an alternative to public forestry programme. The specific objective was to identify various incentives for private forestry in the study areas. Binary models were developed using the field data collected from Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States in Southwest Nigeria to evaluate a number of incentives perceived to determine willingness of the stakeholders to support Private Forestry (PF). The binary logit models predict the probability that a respondent will be willing to support PF in relation to independent variables which include presence/absence of Federal and State Financial Assistance (FSFA), presence/absence of International Financial Assistance (IFA), presence/absence of Long Term Lease of Forest Land (LTLFL), Provision of Seedlings /Seeds (PSS), Provision of Loans (PL), Availability of Grants (AG), presence/absence of Technical Assistance (TA) and presence/absence of Market for Environmental Services Incentives (MESI). A total of 5 forestry headquarters, 10 towns and 20 communities were randomly selected for data collection in the five states. A structured questionnaire was employed for the study. Willingness to participate in PF was best predicted by highest odds ratio where presence of LTLFL has an odds ratio of 84.02. This was followed by PL with an odds ratio of 3.81, in the pooled model for the five states. Willingness to support PF appears to be guaranteed where LTLFL and PL for forest management are high. The specific models developed depend on the locations where the data were collected, and therefore should not be applied to areas outside the range of the data. However, the modelling approach is of general applicability and can be used to predict the willingness of the stakeholders support PF in other areas.Binary; Incentives; Nature; Private forestry; WillingnessNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33746528668Performance of Dacryodes edulis (Don. G. Lam H.J.), seeds and seedlings in a crude oil contaminated soilAgbogidi M.O., Eshegbeyi O.F.2006Journal of Sustainable Forestry2204-Mar10.1300/J091v22n03_01Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, NigeriaAgbogidi, M.O., Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Nigeria; Eshegbeyi, O.F., Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, NigeriaEnvironmental pollution from oil activities in a major oil producing country like Nigeria is inevitable. Studies on the effects of crude oil contamination on forest tree species is vital because of the great deal of crude oil spillage in the coastal regions of Nigeria. This paper evaluates the performance of Dacryodes edulis seeds and seedlings in a crude oil contaminated soil in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Four crude oil concentrations (% by weight) in soil constituted treatments. These were 0.00%, 2.07%, 4.15% and 6.23% by weight per 1.3 kg weight of the soil samples. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was adopted with three replicates. The results showed that oil concentrations of 4.15% and 6.23% adversely affected percent (%) germination (62.33% and 37.67%) and performance of D. edulis seedlings in terms of plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, collar girth and dry mass at the 5% probability level. The study shows that crude oil pollution has a highly significant effect on the germination and seedling growth of this locally available multi-purpose forest fruit tree species. This further suggests that D. edulis can serve as bio-indicator of pollution in oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta. The present study has important implications for restoration of degraded areas. Copyright © by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.Crude oil; Dacryodes edulis; Performance; Seedlings; Seeds; Soil pollutionContamination; Crude petroleum; Oil spills; Performance; Restoration; Seed; Soil pollution; Dacryodes edulis; Germination; Randomized complete block design (RCBD); Seedling growth; Forestry; crude oil; oil spill; performance assessment; seed; seedling; soil pollution; tree; Crude Oil; Dacryodes; Forestry; Germination; Performance Evaluation; Pollution; Restoration; Seedlings; Spills; Dacryodes edulisNone
Scopus2-s2.0-75149196702Recent glacial recession and its impact on alpine riverflow in the Rwenzori Mountains of UgandaTaylor R.G., Mileham L., Tindimugaya C., Mwebembezi L.2009Journal of African Earth Sciences5504-Mar10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2009.04.008Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Water Resources Management, Ministry of Water and Environment, P.O. Box 19, Entebbe, UgandaTaylor, R.G., Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Mileham, L., Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Tindimugaya, C., Water Resources Management, Ministry of Water and Environment, P.O. Box 19, Entebbe, Uganda; Mwebembezi, L., Water Resources Management, Ministry of Water and Environment, P.O. Box 19, Entebbe, UgandaThe limited number and duration of hydrological measurements in the East African Highlands inhibit current understanding of the impact of glacial recession on alpine riverflow. From historical records and surveys conducted in the dry season of 2005 and wet season of 2007, we report (1) recent changes in the terminal positions of large valley glaciers (Speke, Elena) and (2) spot measurements of alpine riverflow along altitudinal transects of the principal river (River Mubuku) draining alpine icefields in order to assess the relative contribution of icefields and underlying ecotones to river discharge. Observed acceleration in the rates of termini retreat of the Speke and Elena glaciers since the late 1960s is attributed, in part, to the convex-concave slope profile in which these valley glaciers reside. We show that current glacial recession has a negligible impact on alpine riverflow. Spot measurements of meltwater discharges indicate that icefields contribute considerably less than 2% of the river discharge at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains during both dry and wet seasons. An anomalously high specific discharge of the River Mubuku (1730 mm a -1) arises from high rates of precipitation exceeding 2000 mm a -1 below alpine icefields within Heath-moss and Montane forest ecotones that occupy more than half of the river's gauged catchment area. For other tropical alpine icefields representing a tiny fraction (&lt;1%) of alpine river catchment areas (e.g. Irian Jaya, Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya), glacial meltwater discharges are similarly expected to contribute a negligible proportion of alpine riverflow. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Africa; Climate change; Glacier; Riverflow; Tropicsclimate change; ecotone; glacial hydrology; glacier retreat; ice field; meltwater; river discharge; river flow; seasonal variation; valley glacier; Rwenzori Mountains; Uganda; BryophytaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84891160427Performance of pyroclastic rocks from Abakaliki Metropolis (southeastern Nigeria) in road construction projectsOkogbue C.O., Aghamelu O.P.2013Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment7204-Mar10.1007/s10064-013-0489-0Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Geology and Exploration Geophysics, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B. 053, Abakaliki, NigeriaOkogbue, C.O., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Aghamelu, O.P., Department of Geology and Exploration Geophysics, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B. 053, Abakaliki, NigeriaA total of 15 samples from the Abakaliki pyroclastic rock bodies were subjected to petrographic and mechanical analyses to determine the suitability of the rock type as a road aggregate. Results indicate that the Abakaliki pyroclastic rock yield aggregates with marginal performance in road projects. Although the aggregates meet a number of road stone requirements (i.e., ten percent fines and their ability to absorb water), they fail to meet other key road stone requirements. Whilst their aggregate impact values, Los Angeles abrasion values, and flakiness index are generally above the recommended limits, petrographic analyses reveal appreciable amounts of shaley to muddy lithic fragment and volcanic glassy groundmass. These detrimental constituents and marginal laboratory test results would likely translate to long term poor field performance where the pyroclastic aggregate is used for road construction. This study suggests that utilization of the Abakaliki pyroclastic rock as an aggregate, especially for road construction, requires informed caution, particularly when the material is exposed to climatic extremes (high volume of rainfall and high and fluctuating temperature) as is the case in the tropics. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.Abakaliki; Field performance; Geotechnical property; Petrographic analysis; Pyroclastic rock; Road aggregateAbakaliki; Field performance; Geotechnical properties; Petrographic analysis; Pyroclastic rocks; Road construction; Roads and streets; Rocks; Aggregates; aggregate; geotechnical property; petrography; pyroclastic deposit; road construction; rock mechanics; Abakaliki; California; Ebonyi; Los Angeles [California]; Nigeria; United StatesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84856430789In vitro genotoxicity evaluation of 4-carboxyl-2,6-dinitrophenylazohydroxynaphthalenes using human lymphocytesAdegoke O.A., Kyu J.K., Mukherjee A.2012Food and Chemical Toxicology5004-Mar10.1016/j.fct.2011.11.022Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, 1266 Shinjeong-dong, Jeongeup 580-185, South Korea; Centre of Advanced Study, CellAdegoke, O.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Centre of Advanced Study, Cell and Chromosome Research, Department of Genetics, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, India; Kyu, J.K., Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, 1266 Shinjeong-dong, Jeongeup 580-185, South Korea; Mukherjee, A., Centre of Advanced Study, Cell and Chromosome Research, Department of Genetics, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, IndiaThe genotoxicity of a new monoazo dye series, 4-carboxyl-2,6-dinitrophenylazohydroxynaphthalenes has been evaluated using human lymphocytes by alkaline comet assay. Freshly isolated human lymphocytes were exposed to the dyes (AZ-01, -02, -03 and -04) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 500 μM for 3. h at 37 °C. Appropriate negative (culture medium) and positive (100 μM methyl methane sulfonate) controls were set up alongside with the dye-treated cells. Comet assay was performed to assess the extent of DNA damage. The four dyes gave varying results with respect to the parameters of DNA damage studied. AZ-01 showed concentration-dependent DNA damage (% Tail DNA) while lower concentrations (31.25-62.5 μM) did not produce any significant difference in the tail extent moment. AZ-02, the positional isomer of AZ-01, gave non-genotoxic effects at lower concentrations for the two DNA parameters. AZ-03 and AZ-04 (possessing additional C-7 substituents) did not produce significant genotoxic effect at all concentrations relative to the negative control. Two of these monoazo dyes show the potential of being used as edible colorants. The results revealed that genotoxicity of congeneric dyes bear a direct relationship to their chemical structure. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.4-Carboxyl-2,6-dinitrophenylazohydroxynaphthalenes; Comet assay; DNA damage; Genotoxicity; Human lymphocytes4 [(2 hydroxy 7 (3 oxobutyl)naphthalen 1 yl)diazenyl] 3,5 dinitrobenzoic acid; 4 [(2 hydroxynaphthalen 1 yl)diazenyl] 3,5 dinitrobenzoic acid; 4 [(4 hydroxynaphthalen 1 yl)diazenyl] 3,5 dinitrobenzoic acid; 4 [(7 (1 carboxyethyl) 2 hydroxynaphthalen 1 yl)diazenyl] 3,5 dinitrobenzoic acid; azo dye; unclassified drug; adult; article; cell isolation; cell viability; chemical structure; comet assay; concentration (parameters); controlled study; DNA damage; genotoxicity; human; human cell; in vitro study; lymphocyte; male; structure activity relation; toxicity testing; Azo Compounds; Cells, Cultured; Comet Assay; DNA Damage; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Lymphocytes; Mutagens; NaphtholsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84855423624Prototype design and performance analysis of a sieving machine for improved food slurry processing in NigeriaSimolowo O.E., Adeniji O.O.2010Discovery and Innovation2104-MarNoneDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaSimolowo, O.E., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adeniji, O.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaIn Nigeria, and many African countries, the domestic and medium-scale processing of various food slurry such as those for corn, sorghum, soya beans and millet have been done manually over the years with little or no technological development. These manual processes are associated with obvious constraints such as excessive length of time, tedium and boredom, coupled with inherent unhygienic conditions surrounding these processes. In this work, a vibration machine for the sieving of a staple food and primary infant diet in many countries in Africa popularly known as "Pap," has been conceptualized and fabricated. Experimental Performance tests were carried out using a newly designed machine and the results were compared with the conventional or manual sieving processes. Results showed that the newly designed vibration sieving machine was more efficient than the manual sieving process. It had an average filtration rate of 1.6 × 10 -5 m 3/s, against 8.68×10 -6 m 3/s for the manual method, thereby resulting in an 82% improvement over the manual sieving process. The employment of the machine also gave 50% and 56% reductions in the filtration time and volume of water used, respectively. In this work, presents a remarkable contribution to the processing of various food slurries in Nigeria and Africa as a whole by applying the principles of vibration to the design of new sieving equipment.Food-slurry; Performance analysis; Prototype design; SievingGlycine max; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-48449089170Simulation of West African monsoon using RegCM3 Part II: Impacts of deforestation and desertificationAbiodun B.J., Pal J.S., Afiesimama E.A., Gutowski W.J., Adedoyin A.2008Theoretical and Applied Climatology9304-Mar10.1007/s00704-007-0333-1Department of Meteorology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Earth System Physics Group, International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy; Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, Loyola Marymount University,Abiodun, B.J., Department of Meteorology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University, 3134 Agronomy Building, Ames, IA, United States; Pal, J.S., Earth System Physics Group, International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy, Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Afiesimama, E.A., WMO Regional Research and Training Institute, Lagos, Nigeria; Gutowski, W.J., Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University, 3134 Agronomy Building, Ames, IA, United States; Adedoyin, A., Department of Physics, University of Botswana, Gaborone, BotswanaIn this study, we investigate the feedback mechanisms between land cover and the monsoon in West African using the International Centre for Theoretical Physics Regional Climate Model (RegCM3). A series of multi-year simulations are performed using reanalysis boundary conditions under three idealised vegetation states (potential, desertified and deforested). The study shows that both desertification and deforestation tend to increase the monsoon flow over the Guinean region, although the mechanisms for change are different in each case. Desertification increases the flow mainly by increasing the meridional temperature gradient. While this reduces rainfall over the desertification region, it increases rainfall to the south. On the other hand, deforestation increases the monsoon flow mainly due to the reduced surface friction experienced by the flow over the Guinean region. This reduces rainfall over the entire West African region. The study furthershows that desertification and deforestation also increase the speed and specific humidity of the mid-tropospheric easterly flow, to the south of the African easterly jet. Consequently, the flow transports more moisture away from the West Africa region at the expense of low-level moisture, resulting in less moisture available for rainfall over the region. Overall, this study suggests that the state of the biosphere in West Africa may play an important role in determining the characteristics of the monsoon and rainfall pattern. © Springer-Verlag 2007.Nonebiosphere; boundary condition; deforestation; desertification; feedback mechanism; land cover; monsoon; rainfall; regional climate; relative humidity; temperature gradient; troposphere; Africa; Guinea; Sub-Saharan Africa; West AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84885962336Is it time to rethink how neuropsychological tests are used to diagnose mild forms of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders? Impact of false-positive rates on prevalence and powerMeyer A.-C.L., John Boscardin W., Kwasa J.K., Price R.W.2013Neuroepidemiology4104-Mar10.1159/000354629Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States; Division of Geriatrics and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, KenyaMeyer, A.-C.L., Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States, Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; John Boscardin, W., Division of Geriatrics and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Kwasa, J.K., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Price, R.W., Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, United StatesBackground: Between 0 and 48% of normal HIV-uninfected individuals score below threshold neuropsychological test scores for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) or are false positives. There has been little effort to understand the effect of varied interpretations of research criteria for HAND on false-positive frequencies, prevalence and analytic estimates. Methods: The proportion of normal individuals scoring below Z score thresholds drawn from research criteria for HAND, or false-positive frequencies, was estimated in a normal Kenyan population and a simulated normal population using varied interpretations of research criteria for HAND. We calculated the impact of false-positive frequencies on prevalence estimates and statistical power. Results: False-positive frequencies of 2-74% were observed for asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment/mild neurocognitive disorder and 0-8% for HIV-associated dementia. False-positive frequencies depended on the definition of an abnormal cognitive domain, Z score thresholds and neuropsychological battery size. Misclassification led to clinically important overestimation of prevalence and dramatic decreases in power. Conclusions: Minimizing false-positive frequencies is critical to decrease bias in prevalence estimates and minimize reductions in power in studies of association, particularly for mild forms of HAND. We recommend changing the Z score threshold to ≤-1.5 for mild impairment, limiting analysis to 3-5 cognitive domains and using the average Z score to define an abnormal domain. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.Africa; Dementia; HIV; Power; Prevalencearticle; cognition; false negative result; false positive result; HIV associated dementia; human; Kenya; major clinical study; mild cognitive impairment; neuropsychological test; prevalence; scoring system; adult; Article; disease classification; false positive result; Cognition Disorders; False Positive Reactions; HIV Infections; Humans; Neuropsychological TestsK01TW008764, FIC, Fogarty International Center; K01TW008764, NIH, National Institutes of Health; NIH, National Institutes of Health; NCI, National Cancer Institute; NIDA, National Institute on Drug Abuse; NIMH, National Institute of Mental Health
Scopus2-s2.0-80053529587Sidetrack and recompletion risk evaluation - Waterflooded reservoirOrodu O.D., Tang Z., Anawe P.A.L.2011Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering7804-Mar10.1016/j.petrol.2011.08.015Department of Petroleum Engineering, Covenant University, Canaan Land, Ota, Nigeria; Faculty of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, ChinaOrodu, O.D., Department of Petroleum Engineering, Covenant University, Canaan Land, Ota, Nigeria; Tang, Z., Faculty of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China; Anawe, P.A.L., Department of Petroleum Engineering, Covenant University, Canaan Land, Ota, NigeriaSidetrack or recompletion time (t R) is optimized for the pair of a production and injection well simultaneously under uncertainty with respect to expected monetary value (EMV) or risked net present value (NPV) as the objective function to properly understand and shed more light on the critical parameters influencing t R. The option to sidetrack or not is also evaluated. Analysis is aided by a recent time dependent analytical waterflood performance model with respect to cumulative injected water for adequate economic analysis. There exist two zones, a productive and lower zone and a lesser producible upper zone that has low recoverable reserves, of which both zones are penetrated by both wells. The injection well enhances oil production in the production well by the displacement mechanism of waterflooding. Though sidetrack is simultaneous considering negligible time interval between sidetrack of both wells, it is actually a sequential operation with regards to the decision tree schematic. A possible outcome is, if sidetrack to produce from the upper zone fails, then no sidetrack to the upper zone through the injection well. Decision tree analysis is brought to fore considering the probability of success (POS) of continual production (injection) from (to) the producing zone and production (injection) commencement possibility for the upper zone. Uncertainty of parameters including POS in evaluating the objective function, EMV, is made possible by probable values using distributions for Monte Carlo simulation run. EMV and t R are optimized for each run by constraining t R to either, after water breakthrough time to the lower zone or from time 0. The objective function is solved with a constrained non-linear generalized gradient optimization scheme. Significant match was obtained for waterflood performance, and NPV of each terminal branch of the decision tree between the analytical approach and reservoir simulator generated data. Notably, optimal t R obtained through the analytical approach is highly dependent on POS of production and injection from (to) the upper zone. Evaluation of possible dependencies of POS is essential as regards to the sequential operation brought largely by geological uncertainties and may be to a lesser extent by the sidetrack operation based on the influence of probable pathways. Other criteria for selection of optimal time are more suitable for selection of an optimal range and not a single value. These criteria in essence, boost the EMV and cannot stand alone as an optimization tool. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.Decision analysis; Optimization; Recompletion; Sidetrack; UncertaintyAnalytical approach; Critical parameter; Decision tree analysis; Displacement mechanisms; Expected monetary values; Generalized gradients; Geological uncertainty; Injected water; Injection wells; Monte Carlo Simulation; Net present value; Non-linear; Objective functions; Oil production; Optimal ranges; Optimal time; Optimization tools; Performance Model; Probability of success; Production wells; Recompletion; Recompletion risks; Recoverable reserves; Reservoir simulator; Sequential operations; Sidetrack; Single-value; Stand -alone; Time dependent; Time interval; Uncertainty; Water breakthrough; Water flood; Waterflooded reservoirs; Computer simulation; Constrained optimization; Decision trees; Economic analysis; Function evaluation; Injection (oil wells); Monte Carlo methods; Oil well flooding; Plant extracts; Trees (mathematics); Water injection; Well flooding; Well stimulation; Wells; Petroleum reservoir evaluation; computer simulation; decision making; hydrocarbon reservoir; Monte Carlo analysis; optimization; risk assessment; uncertainty analysis; NucleopolyhedrovirusNone
Scopus2-s2.0-81355133830Evaluation of nutritional status using body fat, physiological and biochemical parameters in some nigerian women1Ojo J.O., Oketayo O.O., Aboderin A.O., Salawu A.A., Adewusi S.R.A.2011Nutrition and Health2004-MarNoneDepartment of Physics, lle-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology, lle-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, lie-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Pathology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, lOjo, J.O., Department of Physics, lle-Ife, Nigeria; Oketayo, O.O., Department of Physics, lle-Ife, Nigeria; Aboderin, A.O., Department of Medical Microbiology, lle-Ife, Nigeria; Salawu, A.A., Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, lie-Ife, Nigeria; Adewusi, S.R.A., Department of Chemical Pathology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, lle-Ife, NigeriaSome nutritional parameters were investigated in 62 healthy Nigerian female subjects of low socio-economic status. The percentage body fat (% BF) and some biochemical parameters, High and Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C), Total Plasma Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), Uric Acid (UA), Urinary Creatinine (U-Cr), Creatinine in plasma (P-Cr) and Creatinine clearance (Cr-Cl), were evaluated. Also determined were the Body Mass Index (BMI), Packed Cell Volume, Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure (BP-1, BP-2), various skin-fold measurements and body circumferences. Reference values were then established for these various parameters and the correlation between the various variables determined. When the subjects were stratified into four groups (underweight, normal, overweight, and obese) based on their BMI, significant differences (ANOVA, p < 0.05) were observed in LDL-C, Cr-Cl, BP-1, as well as 10 out of the 13 anthropometric parameters. These differences could possibly provide diagnostic /prognostic insight for the four groups and the many important diseases associated with them. The hip circumference, in particular, has such a high correlation with both BMI and % BF that it is being suggested as a substitute for these two important parameters in Nigerian women of low socio-economic background. © 2011 A B Academic Publishers.BMI; Body fat; Hip circumference; Lipids; Nigerian women; Nutrition; Nutritional status; Socio-economicscreatinine; high density lipoprotein cholesterol; low density lipoprotein cholesterol; triacylglycerol; adolescent; adult; article; blood; blood pressure; body fat distribution; body mass; female; hematocrit; human; metabolism; middle aged; Nigeria; nutritional status; poverty; Adolescent; Adult; Blood Pressure; Body Fat Distribution; Body Mass Index; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Creatinine; Female; Hematocrit; Humans; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Nutritional Status; Poverty; Triglycerides; Young AdultNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84856514457Assessment of the performance of the drag and bulk transfer method in estimating sensible and latent heat fluxes in a tropical stationAdeniyi M.O., Ogunsola O.E.2012Theoretical and Applied Climatology10704-Mar10.1007/s00704-011-0496-7Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaAdeniyi, M.O., Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogunsola, O.E., Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaThe performance of the general bulk formulation in estimating sensible heat flux at Nigerian Micrometeorological Experimental site was assessed. Reliable sensible heat flux was estimated with the use of accurate diurnal values of transfer coefficient of sensible heat. The performances of one α, two β and a modified α formulations in the estimation of latent heat flux were also assessed at the station. The Lee and Pielke (β), modified Kondo (α), Jacquemin and Noilhan (α) and Noilhan and Planton (β) parameterizations gave good estimation of latent heat flux. The coefficient of determination (R 2) of the models between measured and estimated values were greater than 0. 7. Low diurnal mean absolute error and root mean squared error values were found between measured and estimated fluxes. All the parameterizations gave reliable latent heat flux when diurnal values of transfer coefficients of moisture were used. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.Noneestimation method; latent heat flux; parameterization; performance assessment; reliability analysis; sensible heat flux; NigeriaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33947163361Karyotypic evaluation of plantain and banana somaclonal variants (Musa L. spp. Musaceae: Zingiberales)Obute G.C., Aziagba P.C.2005Journal of Genetics and Breeding5904-MarNoneDepartment of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Library Department, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, NigeriaObute, G.C., Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Aziagba, P.C., Library Department, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, NigeriaTissue culture regenerated materials of Musa spp. (Banana and Plantain) along with their somaclonal variants were assessed for karyotype abnormalities to be used as rapid chromosome markers. Results indicate that the slight variations noticed in karyomorphometric characters like chromosome number, chromosome arm lengths, total complement length and total complement volume were not significant (P ≤0.05). It follows, therefore, that chromosomal abnormalities may not be accurate markers for somaclonal variation in these species. A few cases of aneuploidy were encountered and the need not to overemphasize chromosomal instability was highlighted; however, other causes of somaclonal variations are proposed to be explored to explain the phenomenon in Musa spp.Banana; Karyotype; Musa/Spp.Magnoliophyta; Musa; Musaceae; ZingiberalesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84901844904Estimation of impact of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia on pastoralists in KenyaOnono J.O., Wieland B., Rushton J.2014Preventive Veterinary Medicine11504-Mar10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.03.022Department of Production and Population Health, Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, AL97TA Hatfield, United Kingdom; Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxico-logy, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya; Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC, MongoliaOnono, J.O., Department of Production and Population Health, Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, AL97TA Hatfield, United Kingdom, Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxico-logy, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya; Wieland, B., Department of Production and Population Health, Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, AL97TA Hatfield, United Kingdom, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC, Mongolia; Rushton, J., Department of Production and Population Health, Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, AL97TA Hatfield, United KingdomContagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an infectious disease which impacts cattle production in sub-Saharan Africa. To adequately allocate resources for its control, there is a need to assess its impact on cattle producers. The present study estimated the impact of CBPP on pastoralists through analysis of various strategies employed for its control in cattle herds including: preventive vaccination, antimicrobial treatment, slaughter of clinical cases and other combinations of these control strategies. The assessment was based on a loss-expenditure frontier framework to identify a control strategy with minimum cost from both expenditures on control strategies and output losses due to mortalities, reduced milk yield, reduced weight gain and reduced fertility rate. The analysis was undertaken in a stochastic spreadsheet model. The control strategy with minimum cost per herd was preventive vaccination with an estimated cost of US$ 193 (90% CI; 170-215) per 100 cows per year, while slaughter of clinical cases had an estimated cost of US$ 912 (90% CI; 775-1055) per 100 cows per year. The impact of CBPP to the nation was estimated at US$ 7.6 (90% CI; 6.5-8.7) million per year. Yet, if all pastoralists whose cattle are at high risk of infection adopted preventive vaccination, the aggregate national impact would be US$ 3.3 (90% CI; 2.9-3.7) million per year, with savings amounting to US$ 4.3 million through reallocation of control expenditures. The analysis predicted that control of CBPP in Kenya is profitable through preventive vaccination. However, further research is recommended for the technical and financial feasibility of implementing a vaccine delivery system in pastoral areas where CBPP is endemic. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.Cost of disease; Impact assessment; Pastoral production systemBos; Bovinae; Mycoplasma; animal; animal husbandry; bovine; Cattle Diseases; economics; female; incidence; Kenya; male; microbiology; Mycoplasma mycoides; physiology; Pleuropneumonia, Contagious; prevalence; vaccination; veterinary; Bovinae; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Female; Incidence; Kenya; Male; Mycoplasma mycoides; Pleuropneumonia, Contagious; Prevalence; VaccinationNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84855452891Comparative indices for the evaluation of the effectiveness of intercropping systems in yola, Adamawa State, NigeriaAbakura J.B., Gungula D.T., Sajo A.A.2010Discovery and Innovation2104-MarNoneDepartment of Vocational Education, Federal University of Technology, Yola (FUTY), Nigeria; Department of Crop Production and Horticulture FUTY, NigeriaAbakura, J.B., Department of Vocational Education, Federal University of Technology, Yola (FUTY), Nigeria; Gungula, D.T., Department of Crop Production and Horticulture FUTY, Nigeria; Sajo, A.A., Department of Vocational Education, Federal University of Technology, Yola (FUTY), NigeriaField experiments were conducted during 2002, 2003, and 2004 rainfed cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Production and Horticulture, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria. The experiments were conducted to evaluate the advantages of additive intercropping (maize-groundnut, maize-cowpea and maize-soybean). The indices (models) used included land equivalent ratio (LER), area × time equivalent ratio (ATER) and crop compensation ratio (CCR), which are commonly used to evaluate the effectiveness of intercropping systems. The total LER and ATER of the intercrops were quite similar in three years because the maturity of maize and legumes did not vary significantly among the intercrops and the sole crops in Yola. The yield advantages as per total LER ranged from 64% to 80% while the ATER ranged from 71% to 93% in 2003. The highest value of CCR of 2.70 in 2003 and 2.59 in 2002 were obtained from maize-cowpea grown at 1m × 0.20m., while a value of 1.47 was obtained by maize-groundnut grown at 1m × 0.20m intra row spacing in 2004. This study justified the choice of farmers in the region who more often grow maize-cowpea rather than maize-groundnut or maize-soybean because of the greater compensation ratio associated with maize-cowpea intercropping.Additive intercropping; Comparative indices; Effectiveness; YolaArachis hypogaea; Glycine max; Yola; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84869145589Growth performance of Oreochromis niloticus (Pisces: Cichlidae) in fertilized, tropical earthen pondsEkpenyong E., Ada F., Idung J.2012Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment1004-MarNoneDepartment of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, NigeriaEkpenyong, E., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Ada, F., Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Idung, J., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Calabar, NigeriaThe effect of cow dung, chicken manure and NPK on the production of Oreochromis niloticus was investigated in earthen ponds which were prepared thus: no liming, no fertilization (NL/NF), liming and fertilization with cow droppings (L/Cow), liming and fertilization with chicken droppings (L/Chick) and liming and fertilization with NPK (L/NPK). Best fish growth was recorded in the limed, NPK-fertilized (L/NPK) ponds while productivity values (Gross and Net) were highest in the limed, chicken droppings fertilized (L/Chick) ponds. Growth parameters decreased with age of fish while significant differences (P<0.05) were observed between treatments.Culture; Fish; Organic and inorganic manureage; article; growth; manure; nonhuman; Oreochromis niloticus; pond; Cichlidae; Oreochromis niloticus; PiscesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33745175193Evaluation and modelling of effluent from electroplating plantAdeniyi O.D.2005Modelling, Measurement and Control C6604-MarNoneDept of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, NigeriaAdeniyi, O.D., Dept of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, NigeriaIndustrial effluents discharge into the environment has been on the increase in recent years and this has led to the deterioration of the environment, there are changes in both the physical and chemical characteristics of these places and in particular a remarkable change in the pH values. This paper gives an evaluation of effluent from electroplating industries and further proposes a developed model for the prediction of the pH as a function of five different parameters of Total Suspended Solids (TSS), magnesium ion (Mg 2+), calcium ion (Ca2+), total metal and dissolved oxygen. Parametric coefficients in the model equation obtained showed that the effect of dissolved oxygen and calcium ions are higher than the others. Results of analysis reveal that the values of TSS were much higher than the set limits while the others were within manageable values. Simulation results on the pH show various degrees of variations form experimental, the reason attributed to this was the limited number of parameters considered in model development.Ca2+; Effluent; Electroplating; Mg2+; Model; pH; TSSComputer simulation; Dissolution; Effluents; Electroplating; Industrial plants; Magnesium printing plates; Industrial effluents discharge; Total Suspended Solids (TSS); Industrial wastesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84858800410Prevalence of livestock diseases and their impact on livelihoods in Central Equatoria State, southern SudanMalak A.K., Mpoke L., Banak J., Muriuki S., Skilton R.A., Odongo D., Sunter J., Kiara H.2012Preventive Veterinary Medicine10404-Mar10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.12.001Directorate of Veterinary Services, Government of Southern Sudan, Sudan; Veterinaires Sans Frontieres Belgium, P.O. Box 13986-00800, Nairobi, Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; University of Cambridge, Department of Biochemistry, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, United KingdomMalak, A.K., Directorate of Veterinary Services, Government of Southern Sudan, Sudan; Mpoke, L., Veterinaires Sans Frontieres Belgium, P.O. Box 13986-00800, Nairobi, Kenya; Banak, J., Veterinaires Sans Frontieres Belgium, P.O. Box 13986-00800, Nairobi, Kenya; Muriuki, S., Veterinaires Sans Frontieres Belgium, P.O. Box 13986-00800, Nairobi, Kenya; Skilton, R.A., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Odongo, D., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Sunter, J., University of Cambridge, Department of Biochemistry, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, United Kingdom; Kiara, H., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, KenyaA participatory epidemiological (PE) study was conducted in Kajo Keji and Yei Counties, Central Equatoria State, southern Sudan to assess the impact of livestock diseases on livelihoods. A serological survey of tick-borne diseases was conducted to supplement the PE study. PE data collection tools consisted primarily of focus group interviews and key informant interviews supplemented by observation. Information was collected on the social context, history and species of livestock kept. Constraints in livestock keeping were explored through description and probing. Proportional piling on the importance of different diseases and relative incidence scoring were also conducted. 243 sera were collected from cattle and tested for antibodies to Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, Theileria mutans and T. parva by ELISA. Additionally, 173 blood samples were collected for a PCR assay of T. parva. Livestock diseases were ranked as the most important constraint to livestock keeping. While East Coast fever was ranked as the most important disease in Kajo Keji, diarrhoea in small ruminants was reported as the most important disease in Yei. Serological analyses of the sera indicated that A. marginale, B. bigemina, T. mutans and T. parva were most prevalent. Prevalence of B. bovis was found to be low (4.0% and 7.4% in Kajo Keji and Yei, respectively). 35% of the samples screened with the T. parva p104 gene nested PCR assay were positive. The study concludes that while ECF is the most important disease in Kajo Keji, it was not the case in Yei. Additional epidemiological studies are proposed before control strategies are recommended. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.East Coast fever; Livestock diseases; Participatory epidemiology; Prevalence; Southern Sudanprotozoon antibody; agriculture; Anaplasma marginale; animal; animal disease; article; Babesia; babesiosis; blood; bovids; cattle; cattle disease; diarrhea; economics; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; human; immunology; information processing; isolation and purification; livestock; male; parasitology; polymerase chain reaction; prevalence; Sudan; Theileria; theileriosis; tick borne disease; Agriculture; Anaplasma marginale; Animals; Antibodies, Protozoan; Babesia; Babesiosis; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Diarrhea; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Focus Groups; Humans; Livestock; Male; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prevalence; Ruminants; Sudan; Theileria; Theileriasis; Tick-Borne Diseases; Anaplasma marginale; Babesia bigemina; Bos; Bovidae; Ixodida; Theileria; Theileria mutans; Theileria parvaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84879018579Formulation and evaluation of novel solid lipid microparticles as a sustained release system for the delivery of metformin hydrochlorideMomoh M.A., Kenechukwu F.C., Attama A.A.2013Drug Delivery2004-Mar10.3109/10717544.2013.779329Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, NigeriaMomoh, M.A., Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Kenechukwu, F.C., Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Attama, A.A., Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, NigeriaThe low encapsulation efficiency of conventional solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) especially for hydrophilic drugs has remained a challenge to drug formulation experts. This work seeks to address the issue of inefficient delivery of metformin hydrochloride (MTH), a potent hydrophilic oral antihyperglycemic agent, using novel SLMs based on solidified reverse micellar solutions (SRMS) prepared by melt-emulsification using a lipid derived from Capra hircus and Phospholipon® 90H. Characterization based on size, morphology, zeta potential, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), loading capacity (LC) and time-resolved stability were carried out on the SLMs. The in vitro release of MTH from the SLMs was performed in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) while the in vivo antidiabetic properties were investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Stable, spherical and smooth SLMs were obtained. Loading of MTH into the SLMs had no effect on the surface charge of the particles. The SLMs with 1.0%w/w PEG 4000 resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher EE% while those with 2.0%w/w gave the least. The LC values ranged from 20.3 to 29.1 and 14.6 to 24.1 for SLMs containing 500 mg and 250 mg of MTH, respectively. The in vitro release studies revealed significant release of MTH from the SLMs whereas the in vivo antidiabetic studies indicated that novel SLMs containing 500 mg of MTH gave significantly (p < 0.05) higher glucose reduction than glucophage®. This research has shown that SLMs based on SRMS offer a new and better approach of delivering MTH, thus encouraging further development of this formulation. © 2013 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.Anti-diabetic; Encapsulation efficiency; Metformin hydrochloride; Release; Solid lipid microparticlesbuffer; glucose; macrogol 4000; metformin; phosphatidylcholine; solid lipid nanoparticle; alloxan diabetes mellitus; animal experiment; animal model; antidiabetic activity; article; controlled study; dispersion; drug delivery system; drug formulation; drug screening; drug stability; emulsion; female; glucose blood level; in vitro study; in vivo study; male; micelle; morphology; nanoencapsulation; nonhuman; particle size; physical chemistry; priority journal; productivity; rat; surface charge; sustained drug release; zeta potential; Animals; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Delayed-Action Preparations; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Female; Goats; Hypoglycemic Agents; Lipid Metabolism; Male; Metformin; Microspheres; Nanoparticles; Particle Size; Random Allocation; RatsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-55249084212Packaged foods, consumption pattern and impact on the environment in Zaria, NigeriaOdunze I.I., Mohammed A.Z., Ike E., Onuigbo P.E., Shuaibu-Imodagbe E.M.2008Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment604-MarNoneHome and Rural Economics, Samaru College of Agriculture/Division of Agricultural Colleges (DAC), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; SamaOdunze, I.I., Home and Rural Economics, Samaru College of Agriculture/Division of Agricultural Colleges (DAC), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Mohammed, A.Z., Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Ike, E., Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Onuigbo, P.E., Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Shuaibu-Imodagbe, E.M., Samaru College of Agriculture/DAC, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, NigeriaPackaged foods, consumption pattern and impact on the environment was studied in Zaria, Nigeria (Long. 7°30'-7°50'E and Lat. 11°00'-11°50'N). Convenient (packaged) foods are easier to prepare, save time, easy to store, reduce wastage and makes the task of food preparation by housewives, workers and students easier. For example in urban homes, women simply do not have the time to spend in shop queues or cooking time for breakfast meals in particular. Therefore, the pre-packaged, pre-priced goods available even in supermarket shops are a tremendous time saving device; thus providing convenience to the household. This study therefore aims to determine food materials commonly preferred by consumers in Zaria area as convenience foods, consumers preferred food packaging materials and food packaging material more commonly seen littering the Zaria environment. The study was therefore conducted using survey method, and interviews were employed for the non-literates in the sample areas. Stratified sampling technique was used to sample population of the institutions and business sector in Zaria. Data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance [ANOVA] procedure for means, standard deviations and tests of significance at P>0.05. Results showed that among reasons adduced by respondents for patronizing packaged food products include convenience, cost, quantity and disposability. Convenience (28.2%) was rated highest as reason for patronizing packaged food products, and consumers' prefer plastic food packaging materials to metal, glass or paper. Attributes that least influenced consumers' choice of package food products patronized in Zaria include colour (6.0%) and physical shape of the package (5.7%). This would suggest that food products that are well protected and the package can be re-used/recycled and have acceptable nutritional information clearly written on the package and the ease with which the packaging can be opened are attributes mostly driving packaged food products patronage in Zaria. However, consumers' food pattern is tilting towards packaged food product in Zaria and calls for further governmental quality control measures to promote consumers good health. Plastic waste food packaging materials do not degrade easily in the environment and constitute risk to health and environmental beauty.Consumption; Environment; Food; Packaging; ZariaNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84961194975Logging ban policy and its impact on international trade in forest products: The case of ThailandSulaiman C., Abdul-Rahim A.S.2015International Journal of Green Economics904-Mar10.1504/IJGE.2015.075195Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Economics, Bauchi State University Gadau, Bauchi State, NigeriaSulaiman, C., Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, Department of Economics, Bauchi State University Gadau, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Abdul-Rahim, A.S., Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, MalaysiaIn 1989, unnecessary logging activities triggered huge landslides in Thailand that led to the loss of 373 human lives and properties worth millions of baht. Consequently, Thailand's authorities officially imposed a logging ban to forestall the future reoccurrence of a similar disaster. Using a J-curve hypothesis, this paper examined the impact of the logging ban on Thailand's forest product trade balances. To achieve the objective, an autoregressive distributed lag approach to cointegration was applied to estimate the results using data from 1971 to 2010. The results revealed that the policy has had a negative effect on product trade balances in the short-run and the long-run. In addition, domestic income, foreign income and the exchange rate were found to significantly influence product trade balance variations. The J-curve effect was non-existent for all of the sampled products. As such, policies that will both safeguard the environment and ensure economic growth are recommended. © Copyright 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.ARDL approach; J-curve hypothesis; Logging ban; Trade balanceNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-55249096486Performance of high protein maize variety and soil nutrient changes with fortified organic fertilizerAyoola O.T., Makinde E.A., Ande O.T.2008Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment604-MarNoneFarming Systems Research and Extension Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B 5029, Ibadan, Nigeria; Federal College of Agriculture, I.A.R and T, Moor Plantation, P.M.B 5029, Ibadan, Nigeria; Land andAyoola, O.T., Farming Systems Research and Extension Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B 5029, Ibadan, Nigeria; Makinde, E.A., Federal College of Agriculture, I.A.R and T, Moor Plantation, P.M.B 5029, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ande, O.T., Land and Water Resources Management Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B 5029, Ibadan, NigeriaEnriching manure with nutrients from limited quantity of inorganic fertilizer could combat the deficiency of late and low supply of nutrients. The growth and yield of high protein green maize (ART-98-SW1) was assessed using organic fertilizer made from municipal waste and cow dung at 5 t/ ha as well as organic fertilizer + urea (i.e. 2.5 t ha-1 municipal waste and cow dung + 100 kg ha-1 urea). These were compared with performance with inorganic NPK fertilizer and no fertilizer control. Maize growth significantly (P = 0.05) increased with application of the N-enriched organic fertilizer. The plants were comparable in height and leaf area with fertilizer application. Fertilization of maize gave significantly (P = 0.05) higher grain yields. Organic fertilizer alone gave yields of 2.68 t ha-1. The unfertilized control plants had an average yield of 1.47 t ha-1.Yield (3.78 t ha-1) obtained from the organic fertilizer + urea was statistically the same with yield (3.70 t ha-1) got from inorganic fertilization. Organic fertilizer + urea increased soil N, P and K contents by 25, 1 and 62%, respectively. It also increased soil Ca and Mg contents by 2 and 8%, respectively. Organic fertilizer at 2.5 t ha-1 with 100 kg/ha urea can be applied to maize. It gives a comparable yield as inorganic fertilizer and increases the soil N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents.Cow dung; Growth; Maize; Soil nutrients; YieldZea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79960110966The impacts of timber harvesting on residual trees and seedlings in a tropical rain forest ecosystem, southwestern NigeriaAdekunle V.A.J., Olagoke A.O.2010International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystems Services and Management604-Mar10.1080/21513732.2010.534976Forest Ecology Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, NigeriaAdekunle, V.A.J., Forest Ecology Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Olagoke, A.O., Forest Ecology Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, NigeriaThis study examined logging damage to non-targeted neighbouring plant species and the forest ecosystem in a tropical forest in Ondo State, southwest Nigeria. Tree growth variables were recorded before and after felling, as was the number of crosscut logs. All plant species damaged during harvesting were enumerated and identified and the nature and level of the damage was also determined. Data providing demographic information, causes of damage to residual plants and measures to reduce the damage were obtained from the loggers using questionnaires. Data were collected on selective logging of 41 tree species. Despite selective logging practices, during felling, plants were damaged, soil compacted and the ecosystem disturbed. The observed damage to residual trees and seedlings ranged from 5% to 70% and it is therefore concluded that reduced impact logging and training of loggers is necessary to minimise the impacts. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.Logging; Ondo State; Reduced impact loggingdata set; demography; forest ecosystem; growth rate; harvesting; questionnaire survey; rainforest; seedling; selective logging; species diversity; timber harvesting; tropical region; Nigeria; OndoNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33845695435Genetic analysis of performance of maize inbred lines selected for tolerance to drought under low nitrogenMeseka S.K., Menkir A., Ibrahim A.E.S., Ajala S.O.2006Maydica5104-MarNoneInternational Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, P.O. Box 20, Wad Medani, SudanMeseka, S.K., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Menkir, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ibrahim, A.E.S., Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, P.O. Box 20, Wad Medani, Sudan; Ajala, S.O., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, Ibadan, NigeriaLow soil nitrogen (low N) limits maize (Zea mays L.) production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Knowledge of inheritance of tolerance to low N in inbred lines selected for drought tolerance would be useful for developing hybrids adapted to low N conditions. The objectives of this study were to determine the (i) effect of zero, one and two doses of drought tolerance in inbred lines on performance of hybrids under low N, (ii) type of gene action conditioning performance under low N, and (iii) relationship between per se performance of parental inbred lines and their hybrids. Ninety-six hybrids were formed from 24 inbred lines using the Design II mating scheme. The parental lines and hybrids were evaluated under both low and high N in separate trials side by side during the rainy season at one location in Nigeria for two years. Most of the hybrids with at least one drought tolerant parent had higher yields than those having two drought susceptible parents. Mean squares for GCA-males, GCA-females and SCA effects were significant for grain yield under both low and high N, whereas their interactions with year was significant only for GCA-male effects under low N. Non-additive gene action was slightly higher than additive gene action for grain yield under low N. Average heterosis for grain yield was 129% under low N and 114% under high N. Grain yield, plant and ear heights of inbred lines contributed positively to grain yields of hybrids. However, grain yields of inbred lines accounted for less than 15% of the total variation in grain yield among hybrids at each N level. Five of the 12 drought tolerant lines and two of the 12 susceptible inbred lines had significant positive GCA effects for grain yield under low N. Use of inbred lines, such as KU1409, 4058, 1824 and 9432 with consistently positive GCA effects for grain yield under low-N in a breeding program would be desirable to further improve grain yield and associated traits for low N environments.Dosage effects; Drought tolerance; Gene action and gene effects; Inbred lines; Low nitrogenZea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84919876992Dissecting indices of aridity for assessing the impacts of global climate changeGirvetz E.H., Zganjar C.2014Climatic Change12604-Mar10.1007/s10584-014-1218-9International Center for Tropical Agriculture, PO Box 823-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; University of Washington School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, United States; The Nature Conservancy Central Science Program, 4245 North Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA, United StatesGirvetz, E.H., International Center for Tropical Agriculture, PO Box 823-00621, Nairobi, Kenya, University of Washington School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, United States, The Nature Conservancy Central Science Program, 4245 North Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA, United States; Zganjar, C., The Nature Conservancy Central Science Program, 4245 North Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA, United StatesThere is great interest in understanding how climate change will impact aridity through the interaction of precipitation changes with rising temperatures. The Aridity Index (AI), Climatic Moisture Deficit (CMD), and Climatic Moisture Surplus (CMS) are metrics commonly used to quantify and map patterns in aridity and water cycling. Here we show that these metrics have different patterns of change under future climate—based on an ensemble of nine general circulation climate models—and the different metrics are appropriate for different purposes. Based on these differences between the metrics, we propose that aridity can be dissected into three different types—hydrological (CMS), agricultural (CMD), and meteorological. In doing this, we propose a novel modified version of the Aridity Index, called AI+, that can be useful for assessing changes in meteorological aridity. The AI + is based on the same ratio between precipitation and evapotranspiration as the traditional AI, but unlike the traditional AI, the AI + only accounts for changes to precipitation during months when precipitation is less than reference/potential evapotranspiration (i.e. there is a deficit). Moreover, we show that the traditional AI provides a better estimate of change in moisture surplus driven by changes to precipitation during the wet season, rather than changes in deficit that occur during the drier seasons. These results show that it is important to select the most appropriate metric for assessing climate driven changes in aridity. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.NoneClimate models; Dissection; Evapotranspiration; Moisture; Aridity index; Future climate; General circulation; Global climate changes; Moisture deficit; Precipitation change; Rising temperatures; Water cycling; Climate changeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33845447744Comparative assessment of yield potentials of improved cowpea breeding lines using performance index and ranking methodsAjeigbe H.A., Mohammed S.G., Singh B.B.2006Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment404-MarNoneInternational Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kano Station, Sabo Bakin Zuwo Road, Kano, Nigeria; Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano, NigeriaAjeigbe, H.A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kano Station, Sabo Bakin Zuwo Road, Kano, Nigeria; Mohammed, S.G., Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria; Singh, B.B., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kano Station, Sabo Bakin Zuwo Road, Kano, NigeriaIdentification of the best variety from a variety trial is often done using the least significant difference (LSD), Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) and stability analysis methods. However, these methods are unable to discriminate among a smaller group of varieties which are not statistically significantly different from each other. Therefore, there is a need for another method which can further discriminate among these small groups of varieties. This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of the performance index (PI) and rank total (RT) methods in identifying the best variety from a variety trial. Eighteen cowpea breeding lines including a local check were grown for two years in three environments representing the major cowpea growing zone of West Africa to assess their grain yield potential. The yield data were analyzed and variety means were compared using different methods. The PI revealed that IT98K-398-14 was the best with a PI index of 88% compared to 59% for IT98K-412-13 and IT98K-506-1 with 35%, and RT method showed IT98K-412-13 with RT of 34, IT98K-398-14 with RT of 35 and IT98K-506-1 with RT 42 as the most promising cowpea varieties while the stability analysis indicated IT98K-506-1 with a b value of 1.03 as the most stable variety in the test environments with a mean yield of 1491 kg ha -1 which is above overall mean yield of 1340 kg ha-1. The PI is a simple and easy approach to classify varieties especially when the number of varieties and test environments is large. The RT method is also an alternative approach devoid of much calculation and will therefore be a valuable tool for plant breeders especially when quick decisions are to be made on the selections of varieties. All three methods identified the same three varieties as the best varieties.Cowpea breeding lines; Performance index; Ranking total; Variety trialNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33846347337Maasai perception of the impact and incidence of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in southern KenyaBedelian C., Nkedianye D., Herrero M.2007Preventive Veterinary Medicine7804-Mar10.1016/j.prevetmed.2006.10.012International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; Institute of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, EH9 3J6, Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomBedelian, C., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; Nkedianye, D., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya, Institute of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, EH9 3J6, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Herrero, M., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya, Institute of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, EH9 3J6, Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomWe investigated the perceived impact of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) to pastoralists in Isinya Division, a wildlife dispersal area of Nairobi National Park, and used a range of participatory epidemiology methodologies. We compared the relative importance, incidence and impact of MCF compared to other locally defined important diseases with a total of 158 respondents in 11 group meetings and 21 household meetings in July 2004. Direct losses due to disease were investigated through lowered prices as a result of the emergency sale of disease-infected animals. Overall, Maasai in Isinya Division perceived east coast fever (ECF) to be the most important cattle disease and to have the highest incidence. Anthrax was considered to have the largest impact. In areas within or adjacent to the wildebeest calving zone, MCF was perceived to be the most important cattle disease and also to have the largest impact. Outside the calving zone, MCF was considered the fourth-most important disease with the fourth largest impact, and these were areas where wildebeest were less common. MCF was also the fourth-most common disease, and across the Division incidence was estimated at 5% in calves and 10% in adults. However, MCF incidence varied greatly throughout the study area, from 3% to 12%, and the highest incidence risks were found in areas where wildebeest came to calve. The percent drop in sale price per animal infected with MCF was estimated at 50% for MCF for the year 2003-2004. Forced avoidance movements away from wildebeest calves were reported to decrease livestock production due to loss of access to prime grazing sites. As suggested by pastoralists in this study, the development of compensation schemes or incentives from wildlife would reduce the conflict between livestock keeping and wildlife conservation. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Disease impact; Disease incidence; Kenya; Maasai pastoralists; Malignant catarrhal fever; Participatory appraisal; Participatory epidemiologyanimal; animal disease; animal parasitosis; anthrax; article; cattle; cattle disease; female; foot and mouth disease; incidence; Kenya; male; mortality; season; time; virology; wild animal; Animals; Animals, Wild; Anthrax; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Female; Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Incidence; Kenya; Male; Malignant Catarrh; Seasons; Theileriasis; Time Factors; Animalia; Bos taurusNone
Scopus2-s2.0-67349151120Using participatory epidemiological techniques to estimate the relative incidence and impact on livelihoods of livestock diseases amongst nomadic pastoralists in Turkana South District, KenyaBett B., Jost C., Allport R., Mariner J.2009Preventive Veterinary Medicine9004-Mar10.1016/j.prevetmed.2009.05.001International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Rd, Kabete, Nairobi, Kenya; Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium, P.O. Box 13986-00800, Nairobi, KenyaBett, B., International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Rd, Kabete, Nairobi, Kenya; Jost, C., International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Rd, Kabete, Nairobi, Kenya; Allport, R., Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium, P.O. Box 13986-00800, Nairobi, Kenya; Mariner, J., International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Rd, Kabete, Nairobi, KenyaA participatory epidemiological (PE) study was carried out with Turkana pastoralists in Turkana South District, Kenya, to determine the relative incidence of livestock diseasess and their impact on livelihoods. A sub-location was used as the sampling unit. A sub-location is the smallest administrative unit and is occupied by clusters of families (called adakars) that share common grazing patterns. A total of 32 sub-locations were randomly selected for the study. At least one focus group discussion involving more than 10 people was held with each adakar. In addition, key informant interviews involving local leaders and animal health service providers were conducted before or after the group sessions. PE techniques that were used with the stock owners include participatory mapping, relative incidence scoring, proportional piling, disease impact matrix scoring, seasonal calendars and probing. The methods used were pre-tested in four sub-locations that were excluded from further study. The study revealed that goats, with median score of 33 (10th and 90th percentiles of 25, 44, respectively) and sheep, median score of 20.5 (15, 26) were perceived to be the most abundant livestock species while goats (median score of 32 [21, 56]) and camels (median score of 22.5 [11, 33]) contributed the most to the livelihoods of the pastoralists. For goats, the overall relative incidence scores of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and mange were 23.5% (15, 34), 25% (21, 45) and 20% (19, 28), respectively. The respective median scores for case fatality rates were 66% (45, 76.5), 62.5% (25, 100) and 73.2% (21.4, 85.7). Disease impact matrix scores indicated that mange was the most important disease of goats. Mange (range: 28-32%) and pox (range: 16-38%) were perceived to be the most prevalent diseases in camels. Livestock movements, limited access to veterinary services and stock theft were identified as key factors that contributed to the high prevalence and persistence of these diseases. This paper discusses strategies that could be used to control these diseases given the challenges associated with nomadic pastoralism and insecurity. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Diseases; Goats; Kenya; Participatory epidemiology (PE); Turkana pastoralistsanimal; animal husbandry; article; camel; economics; goat; goat disease; human; incidence; Kenya; sheep; sheep disease; socioeconomics; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Camels; Goat Diseases; Goats; Humans; Incidence; Kenya; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Socioeconomic Factors; Animalia; Camelidae; Capra; Capra hircus; Mycoplasma; Ovis aries; Peste-des-petits-ruminants virusNone
Scopus2-s2.0-13844264443Evaluation of the phenotypic performance of a Red Maasai and Dorper double backcross resource population: Indoor trickle challenge with Haemonchus contortusMugambi J.M., Audho J.O., Njomo S., Baker R.L.2005Veterinary Parasitology12704-Mar10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.10.017Intl. Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; National Veterinary Research Centre, P.O. Box 32, Kikuyu 00902, Kenya; P.O. Box 238, Whangamata, New ZealandMugambi, J.M., Intl. Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya, National Veterinary Research Centre, P.O. Box 32, Kikuyu 00902, Kenya; Audho, J.O., Intl. Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Njomo, S., Intl. Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Baker, R.L., Intl. Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya, P.O. Box 238, Whangamata, New ZealandSix F1 Dorper (D) × Red Maasai (R) rams were mated to both D and R ewes to produce backcross lambs. These six double backcross resource families are being analysed to identify quantitative trait loci that may be controlling resistance to gastro-intestinal (GI) nematode parasites, mainly Haemonchus contortus. After assessing the phenotypic performance of the lambs following exposure to natural infections, the surviving lambs were drenched and moved indoors for an artificial challenge with H. contortus along with straightbred D and R lambs. A total of 1317 lambs were included in the analyses consisting of 523 3/4D, 580 3/4R, 87 D and 127 R. The D lambs were significantly and consistently heavier than R lambs and 3/4D were significantly heavier than the 3/4R lambs. The difference between the backcrosses was about half of that between the straightbreds. Resistance was assessed in terms of faecal egg counts (FEC) and total worm counts (TWC) at necropsy while packed cell volume (PCV) was used to assess resilience to weekly oral doses of 2500 infective larvae of H. contortus. No significant breed differences were observed for log transformed FEC (LFEC). A significant breed difference in PCV was recorded. The backcrosses had the higher values and while no differences were observed between the straightbreds, 3/4D had significantly higher PCV than the 3/4R. Despite the absence of breed differences in FEC the R and the 3/4R had significantly fewer worms than the D and the 3/4D. The D had significantly longer worms than the R and the 3/4D had significantly longer worms than the 3/4R. Worms recovered from D had more eggs than those recovered from R. Similarly worms from 3/4D contained more eggs than those from 3/4R. Thus, on a breed basis the breed with more worms had longer worms. In contrast, when, in a small part of the experiment two doses of larvae were used to check for any breed by dose interactions, worms from the low dose (and hence fewer worms) animals were longer. We postulate that in fast growing hosts like the D, worms also have a better potential for growth and reproduction than in hosts that have less potential for growth. The overall correlation coefficient between PCV and LFEC was -0.67 while that between LFEC and LTWC was 0.72. From these results it is clear that the R do not respond to the artificial challenge the way they do to natural infection suggesting that phenotyping of R and R cross lambs for purposes of selecting those that are resistant or susceptible is best done under natural challenge. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Disease resistance; Haemonchus contortus; Resilience; Sheep-Nematodaanimal experiment; article; autopsy; disease predisposition; egg laying; feces analysis; female; Haemonchus contortus; host parasite interaction; infection resistance; lamb; male; nonhuman; parasitosis; phenotype; provocation; quantitative trait locus; statistical significance; survival; Animals; Crosses, Genetic; Feces; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Haemonchiasis; Male; Parasite Egg Count; Phenotype; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Time FactorsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-80052431099Calibration and resolution effects on model performance for predicting shallow landslide locations in TaiwanKeijsers J.G.S., Schoorl J.M., Chang K.-T., Chiang S.-H., Claessens L., Veldkamp A.2011Geomorphology13304-Mar10.1016/j.geomorph.2011.03.020Land Dynamics Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands; Kainan University, Taoyuan County 33857, Taiwan; Department of Geography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan; International Potato Center, P.O. Box 25171, 00603 Nairobi, Kenya; ITC, Twente University, P.O. Box, 7500 AA Enschede, NetherlandsKeijsers, J.G.S., Land Dynamics Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands; Schoorl, J.M., Land Dynamics Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands; Chang, K.-T., Kainan University, Taoyuan County 33857, Taiwan, Department of Geography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan; Chiang, S.-H., Department of Geography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan; Claessens, L., Land Dynamics Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands, International Potato Center, P.O. Box 25171, 00603 Nairobi, Kenya; Veldkamp, A., Land Dynamics Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands, ITC, Twente University, P.O. Box, 7500 AA Enschede, NetherlandsIn this paper we optimise the spatially explicit prediction of landslide hazard, landslide triggering and subsequent movement downslope of materials for a mountainous catchment in Taiwan. The location prediction is optimised by subsequently adding three location parameters: rainfall distribution, land-use classes and DEM derived slopes. Then the three most important model parameters are calibrated to find the best prediction for both stable and unstable areas. The landslides predicted by the LAPSUS-LS model are compared with a landslide inventory to validate the output. The optimal model settings for the calibration area are then applied to a validation area. Results show that model performance can be improved by adding the spatial distribution of rainfall and by stratifying according to land-use classes. Landslide prediction is better with fine resolution DEMs, mainly because the local topography is smoothed in coarser resolutions. Although in general the amount of landslides is over-predicted, the overall performance indicates that the model is able to capture the important factors determining landslide location. Additional spatially distributed data such as regolith or soil depth and regeneration rates of the legacy effect can further enhance the model's prediction. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.Digital elevation model; Land use; Landslide modelling; Model calibration; Rainfall distributioncalibration; digital elevation model; hazard assessment; land use change; landslide; model validation; performance assessment; precipitation intensity; prediction; slope dynamics; slope stability; trigger mechanism; TaiwanNone
Scopus2-s2.0-34248524026The economic impact of climate change on Kenyan crop agriculture: A Ricardian approachKabubo-Mariara J., Karanja F.K.2007Global and Planetary Change5704-Mar10.1016/j.gloplacha.2007.01.002School of Economics, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, KenyaKabubo-Mariara, J., School of Economics, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Karanja, F.K., Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, KenyaThis paper measures the economic impact of climate on crops in Kenya. We use cross-sectional data on climate, hydrological, soil and household level data for a sample of 816 households. We estimate a seasonal Ricardian model to assess the impact of climate on net crop revenue per acre. The results show that climate affects crop productivity. There is a non-linear relationship between temperature and revenue on one hand and between precipitation and revenue on the other. Estimated marginal impacts suggest that global warming is harmful for crop productivity. Predictions from global circulation models confirm that global warming will have a substantial impact on net crop revenue in Kenya. The results also show that the temperature component of global warming is much more important than precipitation. Findings call for monitoring of climate change and dissemination of information to farmers to encourage adaptations to climate change. Improved management and conservation of available water resources, water harvesting and recycling of wastewater could generate water for irrigation purposes especially in the arid and semi-arid areas. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.adaptations; agriculture; climate change; crop revenueacclimation; climate change; climate modeling; crop production; economic impact; glacial debris; global warming; precipitation (climatology); Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-71149103926Evaluation of empirically derived oil viscosity correlations for the Niger Delta crudeIkiensikimama S.S., Ogboja O.2009Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering6904-Mar10.1016/j.petrol.2009.09.005Shell Petroleum Development Company, P. O. Box 263, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, NigeriaIkiensikimama, S.S., Shell Petroleum Development Company, P. O. Box 263, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ogboja, O., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, NigeriaThis paper presents the evaluation of oil viscosity correlations for the Niger Delta crude. The viscosity properties considered are: dead oil viscosity, viscosity at the bubblepoint and the undersaturated oil viscosity. The existing oil viscosity correlations were assessed for their performances using viscosity database from the Region. Both quantitative and qualitative analytical methods were implemented using statistical parameters and performance plots respectively. From the general evaluation, using percent mean absolute relative error (Ea) as the screening criterion. It has been shown that Beal (1946) correlation is the best for undersaturated oil viscosity with Ea of 6.7291, Beggs and Robinson (1975) is the best for bubblepoint oil viscosity with Ea of 24.4274, while Labedi (1982) is the best for dead oil viscosity with Ea of 31.2628. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Bubblepoint oil; Dead oil; Undersaturated oil; Viscosity correlationsBubble points; Dead oil viscosity; Dead-oil; Niger Delta; Oil viscosity; Qualitative analytical methods; Relative errors; Robinson; Statistical parameters; Under-saturated oil; Viscosity properties; Viscosity; bubble; correlation; crude oil; database; empirical analysis; error analysis; oil; parameterization; performance assessment; qualitative analysis; quantitative analysis; saturation; viscosity; Niger Delta; NigeriaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77956011911Impact of livestock hygiene education programs on mastitis in smallholder water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Chitwan, NepalNg L., Jost C., Robyn M., Dhakal I.P., Bett B., Dhakal P., Khadka R.2010Preventive Veterinary Medicine9604-Mar10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.06.012Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01581, United States; International Livestock Research Institute, Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Tribhuvan University Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science Veterinary School, Rampur, Chitwan, NepalNg, L., Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01581, United States; Jost, C., International Livestock Research Institute, Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Robyn, M., Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01581, United States; Dhakal, I.P., Tribhuvan University Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science Veterinary School, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal; Bett, B., International Livestock Research Institute, Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Dhakal, P., Tribhuvan University Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science Veterinary School, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal; Khadka, R., Tribhuvan University Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science Veterinary School, Rampur, Chitwan, NepalA project implemented from 2003 to 2005 trained women in Chitwan District, Nepal, in hygienic dairy production using a process of social mobilization. The aim of this research was to assess if the prevalence of mastitis in water buffalo in the households of women who were trained was lower one year after training than in untrained households, if the training influenced knowledge and practices for the prevention or control of mastitis, and if these practices and knowledge were associated with a lower prevalence of mastitis. A total of 202 households from Eastern and Western Chitwan District were included in the study. Of these, 60 households had participated in the project and 142 had not. Milk samples were collected from 129 households (33 project households and 96 non-project households). Clinical mastitis was determined using visual inspection of udders and detection of macroscopic clots and flakes in milk. The California Mastitis Test was used to diagnose sub-clinical mastitis from milk samples, and the IDEXX SNAP test to identify the presence of tetracycline residues. The prevalence of mastitis in trained households (39.4%) was 43.78% of that in untrained households (60.4%), lower but not significantly so (p=0.08, 95% CI 0.17-1.12). Thirteen indicators of knowledge or practice for the control or prevention of mastitis were more likely to occur in trained households, four significantly so (not consuming milk from sick buffalo (p=0.001), using soap to wash hands before milking (p=0.001), discarding milk after antibiotic usage (p=0.01), and choosing appropriate flooring for their livestock (p=0.03)). Trained households that discarded milk from sick buffalo were 2.96 times more likely to have at least one animal with mastitis in the household (p=0.03, 95% CI 1.15-7.65). Trained households that knew to wash buffalos' teats after milking were less likely (OR 0.25) to have mastitis in their herd (p=0.02, 95% CI 0.08-0.80). Of the 138 buffalos tested, only one tested positive for tetracycline residues. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.Antibiotics; Bubalus bubalis; Education; Mastitis; Nepal; Training; Water buffaloantiinfective agent; drug residue; tetracycline; animal; animal disease; article; buffalo; chemistry; dairying; education; female; hygiene; mastitis; microbiology; milk; Nepal; prevalence; standard; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Buffaloes; Dairying; Drug Residues; Female; Hygiene; Mastitis; Milk; Nepal; Prevalence; Tetracycline; Animalia; Bubalus; Bubalus bubalisNone
Scopus2-s2.0-38849114280Legume-maize rotation and nitrogen effects on weed performance in the humid and subhumid tropics of West AfricaChikoye D., Ekeleme F., Lum A.F., Schulz S.2008Crop Protection2705-Mar10.1016/j.cropro.2007.09.007International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Crop Protection, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; German Agro Action, 18th Street Sinkor, Monrovia, LiberiaChikoye, D., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ekeleme, F., Department of Crop Protection, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Lum, A.F., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Schulz, S., German Agro Action, 18th Street Sinkor, Monrovia, LiberiaA long-term trial was established in 1998. The objectives among others were to assess the impact of nitrogen, natural bush fallow, and legume-maize rotations on weed growth and species composition in the forest/savanna transition zone (Ibadan) and northern Guinea savanna (Zaria) in Nigeria. At both locations, the experiment was arranged as a split-plot design. The main plots were green manure legumes (Pueraria phaseoloides [Roxb.] Benth in Ibadan and Aeschynomene histrix Poir. in Zaria), a forage legume (Stylosanthes guianensis [Aubl.] Sw.), grain legumes (cowpea [Vigna unguiculata {L.} Walp 'IT-90K-284-2' or soybean [Glycine max {L.} Merr 'TGx 1864 and TGx 1485-1 D'), natural bush fallow, and continuous cropping with maize [Zea mays L.]/cassava [Manihot esculenta Crantz] '82/00058' at Ibadan and maize at Zaria. Grain legumes were either double-cropped in one season by growing short-duration soybean with cowpea varieties sequentially, or by growing long-duration cultivars within one growing season. Nitrogen levels (0 and 30 kg N ha-1) were the subplot treatments. Weed data were collected in 2000 and 2003 after 2 years of continuous cropping or rotation with natural fallow or legumes. Weed density was significantly higher at Zaria (177 plants m-2) than at Ibadan (149 plants m-2). Weed dry matter was higher at Ibadan than at Zaria. Weed density and dry matter were lower in the green manure and forage legume treatments in both years at Ibadan. At Zaria, the forage legume treatment had the lowest weed density and dry matter in 2003 only. In 2003 at Ibadan, per capita weed population growth rate (WPGR) decreased in the green manure and forage legume treatments. There was an increase in WPGR in continuous cropping, double-cropping with cowpea and soybean, and natural bush fallow treatments. At Zaria, WPGR was not affected by fallow type or nitrogen (P&gt;0.05). Redundancy analysis showed significant differences in species composition among the various treatments. Nitrogen level did not affect density, dry matter, or the composition of weeds. © 2007.Bush fallow; Continuous cropping; Species composition; Weed densitycommunity composition; continuous cropping; crop rotation; dry matter; experimental study; growing season; growth rate; humid environment; legume; maize; nitrogen; population density; transition zone; tropical environment; weed; Africa; Ibadan; Kaduna [Nigeria]; Nigeria; Oyo; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Zaria; Aeschynomene histrix; Glycine max; Manihot esculenta; Pueraria; Pueraria phaseoloides; Stylosanthes guianensis; Vigna unguiculata; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33745164279Deterministic model for predicting gaseous pollutants concentration: An effective tool for pollution monitoringOdigure J.O., Aregbesola B.O.2005Modelling, Measurement and Control C6606-MayNoneChemical Engineering Dept., Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, NigeriaOdigure, J.O., Chemical Engineering Dept., Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria; Aregbesola, B.O., Chemical Engineering Dept., Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, NigeriaThere are various methods by which the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere can be obtained. One of the methods is qualitative analytical technique, which involves the use of various chemical reagents and apparatus. There is no single apparatus for this analysis. A method, which is quicker, is by modelling using known parameters and standard equations. This method although is quicker, cleaner and less laborious, is, however, just an estimate but is suitable for decision-making. This is the focus of this paper. The Fundamental principle of this paper is that the presence of gaseous pollutants in the atmosphere causes disequilibria in the prevailing meteorological condition. This is in accordance with the existing gas law. Therefore prevailing atmospheric pressure, temperature, wind speed and vapour pressure are function of the gaseous constituent concentration in the air. This project is aimed at developing a deterministic model for predicting gaseous pollutants' concentration. The developed model is presented as CPOLLUTANT=exp[- ūPPOLLUTANTΔx/KT3/2 The simulated results for concentration of air pollutants and the daily average of these concentrations were found to be comparable with the experimental results obtained from the various agencies in Nigeria. The proposed model can serve as a tool for predicting overall air pollutants' concentration in projects that require the overall impact of pollution. It is not suitable in case where the concentration of a particular pollutant is required.Concentration; Mathematical modelling; Pollutants; SimulationAtmospheric pressure; Computer simulation; Environmental impact; Mathematical models; Numerical methods; Parameter estimation; Air pollutants; Pollutants; Pollution monitoring; MeteorologyNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84929932856Particle boards produced from cassava stalks: Evaluation of physical and mechanical propertiesAisien F.A., Amenaghawon A.N., Bienose K.C.2015South African Journal of Science11106-May10.17159/sajs.2015/20140042Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, NigeriaAisien, F.A., Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Amenaghawon, A.N., Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Bienose, K.C., Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, NigeriaWe investigated the potential use of cassava stalks for the production of bonded particle boards. Particle boards were produced from cassava stalks using urea-formaldehyde as a binder. Water absorption and thickness swelling tests were carried out to determine dimensional stability of the boards while modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity tests were carried out to assess the mechanical strength of the boards. Particle boards produced using an adhesive-cassava stalk ratio of 3:1 gave the best results in terms of the lowest mean values of water absorption (20%) and thickness swelling (6.26%), as well as the highest values of modulus of rupture (4×106 N/m2) and modulus of elasticity (2366.74×106 N/m2). The particle boards produced met the ANSI/A208.1-1999 standard for general-purpose boards. The results of analyses of variance carried out revealed that the adhesive-cassava stalk ratio had a marked influence (p<0.05) on the physical properties (water absorption and thickness swelling) but not on the mechanical properties (modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity). © 2015. The Author(s).Cassava stalks; Dimensional stability; Particle board; Thickness swelling; Urea-formaldehydeabsorption; cassava; mechanical property; physical property; swelling; variance analysis; wood; Manihot esculentaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84935748546Evaluation of new cassava varieties for adhesive propertiesJohn Olusola A., Babatunde Adebiyi O., Riyaad K.2015Starch/Staerke6708-Jul10.1002/star.201400239Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; Department of Food Science and Technology, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, NigeriaJohn Olusola, A., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, Department of Food Science and Technology, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria; Babatunde Adebiyi, O., Department of Food Science and Technology, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria; Riyaad, K., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and TobagoCassava varieties: Red stick, Butter stick, Maracas Black stick, and M Col 22 were evaluated for pulp yield, starch yield, amylose, and protein contents in a screening exercise of new cassava varieties. Starch content of the tubers was determined. Starch was extracted from freshly harvested nine-month-old tubers using standard method. The starch paste was air dried before final drying at 50°C for 8-h in an oven. Amylose and protein contents of the starch were determined by approved methods. Adhesive was made by heating 10% starch slurry in 0.1-M KOH solution to 70 and 80°C, respectively. Color, pH, viscosities, adhesive force, adhesiveness, stickiness, and storage properties of the adhesives were determined. Pulp yields (74.1-83.1%), starch yields (11.8-20.3%); starch amylose (23.5-26.5%) and protein contents (0.34-0.82%) of cassava tubers differed. Also peak viscosity (297-393 RVU), breakdown viscosity (195-263 RVU), and set back viscosity (43-52 RVU) of the starches were significantly different. Similarly the adhesive force (-77 to -146 and adhesiveness (-1952-gs to -3075-gs) varied significantly. Adhesive from variety M Col 22 resolved into two fractions at two weeks of storage and completely broke down by week three. Pastes produced at 80°C were less viscous, had lower adhesiveness and adhesive force and were darker than pastes produced at 70°C. Storage reduced the adhesive force and adhesiveness of the adhesives. The adhesive pastes were alkaline (pH10.69-11.58). The Maracas Black Stick and Butter Stick varieties produced the best adhesives in terms of stickiness and resistance to degradation than the other two varieties. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.Adhesive; Cassava; Properties; StarchAdhesives; Alkalinity; Cyclodextrins; Plants (botany); Proteins; Screening; Starch; Viscosity; Adhesive properties; Breakdown viscosity; Cassava; Cassava varieties; Peak viscosities; Properties; Protein contents; Storage properties; Adhesive pastes; Manihot esculentaNone
WoSWOS:000282735100003Impact of ALSO training on the management of prolonged labor and neonatal care at Kagera Regional Hospital, TanzaniaElsass, Peter,Massawe, Siriel,Nielsen, Birgitte Bruun,Nyakina, Juma,Rasch, Vibeke,Sorensen, Bjarke Lund2010INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY &amp; OBSTETRICS111110.1016/j.ijgo.2010.04.031Aarhus University, University of Copenhagen, Kagera Reg Hosp, Muhimbili Univ Hlth & Allied Sci, Odense Univ Hosp"Elsass, Peter: University of Copenhagen","Nielsen, Birgitte Bruun: Aarhus University","Sorensen, Bjarke Lund: University of Copenhagen",Objective: To evaluate the management of prolonged labor and neonatal care before and after Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) training. Methods: Staff involved in childbirth at Kagera Regional Hospital, Tanzania, attended a 2-day ALSO provider course. In this prospective intervention study conducted between July and November 2008, the management and outcomes of 558 deliveries before and 550 after the training were observed. Results: There was no significant difference in the rate of cesarean deliveries owing to prolonged labor, and vacuum delivery was not practiced after the intervention. During prolonged labor, action was delayed for more than 3 hours in half of the cases. The stillbirth rate. Apgar scores, and frequency of neonatal resuscitation did not change significantly. After the intervention, there was a significant increase in newborns given to their mothers within 10 minutes, from 5.6% to 71.5% (RR 12.71; 95% CI, 9.04-17.88). There was a significant decrease from 6 to 0 neonatal deaths before discharge among those born with an Apgar score after 1 minute of 4 or more (P=0.03). Conclusion: ALSO training had no effect on the management of prolonged labor. Early contact between newborn and mother was more frequently practiced after ALSO training and the immediate neonatal mortality decreased. (C) 2010 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved."Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO)","clinical skills training","emergency obstetric and neonatal care","MATERNAL MORTALITY","NEONATAL CARE","PROLONGED LABOR",Tanzania,MORTALITYNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84891641090Reproductive performance of Abergelle goats and growth rate of their crosses with Boer goatsBelay S., Gebru G., Godifey G., Brhane M., Zenebe M., Hagos H., Teame T.2014Livestock Research for Rural Development261NoneAbergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Mekelle Agricultural Research Centre, Tigray, EthiopiaBelay, S., Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Gebru, G., Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Godifey, G., Mekelle Agricultural Research Centre, Tigray, Ethiopia; Brhane, M., Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Zenebe, M., Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Hagos, H., Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Teame, T., Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, EthiopiaThis study was undertaken to evaluate the pre and post weaning growth of F1 crossbred Boer-Abergelle goat kids, and reproductive performance of pure Abergelle under a semi-intensive management system. The study was implemented in Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre goat farm in northern Ethiopia. Three independent variables: namely birth type, sex and parity number and seven dependent variables: body weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), six-month weight (SMW), yearling weight (YW) and weight gains to weaning, six months and one year were analyzed. A total of 166 F1 kids of which 90 were from the first parity, 53 from the second and 23 from the third parity were used to evaluate the growth rate of the crossbred kids. Yearling weights of the crossbred kids were higher for males than for females. The highest values for WWG, SMWG and YWG were observed in the first parity. Average kidding interval of the Abergelle goats was 11.3 months with a minimum and maximum of 9 and 17 months, respectively. Prolificacy rates were 1.06, 1.11 and 1.07 in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Generally, Boer-Abergelle F1 kids had high growth rates (range 73 to 113 g/day) and had low mortality, especially pre-weaning. Purebred Abergelle goats had long kidding interval and most had single births.Crossbreeding; Growth; Mortality; Reproductive performanceNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33749415376Comparative performances of Holstein-Friesian cows under smallholder and large scale farmers' management in Central Rift Valley, EthiopiaTolla N., Vijchulata P., Chairatanayuth P., Swsdiphanich S.2006Kasetsart Journal - Natural Science401NoneAdami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Departement of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, ThailandTolla, N., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Vijchulata, P., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Chairatanayuth, P., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Swsdiphanich, S., Departement of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, ThailandA study was conducted in Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia to assess comparative productive and reproductive performances of graded Holstein Friesian cows under small and large scale farmers' management. A total of 28 animals from both small (14) and large scales farms (14) in different parity classes were used for data collection for a period of 28 weeks. Significant differences were observed in daily intakes of dry matter, crude protein and P (p<0.001) as well as metabolizable energy and Na (p<0.01) between the two farming scales. Daily milk yield and fat corrected (FC) milk yields were also significantly (p<0.001) different. The differences in the composition of milk and postpartum reproductive parameters measured were not statistically significant (p>0.05) between the farm scales. However, the longer days open (171) was observed for small scale farms than the large scale farms (148). Days from calving to the first sign of estrus (115d) and numbers of services per conception (2.1) were higher on large scale farms than on the small scale farms (96 and 1.6 respectively). Milk yield, milk composition and reproductive efficiencies did not significantly (p>0.05) differ between parity classes. Generally, the productive and reproductive performances of graded Holstein Friesian cows in this study were under their expected genetic potential, as compared to other parts of the tropics. This might be attributed mainly to poor nutritional qualities of the available feed resources, in terms of protein, energy and mineral balance which needed further investigation.Dairy cows; Ethiopia; Farm scales; Parity; ProductivityAnimalia; Bos taurus; FriesiaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84928138418Land suitability evaluation to optimize land management of small-scale farms in the Gerado catchment, North-Eastern EthiopiaBahir A.L., Ahmed M.A., Antille D.L.2015Tropical Agriculture921NoneAddis Ababa University, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; University of Southern Queensland, National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture, Toowoomba, QLD, AustraliaBahir, A.L., Addis Ababa University, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ahmed, M.A., Addis Ababa University, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Antille, D.L., University of Southern Queensland, National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture, Toowoomba, QLD, AustraliaBiophysical and socio-economic constraints and sub-optimal utilization of soil and water resources have resulted in progressive reduction of land productivity in Ethiopia. This study investigated the suitability of land mapping units of the Gerado catchment for subsistence rainfed cultivation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays L.) and teff (Eragrostis tef Zucc.). A land resource survey was conducted and it identified nine different land mapping units (LMU). The FAO maximum limitation method was used to assess LMU and determine land suitability subclasses. The study indicated that soil erosion, soil wetness, soil fertility status, and soil workability were the main limiting factors affecting land quality within the catchment. We suggest that drainage using traditional ditches may be a cost-effective method to reduce the incidence of waterlogging conditions. Long-term fertility management requires the implementation of suitable fertilization programs that consider the use of organic materials such as manure and compost. Such programs need to account for nutrient budgets over the entire crop rotation to maximize use efficiency and minimize environmental losses. Soil erosion may be mitigated through stone terracing, soil bunding and by adopting a more conservative approach to agriculture, that is, by matching land use with land capability based on the correct assessment of land suitability. Implementation of the proposed approach to optimizing land management in the Gerado catchment will deliver a range of socio-economic and agri-environmental benefits to the local communities. © 2015 Trop. Agric.Environmental quality; Land capability; Land-use optimization; Small-scale farming; Sustainable soil management; Tropical rainfed subsistence-agricultureEragrostis tef; Triticum aestivum; Zea maysNone
WoSWOS:000273194900009Health professionals' attitudes and misconceptions regarding podoconiosis: potential impact on integration of care in southern EthiopiaDavey, Gail,Deribe, Kebede,Yakob, Bereket2010TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE104110.1016/j.trstmh.2009.07.021Addis Ababa University, Fayyaa Integrated Dev Assoc"Davey, Gail: Addis Ababa University","Yakob, Bereket: Addis Ababa University",Offering long-term community care for patients with podoconiosis (endemic non-filarial elephantiasis) is challenging, and requires co-operation between patients and their families, the community and health care professionals. Health professionals who harbour misconceptions about podoconiosis or stigmatize patients are likely to deliver substandard services and propagate such attitudes within the community. In January 2007, we used a structured self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge of and attitudes towards podoconiosis among 275 health professionals in public and private health institutions in southern Ethiopia. Nearly all (97.8%) health professionals held at least one significant misconception about the cause of podoconiosis, and 97.1% responded incorrectly to one or more questions about signs and symptoms of podoconiosis. Around half (53.9%) incorrectly considered podoconiosis to be an infectious disease and were afraid of acquiring podoconiosis while providing care. All (100%) held one or more stigmatizing attitudes towards people with podoconiosis. These high levels of misconceptions and stigmatizing attitudes suggest negative effects of health professionals, seriously undermining integration between themselves, patients and community partners. We recommend pre- and in-service training of health professionals to overcome these misconceptions, to diminish stigma and to improve integration among those offering community care of patients with podoconiosis. (c) 2009 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.ATTITUDE,"chronic care model",elephantiasis,ETHIOPIA,PODOCONIOSIS,STIGMA,ASSOCIATION,DISEASE,"ENDEMIC ELEPHANTIASIS","NON-FILARIAL ELEPHANTIASIS"NoneNone
WoSWOS:000332072800013School-based intervention: evaluating the role of water, latrines and hygiene education on trachoma and intestinal parasitic infections in EthiopiaAboset, Nigusu,Berhane, Yemane,Gelaye, Bizu,Kumie, Abera,Williams, Michelle A.2014JOURNAL OF WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE FOR DEVELOPMENT4110.2166/washdev.2013.060Addis Ababa University, Harvard University, University of Washington, University of Washington Seattle, Addis Continental Inst Publ Hlth, Family Hlth Int"Williams, Michelle A.: Harvard University",We sought to evaluate the impact of a hygiene and sanitation intervention program among school-children to control active trachoma and intestinal parasitic infections. This longitudinal epidemiologic study was conducted among 630 students in rural Ethiopia. Baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted to evaluate the impact of a three-pronged intervention program: (i) construction of ventilated improved pit latrines; (ii) provision of clean drinking water; and (iii) hygiene education. Socio-demographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Presence of trachoma and intestinal parasitic infections were evaluated using standard procedures. At baseline, 15% of students had active trachoma, while 6.7% of them were found to have active trachoma post-intervention (p &lt; 0.001). Similar improvements were noted for parasitic infections. At baseline, 7% of students were reported to have helminthic infections and 30.2% protozoa infections. However, only 4% of students had any helminthic infection and 13.4% (p &lt; 0.001) of them were found to have any protozoa infection during follow-up surveys. Improvements were also noted in students' knowledge and attitudes towards hygiene and sanitation. In summary, the results of our study demonstrated that provision of a comprehensive and targeted sanitation intervention program was successful in reducing the burden of trachoma and intestinal parasitic infection among schoolchildren.ETHIOPIA,INTERVENTION,"PARASITIC INFECTION",SANITATION,SCHOOL,TRACHOMA,"ACTIVE TRACHOMA",ALBENDAZOLE,CHILDREN,DISTRICT,EFFICACY,PREVALENCE,PROMOTION,RISK-FACTORS,"SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTHS",TANZANIANoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-78651456579Psychological Constructs and Academic Performance at the National Open University of Nigeria: Counseling and Planning ImplicationsNelson Adewole I., Olajide Olawole A., Maruff Akinwale O., Akinola Gbadebo A.2010European Journal of Social Sciences181NoneAdeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Lagos, Nigeria; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, NigeriaNelson Adewole, I., Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Lagos, Nigeria; Olajide Olawole, A., Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Nigeria; Maruff Akinwale, O., Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Lagos, Nigeria; Akinola Gbadebo, A., Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Lagos, NigeriaThe recognition of the importance of distance education in providing students with the best and most up-to-date educational resources available in addition to the traditional teaching methods that they receive has led to rapid transformation of several traditional Universities from single mode to dual mode ones. With the growth and acceptance of distance education, it is important to ensure the success of students in the programme. This study therefore aimed at providing a causal explanation of distance learners' academic performance through the analysis of some students' psychological variables.The descriptive research design of the 'ex-post facto' type was adopted for the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 1500 participants while purposive sampling technique was adopted to select the National Open University of Nigeria. Data were collected through three validated and reliable questionnaires. Two research questions were raised and answered with the aid of multiple regression analysis. The three psychological variables had joint contribution of 15.6% to academic performance. The order of importance of these variables to the prediction of academic performance is self-regulation, self-efficacy and self-concept respectively. Only self-regulations made significant contribution to academic performance. Students should endeavour to inculcate good selfregulations skills.Academic performance; Distance learning; Psychological variablesNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84871357624Ground-based in situ measurements of near-surface aerosol mass concentration over Anantapur: Heterogeneity in source impactsReddy B.S.K., Kumar K.R., Balakrishnaiah G., Gopal K.R., Reddy R.R., Sivakumar V., Arafath S.M., Lingaswamy A.P., Pavankumari S., Umadevi K., Ahammed Y.N.2013Advances in Atmospheric Sciences30110.1007/s00376-012-1234-5Aerosol and Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, 515003 Andhra Pradesh, India; Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkoido University, Sapporo, 0600819, Japan; School of Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Department of Physics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, 516003, IndiaReddy, B.S.K., Aerosol and Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, 515003 Andhra Pradesh, India, Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkoido University, Sapporo, 0600819, Japan; Kumar, K.R., Aerosol and Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, 515003 Andhra Pradesh, India, School of Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Balakrishnaiah, G., Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Gopal, K.R., Aerosol and Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, 515003 Andhra Pradesh, India; Reddy, R.R., Aerosol and Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, 515003 Andhra Pradesh, India; Sivakumar, V., School of Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Arafath, S.M., Aerosol and Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, 515003 Andhra Pradesh, India; Lingaswamy, A.P., Aerosol and Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, 515003 Andhra Pradesh, India; Pavankumari, S., Aerosol and Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, 515003 Andhra Pradesh, India; Umadevi, K., Aerosol and Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, 515003 Andhra Pradesh, India; Ahammed, Y.N., Department of Physics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, 516003, IndiaSurface measurements of aerosol physical properties were made at Anantapur (14.62°N, 77.65°E, 331 m a. s. l), a semiarid rural site in India, during August 2008-July 2009. Measurements included the segregated sizes of aerosolsas as well as total mass concentration and size distributions of aerosols measured at low relative humidity (RH&lt;75%) using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) in the 25-0.05 μm aerodynamic diameter range. The hourly average total surface aerosol mass concentration in a day varied from 15 to 70 μg m-3, with a mean value of 34.02±9.05 μg m-3 for the entire study period. A clear diurnal pattern appeared in coarse, accumulation and nucleation-mode particle concentrations, with two local maxima occurring in early morning and late evening hours. The concentration of coarse-mode particles was high during the summer season, with a maximum concentration of 11.81±0.98 μg m-3 in the month of April, whereas accumulationmode concentration was observed to be high in the winter period contributed &gt;68% to the total aerosol mass concentration. Accumulation aerosol mass fraction, Af (= Ma/Mt) was highest during winter (mean value of Af ~ 0.80) and lowest (Af ~ 0.64) during the monsoon season. The regression analysis shows that both Reff and Rm are dependent on coarse-mode aerosols. The relationship between the simultaneous measurements of daily mean aerosol optical depth at 500 nm (AOD500) and PM2.5 mass concentration ([PM2.5]) shows that surface-level aerosol mass concentration increases with the increase in columnar aerosol optical depth over the observation period. © 2012 Chinese National Committee for International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Science Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.aerosols mass concentration; backward trajectories; effective radius; size distributionNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-58149459606Biotribological evaluation of artificial disc arthroplasty devices: Influence of loading and kinematic patterns during in vitro wear simulationGrupp T.M., Yue J.J., Garcia Jr. R., Basson J., Schwiesau J., Fritz B., Blömer W.2009European Spine Journal18110.1007/s00586-008-0840-5Aesculap AG Research and Development, Tuttlingen, Germany; Ludwig Maximilian University, Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Munich, Germany; Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Orthopedic Care Center, Aventura, FL, United States; 6o of Freedom, Cape Town, South Africa; Biomechanical Research Laboratory, Aesculap AG Research and Development, Am Aesculap-Platz, 78532 Tuttlingen, GermanyGrupp, T.M., Aesculap AG Research and Development, Tuttlingen, Germany, Ludwig Maximilian University, Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Munich, Germany, Biomechanical Research Laboratory, Aesculap AG Research and Development, Am Aesculap-Platz, 78532 Tuttlingen, Germany; Yue, J.J., Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Garcia Jr., R., Orthopedic Care Center, Aventura, FL, United States; Basson, J., 6o of Freedom, Cape Town, South Africa; Schwiesau, J., Aesculap AG Research and Development, Tuttlingen, Germany; Fritz, B., Aesculap AG Research and Development, Tuttlingen, Germany; Blömer, W., Aesculap AG Research and Development, Tuttlingen, GermanyWear simulation is an essential pre-clinical method to predict the mid- and long-term clinical wear behavior of newly introduced devices for total disc arthroplasty. The main requirement of a suitable method for spinal wear simulation has to be the ability to distinguish between design concepts and allow for a direct comparison of predicate devices. The objective of our study was to investigate the influence of loading and kinematic patterns based on two different protocols for spinal wear simulation (ISO/FDIS 18192-1 (2006) and ASTM F2423-05). In vitro wear simulation was performed with six activ ® L lumbar artificial disc devices (Aesculap Tuttlingen, Germany). The applied kinematic pattern of movement was multidirectional for ISO (elliptic track) and unidirectional with a curvilinear shape for ASTM. Testing was done for 10 million cycles in the ISO loading mode and afterwards with the same specimens for 5 million cycles according to the ASTM protocol with a customized six-station servohydraulic spinal wear simulator (EndoLab Thansau, Germany). Gravimetrical and geometrical wear assessment, a slide track analysis correlated to an optical surface characterization, and an estimation of particle size and morphology were performed. The gravimetric wear rate for the first 10 million cycles was ISOinitial = 2.7 ± 0.3 mg/million cycles. During the ASTM test period (10-15 million cycles) a gravimetric wear rate of 0.14 ± 0.06 mg/million cycles was estimated. The wear rates between the ISO and ASTM driven simulations differ substantially (approximately 20-fold) and statistical analysis demonstrates a significant difference (p &lt; 0.001) between the test groups. The main explanation of divergency between ISO and ASTM driven wear simulations is the multidirectional pattern of movement described in the ISO document resulting in a cross-shear stress on the polyethylene material. Due to previous retrieval observations, it seems to be very unlikely that a lumbar artificial disc is loaded with a linear wear path.Testing according to ASTM F2423-05 with pure unidirectional motion does not reflect the kinematics of TDA patients' daily activities. Based on our findings it seems to be more reliable to predict the clinical wear behavior of an artificial disc replacement using the ISO/FDIS 18192-1 method. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.Lumbar total disc arthroplasty; Particle analysis; Pattern of movement; Wear simulationpolyethylene; arthroplasty; article; daily life activity; device; geometry; gravimetry; kinematics; lumbar spine; mechanical stress; methodology; morphology; particle size; priority journal; shear stress; simulation; Arthroplasty, Replacement; Biomechanics; Compressive Strength; Intervertebral Disk; Joint Prosthesis; Materials Testing; Polyethylene; Stress, Mechanical; Weight-BearingNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84856060931Making music, making money: Informal musical production and performance in venda, South AfricaMcNeill F.G.2012Africa82110.1017/S000197201100074XDepartment of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Pretoria, South AfricaMcNeill, F.G., Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Pretoria, South AfricaThis article presents an ethnographic analysis of the popular economy of informal musical production in the Venda region of South Africa. It focuses on the activities surrounding the Burnin' Shak Studio, a recording house that specializes in reggae music. Reliant on second-hand computers, pirated software, borrowed instruments, networks of trust and cycles of debt, musicians and producers in the Burnin' Shak occupy a distinctly peripheral position in South Africa's music industry. Unlike artists in the formal sphere of musical production, who sign deals with specific record labels, musicians in the informal sector seek out sponsors usually young local businessmen to fund their recordings with local producers. Marketing and distribution is the sole responsibility of the artist and the sponsor, who often develop a patronclient relationship. And yet whilst the artists' entrepreneurial activity often earns them significant airplay on local radio stations, and associated cultural capital, the financial benefits are slim. In order to convert their cultural capital into cash, musicians in the informal sector must compete in the market for performances at government-sponsored shows. These shows are well funded by lucrative tenders, but they present musicians with a double-edged sword. To secure a contract with tender holders or to entertain hopes of regular paid performances musicians must ensure that these performances do not express critical political sentiment. As purveyors of a genre renowned for its critical social commentary, reggae musicians are particularly affected by this expectation of self-censorship. Informal musical production in the post-apartheid era thus affords musicians little artistic freedom. Rather, whilst the products of this culture industry may appear to be part of a secondary economy, removed from the spheres of formalized production and control, they are in fact regulated and standardized through the process of tender allocation. © International African Institute 2012.Noneinformal sector; music; Limpopo; South Africa; VendaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84856401418Quality control and performance of HIV rapid tests in a microbicide clinical trial in rural KwaZulu-Natalvon Knorring N., Gafos M., Ramokonupi M., Jentsch U.2012PLoS ONE7110.1371/journal.pone.0030728Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa; Contract Laboratory Services, University of the Witwatersrand Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africavon Knorring, N., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa; Gafos, M., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Ramokonupi, M., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Jentsch, U., Contract Laboratory Services, University of the Witwatersrand Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South AfricaBackground: Quality control (QC) and evaluation of HIV rapid test procedures are an important aspect of HIV prevention trials. We describe QC and performance of two rapid tests, Determine™ and Uni-Gold™ used in a microbicide clinical trial in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods/Results: Internal QC of both HIV rapid tests was conducted at the trial site using a Uni-Gold control kit (Uni-Gold™Recombigen® HIV). Both assays produced the expected results for a total of 4637 QC tests. Study participants were tested for HIV at screening and, if enrolled, at regular time points throughout the study. Positive or discordant results were confirmed by a double HIV immunoassay testing strategy at a local laboratory. Overall, 15292 HIV rapid test were performed. Sensitivity and specificity of Determine was 98.95% (95% CI: 97.72-99.61) and 99.83% (95% CI: 99.70-99.91) respectively [positive predictive value (PPV) 97.91% (95% CI: 96.38-98.92)], for Uni-Gold it was 99.30% (95% CI: 98.21-99.81) and 99.96% (95% CI: 99.88-99.99) respectively [PPV 99.47% (95% CI: 98.46-99.89)]. Conclusions: The results suggest that a Uni-Gold control kit can be used for internal QC of both Uni-Gold and the HIV-1 component of the Determine rapid tests. Both rapid tests performed proficiently in the trial population. © 2012 von Knorring et al.Nonemicrobicide; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; antiinfective agent; adult; article; controlled study; female; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunoassay; major clinical study; male; predictive value; quality control; rural area; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; analytical equipment; clinical trial (topic); diagnostic procedure; drug effect; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; isolation and purification; methodology; microbiological examination; quality control; rural population; standard; virology; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; Female; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Immunoassay; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Quality Control; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Rural Population; South Africa; Young AdultNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84880335035Evaluation of the impact of immediate versus WHO recommendations-guided antiretroviral therapy initiation on HIV incidence: The ANRS 12249 TasP (Treatment as Prevention) trial in Hlabisa sub-district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Study protocol for a clusIwuji C.C., Orne-Gliemann J., Tanser F., Boyer S., Lessells R.J., Lert F., Imrie J., Bärnighausen T., Rekacewicz C., Bazin B., Newell M.-L., Dabis F.2013Trials14110.1186/1745-6215-14-230Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; University Bordeaux, ISPED, Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre Inserm U897, Epidemiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France; INSERM, UMR912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France; UMR-S912, IRD, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observ. Régional de la Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; INSERM U1018, CESP, Epidemiology of Occupational and Social Determinants of Health, Villejuif, France; University of Versailles Saint-Quentin, UMRS 1018 Villejuif, Paris, France; Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, United States; Agence nationale de recherches sur le sida et les hépatites virales (ANRS), Paris, France; Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, United KingdomIwuji, C.C., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Orne-Gliemann, J., University Bordeaux, ISPED, Bordeaux, France, INSERM, ISPED, Centre Inserm U897, Epidemiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France; Tanser, F., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Boyer, S., INSERM, UMR912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France, UMR-S912, IRD, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France, ORS PACA, Observ. Régional de la Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France; Lessells, R.J., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Lert, F., INSERM U1018, CESP, Epidemiology of Occupational and Social Determinants of Health, Villejuif, France, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin, UMRS 1018 Villejuif, Paris, France; Imrie, J., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Bärnighausen, T., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, United States; Rekacewicz, C., Agence nationale de recherches sur le sida et les hépatites virales (ANRS), Paris, France; Bazin, B., Agence nationale de recherches sur le sida et les hépatites virales (ANRS), Paris, France; Newell, M.-L., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, United Kingdom; Dabis, F., University Bordeaux, ISPED, Bordeaux, France, INSERM, ISPED, Centre Inserm U897, Epidemiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, FranceBackground: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses HIV viral load in all body compartments and so limits the risk of HIV transmission. It has been suggested that ART not only contributes to preventing transmission at individual but potentially also at population level. This trial aims to evaluate the effect of ART initiated immediately after identification/diagnosis of HIV-infected individuals, regardless of CD4 count, on HIV incidence in the surrounding population. The primary outcome of the overall trial will be HIV incidence over two years. Secondary outcomes will include i) socio-behavioural outcomes (acceptability of repeat HIV counselling and testing, treatment acceptance and linkage to care, sexual partnerships and quality of life); ii) clinical outcomes (mortality and morbidity, retention into care, adherence to ART, virologic failure and acquired HIV drug resistance), iii) cost-effectiveness of the intervention. The first phase will specifically focus on the trial's secondary outcomes.Methods/design: A cluster-randomised trial in 34 (2 × 17) clusters within a rural area of northern KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), covering a total population of 34,000 inhabitants aged 16 years and above, of whom an estimated 27,200 would be HIV-uninfected at start of the trial. The first phase of the trial will include ten (2 × 5) clusters. Consecutive rounds of home-based HIV testing will be carried out. HIV-infected participants will be followed in dedicated trial clinics: in intervention clusters, they will be offered immediate ART initiation regardless of CD4 count and clinical stage; in control clusters they will be offered ART according to national treatment eligibility guidelines (CD4 <350 cells/μL, World Health Organisation stage 3 or 4 disease or multidrug-resistant/extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis). Following proof of acceptability and feasibility from the first phase, the trial will be rolled out to further clusters.Discussion: We aim to provide proof-of-principle evidence regarding the effectiveness of Treatment-as-Prevention in reducing HIV incidence at the population level. Data collected from the participants at home and in the clinics will inform understanding of socio-behavioural, economic and clinical impacts of the intervention as well as feasibility and generalizability. © 2013 Iwuji et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Antiretroviral therapy; HIV infections; Prevention; South Africanevirapine; zidovudine; anemia; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; counseling; health impact assessment; highly active antiretroviral therapy; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; kidney dysfunction; liver dysfunction; morbidity; mortality; multidrug resistant tuberculosis; outcome assessment; phase 1 clinical trial; practice guideline; quality of life; randomized controlled trial; rural area; South Africa; world health organization; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Clinical Protocols; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Costs; Drug Resistance, Viral; Feasibility Studies; Guideline Adherence; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Medication Adherence; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Predictive Value of Tests; Quality of Life; Research Design; Rural Health Services; Sexual Behavior; South Africa; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; World Health Organization; Young AdultWellcome Trust
Scopus2-s2.0-84903559734The lover and another: A consideration of the efficacy of utilizing a performance poetry competition as vehicle for HIV/AIDS education among young adultsWilson D., Suter K.2013Matatu431NoneUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaWilson, D., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Suter, K., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa[No abstract available]NoneNoneNone
WoSWOS:000207805600007How Insecurity Impacts on School Attendance and School Dropout among Urban Slum Children in NairobiIzugbara, Chimaraoke,Mudege, Netsayi N.,Zulu, Eliya M.2008INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONFLICT AND VIOLENCE21NoneAfrican Populat & Hlth Res CtrNoneThis paper discusses how perceptions of personal security can impact on school enrolment and attendance. It mainly focuses on threats of physical harm, crime, and community and domestic violence. These security fears can include insecurity that children suffer from as they go to school, maybe through the use of unsafe routes; insecurity that children feel at school; and the insecurity they suffer from in their homes. Although poverty can be a source and/or an indicator of insecurity, this paper does not focus solely on poverty as it is well covered elsewhere in the literature. The paper relies on qualitative data collected in Korogocho and Viwandani slum areas in Nairobi, Kenya between October and November 2004. The paper analyses data from individual interviews and focus group interviews and focuses on the narrative of slum dwellers on how insecurity impacts on educational attainment. The conclusion in this paper is that insecure neighbourhoods may have a negative impact on schooling. As a result policies that address insecurity in slum neighbourhoods can also improve school attendance and performance.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84856564960Impact of long-term treatment of onchocerciasis with ivermectin in Kaduna State, Nigeria: First evidence of the potential for elimination in the operational area of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis ControlTekle A.H., Elhassan E., Isiyaku S., Amazigo U.V., Bush S., Noma M., Cousens S., Abiose A., Remme J.H.2012Parasites and Vectors5110.1186/1756-3305-5-2822313631African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control, WHO/APOC, P. O. Box: 01 B.P. 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso; SightSavers Regional Office for Africa, Dakar, Senegal; Sightsavers Nigeria Country Office, 1 Golf Course Road, Kaduna, Nigeria; No. 8 Somto Anugwom Close. Ekulu West, G.R.A. Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria; Sightsavers, PO Box 181909, Airport, Accra, Ghana; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Sightcare International, Secretariat Main Office, P.O. Box 29771, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; APOC, 120 Rue des Campanules, 01210 Ornex, FranceTekle, A.H., African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control, WHO/APOC, P. O. Box: 01 B.P. 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso; Elhassan, E., SightSavers Regional Office for Africa, Dakar, Senegal; Isiyaku, S., Sightsavers Nigeria Country Office, 1 Golf Course Road, Kaduna, Nigeria; Amazigo, U.V., No. 8 Somto Anugwom Close. Ekulu West, G.R.A. Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria; Bush, S., Sightsavers, PO Box 181909, Airport, Accra, Ghana; Noma, M., African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control, WHO/APOC, P. O. Box: 01 B.P. 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso; Cousens, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Abiose, A., Sightcare International, Secretariat Main Office, P.O. Box 29771, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Remme, J.H., APOC, 120 Rue des Campanules, 01210 Ornex, FranceBackground. Onchocerciasis can be effectively controlled as a public health problem by annual mass drug administration of ivermectin, but it was not known if ivermectin treatment in the long term would be able to achieve elimination of onchocerciasis infection and interruption of transmission in endemic areas in Africa. A recent study in Mali and Senegal has provided the first evidence of elimination after 15-17 years of treatment. Following this finding, the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) has started a systematic evaluation of the long-term impact of ivermectin treatment projects and the feasibility of elimination in APOC supported countries. This paper reports the first results for two onchocerciasis foci in Kaduna, Nigeria. Methods. In 2008, an epidemiological evaluation using skin snip parasitological diagnostic method was carried out in two onchocerciasis foci, in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area (LGA), and in the Kauru and Lere LGAs of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The survey was undertaken in 26 villages and examined 3,703 people above the age of one year. The result was compared with the baseline survey undertaken in 1987. Results. The communities had received 15 to 17 years of ivermectin treatment with more than 75% reported coverage. For each surveyed community, comparable baseline data were available. Before treatment, the community prevalence of O. volvulus microfilaria in the skin ranged from 23.1% to 84.9%, with a median prevalence of 52.0%. After 15 to 17 years of treatment, the prevalence had fallen to 0% in all communities and all 3,703 examined individuals were skin snip negative. Conclusions. The results of the surveys confirm the finding in Senegal and Mali that ivermectin treatment alone can eliminate onchocerciasis infection and probably disease transmission in endemic foci in Africa. It is the first of such evidence for the APOC operational area. © 2012 Tekle et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.APOC; elimination; epidemiological evaluation; Kaduna Nigeria; Onchocerciasisivermectin; adolescent; adult; article; child; eradication therapy; feasibility study; female; human; infant; infection control; major clinical study; male; Microfilaria; Nigeria; nonhuman; Onchocerca volvulus; onchocerciasis; preschool child; prevalence; school child; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Disease Eradication; Female; Humans; Infant; Ivermectin; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Onchocerca volvulus; Onchocerciasis; Prevalence; Public Health; Young AdultNone
Scopus2-s2.0-8744262025Impact assessment of a community-based animal health project in Dollo Ado and Dollo Bay districts, southern EthiopiaAdmassu B., Nega S., Haile T., Abera B., Hussein A., Catley A.2005Tropical Animal Health and Production37110.1023/B:TROP.0000047932.70025.44African Union/Interafrican Bur. A., PO Box 30786, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya; Veterinary Services Team, Ministry of Agriculture, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopia; Natl. Animal Health Research Centre, Sebeta, Ethiopia, Ethiopia; Action Contre la Faim, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopia; Regional Bureau of Agriculture, Somali National Regional State, Ethiopia, EthiopiaAdmassu, B., African Union/Interafrican Bur. A., PO Box 30786, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya; Nega, S., Veterinary Services Team, Ministry of Agriculture, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopia; Haile, T., Natl. Animal Health Research Centre, Sebeta, Ethiopia, Ethiopia; Abera, B., Action Contre la Faim, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopia; Hussein, A., Regional Bureau of Agriculture, Somali National Regional State, Ethiopia, Ethiopia; Catley, A., African Union/Interafrican Bur. A., PO Box 30786, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, KenyaParticipatory methods were used to assess the impact of a community-based animal health worker (CAHW) project in two remote pastoralist districts of Ethiopia. The CAHW project had been operating for 3 years at the time of the assessment. Participatory methods were standardized and repeated with 10 groups of informants in the project area. The assessment showed significant reductions in disease impact for diseases handled by CAHWs compared with diseases not handled by CAHWs. In camels, there was significant reduction (p<0.001) in the impact of mange, trypanosomosis, helminthosis, anthrax and non-specific respiratory disease. In cattle there was a signficant reduction (p<0.001) in the impact of blackleg, anthrax and helminthosis. In sheep and goats there was a sign reduction (p<0.001) in the impact of mange, helminthosis, contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, orf and non-specific diarrhoea. In order of importance, these reductions in disease impact were attributed to (1) increased use of modern veterinary services provided by CAHWs, (2) vaccination campaigns involving CAHWs, (3) good rainfall and availability of grazing and (4) decreased herd mobility. Decreased herd mobility was also associated with negative impact of tick infestation. Community-based animal health workers were considered to be highly accessible, available, affordable and trustworthy relative to other service providers. They were also perceived to be suppliers of a good quality service. Specific types of positive impact attributed to CAHW activities were increases in milk, meat, income and draught power.community-based animal health worker; Ethiopia; impact assessment; participatory methodsrain; animal; animal disease; animal husbandry; animal welfare; article; community care; developing country; domestic animal; Ethiopia; health care quality; human; methodology; organization and management; paramedical personnel; standard; vaccination; veterinary medicine; Animal Husbandry; Animal Technicians; Animal Welfare; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Community Networks; Developing Countries; Ethiopia; Humans; Quality of Health Care; Rain; Vaccination; Veterinary Medicine; Acari; Animalia; Anthrax; Bos taurus; Camelidae; Capra; Capra hircus; Mycoplasma; Ovis ariesNone
WoSWOS:000313561800010Conceptual Framework for Development of Comprehensive e-Health Evaluation ToolDurrani, Hammad,Khoja, Shariq,Piryani, Usha,Sajwani, Afroz,Scott, Richard E.2013TELEMEDICINE AND E-HEALTH19110.1089/tmj.2012.0073Aga Khan University, University of Calgary"Piryani, Usha: Aga Khan University","Sajwani, Afroz: Aga Khan University",Objective: The main objective of this study was to develop an e-health evaluation tool based on a conceptual framework including relevant theories for evaluating use of technology in health programs. This article presents the development of an evaluation framework for e-health programs. Materials and Methods: The study was divided into three stages: Stage 1 involved a detailed literature search of different theories and concepts on evaluation of e-health, Stage 2 plotted e-health theories to identify relevant themes, and Stage 3 developed a matrix of evaluation themes and stages of e-health programs. Results: The framework identifies and defines different stages of e-health programs and then applies evaluation theories to each of these stages for development of the evaluation tool. This framework builds on existing theories of health and technology evaluation and presents a conceptual framework for developing an e-health evaluation tool to examine and measure different factors that play a definite role in the success of e-health programs. The framework on the horizontal axis divides e-health into different stages of program implementation, while the vertical axis identifies different themes and areas of consideration for e-health evaluation. Conclusions: The framework helps understand various aspects of e-health programs and their impact that require evaluation at different stages of the life cycle. The study led to the development of a new and comprehensive e-health evaluation tool, named the Khoja-Durrani-Scott Framework for e-Health Evaluation.e-health,evaluation,FRAMEWORK,OUTCOMES,THEORIES,INFORMATION-SYSTEMS,NEED,SERVICESNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84927513994Impact of mass rearing and gamma irradiation on thermal tolerance of Eldana saccharinaMudavanhu P., Addison P., Conlong D.E.2014Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata153110.1111/eea.12228Agricultural Research Council - Plant Protection Research Institute (ARC-PPRI), Private Bag X5017, Vredenburg Campus, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; South African Sugarcane Research Institute, 170 Flanders Drive, Mt Edgecombe, Durban, South AfricaMudavanhu, P., Agricultural Research Council - Plant Protection Research Institute (ARC-PPRI), Private Bag X5017, Vredenburg Campus, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Addison, P., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Conlong, D.E., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa, South African Sugarcane Research Institute, 170 Flanders Drive, Mt Edgecombe, Durban, South AfricaMating ability, survival, and fitness of mass-produced sterile insects when released into the wild, are critical to the success of the sterile insect technique (SIT) as a pest management strategy, but their field performance remains one of the greatest challenges. Thermal stress tolerance by irradiated insects is a determinant of sterile insect quality, hence knowledge of their physiological competitiveness is essential for developing the SIT. Here, we report the results of experiments investigating effects of laboratory rearing and increasing radiation dosage on thermal limits to activity of the adult stage of Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and critical thermal minimum (CTmin) were assayed using a dynamic method on both sexes of E. saccharina moths in laboratory vs. wild populations (to determine effect of rearing history). Furthermore, the laboratory population was exposed to 150, 200, and 250 Gy, to determine the effect of radiation dose. Laboratory-reared E. saccharina were more heat tolerant compared to wild moths for both sexes (CTmax = 44.5 vs. 44.3 °C), whereas in the case of CTmin (3.7 vs. 4.4 °C), wild moths were more cold tolerant than their laboratory-reared counterparts. Irradiation had a negative effect on both CTmax and CTmin. Moths treated at the lowest radiation dose were more cold and heat tolerant than those treated at the highest dosages (CTmin = 4.5 vs. 6.2 °C; CTmax = 43.9 vs. 43.5 °C), thereby reinforcing the importance of lower dosages rather than those that induce full sterility against E. saccharina. In general, sex had no influence on critical thermal limits in all moth treatments except for those irradiated at 150 Gy. The data presented in this article provide evidence that increasing radiation dose impacts on fitness of laboratory-produced moths relative to their wild counterparts, which in turn could affect the effectiveness of the SIT programme. © 2014 The Netherlands Entomological Society.Critical thermal limits; Laboratory domestication; Lepidoptera; Physiological fitness; Pyralidae; Radiation treatment; SIT; Sterile insect technique; SugarcaneEldana saccharina; Hexapoda; Lepidoptera; Pyralidae; SaccharinaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77649198073Performance of circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) urine-dipsticks for rapid detection of intestinal schistosomiasis in schoolchildren from shoreline communities of Lake VictoriaStandley C.J., Lwambo N.J.S., Lange C.N., Kariuki H.C., Adriko M., Stothard J.R.2010Parasites and Vectors3110.1186/1756-3305-3-7Biomedical Parasitology Division, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics, School of Biology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Invertebrate Zoology Section, Nairobi National Museum, P.O. Box 40658, Nairobi, Kenya; Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, UgandaStandley, C.J., Biomedical Parasitology Division, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom, Institute of Genetics, School of Biology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom; Lwambo, N.J.S., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Lange, C.N., Invertebrate Zoology Section, Nairobi National Museum, P.O. Box 40658, Nairobi, Kenya; Kariuki, H.C., Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Adriko, M., Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Stothard, J.R., Biomedical Parasitology Division, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United KingdomFor disease surveillance and mapping within large-scale control programmes, RDTs are becoming popular. For intestinal schistosomiasis, a commercially available urine-dipstick which detects schistosome circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) in host urine is being increasingly applied, however, further validation is needed. In this study, we compared the CCA urine-dipstick test against double thick Kato-Katz faecal smears from 171 schoolchildren examined along the Tanzanian and Kenyan shorelines of Lake Victoria. Diagnostic methods were in broad agreement; the mean prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis inferred by Kato-Katz examination was 68.6% (95% confidence intervals (CIs) = 60.7-75.7%) and 71.3% (95% CIs = 63.9-78.8%) by CCA urine-dipsticks. There were, however, difficulties in precisely 'calling' the CCA test result, particularly in discrimination of 'trace' reactions as either putative infection positive or putative infection negative, which has important bearing upon estimation of mean infection prevalence; considering 'trace' as infection positive mean prevalence was 94.2% (95% CIs = 89.5-97.2%). A positive association between increasing intensity of the CCA urine-dipstick test band and faecal egg count was observed. Assigning trace reactions as putative infection negative, overall diagnostic sensitivity (SS) of the CCA urine-dipstick was 87.7% (95% CIs = 80.6-93.0%), specificity (SP) was 68.1% (95% CIs = 54.3-80.0%), positive predictive value (PPV) was 86.1% (95% CIs = 78.8-91.7%) and negative predictive value (NPV) was 71.1% (95% CIs = 57.2-82.8%). To assist in objective defining of the CCA urine-dipstick result, we propose the use of a simple colour chart and conclude that the CCA urine-dipstick is a satisfactory alternative, or supplement, to Kato-Katz examination for rapid detection of intestinal schistosomiasis. © 2010 Standley et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Noneparasite antigen; schistosome circulating cathodic antigen; unclassified drug; article; child; controlled study; feces analysis; human; intermethod comparison; Kenya; lake; prevalence; schistosomiasis; school child; sensitivity and specificity; Tanzania; urinalysis; SchistosomaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84925878225Evaluation of adherence measures of antiretroviral prophylaxis in HIV exposed infants in the first 6 weeks of lifeDesmond A.C., Moodley D., Conolly C.A., Castel S.A., Coovadia H.M.2015BMC Pediatrics15110.1186/s12887-015-0340-9Center for AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa-CAPRISA, Women's Health and HIV Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South AfricaDesmond, A.C., Center for AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa-CAPRISA, Women's Health and HIV Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Moodley, D., Center for AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa-CAPRISA, Women's Health and HIV Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Conolly, C.A., Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Castel, S.A., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Coovadia, H.M., Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South AfricaBackground: Adherence to an antiretroviral regimen is imperative for treatment success in both HIV infected adults and children. Likewise, adherence to antiretroviral prophylaxis is critical in HIV prevention. Studies on pediatric adherence are limited, particularly the prophylactic use of antiretroviral drugs and treatment adherence in very young infants. The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 046 study (Clinical Trial Registration NCT00074412) determined the safety and efficacy of an extended regimen of nevirapine suspension in infants born to HIV-1 infected women for the prevention of vertical HIV transmission during breastfeeding. As per protocol, adherence to nevirapine prophylaxis was measured by maternal verbal reports. In addition, the pharmacy assessed the unused returned suspension. The aim of this sub-study was to determine the reliability of maternal verbal reports in measuring adherence to antiretroviral prophylaxis in infants in the first 6 weeks of life and evaluating the unused returned nevirapine as an alternative method of measuring adherence. Methods: Maternal verbal reports and pharmacy returns indicative of "missed&lt;2 doses" were evaluated against a plasma nevirapine concentration of &gt;100 ng/ml in a subgroup of infants at 2, 5 and 6 weeks of age. Plasma nevirapine concentration of &gt;100 ng/ml was used as a marker of adherence (10 times the in vitro IC50 against HIV). Results: Adherence was 87.7% (maternal verbal report) and 71.3% (unused returned medication), as compared to 85.6% by plasma nevirapine concentration. Evaluated against plasma nevirapine concentration &lt;100 ng/ml, the sensitivity and specificity of maternal verbal reports to detect a missed dose in the last 3 days were 75% and 78% (p=0.03) respectively. Overall, among infants who were classified as adherent based on missed doses by maternal verbal reports and unused returned medication, 88.4% and 87.4% of infants attained a nevirapine concentration above 100 ng/ml respectively. Conclusion: Maternal verbal reports are a reliable measure of adherence to infant antiretroviral prophylaxis in the first 6 weeks of life and could be useful in assessing adherence to antiretroviral treatment in infants younger than 6 weeks. In the absence of resources or expertise to determine plasma drug concentration, we would recommend random assessments of unused returned medication. © Desmond et al.; licensee BioMed Central.Adherence measures; Antiretroviral prophylaxis; Infants; Maternal verbal report; Pharmacy returnsnevirapine; adult; antibiotic prophylaxis; Article; breast feeding; diagnostic test accuracy study; drug blood level; drug efficacy; drug safety; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; IC50; infant; maternal verbal report; measurement; medication compliance; patient compliance; sensitivity and specificity; verbal communication; vertical transmissionNone
Scopus2-s2.0-40549146585Impact of Redbilled Quelea control operations on wetlands in South AfricaLötter L.2008International Pest Control501NoneAgricultural Research Council, ARC, Plant Protection Research Institute, PPRI, Private bag X 134, Queenswood, Pretoria 0121, South AfricaLötter, L., Agricultural Research Council, ARC, Plant Protection Research Institute, PPRI, Private bag X 134, Queenswood, Pretoria 0121, South Africa[No abstract available]Nonebird; crop damage; migratory species; pest control; wetland; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; QueleaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79958027963Field evaluation of maize inbred lines for resistance to Exserohilum turcicumCraven M., Fourie A.P.2011South African Journal of Plant and Soil281NoneAgricultural Research Council, Grain Crops Institute, Private Bag 1251, Potchefstroom, 2520, South AfricaCraven, M., Agricultural Research Council, Grain Crops Institute, Private Bag 1251, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Fourie, A.P., Agricultural Research Council, Grain Crops Institute, Private Bag 1251, Potchefstroom, 2520, South AfricaNine maize inbred lines with excellent grey leaf spot resistance and good combining ability were evaluated for their reaction to infection by Exserohilum turcicum. The lines were compared to a differential set consisting of Oh43 and B73 (susceptible controls) and OMZHt1B, Oh43Ht2, Oh43Ht3, B37HtN (containing resistant genes) in both growth chamber and field trials. All nine lines possessed seedling resistance to northern corn leaf blight (NCLB). Two field trials were planted over two growing seasons (2007/08 and 2008/09) as randomized complete block designs with three replicates. Trials were inoculated twice (at the 4-5 and 8-12 leaf stages) with NCLB and disease assessments made at growth stages R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5. Disease progress curves were created and total severity (yt), diseased plant severity (ydp) and AUDPC were determined for each replicate. Linearised forms of the exponential, logistic and Gompertz models were fitted to the disease-progress data and the best model selected for each trial. Rate of disease increase (r) and level of disease at the onset of the epidemic (y0; time=0) were obtained from which y0* (back-transformed from y0) were determined. Canonical variate analysis (CVA) indicated that yt, ydp, sAUDPC and y0* were responsible for 73.68% of the variation observed between the lines, with r explaining 15.44% of the variation. Ranking of lines were based on their yt, y dp, sAU-DPC and y0* performance. GLS resistant lines 185-2, 182-2, 72-2A and 182-1 demonstrated higher levels of resistance to NCLB than that of lines Oh43Ht1B, Oh43Ht2, Oh43Ht3 and B37HtN while 122-2, 578 and 72-3 showed higher levels of resistance than that of Oh43Ht2 and B37HtN.Canonical variate analysis; Cercospora maydis; Northern corn leaf blight; Sources of resistance; Zeamayscanonical analysis; disease resistance; disease severity; fungal disease; growing season; logistics; maize; Cercospora; Setosphaeria turcica; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84856973712The impacts of herbivory on vegetation in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana: 1967-2001Hamandawana H.2012Regional Environmental Change12110.1007/s10113-011-0230-0Agricultural Research Council, Institute for Soil, Water and Climate, PB X79, Pretoria 0001, South AfricaHamandawana, H., Agricultural Research Council, Institute for Soil, Water and Climate, PB X79, Pretoria 0001, South AfricaBrowsing and grazing pressure on vegetation in the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana was analyzed using remotely sensed imagery comprising CORONA photographs of 1967 and Landsat TM and Landsat ETM imagery of 1989 and 1994 and 2001, respectively. Comparison of temporal variations in the spatial distributions of different vegetation types and changes in the abundance of selected wildlife species demonstrate a persistent decrease in capacity of the environment to support wild animals, due to increasing abundance of poorly preferred browse species and increasing scarcity of favored varieties. Given the long-term direction of change showing continued deterioration of habitat conditions and the limited prospects for reversal of this trend, it is apparent that there is immediate need to realign wildlife management strategies in ways that can enhance the sustainability of wildlife and the supporting environment. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.Preferred browse; Vegetation response; Wildlife managementAnimaliaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84875868358Evaluation of the bovineSNP50 genotyping array in four south african cattle populationsQwabe S.O., vanMarle-Köster E., Maiwashe A., Muchadeyi F.C.2013South African Journal of Animal Sciences43110.4314/sajas.v43i.7Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa; Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, 0110, South AfricaQwabe, S.O., Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa; vanMarle-Köster, E., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa; Maiwashe, A., Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Muchadeyi, F.C., Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, 0110, South AfricaThe BovineSNP50 genotyping array is a product with a wide range of applications in cattle such as genome-wide association studies, identification of copy number variation and investigation of genetic relationships among cattle breeds. It also holds potential for genomic selection, especially for traits that are expensive and difficult to measure. The successfulness of this chip for any of these applications depends on the degree of polymorphisms in the cattle breeds. The SNP50 array has not been validated in any South African cattle population and this could lead to overestimating the number of polymorphic SNPs available for application in it. This study is a first attemptto evaluate the Bovine64SNP50 genotyping array in the South African cattle population. Ninety six bovine samples, consisting of 45 Holstein, 29 Nguni, 12 Angus and 10 Nguni x Angus crossbred animals, were genotyped with the BovineSNP50 infinium assay. The results of this study demonstrated that 40 555 SNPs were polymorphic (MAF >0.05) in these breeds and indicate potential for application in South African cattle populations. Genomic information generated from the BovineSNP50 can now beapplied in genetic prediction, genetic characterization and genome-wide association studies.Call rate; Minor allele frequencyAnimalia; Bos; BovinaeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84897446615Diversity in Puccinia triticina detected on wheat from 2008 to 2010 and the impact of new races on South African wheat germplasmTerefe T.G., Visser B., Herselman L., Prins R., Negussie T., Kolmer J.A., Pretorius Z.A.2014European Journal of Plant Pathology139110.1007/s10658-013-0368-3Agricultural Research Council-Small Grain Institute, Private Bag X29, Bethlehem, 9700, South Africa; Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; CenGen, 78 Fairbairn St., Worcester, 6850, South Africa; USDA-ARS Cereal Disease Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United StatesTerefe, T.G., Agricultural Research Council-Small Grain Institute, Private Bag X29, Bethlehem, 9700, South Africa; Visser, B., Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Herselman, L., Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Prins, R., Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa, CenGen, 78 Fairbairn St., Worcester, 6850, South Africa; Negussie, T., Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Kolmer, J.A., USDA-ARS Cereal Disease Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States; Pretorius, Z.A., Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South AfricaSamples of wheat and triticale infected with leaf rust were collected from 2008 to 2010 in South Africa to identify Puccinia triticina races. Races were identified based on their virulence profile on standard differential lines. Eight races were identified from 362 isolates. The dominant races were 3SA133 (syn. PDRS) in 2008 (78 %) and 2009 (34 %), and 3SA145 (47 %) in 2010. Race 3SA145 (CCPS) identified in 2009 was a new race in South Africa with virulence for the adult plant resistance gene Lr37. Another new race, 3SA146 (MCDS), was identified in 2010. Race 3SA146 is also virulent for Lr37 but unlike 3SA145, it is virulent for Lr1 and Lr23 and avirulent for Lr3ka and Lr30. Microsatellite analysis showed that 3SA145 and 3SA146 shared 70 % genetic similarity with each other, but only 30 % similarity with other races in South Africa, suggesting that both represent foreign introductions. In seedling tests of 98 South African winter and spring cultivars and advanced breeding lines, 27 % were susceptible to 3SA145 and 3SA146 but resistant to 3SA133. In greenhouse studies of 59 spring wheat adult plants, 19 % of breeding lines and 46 % of cultivars were susceptible to 3SA145, whereas 29 % of the lines and 53 % of cultivars were susceptible to 3SA146. The cssfr6 gene-specific DNA marker confirmed the presence of Lr34 gene for leaf rust resistance in a homozygous condition in 28 wheat entries. Five entries were heterogeneous for Lr34. Several entries which were susceptible as seedlings to the new races carried Lr34. These lines are expected to show lower levels of leaf rust as adult plants. Results of these studies indicate a continued vulnerability of South African wheat cultivars to new races and emphasise the importance of regular rust monitoring and the need to incorporate genes for durable resistance. © 2014 KNPV.Leaf rust; Lr34; Microsatellites; Puccinia triticina; Racecultivar; disease resistance; fungal disease; gene expression; genetic marker; germplasm; seedling; species diversity; vulnerability; wheat; South Africa; Puccinia triticina; Triticosecale; Triticum aestivumNone
Scopus2-s2.0-76749099272Evaluation of sole and amended organic fertilizers on soil fertility and growth of kola seedlings (Cola acuminate)Moyin-Jesu E.I.2009Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science321NoneAgronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, NigeriaMoyin-Jesu, E.I., Agronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, NigeriaA healthy kola seedling in the nursery is very important for sustainable establishment and high yield of kolanuts in the fields. An investigation was carried out in Akure, in the rainforest zone of Nigeria, to determine the effectiveness of amended forms of wood ash and cocoa husk, turkey, goat and duck manures (sole) as sources of fertilizers, on the growth of kola (Cola acuminate) seedlings in the nursery. For this purpose, nine organic fertilizer treatments [duck manure, goat manure, turkey manure (sole), wood ash/duck manure mix, cocoa husk/duck manure mix, goat manure/wood ash mix, goat manure/cocoa husk mix, turkey manure/cocoa husk mix and turkey manure and wood ash mix] were applied at 8t/ha (40g per 10kg soil filled pots), replicated three times with NPK fertilizer and a control (no fertilizer), and arranged in a completely randomized design. The soil, plant and the organic residues were chemically analysed. The findings revealed that the use of organic residues significantly increased plant height, leaf area, stem girth, root length as well as leaf number of kolanut seedlings, soil and leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg concentrations, soil pH and O.M contents (p&lt;0.05), relative to the control treatments. The amended wood ash + duck increased the shoot weight, plant height, root length, leaf area, leaf number and stem girth of kolanut by 6%, 27%, 20%, 35%, 27% and 37% respectively, as compared to using the NPK fertilizer. In addition, it was also found to increase the same parameters by 84%, 80%, 72%, 78%, 56% and 82% respectively, as compared to the control treatment. As for the soil chemical composition, duck manure + wood ash were shown to increase the soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg, pH and O.M by 42%, 26%, 38%, 46%, 59%, 6% and 52% respectively, compared to the duck manure (sole). At the same time, it also increased soil K, Ca, Mg, pH and O.M by 51%, 97%, 93%, 29% and 90% respectively, as compared to using the NPK fertilizer. In particular, the treatment using duck manure + cocoa husk increased the leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg of kolanut seedlings by 12%, 74%, 56%, 69% and 75%, respectively as compared to merely using duck manure (sole). It also increased the same leaf parameters by 42%, 54%, 92% and 84% respectively, as compared to the control treatment. In this study, the NPK fertilizer was found to decrease soil O.M but it increased soil N and P more than the organic residues. The amended duck manure + wood ash and duck manure + cocoa husk, applied at 8tha-1 (40g/10kg), were found to be the most effective in improving the performance of kolanut seedlings. ©Universiti Putra Malaysia Press.Cola acuminate; Kolanut seedlings; Organic fertilizersCapra hircus; Theobroma cacaoNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84865618859Comparative evaluation of modified neem leaf, wood ash and neem leaf extracts for seed treatment and pest control in maize (Zea mays L.)Moyin-Jesu E.I.2010Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture221NoneAgronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, NigeriaMoyin-Jesu, E.I., Agronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, NigeriaAn experiment was conducted at Akure, rainforest zone of Nigeria to evaluate the effectiveness of neem leaf, wood ash extracts, modified neem leaf extract, Apron star 42WS and Karate 720EC as seed treatment and pest control in maize. The organic treatment extracts namely neem leaf extract, wood ash extract applied at 1200ml per hectare and modified neem leaf extract (1:1 ratio 600ml wood ash + 600ml neem leaf extract) were compared with Apron star 42WS (seed treatment), Karate 720EC and control treatment (no neem leaf, wood ash extracts nor Karate),replicated four times and arranged in randomized complete block design. The results showed that there were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the germination counts, insect population, number of damaged leaves, growth and yield parameters of maize under different treatments compared to the control treatment. The modified neem leaf extract performed better in germination counts, reduction of damaged leaves, insect population and yield of maize than the sole application of neem leaf and wood ash. For percentage germination counts, Apron star 42WS had 65% followed by modified neem leaf extract (57%), wood ash extract (51%), neem leaf extract (47%) respectively. Modified neem leaf extract increased the leaf area, plant height and stem girth of maize by 8%, 5% and 7% respectively compared to the neem leaf (sole) extract. Generally, modified neem leaf extract had the best values of maize growth parameters followed by Karate, neem leaf and wood ash extracts respectively. Modified neem leaf extract decreased significantly the insect population, number of damaged leaves and number of holes per plant in maize by 33%, 70% and 30% respectively compared to the neem leaf extract (sole). When compared to modified neem extract, Karate decreased the number of damaged leaves per sample plot by 33%. However, there was no significant difference between karate and modified neem extract for insect population. For yield parameters, modified neem leaf extract significantly increased the maize yield gains by 15%, 14% and 2% compared to neem leaf, wood ash extracts and karate treatments respectively. However, wood ash and neem leaf extracts did not affect significantly the maize yield. Therefore, the modified neem leaf extract applied at 1200L/ha (3L/25m2) was most effective for pest control and seed treatment in maize crop.Modified neem leaf; Neem leaf; Pest control and maize; Wood ash extractNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84878793878Comparative evaluation of different organic fertilizers on the soil fertility, leaf mineral composition and growth of bitter kola seedlingsMoyin-Jesu E.I., Adeofun C.O.2008Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture201NoneAgronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; College of Environmental Studies, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, NigeriaMoyin-Jesu, E.I., Agronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Adeofun, C.O., College of Environmental Studies, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, NigeriaThe effect of oil palm bunch ash, spent grain, poultry and turkey manures applied solely and their supplemented forms, as sources of fertilizer on soil fertility, leaf mineral composition and growth of bitter kola (Garnicia colae) seedlings was investigated at Akure in the rainforest zone of Nigeria. The eight organic fertilizer treatments: spent grain, oil palm bunch ash, poultry manure, turkey manure, spent grain + poultry manure, spent grain + turkey manure, oil palm bunch ash + poultry manure and oil palm bunch ash + turkey manure were applied at 40g per 10kg soil filled polybag (8t/ha dry weight) with a reference treatment 400kg/ha NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer (2g per bag) and arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated three times. The supplemented or amended treatments were applied at a 50:50% by weight (20g each). The results showed that these organic fertilizers increased the growth parameters, soil and leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg, soil pH and organic matter significantly (P<0.05) compared to the control treatment. The supplements of oil palm bunch ash and wood ash with poultry and turkey manures increased consistently the growth, soil and leaf mineral compared to their sole forms. Oil pal bunch ash + poultry manure increased the leaf N (52%), P (27%), K (44%), Ca (39%) and Mg (51%) compared to the sole application of poultry manure. When compared with NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer, the oil palm bunch ash + poultry manure treatment increased the plant height (40%) leaf area (50%), stem girth (45%) number of leaves (53%), and fresh shoot weight (29%). For soil chemical composition, the oil palm bunch ash + poultry manure treatment increased the soil pH (28%), O.M. (92%), P (26.3%), Ca (99%), Mg (98%) and Na (93%) compared to the NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer. However, the NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer increased the soil K by 11% compared to the former. The high soil K/Ca, K/Mg and P/Mg ratios in the NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer treatment led to an imbalance in the supply of P, K, Ca and Mg nutrient to bitter kola seedlings. In these experiments, oil palm bunch ash + poultry manure applied at 8t/ha was most effective treatment in improving bitter kola growth parameters, soil and leaf mineral composition.Bitter kola seedlings.; Growth parameters; Leaf mineral composition; Organic fertilizer; Soil fertilityNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84875021820Comparative evaluation of different organic fertilizer on the soil fertility, leaf mineral composition, and growth performance of mango seedlings (Magnifera indica L.)Moyin-Jesu E.I., Adeofun C.O.2008Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture201NoneAgronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo-State, Nigeria; College of Environmental Studies, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, NigeriaMoyin-Jesu, E.I., Agronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo-State, Nigeria; Adeofun, C.O., College of Environmental Studies, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, NigeriaAn investigation was carried out at Akure in the rainforest of Nigeria to determine the effectiveness of sole and amended oil palm bunch ash and spent grain with poultry and turkey manures as sources of fertilizers on the growth of mango seedlings (Magnifera indica L) in the nursery. Eight organic fertilizer treatments, spent grain, oil palm bunch ash, poultry manure, turkey manures (sole forms), oil palm bunch ash + poultry manure, oil palm bunch ash + turkey manure, spent grain + poultry manure, spent grain + turkey manure, were applied at 8t/ha (40g per 10kg soil filled poly bag) with an NPK fertilizer 400kg/ha (2g per bag) treatment as a reference and a control (no fertilizer; no manure), replicated three times and arranged in a completely randomized design. The results showed that the organic fertilizers increased significantly (P<0.05) plant height, leaf area, stem girth, number of leaves of mango seedlings and root length, soil and leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg, soil pH and organic matter contents relative to the control treatment. Oil palm bunch ash + poultry manure treatment increased the plant height, stem girth, leaf area, leaf number and root length of mango seedlings by 22%, 24%, 1%, 27% and 10% respectively, compared to NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer treatment. Amended oil palm bunch ash + poultry manure treatment also increased the soil pH (H2O), O.M., N, P, Ca and Mg by 27%, 79%, 30%, 26%, 99% and 99.2% respectively compared to NPK fertilizer treatment. In addition, it also increased the leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg by 37%, 45%, 18%, 35%, and 15% respectively compared to the oil palm bunch ash (sole) treatment. However, NPK 15- 15-15 fertilizers increased only soil K by 10% compared to the oil palm bunch ash (sole) treatment. The highest soil K/Ca, K/Mg and P/Mg ratios in NPK fertilizer treatment led to imbalance in the supply of P, K, Ca and Mg nutrients to mango. Oil palm bunch ash + poultry manure treatment applied at 8t/ha was the most effective treatment in improving mango growth parameters, leaf mineral composition, and soil fertility.Growth performance and mango seedlings.; Leaf mineral composition; Organic fertilizers; Soil fertilityNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-27844443523The impact of reduced drug prices on the cost-effectiveness of HAART in South AfricaNattrass N., Geffen N.2005African Journal of AIDS Research41NoneAIDS and Society Research Unit, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Treatment Action Campaign, 34 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town, South AfricaNattrass, N., AIDS and Society Research Unit, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Geffen, N., Treatment Action Campaign, 34 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town, South AfricaSouth Africa has started 'rolling out' highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) through the public health sector, but implementation has been slow. Studies have shown that in Africa AIDS prevention may be more cost-effective than providing HAART; such published results provide some support for the South African government's apparent reluctance to implement a large-scale rapid HAART roll-out. However, previous studies have not linked treatment and prevention plans, and do not, for the most part, consider the potential savings to the public health sector (e.g., fewer hospital admissions) that may arise from the introduction of HAART. The South African costing exercise summarised here avoids both these limitations. It provides an update of earlier work and takes into account the recent decline in antiretroviral drug prices. It shows that once HIV-related hospital costs are included in the calculation, the cost per HIV infection averted is lower in a treatment-plus-prevention intervention scenario than it is in a prevention-only scenario. This suggests that it is economically advantageous to fund a large-scale comprehensive intervention plan and that the constraints for doing so are political. Once human-rights considerations are included, the case for providing HAART is even more compelling. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd.Antiretroviral therapy; HIV/AIDS; Prevention; Public health; Treatmentantiretrovirus agent; article; cost control; cost effectiveness analysis; cost of illness; drug cost; drug utilization; government; health care planning; health program; health promotion; highly active antiretroviral therapy; hospital cost; hospitalization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human rights; nonhuman; patient counseling; preventive health service; public health service; South Africa; vertical transmission; virus transmissionNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84899987950Re-evaluation of microscopy confirmed Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria by nested PCR detection in southern EthiopiaMekonnen S.K., Aseffa A., Medhin G., Berhe N., Velavan T.P.2014Malaria Journal13110.1186/1475-2875-13-48Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Abba University, Addis Abba, Ethiopia; Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Abba, Ethiopia; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, GermanyMekonnen, S.K., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Abba University, Addis Abba, Ethiopia, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Abba, Ethiopia, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany; Aseffa, A., Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Abba, Ethiopia; Medhin, G., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Abba University, Addis Abba, Ethiopia; Berhe, N., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Abba University, Addis Abba, Ethiopia; Velavan, T.P., Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, GermanyBackground: With 75% of the Ethiopian population at risk of malaria, accurate diagnosis is crucial for malaria treatment in endemic areas where Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax co-exist. The present study evaluated the performance of regular microscopy in accurate identification of Plasmodium spp. in febrile patients visiting health facilities in southern Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit study subjects who were microscopically positive for malaria parasites and attending health facilities in southern Ethiopia between August and December 2011. Of the 1,416 febrile patients attending primary health facilities, 314 febrile patients, whose slides were positive for P. falciparum, P. vivax or mixed infections using microscopy, were re-evaluated for their infection status by PCR. Finger-prick blood samples were used for parasite genomic DNA extraction. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to reconstruct the distribution of different Plasmodium spp. across the three geographical areas. Results: Of the 314 patients with a positive thick blood smear, seven patients (2%) were negative for any of the Plasmodium spp. by nested PCR. Among 180 microscopically diagnosed P. falciparum cases, 111 (61.7%) were confirmed by PCR, 44 (24.4%) were confirmed as P. vivax, 18 (10%) had mixed infections with P. falciparum and P. vivax and two (1.1%) were mixed infections with P. falciparum and P. malariae and five (2.8%) were negative for any of the Plasmodium spp. Of 131 microscopically diagnosed P. vivax cases, 110 (84%) were confirmed as P. vivax, 14 (10.7%) were confirmed as P. falciparum, two (1.5%) were P. malariae, three (2.3%) with mixed infections with P. falciparum and P. vivax and two (1.5%) were negative for any of the Plasmodium spp. Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax mixed infections were observed. Plasmodium malariae was detected as mono and mixed infections in four individuals. Conclusion: False positivity, under-reporting of mixed infections and a significant number of species mismatch needs attention and should be improved for appropriate diagnosis. The detection of substantial number of false positive results by molecular methodologies may provide the accurate incidence of circulating Plasmodium species in the geographical region and has important repercussions in understanding malaria epidemiology and subsequent control. © 2014 Mekonnen et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Ethiopia; Malaria; Microscopy; Nested PCR; Plasmodiumgenomic DNA; adolescent; adult; article; blood sampling; blood smear; child; cross-sectional study; Ethiopia; evaluation study; female; gametocyte; health care facility; human; infant; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; male; microscopy; middle aged; mixed infection; molecular diagnosis; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; phylogeny; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium malariae; Plasmodium vivax; Plasmodium vivax malaria; polymerase chain reaction system; preschool child; school child; young adult; aged; blood; diagnostic error; genetics; isolation and purification; Malaria, Falciparum; Malaria, Vivax; microscopy; parasitology; polymerase chain reaction; procedures; very elderly; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Blood; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnostic Errors; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Infant; Malaria, Falciparum; Malaria, Vivax; Male; Microscopy; Middle Aged; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium malariae; Plasmodium vivax; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Young AdultDFG, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Scopus2-s2.0-84893204534Identifying perceived barriers to monitoring service quality among substance abuse treatment providers in South AfricaMyers B., Petersen Z., Kader R., Koch J.R., Manderscheid R., Govender R., Parry C.D.H.2014BMC Psychiatry14110.1186/1471-244X-14-31Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors, Washington DC, United States; Department of Sociology, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South AfricaMyers, B., Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Petersen, Z., Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Kader, R., Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Koch, J.R., Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Manderscheid, R., National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors, Washington DC, United States; Govender, R., Department of Sociology, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Parry, C.D.H., Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South AfricaBackground: A performance measurement system is planned for South African substance abuse treatment services. Provider-level barriers to implementing these systems have been identified in the United States, but little is known about the nature of these barriers in South Africa. This study explored the willingness of South African substance abuse treatment providers' to adopt a performance measurement system and perceived barriers to monitoring service quality that would need to be addressed during system development.Methods: Three focus group discussions were held with treatment providers from two of the nine provinces in South Africa. These providers represented the diverse spread of substance abuse treatment services available in the country. The final sample comprised 21 representatives from 12 treatment facilities: eight treatment centres in the Western Cape and four in KwaZulu-Natal. Content analysis was used to extract core themes from these discussions.Results: Participants identified barriers to the monitoring of service quality that included outdated modes of collecting data, personnel who were already burdened by paperwork, lack of time to collect data, and limited skills to analyse and interpret data. Participants recommended that developers engage with service providers in a participatory manner to ensure that service providers are invested in the proposed performance measurement system.Conclusion: Findings show that substance abuse treatment providers are willing to adopt a performance measurement system and highlight several barriers that need to be addressed during system development in order to enhance the likelihood that this system will be successfully implemented. © 2014 Myers et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Performance measurement; Service monitoring; Service quality; South Africa; Substance abuse treatmentadult; article; female; health care facility; health care personnel; health care quality; health service; human; information processing; job stress; male; middle aged; patient monitoring; performance measurement system; physician; psychologist; social participation; social worker; South Africa; substance abuse; health care personnel; perception; psychology; Substance-Related Disorders; task performance; Adult; Female; Focus Groups; Health Personnel; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Perception; South Africa; Substance-Related Disorders; Task Performance and AnalysisNone
Scopus2-s2.0-20144361977Valuing the impacts of climate change on protected areas in AfricaVelarde S.J., Malhi Y., Moran D., Wright J., Hussain S.2005Ecological Economics53110.1016/j.ecolecon.2004.07.024Alternatives to Slash-and-Burn Programme, World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Land Economy, Scottish Agricultural College, Kings Buildings, West Main Rd., Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; Department of Geography, University of Southampton, United KingdomVelarde, S.J., Alternatives to Slash-and-Burn Programme, World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Malhi, Y., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Moran, D., Land Economy, Scottish Agricultural College, Kings Buildings, West Main Rd., Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; Wright, J., Department of Geography, University of Southampton, United Kingdom; Hussain, S., Land Economy, Scottish Agricultural College, Kings Buildings, West Main Rd., Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United KingdomThis study quantifies the economic costs of climate change impacts on protected areas in Africa. Downscaled results from four Global Circulation Models (GCMs) are used to classify different ecosystems in accordance with the Holdridge Life Zone (HLZ) system. A benefits transfer approach is then used to place an economic value on the predicted ecosystem shifts resulting from climate change in protected areas. The results provide approximations for the impacts on biodiversity in Africa under the "business-as-usual" scenario established by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for the middle and end of the 21st century. The geographical analysis shows that there are twenty HLZs in Africa and all of them are represented in the protected area network. Three of these HLZs do not change in extent as a result of climate change. Assuming initially that the willingness to pay (WTP) values and the preferences for different ecosystem services remain constant, three of the GCM models show an (undiscounted) negative economic impact of climate change for protected areas in Africa for the year 2100. The worst-case damage scenario totals USD 74.5 million by 2100. However, the model for the year 2065 shows a higher undiscounted value than the present. The finding of positive net impacts from warming is consistent with the predictions of other macro models that show potential gains from warming scenarios. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.African protected areas; Benefits transfer; Climate change; Ecosystem shifts; Holdridge life zonesclimate change; economic impact; environmental impact; protected area; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; WorldNone
NoneNoneEvaluation of the long-lasting insecticidal net Interceptor LN: Laboratory and experimental hut studies against anopheline and culicine mosquitoes in northeastern TanzaniaMalima R., Tungu P.K., Mwingira V., Maxwell C., Magesa S.M., Kaur H., Kirby M.J., Rowland M.2013Parasites and Vectors6110.1186/1756-3305-6-296Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania; Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT London, United KingdomMalima, R., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania; Tungu, P.K., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania; Mwingira, V., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania; Maxwell, C., Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT London, United Kingdom; Magesa, S.M., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania; Kaur, H., Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT London, United Kingdom; Kirby, M.J., Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT London, United Kingdom; Rowland, M., Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT London, United KingdomBackground: Long lasting insecticidal nets (LN) are a primary method of malaria prevention. Before new types of LN are approved they need to meet quality and efficacy standards set by the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme. The process of evaluation has three phases. In Phase I the candidate LN must meet threshold bioassay criteria after 20 standardized washes. In Phase II washed and unwashed LNs are evaluated in experimental huts against wild, free flying anopheline mosquitoes. In Phase III the LN are distributed to households in malaria endemic areas, sampled over three years of use and tested for continuing insecticidal efficacy. Interceptor® LN (BASF Corporation, Germany) is made of polyester netting coated with a wash resistant formulation of alpha-cypermethrin. Methods. Interceptor LN was subjected to bioassay evaluation and then to experimental hut trial against pyrethroid-susceptible Anopheles gambiae and An. funestus and resistant Culex quinquefasciatus. Mosquito mortality, blood feeding inhibition and personal protection were compared between untreated nets, conventional alpha-cypermethrin treated nets (CTN) washed 20 times and LNs washed 0, 20 and 30 times. Results: In Phase I Interceptor LN demonstrated superior wash resistance and efficacy to the CTN. In the Phase II hut trial the LN killed 92% of female An. gambiae when unwashed and 76% when washed 20 times; the CTN washed 20 times killed 44%. The LN out-performed the CTN in personal protection and blood-feeding inhibition. The trend for An. funestus was similar to An. gambiae for all outcomes. Few pyrethroid-resistant Cx. quinquefasciatus were killed and yet the level of personal protection (75-90%) against Culex was similar to that of susceptible An. gambiae (76-80%) even after 20 washes. This protection is relevant because Cx. quinquefasciatus is a vector of lymphatic filariasis in East Africa. After 20 washes and 60 nights' use the LN retained 27% of its initial insecticide dose. Conclusions: Interceptor LN meets the approval criteria set by WHO and is recommended for use in disease control against East African vectors of malaria and filariasis. Some constraints associated with the phase II evaluation criteria, in particular the washing procedure, are critically reviewed. © 2013 Malima et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae; Culex quinquefasciatus; Experimental hut; Interceptor LN; LN; Long-lasting insecticidal netcipermethrin; Anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae; article; bed net; bioassay; chemical industry; clinical evaluation; controlled study; Culex quinquefasciatus; human; insecticide resistance; lymphatic filariasis; malaria; malaria control; Tanzania; Anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae; Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus; Animals; Anopheles; Biological Assay; Culex; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Insecticides; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Survival Analysis; TanzaniaNone
NoneNoneEvaluation of permanet 3.0 a deltamethrin-PBO combination net against Anopheles gambiae and pyrethroid resistant Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes: An experimental hut trial in TanzaniaTungu P., Magesa S., Maxwell C., Malima R., Masue D., Sudi W., Myamba J., Pigeon O., Rowland M.2010Malaria Journal9110.1186/1475-2875-9-21Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania; Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Pesticides Research Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, 11 Rue du Bordia, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium; Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United KingdomTungu, P., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Magesa, S., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Maxwell, C., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania, Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Malima, R., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Masue, D., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Sudi, W., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Myamba, J., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Pigeon, O., Pesticides Research Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, 11 Rue du Bordia, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium; Rowland, M., Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania, Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United KingdomBackground. Combination mosquito nets incorporating two unrelated insecticides or insecticide plus synergist are designed to control insecticide resistant mosquitoes. PermaNet 3.0 is a long-lasting combination net incorporating deltamethrin on the side panels and a mixture of deltamethrin and synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) on the top panel. PBO is an inhibitor of mixed function oxidases implicated in pyrethroid resistance. Method. An experimental hut trial comparing PermaNet 3.0, PermaNet 2.0 and a conventional deltamethrin-treated net was conducted in NE Tanzania using standard WHOPES procedures. The PermaNet arms included unwashed nets and nets washed 20 times. PermaNet 2.0 is a long-lasting insecticidal net incorporating deltamethrin as a single active. Results. Against pyrethroid susceptible Anopheles gambiae the unwashed PermaNet 3.0 showed no difference to unwashed PermaNet 2.0 in terms of mortality (95% killed), but showed differences in blood-feeding rate (3% blood-fed with PermaNet 3.0 versus 10% with PermaNet 2.0). After 20 washes the two products showed no difference in feeding rate (10% with 3.0 and 9% with 2.0) but showed small differences in mortality (95% with 3.0 and 87% with 2.0). Against pyrethroid resistant Culex quinquefasciatus, mediated by elevated oxidase and kdr mechanisms, the unwashed PermaNet 3.0 killed 48% and PermaNet 2.0 killed 32% but after 20 washes there was no significant difference in mortality between the two products (32% killed by 3.0 and 30% by 2.0). For protecting against Culex PermaNet 3.0 showed no difference to PermaNet 2.0 when either unwashed or after 20 washes; both products were highly protective against biting. Laboratory tunnel bioassays confirmed the loss of biological activity of the PBO/deltamethrin-treated panel after washing. Conclusion. Both PermaNet products were highly effective against susceptible Anopheles gambiae. As a long-lasting net to control or protect against pyrethroid resistant mosquitoes PermaNet 3.0 showed limited improvement over PermaNet 2.0 against Culex quinquefasciatus. © 2010 Tungu et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Nonedeltamethrin; oxidoreductase; piperonyl butoxide; vasculotropin receptor 2; deltamethrin; insecticide; nitrile; piperonyl butoxide; pyrethroid; Anopheles gambiae; article; bed net; Culex quinquefasciatus; feeding behavior; insect bite; mortality; nonhuman; Tanzania; world health organization; animal; Culex; drug effect; drug resistance; human; methodology; mosquito; survival; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Culex; Drug Resistance; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Insecticides; Mosquito Control; Nitriles; Piperonyl Butoxide; Pyrethrins; Survival Analysis; TanzaniaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84903217902Effects of different organic materials and npk fertilizer on the performance of maize [Utjecaj različitih organskih tvari i npk gnojiva na performance kukuruza]Remison S.U., Eifediyi E.K.2014Poljoprivreda201NoneAmbrose Alli University, Department of Crop Science, Ekpoma, Nigeria; University of Ilorin, Department of Agriculture, Ilorin, NigeriaRemison, S.U., Ambrose Alli University, Department of Crop Science, Ekpoma, Nigeria; Eifediyi, E.K., University of Ilorin, Department of Agriculture, Ilorin, NigeriaThe interest in organic materials as soil fertility restorer is increasing due to the high cost and unavailability at the right time of inorganic fertilizer and the problem associated with residue disposal by burning which can further aggravate global warming. The effects of different organic materials and NPK fertilizer on the performance of maize were examined in field experiments carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in a forest savanna transition zone of Edo State, Nigeria. The investigations were carried out during the 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons and involved the use of organic materials (wood shavings, rice hulls, kola husks and their combinations) and NPK fertilizer. The layout of the experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The results indicated that most of the organic materials, especially kola husk and mixtures with kola husk and NPK increased yield and its components. The treatments significantly increased the concentrations of N, P, K and Na in ear leaves and grains.Maize yield; Rice hull and kola husk; Wood shavingsNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84880098112Evaluation of specific gravity of potato varieties in Ethiopia as a criterion for determining processing qualityAbebe T., Wongchaochant S., Taychasinpitak T.2013Kasetsart Journal - Natural Science471NoneAmhara Agricultural Research Institute, Adet Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 08, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Department of Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, ThailandAbebe, T., Amhara Agricultural Research Institute, Adet Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 08, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Wongchaochant, S., Department of Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Taychasinpitak, T., Department of Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, ThailandSpecific gravity (SG) is the measure of choice for estimating dry matter (DMC) and starch content (SC) and ultimately for determining the processing quality of potato varieties. Evaluation of the SG of 25 potato varieties was carried out at three distinct locations in the Amhara region of Ethiopia with the main objectives of determining their culinary quality and most suitable areas of production. The varieties were planted in a 5 × 5 balanced lattice design of six replications during the 2011 rainy season. The results of the data analysis showed highly significant (P < 0.01) genotypic and location differences and significant (P < 0.05) genotype × environment interactions. The pooled SG values ranged from 1.058 to 1.102. The SG of tubers of the improved variety Belete was the highest while that of Menagesha was the lowest. Furthermore, the SG values for varieties grown at Debretabor were higher than those for the corresponding varieties grown at Adet and Merawi. The DMC and SC were computed based on the SG and showed significant (P < 0.01) genotypic variability. The highest DMC and SC were also obtained at Debretabor; thus, it is an ideal location to grow potatoes for high DMC and starch accumulation. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis identified CIP-392640.524, Zengena, Jalenie and Belete as stable genotypes with SG values above average.Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis; Potato varieties; Processing quality; Specific-gravity; VariabilityNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-31744447128The first 5 years of the family clinic for HIV at Tygerberg hospital: Family demographics, survival of children and early impact of antiretroviral therapyvan Kooten Niekerk N.K.M., Knies M.M., Howard J., Rabie H., Zeier M., van Rensburg A., Frans N., Schaaf H.S., Fatti G., Little F., Cotton M.F.2006Journal of Tropical Pediatrics52110.1093/tropej/fmi047Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Department of Social Work, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africavan Kooten Niekerk, N.K.M., Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Knies, M.M., Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Howard, J., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Rabie, H., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Zeier, M., Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; van Rensburg, A., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Frans, N., Department of Social Work, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa; Schaaf, H.S., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Fatti, G., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Little, F., Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cotton, M.F., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South AfricaBackground: Family clinics address the problems of HIV-infected children and their families. The aims were to document demographics of the children and caregivers attending the Family Clinic for HIV at Tygerberg Academic Hospital (TAH) and to investigate factors affecting disease progression in children. Methods: A retrospective folder review of children and parents attending the Family Clinic at TAH between January 1997 and December 2001, a period noted for its lack of antiretroviral treatment. Results: Of 432 children seen for testing, 274 children, median age 16.9 months, were HIV-infected. During follow-up, 46 children died (median age 23 months) and 113 were lost to follow-up. The majority of children were malnourished. Those <2 years of age had lower weight for age Z-scores (WAZ) than older children (p<0.001). At presentation, 47 per cent were in clinical stage B and two-thirds had moderate or severe CD4+ T cell depletion. Seventeen children had received highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), 12 dual and 31 monotherapy. HAART was associated with improved survival compared to dual or monotherapy. Risk of death was reduced from eleven-fold for a WAZ <-4 to four-fold between -2 and -3. There was no association with immunological and clinical classification at entry and risk of mortality. Only 18 per cent of parents were evaluated in the clinic. Non-parental care was documented for 25 per cent of families. Conclusions: A low WAZ is associated with poor survival in children. Nutritional status should receive more attention in HIV disease classification in children. Parent utilization of the clinic was inadequate. Even in the absence of HAART, extended survival in children is possible. © The Author [2005]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.Noneanti human immunodeficiency virus agent; antiretrovirus agent; tuberculostatic agent; adolescent; article; body weight; caregiver; CD4+ T lymphocyte; child; child care; child death; clinical feature; correlation analysis; cost of illness; demography; disease classification; disease course; disease severity; family counseling; female; follow up; general practice; health care utilization; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; lymphocyte depletion; major clinical study; male; malnutrition; medical documentation; monotherapy; nutritional status; risk assessment; scoring system; screening test; South Africa; survival; Age Factors; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Analysis of Variance; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Child Mortality; Child, Preschool; Developing Countries; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; HIV Infections; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Nutritional Status; Patient Compliance; Proportional Hazards Models; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Survival Analysis; Treatment OutcomeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-22544475944Effect of constant photoperiods on the laying performance of broiler breeders allowed conventional or accelerated growthLewis P.D., Backhouse D., Gous R.M.2005Journal of Agricultural Science143110.1017/S0021859605005010Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Northcot, Cowdown Lane, Andover, Hants SP11 7HG, United KingdomLewis, P.D., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa, Northcot, Cowdown Lane, Andover, Hants SP11 7HG, United Kingdom; Backhouse, D., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Gous, R.M., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South AfricaAn experiment was conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal to assess the effect of constant photoperiods on sexual maturity and egg-laying performance in broiler breeders given two levels of control-feeding during the rearing phase. Cobb broiler breeder females were grown to reach 2.1 kg body weight at 17 or 21 weeks, and maintained on 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 16-h photoperiods from 2 days to 68 weeks of age. There were no significant interactions between photoperiod and growth rate for any production parameter. The time required reaching 2.1 kg increased proportionally with photoperiod but, because of delayed sexual development, birds on longer photoperiods consumed more feed to, and were heavier at, sexual maturity than shorter daylengths. The longer-photoperiod birds also had inferior rates of lay in the first half of the cycle, but superior in the second, which, together with the photoperiodic effects on maturity, resulted in birds on 11, 13 or 14 h producing most eggs to 68 weeks, and those on 16 h fewest. It is possible that the pattern of egg production was due to some of the birds on ≥ 13-h photoperiods becoming photorefractory, having a mid-cycle pause, and then spontaneously resuming egg production in the latter half of the cycle. However, a hinge-analysis of current and other data to the more usual depletion age of 60 weeks showed that the combined effects of photoperiod on sexual maturity and egg production resulted in constant 10-h birds producing the highest number of eggs, with numbers decreasing by 3.6 eggs/h of photoperiod above the hinge and 7.8 eggs/h of photoperiod below it. Mean egg weight increased by 0.4 g/h of photoperiod, but the proportion of abnormally large and floor eggs and the incidence of mortality were unaffected by daylength. For each photoperiod, accelerated growth resulted in body weights being heavier than controls at sexual maturity, despite the mean age at maturity being 10 days earlier for the faster-growing birds. Body weights for the two growth groups were not significantly different at 68 weeks. Faster-growth birds consumed 1 kg less feed to 2.1 kg body weight, but 1.3 kg more feed to sexual maturity and 2.7 kg more to 68 weeks, and produced 6 more eggs than, but had similar patterns of egg production to, the conventionally managed controls. Mean egg weight, the proportion of floor eggs and the incidence of mortality were similar for both groups. Notwithstanding that the overall production of abnormally large eggs was low (1.1 eggs per bird); the faster-growing birds produced significantly more than the controls. Egg weight was positively influenced by age at sexual maturity, body weight at sexual maturity and photoperiod, but was unaffected by rate of growth to 2.1 kg per se. These findings show that there are differences between broiler breeders and egg-type pullets in their response to constant photoperiods. It is likely that the factors responsible for these differences, particularly in terms of sexual development, are the exhibition of photorefractoriness by, and the retardational effects of controlled feeding on, broiler breeders. © 2005 Cambridge University Press.Nonephotoperiod; poultry; AvesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77955024861Broiler performance and bone strength minimally affected by either a simulated dusk or night-interruption photoperiodLewis P.D., Gous R.M., Tumova E.2010South African Journal of Animal Sciences401NoneAnimal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21 Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic, Czech RepublicLewis, P.D., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Gous, R.M., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Tumova, E., Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21 Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic, Czech RepublicTwo genotypes of male broilers were given 12 h of daily illumination; as a conventional photoperiod, with the final hour at reduced illuminance to simulate dusk, or with 1 h of the light given during the middle of the night. The lighting modifications had no significant effect on any performance variable or on tibial breaking strength. Feed intake was unaffected by the lighting treatments during either the 1-h dusk period or the night, but was inexplicably stimulated in the both experimental groups during the main photoperiod. © South African Society for Animal Science.Bone strength; Broiler growth; Dusk; PhotoperiodNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84906943697Influence of Acacia tortilis leaf meal-based diets on growth performance of pigsKhanyile M., Ndou S.P., Chimonyo M.2014Livestock Science167110.1016/j.livsci.2014.04.016Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01 Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South AfricaKhanyile, M., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01 Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Ndou, S.P., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01 Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Chimonyo, M., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01 Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South AfricaThe objectives of the study were to assess nutritive value of Acacia leaf meals and to determine the optimum inclusion level of Acacia tortilis leaf meal in finishing pigs. Five dominant leguminous leaf meals namely, Acacia tortilis, Acacia robusta, Acacia nilotica, Acacia nigrescens and Acacia xanthophloea, were individually hand-harvested and analyzed for their chemical and physical properties. Although the crude protein content of A. xanthophloea and A. tortilis were similar, the latter was incorporated into the experimental diets as it had the lowest water holding capacity, swelling capacity and moderate levels of condensed tannins. A. tortilis was also the most abundant in the locality. Thirty finishing male F1 hybrid (Landrace×Large White) pigs with an initial weight of 60.6 (s.d.=0.94)kg were randomly allotted to six diets containing 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250g/kg DM inclusion levels of A. tortilis leaf meal. Each diet was offered ad libitum to five pigs in individual pens for 21 days. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed (G:F) ratio was measured every week. There was an increase in both ADFI and ADG (P&lt;0.001) as A. tortilis leaf meal increased, before they started to decrease. An increase in A. tortilis leaf meal levels in the diets caused a quadratic decrease (P&lt;0.01) in the G:F ratio. The change of ADFI, ADG and G:F ratio during each week of successive feeding decreased (P&lt;0.05) with incremental levels of A. tortilis in the diets. Using piecewise regression (broken-stick analyses), it was observed that A. tortilis leaf meal can be included up to 129g/kg DM in finishing pig feeds, without negatively affecting G:F ratio. The ability with which pigs utilize leaf meal-based diets improves with duration of exposure to such diets. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.Acacia tortilis; Condensed tannins; Feed intake; Pig performanceAcacia; Acacia nigrescens; Acacia nilotica; Acacia robusta; Acacia tortilis; Acacia xanthophloea; SuidaeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84875870637Effect of dietary protein on performance of four broiler strains and on the allometric relationships between carcass portions and body proteinDanisman R., Gous R.M.2013South African Journal of Animal Sciences43110.4314/sajas.v43i1.3Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South AfricaDanisman, R., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Gous, R.M., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South AfricaThis is the second paper in a series that reports the allometric relationships between some of the physical parts and body protein weight of commercial broiler strains reared, sexes separate, on different dietary protein levels. In this trial, four commercial broiler strains were sampled at day old and then weekly from each of three dietary protein treatments to determine the weights of the physical parts and the chemical composition of each of 936 birds. Allometric regressions were compared between strains, sexes and dietary protein levels using linear regression with groups. Whereas these regressions were similar over strains and sexes, some interactions were evident between factors, the largest differences occurring when broilers were fed differing dietary protein levels. These differences may be explained on the basis that lipid is deposited to different extents in each of the parts in response to dietary protein. Day-old breast meat and wing weights fell below the regression that best fitted the remaining observations and so were omitted from allometric analyses. The allometric regressions presented are an attempt to provide information that would enable the prediction of the weights of breast meat, thigh, drum and wing at different stages of growth of broilers whose genotype and feed composition are adequately described.Breast meat; Carcass yield; Drum; Thigh; WingAvesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84860695112The performance of broilers on a feed depends on the feed protein content given previouslyGous R.M., Emmans G.C., Fisher C.2012South African Journal of Animal Sciences42110.4314/sajas.v42i1.8Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Scottish Agricultural College, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0QE, Scotland, United KingdomGous, R.M., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Emmans, G.C., Scottish Agricultural College, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0QE, Scotland, United Kingdom; Fisher, C., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South AfricaIt has been proposed that all animals have an inherent relationship between body protein and lipid that can be described allometrically, and the hypothesis tested in the research reported here is that the animal will at all times attempt to retain this relationship. The test was accomplished by feeding broilers, of three genotypes and in two experiments, in such a way as to produce lean and fat birds that were then subjected to a range of dietary protein levels in a second feeding period, during which their performance was measured. Birds were initially offered one of two feeds with widely different protein to energy ratios until they reached a pre-defined liveweight, after which they were given one of two feed protein contents in Experiment 1 and four in Experiment 2. Their performance was monitored until a second pre-defined liveweight was reached, at which time they were killed for carcass analysis. The genotype selected to be lean, in Experiment 1, showed no response to protein level in the second period, whether they were fat or lean at the start. Conversely, the genetically fat birds showed some additional growth in males and additional efficiency in the females. Averaged across genotypes and sexes, birds initially in the fat state gained only 6.9 g lipid/d versus 13.5 g lipid/d for the nutritionally lean broilers. In Experiment 2, growth rate and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were related directly to dietary protein content and were higher for those birds made nutritionally fat. Carcass lipid gain was lower for the initially fat birds on the three highest dietary protein treatments. All birds made fat at 880 g and 1000 g, by giving them a low protein feed, had a much reduced fat content in their subsequent gain, provided that the protein content of the feed used was sufficiently high, indicating that they were making use of the excessive lipid reserves as an energy source. The hypothesis tested cannot be rejected by the evidence presented.Body lipid: Protein ratio; Broiler nutrition; Dietary protein content; FatnessAnimalia; AvesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84901061068Koch's postulate in reproduction of broiler coccidiosis by co-infection with eight most common Eimeria spp.: A model for future evaluation of new biologicsBarbour E.K., Ayyash D.B., Shaib H., Bragg R.R., Azhar E., Iyer A., Harakeh S., Kambris Z., Kumosani T.2014International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine121NoneAnimal and Veterinary Sciences Department, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon; Biochemistry Department, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Special Infectious Agents Unit - Biosafety Level 3, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Biochemistry Department, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Biology Dept, American University of Beirut, LebanonBarbour, E.K., Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon, Biochemistry Department, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Ayyash, D.B., Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon; Shaib, H., Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon; Bragg, R.R., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Azhar, E., Special Infectious Agents Unit - Biosafety Level 3, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Iyer, A., Biochemistry Department, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Harakeh, S., Special Infectious Agents Unit - Biosafety Level 3, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Kambris, Z., Biology Dept, American University of Beirut, Lebanon; Kumosani, T., Biochemistry Department, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaThe purpose of this research is to establish a model of Koch's postulate for reproducing coccidiosis in broilers by co-infection with eight most common Eimeria spp. involved in this economic disease, in an attempt to use this model in future evaluation of new controlling biologics. Four groups of broilers each challenged at a different age (14, 21, 28, and 35 d) with an equivalent number of sporulated oocysts of eight Eimeria spp. had a reduction in their mean weight gain of 10.2% compared to the four parallel control groups of birds that were deprived of the challenge. The mean feed to live body weight conversion ratio increased significantly from 1.5 in the four unchallengedcontrol groups to 3.1 in the four challenged groups (P<0.05). The mean frequency of mortality increased up to 15% in the challenged groups in comparison to 5% in the controls. This higher mortality was associated in most challenged groups with significant increase in the mean lesion scores and mean oocyst count in the intestine compared to those observed in the controls. The benefit of this established model of Koch's postulate for reproducing coccidiosis in broilers, in future search of new controlling biologics, will be presented.Chicken; Eimeria spp.; Koch's postulate; Lesions; Oocyst count; PerformanceNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79953656769Impact of climate and predation on autumn migration of the Curlew SandpiperBarshep Y., Hedenström A., Underhill L.G.2011Waterbirds34110.1675/063.034.0101Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Theoretical Ecology, Ecology Building, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Laminga, PMB 13404, Jos, NigeriaBarshep, Y., Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Laminga, PMB 13404, Jos, Nigeria; Hedenström, A., Theoretical Ecology, Ecology Building, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; Underhill, L.G., Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South AfricaUsing constant-effort catch data, causes of annual variation in the timing of migration of Curlew Sandpipers (Calidris ferruginea) migrating through Ottenby, Sweden, as well as the trend in timing of migration from 1946-2005, was investigated. Variation in the timing of autumn migration of adult and juvenile Curlew Sandpipers was influenced by breeding success connected to predation pressure on the Arctic breeding grounds. Median migration date of adult birds was significantly later in good breeding years compared with poor breeding years while the migration of juveniles was earlier in good breeding years compared with poor breeding years. Also, adults migrated earlier when the average temperature in June was warmer. Median migration dates of adults have advanced by 23 days from 1946-2005, but the migration dates of juveniles have remained unchanged. Unchanged migration dates of juveniles indicate that earlier departure of the adult Curlew Sandpipers from the breeding grounds was not due to earlier breeding. Evidence suggests that declining breeding productivity as a result of increasing predation on broods of shorebirds might, over the years, be the reason for the observed pattern of early departure of adults from the breeding grounds. One possible consequence of earlier migration is a mismatch between timing of migration and periods of food abundance on migration routes and at the wintering grounds, leading to a decline in adult and juvenile survival and population size.Arctic; breeding success; Calidris ferruginea; Curlew Sandpiper; June temperature; migration; Ottenby; phenology; predationadult; annual variation; autumn; breeding site; climate change; climate effect; food availability; juvenile; migration; phenology; population decline; population size; predation; reproductive success; wader; Kalmar [Sweden]; Oland; Ottenby; Sweden; Aves; Calidris ferrugineaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77952601356Chemical evaluation of the nutritive quality of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]Akande K.E., Abubakar M.M., Adegbola T.A., Bogoro S.E., Doma U.D.2010International Journal of Poultry Science91NoneAnimal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, NigeriaAkande, K.E., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Abubakar, M.M., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Adegbola, T.A., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Bogoro, S.E., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Doma, U.D., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, NigeriaThis study was carried out to evaluate the proximate and amino acid compositions of samples of raw and roasted pigeon pea seeds. The following range of values were obtained for dry matter (95.89-96.34%), crude protein (21.03-21.07%), crude fat (4.43-5.96%), crude fibre (7.16-7.52%) and ash (3.76-4.02%) respectively for the raw and roasted seeds of pigeon pea. While values for nitrogen free extract ranged from 57.77-59.51% for the roasted and raw pigeon pea seeds respectively. Results from the amino acid analysis revealed that some amino acids like arginine, aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, leucine and tyrosine had their concentration in the seeds increased with heat processing, while other amino acids were not. On the whole, the concentration of glutamic acid was found to be the highest in the pigeon pea, with a value of 14.21 g/16 gN for the roasted seeds. Lysine showed the highest concentration among the indispensable amino acids (7.79 g/16 gN for the raw seeds and 7.55 g/16 gN for the roasted seeds). Pigeon pea seed was found to be deficient in the sulphur-containing amino acids (cystine and methionine). © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010.Amino acid; Composition; Evaluation; Pigeon pea; ProximateCajanus cajanNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84900306877Sexual dimorphism in bite performance drives morphological variation in chameleonsDa Silva J.M., Herrel A., Measey G.J., Tolley K.A.2014PLoS ONE9110.1371/journal.pone.0086846Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Département d'Ecologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, Île-de-France, France; Evolutionary Morphology of Vertebrates Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium; Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa; Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Province, South AfricaDa Silva, J.M., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Herrel, A., Département d'Ecologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, Île-de-France, France, Evolutionary Morphology of Vertebrates Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium; Measey, G.J., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa; Tolley, K.A., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Province, South AfricaPhenotypic performance in different environments is central to understanding the evolutionary and ecological processes that drive adaptive divergence and, ultimately, speciation. Because habitat structure can affect an animal's foraging behaviour, anti-predator defences, and communication behaviour, it can influence both natural and sexual selection pressures. These selective pressures, in turn, act upon morphological traits to maximize an animal's performance. For performance traits involved in both social and ecological activities, such as bite force, natural and sexual selection often interact in complex ways, providing an opportunity to understand the adaptive significance of morphological variation with respect to habitat. Dwarf chameleons within the Bradypodion melanocephalum-Bradypodion thamnobates species complex have multiple phenotypic forms, each with a specific head morphology that could reflect its use of either open- or closed-canopy habitats. To determine whether these morphological differences represent adaptations to their habitats, we tested for differences in both absolute and relative bite performance. Only absolute differences were found between forms, with the closed-canopy forms biting harder than their open-canopy counterparts. In contrast, sexual dimorphism was found for both absolute and relative bite force, but the relative differences were limited to the closed-canopy forms. These results indicate that both natural and sexual selection are acting within both habitat types, but to varying degrees. Sexual selection seems to be the predominant force within the closed-canopy habitats, which are more protected from aerial predators, enabling chameleons to invest more in ornamentation for communication. In contrast, natural selection is likely to be the predominant force in the open-canopy habitats, inhibiting the development of conspicuous secondary sexual characteristics and, ultimately, enforcing their overall diminutive body size and constraining performance. © 2014 da Silva et al.Noneanimal tissue; article; bite; body size; Bradypodion melanocephalum; Bradypodion thamnobates; canopy; chameleon; controlled study; ecological specialization; evolutionary adaptation; female; intraspecific variation; lizard; male; morphological trait; natural selection; nonhuman; organismal interaction; organisms by outer appearance; phenotypic variation; sex difference; species difference; species habitat; Adaptation, Biological; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Biological Evolution; Bite Force; Body Weights and Measures; Ecosystem; Female; Lizards; Male; Selection, Genetic; Sex Characteristics; South AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-64149131946The potential for predicted climate shifts to impact genetic landscapes of lizards in the South African Cape Floristic RegionTolley K.A., Makokha J.S., Houniet D.T., Swart B.L., Matthee C.A.2009Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution51110.1016/j.ympev.2008.11.017Applied Biodiversity Research, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Claremont, 7735 Cape Town, South Africa; Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South AfricaTolley, K.A., Applied Biodiversity Research, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Claremont, 7735 Cape Town, South Africa; Makokha, J.S., Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Houniet, D.T., Applied Biodiversity Research, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Claremont, 7735 Cape Town, South Africa; Swart, B.L., Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Matthee, C.A., Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South AfricaThe Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is well-known for its floral diversity, yet also contains a rich herpetofauna with >180 species, 28% of which are endemic. Recent studies conducted on CFR lizards indicated that phylogeographic patterns show some congruency, and that the western CFR shows higher overall diversity in the form of population and/or clade turnover. Here, we combine mitochondrial sequence data from two published (Bradypodion spp. and Agama atra) and one new dataset (Pedioplanis burchelli) to investigate whether geographic patterns of genetic diversity could be influenced by predicted climatic changes. We utilised Bayesian methodology and spatial genetic landscapes to establish broad-scale patterns and show that the western CFR is a contact zone for several clades in all three taxa, supporting the hypothesis of phylogeographic congruence. Current levels of gene flow are virtually zero between the western and eastern CFR. In the east, gene flow between populations is negligible at present but was probably stronger in the past given the present lack of strong genetic structure. Bioclimatic modelling predicted that climatically suitable areas within the CFR will decline for Bradypodion spp. and P. burchelli, with areas high in clade turnover loosing more climatically suitable areas than areas with low clade turnover. The models also predict that loss of climatic suitability may result in highly fragmented and patchy distributions, resulting in a greater loss of connectivity. In contrast, A. atra does not show significant climatic suitability losses overall, although it may experience localised losses (and gains). This species is not predicted to loose suitability in areas of high clade turnover. Thus, the incorporation of genetic data into climatic models has extended our knowledge on the vulnerability of these species given the predicted threat of landscape change. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Burchell's sand lizard; Climate change; Dwarf chameleon; Phylogeography; Southern rock agamamitochondrial DNA; Africa; animal; article; biological model; classification; climate; DNA sequence; gene flow; genetic variability; genetics; geography; lizard; molecular evolution; phylogeny; population genetics; Africa, Southern; Animals; Climate; DNA, Mitochondrial; Evolution, Molecular; Gene Flow; Genetic Variation; Genetics, Population; Geography; Lizards; Models, Genetic; Phylogeny; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Agama; Agama atra; Bradypodion; Pedioplanis burchelli; SquamataNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84882598747Influence of reference temperature on exergy and exergoeconomic performance of a natural gas fired thermal power plantAnozie A.N., Odejobi O.J.2013International Journal of Exergy13110.1504/IJEX.2013.055780Applied Thermodynamics and Process Design Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, NigeriaAnozie, A.N., Applied Thermodynamics and Process Design Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, Nigeria; Odejobi, O.J., Applied Thermodynamics and Process Design Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, NigeriaThe influence of reference temperature on exergy and exergoeconomic performance parameters of a thermal plant was investigated. The plant was simulated using HYSYS (2003) process simulator software and the exergy and exergoeconomic analyses were done using Microsoft EXCEL spreadsheet. As reference temperature increased from 15°C to 35°C, exergy efficiency decreased from 11.7% to 11.5% and irreversibility increased from 1790 MW to 1812 MW. Also, overall exergy cost decreased from 6650.78 MW to 6055.40 MW and monetary cost from $75,343.84/h to $68,430.19/h. The optimum (base case) reference temperature, where the exergy and the monetary exergy loss costs were at minimum, was found to be 30°C. At this temperature both the condenser and boiler units made significant contributions to the process exergy and monetary exergy loss costs. The study concluded that the performance of the thermal plant depends on reference temperature, efficiencies of condenser and boiler units. Copyright © 2013 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.Exergetic efficiency; Exergoeconomic improvement potential.; Exergoeconomic loss cost; Exergy improvement potential; Exergy loss costs; Irreversibility; Reference temperatureExergetic efficiency; Exergoeconomic; Exergy improvement potentials; Exergy loss; Irreversibility; Loss costs; Reference temperature; Boilers; Computer software; Costs; Heat engines; Thermoelectric power plants; ExergyNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77956526884Effects of rootstock on grapevine performance, petiole and must composition, and overall wine score of Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay and pinot noirWooldridge J., Louw P.J.E., Conradie W.J.2010South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture311NoneARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Sapex Exports (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, Stellenbosch 7599, South AfricaWooldridge, J., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Louw, P.J.E., Sapex Exports (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Conradie, W.J., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South AfricaCharacteristics of Chardonnay and Pinot noir vines on Richter 99 (99R), Richter 110 (110R), Ruggeri 140 (140Ru) and SO4 rootstocks were assessed over six consecutive seasons in a factorial field trial on an Avalon soil in Stellenbosch that had been limed to pH 5.75 (1M KCl). Ruggeri 140 promoted the highest cane mass (vigour), highest petiole and must nitrogen (N), lowest ratio of yield to cane mass, and lowest overall wine quality. The lowest cane mass and highest wine quality were produced by vines on 110R. Petiole N, phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), and must N and Ca, were also lower for vines on 110R than for those on 140Ru.Cane mass; Chardonnay; Must; Petiole; Pinot noir; YieldVitaceae; Vitis; Vitis viniferaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77956514102Soil management in the Breede River valley wine grape region, South Africa. 1. Cover crop performance and weed controlFourie J.C.2010South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture311NoneARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, 7599, South AfricaFourie, J.C., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, 7599, South AfricaEight cover crop treatments were applied for 12 consecutive years on a medium-textured soil in a vineyard near Robertson (33°50'S, 19°54'E). A treatment with full surface straw mulch and full surface post-emergence chemical control applied from just before grapevine bud break to harvest (BB), and one with no cover crop combined with BB, were also applied. The control consisted of mechanical control in the work row and post-emergence chemical control in the vine row applied from bud break to harvest. Rotating Triticale v. Usgen 18 (triticale) and Vicia dasycarpa Ten. (vetch) did not improve the dry matter production (DMP) of either species. Average DMP decreased as follows: triticale > Secale cereale L. v. Henog (rye)/Vicia faba L. v. Fiord (faba bean) mixture > triticale/vetch biennial rotation > triticale/vetch annual rotation > vetch. Triticale (BB) resulted in total winter weed suppression from 1995 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2004. Total weed control from bud break to the pea size berry stage of the grapevines was achieved with straw mulch (BB), triticale (BB), rye/faba bean mixture (BB) and triticale/vetch rotated biennially (BB) from 2001 to 2003. For triticale combined with full surface post-emergence chemical control applied from grapevine berry set (AB), and for triticale/vetch rotated annually (BB), this was restricted to 2001 and 2003. From the pea size berry stage to harvest, straw mulch (BB), triticale (BB), vetch (BB), rye/faba bean mixture (BB) and triticale (AB) reduced the weed stand significantly in comparison to the control.Cover crops; Grapevines; Management practices; Mulches; Weed controlPisum sativum; Secale cereale; Triticosecale; Vicia; Vicia faba; Vicia villosa varia; Vitaceae; Vitis; Vitis viniferaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79958786775Soil management in the breede river valley wine grape region, South Africa. 3. Grapevine performanceFourie J.C.2011South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture321NoneARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, 7599, South AfricaFourie, J.C., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, 7599, South AfricaEight cover crop treatments were applied for 12 consecutive years on a medium textured soil in a vineyard near Robertson (33°50'S, 19°54'E). A treatment with full surface straw mulch combined with full surface post-emergence chemical control applied from just before grapevine bud break to harvest (BB) and another with no cover crop combined with BB was also applied. The control consisted of mechanical control in the work row and post-emergence chemical control in the vine row applied from bud break to harvest. In the BB treatments, grapevine shoot growth was signifcantly higher than in the treatment where a perennial cover crop was established in the work row during both the second (1993/94) and third (1994/95) season after the grapevines were established. The grape yield in all the BB treatments, except the one in which a mixture of Secale cereale L. v. Henog and Vicia faba L. v. Fiord was sown, was signifcantly higher than that of the control and the treatment in which a perennial cover crop was sown in the work row during the 1995/96 season. During the 2001/02 season, the grape yield of the BB treatment with a full surface straw mulch was signifcantly higher than that of all the other treatments. The different soil management practices had a signifcant effect on the N status of the juice, but did not affect wine quality.Cover crops; Grape juice; Grape yield; Grapevines; Shoot growth; Soil managementSecale cereale; Vicia faba; Vitaceae; Vitis; Vitis viniferaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84924851019Evaluation of indigenous fynbos and renosterveld species for cover crop management in the vineyards of the Coastal Wine Grape Region, South AfricaFourie J.C.2014South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture351NoneARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, South AfricaFourie, J.C., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, South AfricaFour treatments in which fynbos and renosterveld species were employed as cover crops, and two treatments in which exotic species were used as cover crops, were applied. A treatment in which indigenous annuals and an exotic annual was sown as a mixture, and a control in which no cover crop was established, were also included in the trial. These eight treatments were applied for four consecutive years on a sandy soil (33°52 1 S, 18°58' E) and a sandy loam soil (33 °551 S, 18°52 'E) in vineyards near Stellenbosch, South Africa. Effective suppression of the winter growing weeds was achieved with Avena saliva L. cv. Pallinup on a sandy soil from the third season onwards. This was also achieved with a mixture of Ornithopus sativus L. cv. Emena (50%) and three indigenous broadleaf annuals (50%), namely Felicia helerophylla (Cass) Grau, Dimorphothecapluvialis (L.) Moench and Scenecio elegans L. None of the renosterveld and lowland fynbos mixtures or monocultures had the abifity to become established effectively on both the sandy and sandy loam soil, or could compete effectively with the winter-growing weeds commonly found in the vineyards of the Coastal wine grape region of the Western Cape. These species therefore should not be considered for cover crop management in this region.Biodiversity; Cover crops; Grapevines; Indigenous species; Soil cultivationAvena sativa; Felicia; Ornithopus sativus; Vitis viniferaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-68949105688Effects of season and regulated photoperiod on the reproductive performance of sowsChokoe T.C., Siebrits F.K.2009South African Journal of Animal Sciences391NoneARC, Department of Reproduction Genetic Resources, Irene Animal Improvement Institute, Private Bag X02, Irene 0062, South Africa; Tshwane University of Technology, Department of Animal Sciences, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South AfricaChokoe, T.C., ARC, Department of Reproduction Genetic Resources, Irene Animal Improvement Institute, Private Bag X02, Irene 0062, South Africa, Tshwane University of Technology, Department of Animal Sciences, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Siebrits, F.K., Tshwane University of Technology, Department of Animal Sciences, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South AfricaReproductive performance of experimental commercial Dalland sows (n = 87) maintained under a constant photoperiod (10 h light and 14 h darkness) and control sows (n = 187) maintained under natural daylight length (10.4 h light in winter and 13.4 h light in summer) were compared. In early summer 4.1% of experimental sows returned to oestrus compared to 20.8% of the control sows. In late summer 9.1% of experimental sows returned to oestrus compared to 21.9% of the control sows. Reduced photoperiod improved the farrowing rate of experimental sows in the early summer breeding compared to the control group (95.4% and 81.3%, respectively). With winter breeding there was a small proportion of sows that returned to service in both groups (7.9% and 8.9%) while the farrowing rate was high in both groups (93.9% and 91.0% in the experimental and control groups, respectively). Litter sizes derived from early summer services were 11.4 and 11.6 for the experimental and control groups, respectively, while winter services led to litter sizes of 11.6 and 12.4 whereas in late summer services, regulated photoperiod had improved the litter size of the experimental group (12.3) compared to the control group (11.2). © South African Society for Animal Science.Farrowing rate; Litter size; Regulated photoperiod; Return to oestrus; SeasonNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84875846348Estimates of variance components for postweaning feed intake and growth in bonsmara bulls andevaluation of alternative measures of feed efficiencyMacNeil M.D., Scholtz M.M., Maiwashe A.2013South African Journal of Animal Sciences43110.4314/sajas.v43i1.2ARC-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Delta G, 145 Ice Cave Road, Miles City, MT 59301, United States; University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9301, South AfricaMacNeil, M.D., ARC-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa, Delta G, 145 Ice Cave Road, Miles City, MT 59301, United States, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa; Scholtz, M.M., ARC-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa; Maiwashe, A., ARC-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South AfricaFeed efficiency is of major economic importance in beef production. The objective of this work was to evaluate alternative measures of feed efficiency for use in genetic evaluation. To meet this objective, genetic parameters were estimated for the components of efficiency. These parameters were then used in multiple-trait animal model genetic evaluations and alternative genetic predictors of feed efficiency were derived from the results. Corresponding single-trait evaluations for residual feed intake (RFI), residual daily gain (RDG), and residual intake and gain (RIG) were also conducted. The data contained 3 331 animals with records and an additional 6 322 animals in their pedigree. The alternative measures of feed efficiency were compared using Spearman rank correlations. Heritability estimates for metabolic body weight (MBW), average daily gain (ADG) and averagedaily feed intake (DFI) were 0.38 ± 0.05, 0.25 ± 0.05 and 0.37 ± 0.05, respectively. Estimates of the genetic correlations among these traits were 0.79 ± 0.07, 0.54 ± 0.08 and 0.66 ± 0.08 for MBW with ADG, MBW with DFI, and ADG with DFI, respectively. The various measures of feed efficiency were highly correlated. However, RFI and RDG did provide different rankings of candidates for selection. The combination of RFI and RDG to form RIG appears to provide an effective harmonization of the former two biological measures of efficiency. It is recommended that genetic evaluation systemsinclude analyses of ADG and DFI, and breeders are advised to base selection decisions on the basisof multiple-trait selection indexes that incorporate feed intake and performance.Genetic evaluation; Residual feed intake; Residual gainAnimaliaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-34347353294The impact of heavy grazing on an ephemeral river system in the succulent karoo, South AfricaAllsopp N., Gaika L., Knight R., Monakisi C., Hoffman M.T.2007Journal of Arid Environments71110.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.03.001ARC-LBD: Range and Forage Unit, Private Bag X17 Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Lesley Hill Institute of Plant Conservation, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7700, South AfricaAllsopp, N., ARC-LBD: Range and Forage Unit, Private Bag X17 Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Gaika, L., Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Knight, R., Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Monakisi, C., Lesley Hill Institute of Plant Conservation, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Hoffman, M.T., Lesley Hill Institute of Plant Conservation, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7700, South AfricaThe impact of long-term high grazing pressure on geomorphological features, plant community composition and cover and soil characteristics of an ephemeral river system in Namaqualand, South Africa, was compared to that of lighter grazing pressure across fencelines which crossed the river system. Under heavy grazing the river system was less braided and a higher proportion of the river width was unvegetated runoff channels. The river system was generally dominated by very sandy soil. However, more silt and organic matter, and less sand were found in soil under plants growing in the river bed. Since vegetation cover was much higher under light grazing, river soil was more fertile when grazing was light. A plant species compositional shift when grazing pressure was high resulted in riparian vegetation which more closely resembled the surrounding rangelands. Graminoid growth forms were encountered more frequently in the lightly grazed river. A rest from grazing of 33 months resulted in increased plant cover in another section of the river system. Heavy grazing alters the physical and soil features of this river system by reducing plant cover. Riparian vegetation, by slowing flow rates and catching light soil particles increases landscape heterogeneity and creates productive sites in the landscape. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Animal-plant interactions; Landscape patches; Livestock impacts; Namaqualand; Resource control; Riparian vegetationcommunity composition; ephemeral pool; grazing pressure; Karoo Supergroup; landscape; livestock; plant community; plant-herbivore interaction; riparian vegetation; river system; sedge; vegetation cover; Africa; Namaqualand; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; AnimaliaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84894078678Evaluation of three-way maize (Zea mays L) hybrids for yield and resistance to maize streak virus and turcicum leaf blight diseasesKaravina C., Mandumbu R., Mukaro R.2014Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences241NoneBindura University of Science Education, Department of Crop Science, Private Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe; Department of Research and Specialist Services, Crop Breeding Institute, P. O. Box CY550, Causeway, Harare, ZimbabweKaravina, C., Bindura University of Science Education, Department of Crop Science, Private Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe; Mandumbu, R., Bindura University of Science Education, Department of Crop Science, Private Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe; Mukaro, R., Department of Research and Specialist Services, Crop Breeding Institute, P. O. Box CY550, Causeway, Harare, ZimbabweMaize, a staple food crop in sub-Saharan Africa and many other parts of the world, is affected by many diseases that reduce yield. Disease management has mainly been reliant on chemical and cultural control options. However, such options are unsustainable to the smallholder resource poor farmers and environmentally unfriendly. A study carried out at the Harare Research Station evaluated eight three-way and four commercial maize hybrids for yield and resistance to Maize streak virus using controlled leaf hopper infestation and Turcicum Leaf Blight under artificial inoculation. The objectives of the study were to identify hybrids that have multiple resistance to Maize streak virus and Turcicum Leaf Blight and to determine the relationship between disease severity and yield performance of the hybrids. The experiment was laid out in a split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design with Disease type as the main plot factor while Maize hybrids were the subplot factor. Ratings of 1 (tolerant) to 5 (susceptible) based on streaked and blighted leaf surfaces were used. The hybrid 053WH54 had multiple resistance to Turcicum Leaf Blight and Maize streak virus. The hybrids 043WH61 and 043WH07 were high-yielding even at high disease pressure while 043WH41 and 013WH03 were relatively low yielding at low disease pressure. This showed the inherent genetic diversity of the hybrids. The hybrids ZS 225, 043WH61 and 043WH07 are recommended for production in areas with high prevalence of both diseases.Hybrid; Maize streak virus; Resistance; Severity; Turcicum Leaf Blight; YieldNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84898957144System wide impacts of fuel usage patterns in the Ethiopian highlands: Potentials for breaking the negative reinforcing feedback cyclesDuguma L.A., Minang P.A., Freeman O.E., Hager H.2014Energy for Sustainable Development20110.1016/j.esd.2014.03.004ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; Institute of Forest Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Peter Jordanstr. 82, A-1190 Vienna, Austria; World Agroforestry Centre, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, KenyaDuguma, L.A., ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, World Agroforestry Centre, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; Minang, P.A., ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, World Agroforestry Centre, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; Freeman, O.E., ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, World Agroforestry Centre, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; Hager, H., Institute of Forest Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Peter Jordanstr. 82, A-1190 Vienna, AustriaDue to scarcity of firewood, farmers in rural Ethiopia are forced to use cattle dung as a complementary energy source. By looking at patterns of firewood and cattle dung use for energy generation and their implications for food crop production, forest regeneration and community level emission reduction potentials, this study explores system interactions using a community living next to the Menagesha Suba state forest in Ethiopia as a case study. Mixed methods were used including household surveys, nutrient content analyses of firewood and cattle dung, and calculations of fuel and emission reductions for four cooking energy efficiency scenarios. It was found that the community and surrounding environment is stuck in a negative feedback cycle. Therefore shifts in current practices and systems are needed to break this cycle, for example by enhancing firewood supply, improving soil fertility, improving energy efficiency and enabling access to carbon financing for emissions reduced. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.Cattle dung; Crop production; Emission reductions; Ethiopian highlands; Firewood; Nutrient cyclingcrop production; emission control; energy efficiency; fuel; household survey; manure; nutrient cycling; soil fertility; wood; Ethiopian Highlands; BosFTA, Federal Transit Administration
Scopus2-s2.0-84856005905Vulnerability of coastal communities to key impacts of climate change on coral reef fisheriesCinner J.E., McClanahan T.R., Graham N.A.J., Daw T.M., Maina J., Stead S.M., Wamukota A., Brown K., Bodin O.2012Global Environmental Change22110.1016/j.gloenvcha.2011.09.018Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Program, Bronx, NY 10460-1099, United States; School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Coral Reef Conservation Project, Mombasa, Kenya; Computational Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom; Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom; Stockholm Resilience Center, Stockholm University, Sweden; Department of Systems Ecology, Stockholm University, SwedenCinner, J.E., Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; McClanahan, T.R., Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Program, Bronx, NY 10460-1099, United States; Graham, N.A.J., Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Daw, T.M., School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Maina, J., Coral Reef Conservation Project, Mombasa, Kenya, Computational Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; Stead, S.M., School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom; Wamukota, A., Coral Reef Conservation Project, Mombasa, Kenya; Brown, K., School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom; Bodin, O., Stockholm Resilience Center, Stockholm University, Sweden, Department of Systems Ecology, Stockholm University, SwedenCoral reefs support the livelihood of millions of people especially those engaged in marine fisheries activities. Coral reefs are highly vulnerable to climate change induced stresses that have led to substantial coral mortality over large spatial scales. Such climate change impacts have the potential to lead to declines in marine fish production and compromise the livelihoods of fisheries dependent communities. Yet few studies have examined social vulnerability in the context of changes specific to coral reef ecosystems. In this paper, we examine three dimensions of vulnerability (exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity) of 29 coastal communities across five western Indian Ocean countries to the impacts of coral bleaching on fishery returns. A key contribution is the development of a novel, network-based approach to examining sensitivity to changes in the fishery that incorporates linkages between fishery and non-fishery occupations. We find that key sources of vulnerability differ considerably within and between the five countries. Our approach allows the visualization of how these dimensions of vulnerability differ from site to site, providing important insights into the types of nuanced policy interventions that may help to reduce vulnerability at a specific location. To complement this, we develop framework of policy actions thought to reduce different aspects of vulnerability at varying spatial and temporal scales. Although our results are specific to reef fisheries impacts from coral bleaching, this approach provides a framework for other types of threats and different social-ecological systems more broadly. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.Coral bleaching; Coral reef; Fisheries; Global climate change; Resilience; Social-ecological systems; Vulnerabilityclimate change; coastal zone; coral; coral bleaching; coral reef; economic impact; environmental stress; fishery economics; fishery production; global change; mortality; nature-society relations; policy approach; vulnerability; Indian Ocean; Indian Ocean (West); AnthozoaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-67651119884The impact of habitat fragmentation on tsetse abundance on the plateau of eastern ZambiaDucheyne E., Mweempwa C., De Pus C., Vernieuwe H., De Deken R., Hendrickx G., Van den Bossche P.2009Preventive Veterinary Medicine91110.1016/j.prevetmed.2009.05.009Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium; Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development, Zambia; Animal Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, South AfricaDucheyne, E., Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium; Mweempwa, C., Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development, Zambia; De Pus, C., Animal Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium; Vernieuwe, H., Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium; De Deken, R., Animal Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium; Hendrickx, G., Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium; Van den Bossche, P., Animal Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, South AfricaTsetse-transmitted human or livestock trypanosomiasis is one of the major constraints to rural development in sub-Saharan Africa. The epidemiology of the disease is determined largely by tsetse fly density. A major factor, contributing to tsetse population density is the availability of suitable habitat. In large parts of Africa, encroachment of people and their livestock resulted in a destruction and fragmentation of such suitable habitat. To determine the effect of habitat change on tsetse density a study was initiated in a tsetse-infested zone of eastern Zambia. The study area represents a gradient of habitat change, starting from a zone with high levels of habitat destruction and ending in an area where livestock and people are almost absent. To determine the distribution and density of the fly, tsetse surveys were conducted throughout the study area in the dry and in the rainy season. Landsat ETM+ imagery covering the study area were classified into four land cover classes (munga, miombo, agriculture and settlements) and two auxiliary spectral classes (clouds and shadow) using a Gaussian Maximum Likelihood Classifier. The classes were regrouped into natural vegetation and agricultural zone. The binary images were overlaid with hexagons to obtain the spatial spectrum of spatial pattern. Hexagonal coverage was selected because of its compact and regular form. To identify scale-specific spatial patterns and associated entomological phenomena, the size of the hexagonal coverage was varied (250 and 500 m). Per coverage, total class area, mean patch size, number of patches and patch size standard deviation were used as fragmentation indices. Based on the fragmentation index values, the study zone was classified using a Partitioning Around Mediods (PAM) method. The number of classes was determined using the Wilks' lambda coefficient. To determine the impact of habitat fragmentation on tsetse abundance, the correlation between the fragmentation indices and the index of apparent density of the flies was determined and habitat changes most affecting tsetse abundance was identified. From this it followed that there is a clear relationship between habitat fragmentation and the abundance of tsetse flies. Heavily fragmented areas have lower numbers of tsetse flies, but when the fragmentation of natural vegetation decreases, the number of tsetse flies increases following a sigmoidal-like curve. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Fragmentation analysis; GIS; Tsetseanimal; article; disease carrier; ecosystem; female; geographic information system; growth, development and aging; human; male; parasitology; season; Trypanosoma; tsetse fly; Zambia; Animals; Ecosystem; Female; Geographic Information Systems; Humans; Insect Vectors; Male; Seasons; Trypanosoma; Tsetse Flies; Zambia; Glossina (genus)None
Scopus2-s2.0-84938718507Influence of business information use on sales performance of SMEs in Lagos StateOjo A., Akinsunmi S., Olayonu O.2015Library Philosophy and Practice20151NoneBabcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, NigeriaOjo, A., Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria; Akinsunmi, S., Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria; Olayonu, O., Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, NigeriaSmall and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) are crucial drivers of every nation's economy. However, reports suggest SMEs in Nigeria have not performed creditably well in terms of sales. Hence, they are yet to contribute to a large extent to the economic growth and development of the country. Considering that business information is an indispensable resource in overall business performance, one is forced to question the availability and utilisation of business information by SME owners. This study examines the influence of business information use on the sales performance of SMEs in the information technology sector in Lagos State. Employing a survey research design, the study population comprised of 575 Computer and Allied Product Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN) registered SMEs in Computer Village of Lagos State. The stratified sampling technique was used to survey the responses of 181 SME owners who served as respondents in this study. A selfdeveloped questionnaire was used as the instrument of data collection. Frequency distribution, simple percentages, and regression analysis were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that SMEs obtained most of the information they use from newspapers and informal sources. Also revealed was that business information utilisation influences sales performance of SMEs (R = 0.36, R Square = .212, F<inf>1,161</inf> = 94.18, p < 0.05). The study concludes that business information use for SMEs sales performance is inevitable. However, use is predicated on availability. It is recommended that agencies in charge of SMEs in Nigeria should put more effort in ensuring formal information sources are made available to SME owners.Business information; Information availability; Information use; Sales performance; SMEsNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84856597389Evaluation and modification of off-host flea collection techniques used in northwest Uganda: Laboratory and field studiesBorchert J.N., Eisen R.J., Holmes J.L., Atiku L.A., Mpanga J.T., Brown H.E., Graham C.B., Babi N., Montenieri J.A., Enscore R.E., Gage K.L.2012Journal of Medical Entomology49110.1603/ME11045Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3150 Rampart Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States; Uganda Viral Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, UgandaBorchert, J.N., Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3150 Rampart Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States; Eisen, R.J., Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3150 Rampart Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States; Holmes, J.L., Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3150 Rampart Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States; Atiku, L.A., Uganda Viral Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Mpanga, J.T., Uganda Viral Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Brown, H.E., Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3150 Rampart Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States; Graham, C.B., Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3150 Rampart Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States; Babi, N., Uganda Viral Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Montenieri, J.A., Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3150 Rampart Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States; Enscore, R.E., Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3150 Rampart Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States; Gage, K.L., Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3150 Rampart Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80521, United StatesQuantifying the abundance of host-seeking fleas is critical for assessing risk of human exposure to flea-borne disease agents, including Yersinia pestis, the etiological agent of plague. Yet, reliable measures of the efficacy of existing host-seeking flea collection methods are lacking. In this study, we compare the efficacy of passive and active methods for the collection of host-seeking fleas in both the laboratory and human habitations in a plague-endemic region of northwest Uganda. In the laboratory, lighted "Kilonzo" flea traps modified with either blinking lights, the creation of shadows or the generation of carbon dioxide were less efficient at collecting Xenopsylla cheopis Rothchild and Ctenocephalides felis Bouch fleas than an active collection method using white cotton socks or cotton flannel. Passive collection using Kilonzo light traps in the laboratory collected significantly more X. cheopis than C. felis and active collection, using white socks and flannel, collected significantly more C. felis than X. cheopis. In field studies conducted in Uganda, Kilonzo traps using a flashlight were similar in their collection efficacy to Kilonzo traps using kerosene lamps. However, in contrast to laboratory studies, Kilonzo flea traps using flashlights collected a greater number of fleas than swabbing. Within human habitations in Uganda, Kilonzo traps were especially useful for collecting C. felis, the dominant species found in human habitations in this area. © 2012 Entomological Society of America.Ctenocephalides felis; flea; flea trap; plague; Xenopsylla cheopisanimal; article; classification; flea; insect control; instrumentation; physiology; species difference; Uganda; Animals; Insect Control; Siphonaptera; Species Specificity; Uganda; Ctenocephalides; Ctenocephalides felis; Gossypium hirsutum; Siphonaptera (fleas); Xenopsylla; Xenopsylla cheopis; Yersinia pestisNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84855438985On-farm evaluation and demonstration of different types of hay pressTeffera A., Tekeste S., Denekew Y.2012Livestock Research for Rural Development241NoneBahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Center, P.O. Box 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Andassa Livestock Research Center, P.O. Box: 27, Bahir Dar, EthiopiaTeffera, A., Bahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Center, P.O. Box 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Tekeste, S., Bahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Center, P.O. Box 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Denekew, Y., Andassa Livestock Research Center, P.O. Box: 27, Bahir Dar, EthiopiaHay is the oldest and most important conserved fodder. The aim of haymaking is to store feed for later on-farm use. Traditional haymaking practice in Ethiopia has many problems. Delayed or early harvesting, improper handling system during harvesting, transportation, and storage stages are identified as main causes of feed loss. This project is, therefore, intended to evaluate and demonstrate manual hay presses so as to assist users in haymaking and baling practice. Two hay press models, vertical and horizontal hay presses, were manufactured and after preliminary test, practical on field test was conducted at two sites. Besides, discussions were made with farmers and their opinions were recorded. The test result has shown that, the average pressing rate, bale density, and baling time of vertical hay press was 45.2 kg h-1, 86.5 kg m -3 and 14.1 min per piece. Likewise, similar parameters of the horizontal type were 36.9 kg hr-1, 72.3 kg m -3 and 17.4 min per piece, respectively. It was observed that most of the respondent farmers preferred vertical type press due to its lower energy requirement and better output. Therefore, the vertical hay press model is recommended for further promotion.Animal feed; Hay making; Mechanical hay pressAnimaliaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84948771504Higher breastfeeding performance index is associated with lower risk of illness in infants under six months in EthiopiaHaile D., Biadgilign S.2015International Breastfeeding Journal10110.1186/s13006-015-0057-2Bahir Dar University, Department of Reproductive Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Independent Public Health Research Consultants, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaHaile, D., Bahir Dar University, Department of Reproductive Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Biadgilign, S., Independent Public Health Research Consultants, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaBackground: Breastfeeding performance index is an explanatory attempt to summarize key breastfeeding practices by summarizing the different dimensions of breastfeeding practices into a single summary variable. Breastfeeding performance index is used to assess optimal breastfeeding practices by constructing a single composite index that includes timely initiation of breastfeeding, prelacteal feeding, current breastfeeding status, bottle feeding, any liquid given(except medicine) in the last 24h, formula given in the last 24h, any solid food given in the last 24h. This study aimed to assess optimal breastfeeding practices of 0-6 month infants using breastfeeding performance index (BPI) and its association with childhood illness in Ethiopia. Methods: A secondary data analysis was carried out based on the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2011 data. The BPI was created using seven components by giving equal weight for all components during scoring. The data were described using descriptive statistics and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of low, medium, and high BPI was 18.41, 57.96 and 23.63% respectively. The mean BPI score was 4.38 (SD 1.25; 95% CI 4.31, 4.45). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that those infants who had low BPI score were 2.22 times (AOR=2.22; 95% CI 1.20, 4.11) and medium BPI category had 2.15 times at higher odds (AOR=2.15; 95% CI 1.23, 3.75) of developing diarrhea compared to infants in the highest BPI category. Being in the lower BPI category was significantly associated with higher odds of having fever (AOR=1.73; 95% CI 1.06, 2.80). Being in the medium index category was also associated with higher odds of having short and rapid breaths (AOR=2.02; 95% CI 1.01, 4.04). Conclusion: More than 80% of the infants did not receive optimal breastfeeding practices based on the Breastfeeding Performance Index. Lower BPI was statistically associated with diarrhea, fever and short and rapid breaths illness in the last 2 weeks. This study implicates the importance of optimal breastfeeding to reduce childhood illness. © 2015 Haile and Biadgilign.Breastfeeding; DHS; Ethiopia; Index; InfantsNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84879584016Enhancing self-regulated learning in teaching spoken communication: Does it affect speaking efficacy and performance?Aregu B.B.2013Electronic Journal of Foreign Language Teaching101NoneBahir Dar University, EthiopiaAregu, B.B., Bahir Dar University, EthiopiaThe study examines the effects of enhancing self-regulated learning in the teaching of spoken communication on speaking efficacy and performances among second year students attending spoken and written communication lessons in the College of Business and Economics of Bahir Dar University. In this study, two sections consisting of 91 participants were included. To gather data, scales, tests, and diaries were used. Descriptive statistics, paired t-test, independent samples t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were applied to analyze the quantitative data. On the other hand, the qualitative data were analysed using such steps as looking for themes and coding, categorizing codes of similar content, and writing summary and interpretation. The outputs of the ANCOVA show that 56% of the variance in speaking performance and 39% of the variance in speaking efficacy are accounted for by the self-regulated learning intervention controlling for initial differences. The qualitative analysis also indicated that the experimental group improved its speaking efficacy and performances. Overall, the results reveal that the experimental group surpasses the control group in both speaking efficacy and performances. The results imply that attention needs to be paid to the enhancement of self-regulated learning in the process of teaching spoken communication. © Centre for Language Studies National University of Singapore.NoneNoneNone
WoSWOS:000311783600002Evaluation of the effectiveness of an outreach clinical mentoring programme in support of paediatric HIV care scale-up in BotswanaAnabwani, Gabriel,Draper, Heather R.,Gaetsewe, Neo,Jibril, Haruna,Kirk, Brianna,Scherzer, Leah,Thuto, Boitumelo,Tolle, Michael A.,Wanless, R. Sebastian,Workneh, Gelane2013AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV25110.1080/09540121.2012.674096Baylor College of Medicine, Minist Hlth, Princess Marina Hosp, Texas Childrens Hosp"Draper, Heather R.: Baylor College of Medicine","Gaetsewe, Neo: Baylor College of Medicine","Thuto, Boitumelo: Baylor College of Medicine","Wanless, R. Sebastian: Baylor College of Medicine",Clinical mentoring by providers skilled in HIV management has been identified as a cornerstone of scaling-up antiretroviral treatment in Africa, particularly in settings where expertise is limited. However, little data exist on its effectiveness and impact on improving the quality-of-care and clinical outcomes, especially for HIV-infected children. Since 2008, the Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence (COE) has operated an outreach mentoring programme at clinical sites around Botswana. This study is a retrospective review of 374 paediatric charts at four outreach mentoring sites (Mochudi, Phutadikobo, Molepolole and Thamaga) evaluating the effectiveness of the programme as reflected in a number of clinically-relevant areas. Charts from one visit prior to initiation of mentoring and from one visit after approximately one year of mentoring were assessed for statistically-significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in the documentation of clinically-relevant indicators. Mochudi showed notable improvements in all indicators analysed, with particular improvements in documentation of pill count, viral load (VL) results, correct laboratory monitoring and correct antiretroviral therapy (ART) dosing (p&lt;0.0001, p&lt;0.0001, p&lt;0.0001 and p&lt;0.0001, respectively). Broad and substantial improvements were also seen in Molepolole, with the most improvement in disclosure documentation of all four sites. At Thamaga, improvements were restricted to CD4 documentation (p&lt;0.001), recent VL and documented pill count (p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.05, respectively). Phuthadikobo showed the least amount of improvement across indicators, with only VL documentation and correct ART dosing showing statistically-significant improvements (p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.0001, respectively). These findings suggest that clinical mentoring may assist improvements in a number of important areas, including ART dosing and monitoring; adherence assessment and assurance; and disclosure. Clinical mentoring may be a valuable tool in scale-up of quality paediatric HIV care-and-treatment outside specialised centres. Further study will help refine approaches to clinical mentoring, including assuring mentoring translates into improved clinical outcomes for HIV-infected children."ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",BOTSWANA,"clinical mentoring",EFFECTIVENESS,"paediatric HIV",ADHERENCE,ADOLESCENTS,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",DISCLOSURE,EXPERIENCE,HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS,"INFECTED CHILDREN",MANAGEMENT,PERSPECTIVES,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA"NoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84899795687Evaluation of the mosquitocidal effect of Birbira (Mellitia ferruginea) seed extract against Anopheles arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae) from EthiopiaAndemo A., Yewhalaw D., Alemayehu B., Ambelu A.2014Acta Tropica136110.1016/j.actatropica.2014.04.016Bench Maji Zonal Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, Bench Maji Zone, Ethiopia; Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Bench Maji Zonal Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, Bench Maji Zone, Ethiopia; Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, EthiopiaAndemo, A., Bench Maji Zonal Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, Bench Maji Zone, Ethiopia; Yewhalaw, D., Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Alemayehu, B., Bench Maji Zonal Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, Bench Maji Zone, Ethiopia; Ambelu, A., Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, EthiopiaMosquito control using insecticides has been the most successful intervention known to reduce malaria prevalence and/or incidence. However, over time success has been hampered due to the development of resistance by mosquitoes against chemical insecticides recommended for public health use. Development of effective botanical mosquitocidal compounds however can be potential alternatives tool in malaria vector control. Thus, the present study aimed at investigating the mosquitocidal effect of "Birbira" (Mellitia ferruginea) seed extract against the primary malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis from Ethiopia. The mosquitocidal activity of M. ferruginea was assessed following WHO susceptibility test procedure. Methanol extract of M. ferruginea seeds was evaluated against third &amp; fourth instar larvae, pupae and, non-blood fed 3-5 days old laboratory strains and field populations of A. arabiensis under laboratory condition. Mortality was then recorded after 24h exposure. The seed extract of M. ferruginea showed high mosquitocidal activity against larvae, pupae and adult stages of both the laboratory strain and field population of A. arabiensis. The LC50 values for larvae and pupae population from a laboratory strains was, respectively, 14.7 and 41.33mg/L. While the LC50 values for the larvae and a pupa of the field population were, respectively, 30.88 and 74.54mg/L. In addition, the LC99 and LD99 values were also identified. The findings of this study indicated that, the extract could be applied on mosquito breeding sites. The plant extract could be also used for indoor residual sprays after conducting the persistency test. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.Bioassay; Botanicals; Ethiopia; Malaria; Mosquito; Vector controlinsecticide; Mellitia ferruginea extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; insecticide; plant extract; bioassay; disease control; disease vector; efficiency measurement; insecticide; malaria; mosquito; pesticide resistance; Anopheles arabiensis; article; berry; botany; controlled study; Ethiopia; evaluation research; IC 50; insecticidal activity; larval stage; malaria; Mellitia ferruginea; mortality; nonhuman; parasite vector; plant seed; pupa (life cycle stage); toxicity testing; animal; Anopheles; chemistry; drug effects; Fabaceae; Ethiopia; Animals; Anopheles; Fabaceae; Insecticides; Plant Extracts; SeedsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77449153568Formulation of annatto feed concentrate for layers and the evaluation of egg yolk color preference of consumersOfosu I.W., Appiah-Nkansah E., Owusu L., Apea-Bah F.B., Oduro I., Ellis W.O.2010Journal of Food Biochemistry34110.1111/j.1745-4514.2009.00264.xBiochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Kwabenya - Accra, GhanaOfosu, I.W., Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Appiah-Nkansah, E., Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Owusu, L., Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Apea-Bah, F.B., Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Kwabenya - Accra, Ghana; Oduro, I., Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Ellis, W.O., Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, GhanaNow a days, intensely farmed poultry eggs show almost no differences in egg yolk and albumin compared with domestic layers. Annatto shrub grows rapidly to produce seeds coated with bixin and norbixin dyes which are used to color foods requiring no limits according to codex standards because they are generally regarded as safe for food applications. In this research, annatto concentrate prepared at 1:1 feed to annatto seeds was applied at 1, 4, 7 and 10% over 8 months. The results show that such feeds had no effect on the egg size (P > 0.05) (mean = 62.25 g) as well as proximate composition of feed and flavor of the resulting egg yolks, while rate of application of concentrate show significant (P < 0.05) effect on overall preference of egg yolk of layers fed up to 7%. It is recommended that annatto concentrate can be applied at 1% to give generally acceptable color intensity. © 2010, The Author(s) Journal compilation © 2010, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84905995470Evaluation and quantification of the contributions of damaged shea kernels to the quality of Nigerian shea butterObibuzor J.U., Abigor R.D., Omamor I.B., Omoriyekemwen V.O., Okunwaye T., Okogbenin E.A.2014International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation4110.1504/IJPTI.2014.064140Biochemistry Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, PMB 1030, Benin City, Nigeria; Pathology Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, PMB 1030, Benin City, NigeriaObibuzor, J.U., Biochemistry Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, PMB 1030, Benin City, Nigeria; Abigor, R.D., Biochemistry Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, PMB 1030, Benin City, Nigeria; Omamor, I.B., Pathology Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, PMB 1030, Benin City, Nigeria; Omoriyekemwen, V.O., Biochemistry Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, PMB 1030, Benin City, Nigeria; Okunwaye, T., Biochemistry Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, PMB 1030, Benin City, Nigeria; Okogbenin, E.A., Biochemistry Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, PMB 1030, Benin City, NigeriaThe objective of the research was to characterise the quality of shea kernel that is whole and intact (WSK), bruised (BSK), and microbial and pest (MPSK) and, to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of the extracted butter in order to partition the contributions of the spoilt kernels to the overall butter quality. The study was performed using shea nuts from Kutigi, Bida, Nigeria. Proximate composition, physico-chemical and fatty acid composition were determined using standard methods of analysis on the whole kernel and the extracted butter. The lipid content was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in WSK (52.44%) relative to BSK (41.99%) and MPSK (39.80%). The study indicated that MSPK made the highest contribution in lowering the shea butter quality by 30%-50%. There was no significant difference in the fatty acid composition of the three sample categories. The free fatty acid, acid value, peroxide value and anisidine value were 3.4, 3.4, 5 and 3 times higher in MPSK than in BSK respectively. This study recommends that the shea kernel processors should sort the shea kernels into three categories and process them correspondingly to yield three different grades and markets depending on period of storage. Overall, the spoilage process in stored shea kernel significantly affects the chemical quality of butter and this study has revealed numerically the degree. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.Butter; Fatty acids; Microbial; Nigeria; Postharvest.; Proximate composition; Quality; Shea kernelNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84906545171The evaluation of pioneering bioethanol projects in nigeria following the announcement and implementation of the nigerian biofuel policy and incentivesOhimain E.I.2015Energy Sources, Part B: Economics, Planning and Policy10110.1080/15567249.2010.512904Bioenergy and Environmental Biotechnology Unit, Biological Science Department, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, 560001 Bayelsa State, NigeriaOhimain, E.I., Bioenergy and Environmental Biotechnology Unit, Biological Science Department, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, 560001 Bayelsa State, NigeriaNigeria has joined the bioenergy production bandwagon in an attempt to reduce fossil fuel consumption, decentralize its energy sources and increase the renewable and cleaner energy share of the nations energy consumption. Following the release and implementation of the Nigerian Biofuel Policy and Incentives, 20 new bioethanol projects have commenced with an additional 13 projects in the offing. These projects qualify to be accorded pioneer status and its attendant benefits because they are directly involved in the production of fuel ethanol from locally sourced biomass feedstocks. We examined the projects based on the nominal ethanol yield from the various feedstocks and found that some of the projects were misevaluated in terms of feedstock requirement to produce the desired ethanol output. In such instances, we provided a more realistic estimate, which the project proponents could adapt in order to meet the designed ethanol production output. This study provided the very first attempt to evaluate pioneering bioethanol projects in Nigeria. Such information is typically not available in public domains in Nigeria. The study also highlighted the importance of policy for the promotion of biofuel, and actualization of environmental and sustainable development goals. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.bioethanol; biofuel policy; biorefineries; incentives; pioneerBiomass; Energy utilization; Ethanol; Feedstocks; Bioenergy productions; Biofuel policies; Biomass feedstock; Biorefineries; Cleaner energies; Ethanol production; incentives; pioneer; BioethanolNone
NoneNoneDevelopment and field evaluation of a synthetic mosquito lure that is more attractive than humansOkumu F.O., Killeen G.F., Ogoma S., Biswaro L., Smallegange R.C., Mbeyela E., Titus E., Munk C., Ngonyani H., Takken W., Mshinda H., Mukabana W.R., Moore S.J.2010PLoS ONE5110.1371/journal.pone.0008951Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Biological Sciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom; Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, NetherlandsOkumu, F.O., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Killeen, G.F., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, School of Biological Sciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom, Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Ogoma, S., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Biswaro, L., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Smallegange, R.C., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, Netherlands; Mbeyela, E., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Titus, E., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Munk, C., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Ngonyani, H., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Takken, W., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, Netherlands; Mshinda, H., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Mukabana, W.R., School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Moore, S.J., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, School of Biological Sciences, Durham University, Durham, United KingdomBackground: Disease transmitting mosquitoes locate humans and other blood hosts by identifying their characteristic odor profiles. Using their olfactory organs, the mosquitoes detect compounds present in human breath, sweat and skins, and use these as cues to locate and obtain blood from the humans. These odor compounds can be synthesized in vitro, then formulated to mimic humans. While some synthetic mosquito lures already exist, evidence supporting their utility is limited to laboratory settings, where long-range stimuli cannot be investigated. Methodology and Principal Findings: Here we report the development and field evaluation of an odor blend consisting of known mosquito attractants namely carbon dioxide, ammonia and carboxylic acids, which was optimized at distances comparable with attractive ranges of humans to mosquitoes. Binary choice assays were conducted inside a large-cage semi-field enclosure using attractant-baited traps placed 20 m apart. This enabled high-throughput optimization of concentrations at which the individual candidate attractants needed to be added so as to obtain a blend maximally attractive to laboratory-reared An. gambiae. To determine whether wild mosquitoes would also be attracted to this synthetic odor blend and to compare it with whole humans under epidemiologically relevant conditions, field experiments were conducted inside experimental huts, where the blend was compared with 10 different adult male volunteers (20-34 years old). The blend attracted 3 to 5 times more mosquitoes than humans when the two baits were in different experimental huts (10-100 metres apart), but was equally or less attractive than humans when compared side by side within same huts. Conclusion and Significance: This highly attractive substitute for human baits might enable development of technologies for trapping mosquitoes in numbers sufficient to prevent rather than merely monitor transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. © 2010 Okumu et al.Noneammonia; carbon dioxide; carboxylic acid; adult; article; controlled study; field experiment; human; male; mosquito; nonhuman; odor; Animals; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Mosquito ControlNone
NoneNoneImpact of promoting longer-lasting insecticide treatment of bed nets upon malaria transmission in a rural Tanzanian setting with pre-existing high coverage of untreated netsRussell T.L., Lwetoijera D.W., Maliti D., Chipwaza B., Kihonda J., Charlwood J.D., Smith T.A., Lengeler C., Mwanyangala M.A., Nathan R., Knols B.G., Takken W., Killeen G.F.2010Malaria Journal9110.1186/1475-2875-9-187Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology and Marine Biology, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; DBL Centre for Health Research and Development, 57 Thorvaldensvej, Fredriksberg -C, DK 1870, Denmark; Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland; Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS Academic Medical Center, F4-217, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 8031, 6700 EH, Wageningen, NetherlandsRussell, T.L., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom, Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Lwetoijera, D.W., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Department of Zoology and Marine Biology, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Maliti, D., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Chipwaza, B., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Kihonda, J., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Charlwood, J.D., DBL Centre for Health Research and Development, 57 Thorvaldensvej, Fredriksberg -C, DK 1870, Denmark; Smith, T.A., Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland; Lengeler, C., Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland; Mwanyangala, M.A., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Nathan, R., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Knols, B.G., Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS Academic Medical Center, F4-217, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Takken, W., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 8031, 6700 EH, Wageningen, Netherlands; Killeen, G.F., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom, Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, CH 4002, SwitzerlandBackground. The communities of Namawala and Idete villages in southern Tanzania experienced extremely high malaria transmission in the 1990s. By 2001-03, following high usage rates (75% of all age groups) of untreated bed nets, a 4.2-fold reduction in malaria transmission intensity was achieved. Since 2006, a national-scale programme has promoted the use of longer-lasting insecticide treatment kits (consisting of an insecticide plus binder) co-packaged with all bed nets manufactured in the country. Methods. The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) was estimated through monthly surveys in 72 houses randomly selected in each of the two villages. Mosquitoes were caught using CDC light traps placed beside occupied bed nets between January and December 2008 (n = 1,648 trap nights). Sub-samples of mosquitoes were taken from each trap to determine parity status, sporozoite infection and Anopheles gambiae complex sibling species identity. Results. Compared with a historical mean EIR of ∼1400 infectious bites/person/year (ib/p/y) in 1990-94; the 2008 estimate of 81 ib/p/y represents an 18-fold reduction for an unprotected person without a net. The combined impact of longer-lasting insecticide treatments as well as high bed net coverage was associated with a 4.6-fold reduction in EIR, on top of the impact from the use of untreated nets alone. The scale-up of bed nets and subsequent insecticidal treatment has reduced the density of the anthropophagic, endophagic primary vector species, Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto, by 79%. In contrast, the reduction in density of the zoophagic, exophagic sibling species Anopheles arabiensis was only 38%. Conclusion. Insecticide treatment of nets reduced the intensity of malaria transmission in addition to that achieved by the untreated nets alone. Impacts were most pronounced against the highly anthropophagic, endophagic primary vector, leading to a shift in the sibling species composition of the A. gambiae complex. © 2010 Russell et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Noneinsecticide; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles gambiae; article; bed net; controlled study; Culex; female; household; human; inoculation; insect bite; malaria; mosquito; nonhuman; parity; scale up; sibling; species composition; species identification; sporozoite; Tanzania; animal; Anopheles; classification; demography; disease transmission; feeding behavior; malaria; methodology; mosquito; parasitology; retrospective study; rural population; time; zoology; Animals; Anopheles; Entomology; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Insecticides; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Residence Characteristics; Retrospective Studies; Rural Population; Tanzania; Time FactorsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84920903920Computational analysis of the radial mechanical performance of PLLA coronary artery stentsPauck R.G., Reddy B.D.2015Medical Engineering and Physics37110.1016/j.medengphy.2014.09.014Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa; Centre for Research in Computational and Applied Mechanics (CERECAM), UCT, South AfricaPauck, R.G., Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa, Centre for Research in Computational and Applied Mechanics (CERECAM), UCT, South Africa; Reddy, B.D., Centre for Research in Computational and Applied Mechanics (CERECAM), UCT, South AfricaStents have been an effective tool to restore and maintain the patency of narrowed blood vessels, but they must have sufficient radial strength. Biodegradable stent materials have substantially lower mechanical properties than permanent stents. The stent geometry and material properties must be considered simultaneously when assessing stent performance. Material tests were performed to determine the mechanical characteristics of high-molecular-weight poly- l-lactic acid (PLLA). The results were used to calibrate an anisotropic elastic-plastic material model. Three distinct geometries were analysed with a range of material stiffness values in a finite element analysis to investigate their comparative effect on the radial strength, recoil, and radial stiffness. The performance of the different geometries varies substantially, with one particular geometry, with the highest material stiffness of 9. GPa, exceeding the desired radial strength of 300. mmHg. © 2014 IPEM.Finite element analysis; Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA); Radial strength; StentBiomaterials; Blood vessels; Elastoplasticity; Geometry; Lactic acid; Mechanical properties; Organic polymers; Polymer blends; Stents; Stiffness; Strength of materials; Biodegradable stents; Computational analysis; High molecular weight; Mechanical characteristics; Mechanical performance; Poly L lactic acid; Radial strength; Stent; Finite element method; polylactic acid; lactic acid; polylactic acid; polymer; anisotropy; Article; biodegradability; biomechanics; calibration; coronary stenting; elasticity; finite element analysis; geometry; mathematical analysis; mechanical torsion; molecular weight; performance; physical parameters; proton radiation; radial stiffness; radial strength; simulation; stress strain relationship; tensile strength; biodegradable implant; blood vessel prosthesis; computer simulation; coronary blood vessel; device failure analysis; prosthesis; stent; theoretical model; Young modulus; Absorbable Implants; Anisotropy; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Calibration; Computer Simulation; Coronary Vessels; Elastic Modulus; Equipment Failure Analysis; Finite Element Analysis; Lactic Acid; Models, Theoretical; Polymers; Prosthesis Design; Stents; Tensile StrengthNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84893667565Evaluation of the in vitro interaction of amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole antibiotics against resistant bacterial strainsOlajuyigbe O.O., Oyedeji O., Adedayo O.2014Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science4110.7324/JAPS.2014.40116Biosciences and Biotechnology Department, Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, Nigeria; Phytomedicine Research Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, Eastern Cape, South AfricaOlajuyigbe, O.O., Biosciences and Biotechnology Department, Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, Nigeria, Phytomedicine Research Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Oyedeji, O., Biosciences and Biotechnology Department, Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, Nigeria; Adedayo, O., Biosciences and Biotechnology Department, Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, NigeriaThe in vitro combination effects of amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole on clinical isolates was investigated using the agar diffusion and macrobroth dilution methods. The results showed that these organisms had varied susceptibility to the different concentrations of each of these antibiotics and their combinations. The susceptibility of the isolates to the antibacterial combinations showed that they were susceptible in the following order: Streptococcus pyogenes (TD2) > Streptococcus pyogenes (TD10) > Streptococcus pneumoniae (TE10) > Salmonella typhi (TC6) > Salmonella typhi (TC2). The macrobroth assay showed a drastic reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentrations of both antibiotics. While the MIC of amoxicillin ranged between 0.1202 and 0.4808 μg/ml and that of cotrimoxazole ranged between 0.2405 and 0.9619 μg/ml, the MIC of the antibacterial combinations ranged between 0.00305 and 0.0150 μg/ml. A statistical analysis of the zones of inhibitions produced by the antibiotics and their combinations indicated that the mean differences between the zones of inhibitions were significantly diverse. This study showed that there was synergistic interaction between amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole in vitro and could be an alternative choice of therapy for the treatment of streptococcal and gastrointestinal infections in which these organisms have been implicated. © 2014 Olufunmiso Olusola Olajuyigbe et al.Antibacterial combinations; Antibiotics; Bacteria; Drug-drug interaction; SynergyNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-81055157615Investigating the performance of thermonebulisation fungicide fogging system for loaded fruit storage room using CFD modelDelele M.A., Vorstermans B., Creemers P., Tsige A.A., Tijskens E., Schenk A., Opara U.L., Nicolaï B.M., Verboven P.2012Journal of Food Engineering109110.1016/j.jfoodeng.2011.09.030BIOSYST-MeBioS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Proefcentrum Fruitteelt, Fruittuinweg 1, 3800 Sint-Truiden, Belgium; Flanders Centre of Postharvest Technology, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; South African Research Department in Postharvest Technology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South AfricaDelele, M.A., BIOSYST-MeBioS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium, South African Research Department in Postharvest Technology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Vorstermans, B., Proefcentrum Fruitteelt, Fruittuinweg 1, 3800 Sint-Truiden, Belgium; Creemers, P., Proefcentrum Fruitteelt, Fruittuinweg 1, 3800 Sint-Truiden, Belgium; Tsige, A.A., BIOSYST-MeBioS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Tijskens, E., BIOSYST-MeBioS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Schenk, A., Flanders Centre of Postharvest Technology, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Opara, U.L., South African Research Department in Postharvest Technology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Nicolaï, B.M., BIOSYST-MeBioS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium, Flanders Centre of Postharvest Technology, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Verboven, P., BIOSYST-MeBioS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, BelgiumTo study the operation of postharvest storage fungicide fogging systems, a CFD model was used. The modelling was based on an Eulerian-Lagrangian multiphase flow model. The effect of air circulation rate, circulation interval, bin design, stacking pattern and room design on deposition of fungicide was investigated. Air circulation rates of 0 m3 h-1 (no circulation), 2100 and 6800 m3 h-1 were used. Interval circulation of air was also investigated. The highest fungicide deposition was observed during fogging without circulation while the lowest deposition corresponded to fogging with the highest circulation rate. For the considered on/off combination times, the effect of circulation interval on overall average deposition and uniformity was not significantly different from the case of fogging with continuous air circulation. Bin with higher vent hole ratio and the presence of air deflector increased the amount and uniformity of deposition. Good agreement was found between measured and predicted results of deposition of fungicide particles. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Aerosol; Airflow; Apple; CFD; Cold storage; PyrimethanilAir circulation; Air deflectors; Airflow; Apple; Bin design; CFD models; Circulation rates; Fogging system; Fruit storage; Multi-phase flow models; Post-harvest storage; Pyrimethanil; Stacking patterns; Aerosols; Air; Bins; Cold storage; Computational fluid dynamics; Deposition; Fruits; Fungicides; Multiphase flow; Fog dispersal; Malus x domesticaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77950118323The impact of Bioversity International's African Leafy Vegetables programme in KenyaGotor E., Irungu C.2010Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal28110.3152/146155110X488817Bioversity International, via dei Tre Denari, 472/a, Maccarese, Rome 00057, Italy; St Paul's University, Private Bag 00217, Limuru, KenyaGotor, E., Bioversity International, via dei Tre Denari, 472/a, Maccarese, Rome 00057, Italy; Irungu, C., St Paul's University, Private Bag 00217, Limuru, KenyaAn objective of Bioversity International is to promote income and food security by ensuring that agricultural biodiversity is conserved, characterised and used to improve productivity. The African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs) programme was initiated and implemented to meet this objective but no impact evaluation has been carried out since its conclusion. This study aims to evaluate the role played by Bioversity and its partners in the programme, and to assess the impact of the ALVs programme on the livelihoods of farmers in four regions of Kenya. The study used both primary and secondary data. Information from the survey was complemented by focus group discussions. To assess the role of Bioversity and its partners, all the partners were identified and interviewed. Bioversity was found to have ably acted as catalyst, facilitator and coordinator of the programme. Results also showed that production, consumption and marketing of ALVs had increased since 1997, women still dominated most of the ALVs activities, and those households that marketed ALVs were relatively better off than those that did not. © IAIA 2010.Agro-biodiversity; ALVs; Impact assessment; In-situ conservation; Kenya; Poverty alleviationagricultural production; biodiversity; food security; leafy vegetable; poverty alleviation; productivity; KenyaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84900016364Influence of soil fertility amendment practices on ex-situ utilisation of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and performance of maize and common bean in Kenyan HighlandsNyaga J., Jefwa J.M., Muthuri C.W., Okoth S.A., Matiru V.N., Wachira P.2014Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems171NoneBotany Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O Box 62000-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility-CIAT, P.O Box 30777, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 30197-001000 Nairobi, KenyaNyaga, J., Botany Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O Box 62000-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Jefwa, J.M., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility-CIAT, P.O Box 30777, Nairobi, Kenya; Muthuri, C.W., Botany Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O Box 62000-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Okoth, S.A., School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 30197-001000 Nairobi, Kenya; Matiru, V.N., Botany Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O Box 62000-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Wachira, P., School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 30197-001000 Nairobi, KenyaArbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) are important in agriculture and have received attention as they are considered a part of an active and diverse soil biological community essential for increasing the sustainability of agricultural systems. However, most of agricultural practices have a negative impact on AMF association and agricultural soils are AMF impoverished. Interventions to replenish AMF include re-introduction through inoculation or manipulation of existing AMF to increase density. A major problem with inoculation is that there is possible competition with native (indigenous) AMF species. Indigenous AMF will be more adapted to the soil environment than introduced strains but with conflicting results on the effects of AMF inoculation on crop yield, more field studies for different ecological areas are required. The objective of the study was to compare the effect of inoculating crops with indigenous AMF applied applied singly or combined with other Soil Fertility Amendment Practices (SFAP) on root colonisation and subsequent performance of maize (Zea mays L.) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Analysis was also done on the best soil amendment practice that encourages crop colonisation by AMF. This was tested under field experiment and compared with control treatment (no soil amendment practice) and three other soil fertility amendment practices used singly or in combination with AMF; (1) MAVUNO (macro- and micronutrients and secondary nutrients) fertilizer, and (2) Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) (3) cattle manure. Maize and bean performances were determined and compared between the treatments for a period of two consecutive seasons with the experiment replicated in two benchmark sites of Embu district (highlands of central Kenya) and Taita-Taveta district (coastal highlands). Soils at Embu have high soil pH than at Taita which results in low phosphorus levels and possible micronutrients deficiencies. Even though no significant differences were observed from root colonisation by AMF with application of SFAP, significant differences were observed at the crop yield. Bean crop was more responsive to AMF inoculation than maize in terms of yield. Combination of AMF inoculant with other organic and inorganic fertilizers resulted in higher crop yield compared to AMF applied singly. Thus, utilisation of indigenous AMF species has potential to constitute an environmentally friendly method of soil fertility amendment over time to improve maize and bean production potential of small-scale holders but consideration should be done on the local soil nutrients conditions, other soil fertility amendment practices in use and the targeted crop.Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Fungi; Colonisation intensity; Crop yield; Indigenous species; Inoculation; Soil fertility amendment practicesNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-43149102054Ecological engineering by a mega-grazer: White Rhino impacts on a south African savannaWaldram M.S., Bond W.J., Stock W.D.2008Ecosystems11110.1007/s10021-007-9109-9Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; Centre for Ecosystem Management, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, AustraliaWaldram, M.S., Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; Bond, W.J., Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; Stock, W.D., Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa, Centre for Ecosystem Management, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, AustraliaHerbivory can change the structure and spatial heterogeneity of vegetation. We ask whether all species of grazers in a savanna ecosystem can have this effect or whether megaherbivores (>1000 kg) have a 'special' role that cannot be replicated by other species of grazers. We performed a replicated landscape scale experiment that examined the effects of White Rhino on the grass sward, on other species of grazing mammals and on the movement of fire through the landscape. White Rhino maintained short grass ('lawn') patches in mesic areas (∼750 mm pa) with increases in grass sward height when they were removed. Other species of grazers were unable to maintain short grass communities when White Rhino were removed. In semi-arid areas (∼600 mm pa) other, smaller grazers were able to maintain short grass communities in the absence of White Rhino and sward height did not increase. White Rhino removals affected fire by increasing fuel loads and fuel continuity. This resulted in larger, less patchy fires. We propose that the White Rhino acts as an influential ecosystem engineer, creating and maintaining short grass swards, which alter habitat for other grazers and change the fire regime. These results indicate the existence of context-dependent facilitation between White Rhino and other grazers in mesic, but not in semi-arid, savannas. Such top down effects on the ecosystem may have been much more widespread before the extinction of large grazers in the Pleistocene. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.Ecosystem engineers; Facilitation; Fire; Grazing; Keystone species; Megaherbivores; Pleistocene extinctions; Savanna; White Rhinoecosystem engineering; experimental study; extinction; grass; grazing; herbivory; keystone species; Pleistocene; savanna; ungulate; wildfire; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; MammaliaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84891803931Evaluation of the false recent classification rates of multiassay algorithms in estimating HIV type 1 subtype C incidenceMoyo S., LeCuyer T., Wang R., Gaseitsiwe S., Weng J., Musonda R., Bussmann H., Mine M., Engelbrecht S., Makhema J., Marlink R., Baum M.K., Novitsky V., Essex M.2014AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses30110.1089/aid.2013.0055Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Division of Medical Virology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; National Health Laboratory and Botswana-Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana; National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa; R. Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, FL, United StatesMoyo, S., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Division of Medical Virology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; LeCuyer, T., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, United States; Wang, R., Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Gaseitsiwe, S., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Weng, J., Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Musonda, R., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Bussmann, H., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Mine, M., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, National Health Laboratory and Botswana-Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana; Engelbrecht, S., Division of Medical Virology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa; Makhema, J., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Marlink, R., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Baum, M.K., R. Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, FL, United States; Novitsky, V., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Essex, M., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United StatesLaboratory cross-sectional assays are useful for the estimation of HIV incidence, but are known to misclassify individuals with long-standing infection as recently infected. The false recent rate (FRR) varies widely across geographic areas; therefore, accurate estimates of HIV incidence require a locally defined FRR. We determined FRR for Botswana, where HIV-1 subtype C infection is predominant, using the BED capture enzyme immunoassay (BED), a Bio-Rad Avidity Index (BAI) assay (a modification of the Bio-Rad HIV1/2+O EIA), and two multiassay algorithms (MAA) that included clinical data. To estimate FRR, stored blood samples from 512 antiretroviral (ARV)-naive HIV-1 subtype C-infected individuals from a prospective cohort in Botswana were tested at 18-24 months postenrollment. The following FRR mean (95% CI) values were obtained: BED 6.05% (4.15-8.48), BAI 5.57% (3.70-8.0), BED-BAI 2.25% (1.13-4.0), and a combination of BED-BAI with CD4 (>200) and viral load (>400) threshold 1.43% (0.58-2.93). The interassay agreement between BED and BAI was 92.8% (95% CI, 90.1-94.5) for recent/long-term classification. Misclassification was associated with viral suppression for BED [adjusted OR (aOR) 10.31; p=0.008], BAI [aOR 9.72; p=0.019], and MAA1 [aOR 16.6; p=0.006]. Employing MAA can reduce FRR to <2%. A local FRR can improve cross-sectional HIV incidence estimates. © 2014, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.Noneadult; age; article; Botswana; CD4 lymphocyte count; classification algorithm; cohort analysis; enzyme immunoassay; female; follow up; gender; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (strain C); Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; major clinical study; male; middle aged; opportunistic infection; priority journal; virus load; young adult; algorithm; blood; classification; geography; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; incidence; pregnancy; prospective study; Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; Adult; Algorithms; Botswana; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Female; Geography; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-1; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Incidence; Male; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Viral LoadNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84880183631The impact of podoconiosis on quality of life in Northern EthiopiaMousley E., Deribe K., Tamiru A., Davey G.2013Health and Quality of Life Outcomes11110.1186/1477-7525-11-122Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom; School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Orthodox Christian Charities, Debre Markos, EthiopiaMousley, E., Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom; Deribe, K., Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tamiru, A., International Orthodox Christian Charities, Debre Markos, Ethiopia; Davey, G., Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, United KingdomBackground: Podoconiosis is one of the most neglected tropical diseases, which untreated, causes considerable physical disability and stigma for affected individuals. Little is known about the quality of life (QoL) of patients with podoconiosis. This study aimed to assess the QoL of patients with podoconiosis in comparison with healthy controls in Ethiopia.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2012, among 346 clinically confirmed adult patients with podoconiosis, and 349 healthy adult neighbourhood controls in Dembecha woreda (district) in northern Ethiopia. QoL was assessed using the validated Amharic version of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF) scale; in addition, mental health and stigma were assessed by the Kessler-10 scale and podoconiosis stigma scale respectively. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with QoL.Results: Patients with podoconiosis had significantly lower mean overall QoL than the controls (52.05 versus 64.39), and this was also true in all four sub domains (physical, psychological, social and environmental). Controls were 7 times more likely to have high (above median) QoL (Odds Ratio = 6.74, 95% Confidence Interval 4.62 to 9.84) than cases. Factors associated with lower QoL were: experiencing high levels of stigma, living in an urban area, being illiterate, having additional co-morbidities, and being unmarried. Mental illness was associated with lower scores in psychological and physical domains.Conclusions: Programs targeting podoconiosis interventions should include QoL as an indicator for monitoring progress. Interventions targeting improvement of QoL among patients with podoconiosis should address depression, stigma and other co-morbidities. © 2013 Mousley et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Elephantiasis; Ethiopia; Neglected tropical diseases; Podoconiosis; Quality of lifeadult; article; comorbidity; comparative study; controlled study; cross-sectional study; Ethiopia; female; human; major clinical study; male; mental disease; mental health; outcome assessment; podoconiosis; quality of life; questionnaire; scoring system; stigma; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cost of Illness; Cross-Sectional Studies; Elephantiasis; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Young Adult099876, Wellcome Trust; 091956, Wellcome Trust
WoSWOS:000262517900008The impact of distance of residence from a peripheral health facility on pediatric health utilisation in rural western KenyaAdazu, Kubaje,Audi, Allan,Feikin, Daniel R.,Lindblade, Kim A.,Nguyen, Ly Minh,Ombok, Maurice,Slutsker, Laurence2009TROPICAL MEDICINE &amp; INTERNATIONAL HEALTH14110.1111/j.1365-3156.2008.02193.xCDC, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Kenya Govt Med Res CtrNoneTo explore the impact of distance on utilisation of peripheral health facilities for sick child visits in Asembo, rural western Kenya. As part of a demographic surveillance system (DSS), censuses of all households in the Asembo population of 55 000 are conducted three times a year, data are collected at all outpatient pediatric visits in seven DSS clinics in Asembo, and all households are GIS-mapped and linkable to a child's unique DSS identification number. Between May 1, 2003 and April 30, 2004, 3501 clinic visits were linked to 2432 children among 10 973 DSS-resident children &lt; 5 years of age. Younger children and children with more severe illnesses travelled further for clinic visits. The median distance travelled varied by clinic. The rate of clinic visits decreased linearly at 0.5 km intervals up to 4 km, after which the rate stabilised. Using Poisson regression, controlling for the nearest DSS clinic for each child, socio-economic status and maternal education, and accounting for household clustering of children, for every 1 km increase in distance of residence from a DSS clinic, the rate of clinic visits decreased by 34% (95% CI, 31-37%) from the previous kilometer. Achieving equity in access to health care for children in rural Kenya will require creative strategies to address a significant distance-decay effect in health care utilisation."access to care",DISTANCE,"health care utilisation",KENYA,ATTENDANCE,CHILDREN,DISTRICT,FEVERS,MALARIA,MORTALITY,SERVICESNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-67649118525Competitive strategy, environmental characteristics and performance in African emerging economies: Lessons from firms in GhanaAcquaah M., Adjei M.C., Mensa-Bonsu I.F.2008Journal of African Business9110.1080/15228910802052732Bryan School of Business and Economics, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, P.O. Box 26165, Greensboro, NC 27402, United States; Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Sunyani, Ghana; Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, GhanaAcquaah, M., Bryan School of Business and Economics, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, P.O. Box 26165, Greensboro, NC 27402, United States; Adjei, M.C., Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Sunyani, Ghana; Mensa-Bonsu, I.F., Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, GhanaThis paper examines the impact of the implementation of competitive strategy on organizational performance in response to economic liberalization policies using survey data from organizations in Ghana. We also examine how the perceived intensity of industry competition and industry sector moderate the relationship between competitive strategy and organizational performance. The results show that the implementation of the competitive strategies of low-cost, differentiation, and integrated low-cost and differentiation were all positively related to performance (return on assets and return on sales). We also find that both industry competition and industry sector moderate the relationship between differentiation strategy and return on assets. Moreover, industry competition moderates the relationships between both low-cost and differentiation strategies and return on sales. The results indicate that implementing a clearly defined competitive strategy is beneficial to organizations experiencing significant changes in the environment due to economic liberalization. The findings also suggest that while low-cost strategy is more beneficial to organizations in a highly competitive industry, differentiation strategy is more beneficial to firms in lowly competitive industry. At the same time, organizations in the manufacturing sector benefit more than those in the service sector when they implement the differentiation strategy. Managerial implications are presented. © 2008 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved.African emerging economies; Competitive strategy; Economic liberalization; Industry competition; Industry sector; Organizational performancecorporate strategy; economic policy; implementation process; industrial competition; industrial performance; industrial structure; manufacturing; Africa; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84897885776Evaluation of the resistance of German cultivars of maize and sorghum to Maize streak virusDrechsler N., Thieme T., Shepherd D.N., Schubert J.2014Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection1211NoneBTL Bio-Test Labor GmbH Sagerheide, Thünenplatz 1, 18190 Groß Lüsewitz, Germany; University of Cape Town, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; Julius Kuehn-Institute, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Erwin-Baur-Str. 27, 06484 Quedlinburg, GermanyDrechsler, N., BTL Bio-Test Labor GmbH Sagerheide, Thünenplatz 1, 18190 Groß Lüsewitz, Germany; Thieme, T., BTL Bio-Test Labor GmbH Sagerheide, Thünenplatz 1, 18190 Groß Lüsewitz, Germany; Shepherd, D.N., University of Cape Town, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; Schubert, J., Julius Kuehn-Institute, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Erwin-Baur-Str. 27, 06484 Quedlinburg, GermanyMaize streak virus (MSV) is the cause of one of the most devastating maize diseases in Africa. It is transmitted by leafhoppers of the genus Cicadulina. Due to the changing climate it is possible that species of this genus capable of transmitting MSV will become established and spread the virus in Europe. There is no data on the level of resistance of cultivars of European maize to MSV. The susceptibility of three maize and 15 sorghum cultivars, and Miscanthus × giganteus was investigated using agroinoculation with the virus. DAS-ELISA and a newly developed real time quantitative PCR was used to determine the concentration of virus. All three cultivars of maize were susceptible to MSV administered using agroinoculation, although there were significant differences in the levels of susceptibility. The 15 culti-vars of sorghum and Miscanthus were resistant to MSV. Transmission tests using Cicadulina mbila as the vector confirmed the resistance of two of the cultivars of sorghum and Miscanthus. Agroinoculation can only be carried out under S2 biosafety conditions. Therefore, the persistence of agro-bacteria in the plants was investigated. Five weeks after agroinoculation, the bacteria were no longer found in the above-ground parts of the plants, but still persisted in the roots of some plants. Transmission tests with an indigenous species of leafhopper, Psammotettix alienus, a vector of the related geminivirus Wheat dwarf virus, revealed that this species is not capable of transmitting MSV. Virus was found only in the body of these insects and not in their heads, which is necessary for persistent transmission through salivary glands. © Eugen Ulmer KG, Stuttgart.Agroinfection; Agroinoculation; Bioenergy crops; Climate change; Leafhoppers; Miscanthus; MSV; Realtime PCRbioenergy; biosafety; climate variation; cultivar; disease resistance; disease severity; disease transmission; energy crop; maize; polymerase chain reaction; real time; sorghum; viral disease; AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-60849092886The impact of shopping mall development on small township retailersLigthelm A.A.2008South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences111NoneBureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, South AfricaLigthelm, A.A., Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, South AfricaThe retail sector forms a critical element of a community's economic and social welfare. It provides people with choices and services. These choices were until recently very limited in township areas. The pre-1994 retail landscape was dominated by small, often informal businesses offering basic household necessities to relatively low income earners. This has resulted in township residents' preference to shop outside townships, known as 'outshopping'. Rapid income growth of township residents since 1994 resulted in a substantial increase in consumer expenditure in these areas, known as 'in-bound shopping'. This lucrative emerging market forms the last retail frontier in South Africa and is being explored by national retailers, especially supermarket chains. This article is aimed at establishing the impact of shopping mall development in townships on the traditional small township retailers including spaza/tuck shops. The net balance sheet on the impact of shopping mall development on small township retailers clearly suggests a decline in the township retailers' market share. A change in small business model towards, inter alia, effective customer service with a small dedicated assortment of merchandise, satisfaction of emergency needs, selling in small units and extension of credit facilities may result in the survival of some small township retailers (albeit often at a smaller turnover).NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-38349113448Enhancing Nigerian business students' interests and performance in office management through the cooperative learning approachKoko M.N.2007European Journal of Scientific Research191NoneBusiness Education Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, NigeriaKoko, M.N., Business Education Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, NigeriaThis study examined the effect of Cooperative Learning Approach (CLA) as an enhancement tool for Business students' interests and performance in Office Management in Nigeria. The sample consisted of 98 final-year students who offered BED 431 in the (2004/2005 academic session) selected through the simple random sampling technique and divided into control and experimental group using balloting. The OMIS and OMAT were the instruments used for data collection. The quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was adopted in the study. The results revealed that the experimental group, exposed to the Cooperative Learning Approach, exhibited higher interest and performance in Office Management than the Control group taught through the traditional method. It was therefore concluded that Cooperative Learning Approach enhances students' interest and performance and should therefore be adopted by educationists at all levels of education in Nigeria. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2007.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-61649093337In vitro evaluation of the viability of vaginal cells (VK2/E6E7) and probiotic Lactobacillus species in lemon juiceAnukam K.C., Reid G.2009Sexual Health6110.1071/SH08037Canadian Research and Development Centre for Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A4V2, Canada; Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, NigeriaAnukam, K.C., Canadian Research and Development Centre for Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A4V2, Canada, Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Nigeria; Reid, G., Canadian Research and Development Centre for Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A4V2, CanadaBackground: Women, especially in developing countries, most often bear the brunt of HIV infections. The continued lack of viable vaccines and microbicides has made some women resort to using natural products such as lemon or lime juice to avoid infection. Few in vitro studies have been done on the effect of lemon juice on vaginal cells and lactobacilli that constitute the major microbiota in healthy women. Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of lemon juice on the viability of vaginal cells (VK2/E6E7) and vaginal Lactobacillus species. Methods: Vaginal cells were exposed to different concentrations (0-30%) of lemon juice at pH 2.3 and 4.5 for 10min. Viability was determined by staining the cells with propidium iodide and analysing them by flow cytometry. Lactobacillus organisms were dispensed into microplates with vaginally defined medium+peptone (VDMP) containing different concentrations of lemon juice ranging from 0 to 100%. Results: Lemon juice at pH 2.3 had a significant (P=0.03) toxic effect on the vaginal cell line used. At 30% concentration, the vaginal cells were practically non-viable, typified by a 95% loss of viability, whereas at pH 4.5 there was only 5% cell loss. Lemon juice had varying growth inhibitory effects on the Lactobacillus species tested. At pH 4.5 and using 10-30% lemon juice, there was a stimulatory growth effect on certain Lactobacillus species. Conclusions: Lemon juice (20-30%) at pH 2.3 was highly toxic to VK2/E6E7 cells, and at pH 4.5 there was no significant effect on the viability of the cells within 10min. Lemon juice above 10% at pH 2.3 was found to be detrimental to the growth of vaginal lactobacilli. Although lemon juice may be useful in other applications, its use in the vaginal region should be discouraged. © CSIRO 2009.Bacteria; HIV; Lemon juice; Microbicidespropidium iodide; article; bacterial growth; cell viability; clinical evaluation; concentration response; controlled study; female; flow cytometry; growth inhibition; human; human cell; in vitro study; Lactobacillus; lemon juice; pH measurement; vagina flora; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Beverages; Cells, Cultured; Citrus aurantiifolia; Female; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lactobacillus; Species Specificity; VaginaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-59849092365The impact of community based rehabilitation as implemented by community rehabilitation facilitators on people with disabilities, their families and communities within South AfricaChappell P., Johannsmeier C.2009Disability and Rehabilitation31110.1080/09638280802280429CBR Education and Training for Empowerment (CREATE), Pietermaritzburg, South AfricaChappell, P., CBR Education and Training for Empowerment (CREATE), Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Johannsmeier, C., CBR Education and Training for Empowerment (CREATE), Pietermaritzburg, South AfricaPurpose. To find out the impact of community based rehabilitation (CBR) as implemented by mid-level rehabilitation workers known as community rehabilitation facilitators (CRFs) on people with disabilities (PWD), their families and the communities in South Africa. Method. A qualitative research design was used with an emphasis on participatory methods with PWD and their family members. Data collection took the form of individual interviews, focus groups and transects walks in both urban and rural settings within six provinces of South Africa. Results. Although CRFs work with individuals, groups, families and the community, they appear to have had a stronger impact on individuals with disabilities rather than the community at large. Various gaps were also identified and were related to the poor recognition of the scope of practice of CRFs as well as to individual CRFs abilities to carry out certain tasks. Conclusions. Although the results suggest that CRFs have had a positive impact, there are still a number of issues that need to be addressed. These include proper support of CRFs and intersectoral collaboration between government departments to ensure the future of CBR in South Africa.Community based rehabilitation; Mid-level rehabilitation workers; South AfricaCommunity Health Services; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disabled Persons; Focus Groups; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Patient Participation; Professional-Patient Relations; Self Efficacy; South AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84891623832The impact of malaria in pregnancy on changes in blood pressure in children during their first year of lifeAyoola O.O., Omotade O.O., Gemmell I., Clayton P.E., Cruickshank J.K.2014Hypertension63110.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113.02238Cardiovascular Sciences and Paediatric Endocrinology Groups, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; King's College and King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom; Child Health, College of MediAyoola, O.O., Cardiovascular Sciences and Paediatric Endocrinology Groups, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom, Child Health and Paediatric Endocrinology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Omotade, O.O., Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Gemmell, I., Department of Primary Care and Biostatistics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Clayton, P.E., Child Health and Paediatric Endocrinology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cruickshank, J.K., King's College and King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom, Cardiovascular Medicine Group, Division of Diabetes and Nutrition, King's College and King's Health Partners, 150 Stamford St, London SE1 9RN, United KingdomWe established a maternal birth cohort in Ibadan, Nigeria, where malaria is hyperendemic, to assess how intrauterine exposure to malaria affected infant blood pressure (BP) development. In a local maternity hospital, healthy pregnant women had regular blood films for malaria parasites from booking to delivery. Growth and BP were measured on 318 babies, all followed from birth to 3 and 12 months. Main outcomes were standardized measures of anthropometry and change in BP to 1 year. Babies exposed to maternal malaria were globally smaller at birth, and boys remained smaller at 3 months and 1 year. Change in systolic BP (SBP) during the year was greater in boys than in girls (20.9 versus 15.7 mm Hg; P=0.002) but greater in girls exposed to maternal malaria (18.7 versus 12.7 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, 1-11 mm Hg; P=0.02). Eleven percent of boys (greater than twice than expected) had a SBP ≥95th percentile (hypertensive, US criteria), of whom 68% had maternal malaria exposure. On regression analysis (β coefficients, mm Hg), sex (boys>girls; β=4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-7.7; P=0.01), maternal malaria exposure (3.64; 0.3-6.9; P=0.03), and weight change (2.4; 0.98-3.8/1 standard deviation score; P=0.001) all independently increased SBP change to 1 year, whereas increase in length decreased SBP (-1.98; -3.6 to -0.40). In conclusion, malaria-exposed boys had excess hypertension, whereas malaria-exposed girls a greater increase in SBP. Intrauterine exposure to malaria had sex-dependent effects on BP, independent of infant growth. Because infant-child-adult BP tracking is powerful, a malarial effect may contribute to the African burden of hypertension. © 2013 American Heart Association, Inc.Child development; Malaria; Pregnancypyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; adult; anthropometry; article; birth; blood; blood pressure; blood pressure measurement; child development; clinical assessment; cohort analysis; controlled study; delivery; environmental exposure; female; hospital; human; hypertension; infant; major clinical study; malaria; male; middle aged; Nigeria; outcome assessment; Plasmodium; Plasmodium falciparum; pregnant woman; prevalence; priority journal; sex difference; systolic blood pressure; weight change; young adult; child development; malaria; pregnancy; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Blood Pressure; Child Development; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Infant; Malaria; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Sex FactorsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84942190785The effect of performance-based financing on illness, care-seeking and treatment among children: An impact evaluation in RwandaSkiles M.P., Curtis S.L., Basinga P., Angeles G., Thirumurthy H.2015BMC Health Services Research15110.1186/s12913-015-1033-7Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Global Health Program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Rwanda Biomedical Center, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda; Department Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesSkiles, M.P., Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Curtis, S.L., Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Basinga, P., Global Health Program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda; Angeles, G., Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Thirumurthy, H., Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, Department Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesBackground: Performance-based financing (PBF) strategies are promoted as a supply-side, results-based financing mechanism to improve primary health care. This study estimated the effects of Rwanda's PBF program on less-incentivized child health services and examined the differential program impact by household poverty. Methods: Districts were allocated to intervention and comparison for PBF implementation in Rwanda. Using Demographic Health Survey data from 2005 to 2007-08, a community-level panel dataset of 5781 children less than 5 years of age from intervention and comparison districts was created. The impacts of PBF on reported childhood illness, facility care-seeking, and treatment received were estimated using a difference-in-differences model with community fixed effects. An interaction term between poverty and the program was estimated to identify the differential effect of PBF among children from poorer families. Results: There was no measurable difference in estimated probability of reporting illness with diarrhea, fever or acute respiratory infections between the intervention and comparison groups. Seeking care at a facility for these illnesses increased over time, however no differential effect by PBF was seen. The estimated effect of PBF on receipt of treatment for poor children is 45 percentage points higher (p∈=∈0.047) compared to the non-poor children seeking care for diarrhea or fever. Conclusions: PBF, a supply-side incentive program, improved the quality of treatment received by poor children conditional on patients seeking care, but it did not impact the propensity to seek care. These findings provide additional evidence that PBF incentivizes the critical role staff play in assuring quality services, but does little to influence consumer demand for these services. Efforts to improve child health need to address both supply and demand, with additional attention to barriers due to poverty if equity in service use is a concern. © 2015 Skiles et al.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-40949099573Evaluation of circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) strip for diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis in Hassoba school children, Afar, EthiopiaAyele B., Erko B., Legesse M., Hailu A., Medhin G.2008Parasite151NoneCarter Center-Ethiopia, P.O. Box 13373, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaAyele, B., Carter Center-Ethiopia, P.O. Box 13373, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Erko, B., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Legesse, M., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Hailu, A., Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Medhin, G., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaA total of 206 urine samples collected from Hassoba Elementary schoolchildren, Afar, Ethiopia, a low Schistosoma haematobium endemic setting, was diagnosed to evaluate the performance of CCA strip using double references, urine filtration technique and urinalysis dipstick (Combur 10 Test®] that detect schistosome eggs and blood in urine, respectively. The former was used as a gold standard reference method. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for the CCA were 52 %, 63.8 %, 56.7 % and 59 % respectively, with reference to urine filtration technique whereas these parameters were 50.4 %, 62.4 %, 55.6 % and 57.5 % respectively, with reference to Combur 10 Test®. 47 S. haematobium egg-positive children were found negative by CCA strip while 38 egg-negative children were found positive by CCA strip. Moreover, among the pre-tests done in duplicate, inconsistent results were also recorded. Assays were also compared with regard to the cost of equipment and reagents, speed and simplicity of use. Though CCA strip was found to be rapid and could be performed with minimal training, it was found to be expensive (US $ 4.95 per test) to use it for large-scale field use even if its diagnostic value would have been satisfactory. Further development and standardization of the CCA strip are required for its applicability for field use. It is also recommended that its cost per strip should be substantially cut down if it is to be used in poor schistosomiasis endemic countries.Circulating cathodic antigen strip; Diagnosis; Ethiopia; Urinary schistosomiasisCCA protein, Schistosoma mansoni; glycoprotein; helminth protein; parasite antigen; unclassified drug; adolescent; adult; animal; article; child; cost; economics; Ethiopia; female; filtration; human; isolation and purification; male; parasite identification; prediction and forecasting; preschool child; Schistosoma hematobium; sensitivity and specificity; test strip; urine; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Antigens, Helminth; Child; Child, Preschool; Costs and Cost Analysis; Ethiopia; Female; Filtration; Glycoproteins; Helminth Proteins; Humans; Male; Parasite Egg Count; Predictive Value of Tests; Reagent Strips; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Sensitivity and Specificity; Schistosoma; Schistosoma haematobiumNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84878542959The experimental evaluation and molecular dynamics simulation of a heat-enhanced transdermal delivery systemOtto D.P., De Villiers M.M.2013AAPS PharmSciTech14110.1208/s12249-012-9900-6Catalysis and Synthesis Research Group, Faculty of Natural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, United StatesOtto, D.P., Catalysis and Synthesis Research Group, Faculty of Natural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; De Villiers, M.M., School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, United StatesTransdermal delivery systems are useful in cases where preferred routes such as the oral route are not available. However, low overall extent of delivery is seen due to the permeation barrier posed by the skin. Chemical penetration enhancers and invasive methods that disturb the structural barrier function of the skin can be used to improve transdermal drug delivery. However, for suitable drugs, a fast-releasing transdermal delivery system can be produced by incorporating a heating source into a transdermal patch. In this study, a molecular dynamics simulation showed that heat increased the diffusivity of the drug molecules, resulting in faster release from gels containing ketoprofen, diclofenac sodium, and lidocaine HCl. Simulations were confirmed by in vitro drug release studies through lipophilic membranes. These correlations could expand the application of heated transdermal delivery systems for use as fast-release-dosage forms. © 2012 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.diffusion; heated patch; ketoprofen; molecular dynamics; transdermaldiclofenac; ketoprofen; lidocaine; article; chemical reaction; correlation analysis; diffusion; drug delivery system; drug release; experimental study; gel; heat; heating; in vitro study; lipophilicity; molecular dynamics; priority journal; skin conductance; skin penetration; transdermal patch; Administration, Cutaneous; Gels; Hot Temperature; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; PermeabilityNone
Scopus2-s2.0-13844272012Practical process for the air oxidation of cresols: Part B. evaluation of the laboratory-scale oxidation processBarton B., Logie C.G., Schoonees B.M., Zeelie B.2005Organic Process Research and Development9110.1021/op049844jCatalysis Research Unit, Faculty of Applied Science, Port Elizabeth Technikon, Private Bag X6011, Port Elizabeth 6000, South AfricaBarton, B., Catalysis Research Unit, Faculty of Applied Science, Port Elizabeth Technikon, Private Bag X6011, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Logie, C.G., Catalysis Research Unit, Faculty of Applied Science, Port Elizabeth Technikon, Private Bag X6011, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Schoonees, B.M., Catalysis Research Unit, Faculty of Applied Science, Port Elizabeth Technikon, Private Bag X6011, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Zeelie, B., Catalysis Research Unit, Faculty of Applied Science, Port Elizabeth Technikon, Private Bag X6011, Port Elizabeth 6000, South AfricaMechanistic proposals and predictions made in a preceding paper (Part A) were evaluated by carrying out the catalytic air oxidation of p-cresol in an alternative solvent system, comprising either a mixture of ethylene glycol and acetic acid (for oxidations under acidic conditions) or ethylene glycol and water (for oxidations under basic conditions). The results obtained in these experiments confirmed that ethylene glycol acts as a nucleophile in these solvent systems, thereby stabilizing the quinomethide intermediate and resulting in highly efficient oxidations in both alkaline and acidic media. 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, the desired product, was thus obtained in isolated yields of up to 98% and purities >99%. The inherent draw-backs associated with alkaline methanol and aqueous acetic acid solutions were thus circumvented, and the result is a highly efficient process for the production of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde.Noneacetic acid; cresol; ethylene glycol; quinone derivative; water; acidity; alkalinity; article; catalysis; chemical reaction; molecular mechanics; molecular stability; oxidation kinetics; prediction; reaction analysis; scale upNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84856697469Investigation into the use of short message services to expand uptake of human immunodeficiency virus testing, and whether content and dosage have impactDe Tolly K., Skinner D., Nembaware V., Benjamin P.2012Telemedicine and e-Health18110.1089/tmj.2011.0058Cell-Life, CPUT BARC Building, 80 Roeland St., Cape Town 8001, South Africa; Research on Health and Society, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South AfricaDe Tolly, K., Cell-Life, CPUT BARC Building, 80 Roeland St., Cape Town 8001, South Africa; Skinner, D., Research on Health and Society, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa; Nembaware, V., Cell-Life, CPUT BARC Building, 80 Roeland St., Cape Town 8001, South Africa; Benjamin, P., Cell-Life, CPUT BARC Building, 80 Roeland St., Cape Town 8001, South AfricaObjective: South Africa has one of the highest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence rates in the world, but despite the well-established benefits of HIV counseling and testing (HCT), there is low uptake of HCT. The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using short message services (SMSs) to encourage HCT while interrogating the impact of altering SMS content and dosage (the number of SMSs). Materials and Methods: About 2,533 participants were recruited via an SMS sent to 24,000 mobiles randomly sampled from a pre-existing database. Recruits were randomly allocated to four intervention groups that received 3 or 10 informational (INFO) or motivational (MOTI) SMSs, and a control group. After the intervention, participants were prompted to go for HCT, and postintervention assessment was done after 3 weeks. Results: In comparison with the control, receipt of 10 MOTI messages had the most impact on uptake of HCT with a 1.7-fold increased odds of testing (confidence interval 95%; p=0.0036). The lack of efficacy of three SMSs indicates a threshold effect, that is, a minimum number of MOTI SMSs is required. INFO SMSs, whether 3 or 10 were sent, did not have a statistically significant effect. The cost can be calculated for the marginal effect of the SMSs, that is, the cost to get people to test over and above those who were likely to test without the intervention. Use of 10 MOTI SMSs yielded a cost-per-tester of $2.41. Conclusions: While there are methodological issues apparent in our study, the results demonstrate the potential of SMSs to influence the uptake of HCT, the importance of appropriate content, and the need to determine a threshold for SMS-based interventions. These results indicate a potential for SMSs to be used more generally for interventions encouraging people to take health-related actions, and the need for further research in this field. The reasonable cost-per-tester is promising for the scale-up of such an intervention. © 2012 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.e-health; HIV; HIV testing; telecommunications; telehealthConfidence interval; Control groups; Ehealth; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Marginal effects; Prevalence rates; Scale-up; Short message services; South Africa; Telehealth; Threshold effect; Diseases; Medical computing; Telecommunication; Viruses; CostsNone
NoneNoneWastewater treatment performance efficiency of constructed wetlands in African countries: A reviewMekonnen A., Leta S., Njau K.N.2015Water Science and Technology71110.2166/wst.2014.483Center for Environmental Science, College of Natural Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 33348, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, TanzaniaMekonnen, A., Center for Environmental Science, College of Natural Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 33348, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Leta, S., Center for Environmental Science, College of Natural Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 33348, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Njau, K.N., Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, TanzaniaIn Africa, different studies have been conducted at different scales to evaluate wastewater treatment efficiency of constructed wetland. This paper aims to review the treatment performance efficiency of constructed wetland used in African countries. In the reviewed papers, the operational parameters, size and type of wetland used and the treatment efficiency are assessed. The results are organized and presented in six tables based on the type of wetland and wastewater used in the study. The results of the review papers indicated that most of the studies were conducted in Tanzania, Egypt and Kenya. In Kenya and Tanzania, different full-scale wetlands are widely used in treating wastewater. Among wetland type, horizontal subsurface flow wetlands were widely studied followed by surface flow and hybrid wetlands. Most of the reported hybrid wetlands were in Kenya. The results of the review papers indicated that wetlands are efficient in removing organic matter (biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand) and suspended solids. On the other hand, nutrient removal efficiency appeared to be low. © IWA Publishing 2015.Constructed wetland; Horizontal subsurface flow; Removal efficiency; Surface flowBiochemical oxygen demand; Chemical oxygen demand; Efficiency; Oxygen; Wastewater treatment; Constructed wetlands; Horizontal subsurface flow; Nutrient removal efficiency; Operational parameters; Removal efficiencies; Surface flow; Treatment performance; Wastewater treatment efficiencies; Wetlands; organic matter; phosphorus; surface water; constructed wetland; pollutant removal; sewage treatment; subsurface flow; surface flux; Africa; Article; biochemical oxygen demand; chemical oxygen demand; constructed wetland; nonhuman; nutrient loading; sludge dewatering; suspended particulate matter; waste water management; Egypt; Kenya; sewage; standards; Tanzania; wetland; Egypt; Kenya; Tanzania; Africa; Egypt; Kenya; Tanzania; Waste Disposal, Fluid; WetlandsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84858766258Early impacts of orphaning: Health, nutrition, and food insecurity in a cohort of school-going adolescents in South AfricaDeSilva M.B., Skalicky A., Beard J., Cakwe M., Zhuwau T., Quinlan T., Simon J.2012Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies7110.1080/17450128.2011.648968Center for Global Health and Development (CGHD), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Health Economics and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South AfricaDeSilva, M.B., Center for Global Health and Development (CGHD), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Skalicky, A., Center for Global Health and Development (CGHD), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Beard, J., Center for Global Health and Development (CGHD), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Cakwe, M., Health Economics and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Zhuwau, T., Health Economics and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Quinlan, T., Health Economics and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Simon, J., Center for Global Health and Development (CGHD), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United StatesWe recruited a cohort of 157 recent orphans and 480 non-orphans aged 9-15 in a region of high HIV/AIDS mortality in South Africa using stratified cluster sampling to determine the impact of recent parental death on health and food insecurity of school-going orphans compared to non-orphans over time. Between September 2004 and June 2007, household heads, caregivers, and children were interviewed at three annual intervals. Bivariate associations and multivariate models were assessed using generalized estimating equations (GEE). In the health domain, compared to non-orphans, double orphans were more likely to report worse health status and being very ill in the previous 12 months. For those who reported being very ill, maternal or paternal orphans were more than twice as likely not to seek care than non-orphans; no differences were found for double orphans. For nutrition and food insecurity, maternal or paternal orphans were more likely not to have eaten dinner and to have gone to bed hungry the previous night compared to non-orphans; no differences were found for double orphans. Overall, recent school-aged orphans were disadvantaged in health and food insecurity within two years after the death of a parent, compared to their non-orphaned counterparts, but the disparities were smaller than expected. No changes in health, nutritional status, or food insecurity were apparent over the three study rounds. Longer term effects into adulthood may well be more pronounced and warrant careful longitudinal investigation. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.food insecurity; health; nutrition; orphans; South AfricaNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-23944490137Through the magnifying glass: A descriptive theoretical analysis of the possible impact of the South African higher education policies on academic staff and their job satisfactionMapesela M., Hay H.R.2005Higher Education50110.1007/s10734-004-6358-9Center for Higher Education Studies and Development, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 4345, Bloemfontein, South AfricaMapesela, M., Center for Higher Education Studies and Development, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 4345, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Hay, H.R., Center for Higher Education Studies and Development, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 4345, Bloemfontein, South AfricaThis article provides a descriptive theoretical analysis of the most important higher education policies and initiatives which were developed by the democratically elected government of South Africa after 1994 to transform the South African higher education system. The article sheds light on the rationale for the policies under scrutiny; how they take cognisance of academics' diverse needs; as well as how their implementation is bound to affect academics and possibly influence job satisfaction. The article argues that the South African higher education fraternity, currently overwhelmed by mammoth change initiatives, is simultaneously faced with two processes, namely transforming the socio-political state of the country, as well as transformation to respond to national higher education policy imperatives. Seemingly South African policy-makers, in their attempts to break away from the past, are oblivious of the realities of thorough policy implementation and do not take the voluminous nature of policies into consideration as an inhibiting factor. Undoubtedly this could have adverse effects for academic staff who are expected to propel change and transformation, but who are oftentimes confronted with the complexities of implementation which entail among others, dealing with cumbersome procedures, processes, bureaucratic structures as well as increasing workloads. © Springer 2005.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84887081737Impact of housing condition on indoor-biting and indoor-resting Anopheles arabiensis density in a highland area, central EthiopiaAnimut A., Balkew M., Lindtjørn B.2013Malaria Journal12110.1186/1475-2875-12-393Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaAnimut, A., Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Balkew, M., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Lindtjørn, B., Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, NorwayBackground: Exposure of individuals to malaria infection may depend on their housing conditions as houses serve as biting and resting places of vectors. This study describes the association of housing conditions with densities of indoor-biting and indoor-resting Anopheles arabiensis in Hobe, Dirama and Wurib villages of a highland area in central Ethiopia. Methods. Data on housing conditions, including presence of house apertures, number of occupants and number and the type of domestic animal tethered inside, were collected. Indoor-biting mosquitoes were sampled using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps and indoor-resting mosquitoes sampled with pyrethrum spray catches (PSCs) monthly for two years (July 2008 to June 2010). Female anophelines were identified to species and processed. Univariate and general linear estimating equation allowing for repeated measures were used to assess the contribution of housing conditions for indoor-biting and indoor-resting An. arabiensis. Results: About 96% (4,597/4,788) of anophelines were caught inside residential houses. Nine anopheline species were identified, among which An. arabiensis was most prevalent (2,489; 52%). Vectors entering houses were higher in those situated at low (β = 4.475; 95% CI = 3.475-5.476; p <0.001; β = strength of the association) and medium (β = 2.850; 95% CI = 1.975-3.724; p <0.001) altitudes compared to high altitude, and where houses have no windows (β = -0.570; 95% CI = -1.047-0.094; p = 0.019) compared with those that have. Numbers of indoor-resting vectors were higher in those situated at low (β = 6.100; 95% CI = 4.571-7.629; p <0.001) and medium (β = 4.411; 95% CI = 2.284-6.537; p <0.001) altitudes compared to high altitudes, and where houses had open eaves (β =1.201; 95% CI = 0.704-1.698; p <0.001) compared with those that had closed eaves. Conclusion: Housing conditions such as presence of open eaves, absence of window, location at low and mid altitudes, were strong predictors of indoor exposure to An. arabiensis bite in a highland area of south-central Ethiopia. © 2013 Animut et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Noneaerosol; altitude; Anopheles arabiensis; article; bite; density; disease control; domestic animal; Ethiopia; housing; indoor biting; light; mosquito; nonhuman; pyrethrum; Animals; Anopheles; Ethiopia; Female; Housing; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Population DensityNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84937064907The feasibility, time savings and economic impact of a designated time appointment system at a busy HIV care clinic in Kenya: A randomized controlled trialKwena Z.A., Njoroge B.W., Cohen C.R., Oyaro P., Shikari R., Kibaara C.K., Bukusi E.A.2015Journal of the International AIDS Society18110.7448/IAS.18.1.19876Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United StatesKwena, Z.A., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Njoroge, B.W., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Cohen, C.R., Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Oyaro, P., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Shikari, R., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Kibaara, C.K., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Bukusi, E.A., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, KenyaIntroduction: As efforts are made to reach universal access to ART in Kenya, the problem of congestion at HIV care clinics is likely to worsen. We evaluated the feasibility and the economic benefits of a designated time appointment system as a solution to decongest HIV care clinics. Methods: This was an explanatory two-arm open-label randomized controlled trial that enrolled 354 consenting participants during their normal clinic days and followed-up at subsequent clinic appointments for up to nine months. Intervention arm participants were given specific dates and times to arrive at the clinic for their next appointment while those in the control arm were only given the date and had the discretion to decide on the time to arrive as is the standard practice. At follow-up visits, we recorded arrival and departure times and asked the monetary value of work participants engaged in before and after clinic. We conducted multiple imputation to replace missing data in our primary outcome variables to allow for intention-to-treat analysis; and analyzed the data using Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Overall, 72.1% of the intervention participants arrived on time, 13.3% arrived ahead of time and 14.6% arrived past scheduled time. Intervention arm participants spent a median of 65 [interquartile range (IQR), 52-87] minutes at the clinic compared to 197 (IQR, 173-225) minutes for control participants (p < 0.01). Furthermore, intervention arm participants were more productively engaged on their clinic days valuing their cumulative work at a median of USD 10.5 (IQR, 60.0-16.8) compared to participants enrolled in the control arm who valued their work at USD 8.3 (IQR, 5.5-12.9; p = 0.02). Conclusions: A designated time appointment system is feasible and provides substantial time savings associated with greater economic productivity for HIV patients attending a busy HIV care clinic. © 2015 Kwena ZA et al; licensee International AIDS Society.Clinic waiting time; Designated time appointment system; HIV care clinic; HIV patient; Kenyaadult; Article; controlled study; economics; female; follow up; health care system; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Kenya; major clinical study; male; open study; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; timeNone
NoneNoneStandardizing operational vector sampling techniques for measuring malaria transmission intensity: Evaluation of six mosquito collection methods in western KenyaWong J., Bayoh N., Olang G., Killeen G.F., Hamel M.J., Vulule J.M., Gimnig J.E.2013Malaria Journal12110.1186/1475-2875-12-143Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Atlanta, GA, United States; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Vector Group, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara, TanzaniaWong, J., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Atlanta, GA, United States; Bayoh, N., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Atlanta, GA, United States, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Olang, G., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Atlanta, GA, United States, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Killeen, G.F., Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Vector Group, Liverpool, United Kingdom, Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara, Tanzania; Hamel, M.J., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Atlanta, GA, United States, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Vulule, J.M., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Gimnig, J.E., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Atlanta, GA, United StatesBackground: Operational vector sampling methods lack standardization, making quantitative comparisons of malaria transmission across different settings difficult. Human landing catch (HLC) is considered the research gold standard for measuring human-mosquito contact, but is unsuitable for large-scale sampling. This study assessed mosquito catch rates of CDC light trap (CDC-LT), Ifakara tent trap (ITT), window exit trap (WET), pot resting trap (PRT), and box resting trap (BRT) relative to HLC in western Kenya to 1) identify appropriate methods for operational sampling in this region, and 2) contribute to a larger, overarching project comparing standardized evaluations of vector trapping methods across multiple countries. Methods. Mosquitoes were collected from June to July 2009 in four districts: Rarieda, Kisumu West, Nyando, and Rachuonyo. In each district, all trapping methods were rotated 10 times through three houses in a 3 × 3 Latin Square design. Anophelines were identified by morphology and females classified as fed or non-fed. Anopheles gambiae s.l. were further identified as Anopheles gambiae s.s. or Anopheles arabiensis by PCR. Relative catch rates were estimated by negative binomial regression. Results: When data were pooled across all four districts, catch rates (relative to HLC indoor) for An. gambiae s.l (95.6% An. arabiensis, 4.4% An. gambiae s.s) were high for HLC outdoor (RR = 1.01), CDC-LT (RR = 1.18), and ITT (RR = 1.39); moderate for WET (RR = 0.52) and PRT outdoor (RR = 0.32); and low for all remaining types of resting traps (PRT indoor, BRT indoor, and BRT outdoor; RR < 0.08 for all). For Anopheles funestus, relative catch rates were high for ITT (RR = 1.21); moderate for HLC outdoor (RR = 0.47), CDC-LT (RR = 0.69), and WET (RR = 0.49); and low for all resting traps (RR < 0.02 for all). At finer geographic scales, however, efficacy of each trap type varied from district to district. Conclusions: ITT, CDC-LT, and WET appear to be effective methods for large-scale vector sampling in western Kenya. Ultimately, choice of collection method for operational surveillance should be driven by trap efficacy and scalability, rather than fine-scale precision with respect to HLC. When compared with recent, similar trap evaluations in Tanzania and Zambia, these data suggest that traps which actively lure host-seeking females will be most useful for surveillance in the face of declining vector densities. © 2013 Wong et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae; CDC light trap; Human biting rate; Human landing catch; Ifakara tent trap; Mosquito sampling; Window exit trapadult; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae; article; box resting trap; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light trap; disease transmission; female; human; human landing catch; Ifakara tent trap; Kenya; malaria; male; morphology; nonhuman; parasite vector; polymerase chain reaction; pot resting trap; rural area; sampling; standardization; window exit trap; Adult; Animals; Child, Preschool; Culicidae; Disease Vectors; Entomology; Female; Humans; Infant; Kenya; Malaria; Male; Population DensityNone
WoSWOS:000304490600006A longitudinal evaluation of religiosity and psychosocial determinants of suicidal behaviors among a population-based sample in the United StatesAgbanu, Harry L. K.,Agbanu, Samuel Kwami,Diedhiou, Abdoulaye,Nkansah-Amankra, Stephen,Opoku-Adomako, Nana Serwaa,Twumasi-Ankrah, Philip2012JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS139110.1016/j.jad.2011.12.027Central Michigan University, University of Ghana, University of Kansas, University of Kansas Medical Center, University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina Columbia, University of South Carolina System, IntraHlth Int, Somerset Christian Coll"Agbanu, Harry L. K.: University of Ghana","Nkansah-Amankra, Stephen: Central Michigan University","Opoku-Adomako, Nana Serwaa: Central Michigan University","Twumasi-Ankrah, Philip: University of Kansas","Twumasi-Ankrah, Philip: University of Kansas Medical Center",Background: Relationships among religiosity and other psychosocial factors in determining suicidal behaviors in adolescence and in emerging adulthood have been inconclusive. We sought to investigate prospective relationships among religiosity, psychosocial factors and suicidal behaviors using a nationally representative sample of adolescents emerging into adulthood. Method: Analysis was based on 9412 respondents from four waves of National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. A Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) procedure was used to fit a series of models on the response variable (suicidal behaviors) and a set of psychosocial and religiosity predictors taking into account the correlated structure of the datasets. Results: Analyses showed that adolescent suicidality and religious activity participation showed significant declines over time. Using multinomial logistic regression we found that females showed statistically significant risks of suicidal behaviors, but this effect declined in adulthood. In adjusted models, baseline attendance of a church weekly was associated with 42% reduction (95% Confidence Interval: 0.35-0.98) of suicide ideation in Wave III. Across all waves, low support from fathers (compared with mothers) consistently explained variability in suicidal behaviors among genders emerging into adulthood. Limitations: Accurate measurement of religiosity is psychometrically challenging. Conclusions: The findings of the study indicate that religious activity participation is associated with reduced suicidal behaviors among adolescents but this effect declines during emerging adulthood. Psychosocial supports particularly from fathers' have an enduring impact on reduced suicidal behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults. Prevention, identification and evaluation of disorders of suicidality need a careful assessment of underlying mental pain (psyache) to reduce the likelihood of aggravated suicide. Published by Elsevier B.V."Private religiosity","Public religiosity",SPIRITUALITY,"SUICIDAL BEHAVIORS","AMERICAN ADOLESCENTS",DEPRESSION,DEVELOPMENTAL-TRENDS,GENDER-DIFFERENCES,INVOLVEMENT,MENTAL-HEALTH,"OLDER DUTCH CITIZENS",SELF-ESTEEM,SPIRITUALITY,"YOUNG ADULTHOOD"NoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77951691514The impact of upgrading roads on the conservation of the threatened flightless dung beetle, Circellum bacchus (F.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)Hayward M.W., Hayward G.J., Kerley G.I.H.2010Coleopterists Bulletin64110.1649/0010-065X-64.1.75Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031 Eastern Cape, South AfricaHayward, M.W., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031 Eastern Cape, South Africa; Hayward, G.J., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031 Eastern Cape, South Africa; Kerley, G.I.H., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031 Eastern Cape, South AfricaThe flightless dung beetle Circellum bacchus (Fabricius, 1781) is a unique, ectothermic dung beetle that is of conservation concern due to a massive decline in its distribution. Very little is known about its conservation ecology and the upgrade of roads in one of its last strongholds, South Africa's Addo Elephant National Park, led to concerns that road kill was threatening the population because drivers could not see the beetles due to their similar colour as the upgraded roads. We tested whether the upgraded, black, tar roads led to more road kills than the original sandy-red, gravel roads using counts of live and dead beetles along transects through similar habitats of the park. There was no significant difference between the number of live and dead dung beetles on the tar or gravel roads illustrating that the infrastructure improvements themselves are not threatening the persistence of the species. The high levels of vehicle-derived mortality along roads, however, suggest that road kills may be a threatening process with potentially 100,000 C. bacchus killed on roads annually (although 45,000 is a more conservative estimate). Further research is needed to ascertain whether this off-take is sustainable and to formulate mitigation measures.Addo Elephant National Park; Invertebrate conservation; Road ecology; Road kill; Threatening processesanthropogenic effect; beetle; ectothermy; flightlessness; habitat conservation; national park; population decline; species conservation; Addo Elephant National Park; Eastern Cape; South Africa; Coleoptera; Invertebrata; ScarabaeidaeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33645005227Using niche-based modelling to assess the impact of climate change on tree functional diversity in EuropeThuiller W., Lavorel S., Sykes M.T., Araújo M.B.2006Diversity and Distributions12110.1111/j.1366-9516.2006.00216.xCentre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France; Climate Change Research Group, Kirstenbosch Research Center, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/Bag x 7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa; Macroecology and Conservation Unit, University of Évora, Estrada dos Leões, 7000-730 Évora, Portugal; Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, CNRS, Université J. Fournier, BP 53X, 38041 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Geobiosphere Science Centre, Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystems Analysis, Lund University, Sölvegatan 12, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; Biodiversity Research Group, School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford University, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TB, United Kingdom; Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, CSIC, C/Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006, Madrid, SpainThuiller, W., Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France, Climate Change Research Group, Kirstenbosch Research Center, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/Bag x 7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa, Macroecology and Conservation Unit, University of Évora, Estrada dos Leões, 7000-730 Évora, Portugal, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, CNRS, Université J. Fournier, BP 53X, 38041 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Lavorel, S., Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, CNRS, Université J. Fournier, BP 53X, 38041 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Sykes, M.T., Geobiosphere Science Centre, Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystems Analysis, Lund University, Sölvegatan 12, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; Araújo, M.B., Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France, Macroecology and Conservation Unit, University of Évora, Estrada dos Leões, 7000-730 Évora, Portugal, Biodiversity Research Group, School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford University, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TB, United Kingdom, Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, CSIC, C/Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006, Madrid, SpainRapid anthropogenic climate change is already affecting species distributions and ecosystem functioning worldwide. We applied niche-based models to analyse the impact of climate change on tree species and functional diversity in Europe. Present-day climate was used to predict the distributions of 122 tree species from different functional types (FT). We then explored projections of future distributions under one climate scenario for 2080, considering two alternative dispersal assumptions: no dispersal and unlimited dispersal. The species-rich broadleaved deciduous group appeared to play a key role in the future of different European regions. Temperate areas were projected to lose both species richness and functional diversity due to the loss of broadleaved deciduous trees. These were projected to migrate to boreal forests, thereby increasing their species richness and functional diversity. Atlantic areas provided an intermediate case, with a predicted reduction in the numbers of species and occasional predicted gains in functional diversity. This resulted from a loss in species within the broadleaved deciduous FT, but overall maintenance of the group. Our results illustrate the fact that both species-specific predictions and functional patterns should be examined separately in order to assess the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and gain insights into future ecosystem functioning. © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.Climate change; Functional diversity; Niche-based models; Species richnessclimate change; ecosystem function; functional response; modeling; niche; species richness; Eurasia; EuropeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-55249101047Impact of land use on the biodiversity integrity of the moist sub-biome of the grassland biome, South AfricaO'Connor T.G., Kuyler P.2009Journal of Environmental Management90110.1016/j.jenvman.2007.10.012Centre for African Ecology, School of A.P.E.S., University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. WITS 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for Environmental Management, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South AfricaO'Connor, T.G., Centre for African Ecology, School of A.P.E.S., University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. WITS 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Kuyler, P., Centre for Environmental Management, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South AfricaSouth Africa's moist grassland harbours globally significant biodiversity, supplies essential ecosystem services, supports crop and livestock agriculture, forestry and settlement, yet is poorly conserved. Ongoing transformation and limited opportunity for expanding the protected area network require instead that biodiversity conservation is 'mainstreamed' within other land uses. This exercise sought to identify the relative compatibility of 10 land uses (conservation, livestock or game ranching, tourism/recreation, rural settlement, dryland cropping, irrigated cropping, dairy farming, plantation forestry, and urban settlement) with maintaining biodiversity integrity. This was assessed using 46 indicators for biodiversity integrity that covered landscape composition, structure, and functioning. Data was integrated into a single measure per land use through application of the analytic hierarchy process, with supporting information gained from interviews with experts. The rank order of importance amongst indicators was landscape structure, functioning and composition. Consistent differences among land uses for all three categories revealed two clear groupings. Conservation, livestock or game ranching had the lowest impact and retained substantial natural asset, while that for tourism/recreation was intermediate. All other land uses had a severe impact. Impact on biodiversity integrity depended mainly on the extent of transformation and fragmentation, which accounted for the greatest impact on habitats and species, and impairment of landscape functioning. It is suggested that a strategic intervention for maintaining biodiversity integrity of moist grassland is to support livestock or game ranching and limit ongoing urban sprawl. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Agriculture; Analytic hierarchy process; Biodiversity indicator; Ecosystem functioning; Forestry; Landscape; Livestockanalytical hierarchy process; biodiversity; bioindicator; biome; ecological impact; ecosystem function; ecosystem service; grassland; land use; article; conservation biology; controlled study; cropping system; dairying; environmental impact; environmental protection; grassland; habitat fragmentation; irrigation (agriculture); land use; landscape ecology; livestock; nonhuman; plantation; recreation; residential area; rural area; South Africa; species diversity; tourism; urban area; Agriculture; Animals; Biodiversity; Birds; Climate; Conservation of Natural Resources; Crops, Agricultural; Ecosystem; Environment; Forestry; Insects; Mammals; Poaceae; Soil; South Africa; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-34247530793Ten years hence - Has the South African choice on termination of Pregnant Act, Act 92 of 1996, realised its aims? A moral-critical evaluationde Roubaix M.2007Medicine and Law261NoneCentre for Applied Ethics, Department of Philosophy, University of Stellenbosch, West Cape, South Africade Roubaix, M., Centre for Applied Ethics, Department of Philosophy, University of Stellenbosch, West Cape, South AfricaThe South African Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (Act 92 of 1996) (CTOP) passed by parliament ten years ago, aims to promote female reproductive autonomy through legitimising free access to abortion up to 20 weeks' of gestation. The article critically evaluates CTOP and highlights three societal concerns: the effect of CTOP on the self-esteem of nurses who perform abortion; the effect on general societal morality, and its desirability. CTOP has enjoyed mixed success. On the plus side, it has furthered female reproductive autonomy, has decreased early pregnancy maternal mortality and has advanced non-racialism through equal access to safe abortion. On the minus side, it remains controversial; the majority of the population opposes abortion on request, predominantly based on religiously-informed intuitions on the value of ante-natal life. Officials and managers of public health care facilities are often obstructive, and TOP personnel victimised and socially stigmatised. An unacceptably high rate of unsafe abortion prevails, particularly in rural areas and amongst adolescents, but also in certain urban areas. The prime causes are inadequate public education, attitudinal problems, and lack of psychological support for TOP personnel, the segregation of ante-natal care and abortion services, inadequate training, research, communication and contraceptive services, absence of incentives for TOP personnel and "traditional" gender roles and male power-based domination in reproductive choices. Corrective measures include a goal directed educational programme and initiatives like value clarification workshops which have been effective in changing negative attitudes of participants, and may thus address stigmatisation, improve working conditions of TOP personnel, promote societal tolerance and acceptance, and informed consent. Of particular concern are the questions of informed consent, minors, promotion of counselling and contraceptive services (particularly for adolescents), conscientious objection and the protection of compliant (and non-compliant) personnel. ©YOZMOT 2007.Abortion legislation; Adolescents; Birth control; Constitutional concerns; Education; Gender based domination; Minors; Pre-natal moral significance; Reproductive autonomy; Safe unsafe abortion; Self-esteem; Societal Morality; South Africaabortion; article; birth control; contraception; fetal rights; first trimester pregnancy; gestational age; health care access; health care facility; health education; health promotion; human; illegal abortion; induced abortion; informed consent; maternal mortality; medicolegal aspect; morality; nurse attitude; patient attitude; patient autonomy; pregnancy termination; prenatal care; psychosocial care; public health; racism; religion; reproductive rights; right to life; self esteem; sex role; social desirability; social psychology; South Africa; Abortion, Legal; Female; Humans; Morals; Pregnancy; South AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84876317667The impact of the EU generalized system of preferences on exports and GSP utilization by Asian and Latin American countriesCuyvers L., Soeng R.2013Journal of International Trade Law and Policy12110.1108/14770021311312511Centre for ASEAN Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Regional Integration Studies, United Nations University, Bruges, Belgium; North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; National University of Management, Phnom Penh, CambodiaCuyvers, L., Centre for ASEAN Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Centre for Regional Integration Studies, United Nations University, Bruges, Belgium, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Soeng, R., Centre for ASEAN Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, National University of Management, Phnom Penh, CambodiaPurpose - The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of changes in the Generalized System of Preferences of the European Union, on the EU GSP imports from beneficiary countries in ASEAN and China, and Latin America, respectively, and the utilization of GSP benefits by these countries for the period 1994-2007. Design/methodology/approach - The econometric model specifications used is with unlagged and one year lagged reactions. GSP dummy variables are added in order to test whether the changes in the EU GSP has had impact on bilateral trade flows and the degree of utilization. Findings - The paper finds that EU GSP agricultural imports are negatively affected by the changes in the EU GSP system, but these of industrial products seem to have positively reacted to changes in the EU GSP. For imports of textile products, the results are not significant. It is also found that ASEAN plus China are significantly benefiting more from the EU GSP for industrial and textile products than the Latin American countries, but the changes in the GSP had no significant different effect on both groups of countries. The authors estimations also show that the graduation mechanism in the EU GSP, against beneficiary countries with higher EU market shares, seems to be effective for industrial products, but in contrast, is working in favour of such countries for textile products. By and large, the other graduation mechanism in the EU GSP linking GSP benefits and level of development of the beneficiary country has not been effective. Originality/value - The paper is the first to address the issue how the many changes in the EU GSP since 1994 have affected the exports and GSP utilization of beneficiary countries. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.Developing countries; Exports; Generalized System of Preferences; UtilizationNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84864054602An evaluation of a family support programme in the southern Free State ['n evaluasie van'n gesinsondersteuningsprogram in die Suid-Vrystaat]Marais J.G.L., Ingle M.K., Skinner D., Sigenu K.2012Acta Academica441NoneCentre for Development Support, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Unit for Research on Health and Society, University of Stellenbosch, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South AfricaMarais, J.G.L., Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Ingle, M.K., Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Skinner, D., Unit for Research on Health and Society, University of Stellenbosch, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Sigenu, K., Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South AfricaThis article details the evaluation of an NGO Family Support Programme (FSP) that was implemented in the southern Free State's Kopanong local municipality. The FSP is primarily aimed at strengthening Early Childhood Development (ECD) in what is a very socio-economically deprived environment for small children. The article argues for the critical importance of ECD within the human development paradigm. It then reports on the actual FSP assessment and advances a number of recommendations for how the initiative could be bolstered. It concludes that the FSP methodology is sound in principle and that it warrants replication at scale. © UV/UFS.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84939428673Solar water heater contribution to energy savings in higher education institutions: Impact analysisPopoola O.M., Burnier C.2014Journal of Energy in Southern Africa251NoneCentre for Energy and Electric Power, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; ESIEE, Amiens, France; French South Africa Institute of Technology, South AfricaPopoola, O.M., Centre for Energy and Electric Power, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Burnier, C., ESIEE, Amiens, France, French South Africa Institute of Technology, South AfricaThis paper focuses on the impact of Solar Water Heaters (SWH) at a higher institution of learning. An energy audit was conducted for the evaluation of the energy conservation measure: energy conoduction Energy is a key element in the development of any country or institution; as a result any shortage in energy will have a serious effect on the economy and social aspect of such country or institution. South Africa has, in recent years, experienced high economic growth as well as a rapid expansion in the elsumption analysis, correlation of consumption with weather; financial criteria, payback period and needed solar heater system (SWH) to determine the energy that may be termed as wastage or can be saved. The method of investigation includes assessment of the hot water usage within the institution campus and residencies, analysis of bills, metering and development of a software model for the analysis of energy use, system needed and environmental variables. This renewable measure (SWH) showed a high potential of energy and financial savings for higher education institutions especially those with residences.Energy; Software development and validation; Solar water heaterNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84927515726Evaluation of the environmental and social sustainability policy of a mass tourism resort: A narrative accountSwart I.2012HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies68110.4102/hts.v68i1.1264Centre for Environmental Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, South AfricaSwart, I., Centre for Environmental Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, South AfricaThe recordation of the life stories of individuals residing in the community of Ledig, who have been dependent on the Sun City Resort situated in the Pilanesberg area in the North West Province of South Africa for their quality of life for more than 20 years, provided the basis for the evaluation of the environmental and social sustainability of this micro-cosmos on a multidisciplinary level. This study focused on the hermeneutical arch of narrative theory within the framework of human geography and sustainability science. The natural environment was evaluated for the role it plays in the sustainability of the livelihoods of the Ledig community members as well as the institutional life of the Sun City Resort. The results of this study suggested that the environmental policy for the Sun City Resort, formalised in 2004, has been guiding the Sun City Resort to contribute positively to the sustainability of the area. The study also demonstrated that a focus on the next generation of potential employees and the environmental education of all the communities were crucial to ensure the resilience of the social and ecological capacity of the area. © 2012. The Authors.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84855973874Reading between the lines: contributing factors that affect Grade 5 student reading performance as measured across South Africa's 11 languagesvan Staden S., Howie S.2012Educational Research and Evaluation18110.1080/13803611.2011.641270Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africavan Staden, S., Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Howie, S., Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South AfricaThis article reports on the South African results of a study to identify and explain relationships between some major factors associated with successful reading at Grade 5. With 11 official languages, educational policy in South Africa advocates an additive bilingualism model, and students in Grades 1 to 3 are taught in their mother tongue. Thereafter, the language of learning and teaching changes to a second language, which in most cases is English. With this complexity of issues, hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to determine the effect of a number of explanatory variables at student and school level on reading achievement as outcome variable, while controlling for language using the South African Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2006 data. Utilizing Creemers' comprehensive model of educational effectiveness (Creemers & Reezigt, 1999) as theoretical point of departure, this article will focus on the results of an overall South African model with student- and school-level variables. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.educational policies; PIRLS 2006; reading literacy; secondary analysisNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77955025949Finding the best fit: The adaptation and translation of the performance indicators for primary schools for the South African contextArcher E., Scherman V., Robert C., Howie S.J.2010Perspectives in Education281NoneCentre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Curriculum Evaluation and Management Centre, University of Durham, United KingdomArcher, E., Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Scherman, V., Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Robert, C., Curriculum Evaluation and Management Centre, University of Durham, United Kingdom; Howie, S.J., Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, South AfricaReform and improvement are imperative in the current South African education system. Monitoring of school and learner achievement is an essential for establishing praxis for school improvement. Diversity of culture and South Africa's 11 official languages make it difficult to develop valid monitoring systems. Limited resources, time constraints and the need to redress neglect of large portions of the education infrastructure from the apartheid era make it problematic to develop new monitoring systems for all official languages. Adaptation and translation of existing international monitoring instruments provide alternative solutions to developing new monitoring systems. Adaptation and translation of existing instruments is a daunting process, which balances statistical analysis, translation processes and user and expert evaluations. We investigate how to balance these different processes in order to create an instrument that provides valid data for educational decisions. The processes utilised in the adaptation and translation of the vocabulary subtest of the Performance Indicators for Primary Schools (PIPS) test for the South African context are used to illustrate the complex interplay between user and expert input as well as psychometric rigour. It is hoped this paper will contribute to the development of the necessary instrument adaptation skills in South Africa.Expert and user collaboration; Instrument adaptation and contextualisation; Rasch analysis; Translation of assessment instrumentsNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84878084570Effective or just practical? An evaluation of an online postgraduate module on evidence-based medicine (EBM)Rohwer A., Young T., Van Schalkwyk S.2013BMC Medical Education13110.1186/1472-6920-13-77Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl drive, Parow 7500, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Cochrane Centre, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa; Centre for Health Professions Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl drive, Parow 7500, Cape Town, South AfricaRohwer, A., Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl drive, Parow 7500, Cape Town, South Africa; Young, T., Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl drive, Parow 7500, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Cochrane Centre, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa; Van Schalkwyk, S., Centre for Health Professions Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl drive, Parow 7500, Cape Town, South AfricaBackground: Teaching the steps of evidence-based medicine (EBM) to undergraduate as well as postgraduate health care professionals is crucial for implementation of effective, beneficial health care practices and abandonment of ineffective, harmful ones. Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa, offers a 12-week, completely online module on EBM within the Family Medicine division, to medical specialists in their first year of training. The aim of this study was to formatively evaluate this module; assessing both the mode of delivery; as well as the perceived effectiveness and usefulness thereof. Methods. We used mixed methods to evaluate this module: A document review to assess whether the content of the module reflects important EBM competencies; a survey of the students to determine their experiences of the module; and semi-structured interviews with the tutors to explore their perspectives of the module. Ethics approval was obtained. Results: The document review indicated that EBM competencies were covered adequately, although critical appraisal only focused on randomised controlled trials and guidelines. Students had a positive attitude towards the module, but felt that they needed more support from the tutors. Tutors felt that students engaged actively in discussions, but experienced difficulties with understanding certain concepts of EBM. Furthermore, they felt that it was challenging explaining these via the online learning platform and saw the need to incorporate more advanced technology to better connect with the students. In their view the key to successful learning of EBM was to keep it relevant and applicable to everyday practice. Tutors also felt that an online module on EBM was advantageous, since doctors from all over the world were able to participate. Conclusion: Our study has shown that the online module on EBM was effective in increasing EBM knowledge and skills of postgraduate students and was well received by both students and tutors. Students and tutors experienced generic challenges that accompany any educational intervention of EBM (e.g. understanding difficult concepts), but in addition had to deal with challenges unique to the online learning environment. Teachers of EBM should acknowledge these so as to enhance and successfully implement EBM teaching and learning for all students. © 2013 Rohwer et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Evaluation; Evidence-based medicine; Online learning; Postgraduatearticle; education; evaluation study; evidence based medicine; human; medical education; methodology; standard; teaching; education; evidence based medicine; medical education; procedures; standards; teaching; Computer-Assisted Instruction; Education, Medical, Continuing; Educational Measurement; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Computer-Assisted Instruction; Education, Medical, Continuing; Educational Measurement; Evidence-Based Medicine; HumansNone
NoneNoneEvaluation of two methods of estimating larval habitat productivity in western Kenya highlandsKweka E.J., Zhou G., Lee M.-C., Gilbreath T.M., Mosha F., Munga S., Githeko A.K., Yan G.2011Parasites and Vectors4110.1186/1756-3305-4-110Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical, College of Tumaini University, P. O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania; Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United StatesKweka, E.J., Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical, College of Tumaini University, P. O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania; Zhou, G., Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States; Lee, M.-C., Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States; Gilbreath, T.M., Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States; Mosha, F., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical, College of Tumaini University, P. O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania; Munga, S., Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; Githeko, A.K., Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; Yan, G., Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United StatesBackground: Malaria vector intervention and control programs require reliable and accurate information about vector abundance and their seasonal distribution. The availability of reliable information on the spatial and temporal productivity of larval vector habitats can improve targeting of larval control interventions and our understanding of local malaria transmission and epidemics. The main objective of this study was to evaluate two methods of estimating larval habitat productivity in the western Kenyan highlands, the aerial sampler and the emergence trap. Methods. The study was conducted during the dry and rainy seasons in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Aerial samplers and emergence traps were set up for sixty days in each season in three habitat types: drainage ditches, natural swamps, and abandoned goldmines. Aerial samplers and emergence traps were set up in eleven places in each habitat type. The success of each in estimating habitat productivity was assessed according to method, habitat type, and season. The effect of other factors including algae cover, grass cover, habitat depth and width, and habitat water volume on species productivity was analysed using stepwise logistic regression. Results: Habitat productivity estimates obtained by the two sampling methods differed significantly for all species except for An. implexus. For for An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus, aerial samplers performed better, 21.5 and 14.6 folds, than emergence trap respectively, while the emergence trap was shown to be more efficient for culicine species. Seasonality had a significant influence on the productivity of all species monitored. Dry season was most productive season. Overall, drainage ditches had significantly higher productivity in all seasons compared to other habitat types. Algae cover, debris, chlorophyll-a, and habitat depth and size had significant influence with respect to species. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the aerial sampler is the better of the two methods for estimating the productivity of An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus in the western Kenya highlands and possibly other malaria endemic parts of Africa. This method has proven to be a useful tool for monitoring malaria vector populations and for control program design, and provides useful means for determining the most suitable sites for targeted interventions. © 2011 Kweka et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Noneair sampling; algal community; Anopheles; anopheles coustani; anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae; Anopheles implexus; Anopheles squamous; Anopheles zeimann; article; controlled study; Culex; grass; habitat structure; irrigation (agriculture); Kenya; larva; microhabitat; mining; nonhuman; parasite vector; population productivity; seasonal variation; species difference; species habitat; swamp; animal; comparative study; ecosystem; evaluation; female; growth, development and aging; larva; methodology; mosquito; zoology; algae; Animals; Culicidae; Ecosystem; Entomology; Female; Kenya; LarvaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84908105890The last one heard: The importance of an early-stage participatory evaluation for programme implementationGilmore B., Vallières F., McAuliffe E., Tumwesigye N.M., Muyambi G.2014Implementation Science9110.1186/s13012-014-0137-5Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, 7-9 Leinster Street South, Dublin 2, Ireland; School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; World Vision Uganda, Kisozi Complex, Kampala, UgandaGilmore, B., Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, 7-9 Leinster Street South, Dublin 2, Ireland; Vallières, F., Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, 7-9 Leinster Street South, Dublin 2, Ireland; McAuliffe, E., Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, 7-9 Leinster Street South, Dublin 2, Ireland; Tumwesigye, N.M., School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Muyambi, G., World Vision Uganda, Kisozi Complex, Kampala, UgandaBackground: The systematic involvement of project beneficiaries in community maternal and child health programmes remains low and limited, especially during the formative stages of the project cycle. Understanding how positive and negative feedbacks obtained from communities can subsequently be used to inform and iterate existing programmes is an important step towards ensuring the success of community health workers for maternal and child health programming and, ultimately, for improving health outcomes.Methods: The study took place over a period of 4 weeks in North Rukiga, Kabale District of southwestern Uganda. Using a cross-sectional qualitative study that employed an epistemological approach of phenomenology, nine focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 76 female participants across six different sites. Women were identified as either users or non-users of the maternal and child health programme. Purposeful sampling was employed to recruit women from six different locations within the programme catchment area. Translated and transcribed transcripts were subjected to a bottom-up thematic analysis using NVivo 10 Software, whereby themes were arrived at inductively. Results: Predominant themes emerging from the focus groups and key informant interviews identified early trends in programme strengths. Beneficiaries reported confidence in both the programme and the relationships they had forged with community health workers, exhibited pride in the knowledge they had received, and described improved spousal involvement. Beneficiaries also identified a number of programme challenges including barriers to adopting the behaviours promoted by the programme, and highlighted issues with programme dependency and perceived ownership. It also emerged that community health workers were not reaching the entire population of intended programme beneficiaries. Conclusions: This research provides support for the importance of an early-stage participatory evaluation of beneficiaries' perceptions of newly initiated health programmes. Our results support how evaluations conducted in the early phases of programme implementation can provide valuable, timely feedback as well as yield recommendations for programme adjustment or re-alignment, and in turn, better meet end-user expectations. Potential reasons for the observed lack of community participation in early stages of programme implementation are considered. © 2014 Gilmore et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Community health workers; Evaluation; Maternal and child health; Participation; Programme implementation; Project cycleadolescent; adult; attitude to health; child; child health care; cross-sectional study; female; health auxiliary; health care planning; health service; human; human relation; organization and management; patient compliance; patient satisfaction; pregnancy; pregnancy outcome; pregnant woman; professional standard; program evaluation; psychology; social support; spouse; standards; statistics and numerical data; supply and distribution; Uganda; utilization; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Attitude to Health; Child; Child Health Services; Community Health Workers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Plan Implementation; Humans; Maternal Health Services; Patient Compliance; Patient Satisfaction; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnant Women; Professional Role; Professional-Patient Relations; Program Evaluation; Social Support; Spouses; Uganda; Young AdultNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84893353935Performance of four computer-coded verbal autopsy methods for cause of death assignment compared with physician coding on 24,000 deaths in low- and middle-income countriesDesai N., Aleksandrowicz L., Miasnikof P., Lu Y., Leitao J., Byass P., Tollman S., Mee P., Alam D., Rathi S.K., Singh A., Kumar R., Ram F., Jha P.2014BMC Medicine12110.1186/1741-7015-12-20Centre for Global Heath Research, St. Michael's Hospital, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada; Center for the Promotion of Research Involving Innovative Statistical Methodology, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University, New York NY, United States; WHO Collaborating Centre for Verbal Autopsy, Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Medical Research Council, Wits Univ. Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations, Their Health (INDEPTH) Network, Accra, Ghana; International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), Dhaka, Bangladesh; International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Research and Education, Chandigarh, IndiaDesai, N., Centre for Global Heath Research, St. Michael's Hospital, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada; Aleksandrowicz, L., Centre for Global Heath Research, St. Michael's Hospital, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada; Miasnikof, P., Centre for Global Heath Research, St. Michael's Hospital, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada; Lu, Y., Center for the Promotion of Research Involving Innovative Statistical Methodology, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University, New York NY, United States; Leitao, J., Centre for Global Heath Research, St. Michael's Hospital, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada; Byass, P., WHO Collaborating Centre for Verbal Autopsy, Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden, Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Tollman, S., Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden, Medical Research Council, Wits Univ. Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations, Their Health (INDEPTH) Network, Accra, Ghana; Mee, P., Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden, Medical Research Council, Wits Univ. Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Alam, D., International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), Dhaka, Bangladesh; Rathi, S.K., Centre for Global Heath Research, St. Michael's Hospital, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada; Singh, A., International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; Kumar, R., School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Research and Education, Chandigarh, India; Ram, F., International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; Jha, P., Centre for Global Heath Research, St. Michael's Hospital, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, CanadaBackground: Physician-coded verbal autopsy (PCVA) is the most widely used method to determine causes of death (CODs) in countries where medical certification of death is uncommon. Computer-coded verbal autopsy (CCVA) methods have been proposed as a faster and cheaper alternative to PCVA, though they have not been widely compared to PCVA or to each other.Methods: We compared the performance of open-source random forest, open-source tariff method, InterVA-4, and the King-Lu method to PCVA on five datasets comprising over 24,000 verbal autopsies from low- and middle-income countries. Metrics to assess performance were positive predictive value and partial chance-corrected concordance at the individual level, and cause-specific mortality fraction accuracy and cause-specific mortality fraction error at the population level.Results: The positive predictive value for the most probable COD predicted by the four CCVA methods averaged about 43% to 44% across the datasets. The average positive predictive value improved for the top three most probable CODs, with greater improvements for open-source random forest (69%) and open-source tariff method (68%) than for InterVA-4 (62%). The average partial chance-corrected concordance for the most probable COD predicted by the open-source random forest, open-source tariff method and InterVA-4 were 41%, 40% and 41%, respectively, with better results for the top three most probable CODs. Performance generally improved with larger datasets. At the population level, the King-Lu method had the highest average cause-specific mortality fraction accuracy across all five datasets (91%), followed by InterVA-4 (72% across three datasets), open-source random forest (71%) and open-source tariff method (54%).Conclusions: On an individual level, no single method was able to replicate the physician assignment of COD more than about half the time. At the population level, the King-Lu method was the best method to estimate cause-specific mortality fractions, though it does not assign individual CODs. Future testing should focus on combining different computer-coded verbal autopsy tools, paired with PCVA strengths. This includes using open-source tools applied to larger and varied datasets (especially those including a random sample of deaths drawn from the population), so as to establish the performance for age- and sex-specific CODs. © 2014 Desai et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Causes of death; Computer-coded verbal autopsy (CCVA); InterVA-4; King-Lu; Physician-certified verbal autopsy (PCVA); Random forest; Tariff method; Validation; Verbal autopsyadolescent; adult; aged; article; autopsy; cause of death; child; computer coded verbal autopsy; computer program; controlled study; death certificate; human; infant; intermethod comparison; interVA 4 method; king lu method; lowest income group; measurement accuracy; middle aged; mortality; newborn; physician; physician coded verbal autopsy; predictive value; preschool child; procedures, parameters and devices; random forest; school child; Tariff method; task performance; very elderly; young adult; Automatic Data Processing; Autopsy; Cause of Death; Databases, Factual; Humans; Physician's Role; PovertyNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79955108129The impact of burnout on the intention to quit among professional nurses in the Free State region - A national crisis?Pienaar J.W., Bester C.L.2011South African Journal of Psychology411NoneCentre for Health Systems Research and Development, Department of Industrial Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South AfricaPienaar, J.W., Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, Department of Industrial Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Bester, C.L., Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, Department of Industrial Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South AfricaThousands of qualified nurses leave the South African health sector on an annual basis owing to various reasons, including burnout. Research showed that demanding work circumstances could influence employees to consider whether to leave an organisation or not. The aim of this study was to determine the level of burnout among professional nurses and to explore the potential impact of burnout on the intention to quit/change. The sample consisted of 563 professional nurses representing 140 clinics located in five health districts in the Free State region. A total of 542 (97%) questionnaires were completed and returned. Participants in the study were predominantly black (83.8%), female (89.3%), day-shift working (89.8%) and full-time employed (99.8%). The measuring tools included a biographical questionnaire, Maslach's Burnout Inventory to determine the level of burnout of professional nurses, and an Intention to Quit/Change questionnaire. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences regarding burnout between different groups with varying degrees of intention to quit/change. Respondents exhibited high levels of Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization and average levels of Personal Accomplishment. Respondents with the highest levels of Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization and the lowest levels of Personal Accomplishment displayed a higher degree of intention to quit/change. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved.Burnout; Free state; HIV; Intention to quit; Professional nurses; StressNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-38049063040Monitoring effectiveness of programmes to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in lower-income countriesStringer E.M., Chi B.H., Chintu N., Creek T.L., Ekouevi D.K., Coetzee D., Tih P., Boulle A., Dabis F., Shaffer N., Wilfert C.M., Stringer J.S.A.2008Bulletin of the World Health Organization86110.2471/BLT.07.043117Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot 5977, Benakale Road, Northmead, Lusaka, Zambia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Global AIDS Program, Atlanta, GA, United States; PAC-CI Programme, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board, Nso, Northwest Province, Cameroon; Institut de Sante Publique d'Epidemiologie et de Developpment (ISPED), Universite Victor Segalen, Boudeaux, France; Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesStringer, E.M., Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot 5977, Benakale Road, Northmead, Lusaka, Zambia; Chi, B.H., Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot 5977, Benakale Road, Northmead, Lusaka, Zambia; Chintu, N., Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot 5977, Benakale Road, Northmead, Lusaka, Zambia; Creek, T.L., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Global AIDS Program, Atlanta, GA, United States; Ekouevi, D.K., PAC-CI Programme, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; Coetzee, D., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Tih, P., Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board, Nso, Northwest Province, Cameroon; Boulle, A., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Dabis, F., Institut de Sante Publique d'Epidemiologie et de Developpment (ISPED), Universite Victor Segalen, Boudeaux, France; Shaffer, N., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Global AIDS Program, Atlanta, GA, United States; Wilfert, C.M., Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Stringer, J.S.A., Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot 5977, Benakale Road, Northmead, Lusaka, ZambiaAmbitious goals for paediatric AIDS control have been set by various international bodies, including a 50% reduction in new paediatric infections by 2010. While these goals are clearly appropriate in their scope, the lack of clarity and consensus around how to monitor the effectiveness of programmes to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) makes it difficult for policy-makers to mount a coordinated response. In this paper, we develop the case for using population HIV-free child survival as a gold standard metric to measure the effectiveness of PMTCT programmes, and go on to consider multiple study designs and source populations. Finally, we propose a novel community survey-based approach that could be implemented widely throughout the developing world with minor modifications to ongoing Demographic and Health Surveys.Noneantiretrovirus agent; nevirapine; zidovudine; demography; developing world; disease control; disease transmission; health survey; human immunodeficiency virus; low income population; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; developing country; female; gold standard; health program; health survey; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; infection prevention; lowest income group; single drug dose; survival; vertical transmission; Developing Countries; Disease Transmission, Vertical; Female; Health Surveys; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Organizational Objectives; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Program Evaluation; Survival RateNone
Scopus2-s2.0-45949110251Evaluation of the nutrient and sensory properties of multimixes and porridges made from maize, soybean, and plantain for use as complementary foodNnam N.M., Baiyeri G.T.2008Ecology of Food and Nutrition47110.1080/03670240701615374Department of Home Science, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NigeriaNnam, N.M., Department of Home Science, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Baiyeri, G.T., Department of Home Science, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NigeriaThis study is part of a series of exploratory works on the use of cheap and locally available staples to improve the Nigerian traditional complementary foods. The proximate, some mineral, and vitamin compositions of composite flours formulated from maize, soybean, and plantain landrace or hybrid were evaluated. The processing included sprouting maize for 48 h, boiling soybean for 1 h, and hand peeling plantain to obtain the pulp. The samples were dried and milled into fine flours. The flours were combined in ratios of 70:30:0, 65:30:5, 60:30:10, and 55:30:15 (protein basis) of maize, soybean, and plantain landrace or hybrid. Standard assay methods were used to evaluate the composites for nutrient composition. The nutrient levels of the composites were compared with Codex Alimentarius Commission Guidelines for formulated supplementary foods for older infants and young children. "Ogi" flour and Nutrend served as the controls. Porridges made from the composites were evaluated for sensory properties. The boiled soybean contained appreciable quantities of protein (42.18%) and lipid (18.60%). The energy levels of the flour blends and the protein levels of some of the composites (maize, soybean, and plantain landrace or hybrid, 60:30:10) were comparable to that of Nutrend and met the Codex Alimentarius Commission Guidelines. The composites showed nutritional superiority over "ogi" flour in terms of protein, lipid, ash, and iron nutriture. The porridges made from the composites were accepted slightly by the judges. Further work is currently underway in our laboratory to improve the nutrient composition of the composites and the acceptability of their porridges.Acceptability; Complementary food; Composite flour; Nutrients; Porridgesfood consumption; food quality; maize; nutrient; nutritive value; soybean; vitamin; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Glycine max; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-74549115840Global indicators of biological invasion: Species numbers, biodiversity impact and policy responsesMcGeoch M.A., Butchart S.H.M., Spear D., Marais E., Kleynhans E.J., Symes A., Chanson J., Hoffmann M.2010Diversity and Distributions16110.1111/j.1472-4642.2009.00633.xCentre for Invasion Biology, Cape Research Centre, South African National Parks, P.O. Box 216, Steenberg 7947, South Africa; BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB30NA, United Kingdom; Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; IUCN/SSC, CI/CABS Biodiversity Assessment Unit, c/o 130 Weatherall Road, Cheltenham, VIC 3192, Australia; IUCN/SSC, CI/CABS Biodiversity Assessment Unit, C/o Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, 2011 Crystal Drive, Ste 500, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; IUCN Species Programme, IUCN, 1196 Gland, SwitzerlandMcGeoch, M.A., Centre for Invasion Biology, Cape Research Centre, South African National Parks, P.O. Box 216, Steenberg 7947, South Africa; Butchart, S.H.M., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB30NA, United Kingdom; Spear, D., Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Marais, E., Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Kleynhans, E.J., Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Symes, A., Centre for Invasion Biology, Cape Research Centre, South African National Parks, P.O. Box 216, Steenberg 7947, South Africa; Chanson, J., IUCN/SSC, CI/CABS Biodiversity Assessment Unit, c/o 130 Weatherall Road, Cheltenham, VIC 3192, Australia; Hoffmann, M., IUCN/SSC, CI/CABS Biodiversity Assessment Unit, C/o Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, 2011 Crystal Drive, Ste 500, Arlington, VA 22202, United States, IUCN Species Programme, IUCN, 1196 Gland, SwitzerlandAim Invasive alien species (IAS) pose a significant threat to biodiversity. The Convention on Biological Diversity's 2010 Biodiversity Target, and the associated indicator for IAS, has stimulated globally coordinated efforts to quantify patterns in the extent of biological invasion, its impact on biodiversity and policy responses. Here, we report on the outcome of indicators of alien invasion at a global scale. Location Global. Methods We developed four indicators in a pressure-state-response framework, i.e. number of documented IAS (pressure), trends in the impact of IAS on biodiversity (state) and trends in international agreements and national policy adoption relevant to reducing IAS threats to biodiversity (response). These measures were considered best suited to providing globally representative, standardized and sustainable indicators by 2010. Results We show that the number of documented IAS is a significant underestimate, because its value is negatively affected by country development status and positively by research effort and information availability. The Red List Index demonstrates that IAS pressure is driving declines in species diversity, with the overall impact apparently increasing. The policy response trend has nonetheless been positive for the last several decades, although only half of countries that are signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have IAS-relevant national legislation. Although IAS pressure has apparently driven the policy response, this has clearly not been sufficient and/or adequately implemented to reduce biodiversity impact. Main conclusions For this indicator of threat to biodiversity, the 2010 Biodiversity Target has thus not been achieved. The results nonetheless provide clear direction for bridging the current divide between information available on IAS and that needed for policy and management for the prevention and control of IAS. It further highlights the need for measures to ensure that policy is effectively implemented, such that it translates into reduced IAS pressure and impact on biodiversity beyond 2010. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.Biological invasions; Convention on Biological Diversity 2010 Biodiversity Target; Environmental legislation; Invasive alien species; Red List Index; Species richnessbiodiversity; biological invasion; invasive species; policy analysis; policy implementation; Red List; species diversity; species richnessNone
Scopus2-s2.0-38149139296Thermal tolerance in a south-east African population of the tsetse fly Glossina pallidipes (Diptera, Glossinidae): Implications for forecasting climate change impactsTerblanche J.S., Clusella-Trullas S., Deere J.A., Chown S.L.2008Journal of Insect Physiology54110.1016/j.jinsphys.2007.08.007Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South AfricaTerblanche, J.S., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Clusella-Trullas, S., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Deere, J.A., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Chown, S.L., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South AfricaFor tsetse (Glossina spp.), the vectors of human and animal trypanosomiases, the physiological mechanisms linking variation in population dynamics with changing weather conditions have not been well established. Here, we investigate high- and low-temperature tolerance in terms of activity limits and survival in a natural population of adult Glossina pallidipes from eastern Zambia. Due to increased interest in chilling flies for handling and aerial dispersal in sterile insect technique control and eradication programmes, we also provide further detailed investigation of low-temperature responses. In wild-caught G. pallidipes, the probability of survival for 50% of the population at low-temperatures was at 3.7, 8.9 and 9.6 °C (95% CIs: ±1.5 °C) for 1, 2 and 3 h treatments, respectively. At high temperatures, it was estimated that treatments at 37.9, 36.2 and 35.6 °C (95% CIs: ±0.5 °C) would yield 50% population survival for 1, 2 and 3 h, respectively. Significant effects of time and temperature were detected at both temperature extremes (GLZ, p<0.05 in all cases) although a time-temperature interaction was only detected at high temperatures (p<0.0001). We synthesized data from four other Kenyan populations and found that upper critical thermal limits showed little variation among populations and laboratory treatments (range: 43.9-45.0 °C; 0.25 °C/min heating rate), although reduction to more ecologically relevant heating rates (0.06 °C/min) reduce these values significantly from ∼44.4 to 40.6 °C, thereby providing a causal explanation for why tsetse distribution may be high-temperature limited. By contrast, low-temperature limits showed substantial variation among populations and acclimation treatments (range: 4.5-13.8 °C; 0.25 °C/min), indicating high levels of inter-population variability. Ecologically relevant cooling rates (0.06 °C/min) suggest tsetses are likely to experience chill coma temperatures under natural conditions (∼20-21 °C). The results from acute hardening experiments in the Zambian population demonstrate limited ability to improve low-temperature tolerance over short (hourly) timescales after non-lethal pre-treatments. In flies which survived chilling, recovery times were non-linear with plateaus between 2-6 and 8-12 °C. Survival times ranged between 4 and 36 h and did not vary between flies which had undergone chill coma by comparison with flies which had not, even after factoring body condition into the analyses (p>0.5 in all cases). However, flies with low chill coma values had the highest body water and fat content, indicating that when energy reserves are depleted, low-temperature tolerance may be compromised. Overall, these results suggest that physiological mechanisms may provide insight into tsetse population dynamics, hence distribution and abundance, and support a general prediction for reduced geographic distribution under future climate warming scenarios. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Climate change; Cold tolerance; Fitness costs; Geographic distribution; Insect vector; Phenotypic plasticity; Seasonal variation; Trade-offsclimate change; fly; geographical distribution; phenotypic plasticity; population dynamics; population structure; seasonal variation; acclimatization; analysis of variance; animal; article; climate; comparative study; geography; greenhouse effect; Kenya; motor activity; physiology; population dynamics; survival; temperature; tsetse fly; Zambia; Acclimatization; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Climate; Geography; Greenhouse Effect; Kenya; Motor Activity; Population Dynamics; Survival Analysis; Temperature; Tsetse Flies; Zambia; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zambia; Animalia; Diptera; Glossina (genus); Glossina pallidipes; Glossinidae; HexapodaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84946720989Co-ownership and collaboration: Insights into the measurement of impact and change from evidence-based community and state violence prevention partnershipsMutongwizo T., Leoschut L., Burton P.2015Stability4110.5334/sta.fhCentre for Justice and Crime Prevention, South AfricaMutongwizo, T., Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention, South Africa; Leoschut, L., Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention, South Africa; Burton, P., Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention, South AfricaEffective partnerships in community crime and violence prevention interventions are challenging to foster. Though challenging, their merits cannot be denied; thus it is necessary to involve diverse stakeholders in processes that aim to address violence and crime prevention in order to better approach the causes of crime. However, practical experiences have been used to identify the challenges of crime prevention partnerships, particularly in developing indicators that appropriately measure, monitor and evaluate progress. It has also been noted that it is difficult to discern which interventions yield success, particularly in partnerships with various stakeholders. This article therefore encourages joint assessments from the outset of crime prevention projects and the development of indicators that relate to all partners. This paper will draw on three violence and crime prevention pilot projects, conducted in South Africa. The discussion will focus on the processes of developing performance measurement frameworks and the challenges and successes experienced throughout the monitoring, evaluation and learning process. © 2015 The Author(s).Crime prevention; Monitoring and evaluation; Multi-stakeholder forums; Partnerships; Safety auditsNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79952546769The mineralogy of pyrrhotite from Sudbury CCN and Phoenix nickel ores and its effect on flotation performanceBecker M., Bradshaw D., De Villiers J.2011Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly50110.1179/000844311X552269Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Julius Krutschnitt Mineral Research Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia; Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South AfricaBecker, M., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Bradshaw, D., Julius Krutschnitt Mineral Research Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia; De Villiers, J., Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South AfricaThe non-stoichiometric sulphide pyrrhotite (Fe1-xS), common to many nickel ores, occurs in a variety of crystallographic forms and compositions. In order to manipulate its performance in nickel processing operations either to target the recovery or rejection or pyrrhotite, one needs an understanding of pyrrhotite mineralogy, reactivity and the effect this may have on its flotation performance. In this study, a non-magnetic Fe 9S10 pyrrhotite from Sudbury CCN in Canada and a magnetic Fe7S8 pyrrhotite from Phoenix in Botswana were selected to explore the relationship between mineralogy, reactivity and microflotation. Non-magnetic Sudbury pyrrhotite was less reactive in terms of its oxygen uptake and showed the best collectorless flotation recovery. Magnetic Phoenix pyrrhotite was more reactive and showed poor collectorless flotation, which was significantly improved with the addition of xanthate and copper activation. These differences in reactivity and flotation performance are interpreted to be a result of the pyrrhotite mineralogy, the implications of which may aid in the manipulation of flotation performance. © 2011 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.Mineralogy; Oxidation; Pyrrhotite; Reactivity; Sulphide flotationBotswana; Copper activation; Flotation performance; Flotation recovery; Microflotation; Nickel ores; Nonmagnetics; Oxygen uptake; Processing operations; Pyrrhotite; Reactivity; Sulphide flotation; Crystallography; Flotation; Mineralogy; Minerals; Nickel; Ore treatment; Oxidation; Oxygen; Iron oresNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84924097953Evaluation of the polyphenolic contents and some antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts of Garlic, Ginger, Cayenne Pepper and their mixtureOtunola G.A., Afolayan A.J.2013Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality86110.5073/JABFQ.2013.086.010Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alicee, South AfricaOtunola, G.A., Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alicee, South Africa; Afolayan, A.J., Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alicee, South AfricaGarlic (Allium sativum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), and Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum frutescens) are common culinary spices that are used singly or combined in the diet of many populations of the world and there is a long-held belief of their health-enhancing properties. This study investigated the aqueous extracts each of garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper and a combination of the three for polyphenolic and antioxidant properties that might justify such claims. Antioxidant activities were studied using DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide radical scavenging activities and reducing power assay. Each of the spice extracts showed high content of phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthocyanidins, with the pepper extract exhibiting the highest concentration of each polyphenol investigated. The antioxidant activities of the spices and their mixture were concentration dependent, though positively comparable with the standards used. Among the extracts, the mixture exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared to the individual spices and standards probably due to a synergistic effect of combining the spices. The present study confirmed that the aqueous extracts of garlic, ginger and pepper exhibited significant polyphenolic content and antioxidant potentials.Noneantioxidant; aqueous solution; concentration (composition); herb; phenolic compound; plant extract; population structure; Allium sativum; Capsicum annuum; Capsicum frutescens; Zingiber officinaleNone
Scopus2-s2.0-59749097626The impact of exchange rate movements on employment: The economy-wide effect of a rand appreciationNgandu S.N.C.2009Development Southern Africa26110.1080/03768350802640180Centre for Poverty, Employment and Growth, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South AfricaNgandu, S.N.C., Centre for Poverty, Employment and Growth, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South AfricaThere has been some debate on the impact of exchange rate volatility and levels in South Africa. This is a particular concern as South Africa needs to dramatically expand sustainable employment and at the same time raise value-added in its production of goods and services. These are not necessarily complementary objectives for a mineral-exporting economy. Using a computable general equilibrium model, with the appreciation induced by a commodity price boom, this paper analyses the possible impact of an appreciation of the rand on employment. The intention is to identify the impact on both aggregate employment and sectoral output. Although the economy does well as a result of the commodity boom, the results indicate the potential for 'Dutch Disease' - type effects. Almost all traded sectors are negatively affected, while the non-traded sectors experience a boost as a result of the appreciation.Nonecommodity price; computable general equilibrium analysis; currency market; economic impact; employment; exchange rate; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84919460553Evaluation of the implementation of a phd capacity-building program for nurses in South AfricaSheehan A., Comiskey C., Williamson C., Mgutshini T.2015Nursing Research64110.1097/NNR.0000000000000069Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, 24 D'Olier St., Dublin 2, Ireland; SANTRUST, Durban, South Africa; University of South Africa, Pretoria, South AfricaSheehan, A., Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, 24 D'Olier St., Dublin 2, Ireland; Comiskey, C., Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, 24 D'Olier St., Dublin 2, Ireland; Williamson, C., SANTRUST, Durban, South Africa; Mgutshini, T., University of South Africa, Pretoria, South AfricaBackground: Nursing is experiencing a significant deficit in research capacity needed to meet future global healthcare demands-there is a call to double the number of nurses and healthcare professionals with a doctorate. Aim: The aim of this research was to evaluate the implementation of a national PhD capacity-building program for academic and practice-based nurses and other healthcare professionals in South Africa.Methods: An implementation science framework was used. Implementation of the program across two national, longitudinal cohorts of participants was studied. Evidence of enablers and barriers to implementation was obtained from multiple data sources, including the curriculum for the program, regular evaluation reports from program participants and program facilitators after each stage of the PhD curriculum delivery, and meeting notes. Supplementary sources included rates of PhD candidate recruitment, retention, and successful completion.Results: Evidence for the presence of enablers for successful implementation was found, including stakeholder consultation and buy-in, leadership, resources, staff capacity, and implementation teams. No evidence of an implementation plan, a supportive organizational culture, or effective ongoing communication at Stage 4 of the implementation process was found. Barriers to implementation included external environmental factors, resistance to change, and vested interests.Discussion: Within the context of a recognized worldwide shortage of nursing scientists, the application of an implementation science framework to evaluate the initial stages of a national PhD development program rollout provided information on how effective implementation can be strengthened and how barriers to success can be overcome. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.International educational exchange; Nursing research; South Africaadult; cohort analysis; curriculum; education; human; nursing education; organization; organization and management; program evaluation; South Africa; Adult; Cohort Studies; Curriculum; Education, Nursing, Graduate; Humans; Nursing Education Research; Organizational Culture; Program Evaluation; School Admission Criteria; South AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84948180161The impact of health service variables on healthcare access in a low resourced urban setting in the Western Cape, South AfricaScheffler E., Visagie S., Schneider M.2015African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine7110.4102/phcfm.v7i1.820Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South AfricaScheffler, E., Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Visagie, S., Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Schneider, M., Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South AfricaBackground: Health care access is complex and multi-faceted and, as a basic right, equitable access and services should be available to all user groups. Objectives: The aim of this article is to explore how service delivery impacts on access to healthcare for vulnerable groups in an urban primary health care setting in South Africa. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with purposively sampled participants and analysed through thematic content analysis. Results: Service delivery factors are presented against five dimensions of access according to the ACCESS Framework. From a supplier perspective, the organisation of care in the study setting resulted in available, accessible, affordable and adequate services as measured against the District Health System policies and guidelines. However, service providers experienced significant barriers in provision of services, which impacted on the quality of care, resulting in poor client and provider satisfaction and ultimately compromising acceptability of service delivery. Although users found services to be accessible, the organisation of services presented them with challenges in the domains of availability, affordability and adequacy, resulting in unmet needs, low levels of satisfaction and loss of trust. These challenges fuelled perceptions of unacceptable services. Conclusion: Well developed systems and organisation of services can create accessible, affordable and available primary healthcare services, but do not automatically translate into adequate and acceptable services. Focussing attention on how services are delivered might restore the balance between supply (services) and demand (user needs) and promote universal and equitable access. © 2015. The Authors.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-82855175182Occurrence and persistence of water level/salinity states and the ecological impacts for St Lucia estuarine lake, South AfricaLawrie R.A., Stretch D.D.2011Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science95110.1016/j.ecss.2011.08.007Centre for Research in Environmental, Coastal and Hydrological Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Surveying and Construction, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South AfricaLawrie, R.A., Centre for Research in Environmental, Coastal and Hydrological Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Surveying and Construction, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Stretch, D.D., Centre for Research in Environmental, Coastal and Hydrological Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Surveying and Construction, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South AfricaThe St Lucia estuarine lake in South Africa forms part of a World Heritage Site and is an important local source of biodiversity. Like many estuarine systems worldwide, St Lucia has experienced significant anthropogenic impacts over the past century. Abstractions have decreased fresh water inflows from the lake catchments by about 20%. Furthermore the Mfolozi river, which previously shared a common inlet with St Lucia and contributed additional fresh water during droughts, was diverted from the system in 1952 because of its high silt loads. The separated St Lucia mouth was subsequently kept artificially open until the onset of a dry period in 2002 when the mouth was left to close naturally. These changes and the current drought have placed the system under severe stress with unprecedented hypersaline conditions coupled with desiccation of large portions of the lake. Long-term simulations of the water and salt balance were used to estimate the occurrence and persistence of water levels and salinities for different management scenarios. The risks of desiccation and hyper-salinity were assessed for each case. The results show that the configuration of the Mfolozi/St Lucia inlets plays a key role in the physicochemical environment of the system. Without the Mfolozi link desiccation (of about 50% of the lake area) would occur for 32% of the time for an average duration of 15 months. Artificially maintaining an open mouth would decrease the chance of desiccation but salinities would exceed 65 about 17% of the time. Restoring the Mfolozi link would reduce the occurrence of both desiccation and hypersaline conditions and a mostly open mouth state would occur naturally. Integrating these modeled scenarios with observed biological responses due to changes in salinity and water depth suggests that large long-term changes in the biological structure can be expected in the different management scenarios. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.Biological responses; Persistence times; Salinity; St Lucia; Water levelanthropogenic effect; biodiversity; desiccation; long-term change; physicochemical property; restoration ecology; salinity; water depth; water level; World Heritage Site; KwaZulu-Natal; Lake Saint Lucia; South AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84857643664Creative Industries, Inequality and Social Development: Developments, Impacts and Challenges in Cape TownBooyens I.2012Urban Forum23110.1007/s12132-012-9140-6Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators, Human Sciences Research Council, Private Bag X9182, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South AfricaBooyens, I., Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators, Human Sciences Research Council, Private Bag X9182, Cape Town 8000, South Africa, Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South AfricaCreative industries are often regarded as avenues for urban regeneration, economic development and job creation. The growth of creative industries is linked to post-Fordist economic restructuring in cities. As a result, the economic base of cities has moved away from manufacturing to knowledge-intensive and service-based industries. While countries in the Global South generally contribute marginally to the global economy, some countries are seeking to enhance their competitiveness in the global environment and gain from opportunities presented by the creative economy. Policymakers in the Global South have therefore adopted creative industry policies, and often link these to social development outcomes. However, this presents various challenges. The literature indicates that creative industries can exacerbate existing inequalities and marginalise working class residents. Furthermore, the benefits of creative urban renewal do not necessarily reach poor communities. This paper contributes to debates regarding the role of creative industries in the urban economies of cities in the Global South. This reflects on the impacts of creative urban renewal, and the implications for social development and policy. It also considers recent development and challenges around creative industry promotion in Cape Town, with specific reference to the city-fringe neighbourhood of Woodstock. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.Cities; Creative industries; Gentrification; Inequality; Post-industrial; Urban renewaleconomic development; gentrification; global economy; industrial production; literature review; neighborhood; policy making; resident population; social development; social policy; urban economy; urban renewal; Cape Town; South Africa; Western CapeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33846473188Hydrologic and hydraulic modelling of the Nyl River floodplain Part 3: Applications to assess ecological impactKleynhans M.T., James C.S., Birkhead A.L.2007Water SA331NoneCentre for Water in the Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Streamflow Solutions cc, East London, South AfricaKleynhans, M.T., Centre for Water in the Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; James, C.S., Centre for Water in the Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Birkhead, A.L., Streamflow Solutions cc, East London, South AfricaThe ecological functioning of the Nyl River floodplain in the Limpopo Province of South Africa depends on water supplied by catchments which are experiencing continuing water resource development. Hydrological and hydraulic models have been produced to assist in future planning by simulating the effects of developments on ecologically relevant flooding characteristics. The models are applied here to predict the impacts of different development scenarios on the areal extent of suitable habitat for a key species, the Wild Rice (Oryza longistaminata), which can be characterised in terms of the depth, duration and timing of flood events. The results show that historical developments in the contributing catchments have already significantly reduced the area suitable for Wild Rice growth, particularly in relatively dry years, and increased the likely dry period between flooding events. Dam construction on one of the tributaries would reduce the suitable area further in dry to average years and increase the inter-event dry period. Careful dam operation could ameliorate impacts in very dry years, however.Ecohydraulics; Environmental impact; Hydroecology; Nyl River floodplain; Nylsvlei; Nylsvley Nature Reserve; Wetland modelling; WetlandsEcology; Environmental impact; Hydraulic models; Hydraulics; Hydrology; Mathematical models; Wetlands; Hydroecology; River floodplain; Wetland modeling; Rivers; Ecology; Environmental impact; Hydraulic models; Hydraulics; Hydrology; Mathematical models; Rivers; Wetlands; assessment method; catchment; dam construction; ecological impact; floodplain; flow modeling; hydraulics; hydrological modeling; resource development; water resource; water supply; Africa; Limpopo; Nyl River; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Oryza longistaminata; ZizaniaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84890973440Formulation and evaluation of Pheroid vesicles containing mefloquine for the treatment of malariaDu Plessis L.H., Helena C., Van Huysteen E., Wiesner L., Kotzé A.F.2014Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology66110.1111/jphp.12147Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa; Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South AfricaDu Plessis, L.H., Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa; Helena, C., Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa; Van Huysteen, E., Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa; Wiesner, L., Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kotzé, A.F., Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South AfricaObjectives Mefloquine (MQ) is an antimalarial drug with high efficacy, often used in the treatment and chemoprophylaxis of malaria. However, it has low solubility in water, a long elimination half-life (4 days), and is neurotoxic, which leads to unwanted side effects. Methods We investigated a lipid-based drug delivery system, Pheroid vesicles, in combination with MQ (Pheroid MQ), to promote future clinical use. MQ was incorporated into Pheroid vesicles and the formulations characterized. The formulations were evaluated in terms of in-vitro efficacy and toxicity. In-vivo bioavailability studies were conducted in C57 BL6 mice. Key findings The vesicles incorporated MQ with ∼63% entrapment efficiency. The IC50 values of MQ after 48-h incubation in chloroquine-resistant (RSA11) and chloroquine sensitive (3D7) strains, were reduced by ∼50% and ∼30% respectively. In-vivo bioavailability study revealed no change in the pharmacokinetic parameters of MQ, and the incorporation of the drug in Pheroid vesicles reduced the in-vitro haemolytic activity by ∼75%. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity against human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) of the free drug was reduced by ∼64% with Pheroid MQ. Conclusions Pheroid vesicles may therefore decrease the toxicity of MQ and thereby improve its therapeutic index, a strategy that may provide an effective alternative for malaria chemoprophylaxis and treatment. © 2013 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.lipid-based drug delivery system; malaria; mefloquine; Pheroid technology; toxicitychloroquine; drug carrier; mefloquine; pheroid vesicle; unclassified drug; animal experiment; article; controlled study; drug bioavailability; drug blood level; drug cytotoxicity; drug delivery system; drug dosage form comparison; drug efficacy; drug formulation; entrapment efficiency; hemolysis; human; human cell; IC 50; in vitro study; in vivo study; malaria; male; mouse; neuroblastoma cell; nonhuman; pharmacological parameters; Plasmodium falciparum; lipid-based drug delivery system; malaria; mefloquine; Pheroid technology; toxicity; Animals; Biological Availability; Cell Line, Tumor; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Chloroquine; Coated Vesicles; Drug Delivery Systems; Half-Life; Humans; Malaria; Male; Mefloquine; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neuroblastoma; Particle Size; SolubilityNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84862140149Bis(ferrocenylimine)palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes: Synthesis, molecular structures and evaluation as antitumor agentsMotswainyana W.M., Onani M.O., Madiehe A.M.2012Polyhedron41110.1016/j.poly.2012.04.010Chemistry Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South AfricaMotswainyana, W.M., Chemistry Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Onani, M.O., Chemistry Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Madiehe, A.M., Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South AfricaCompounds (ferrocenyl-2-furylmethyl)imine (L1), (ferrocenyl-2- thiophenemethyl)imine (L2) and (ferrocenyl-2-thiopheneethyl)imine (L3) were synthesized by condensation reactions and obtained in very good yields. Reactions of L1-L3 with 0.5 equiv. of either PdCl 2(cod), PdClMe(cod) or K 2[PtCl 4] gave the new corresponding trans-bis(ferrocenylimine)palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes 1-9. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 3 and 6 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Both structures crystallize in monoclinic P2 1/n space system. The coordination geometry around the palladium atom in complexes 3 and 6 exhibits a square planar geometry at the palladium atom. Complexes 1, 7 and 9 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against human breast (MCF-7) and human ovarian (A2780) cancer cell lines, and they exhibited low cytotoxic activities but comparable to that of cisplatin. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Cancer; Cisplatin; Cytotoxicity; Ferrocenylimine; Molecular structures; Palladium; PlatinumNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84879079917Evaluating the growth performance of local Kei chickens and their F 1-crosses with Rhode Island Red and Fayoumi breeds in watershed areas of Guraghe administrative zone, southern EthiopiaAlewi M., Melesse A.2013Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems161NoneDebrezeit Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 32, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, EthiopiaAlewi, M., Debrezeit Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 32, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Melesse, A., Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, EthiopiaThis study describes the on-farm performance of local Kei chicken and its F1 crosses with Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red (RIR) breeds in Beresa watershed of Guraghe administrative zone, southern Ethiopia. The Kei paternal line was mated with maternal lines of Fayoumi and RIR chickens to produce F1-crosses. Body weight developments and feed intake were determined on weekly basis. Then body weight gain and feed efficiency ratios (FER, weight gain: feed) were calculated. Hatchability was 59.0% and 73.7%, 54.7% for Kei, Fayoumi-crosses and RIR-crosses, respectively. In male chicks, the mean day-old weight ranged from 28.8 to 40.1 g and in female chicks from 26.2 to 35.8 g. The average body weight of matured male and female RIR-crosses was 1682 and 1227 g, respectively. The corresponding values for Fayoumi-crosses were 1310 and 1054 g and that of local Kei 1273 and 987 g. During the brooding period, the average daily feed intake was 25.9, 27.0 and 24.4 g for Kei, Fayoumi-crosses and RIR-crosses, respectively. The mean FER was 0.197, 0.213 and 0.243 g for Kei, Fayoumi-crosses and RIR-crosses, respectively. The average age at sexual maturity for Kei, Fayoumi-crosses and RIR-crosses was 183, 154 and 162 days, respectively. The results of the present study suggest that both F 1-crosses showed a significant improvement in body weight, weight gain and FER under farmers' management condition of the watershed areas suggesting the suitability of both genetic combinations with local Kei chickens for on-farm chicken productivity.F1-crosses; Farmers' management; Fayoumi chicken; Growth performance; Local Kei chicken; Rhode Island Red chickenGallus gallusNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84877709122Impact of nutrition education on nutrition knowledge of public school educators in South Africa: A pilot studyOldewage-Theron W.H., Egal A.2012Health SA Gesondheid17110.4102/hsag.v17i1.602Centre of Sustainable Livelihoods, Vaal University of Technology, South AfricaOldewage-Theron, W.H., Centre of Sustainable Livelihoods, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa; Egal, A., Centre of Sustainable Livelihoods, Vaal University of Technology, South AfricaThe Department of Basic Education (DBE) has not given nutrition education the necessary emphasis that it needs, despite its importance in South African schools. Nutrition is included as only one of many topics forming part of the Life Orientation syllabus. Educators are role models for learners in making healthy food choices, however, studies have shown that major gaps exist in the health and nutrition-related knowledge and behaviour of educators. The objective of this research was to undertake a pilot study to determine the impact of a nutrition education programme (NEP) on the nutrition knowledge of Life Orientation educators in public schools in South Africa (SA). An exploratory baseline survey, to determine the nutrition education practices in 45 purposively selected public schools, was carried out before the experimental nutrition education intervention study. A nutrition knowledge questionnaire was completed by 24 purposively selected educators, representing all nine provinces in SA, before and after a three-day NEP. Pre and post-NEP data were analysed on the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for a Windows program version 17.0 for descriptive statistics, version 17.0. Paired t-tests measured statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) before and after the NEP. The knowledge of the respondents improved significantly after the NEP as the mean±s.d. score of correctly answered questions (n = 59) improved from 63.3±30.2% before to 80.6±21.1% after the NEP. The results proved that nutrition knowledge of Life Orientation educators in primary schools is not optimal, but can be improved by NEP. © 2012. The Authors.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84857837922The world café in South Africa: A case study on improving performance and commitmentEriaan O., Cady S.H.2012Organization Development Journal301NoneChangeWright Consulting, Johannesburg, South AfricaEriaan, O., ChangeWright Consulting, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cady, S.H., ChangeWright Consulting, Johannesburg, South AfricaWe present a case study based on a body of methodologies within a field referred to as whole system collaboration and change, large-group methods or interventions, and large-scale change. The World Café conversational process was utilized as part of an intervention designed to improve employee commitment and ensure continued effort in a service improvement program at an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company. We describe the process for evaluating the impact of interventions; and, we report that the intervention appeared to improve an objective measure of performance and positively impact attitudes within the organization.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84919572776Use of ground-penetrating radar for construction monitoring and evaluation of perpetual pavementsLi J., Walubita L.F., Simate G.S., Alvarez A.E., Liu W.2015Natural Hazards75110.1007/s11069-014-1314-1Changsha University of Science and Technology (CUST), Changsha, Hunan, China; TTI, PVAMU - The Texas A&M University System, College Station, TX, United States; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia; TTI, College Station, TX, United StatesLi, J., Changsha University of Science and Technology (CUST), Changsha, Hunan, China, TTI, College Station, TX, United States; Walubita, L.F., TTI, PVAMU - The Texas A&M University System, College Station, TX, United States; Simate, G.S., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Alvarez, A.E., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia; Liu, W., TTI, College Station, TX, United StatesThe inherent quality of perpetual pavement (PP) governs its performance, which consequently influences the frequency and level of the potential accidents during the whole service life.This paper presents the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) as a nondestructive testing (NDT) tool that was utilized for construction monitoring and evaluation of Texas (USA) perpetual pavements. The currently existing Texas PP sections typically consist of hot-mix asphalt layers of over 350-mm total thickness supported on a 200-mm-thick treated (6 % lime or 2 % cement) base, which is resting on a well-compacted in situ subgrade soil. Overall, the results indicate that the GPR has great potential as an effective NDT tool for aiding with the construction quality monitoring, forensic investigations, and structural/performance evaluation of PP structures. In particular, the GPR is useful in determining pavement layer thicknesses, assessing compaction uniformity, locating areas of moisture retention, identifying low-density spots and localized high voided areas, indicative assessment of vertical segregation and debonding, and quality assessment of construction joints. Additionally, the current GPR system has the advantage of rapidly and continuously collecting pavement data up to a depth of 610 mm, together with integrated video images and a GPS system, over any desired highway length while traveling at a nominal speed of about 113 km/h without disturbing conventional traffic. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.Accidents; Construction; Density; Ground-penetrating radar; Moisture; Perpetual pavementNoneFHWA, Federal Highway Administration
Scopus2-s2.0-18144391576Utilization of cellobiose by recombinant β-glucosidase-expressing strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Characterization and evaluation of the sufficiency of expressionMcBride J.E., Zietsman J.J., Van Zyl W.H., Lynd L.R.2005Enzyme and Microbial Technology37110.1016/j.enzmictec.2005.01.034Chem. and Biochem. Eng. Program, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States; Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South AfricaMcBride, J.E., Chem. and Biochem. Eng. Program, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States; Zietsman, J.J., Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van Zyl, W.H., Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Lynd, L.R., Chem. and Biochem. Eng. Program, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United StatesTwo recombinant strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing the BGL1 (β-glucosidase) gene originating from Saccharomycopsis fibuligera were characterized with respect to gene expression and growth on cellobiose under air and nitrogen gas phases. The laboratory strain Y294[ySF1], with β-glucosidase expression from a multi-copy plasmid, grew at comparable rates on cellobiose and glucose under both air and nitrogen gas phases. By contrast, strain N96[ySF1] grew at a much slower rate on cellobiose than on glucose under both gas phases. For the various strain and substrate combinations tested, cell-specific enzyme activity was significantly higher under a nitrogen gas phase as compared to an air gas phase. The ability of these strains to grow on cellobiose, a non-native substrate, was evaluated in terms of a dimensionless 'sufficiency' parameter, S, consisting of the ratio of the maximum cell-specific rate of glucose production from cellobiose to the maximum cell-specific rate of glucose consumption. At sufficiency values substantially less than one, specific growth rates were found to be limited by heterologous enzyme expression, whereas for values of sufficiency near and greater to one, specific growth rates on cellobiose approached their values on glucose. The concept of sufficiency appears to have general utility for work aimed at growth enablement on non-native substrates by virtue of heterologous enzyme expression. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.β-Glucosidase; Cellobiose; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; SufficiencyCell culture; Genes; Glucose; Microorganisms; Strain; Substrates; Cellobiose; Gas phase; Gene expression; Saccharomycel cerevisiae; Enzymes; beta glucosidase; cellobiose; nitrogen; air; article; controlled study; culture medium; fungal metabolism; fungal strain; fungus growth; gene expression; glucose metabolism; growth rate; nonhuman; protein expression; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomycopsis fibuligeraNone
Scopus2-s2.0-76149091240Microwave-assisted synthesis and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of 3-{3-(s-aryl and s-heteroaromatic)acryloyl}-2H-chromen-2-one derivativesAjani O.O., Nwinyi O.C.2010Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry47110.1002/jhet.298Chemistry Department, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Biological Science, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, NigeriaAjani, O.O., Chemistry Department, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Nwinyi, O.C., Department of Biological Science, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria(Chemical Equation Presented) The exploration of potential utilization of microwaves as an energy source for heterocyclic synthesis was herein investigated using condensation of 3-acetylcoumarin (1) with aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes to afford the corresponding aromatic chalcones (2a-j) and heteroaromatic chalcones (3a-e and 4a-e), respectively, in good to excellent yield within 1-3 min. The chemical structures were confirmed by analytical and spectral data. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity and 3-{3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)acryloyl}-2H-chromen-2- one (2i) was discovered to be the most active at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 7.8 μg/mL. © 2010 HeteroCorporation.None3 (5 phenylpenta 2,4 dienoyl) 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (3 hydroxyphenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (4 chlorophenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (4 dimethylaminophenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (4 ethylphenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (4 hydroxy 3 methoxyphenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (4 hydroxyphenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (4 nitrophenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 chloro 1h pyrrol 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 chlorofuran 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 ethyl 1h pyrrol 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 ethylfuran 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 methyl 1h pyrrol 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 methylfuran 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 nitro 1h pyrrol 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 nitrofuran 2 yl]acryloyl) 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (furan 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 acetylcoumarin; 3 cinnamoyl 2h chromen 2 one; aldehyde derivative; antiinfective agent; chalcone derivative; coumarin derivative; streptomycin; unclassified drug; antibacterial activity; article; Bacillus anthracis; Bacillus cereus; Bacillus subtilis; controlled study; drug screening; drug structure; drug synthesis; Escherichia coli; Geobacillus stearothermophilus; infrared spectroscopy; Klebsiella pneumoniae; mass spectrometry; microwave radiation; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; nuclear magnetic resonance; polymerization; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Pseudomonas fluorescens; Shigella dysenteriae; Staphylococcus aureus; ultraviolet spectroscopyNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79957520713The impact of executive directors' service contracts on strategic planDandira M.2011Business Strategy Series12110.1108/17515631111106830Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, ZimbabweDandira, M., Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, ZimbabwePurpose The purpose of this paper is to help boards of directors to find ways of establishing continuity in the strategic plan when strategists are employed on contract leave before the end of the strategic plan period. Design/methodology/approach The author has conducted research in organisations that have executives on contracts of three to five years, and identifies how strategic plans are negatively affected when executives on contract especially top management leave organisations when their contracts ends. Research in organisations has shown that strategic plans usually have longer periods than the contract of the strategist, and contract renewal is sometimes not obvious. Findings The length of the strategist's contract and the length of the strategic plan have not been taken into account when crafting strategic plans in organisations and appointing executive directors. This scenario has caused a lot of strategy failures. Practical implications Ways are provided for boards of directors and organisations to foster a culture of continuity of the strategic plan even when executives leave the organisation unceremoniously or when their contracts end and are not renewed. Originality/value This paper gives practical advice from situations in organisations and helps boards of directors to take into account the duration of strategic plans when employing executives. © 2011 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.Contract workers; Corporate strategy; Mission achievement; Strategic planningNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79951546609Environmental impact assessment, land degradation and remediation in Nigeria: Current problems and implications for future global change in agricultural and mining areasChukwuma Sr. C.2011International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology18110.1080/13504509.2011.543837Chrysanthus Centre for Future-Oriented Studies, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, NigeriaChukwuma Sr., C., Chrysanthus Centre for Future-Oriented Studies, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, NigeriaNatural and anthropogenic processes and products of mining affect quality of life in highly mineralised areas, such as the derelict Enyigba-Abakaliki agriculture-oriented lead-zinc mining area, which has degradation of land and groundwater resources. This study establishes that Nigeria and other developing nations should maximise the benefits and mitigate the negative impacts of adverse natural and mining activities so as to achieve poverty alleviation. Baseline data on the economic, fiscal, social, land and flora, as well as environmental impacts and plans were designed to take into consideration the ways and means for mine closure and remediation to reduce health, environmental, socio-cultural risks and to assess costs. Certain cultivated and wild plant species are suggested as heavy metal indicators for environmental monitoring. The findings show that communities need leadership, partnerships, sharing of experiences and support from all government levels to preserve land and groundwater resources. We must adopt broader policies in a coordinated fashion so as to cope with interrelated environmental and developmental problems, irrespective of the expansive uncertainty regarding the nature of these problems, particularly with respect to economically doubtful mining operations that can degrade our agricultural soils. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.agricultural soils; developing countries; environmental impacts; land degradation; mining areas; remediationagricultural land; cultivation; developing world; economic analysis; environmental impact assessment; environmental monitoring; groundwater resource; heavy metal; land degradation; land management; mineralization; mining; plant community; poverty alleviation; risk assessment; state role; uncertainty analysis; wild population; NigeriaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-80052523434Effects of cocoa tree phenology and canopy microclimate on the performance of the mirid bug Sahlbergella singularisBabin R., Anikwe J.C., Dibog L., Lumaret J.-P.2011Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata141110.1111/j.1570-7458.2011.01164.xCIRAD, UPR Bioagresseurs Analyse et Maîtrise du Risque, F-34398 Montpellier, France; Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 5244, Ibadan, Nigeria; IRAD, BP 2067, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Arthropod Team, UMR 5175 CEFE, University of Montpellier III, MontpellieBabin, R., CIRAD, UPR Bioagresseurs Analyse et Maîtrise du Risque, F-34398 Montpellier, France; Anikwe, J.C., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 5244, Ibadan, Nigeria; Dibog, L., IRAD, BP 2067, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Lumaret, J.-P., Arthropod Team, UMR 5175 CEFE, University of Montpellier III, Montpellier, FrancePopulations of the cocoa mirid, Sahlbergella singularis Haglund (Hemiptera: Miridae), on cocoa, Theobroma cacao L. (Malvaceae), display sharp seasonal fluctuations in population size. To better understand factors and mechanisms involved in seasonal variation, we studied the life history traits of 10 successive generations of a caged population under field conditions. Nymphal survival and development were assessed on pods stored under cocoa canopy, whereas female survival and fecundity were evaluated on sleeved pods in cocoa trees. At the same time, cocoa phenology and cocoa canopy microclimate were characterized. A life table analysis was conducted with survival and fecundity temporal data. Reproductive parameters showed far more variation than nymphal development parameters, both within and among generations. We obtained low intrinsic rates of natural increase (about 0.04), the variation of which was mainly linked to the decrease in fecundity. Fecundity as well as life table parameters varied in accordance with natural population fluctuations, suggesting that S. singularis seasonal variation might be mainly linked to variation in female fecundity. A multiple regression analysis showed that variation in female fecundity was first correlated with the presence of young fruits on cocoa trees. Fecundity was also weakly affected by daily minimum r.h. and daily mean temperature. The usefulness of our results for modeling of S. singularis population dynamics and for the improvement of IPM strategies is discussed. © 2011 The Authors. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata © 2011 The Netherlands Entomological Society.Demographic parameters; Demographic processes; Fecundity; Hemiptera; IPM strategy; Life history traits; Life tables; Miridae; Nymphal development; Seasonal variation; Survival; Theobroma cacaobiological development; cocoa; crop pest; developmental stage; fecundity; insect; integrated pest management; life history trait; life table; microclimate; multiple regression; phenology; population dynamics; population modeling; population size; reproductive status; seasonal variation; survival; Hemiptera; Malvaceae; Miridae; Sahlbergella singularis; Theobroma cacaoNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84921469715Urban transport safety assessment in Akure based on corresponding performance indicatorsOye A., Aderinlewo O., Croope S.2013Central European Journal of Engineering3110.2478/s13531-012-0043-zCivil Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware, United StatesOye, A., Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Aderinlewo, O., Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Croope, S., Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware, United StatesThe level of safety of the transportation system in Akure, Nigeria was assessed by identifying the associated road safety problems and developing the corresponding safety performance indicators. These indicators were analysed with respect to accidents that occurred within the city from the year 2005 to 2009 based on the corresponding attributable risk measures. The results of the analysis showed the state of existing safety programs in Akure town. Six safety performance indicators were identified namely alcohol and drug use, excessive speeds, protection system (use of seat belts and helmets), use of day time running lights, state of vehicles (passive safety) and road condition. These indicators were used to determine the percentage of injury accidents as follows: 83.33% and 86.36% for years 2005 and 2006 respectively, 81.46% for year 2007 while years 2008 and 2009 had 82.86% and 78.12% injury accidents respectively. © Versita sp. z o.o.Attributable risk; Injury accidents; Protection system; Safety performance indicators; VulnerabilityNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79951786726Women war survivors of the 1989-2003 conflict in Liberia: The impact of sexual and gender-based violenceLiebling-Kalifani H., Mwaka V., Ojiambo-Ochieng R., Were-Oguttu J., Kinyanda E., Kwekwe D., Howard L., Danuweli C.2011Journal of International Women's Studies121NoneClinical Psychology, Coventry University, Makerere University, Uganda; Makerere University, Uganda; Isis-Women's International Cross Cultural Exchange, Kampala, Uganda; Information and Documentation at Isis-WICCE, Uganda; MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; Ministry of Gender and Development, Cottingham University, Liberia; University of York, United Kingdom; University of Liberia, LiberiaLiebling-Kalifani, H., Clinical Psychology, Coventry University, Makerere University, Uganda; Mwaka, V., Makerere University, Uganda; Ojiambo-Ochieng, R., Isis-Women's International Cross Cultural Exchange, Kampala, Uganda; Were-Oguttu, J., Information and Documentation at Isis-WICCE, Uganda; Kinyanda, E., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; Kwekwe, D., Ministry of Gender and Development, Cottingham University, Liberia; Howard, L., University of York, United Kingdom; Danuweli, C., University of Liberia, LiberiaThis article presents a summary of the qualitative data from research carried out in post-conflict Liberia by Isis-WICCE, a women's international non-government organisation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Gender and Development of Liberia and Women in Peace-building Network, WIPNET. Analysis of research findings detail women's experiences of conflict and the serious effects of sexual violence and torture on their physical and psychological health. The paper also describes the omission of women from justice and rehabilitation processes. In support of women participants' views, the authors' recommend that funding is urgently required for the provision of holistic and sustainable, gender- sensitive services. Additional recommendations are made with respect to health, justice and policy changes in line with enhancing women survivor's roles and utilising their skills and resilience.Gender-based violence; Liberia; Sexual; War; WomenNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-81355147314Prevalence and impact of hepatitis B and C virus co-infections in antiretroviral treatment naïve patients with HIV infection at a major treatment center in GhanaSagoe K.W.C., Agyei A.A., Ziga F., Lartey M., Adiku T.K., Seshi M., Arens M.Q., Mingle J.A.A.2012Journal of Medical Virology84110.1002/jmv.22262Clinical Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Department of Medicine, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Pharmacy Department, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana; Retrovirus Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO, United StatesSagoe, K.W.C., Clinical Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Agyei, A.A., Department of Medicine, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Ziga, F., Pharmacy Department, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana; Lartey, M., Department of Medicine, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Adiku, T.K., Clinical Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Seshi, M., Clinical Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Arens, M.Q., Retrovirus Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO, United States; Mingle, J.A.A., Clinical Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, GhanaData on the effects of the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients co-infected with these viruses and HIV in West Africa are conflicting and little information is available in Ghana. A cohort of 138 treatment naïve individuals infected with HIV was screened for HBV and HCV serologic markers; HBsAg positive patients were tested for HBeAg, anti-HBe, and anti-HBc IgM. The viral load of HIV-1 in the plasma was determined in 81 patients. Eighteen of the 138 patients (13%) and 5 (3.6%) had HBsAg and anti-HCV, respectively. None of the patients had anti-HBc IgM, but 10 (55.6%) and 8 (44.4%) of the 18 patients who were HBsAg positive had HBeAg and anti-HBe, respectively. In patients with measurement of CD4 + undertaken within 1 month (n=83), CD4 + count was significantly lower in patients with HBeAg (median [IQR], 81 [22-144]) as compared to those with anti-HBe (median [IQR], 210 [197-222]) (P=0.002, CI: -96.46 to 51.21). However, those with HIV mono-infection had similar CD4 + counts (median [IQR], 57 [14-159]) compared to those with HBeAg (P=1.0, CI: -71.75 to 73.66). Similar results were obtained if CD4 + count was measured within 2 months prior to initiation of HAART (n=119). Generally, HBV and anti-HCV did not affect CD4 + and viral loads of HIV-1 in plasma but patients with HIV and HBV co-infection who had HBeAg had more severe immune suppression as compared to those with anti-HBe. This may have implication for initiating HAART in HBV endemic areas. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.CD4 +; Ghana; Hepatitis viruses; HIV; Viral loadantiretrovirus agent; hepatitis B core antibody; hepatitis B surface antigen; hepatitis B(e) antibody; hepatitis B(e) antigen; adult; article; CD4+ T lymphocyte; controlled study; Ghana; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune response; major clinical study; mixed infection; prevalence; screening test; virus load; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Coinfection; Comorbidity; Female; Ghana; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; Hepatitis C; Hepatitis C Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Immunoglobulin M; Male; Middle Aged; Viral Load; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; Human immunodeficiency virus 1None
Scopus2-s2.0-12344249998Evaluation of microbial diversity of different soil layers at a contaminated diesel siteMaila M.P., Randima P., Surridge K., Drønen K., Cloete T.E.2005International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation55110.1016/j.ibiod.2004.06.012Cncl. for Sci. and Indust. Research, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Dept. Microbiol. and Plant Pathol., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Microbiology, University of Bergen, Jahnebakken 5, N-5020 Bergen, NorwayMaila, M.P., Cncl. for Sci. and Indust. Research, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Randima, P., Cncl. for Sci. and Indust. Research, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Surridge, K., Dept. Microbiol. and Plant Pathol., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Drønen, K., Department of Microbiology, University of Bergen, Jahnebakken 5, N-5020 Bergen, Norway; Cloete, T.E., Dept. Microbiol. and Plant Pathol., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South AfricaIn this study, we evaluated the hydrocarbon removal efficiency and microbial diversity of different soil layers. The soil layers with high counts of recoverable hydrocarbon degrading bacteria had the highest hydrocarbon removal rate compared with soil layers with low counts of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria. Removal efficiency was 48% in the topsoil, compared with 31% and 11% at depths of 1.5 and 1 m, respectively. In the 1 and 1.5 m soil layers, there was no significant difference between total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal in nutrient amended treatments and controls. The respiration rate reflected the difference in the number of bacteria in each soil layer and the availability of nutrients. High O2 consumption corresponded positively with high TPH removal. Analysis of the microbial diversity in the different soil layers using functional diversity (community-level physiological profile, via Biolog) and genetic diversity using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) of 16S rDNA revealed differences in, respectively, substrate utilisation patterns and DGGE profiles of 16S rDNA fragments. Microbial diversity as revealed by DNA fragments was lower in the highly contaminated soil layer (1.5 m) than in the topsoil and at 1 m. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.NoneBiodegradation; Biodiversity; Contamination; Hydrocarbons; Nutrition; Soils; Microbial diversity; Nutrients; Respiration rate; Soil layers; Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH); Bacteria; biodegradation; diesel; hydrocarbon; soil microorganism; soil pollution; species diversity; Bacteria (microorganisms)None
Scopus2-s2.0-84873035112Evaluation of cassava flour in the production of cocoa powder-based biscuitsGyedu-Akoto E., Laryea D.2013Nutrition and Food Science43110.1108/00346651311295914Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Department of Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Knust-Kumasi, GhanaGyedu-Akoto, E., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Laryea, D., Department of Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Knust-Kumasi, GhanaPurpose: The aim of this paper is to promote the local consumption of cassava through its utilization in baked products such as cocoa powder-based biscuits. Design/methodology/approach: Wheat flour was substituted with cassava flour at different levels - 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 percent in the production of cocoa powder-based biscuits. The products obtained were analyzed for protein and ash contents. Sensory analysis was also conducted on the products to determine the optimum level of inclusion of cassava flour. Findings: The incremental addition of cassava flour to the biscuits reduced the sensory and chemical quality of the products. The use of sole cassava flour (100 percent) could not form dough to produce biscuits. However, biscuits with 20 percent cassava flour were found to be most acceptable. Regression analysis of the data showed that the quality of the products depended on their texture and protein content since these attributes had R2 values higher than 0.80. Originality/value: This study was done to determine the potential use of cassava flour in baked products to meet the needs of the dynamic consumer market and also help in the reduction of excess cassava on the Ghanaian market. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.Cassava flour; Cocoa powder; Food products; Ghana; Gluten; Lipoprotein matrix; Wheat flourManihot esculenta; Theobroma cacao; Triticum aestivumNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84855758508Lameness in dairy cattle: Prevalence, risk factors and impact on milk productionSulayeman M., Fromsa A.2012Global Veterinaria81NoneCollege of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, EthiopiaSulayeman, M., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Fromsa, A., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, EthiopiaThe importance of lameness has increased as it became one of the greatest insults to the productivity of dairy cattle and took the third place in causing economic loss to dairy farmers next to infertility and mastitis. However, it is among the most neglected and least studied dairy problems in Ethiopia. This observational and repeated cross-sectional study was carried out on 432 dairy cattle that belonged to 23 randomly selected farms from Hawasa town to determine the prevalence of lameness, identify the associated risk factors and assess the effect on milk production. The result showed an overall lameness prevalence of 3.5%. Lameness of one or more animal was detected in 11 (47.83%) of the 23 visited farms. Milking status, pregnancy, feeding, floor type, length of rough track, frequency of floor cleaning, age, sex and herd size were considered as risk factors and statistically tested. All the risk factors except milking status were not significantly associated with lameness (P>0.05). Lameness was more frequent in hind limbs (2.8%) than in forelimbs (0.7%). In milking dairy cows, the mean daily milk yield was significantly reduced after the onset of lameness. The study showed that lameness is an economically important dairy herd problem. Therefore, prevention or early diagnosis and treatment of lameness in cows at all stages of lactation should be part of dairy farm management practice. © IDOSI Publications, 2012.Dairy cattle; Lameness; Prevalence; Risk factorsAnimalia; BosNone
Scopus2-s2.0-80054008736Evaluation of some robusta coffee (Coffea canephora pierre ex a. Froehner) clones for optimal density planting in GhanaAnim-Kwapong G.J., Anim-Kwapong E., Oppong F.K.2010African Journal of Agricultural Research51NoneCocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. BOX 8, New Tafo-Akim, GhanaAnim-Kwapong, G.J., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. BOX 8, New Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Anim-Kwapong, E., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. BOX 8, New Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Oppong, F.K., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. BOX 8, New Tafo-Akim, GhanaIncreasing productivity is a main objective in Robusta coffee improvement in Ghana. A field trial was established in 1998 to evaluate the potential of ten Robusta coffee clones for optimal density planting, at the experimental field of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana sub-station, Afosu. The clones were evaluated at three planting densities (1667, 2222 and 2667 trees ha -1) in a split plot design with three replicates, for yield and five vegetative traits namely: stem diameter, crown diameter, orthotropic internodes length, plagiotropic internodes length and number of bearing nodes per plagiotropic branch. Highly significant (P &lt; 0.00) interaction effects were observed for all parameters measured. The highest yields (averaging 1289.5 kg ha -1 year -1) were obtained from the highest planting density with clones 197, A129, B191, 181, and A115. These clones also had a relatively compact growth habit (smaller stem diameter and shorter plagiotropic and orthotropic internode lengths) compared to the other five clones (E152, B96, E138, E139 and B36). The findings suggest that productivity increases in Robusta coffee could be achieved through the use of planting materials which combine compact growth habit and high harvest potential in close spacing planting scheme. © 2010 Academic Journals.High density planting; Robusta coffee clones; Vegetative vigour; Yield potentialCoffea canephora; Theobroma cacaoNone
Scopus2-s2.0-68049089781The rooting performance of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn) cuttings leached in water and application of rooting hormone in different mediaYeboah J., Lowor S.T., Amoah F.M.2009Journal of Plant Sciences4110.3923/jps.2009.10.14Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, GhanaYeboah, J., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Lowor, S.T., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Amoah, F.M., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, GhanaIn order to improve the rooting performance of shea stem cuttings to enhance the establislunent of shea plantation, an investigation was carried out in 2003/2004 at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Substation, Bole in a polythene propagator. The propagating structures for the experiment were kept under a shade net (50% shade) to create a microclimate for the cuttings. The treatments employed were leaching, different growth media and hormone application. Rejuvenated (coppiced cuttings) shoots that were not leached (not dipped in water) gave significantly higher rooting than the leached cuttings while Seradix 3 powder applied cuttings produced significantly higher (p<0.05) rooting than the control. Significantly high in number, more developed and longer roots per cutting were recorded for the rice husk medium than the sand and sand-top soil (1: 1) media. The biochemical analysis significantly recorded high levels of sugar and phenol for cuttings that were not leached in water. The results of this study demonstrated that rice husk medium was the best for rooting shea cuttings. © 2009 Academic Journals Inc.Phenol; Rice husk medium; Sand; Sand+top soil; SugarTheobroma cacao; Vitellaria paradoxaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33645385128Clonal evaluation of vegetatively propagated half-node cuttings of Coffea canephoraFamaye A.O., Oloyede A.A., Ayegboyin K.O.2006Tropical Science46110.1002/ts.10Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 5244, Ibadan, NigeriaFamaye, A.O., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 5244, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oloyede, A.A., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 5244, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ayegboyin, K.O., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 5244, Ibadan, NigeriaOf five high-yielding clones of robusta coffee, half-node cuttings of C36, C96, C108 and C111 sprouted, rooted and grew well. T1049 was markedly inferior, but the half-node technique could be used. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Clonal evaluation; Coffee; Cutting; Half-node; RobustaCoffea canephoraNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33645783649Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seed meal as protein source for pullets: 1. Performance of grower pullets fed raw or processed pigeon pea seed meal dietsAmaefule K.U., Ironkwe M.C., Ojewola G.S.2006International Journal of Poultry Science5110.3923/ijps.2006.60.64College of Animal Science and Animal Health, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, NigeriaAmaefule, K.U., College of Animal Science and Animal Health, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Ironkwe, M.C., College of Animal Science and Animal Health, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Ojewola, G.S., College of Animal Science and Animal Health, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, NigeriaThe experiment was conducted with 150 nine week-old black Bovan Nera pullets to evaluate the performance of grower pullets fed raw or processed pigeon pea seed meal (PSM) diets from the grower (9th week) stage of life. The experiment, which was in a completely randomized design (CRD), comprised pullets fed 20% PSM diets that were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. The seeds were used as raw, boiled for 30 minutes, toasted for 30 minutes or soaked in water for 24 hours. Each treatment (raw, boiled, toasted, soaked or control diets) was replicated three times. Parameters measured were feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, live weight at point of lay and feed cost. Pullets fed 20% boiled PSM diet had significantly higher (P<0.05) daily protein intake and live weight at point of lay. It was concluded that PSM could be a good protein source for grower pullets, which could be incorporated into the diets at 20% of the whole diet without any adverse effect on growth performance. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006.Diets; Grower pullets; Pigeon pea seeds; Processed seedsCajanus cajanNone
Scopus2-s2.0-41949092932High performance Pd-based catalysts for oxidation of formic acidWang R., Liao S., Ji S.2008Journal of Power Sources180110.1016/j.jpowsour.2008.02.027College of Chemistry, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China; South Africa Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, South AfricaWang, R., College of Chemistry, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China; Liao, S., College of Chemistry, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China; Ji, S., South Africa Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, South AfricaTwo novel catalysts for anode oxidation of formic acid, Pd2Co/C and Pd4Co2Ir/C, were prepared by an organic colloid method with sodium citrate as a complexing agent. These two catalysts showed better performance towards the anodic oxidation of formic acid than Pd/C catalyst and commercial Pt/C catalyst. Compared with Pd/C catalyst, potentials of the anodic peak of formic acid at the Pd2Co/C and Pd4Co2Ir/C catalyst electrodes shifted towards negative value by 140 and 50 mV, respectively, meanwhile showed higher current densities. At potential of 0.05 V (vs. SCE), the current density for Pd4Co2Ir/C catalyst is as high as up to 13.7 mA cm-2, which is twice of that for Pd/C catalyst, and six times of that for commercial Pt/C catalyst. The alloy catalysts were nanostructured with a diameter of ca. 3-5 nm and well dispersed on carbon according to X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. The composition of alloy catalysts was analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Pd4Co2Ir/C catalyst showed the highest activity and best stability making it the best potential candidate for application in a direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC). © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Electrocatalysts; Formic acid oxidation; Fuel cell; Pd-based catalystsCurrent density; Electrocatalysts; Energy dispersive X ray analysis; Formic acid fuel cells (FAFC); Oxidation; Complexing agents; Organic colloid method; Sodium citrate; Formic acidNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84922091077Spatial analysis of groundwater potential using remote sensing and GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation in Raya Valley, northern Ethiopia [Analyse spatiale du potentiel d’eau souterraine à l’aide d’images satellites et d’évaluation multicritères à partir dFenta A.A., Kifle A., Gebreyohannes T., Hailu G.2014Hydrogeology Journal23110.1007/s10040-014-1198-xCollege of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dept. of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Institute of Geo-information and Earth Observation Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dept. of Earth Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Tigray, EthiopiaFenta, A.A., College of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dept. of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Kifle, A., Institute of Geo-information and Earth Observation Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Gebreyohannes, T., College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dept. of Earth Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Hailu, G., Institute of Geo-information and Earth Observation Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Tigray, EthiopiaSustainable development and management of groundwater resources require application of scientific principles and modern techniques. An integrated approach is implemented using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS)-based multi-criteria evaluation to identify promising areas for groundwater exploration in Raya Valley, northern Ethiopia. The thematic layers considered are lithology, lineament density, geomorphology, slope, drainage density, rainfall and land use/cover. The corresponding normalized rates for the classes in a layer and weights for thematic layers are computed using Saaty’s analytical hierarchy process. Based on the computed rates and weights, aggregating the thematic maps is done using a weighted linear combination method to obtain a groundwater potential (GP) map. The GP map is verified by overlay analysis with observed borehole yield data. Map-removal and single-parameter sensitivity analyses are used to examine the effects of removing any of the thematic layers on the GP map and to compute effective weights, respectively. About 770 km2 (28 % of the study area) is designated as ‘very good’ GP. ‘Good’, ‘moderate’ and ‘poor’ GP areas cover 630 km2 (23 %), 600 km2 (22 %) and 690 km2 (25 %), respectively; the area with ‘very poor’ GP covers 55 km2 (2 %). Verification of the GP map against observed borehole yield data shows 74 % agreement, which is fairly satisfactory. The sensitivity analyses reveal the GP map is most sensitive to lithology with a mean variation index of 6.5 %, and lithology is the most effective thematic layer in GP mapping with mean effective weight of 52 %. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.Ethiopia; Geographic information systems; Groundwater potential; Multi-criteria evaluation; Remote sensingNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84892540235The impact of language of learning and teaching in primary schools: A case study of the Gauteng provinceMogashoa T.2014Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences5110.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p295College of Education, University of South Africa, South AfricaMogashoa, T., College of Education, University of South Africa, South AfricaThe aim of the research was to establish the impact of language of learning and teaching in selected South African primary schools. This study was underpinned by critical discourse analysis. The framework of analysis included analysis of texts, interactions and social practices at the local, institutional and societal levels. Language policies can be better understood by looking at the social issues of the community as well as the language and type of texts used. When exercising a choice with regard to method, researchers often have to decide between qualitative and quantitative methods or a combination of both. Qualitative research was chosen as a relevant research instrument for this study to gather information. During data analysis the data were organised categorically and coded and the responses were correlated with the prominent and emerging views identified in the literature survey. The findings of this study revealed that African learners are taught in second or third languages while white learners are taught in their home languages. The Department of Basic Education and policy makers should be persuaded to promote programmes in which home language instruction is given meaningful financial and material support to make the production and rewriting of textbooks and dictionaries across school curricula possible.Critical discourse analysis; Curriculum; Evaluation and assessment; Involvement; Perspectives; Purpose and emphasis; Qualitative; Significance; TeacherNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-60849106681Impact of industrial effluents on water, soils and plants in the Alakia industrial area of Ibadan, South West NigeriaAwomeso J.A., Ufoegbune G.C., Oluwasanya G.O., Ademola-Aremu O.O.2009Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry91110.1080/02772240802074975College of Environmental Resources Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NigeriaAwomeso, J.A., College of Environmental Resources Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ufoegbune, G.C., College of Environmental Resources Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Oluwasanya, G.O., College of Environmental Resources Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ademola-Aremu, O.O., College of Environmental Resources Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NigeriaChemical analysis of the effluents of the industrial area in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria, and their effect on three communities were evaluated. The degree of pollution was ascertained by determination of the concentration of 12 metals including Pb, Cu, Ni, K, Cd, Fe, Zn, Ca, Cr, Mn, Na, Mg, a specific nonmetal phosphorus, as well as chloride (Cl) and nitrates (NO3 -. The study established the presence of metals in concentrations higher than the recommended limits in effluent discharges in all the samples in the study area. © 2009 Taylor &amp; Francis.Effluent; Industrial growth; Metals; Pollution; RadicalsCalcium; Chlorine compounds; Chromium; Industrial plants; Lead; Manganese; Manganese compounds; Metals; Nitrogen compounds; Phosphorus; Pollution; Sewage; Sodium; Wastewater treatment; Zinc; Concentration of; Effluent discharges; Industrial areas; Industrial effluents; Industrial growth; Nigeria; Radicals; Study areas; Effluents; chemical pollutant; concentration (composition); discharge; effluent; heavy metal; nitrate; Africa; Ibadan; Nigeria; Oyo; Sub-Saharan Africa; West AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84919752607Pre-service ultrasonic and manual evaluation of the reproductive organs of dairy cows presumed to be in estrusHansar E., Lemma A., Yilma T.2014SpringerPlus3110.1186/2193-1801-3-529College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, EthiopiaHansar, E., College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Lemma, A., College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Yilma, T., College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, EthiopiaManual and ultrasonic evaluation of the the reproductive organs of 62 dairy cows and heifers belonging to smallholder farms was conducted. The objective was to assess the efficiency of visual estrus detection method in the dairy animals that were presented for artificial insemination. Data were collected on reproductive status, body condition, estrus signs, and findings of rectal examination. Thirty-three animals were inseminated after ultrasonic evaluation while 29 animals were inseminated after manual evaluation through rectal palpation. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed using ultrasound 30 days post insemination. The most frequently observed estrus signs by the dairy owners were mucus discharge (83.9%) and mounting (67.7%) while the most frequently confirmed physical signs of estrus by rectal examination were cervical opening (88.7%), and uterine turgidity (82.3%). The overall mean (±SD) diameter of the largest follicle was 12.9 ± 3.4 mm with an average number of 3.5 follicles per ovary. The overall pregnancy rate was 29%. Evaluation of post-insemination records showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the diameter of largest follicle between the pregnant (14.7 mm) and non-pregnant (12.1 mm) animals. The mean (±SD) time interval between the first observed estrus sign to service were 10.5 ± 7.0 hrs and 14.5 ± 10.0 hrs for pregnant and non-pregnant, respectively. The low pregnancy rate, delayed time of insemination, and the difference in the size of dominant follicle indicate the incompatibility between visual estrus detection and optimal time of insemination. This confirms the significance of improving estrus detection and the need for combining estrus signs with pre-service evaluation of the reproductive organs either manually or using ultrasound. © 2014, Hansar et al.; licensee Springer.Artificial insemination; Estrus sign; Reproductive organs; UltrasonographyNoneNone
WoSWOS:000274115900013The impact of immunization on the association between poverty and child survival: Evidence from Kassena-Nankana District of northern GhanaAdjuik, Martin,Bawah, Ayaga A.,Binka, Fred N.,MacLeod, Bruce,Phillips, James F.,Vaughan-Smith, Maya2010SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH38110.1177/1403494809352532Columbia University, Navrongo Health Research Center, University of Ghana, University of Maine System, University of Southern Maine, INDEPTH Network"Adjuik, Martin: Navrongo Health Research Center","Binka, Fred N.: University of Ghana","MacLeod, Bruce: University of Maine System","MacLeod, Bruce: University of Southern Maine","Phillips, James F.: Columbia University",Background: Research conducted in Africa has consistently demonstrated that parental poverty and low educational attainment adversely affect child survival. Research conducted elsewhere has demonstrated that low-cost vaccines against preventable diseases reduce childhood mortality. Therefore, the extension of vaccination to impoverished populations is widely assumed to diminish equity effects. Recent evidence that childhood mortality is increasing in many countries where vaccination programmes are active challenges this assumption. Data and methods: This paper marshals data from accurate and complete immunization records and survival histories for 18,368 children younger than five years in a rural northern Ghanaian population that is generally impoverished, but where family wealth and parental educational differentials exist nonetheless. Time-conditional Weibull hazard models are estimated to test the hypothesis that childhood immunization offsets the detrimental effects of poverty and low educational attainment. Conclusions: Findings show that the adverse effects of poverty disappear and that the effects of educational attainment are reduced in survival models that control for immunization status. This finding lends empirical support to policies that promote immunization as a strategic component of poverty-reduction programmes."CHILD SURVIVAL",HEALTH,IMMUNIZATION,POVERTY,AFRICA,GUINEA-BISSAU,MORTALITY,"NAVRONGO EXPERIMENT"NoneNone
WoSWOS:000301868800006The impact of reducing financial barriers on utilisation of a primary health care facility in RwandaBonds, Matthew H.,Dhillon, Ranu S.,Fraden, Max,Ndahiro, Donald,Ruxin, Josh2012GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH7110.1080/17441692.2011.593536Columbia University, University of Rwanda, Millennium Villages Project"Bonds, Matthew H.: University of Rwanda","Dhillon, Ranu S.: Columbia University","Fraden, Max: Columbia University","Ruxin, Josh: Columbia University",This study investigates the impact of subsidising community-based health insurance (mutuelle) enrolment, removing point-of-service co-payments, and improving service delivery on health facility utilisation rates in Mayange, a sector of rural Rwanda of approximately 25,000 people divided among five 'imidugudu' or small villages. While comprehensive service upgrades were introduced in the Mayange Health Centre between April 2006 and February 2007, utilisation rates remained similar to comparison sites. Between February 2007 and April 2007, subsidies for mutuelle enrolment established virtually 100% coverage. Immediately after co-payments were eliminated in February 2007, patient visits levelled at a rate triple the previous value. Regression analyses using data from Mayange and two comparison sites indicate that removing financial barriers resulted in about 0.6 additional annual visits for curative care per capita. Although based on a single local pilot, these findings suggest that in order to achieve improved health outcomes, key short-term objectives include improved service delivery and reduced financial barriers. Based on this pilot, higher utilisation rates may be affected if broader swaths of the population are enrolled in mutuelle and co-payments are eliminated. Health leaders in Rwanda should consider further studies to determine if the impact of eliminating co-payments and increasing subsidies for mutuelle enrolment as seen in Mayange holds at greater levels of scale. Broader studies to better elucidate the impact of enrolment subsidies and co-payment subsidies on utilisation, health outcomes, and costs would also provide policy insights."community-based health insurance",Mayange,mutuelle,RWANDA,"USER FEES",ACCESS,AFRICA,COST,INSURANCE,POVERTY,SERVICES,UGANDA,"USER FEES"NoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84939165185Effects of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution on cognitive performance following exercise-induced hyperthermia in humansLee J.K.W., Ang W.H., Ng J.W.X., Fan P.W.P., Teo Y.S., Nolte H.W., Yeo Y.Y.W.2014Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition11110.1186/s12970-014-0051-xCombat Protection and Performance Programme, Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore; Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; ERGOnomics TECHnologies, Research and Development, Armscor, Pretoria, South AfricaLee, J.K.W., Combat Protection and Performance Programme, Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore, Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Ang, W.H., Combat Protection and Performance Programme, Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore; Ng, J.W.X., Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Fan, P.W.P., Combat Protection and Performance Programme, Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore; Teo, Y.S., Combat Protection and Performance Programme, Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore; Nolte, H.W., ERGOnomics TECHnologies, Research and Development, Armscor, Pretoria, South Africa; Yeo, Y.Y.W., Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, SingaporeBackground: There is limited information on the effects of sports drinks on cognitive function after exercise in the heat. We aimed to investigate the effects of ingesting a commercially available carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO) solution on cognitive performance following exercise-induced hyperthermia. Methods: Twelve participants completed three practices of cognitive tests, one full familiarisation and two experimental trials in an environmental chamber (dry bulb temperature: 30.2 ± 0.3°C, relative humidity: 70 ± 3%). The experimental trials consisted of five cognitive tests (symbol digit matching, search and memory, digit span, choice reaction time and psychomotor vigilance test) performed before and after a 75-min run on a treadmill at 70% VO<inf>2</inf> max. One ml/kg body mass of a 6.8% CHO solution or placebo was consumed at the start, every 15 min during exercise and between cognitive tests after exercise. Core temperature, heart rate, blood glucose concentrations, subjective ratings and cognitive performance were assessed (symbol digit matching, search and memory, digit span, choice reaction time and psychomotor vigilance). Results: Participants were hyperthermic at the end of the run (placebo: 39.5 ± 0.4°C, CHO: 39.6 ± 0.5°C; Mean ± SD; p = 0.37). The change in blood glucose was higher with CHO ingestion (1.6, 0.7 to 4.5 mmol/L) (median, range) than with placebo ingestion (0.9, -0.1 to 4.7 mmol/L; p < 0.05). CHO ingestion reduced the maximum span of digits memorized, in contrast to an increase in maximum span with placebo ingestion (p < 0.05). CHO solution had no effect on other cognitive tests (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that CHO solution ingestion may impair short-term memory following exertional heat stress. © 2014 Lee et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84902523905African primary care research: Performing a programme evaluationDudley L.2014African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine6110.4102/phcfm.v6i1.634Community Health Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505, South AfricaDudley, L., Community Health Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505, South AfricaThis article is part of a series on Primary Care Research in the African context and focuses on programme evaluation. Different types of programme evaluation are outlined: developmental, process, outcome and impact. Eight steps to follow in designing your programme evaluation are then described in some detail: engage stakeholders; establish what is known; describe the programme; define the evaluation and select a study design; define the indicators; plan and manage data collection and analysis; make judgements and recommendations; and disseminate the findings. Other articles in the series cover related topics such as writing your research proposal, performing a literature review, conducting surveys with questionnaires, qualitative interviewing and approaches to quantitative and qualitative data analysis. © 2014. The Authors.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84856885740Impact of conflict on agricultural production in the Niger-Delta: Evidence from Cross River State, NigeriaOfem N.I., Ndifon H.M., Angba A.O., Effiong J.B., Akinmosin O.C.2012Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment101NoneDepartment of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, NigeriaOfem, N.I., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Ndifon, H.M., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Angba, A.O., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Effiong, J.B., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Akinmosin, O.C., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, NigeriaThe study determined the impact of conflicts on agricultural production in the Niger Delta of Nigeria with specific evidence from Cross River State. The state was purposively selected because of its high rate of communal conflict. A multi-staged sampling procedure was employed and respondents were randomly sampled from two different communities where conflicts have occurred over time. A total of 60 respondents were used for the study. Data were collected from respondents using personal interviews, with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics (ordered probit regression) were used to analyze data. Results from the descriptive analysis revealed that a greater percentage of the respondents (63.33%) were farmers, 41.67% were youths between the ages of 21 and 40 years, majority (56.67%) had low educational attainments and there was a high level of unemployment (90%) in the area, while 25 percent of the respondents earned as low as N30,000 or less per-annum. The results of the hypotheses tested revealed that there is a significant relationship between conflicts and respondents' socio-economic characteristics such as age, occupation, marital status, family size, education and employment status while gender, income and infrastructure were not significant. The result also showed a significant but negative relationship between agricultural GDP and conflict. Therefore, the study noted that strategies and programmes aimed at addressing the socio-economic needs of the people and investments in agriculture were required to stem the spate of conflicts in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.Agricultural production; Clashes; Communal; Conflict; Impact; Niger-delta; Probit; Regression; Violenceadult; age; agricultural worker; article; community dynamics; conflict; crop production; educational status; family size; female; human; interview; male; marriage; Nigeria; occupation; social status; structured questionnaire; unemploymentNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84896042349Evaluation of the deposition, translocation and pathological response of brake dust with and without added chrysotile in comparison to crocidolite asbestos following short-term inhalation: Interim resultsBernstein D.M., Rogers R., Sepulveda R., Kunzendorf P., Bellmann B., Ernst H., Phillips J.I.2014Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology276110.1016/j.taap.2014.01.016Consultant in Toxicology, 1208 Geneva, Switzerland; Rogers Imaging, Needham, MA 02494, United States; GSA Gesellschaft für Schadstoffanalytik mbH, D-40882 Ratingen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South AfricaBernstein, D.M., Consultant in Toxicology, 1208 Geneva, Switzerland; Rogers, R., Rogers Imaging, Needham, MA 02494, United States; Sepulveda, R., Rogers Imaging, Needham, MA 02494, United States; Kunzendorf, P., GSA Gesellschaft für Schadstoffanalytik mbH, D-40882 Ratingen, Germany; Bellmann, B., Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; Ernst, H., Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; Phillips, J.I., National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa, Department of Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South AfricaChrysotile has been frequently used in the past in manufacturing brakes and continues to be used in brakes in many countries. This study was designed to provide an understanding of the biokinetics and potential toxicology following inhalation of brake dust following short term exposure in rats. The deposition, translocation and pathological response of brake dust derived from brake pads manufactured with chrysotile were evaluated in comparison to the amphibole, crocidolite asbestos. Rats were exposed by inhalation 6h/day for 5days to either brake dust obtained by sanding of brake-drums manufactured with chrysotile, a mixture of chrysotile and the brake dust or crocidolite asbestos. No significant pathological response was observed at any time point in either the brake dust or chrysotile/brake dust exposure groups. The long chrysotile fibers (&gt;20μm) cleared quickly with T1/2 estimated as 30 and 33days, respectively in the brake dust and the chrysotile/brake dust exposure groups. In contrast, the long crocidolite fibers had a T1/2&gt;1000days and initiated a rapid inflammatory response in the lung following exposure resulting in a 5-fold increase in fibrotic response within 91days. These results provide support that brake dust derived from chrysotile containing brake drums would not initiate a pathological response in the lung following short term inhalation. © 2014 The Authors.Amphibole asbestos; Brake dust; Chrysotile; Inhalation toxicology; Lung/pleura; Pathologyamphibole; chrysotile; crocidolite; air monitoring; air sampling; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; atmospheric deposition; clinical examination; connective tissue; controlled study; diaphragm; dust; dust exposure; ecotoxicology; exhaust gas; histopathology; inhalation; lung parenchyma; nonhuman; rat; tissue preparation; Rattus; Amphibole asbestos; Brake dust; Chrysotile; Inhalation toxicology; Lung/pleura; Pathology; Animals; Asbestos, Crocidolite; Asbestos, Serpentine; Asbestosis; Disease Models, Animal; Dust; Half-Life; Industry; Inhalation Exposure; Lung; Male; Materials Testing; Motor Vehicles; Occupational Diseases; Physicochemical Phenomena; Protective Devices; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Respiratory Mucosa; Tissue Distribution; Toxicity Tests, AcuteNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84875478818Eco-hydrological impacts of Eucalyptus in the semi humid Ethiopian Highlands: The Lake Tana PlainChanie T., Collick A.S., Adgo E., Lehmann C.J., Steenhuis T.S.2013Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics61110.2478/johh-2013-0004Cornell University Master's Program in Integrated Watershed Management, Hydrology Cornell University at Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bahir Dar, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, 14853 NY, United States; Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States; Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Debre Berhan, EthiopiaChanie, T., Cornell University Master's Program in Integrated Watershed Management, Hydrology Cornell University at Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia; Collick, A.S., Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Adgo, E., Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bahir Dar, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Lehmann, C.J., Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, 14853 NY, United States; Steenhuis, T.S., Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States, Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, EthiopiaEucalyptus is the tree of choice for wood production by farmers in Ethiopia. Although there are many claims about its harmful effect on ecology and water availability, little actual research exists. The main objective of this study was, therefore, to study the extent of harm of Eucalyptus on the ecosystem. This study was conducted at the Koga Watershed near Lake Tana in Ethiopia. Twenty-five farmers were interviewed and a field experiment with three replications was carried out to quantify the effect of Eucalyptus on various soil physical and chemical properties and maize crop measurements and to compare bulk density, soil moisture contents, maize crop counts and shading effects in fields bordered by Eucalyptus and Croton macrostachyus. Our results show that Eucalyptus decreased both soil nutrients and maize yields within 20 m of the trees. Although moisture content was not affected during the monsoon, it decreased faster within 30 m of the Eucalyptus trees than elsewhere. Soils become water repellent, too. Local farmers' perception agreed with our experimental findings and indicated that Eucalyptus trees are exhausting the once productive land. They also reported that Eucalyptus dries up springs. Despite this, the growers insist on planting Eucalyptus because of its cash income.Croton machrostachyus; Eucalyptus; Koga watershed; Soil water repellencyCroton machrostachyus; Eucalyptus; Eucalyptus trees; Farmers' perceptions; Soil physical and chemical properties; Soil water repellency; Water availability; Water repellents; Chemical properties; Crops; Ecology; Forestry; Lakes; Moisture determination; Soil moisture; Watersheds; Soil surveys; Chemical Properties; Ecology; Eucalyptus; Farm Crops; Forestry; Lakes; Moisture; Soil; Surveys; Water Sheds; Croton macrostachyus; Eucalyptus; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-83055174037Detection and monitoring of surface subsidence associated with mining activities in the Witbank Coalfields, South Africa, using differential radar interferometryEngelbrecht J., Inggs M.R., Makusha G.2011South African Journal of Geology114110.2113/gssajg.114.1.77Council for Geoscience, Western Cape Unit, P.O. Box 572, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Anglo Coal, P.O Box 61587, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2107, South AfricaEngelbrecht, J., Council for Geoscience, Western Cape Unit, P.O. Box 572, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Inggs, M.R., University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Makusha, G., Anglo Coal, P.O Box 61587, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2107, South AfricaSurface subsidence associated with coal mining activities in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, changes the natural environment in several ways and current challenges for mining companies lie in rehabilitation of the natural environment and the prevention of further degradation. To monitor the spatial and temporal evolution of surface subsidence, traditional field-based monitoring approaches, including GPS and spirit levelling, are employed at a number of locations. However, the resulting measurements are point-based and frequent visitations are necessary to map the evolution of surface subsidence basins over time. To address these limitations, differential interferograms derived from repeat-pass satellite-borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems were tested for their ability to measure and monitor surface deformation. The resulting interferograms revealed several features indicative of surface subsidence. Ground truth data confirmed the presence of a subsidence basin detected using differential interferometry techniques during the 35 day period between April 12, 2008 and May 17, 2008, with a maximum vertical deformation of 3.2 cm being recorded. Interferometric monitoring revealed an eastward migration of the subsidence basin between June 2, 2008 and September 15, 2008, with an additional 4.7 cm of subsidence being observed. This migration coincides with the advance of the working face of the mine during this period. The results demonstrate the ability of interferometric synthetic aperture radar techniques to measure surface subsidence as well as the monitoring of the evolution of subsidence basins over time. This implies that the technique could be included, together with traditional field-based surveying techniques, in an operational monitoring system. © 2011 March Geological Society of South Africa.Nonebasin evolution; coal mining; deformation; detection method; environmental monitoring; GPS; human activity; leveling; monitoring system; radar interferometry; subsidence; synthetic aperture radar; temporal evolution; Mpumalanga; South Africa; Witbank CoalfieldNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84961292145Heuristic space diversity control for improved meta-hyper-heuristic performanceGrobler J., Engelbrecht A.P., Kendall G., Yadavalli V.S.S.2015Information Sciences300110.1016/j.ins.2014.11.012Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom; University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, Malaysia; Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South AfricaGrobler, J., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Engelbrecht, A.P., Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Kendall, G., School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, Malaysia; Yadavalli, V.S.S., Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South AfricaThis paper expands on the concept of heuristic space diversity and investigates various strategies for the management of heuristic space diversity within the context of a meta-hyper-heuristic algorithm in search of greater performance benefits. Evaluation of various strategies on a diverse set of floating-point benchmark problems shows that heuristic space diversity has a significant impact on hyper-heuristic performance. An exponentially increasing strategy (EIHH) obtained the best results. The value of a priori information about constituent algorithm performance on the benchmark set in question was also evaluated. Finally, EIHH demonstrated good performance when compared to a popular population based algorithm portfolio algorithm and the best performing constituent algorithm. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Diversity management; Heuristic space diversity; Hyper-heuristicsAlgorithms; Digital arithmetic; Heuristic algorithms; Heuristic methods; Algorithm performance; Bench-mark problems; Diversity managements; Hyper-heuristic algorithms; Hyper-heuristics; Performance benefits; Population-based algorithm; Space diversity; BenchmarkingNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84893333974Quality evaluation of chocolate produced using soy-cow milkObatoye A.O., Ogunwolu S.O., Idowu M.A.2014Nutrition and Food Science44110.1108/NFS-07-2013-0078Crop Processing and Utilization, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria; Food and Human Ecology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NigeriaObatoye, A.O., Crop Processing and Utilization, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogunwolu, S.O., Crop Processing and Utilization, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria; Idowu, M.A., Food and Human Ecology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NigeriaPurpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of substituting cow milk with soy milk in the standard milk chocolate recipe on the physical, chemical and sensory qualities of milk chocolate and obtain the best ratio of substitution. Design/methodology/approach: Milk chocolates were produced by substituting the cow milk in the standard recipe with soy milk powder at different ratios of soy milk to cow milk. Physical and chemical analyses were carried out using the standard methods to evaluate the major raw materials and chocolate samples, and the sensory evaluation of the chocolate samples was carried out using preference and difference tests. Findings: Soy milk contained the highest crude protein and crude fiber. The cut test results of the cocoa beans showed that the percentage of fully fermented cocoa beans was in agreement with the standard. Residimeter value (RV) of four chocolate samples (30:70, 20:80, 10:90, and 0:100) was the best. The nitrogen content and melting points of the chocolates samples were found to increase with increased inclusion of soy milk powder in the recipe. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) in taste, sweetness, smoothness, and overall acceptability of the 0:100 and 30:70; soy milk to cow milk samples. Practical implications: Soy-chocolate will be a new chocolate product with higher melting point and lower cost than the standard milk chocolate. The selling price of chocolate will be lower and thus affordable to low-income earners. Also, there will be an increased utilization of soybean. Originality/value: Soy-chocolate recipe is a new and additional recipe for the production of milk chocolate. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.Cocoa; Food products; Milk; Nutrition; Product development; SoyaNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-38949129387Seed performance of maize in response to phosphorus application and growth temperature is related to phytate-phosphorus occurrenceModi A.T., Asanzi N.M.2008Crop Science48110.2135/cropsci2007.06.0367Crop Science Discipline, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South AfricaModi, A.T., Crop Science Discipline, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; Asanzi, N.M., Crop Science Discipline, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South AfricaPhytate is associated with antinutrient character in seeds; however, it has potential to contribute significantly to seed performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of P (10, 26, and 70 mg kg-1) and growth temperature (22/16, 27/21, and 33/27°C [day/night]) on seed performance in normal and quality protein maize (Zea mays L.). Seeds of normal and quality protein maize were harvested at three stages (15, 25, and 65 days after silking) of development. At each stage, germination capacity and vigor, Phytate-P concentration, and myo-inositol were determined. Normal maize displayed a significantly higher (P &lt; 0.001) phytate-P and inorganic P concentrations compared with quality protein maize, which was associated with significantly better (P &lt; 0.01) seed performance. Myo-inositol was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in quality protein maize compared with normal maize. Phosphorus nutrition enhanced (P &lt; 0.01) seed performance of both genotypes. Increasing growth temperature caused greater accumulation of inorganic P, but it decreased myo-inositol. Seed germination and vigor increased when growth temperature was increased from 22/16 to 27/21°C, but they decreased in response to high temperatures (33/27°C). The results of this study indicate that P fertilizer enhances maize seed germination and vigor. High myo-inositol concentrations may be used to indicate poor phytate synthesis associated with poor seed performance. © Crop Science Society of America.NoneZea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84857445009Bisphenol A (BPA) in China: A review of sources, environmental levels, and potential human health impactsHuang Y.Q., Wong C.K.C., Zheng J.S., Bouwman H., Barra R., Wahlström B., Neretin L., Wong M.H.2012Environment International42110.1016/j.envint.2011.04.010Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; EULA - Chile Environmental Sciences Centre, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile; Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) Member, United Nations Environment Programme, Uppsala, Sweden; United Nations Environment Programme, Washington, DC, United StatesHuang, Y.Q., Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Wong, C.K.C., Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Zheng, J.S., Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Bouwman, H., School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Barra, R., EULA - Chile Environmental Sciences Centre, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile; Wahlström, B., Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) Member, United Nations Environment Programme, Uppsala, Sweden; Neretin, L., United Nations Environment Programme, Washington, DC, United States; Wong, M.H., Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, ChinaBisphenol A (BPA), identified as an endocrine disruptor, is an industrially important chemical that is used as a raw material in the manufacture of many products such as engineering plastics (e.g., epoxy resins/polycarbonate plastics), food cans (i.e., lacquer coatings), and dental composites/sealants. The demand and production capacity of BPA in China have grown rapidly. This trend will lead to much more BPA contamination in the environmental media and in the general population in China. This paper reviews the current literature concerning the pollution status of BPA in China (the mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan) and its potential impact on human health. Due to potential human health risks from long-term exposure to BPA, body burden of the contaminant should be monitored. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.Bisphenol A; China; Endocrine-disruptor; Environmental exposure; Potential impactBisphenol A; China; Endocrine-disruptor; Environmental exposure; Potential impacts; Elastomers; Epoxy resins; 4,4' isopropylidenediphenol; endocrine disruptor; environmental fate; health impact; health risk; organic pollutant; pollutant source; pollution exposure; pollution monitoring; public health; air pollution; analytic method; article; chemical analysis; China; ecotoxicity; environmental exposure; environmental impact; environmental management; food contamination; health hazard; human; industry; nonhuman; occupational exposure; occupational hazard; pollution monitoring; priority journal; risk management; sediment; soil pollution; water pollution; Animals; China; Diet; Endocrine Disruptors; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Policy; Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Pollution; Food Analysis; Health Status; Humans; Phenols; Plastics; Polycarboxylate Cement; ChinaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-69749116335The performance profile of Dioscorea rotundata cultivar Dorban genotypes in Ghana using GGE biplot analysisOtoo E., Asiedu R.2009Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment71NoneCrops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; IITA, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Oyo, Ibadan, NigeriaOtoo, E., Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Asiedu, R., IITA, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Oyo, Ibadan, NigeriaTwenty-two genotypes of D. rotundata cultivar Dorban consisting of 19 botanically developed seeds and 3 vegetative checks were evaluated in 15 environments from 2000 to 2004 using CRD to assess the effect of genotype and genotype x environment interaction on the tuber yield of 22 white yam (D. rotundata L. cv. Dorban) genotypes via GGE (genotype plus genotype x environment) biplot methodology. The GGE biplot procedure was used to determine the yield potential and stability of the genotypes. Significant differences (p<0.001) were observed in all cultivars with respect to genotype, environment and genotype by environment interactions. Biplot analysis identified three mega-environments corresponding to the three agroecologies - Fumesua (Forest) was the most representative and discriminating environment followed by Bodwease (Coastal Savannah) and Wenchi (Forest-Savannah Transition). Genotypes Gdo02, Gdo03, Gdo20 and Gdo01 including the three checks were identified as superior. Genotype Gdo016 was the worst genotype.D. Rotundata; Genotype x environment interaction; Genotypesagroecosystem; article; cultivar; genotype; Ghana; yam; Dioscorea alata; Dioscorea rotundataNone
Scopus2-s2.0-64549099309Nitrogen dynamics in land cleared of alien vegetation (Acacia Saligna) and impacts on groundwater at Riverlands nature reserve (Western Cape, South Africa)Jovanovic N.Z., Israel S., Tredoux G., Soltau L., Le Maitre D., Rusinga F., Rozanov A., van der Merwe N.2009Water SA351NoneCSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Department of Soil Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Ninham Shand Consulting Service, PO Box 1347, Cape Town 8000, South AfricaJovanovic, N.Z., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Israel, S., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Tredoux, G., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Soltau, L., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Le Maitre, D., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Rusinga, F., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa, Ninham Shand Consulting Service, PO Box 1347, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Rozanov, A., Department of Soil Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; van der Merwe, N., Department of Soil Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South AfricaWoody invading alien plants, many of which are nitrogen-fixing legumes (Fabaceae family), are currently cleared in South African catchments to reduce water loss and preserve streamflow, and for the restoration of the ecosystem. This study tested the hypothesis that clearing invasive alien vegetation may disturb the vegetation-micro-organism-soil N cycling system by producing a large once-off input of fresh tree litterfall rich in N and by eliminating a large N sink. Three experimental plots were established at the Riverlands Nature Reserve (Western Cape, South Africa): a site invaded by Acacia saligna to be used as control; a site cleared of Acacia saligna; and a site with natural vegetation to be used as background. Nitrogen concentrations in soil and groundwater, volumetric soil water contents, root density and weather conditions were measured during 2007. Oxidised forms of nitrogen, in particular NO3-, were dominant in the system. Recharge and leachate were simulated with the HYDRUS-2D model and used as inputs into Visual MODFLOW to predict the spatial distribution of nitrate plus nitrite (NOx) in groundwater. NOx levels in soil and groundwater were higher in alien-invaded areas compared to fynbos-covered land. A quick release of NOx into groundwater was observed due to high residual N reserves in the rooting zone, decreased evapotranspiration and increased recharge in the treatment cleared of alien vegetation. In the long run, high NOx concentrations in groundwater underlying cleared land will last only until all the excess nitrogen has been leached from the soil. A decrease in NOx concentration in groundwater can be expected thereafter. Clearing land of alien invasive legumes may therefore have a beneficial effect by reducing groundwater contamination from NOx and reducing water losses in catchments.Acacia saligna; Forest clearing; Groundwater contamination; Nitrate leaching; Riverlands nature reserveAcacia saligna; Forest clearing; Groundwater contamination; Nitrate leaching; Riverlands nature reserve; Catchments; Contamination; Evapotranspiration; Forestry; Groundwater; Groundwater pollution; Hydrogeology; Leaching; Nitrogen; Nitrogen fixation; Runoff; Size distribution; Soil moisture; Underground reservoirs; Underwater soils; Vegetation; Water supply; Water treatment; catchment; concentration (composition); evapotranspiration; forest clearance; groundwater flow; groundwater pollution; hydrogeochemistry; hydrological modeling; hypothesis testing; introduced species; leachate; leaching; legume; nitrogen cycle; nitrogen fixation; nitrogen oxides; pollution control; recharge; restoration ecology; soil nitrogen; soil water; streamflow; Forestry; Geology; Ground Water; Land; Leaching; Natural Resources; Nitrate Groups; Nitrogen; Pollution; Reserves; Rivers; Soil Analysis; Transpiration; Water Quality; Water Treatment; Africa; Riverlands Provincial Nature Reserve; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Cape; Acacia; Acacia saligna; FabaceaeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79958129745Bubbles in South African house prices and their impact on consumptionDas S., Gupta R., Kanda P.T.2011Journal of Real Estate Literature191NoneCSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South AfricaDas, S., CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Gupta, R., University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Kanda, P.T., CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South AfricaThis study tests for house price bubbles in the South African housing market using quarterly data from 1969:Q2 to 2009:Q3, based on the unit root test developed by Phillips, Wu, and Yu (2010). The findings indicate house price bubbles in the aggregate, large, medium, and small-middle segments, but not in the luxury and affordable segments. Next, symmetric and asymmetric versions of an Error Correction Model (ECM) are used to investigate the spillover effects from the housing sector onto consumption. Results indicate significant and asymmetric spillovers, with consumption responding significantly to house price deceleration, although there is no evidence of the effect being higher during the bubble period.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-50849125397Biological and chemical evaluation of sewage water pollution in the Rietvlei nature reserve wetland area, South AfricaOberholster P.J., Botha A.-M., Cloete T.E.2008Environmental Pollution156110.1016/j.envpol.2007.12.028CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest, Pretoria ZA002, South Africa; Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest, Pretoria ZA002, South AfricaOberholster, P.J., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Botha, A.-M., Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest, Pretoria ZA002, South Africa; Cloete, T.E., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest, Pretoria ZA002, South AfricaMacroinvertebrate communities in Rietvlei nature reserve wetland area and their relationship with water quality were studied with the aim to evaluate their use as potential indicators of pollution. Sampling locations were selected to include outlets from swage effluent, agricultural and informal residential runoff. A large increase in nutrient concentrations was observed downstream from discharged treated sewage with an associated decrease in species richness. Bioassays performed included: Daphnia magna, Hydra attenuate, Lactuca sativa, Allium cepa and Pyxicephalus adspersus. The highest percentage of lethality response to a screen (100% concentration) of sampled wetland water by test specimens were observed at the point source input of the Hartbeespoort treated sewage plant. Data generated from the AUSRIVAS method and multitrophic level bioassays revealed the deterioration of the wetland possibly due to factors such as increasing urbanization, industrialization, agriculture runoff and rapid human settlement in the Hennops River catchment area and its principal tributaries. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.AUSRIVAS; Multitrophic level bioassay; Peat bog; Treated sewage dischargeAgricultural runoff; Automation; Catchments; Concentration (process); Effluents; Oil spills; Pollution; Reusability; River pollution; Rivers; Sewage; Water quality; Wetlands; Allium cepa; AUSRIVAS; Chemical evaluation; Daphnia magna; Lactuca sativa; Macroinvertebrate communities; Multitrophic level; Multitrophic level bioassay; Nutrient concentrations; Peat bog; Point sources; Potential indicators; River catchments; Sampling locations; Sewage waters; South Africa; Species richness; Test specimens; Treated sewage discharge; Wetland area; Water pollution; runoff; agricultural runoff; bioassay; biological analysis; catchment; chemical analysis; community response; industrialization; macroinvertebrate; nutrient; peatland; sewage; sewage treatment; species richness; tributary; urbanization; water pollution; water quality; wetland; agriculture; analytic method; article; AUSRIVAS method; Australia; bioassay; catchment; chemical analysis; coelenterate; concentration response; Daphnia; deterioration; Hydra attenuate; industrialization; lettuce; macroinvertebrate; nonhuman; nutrient concentration; onion; Pyxicephalus adspersus; river ecosystem; sewage effluent; source point; South Africa; species richness; urbanization; water pollution; water quality; wetland; Biological Assay; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Eutrophication; Fresh Water; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Sewage; South Africa; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Pollution; Wetlands; Africa; Gauteng; Rietvlei Nature Reserve; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Allium cepa; Daphnia magna; Hydra; Lactuca sativa; Pyxicephalus adspersusNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84878460498Performance of 13 Bambara groundnut (vigna subterranea (L.) verde.) landraces under 12 H and 14 H photoperiodBerchie J.N., Amelie G., McClymont S., Raizada M., Adu-Dapaah H., Sarkodie-Addo J.2013Journal of Agronomy12110.3923/ja.2013.20.28CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, GhanaBerchie, J.N., CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Amelie, G., Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; McClymont, S., Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Raizada, M., Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Adu-Dapaah, H., CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Sarkodie-Addo, J., Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, GhanaThe aim of this study was to identify bambara groundnut landraces which are less sensitive to photoperiod response. Variation in yields of bambara groundnut have been attributed among others to variation in photoperiod at different sowing dates. Thirteen bambara groundnut landraces were evaluated at 12 h: 12 h and 14 h: 10 h, light: darkness at the Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Sunshine mix LA4 was put in 78-4 litre pots per growth chamber. Four gram of 20:20:20, N:P:K was added to each pot and thoroughly mixed with the soil. Eachlandrace was replicated in six pots. Growth chamber temperatures were maintained at 30 and 25°C, day:night at relative humidity of 60%. Growth chamber Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) ranged between 250-300 (millimol) umol m2 sec-1. Days to seedling emergence were significantly lesser under 12 h than 14 h photoperiod (p = 0.02). Days to flowering were significantly higher under 14 hthan 12hphotoperiod(p&lt;0.05). Five landraces; Burkina, Mottled Cream, Zebra Coloured, Tan One and Tan Two (both from Tanzania) podded under both 12 h and 14 h photoperiod. All but two of the landraces podded under 12 h photoperiod. Leaf area, shoot dry weight and root dry weight per plant were all higher under 14 h than 12 h photoperiod. Genotypes that produced pods under 14 h photoperiod were observed to be early maturing relative to the others. Landraces were identified for cultivation in the lower and higher latitudes. Abstract of this article is presented in IHC: Lisboa2010, T09 Genetics and Breeding; T09.218. © 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information.Bambara groundnut; Burkina faso; Day length; Ghana; Photoperiod; Pod yield; TanzaniaArachis hypogaea; Bambara; Equus subg. Hippotigris; Vigna; Vigna subterraneaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84871483137Impact of water scarcity in Australia on global food security in an era of climate changeEjaz Qureshi M., Hanjra M.A., Ward J.2013Food Policy38110.1016/j.foodpol.2012.11.003CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Australia; International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Southern Africa Office, Pretoria, South Africa; Charles Sturt University, Institute for Land, Water and Society, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia; Future Directions International, Perth, WA, Australia; CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Dutton Park, QLD, AustraliaEjaz Qureshi, M., CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Canberra, ACT, Australia, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Australia; Hanjra, M.A., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Southern Africa Office, Pretoria, South Africa, Charles Sturt University, Institute for Land, Water and Society, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia, Future Directions International, Perth, WA, Australia; Ward, J., CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Dutton Park, QLD, AustraliaAustralia is a major food exporting country. Recent droughts reduced dryland farming production and the volume of water allocated to irrigated agriculture, with a resulting decline in aggregate agricultural production and exports. This paper analyses the possible impact of increased water scarcity on Australian agricultural production and the magnitude of subsequent impacts on global food security. Using the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data on land and water use coupled with a hydro-economic stochastic modelling approach, the impacts of reduced agricultural production in the southern Murray-Darling Basin, and more generally for Australia, are analysed. Changes in agricultural activity, reduction in agricultural exports and altered composition of products exported attributed to the severe 2000-2009 drought are also analysed to highlight the implications for global food security. The impact of climate change on food production is examined. The analysis shows that climate change, when modelled as the extreme case, along with other factors such as land use, will impact Australian food exports. Despite its relatively small contribution to total global food supply, Australia's contribution to international trade in wheat, meat and dairy products is substantial and could affect global food prices. Furthermore, Australia's agricultural exports are of disproportionate importance within the South- and South-East Asian and Oceania region, both in terms of volume and for strategic reasons. Adaptation along with investment in agriculture production is needed to maintain Australian agricultural production and enhance global food security. © 2012.Australian food exports; Drought; Economic model; Global food security; Water scarcityagricultural production; agricultural trade; climate change; commodity price; drought; economic analysis; export; food security; international trade; resource scarcity; socioeconomic impact; water resource; Australia; Murray-Darling Basin; Triticum aestivumNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84924346211Impact of NERICA adoption on incomes of rice-producing households in Northern GhanaWiredu A.N., Asante B.O., Martey E., Diagne A., Dogbe W.2014Journal of Sustainable Development7110.5539/jsd.v7n1p167CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Nyankpala, Ghana; Rural Development Theory and Policy, Institute of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences in Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana; UNE Business School, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia; Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice), Cotonou, BeninWiredu, A.N., CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Nyankpala, Ghana, Rural Development Theory and Policy, Institute of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences in Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Asante, B.O., CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana, UNE Business School, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia; Martey, E., CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Nyankpala, Ghana; Diagne, A., Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice), Cotonou, Benin; Dogbe, W., CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Nyankpala, GhanaThe Multinational NERICA Rice Dissemination Project in Ghana promoted the adoption of NERICA varieties and complementary technologies. NERICA adoption was expected to increase rice production and the incomes of beneficiary households. This study assessed the impact of NERICA adoption on the incomes of rice-producing households in northern Ghana. With data from a cross-section of 150 systematically selected rice-producing households, the study revealed 36.7% adoption rate. Agriculture and rice production were the most important livelihood activities as they contributed 80% and 55.09% of total household income respectively. To control for endogeneity, the study used the local average treatment effect (LATE) estimation methodology and showed that NERICA adoption significantly increased rice income, agricultural income, per-capita income and total annual income by $196.52, $446.37, $0.44 and $498.44, respectively. The major recommendation from this study is the need to continue the promotion of the NERICA varieties by creating access to seeds of the varieties together with other productivity enhancing technologies. Efforts should be focused on the provision of marketing and roads infrastructure to induce access to input and product markets.Adoption; Ghana; Impact; Income; Late; NericaNoneCSIR, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
Scopus2-s2.0-84875979712The virtual memory landscape: The impact of information technology on collective memory and commemoration in Southern AfricaMarschall S.2013Journal of Southern African Studies39110.1080/03057070.2013.763325Cultural and Heritage Tourism, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South AfricaMarschall, S., Cultural and Heritage Tourism, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South AfricaThe article considers the impact of new digital technologies and the internet on the process of commemorating the past and memorializing the dead in Southern Africa, with some comparative reference to the developed world context. The theoretical framework is inspired by Wulf Kansteiner's contention that collective memory is the result of the interaction between three overlapping elements - the media of memory, the makers and the consumers or users of memory. It is argued that internet-based commemoration represents the third successive and concurrent phase in the culture of collective remembrance in Southern Africa, following pre-colonial indigenous or vernacular memory practices and colonial forms of 'institutionalised' memory sites. Web-based commemoration is represented as a potentially new form of vernacular memory practice which collapses Kansteiner's groups of makers and users of memory. Selected case studies, mostly from South Africa, will be critically examined and their openness as a democratic space for negotiating the memory of the past assessed. The article maintains that new technologies, although currently still in their infancy, are bound to have an increasingly profound influence on commemoration and the formation and transfer of collective memory in Southern Africa. © 2013 The Editorial Board of the Journal of Southern African Studies.Noneadvanced technology; culture; Internet; memory; theoretical study; South AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33645704318Impact of trade liberalization on the environment in developing countries: The case of NigeriaFeridun M., Ayadi F.S., Balouga J.2006Journal of Developing Societies22110.1177/0169796X06062965Cyprus International University, Cyprus; University of Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Economics, Cyprus International University, Cyprus; Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Cyprus; Economics DepartmeFeridun, M., Cyprus International University, Cyprus, Department of Economics, Cyprus International University, Cyprus, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Cyprus; Ayadi, F.S., University of Lagos, Nigeria, Economics Department, University of Lagos, Nigeria, Economics Department, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Balouga, J., University of Lagos, Nigeria, Economics Department, University of Lagos, Nigeria, Economics Department, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, NigeriaThis article aims at investigating the impact of trade openness on pollution and resource depletion in Nigeria. Results indicate that pollution is positively related to trade intensity and real GDP per square kilometer, while capital to labor ratio and GNP are negatively related to pollution. In addition, strong evidence suggests that trade intensity, real GDP per square kilometer and GNP are positively related to environmental degradation indicating that the technique, scale, and total effects of liberalization are detrimental to the environment. The composition effect of trade liberalization on natural resource utilization, on the other hand, is beneficial. A number of policy implications emerge from the study for Nigeria as well as other developing economies. Copyright © 2006 SAGE Publications.Development; Environmental degradation; Environmental Kuznets Curve; Trade liberalizationliberalization; trade policy; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West AfricaNone
WoSWOS:000312954300012Measuring social accountability in health professional education: Development and international pilot testing of an evaluation frameworkBuso, David,Larkins, Sarah L.,Lindemann, Iris C.,Matte, Marie C.,Neusy, Andre-Jacques,Palsdottir, Bjorg,Preston, Robyn,Ross, Simone J.,Samson, Rex,Tandinco, Filedito D.,THEnet2013MEDICAL TEACHER35110.3109/0142159X.2012.731106Dalhousie University, Flinders University South Australia, James Cook University, Ateneo de Zamboanga Univ, No Ontario Sch Med, Univ Philippines, Walter Sisulu University of Technology & Science"Larkins, Sarah L.: James Cook University","Lindemann, Iris C.: Flinders University South Australia",Background: Health professional schools are responsible for producing graduates with competencies and attitudes to address health inequities and respond to priority health needs. Health professional schools striving towards social accountability founded the Training for Health Equity Network (THEnet). Aim: This article describes the development of THEnet evaluation framework for socially accountable health professional education, presents the framework to be used as a tool by other schools and discusses the findings of pilot implementation at five schools. Methods: The framework was designed collaboratively and built on Boelen and Woollard's conceptualization, production and usability model. It includes key components, linked to aspirational statements, indicators and suggested measurement tools. Five schools completed pilot implementation, involving workshops, document/data review and focus group discussions with faculty, students and community members. Results: Three sections of the framework consider: How does our school work?; What do we do? and What difference do we make? Pilot testing proved that the evaluation framework was acceptable and feasible across contexts and produced findings useful at school level and to compare schools. The framework is designed as a formative exercise to help schools take a critical look at their performance and progress towards social accountability. Initiatives to implement the framework more widely are underway. The framework effectively aids in identifying strengths, weaknesses and gaps, with a view to schools striving for continuous self-improvement. Conclusion: THEnet evaluation framework is applicable and useful across contexts. It is possible and desirable to assess progress towards social accountability in health professional schools and this is an important step in producing health professionals with knowledge, attitudes, and skills to meet the challenges of priority health needs of underserved populations.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84861831370Evidence on the impact of minimum wage laws in an informal sector: Domestic workers in South AfricaDinkelman T., Ranchhod V.2012Journal of Development Economics99110.1016/j.jdeveco.2011.12.006Dartmouth College, United States; University of Cape Town, South AfricaDinkelman, T., Dartmouth College, United States; Ranchhod, V., University of Cape Town, South AfricaWhat happens when a previously uncovered labor market is regulated? We exploit the introduction of a minimum wage in South Africa and variation in the intensity of this law to identify increases in wages for domestic workers and no statistically significant effects on employment on the intensive or extensive margins. These large, partial responses to the law are somewhat surprising, given the lack of monitoring and enforcement in this informal sector. We interpret these changes as evidence that strong external sanctions are not necessary for new labor legislation to have a significant impact on informal sectors of developing countries, at least in the short-run. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.Africa; Domestic workers; Informal sector; Minimum wagedeveloping world; domestic work; informal sector; law enforcement; legislation; minimum wage; South AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84893974628Evaluation of the adaptability and response of indigenous trees to assisted rehabilitation on the degraded hillsides of Kuriftu Lake Catchment (Debre Zeit, Ethiopia)Gebretsadik W.2014Journal of Forestry Research25110.1007/s11676-013-0398-xDebre Zeit Agricultural Research Center (DZARC), P.O.box-32, Debre zeit, EthiopiaGebretsadik, W., Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center (DZARC), P.O.box-32, Debre zeit, EthiopiaRemoval of trees and shrubs from hillsides exposes a site to erosion that threatens soil aggregation and stability. The present study aimed at evaluating the performance of five indigenous tree species in rehabilitation of degraded hillsides of Kuriftu Lake Catchment and the role of water harvesting structures. Adaptability varied by tree species and water harvesting structures significantly augmented seedling establishment for some tree species. Height of Acacia abyssinica planted on steeper slopes (18%-27%) without infiltration pits was lower than for conspecifics planted with infiltration pits. Dodonaea angustifolia was proved to be best adapted to the site and showed no need for water harvesting regardless of planting position across the degraded hillside. Planting of Acacia seyal should be restricted to gentler slopes (0-17%) with infiltration pits: tree height declined significantly on steep slopes without infiltration pits. Olea africana performed better on gentle slopes with pits but also grew well on steeper slopes with pits. Euclea schimperi was proved to be least effective of the species evaluated in this study. © 2014 Northeast Forestry University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.Infiltration pits; Kuriftu Lake catchment; water harvestingNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-31544457587Economic performance of case study dairy farm in Southern EthiopiaErgano K., Nurfeta A.2006Livestock Research for Rural Development181NoneDebub University, Awassa College of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Resource Economics and Management, P.O.Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia; Debub University, Awassa College of Agriculture, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O.Box 5, Awassa, EthiopiaErgano, K., Debub University, Awassa College of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Resource Economics and Management, P.O.Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia; Nurfeta, A., Debub University, Awassa College of Agriculture, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O.Box 5, Awassa, EthiopiaFocus on agricultural development in Ethiopia has seen a shift towards the smallholder sector, which is home and employment provider to more than 85 percent of the population. However, the viability status of enterprises within this sector remain largely un-probed research area on-the-ground. This article, which is based on case study of dairy farm at Awassa College of Agriculture, presents results of an economic analysis of the real state, constraints and opportunities vis à vis the performance of the Colleges' dairy farm for the past five years. Through a Gross Margin Analysis at farm level, the study established that the dairy farm is economically quite viable. Gross margins ranging from Birr 3,589 to Birr 77,920 were obtained in the years considered. However, given the higher genetic potential of the dairy animals and unsatisfied demand for milk in the market, the performance is much less than desired. The cost of production of milk per liter ranging from Birr 1.29 to 1.98 as compared to the selling price of Birr 2 showed a very sensitive profit margin. Feed expense, which accounts for about 90 % of the total expenses, is a major expense of the dairy farm. Identified constraints to production include poor infrastructure, bad sanitary condition, lack of organized record system, bureaucratic bottlenecks, low quality feeds and inefficient purchasing system. Established opportunities for improvement include enhancing housing and sanitary conditions, timely harvesting and better storage of home-grown feeds, following a planned purchasing and selling systems, use of a well -organized record systems, as well as aiming at economic and efficient production in order to achieve sustained production and economic performance. It is recommended that the farm may be liberalized from bulky bureaucratic purchasing procedures of the University.Awassa College of Agriculture; Dairy Farm; Economics; EthiopiaAnimaliaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84899149723Prevalence, impacts and medical managements of premenstrual syndrome among female students: Cross-sectional study in college of health sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Northern EthiopiaTolossa F.W., Bekele M.L.2014BMC Women's Health14110.1186/1472-6874-14-52Dembidolo Hospital, Wellega, Ethiopia; College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, P.O.Box: 138, Wolaita Sodo, EthiopiaTolossa, F.W., Dembidolo Hospital, Wellega, Ethiopia; Bekele, M.L., College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, P.O.Box: 138, Wolaita Sodo, EthiopiaBackground: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is used to describe physical, cognitive, affective, and behavioral symptoms that occur cyclically during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and resolve quickly at or within a few days of the onset of menstruation. The primary aim of the study was to assess the prevalence, impacts and medical managements of PMS on female medical students of Mekelle University College of Health Sciences.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among systematically selected female students of Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Mekelle town, northern Ethiopia from March to April 2013. A structured and pretested self-administered questionnaire was employed for data collection. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL (SPSS version 16). The criteria proposed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, text revision (DSM-IV TR) were used to diagnose PMS.Result: From the total population size of 608; a sample size of 258 was drawn. Age of the study participants ranged from 18 to 25 years, with mean age of 20.86 ± 1.913 years. Among the participants, 144(83.2%) have had at least one PM symptoms with their menstrual period. The prevalence of PMS according to DSM-IV was 37.0%. About 49(28.3%) reported frequent class missing, 17(9.8%) exam missing, 14(8.1%) low grade scoring and 3(1.7%) of them reported withdrawal from their learning associated with their PMS. Only 83(48.0%) participants sought medical treatment for their PMS. The treatment modalities used were pain killers, 63(36.4%), hot drinks like coffee and tea, 13(7.5%), and massage therapy and exercise, 7(4.0%). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed average length of one cycle of menstruation (COR = 0.20(0.070-0.569) and academic performance impairment (AOR = 0.345(0.183-0.653) were significantly associated with the diagnosis of PMS and use of PMS treatments respectively.Conclusions: Our study revealed a high prevalence and negative impact of PMS on students of Mekelle University. Therefore, health education, appropriate medical treatment and counseling services, as part of the overall health service, should be availed and provided to affected women. © 2014 Tolossa and Bekele licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Female students; Impacts; Medical management; PMS; Prevalencecontraceptive agent; abdominal cramp; academic achievement; adult; anger; article; backache; bloating; breast tenderness; coffee; concentration loss; cross-sectional study; depression; DSM-IV-TR; dyspnea; Ethiopia; female; headache; human; learning; major clinical study; massage; medical school; medical student; menstrual cycle; population size; premenstrual syndrome; prevalence; questionnaire; self report; sleep disorder; tea; vomiting; weakness; weight gain; weight reduction; Adult; Analgesics; Coffee; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Logistic Models; Massage; Premenstrual Syndrome; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Severity of Illness Index; Students; Tea; Universities; Young AdultNone
Scopus2-s2.0-38949167735Performance of vernonia as an alternative industrial oil crop in Limpopo Province of South AfricaShimelis H., Mashela P.W., Hugo A.2008Crop Science48110.2135/cropsci2007.06.0331Dep. of Plant Production, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Dep. of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Univ. of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South AfricaShimelis, H., Dep. of Plant Production, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Mashela, P.W., Dep. of Plant Production, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Hugo, A., Dep. of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Univ. of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South AfricaVernonia (Vernonia galamensis) is an industrial oil seed crop with potential as a source of natural epoxy fatty acids. Diverse accessions of V. galamensis var. ethiopica were studied at the Limpopo Province in South Africa to determine agronomic performance and to identify suitable germplasm with quantity and quality seed oil content. Thirty-six accessions were subjected to field evaluations using a partially balanced lattice design in 2005 and 2006. Significant differences were observed for days to flowering (88-143 d), plant height (131.6-167.85 cm), number of productive primary head (23-72 head plant-1), number of productive secondary head (12-35 head plant -1), thousand seed weight (1.68-3.63 g), and seed yield (1594.89-3126.09 kg ha-1) between different accessions. Results from oil analysis show significant differences in the contents of seed oil (20.36-35.86%), vernolic acid (70.15-77.92%), linoleic acid (12.05-14.73%), oleic acid (3.72-5.52%), palmitic acid (2.49-3.24%), and stearic acid (1.73-3.28%). Of the five accessions identified as potentially useful, three (Vge-17, Vge-18, and Vge-19) had better seed yield and agronomic performances and two (Vge-4 and Vge-31) increased contents of seed oil and vemolic acid. Accessions Vge-4 and Vge-18 also displayed relatively high oil yield, 966.58 and 801.28 kg ha-1, respectively. The accessions will be used in the strategic improvement of vernonia to maximize seed yield and oil content as an alternative crop in the province and similar environments. © Crop Science Society of America.NoneVernonia; Vernonia galamensisNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33745466544Evaluation of nematicidal action of some botanicals on Meloidogyne incognita in vivo and in vitroAgbenin N.O., Emechebe A.M., Marley P.S., Akpa A.D.2005Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics1061NoneDepart. of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, Kano Station, NigeriaAgbenin, N.O., Depart. of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Emechebe, A.M., International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, Kano Station, Nigeria; Marley, P.S., Depart. of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Akpa, A.D., Depart. of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, NigeriaEggmasses or larvae of Meloidogyne incognita were exposed to varying concentrations of neem leaf (fresh and dry), Borelia sp., groundnut leaf and garlic bulb. Neem leaf and garlic bulb extracts inhibited hatching of eggmasses and were lethal to larva. A comparative study of neem and garlic bulb extracts prepared at 20% concentration and applied weekly at 25 ml per pot were carried out in the screenhouse. Each pot filled with 2 kg of pasturised soil was inoculated with 2 000 larvae of M. incognita by introducing 500 g of infested soil from tomato culture raised in the screenhouse. These extracts significantly reduced root-knot infection indices on tomato when compared to the control. However, garlic extract demonstrated greater potential than neem leaf extract in the control of root-knot infection of tomato in vivo.Borelia sp.; Botanicals; Extracts; Garlicbulb; Meloidogyne incognita; Neem leafAllium sativum; Arachis hypogaea; Azadirachta indica; Lycopersicon esculentum; Meloidogyne incognitaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84886929268Vegetation change (1988-2010) in Camdeboo National Park (South Africa), using fixed-point photo monitoring: The role of herbivory and climateMasubelele M.L., Hoffman M.T., Bond W., Burdett P.2013Koedoe55110.4102/koedoe.v55i1.1127Department Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Camdeboo National Park, Graaff-Reinet, South AfricaMasubelele, M.L., Department Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Hoffman, M.T., Department Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Bond, W., Department Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Burdett, P., Camdeboo National Park, Graaff-Reinet, South AfricaFixed-point photo monitoring supplemented by animal census data and climate monitoring potential has never been explored as a long-term monitoring tool for studying vegetation change in the arid and semi-arid national parks of South Africa. The long-term (1988-2010), fixed-point monitoring dataset developed for the Camdeboo National Park, therefore, provides an important opportunity to do this. Using a quantitative estimate of the change in vegetation and growth form cover in 1152 fixed-point photographs, as well as series of step-point vegetation surveys at each photo monitoring site, this study documented the extent of vegetation change in the park in response to key climate drivers, such as rainfall, as well as land use drivers such as herbivory by indigenous ungulates. We demonstrated the varied response of vegetation cover within three main growth forms (grasses, dwarf shrubs [< 1 m] and tall shrubs [> 1 m]) in three different vegetation units and landforms (slopes, plains, rivers) within the Camdeboo National Park since 1988. Sites within Albany Thicket and Dwarf Shrublands showed the least change in vegetation cover, whilst Azonal vegetation and Grassy Dwarf Shrublands were more dynamic. Abiotic factors such as drought and flooding, total annual rainfall and rainfall seasonality appeared to have the greatest influence on growth form cover as assessed from the fixed-point photographs. Herbivory appeared not to have had a noticeable impact on the vegetation of the Camdeboo National Park as far as could be determined from the rather coarse approach used in this analysis and herbivore densities remained relatively low over the study duration. Conservation implications: We provided an historical assessment of the pattern of vegetation and climatic trends that can help evaluate many of South African National Parks' biodiversity monitoring programmes, especially relating to habitat change. It will help arid parks in assessing the trajectories of vegetation in response to herbivory, climate and management interventions. © 2013. The Authors.Noneenvironmental modeling; environmental monitoring; growth response; herbivory; quantitative analysis; shrub; vegetation cover; vegetation dynamics; South AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84902785679Evaluation of a Standard Operating Procedure for providing Pharmacotherapy follow up to inpatients [Evaluación de un procedimiento para brindar seguimiento farmacoterapéutico a pacientes hospitalizados]Reyes H. I., Cruzata Q. Y., Vidal B. M.F., Bermúdez C. I.B., Nambatya W., Perrand R. M.V., Dutok S. C.M.2013Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Farmaceuticas441NoneDepartamento de Farmacia, Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela; Hospital General Docente 'Octavio de la Concepción y la Pedraja, Cuba; Empresa Comercializadora de Medicamentos Santiago de Cuba, Cuba; Instituto de Farmacia y Alimentos, Universidad de la Habana, Cuba; Uganda Australia Christian Outreach, Busabala road nursing home, Uganda; Hospital Oncológico de Santiago de Cuba, Conrado Benítez, Cuba; Universidad de Oriente, Departamento de Farmacia, VenezuelaReyes H., I., Departamento de Farmacia, Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela; Cruzata Q., Y., Hospital General Docente 'Octavio de la Concepción y la Pedraja, Cuba; Vidal B., M.F., Empresa Comercializadora de Medicamentos Santiago de Cuba, Cuba; Bermúdez C., I.B., Instituto de Farmacia y Alimentos, Universidad de la Habana, Cuba; Nambatya, W., Uganda Australia Christian Outreach, Busabala road nursing home, Uganda; Perrand R., M.V., Hospital Oncológico de Santiago de Cuba, Conrado Benítez, Cuba; Dutok S., C.M., Universidad de Oriente, Departamento de Farmacia, VenezuelaTo evaluate a Standard Operating Procedure for Inpatient Pharmacotherapy follow up. We performed the procedure given criteria the Third Granada Consensus related to pharmaceutical care. The evaluation was conducted through Delphi methodology and using indicators to determinate the efficacy of the procedure in the practice. The procedure included: object, application, departments, reference documentation, definitions, process development, registers, indicators and annexes. Experts suggestions (Kendall coefficient 0,8) were considered to improve the procedure. The application in five hospitals, reached a performance index of more than80 points, in all institutions. The procedure can be used as a tool to provide in inpatients a Pharmacotherapy follow up service, due to, the acceptable Kendall index value (expert's evaluation) and efficacy in the practice.Clinical pharmacy; Hospital pharmacy; Pharmaceutical care; Pharmacotherapy follow up; Quality indicatorsarticle; Delphi study; drug use; follow up; hospital patient; human; medical documentation; performance; pharmaceutical care; procedures; program efficacy; standard operating procedureNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84884369563Impact of retreatment with an artemisinin-based combination on malaria incidence and its potential selection of resistant strains: Study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trialMuhindo Mavoko H., Nabasumba C., Tinto H., D'Alessandro U., Grobusch M.P., Lutumba P., Van Geertruyden J.-P.2013Trials14110.1186/1745-6215-14-307Département de Médecine Tropicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Kinshasa, B.P. 747 Kin XI, Democratic Republic Congo; Epicentre Mbarara Reasearch Base, P. O. Box 930, Mbarara, Uganda; Centre Muraz, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, P. O. Box 545, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000, Antwerp, Belgium; Medical Research Council, The Gambia Unit, P. O. Box 273, Banjul, Gambia; Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands; International Health Unit, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, BelgiumMuhindo Mavoko, H., Département de Médecine Tropicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Kinshasa, B.P. 747 Kin XI, Democratic Republic Congo; Nabasumba, C., Epicentre Mbarara Reasearch Base, P. O. Box 930, Mbarara, Uganda; Tinto, H., Centre Muraz, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, P. O. Box 545, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; D'Alessandro, U., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000, Antwerp, Belgium, Medical Research Council, The Gambia Unit, P. O. Box 273, Banjul, Gambia; Grobusch, M.P., Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Lutumba, P., Département de Médecine Tropicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Kinshasa, B.P. 747 Kin XI, Democratic Republic Congo; Van Geertruyden, J.-P., International Health Unit, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, BelgiumBackground: Artemisinin-based combination therapy is currently recommended by the World Health Organization as first-line treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Recommendations were adapted in 2010 regarding rescue treatment in case of treatment failure. Instead of quinine monotherapy, it should be combined with an antibiotic with antimalarial properties; alternatively, another artemisinin-based combination therapy may be used. However, for informing these policy changes, no clear evidence is yet available. The need to provide the policy makers with hard data on the appropriate rescue therapy is obvious. We hypothesize that the efficacy of the same artemisinin-based combination therapy used as rescue treatment is as efficacious as quinine + clindamycin or an alternative artemisinin-based combination therapy, without the risk of selecting drug resistant strains.Design: We embed a randomized, open label, three-arm clinical trial in a longitudinal cohort design following up children with uncomplicated malaria until they are malaria parasite free for 4 weeks. The study is conducted in both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and performed in three steps. In the first step, the pre-randomized controlled trial (RCT) phase, children aged 12 to 59 months with uncomplicated malaria are treated with the recommended first-line drug and constitute a cohort that is passively followed up for 42 days. If the patients experience an uncomplicated malaria episode between days 14 and 42 of follow-up, they are randomized either to quinine + clindamycin, or an alternative artemisinin-based combination therapy, or the same first-line artemisinin-based combination therapy to be followed up for 28 additional days. If between days 14 and 28 the patients experience a recurrent parasitemia, they are retreated with the recommended first-line regimen and actively followed up for another 28 additional days (step three; post-RCT phase). The same methodology is followed for each subsequent failure. In any case, all patients without an infection at day 28 are classified as treatment successes and reach a study endpoint. The RCT phase allows the comparison of the safety and efficacy of three rescue treatments. The prolonged follow-up of all children until they are 28 days parasite-free allows us to assess epidemiological-, host- and parasite-related predictors for repeated malaria infection.Trial registration: NCT01374581 and PACTR201203000351114. © 2013 Muhindo Mavoko et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Artemether-lumefantrine; Artemisinin-based combination treatment; Artesunate-amodiaquine; Clindamycin; Democratic Republic of Congo; Malaria; Quinine; Randomized trial; Ugandaamodiaquine plus artesunate; artemether plus benflumetol; clindamycin; co arsucam; doxycycline; hemoglobin; quinamax; quinine; tetracycline; unclassified drug; winthrop; adverse outcome; article; body weight; child; childhood disease; clinical protocol; cohort analysis; Congo; controlled study; drug comparison; drug efficacy; drug safety; drug treatment failure; female; fever; follow up; genotype; hematological parameters; hemoglobin blood level; hospitalization; human; hypothesis; insurance; liver function; longitudinal study; major clinical study; malaria; malaria falciparum; male; monotherapy; multicenter study; multidrug resistance; open study; outcome assessment; parasite clearance; parasite incidence; parasitemia; pharmacoepidemiology; phase 3 clinical trial; Plasmodium; preschool child; randomized controlled trial; recurrent infection; reinfection; retreatment; treatment duration; tympanic temperature; Uganda; unspecified side effect; world health organization; Amodiaquine; Antimalarials; Artemisinins; Child, Preschool; Clindamycin; Clinical Protocols; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Drug Combinations; Drug Resistance; Drug Therapy, Combination; Ethanolamines; Female; Fluorenes; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Longitudinal Studies; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Plasmodium falciparum; Quinine; Recurrence; Research Design; Retreatment; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; UgandaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84856860394Evaluation of satellite-derived burned area products for the fynbos, a Mediterranean shrublandDe Klerk H.M., Wilson A.M., Steenkamp K.2012International Journal of Wildland Fire21110.1071/WF11002Department Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, Scientific Services, P Bag x5014, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 N. Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3043, United States; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Meraka Institute, PO Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South AfricaDe Klerk, H.M., Department Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa, Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, Scientific Services, P Bag x5014, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa; Wilson, A.M., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 N. Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3043, United States; Steenkamp, K., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Meraka Institute, PO Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South AfricaFire is a critical ecological process in the fynbos of the south-western area of South Africa, as it is for all dwarf Mediterranean shrublands. We evaluated the potential of current publicly available MODIS burned area products to contribute to an accurate fire history of the fynbos. To this end, we compared the Meraka Institute's MODIS burned area product, based on the Giglio algorithm (termed the 'WAMIS' product) as well as the standard MODIS MCD45A1 burned area product, based on the Roy algorithm, with comprehensive manager-mapped fire boundary data. We used standard inventory accuracy assessment (number and size of individual burn scars) and confusion matrix techniques. Results showed promise for both burned area products, depending on the intended use. The MCD45A1 had low errors of commission (8.1-19.1%) and high consumer's accuracy (80.9-91.9%), but relatively common errors of omission, making it useful for studies that need to identify burned pixels with a high degree of certainty. However, the WAMIS product generally had low errors of omission (12.2-43.8%) and greater producer's accuracy (56.2-87.6%), making it a useful tool for supplementing manager-mapped fire records, especially for fynbos remnants occurring outside protected areas. © 2012 IAWF.MODIS; South Africa; Western CapeNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-78651457165Competitive advantage: Mediator of intellectual capital and performanceKamukama N., Ahiauzu A., Ntayi J.M.2011Journal of Intellectual Capital12110.1108/14691931111097953Department of Accounting, Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda; Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Faculty of Computing and Management Science, Makerere University Business School, Kampala, UgandaKamukama, N., Department of Accounting, Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda; Ahiauzu, A., Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ntayi, J.M., Faculty of Computing and Management Science, Makerere University Business School, Kampala, UgandaPurpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of competitive advantage in the relationship between intellectual capital and financial performance in Uganda's microfinance institutions. The major aim is to establish the role of competitive advantage in the relationship between intellectual capital and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach: The paper adopts MedGraph program (Excel version), Sobel tests and the Kenny and Boran approach to test for mediation effects. Findings: Competitive advantage is a significant mediator in the association between intellectual capital and financial performance and boosts the relationship between the two by 22.4 percent in Ugandan microfinance institutions. Further findings confirmed a partial type of mediation between the intellectual capital, competitive advantage and financial performance. Research limitations/implications: Only a single research methodological approach was employed and future research through interviews could be undertaken to triangulate. Furthermore, the findings from the present study are cross-sectional. Future research should be undertaken to examine the mediation effects studied in this paper across time. Practical implications: In order to have a meaningful interpretation of the results of the relationships between study variables, it is always vital to assess the role of the third variable (competitive advantage) in the relationship. This enables practitioners and scholars to comprehend and make legitimate decisions and conclusions that can foster business growth. Originality/value: This is the first study that focuses on testing the mediating effect of competitive advantage on the relationship between intellectual capital and financial performance in Ugandan microfinance institutions. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.Competitive advantage; Financial institutions; Financial performance; Intellectual capital; UgandaNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-82155162942Performance measures of maintenance of public facilities in NigeriaIwarere H.T., Lawal K.O.2011Research Journal of Business Management5110.3923/rjbm.2011.16.25Department of Accounting, University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ado-Ekiti, NigeriaIwarere, H.T., Department of Accounting, University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Lawal, K.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ado-Ekiti, NigeriaPublic organisations in Nigeria are organisations which are controlled by the government. These organisations generally face different kinds of problems. Some of such problems are associated with poor maintenance of public facilities. This study presents performance measures of maintenance of public facilities in Nigeria. The study identifies financial scandal, improper facilities, poor maintenance culture, poor spare parts, incompetent management, lack of or inadequate training programmes, irregularity in power supply as major problems that hinder the performance measures of maintenance of public facilities. The study concluded that government, management and employees should play their respective roles to ensure effective maintenance of public facilities. It is also concluded that public organisations should adopt four key aspects of the Balanced Scorecard that focus on four separate but related perspectives of organisational performance and management such as financial performance, internal processes, customer satisfaction or customer value and workforce support. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.Effective maintenance; Effective utilisation; Employee capability; Standard equipmentNoneNone
NoneNoneThe impact of demand factors, quality of care and access to facilities on contraceptive use in TanzaniaArends-Kuenning M., Kessy F.L.2007Journal of Biosocial Science39110.1017/S0021932005001045Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, United States; Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaArends-Kuenning, M., Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, United States; Kessy, F.L., Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaThe low contraceptive prevalence rate and the existence of unmet demand for family planning services present a challenge for parties involved in family planning research in Tanzania. The observed situation has been explained by the demand-side variables such as socioeconomic characteristics and cultural values that maintain the demand for large families. A small, but growing body of research is examining the effect of supply-side factors such as quality of care of family planning services on the demand for contraceptives. This paper analyses the demand and supply factors determining contraceptive use in Tanzania using the Tanzania Service Availability Survey (1996) and the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (1996) data sets. The results show that access to family planning services and quality of care of services are important determinants of contraceptive use in Tanzania even after controlling for demand-side factors. © 2005 Cambridge University Press.Nonearticle; contraception; cultural value; drug utilization; family; family planning; health care access; health care availability; health care facility; health care need; health care quality; health services research; health survey; human; multivariate analysis; prevalence; socioeconomics; Tanzania; adolescent; adult; family planning; female; health care delivery; male; qualitative research; statistical model; utilization review; contraceptive agent; Adolescent; Adult; Contraceptive Agents; Family Planning Services; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Male; Models, Statistical; Qualitative Research; Quality of Health Care; TanzaniaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77954165371Effect of weight and draught on the performance of disc plough on sandy-loam soilOlatunji O.M., Davies R.M.2009Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology11NoneDepartment of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce IOlatunji, O.M., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Davies, R.M., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, NigeriaIn this research, the relationship between depth of cut, increase in weight of disc plough as well as the draught has been investigated using dimensional analysis on a sandy loam soil. The experiment was conducted on a site with three different moisture contents level at five different speeds (0.83, 1.39, 1.94, 2.5 and 2.78ms-1). It was observed that the depth of penetration increase with an increase in draught and increase in soil moisture content. From the site, the depth of cut was minimum at 4.9% and maximum at 9.4% moisture content. The result obtained from the validation shows that the model can be used effectively to determine the depth of cut in sandy loam soil and also the draught-speed relationship obtained from this work can be used to predict the power requirement of the disc plough in other soil types. The draught increase linearly with the depth of cut as predicted from the model. The result of the soil properties after tillage showed increase with shear strength, bulk density and depth. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2009.Bulk density; Depth; Disc plough; Moisture content; Sandy-loam; Shear strengthBulk density; Depth; Disc plough; Moisture content; Sandy-loam; Agriculture; Moisture determination; Shear strength; Soil conditioners; Soil moisture; Geologic modelsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84896133841Impacts of flooding on coastal fishing folks and risk adaptation behaviours in Epe, Lagos StateSamuel Oyekale A., Mukela F.2014Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment121NoneDepartment of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaSamuel Oyekale, A., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Mukela, F., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaClimatic changes have made flooding a major environmental hazard in the coastal areas of Nigeria. This study assessed the impacts and households' adaptation mechanisms in Epe Division of Lagos State. Data obtained from some fishing folks were subjected to descriptive Probit regression and Tobit regression analytical methods. The results show that the adverse impacts of flooding reduce with ability to migrate, monthly income and possession of other secondary occupations. The females, educated and rich among the fishing folks, are willing to pay significantly higher amounts on insurance against flooding. The study recommended that efforts to address flooding should include an alternative skill development, migration, offering assistance, provision of affordable and quality health services for the treatment of malaria, cholera and dysentery and proper development of early warning signal, among other.Climate change; Fishing folks; Flooding; Impact; Vulnerabilityarticle; climate change; conceptual framework; environmental impact; fishing; flooding; health impact assessment; human; information processing; morbidity; Nigeria; occupational safety; regression analysis; risk assessment; seashore; socioeconomics; vulnerable populationNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84929991535Simulating the Impact of Exogenous Food Price Shock on Agriculture and the Poor in Nigeria: Results from a Computable General Equilibrium ModelNkang N.M., Omonona B.T., Yusuf S.A., Oni O.A.2013Economic Analysis and Policy43110.1016/S0313-5926(13)50005-1Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaNkang, N.M., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Omonona, B.T., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Yusuf, S.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oni, O.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaMotivated by the recent global economic crisis, this paper simulated the impact of a rise in the price of imported food on agriculture and household poverty in Nigeria using a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model and the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) class of decomposable poverty measures on the 2006 social accounting matrix (SAM) of Nigeria and the updated 2004 Nigeria Living Standards Survey (NLSS) data. Results show that a rise in import price of food increased domestic output of food, but reduced the domestic supply of other agricultural commodities as well as food and other agricultural composites. Furthermore, a rise in the import price of food increased poverty nationally and among all household groups, with rural-north households being the least affected by the shock, while their rural-south counterparts were the most affected. A major policy implication drawn from this paper is that high import prices in import competing sectors like agriculture tend to favour the sector but exacerbate poverty in households. Thus, efforts geared at addressing the impact of this shock should strive to balance welfare and efficiency issues. © 2013 Economic Society of Australia (Queensland) Inc.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33749617437Integrated ecological economics accounting approach to evaluation of inter-basin water transfers: An application to the Lesotho Highlands Water ProjectMatete M., Hassan R.2006Ecological Economics60110.1016/j.ecolecon.2005.12.010Department of Agricultural Economics, National University of Lesotho, P.O. Roma, 180, Lesotho; Center for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South AfricaMatete, M., Department of Agricultural Economics, National University of Lesotho, P.O. Roma, 180, Lesotho; Hassan, R., Center for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South AfricaThis study developed a generalised analytical framework that can be applied to integrating environmental sustainability aspects into economic development planning in the case of exploiting water resources through inter-basin water transfers (IBWT). The study developed and applied a multi-country ecological social accounting matrix (MC-ESAM) for Lesotho and SA to evaluate the ecological implications of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and their consequent economic costs and benefits for the two countries. The study further used the developed MC-ESAM multipliers to analyse the impact of lost ecological services downstream the LHWP dams in Lesotho on the wellbeing of households directly affected by the project in Lesotho and the general economies of Lesotho and SA. The results revealed that while the LHWP has significant direct and indirect benefits in terms of social and economic development in Lesotho and SA, the project has serious unintended impacts on ecological resources and services, with deleterious wellbeing implications for populations residing within the reaches of the LHWP rivers and downstream the LHWP dams in Lesotho. The empirical analysis results showed relatively small impacts in general, but were significant for groups of people directly affected by the project in Lesotho. An important limitation of the empirical contributions of the study relates to the inability to measure and include in the analyses values of critical other ecosystem services of affected freshwater resources. Nevertheless, the study demonstrated the importance of integrated ecological economic accounting for comprehensive assessment of IBWT projects' impacts. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Ecological social accounting matrix (ESAM); Human wellbeing; Inter-basin water transfers (IBWT); Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP); Ripariansecological economics; economic development; social development; sustainability; water resource; Africa; Lesotho; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77950178352On biodiversity impact assessment: The rationale, conceptual challenges and implications for future EIAWale E., Yalew A.2010Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal28110.3152/146155110X492326Department of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness (SASA), P Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Asterstraat 85, 6708 DK Wageningen, NetherlandsWale, E., Department of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness (SASA), P Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Yalew, A., Asterstraat 85, 6708 DK Wageningen, NetherlandsThis paper highlights the need for and the conceptual challenges/issues in exercising biodiversity impact assessment (BIA), a subject hardly considered in most environmental impact assessment (EIA) activities so far. The paper attempts to lay the foundation for how future assessments can address biodiversity impacts more explicitly. The paper shows how development interventions and projects meant to take care of peoples' livelihoods are impacting on biodiversity. It presents the possible directions BIA has to focus in integrating externalities to inform decision making on the feasibility of development interventions. This is in essence to prevent, reduce and offset any adverse impacts (on biodiversity) of future development interventions. Addressing biodiversity valuation issues and identifying the appropriate methods to quantify the impacts will remain imperative in future endeavours to evaluate biodiversity impacts. © IAIA 2010.Biodiversity; Biodiversity impact assessment; EIAbiodiversity; decision making; environmental impact assessment; project assessmentNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33846102133Socio-economic analysis of the impacts of avian influenza epidemic on households poultry consumption and poultry industry in Nigeria: Empirical investigation of Kwara StateObayelu A.E.2007Livestock Research for Rural Development191NoneDepartment of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan Oyo state, NigeriaObayelu, A.E., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan Oyo state, NigeriaThe paper presents a theoretical and an empirical study of avian flu epidemic in Nigeria. A rapid assessment of the effects of avian flu outbreaks was conducted in May 2006 in kwara State. This was done by a structured interviewed schedule. Thirty Poultry farmers and 100 households were randomly selected for the interview. The results of the analysis showed that avian flu outbreaks and spread in Nigeria have caused serious threat not only to the poultry industry but also to food security and the livelihoods of both the rural and urban communities. The study revealed that there was a fall in consumers' and producers' confidence in poultry. About 75% of poultry farmers were also found to have stopped ordering for new birds to their farms preparing to leave poultry business for other jobs the moment they disposed the birds on their farms. About 80% of the sampled households were found to have stopped the purchase and consumption of poultry products in their households for the fear of being affected by the flu. In addition, prices of chicken and egg were negatively affected with supply outweighing demand. There was a shift of consumers' attentions to consumption of beef, pork, fish, and animal skin as substitute with a decrease in the Gross Domestic Product from agriculture, increase in unemployment rate, worsen health, poverty and malnutrition level. Poultry farmers should be encouraged, educated and assisted on the preventive measures. The farmers can be encouraged on the need for diversification since the outbreaks of the flu incidence mostly occur suddenly. Rearing of Grass cutters, cattle, rabbits and pigs, bee keeping, and snail farming as well as mushroom farming as means of livelihood should be encouraged. There must be extensive public enlightenments on the dangers of flu and how it can be overcome.Avian flu; Epidemic; Poultry; Socio-economicAnimalia; Apoidea; Aves; Basidiomycota; Bos taurus; Gastropoda; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Sus scrofaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77953355255Climatic variability and its impacts on agricultural income and households' welfare in Southern and Northern NigeriaOyekale A.S.2009Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry81NoneDepartment of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaOyekale, A.S., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaThis study assessed variability in some weather variables and its impacts on agricultural incomes in northern and southern Nigeria. To achieve these, we combined time series weather variables obtained from some meteorological stations in Nigeria with household cross-sectional data collected by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The descriptive and regression methods were used to analyze the data. The results show high variability in some weather with rainfall exhibiting the highest variability between 1971 and 2003. Impacts of climatic changes on agricultural income and welfare were modeled with climaterelated variables like variability indices of annual for 1971-2003, actual annual rainfall data in 2003, time for gathering fuel wood, time for fetching water and season of interview. It was found that agricultural income and welfare in northern part of Nigeria will be more negatively affected by climatic changes than southern part. The study recommended development of alternative energy sources, promotion of irrigate agriculture and skill development for combating adverse climatic changes, among others.Agricultural; Climatic variability; NigeriaNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84858633477Productivity impact differential of improved rice technology adoption among rice farming households in NigeriaDontsop Nguezet P.M., Okoruwa V.O., Adeoti A.I., Adenegan K.O.2012Journal of Crop Improvement26110.1080/15427528.2011.608246Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, NigeriaDontsop Nguezet, P.M., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Okoruwa, V.O., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Adeoti, A.I., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Adenegan, K.O., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, NigeriaThe contribution of technological change to agricultural productivity in developing countries has long been documented. It is believed that the adoption of new agricultural technologies, such as high-yielding varieties, could lead to significant increases in agricultural productivity and stimulate the transition from low-productivity, subsistence agriculture to a high-productivity agro-industrial economy. The article uses the local average treatment effect (LATE) to estimate the impact of adoption of improved rice varieties on rice farmers' productivity in the three major rice ecologies of Nigeria. A stratified random sampling was adopted by the study to select a sample of 500 rice farmers across ecologies. Findings of the analysis indicated that adoption of improved varieties helped raise farmers' area harvested and yield per hectare, respectively, by 0.39 hectare and 217.9 kg/ha for NERICA and 0.51 hectare and 210.4 kg/ha for other improved varieties, thereby increasing their productivity. In addition, NERICA varieties performed better than any other upland improved variety and the impact of its adoption on both area harvested and yield was greater among female rice farmers than among their male counterparts. Intervention programs to increase the dissemination of high-yielding rice varieties to areas with low productivity are, therefore, a reasonable policy instrument. © 2012 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.Impact; Improved rice technologies; Local average treatment effect; Nigeria; ProductivityNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84896978801Impacts of the SADC free trade agreement on South African agricultural tradeFadeyi O.A., Bahta T.Y., Ogundeji A.A., Willemse B.J.2014Outlook on Agriculture43110.5367/oa.2014.0154Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South AfricaFadeyi, O.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Bahta, T.Y., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Ogundeji, A.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Willemse, B.J., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South AfricaTrade is an essential component of modern society, with nations signing bilateral trade agreements to engage in various forms of economic integration. Developing countries in southern Africa are also involved in economic integration to underpin development. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) became a free trade area in 2008 for the economic integration of its members. This study evaluates the impact of the SADC Free Trade Agreement (SADC FTA) on South African agricultural trade using the Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood (PPML) specification of gravity model to determine the significance of variables within the model. Bilateral trade data were obtained from the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics (UN Comtrade) database and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), while data on gross domestic product and population were sourced from the World Bank Development Indicators (WDI) database. The results show that there has been a net trade-creating effect and increasing intra-SADC bloc trade in beef. Intra-regional trade in maize has also been stimulated by the implementation of the agreement.Gravity model; Regional agreements; South africa; Trade creation; Trade diversionNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84873470588Home influences on the academic performance of agricultural science students in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, NigeriaNdirika M.C., Njoku U.J.2012Research in Education88110.7227/RIE.88.1.7Department of Agricultural Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, NigeriaNdirika, M.C., Department of Agricultural Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria; Njoku, U.J., Department of Agricultural Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, NigeriaThis study was conducted to investigate the home influences on the academic performance of agricultural science secondary school students in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. The instrument used in data collection was a validated questionnaire structured on a two point rating scale. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 150 students from nine secondary schools. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics: frequency and mean to investigate the influence of students' participation in practical agriculture at home, students' engagement in extra lessons, parental influence and parents' motivation to their children. Results indicated that involvement in practical agriculture at home, having extra lessons at home, having a reading timetable and enough textbooks, parents checking of their children's school work, prompt payment of school fees and intact family positively affect the academic performance of agricultural science students. Recommendations were made among which is the need for students to be involved in extra lessons at home and in practical agriculture. © Manchester University Press.Academic performance; Agriculture; Home; Influence; ScienceNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-56849088350Technical and institutional evaluation of geray irrigation scheme in West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, EthiopiaCheckol G., Alamirew T.2008Journal of Spatial Hydrology81NoneDepartment of Agricultural Engineering, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, EthiopiaCheckol, G.; Alamirew, T., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, EthiopiaThe technical and institutional performance evaluation of Geray Irrigation Scheme was made in order to identify management practices for implementation to improve the system operation and the performance of the irrigation system. The evaluation was made based on the selected performance indicators such as conveyance efficiency, application efficiency, water delivery performance, and maintenance indicators. The availability of institutional and support services were also investigated through a questionnaire administered to beneficiary farmers and other stakeholders. The results obtained showed that the main and tertiary canal conveyance efficiencies were 92 and 82 percents respectively. Many of the secondary and tertiary canals are poorly maintained and many of the structures are dysfunctional. Application efficiency monitored on three farmers' plot located at different ends of a given secondary canal ranges from 44 to 57 percent. Water delivery performance was only 71% showing a very substantial reduction from the design of the canal capacity. Maintenance indicator evaluated in terms of water level change (31.9%) and effectiveness of the infrastructures showed that the scheme management was in a very poor shape. Dependability of the scheme evaluated in terms of duration and irrigation interval showed that the scheme is performing below the intended level. The 47% of the land initially planned for development is currently under irrigation while there is no change in the water supply indicating that the sustainability of the scheme is in doubt. The cooperative support services that had been rendered to the beneficiaries in the past four years were found to be minimal. Moreover, there were few indicators that show the production was market oriented. The evaluation clearly revealed the fact that conflict resolution remains to be the duty of the local community authorities and Water User Associations (WUA) has no legal right to enforce its bylaws. In conclusion, the overall technical adequacy of the scheme is rated very poor requiring tremendous mobilization of the community to sustainably manage it. Proper institutional setup needs to be in place, and WUA needs to be more empowered in order to enforce its by-laws.Ethiopia; Irrigation institution; Irrigation performance; Support servicesirrigation system; questionnaire survey; water management; water supply; Africa; Amhara; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan AfricaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84872770505Performance of growing pigs fed diets based on by-products of maize and wheat processingMwesigwa R., Mutetikka D., Kugonza D.R.2012Tropical Animal Health and Production45110.1007/s11250-012-0237-7Department of Agricultural Production, School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, UgandaMwesigwa, R., Department of Agricultural Production, School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Mutetikka, D., Department of Agricultural Production, School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Kugonza, D.R., Department of Agricultural Production, School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, UgandaForty-eight crossbred Landrace × Large white pigs with an average body weight of 8.5 ± 0.4 kg and aged 2 months were used to evaluate performance and carcass characteristics of pigs fed two diets in which bran from maize or wheat was used as the energy source. A third diet based on whole maize grain was used as a control. Animals in groups of four, balanced for litter, sex and weight were allotted to dietary treatments in a completely randomised design with four replications. Data were collected on feed intake and weight gain for a period of 4 months. A digestibility trial was carried at the end of the feeding trial using two male pigs per treatment while six pigs per treatment were randomly selected for slaughter to determine carcass characteristics. Daily gain averaged 0. 23, 0. 31 and 0. 13 kg/day, for pigs fed maize bran, wheat bran and whole maize diets, respectively. Average feed intake and final body weight were significantly (P < 0. 05) affected by diets. Digestibility of dry matter, crude fibre and calcium were higher (P < 0. 05) for pigs fed maize bran while crude protein digestibility was highest (P < 0. 05) for the pigs fed wheat bran. There were significant differences (P < 0. 05) between the diets in carcass yield, ham, head, trotters and heart weights and also for rib weight, rib eye muscle and other tissues. This study indicates that comparable performance of growing pigs fed cereal bran and full-grain diets are real. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.Carcass characteristics; Growth performance; Maize bran; Pigs; Wheat branAnimalia; Pieris brassicae; Suidae; Triticum aestivum; Zea mays; animal; animal food; article; dietary fiber; feeding behavior; female; growth, development and aging; maize; male; metabolism; physiology; randomization; swine; Uganda; weight gain; wheat; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Dietary Fiber; Feeding Behavior; Female; Male; Random Allocation; Sus scrofa; Triticum; Uganda; Weight Gain; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-67349149123Nitrogen rhizodeposition from soybean (Glycine max) and its impact on nutrient budgets in two contrasting environments of the Guinean savannah zone of NigeriaLaberge G., Franke A.C., Ambus P., Høgh-Jensen H.2009Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems84110.1007/s10705-008-9225-8Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegård Allé 9, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; C/o Lambourn Ltd., Carolyn House, 26 DingwallLaberge, G., Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegård Allé 9, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark; Franke, A.C., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria, C/o Lambourn Ltd., Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom, Plant Research International, Department of Agrosystems Research, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P. O. Box 16, Wageningen 6700 AA, Netherlands; Ambus, P., Plant Research International, Department of Agrosystems Research, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P. O. Box 16, Wageningen 6700 AA, Netherlands; Høgh-Jensen, H., Risoe National Laboratory, Technical University of Denmark, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, DenmarkNitrogen (N) rhizodeposition by grain legumes such as soybean is potentially a large but neglected source of N in cropping systems of Sub-Saharan Africa. Field studies were conducted to measure soybean N rhizodeposition in two environments of the Guinean savannah of Nigeria using 15N leaf labelling techniques. The first site was located in Ibadan in the humid derived savannah. The second site was in Zaria in the drier Northern Guinean savannah. Soybean N rhizodeposition in the top 0.30 m of soil varied from 7.5 kg ha -1 on a diseased crop in Ibadan to 33 kg ha-1 in Zaria. More than two-thirds of soybean belowground N was contained in the rhizodeposits at crop physiological maturity, while the rest was found in the recoverable roots. Belowground plant-derived N was found to constitute 16-23% of the total soybean N. Taking rhizodeposited pools into account led to N budgets close to zero when all residues were removed. If residues were left in the field or recycled as manure after being fed to steers, soybean cultivation led to positive N budgets of up to +95 kg N ha-1. The role and potential of grain legumes as N purveyors have been underestimated in the past by neglecting the N contained in their rhizodeposits. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.15N; Glycine max; Guinean savannah; Leaf labelling; Legumes; Nitrogen; Promiscuous soybean; Rhizodeposition; Rootsbelowground biomass; cropping practice; nitrogen cycle; nutrient budget; root system; savanna; soybean; Africa; Ibadan; Kaduna [Nigeria]; Nigeria; Oyo; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Zaria; Glycine maxNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77952629430The impact of migrant remittances on household welfare in rural NigeriaOlowa O.W.2009Social Sciences41NoneDepartment of Agriculture Education (Tech.), Akoka, Lagos, NigeriaOlowa, O.W., Department of Agriculture Education (Tech.), Akoka, Lagos, NigeriaRecords on remittances by Central Bank of Nigeria shows an increasing trends since 2002. These huge flows of remittances are made up of millions private receiver households. The study examine the impacts of these remittances on household welfare in rural Nigeria using the Nigeria living standard statistics 2003/2004 wave by the bureau of stastistics. The result of the regression analysis revealed among other things that remittances help to reduce the effects of poverty and that remittances are counter-cyclical. © Medwell Journals, 2009.Household; Nigeria; Poverty; Remittances; WelfareNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-36749084577Performance, nutrient utilization and organ characteristics of broilers fed cassava leef meal (Manihot esculenta crantz)Iheukwumere F.C., Ndubuisi E.C., Mazi E.A., Onyekwere M.U.2008Pakistan Journal of Nutrition71NoneDepartment of Agriculture, Abia State University, PMB 7010, Umudike, Nigeria; Department of Food Science, Abia State University, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Nigeria; Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, NigeriaIheukwumere, F.C., Department of Agriculture, Abia State University, PMB 7010, Umudike, Nigeria; Ndubuisi, E.C., Department of Agriculture, Abia State University, PMB 7010, Umudike, Nigeria; Mazi, E.A., Department of Food Science, Abia State University, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Nigeria; Onyekwere, M.U., Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, NigeriaA 35-day feeding trial involving 120, 5-week old Anak broilers was carried out in a completely randomized design to evaluate the performance, nutrient utilization and organ characteristics of broilers fed cassava leaf meal at dietary levels of 0, 5, 10 and 15% respectively. Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and organ weight of birds on the control (0%) and (5%) leaf meals were significantly superior (p<0.05) to the group on 10% and 15% leaf meal. The utilization of Dry Matter (DM), crude protein, ether extract and ash was significantly poorer at the 10 and 15% dietary levels. The organ weights (heart, liver, gizzard) were superior at 0 and 5% (p<0.05) groups to the groups on 10 and 15% inclusion levels of the leaf meal. It is suggested that 5% inclusion of cassava leaf meal could be used in broiler finisher diets without any deleterious effects. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008.Broiler; Cassava leaf meal; Organs weight and nutrient utilization; Performanceanimal experiment; animal food; animal tissue; article; ash; avian stomach; bird; cassava; chemical composition; controlled study; food composition; food intake; heart weight; liver weight; meal; nonhuman; nutrient uptake; organ weight; plant leaf; randomization; weight gain; Aves; Manihot esculentaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84859172052Performance of broiler chickens fed on mature moringa oleifera leaf meal as a protein supplement to soyabean mealGadzirayi C.T., Masamha B., Mupangwa J.F., Washaya S.2012International Journal of Poultry Science111NoneDepartment of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe; International Livestock Research Institute, Av. FPLM 2698 Caixa, Maputo, Mozambique; Umutara Polytechnic, Faculty of Agriculture, P.O. Box 57, Nyagatare, Eastern Province, RwandaGadzirayi, C.T., Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe; Masamha, B., International Livestock Research Institute, Av. FPLM 2698 Caixa, Maputo, Mozambique; Mupangwa, J.F., Umutara Polytechnic, Faculty of Agriculture, P.O. Box 57, Nyagatare, Eastern Province, Rwanda; Washaya, S., Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, ZimbabweAn exploratory study investigating the effects of supplementing soyabeans with Moringa oleifera leaf meal, as a protein source in poultry production was done at Bindura University Farm. Five different graded levels of Moringa oleifera meal were used in formulating the diets. Ration formulation using soyabean, yellow maize and Moringa oleifera meal as ingredients for broiler starter (20% Crude Protein) and broiler finisher (18% Crude Protein) diets was done using the Pearson Square Method. Twenty-five day old Habbard chicks were randomly allocated to the five treatment diets T1 (0% Moringa oleifera meal), T2 (25% Moringa oleifera meal), T3 (50% Moringa oleifera meal), T4 (75% Moringa oleifera meal) and T5 (100% Moringa oleifera meal) in a completely randomized design. Birds were managed under the dip litter system with five compartments each with five birds for a period of 6 weeks. Weekly weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded throughout the period. Evisceration of carcasses was done after 6 weeks and the different body parts were weighed and recorded. Proximate analysis of Moringa oleifera meal, broiler starter and broiler finisher diets were done and the results were tabulated. Statistical analysis was done using Genstat Software Version 12. No significant differences were noted in the amount of feed taken by broiler birds under different treatments of Moringa oleifera meal, however significant differences in feed conversion ratios were noted. It was therefore concluded that inclusion of Moringa oleifera meal as protein supplement in broiler diets at 25% inclusion level produces broilers of similar weight and growth rate compared to those fed under conventional commercial feeds (p>0.05). © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012.Broilers; Carcass; Moringa oleifera; Protein; WeightAves; Gallus gallus; Glycine max; Moringa oleifera; Zea maysNone
NoneNoneCollective action initiatives to improve marketing performance: Lessons from farmer groups in TanzaniaBarham J., Chitemi C.2009Food Policy34110.1016/j.foodpol.2008.10.002Department of Agriculture, Marketing Services Branch, Washington, DC, United States; Faida Market Link Company Limited, Arusha, TanzaniaBarham, J., Department of Agriculture, Marketing Services Branch, Washington, DC, United States; Chitemi, C., Faida Market Link Company Limited, Arusha, TanzaniaThis study aims to examine the extent to which certain characteristics and asset endowments of smallholder farmer groups facilitate collective action initiatives to improve group marketing performance. This is approached through an evaluation of a government-led programme in Tanzania, which is attempting to increase smallholder farmers' incomes and food security through a market-oriented intervention. Findings suggest that more mature groups with strong internal institutions, functioning group activities, and a good asset base of natural capital are more likely to improve their market situation. Gender composition of groups also affects group marketing performance, as an enabling factor for male-dominated groups. Structural social capital in the form of membership in other groups and ties to external service providers, and cognitive social capital in the form of intra-group trust and altruistic behaviour are not significant factors in a group's ability to improve its market situation.Agricultural marketing; Collective action; Farmer groups; Planned change initiatives; Social capital; Tanzaniacollective action; farming system; food market; institutional framework; marketing; performance assessment; smallholder; social capital; state role; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; TanzaniaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84856274347Performance of sweet potato soybeans as affected by cropping sequence in the northern guinea savanna of NigeriaBabatunde F.E., Dantata I.J., Olawuyi O.J.2012Journal of Agronomy11110.3923/ja.2012.22.26Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Osun State University (Uniosun), PMB 4014, Ejigbo Campus, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Education, College of Education, PMB 044, Azare, Bauchi, Nigeria; Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BaBabatunde, F.E., Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Osun State University (Uniosun), PMB 4014, Ejigbo Campus, Nigeria; Dantata, I.J., Department of Agricultural Education, College of Education, PMB 044, Azare, Bauchi, Nigeria; Olawuyi, O.J., Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, PMB 21244, Ikeja, Lagos, NigeriaA field experiment was conducted to study the performance of sweet potato and soybeans under different cropping sequences during the raining seasons of 2007, 2008 and 2009 in Bauchi, Nigeria. The cropping sequences consisted of sweet potato transplanted 1 week after soybeans (+1), sweet potato transplanted 2 weeks after soybeans (+2), sweet potato + soybeans planted simultaneously (0), sweet potato transplanted 1 week before soybeans (-1), sweet potato transplanted 2 weeks before soybeans (-2), Sole sweet potato (Ssp) and Sole soybeans (Ssb). These were arranged in randomized complete block design with four replications. Percent production of tubers and pods as well as tuber and grain yields of component crops were significantly increased (p = 0.05) by the cropping treatments in all the three seasons of this studyanother in each season, except in percent tuber production with sole sweet potato in both 2008 and 2009 as well as in tuber yield with sole sweet potato in 2009. Therefore, component crops can be sole-grown or adopt sweet potato transplanted a week or 2 before soybeans-sequence for better tuber and grain yields. © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information.Crop sequence; Northern guinea savanna; Performance; Soybeans; Sweet potatoGlycine max; Ipomoea batatasNone
Scopus2-s2.0-80052067781Evaluation of neem seed extract for the control of major field pests of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L. Walp) under calendar and monitored spraysEgho E.O.2011Advances in Environmental Biology51NoneDepartment of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, NigeriaEgho, E.O., Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, NigeriaCowpea growers sometimes apply chemicals as many as 8-10 times to control insect pests during the growing season. Calendar sprays at 7 days' intervals (CA.S7) carried out 5 times and 10 days' intervals (CA.S10) carried out 4 times and monitored spray (MOS) carried out only when insect infestation/damage reached or exceeded the action threshold were studied to find out their effect on major insect pests and yield of cowpea - whether there were differences in the number of insect pests and grain yield. The insect pests studied were the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch, legume bud thrips Megalurothrips sjostedti Tryb, legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fab. and pod sucking bugs under the application of 5% aqueous extract of neem seed kernel extract (NSKE). The trials were conducted during the early and late planting seasons in Abraka, on a piece of land half a kilometre to Campus 2, Delta State University, Nigeria. The results indicated that calendar sprays significantly controlled A. craccivora colonies compared to control in the early season. Population of other major insect pests was generally low. During the late season, the various NSKE treatments effectively controlled A. craccivora. No significant difference among the treatments in their effect on the other major insect pests. Grain yields were high in both seasons and a significant difference did not exist among the calendar and monitored spray treatments. Three main things are obvious from this study: (1) neem seed kernel extract is effective in the control of cowpea insect pests, especially A. craccivora, (2) Grain yields were similar in calendar and monitor sprays. (3) spraying every 10 days for 4 times and monitoring insect pest damage/infestation before spraying reduced the number of chemical application.Calendar and monitored sprays; Cowpea; Insect pests; Neem extractAphididae; Aphis craccivora; Azadirachta indica; Hexapoda; Maruca vitrata; Megalurothrips sjostedti; Thysanoptera; Vigna unguiculataNone
Scopus2-s2.0-79957796908Performance of a sorghum/rice mixture at varying proportions of rice in a semi-arid environment of NigeriaOdion E.C., Yahaya R.A., Aliyu And L., Babaji B.A.2008Research on Crops91NoneDepartment of Agronomy, Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, NigeriaOdion, E.C., Department of Agronomy, Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria; Yahaya, R.A., Department of Agronomy, Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria; Aliyu And, L., Department of Agronomy, Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria; Babaji, B.A., Department of Agronomy, Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, NigeriaA field trial was conducted at Samaru, Nigeria in the 1997 and 1998 cropping seasons to study the effect of rice (Oryza sativum L.) proportions and thinning levels on the performance of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and rice in mixed stands. Sorghum performed better in the drier year than in the wetter one, gave LER values that were lower than expected values except at the 1 : 3 and 1 : 1 stand proportions in 1997 and 1998, respectively. The sorghum crop was most stable at the 1 : 1 stand proportion and less aggressive than the rice crop in the mixed stands. The rice crop performed better in the wetter year than the drier (i. e. 1998 compared to 1997), gave LER values that were lower than expected except at the 1 : 1 and 1 : 4 stand proportions in 1997 and 1998, respectively. The rice crop gave stability values that were lower than expected at all the stand proportions and was more aggressive than the sorghum crop at all the stand proportions. The mixtures gave LER values that were either equal to or greater than 1.00 only at the 1:1 and 1:2 stand proportions; indicating that the mixture was only more efficient than the pure stands at the 1:1 stand proportion. It was also most stable at the 1:1 stand proportion; suggesting that the planting higher proportions of rice for the cash return from rice is detrimental to the mixture and to the food security of farmers in the area.Mixture; Rice; Semi-arid environment; SorghumOryza; Sativum; Sorghum bicolorNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84860466986Yield and quality performance of sesame varieties as affected by potassium fertilizerOlaniyi J.O.2011Tropical Agriculture881NoneDepartment Of Agronomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, NigeriaOlaniyi, J.O., Department Of Agronomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, NigeriaIn view of the relative importance of Sesamum indicum, as a good source of oil and medicinal plants in Africa, the production of good quality and high yielding varieties is highly desirable. The pot experiment was conducted at Ogbomoso in the southwestern Nigeria to determine the level of K fertilizer needed for the maximum seed yield and quality of three sesame varieties. The treatments used included four levels of potassium fertilizer (0, 15, 30 and 45kg K20 ha-1) and three varieties of sesame namely; Pachequero, Panshin and C-K2. These twelve treatments were assigned into a completely randomized design fitted into a factorial experiment with three replications. The plant growth and yield attributes such as plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, and number of seeds per pod significantly (P≤0.05) improved with increased rate of potassium fertilizer with optimum value obtained at 30kg K20 ha-1. K application significantly (P≤0.05) affected the seed yield and yield components of the three sesame varieties with optimum values obtained at 30kg K20 ha-1. The quality and nutrient elements compositions significantly increased with optimum values obtained when 30 kg K2 0 ha -1 was applied. Therefore, 30kg K20 ha-1 could be applied to sesame on the less productive soils in Ogbomoso. Although all sesame varieties used recorded better performance in this agro-ecological zone, C-K2 showed an outstanding seed yield performance with or without K fertilizer applications. However, the best variety in terms of seed quality was pachequero. © 2011 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad).Potassium fertilizer; Seed quality; Seed yield; Sesamum indicum; VarietiesSesamum indicumNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84861632691The differential impact of two anesthetic techniques on cortisol levels in Nigerian surgical patientsAggo A.T., Fyneface-Ogan S., Mato C.N.2012Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice15110.4103/1119-3077.94102Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, NigeriaAggo, A.T., Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Fyneface-Ogan, S., Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Mato, C.N., Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, NigeriaBackground: Surgical procedures are associated with a complexity of stress response characterized by neurohumoral, immulogic, and metabolic alterations. Aim: The aim was to compare the effects on the stress response by isoflurane-based intratracheal general anesthesia (ITGA) and bupivacaine-based epidural anesthesia (EA), using cortisol as a biochemical marker. Materials and Methods: Following the approval of the Hospital Ethical Board, informed written consent from patients recruited into this study was obtained. One group received general anesthesia with relaxant technique (group A) while the other group had bupicaine epidural anesthesia with catheter placement for top-ups (group B) for their surgeries. Both groups were assessed for plasma cortisol levels -baseline, 30 minutes after skin the start of surgery and at skin closure. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline mean heart rate, mean arterial pressure (mean MAP) and the mean duration of surgery between the two groups; the baseline mean plasma cortisol level was 88.70 ± 3.85 ng/ml for group A and 85.55 ± 2.29 ng/ml for group B, P=0.148. At 30 minutes after the start of surgery the plasma cortisol level in the GA group was 361.60 ± 31.27 ng/ml while it was 147.45 ± 22.36 ng/ml in the EA group, showing a significant difference, P=0.001. At skin closure the mean plasma cortisol value of 384.65 ± 48.04 ng/ml recorded in the GA group was found to be significantly higher than the value of 140.20 ± 10.74 ng/ml in the GA group, P<0.002. Conclusion: Using plasma cortisol as a measure, bupivacaine-based epidural anesthesia significantly reduces the stress response to surgical stimuli when compared with isoflurane-based tracheal general anesthesia.Cortisol levels; Epidural anesthesia; General anesthesia; Surgeryanesthetic agent; bupivacaine; hydrocortisone; isoflurane; adult; aged; anesthesia; article; blood; epidural anesthesia; evaluation; female; general anesthesia; heart rate; human; male; methodology; middle aged; surgery; treatment outcome; Adult; Aged; Anesthesia, Epidural; Anesthesia, General; Anesthesia, Intratracheal; Anesthetics; Bupivacaine; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Isoflurane; Male; Middle Aged; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care); Surgical Procedures, OperativeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-61649094018Routine delirium monitoring in a UK critical care unitPage V.J., Navarange S., Gama S., McAuley D.F.2009Critical Care13110.1186/cc7714Department of Anaesthetics, Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford WD19 4DZ, United Kingdom; Department of Anaesthetics, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Private Bag X03, Mayville 4038, South Africa; Centre for Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, The Queen's University of Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BN, United KingdomPage, V.J., Department of Anaesthetics, Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford WD19 4DZ, United Kingdom; Navarange, S., Department of Anaesthetics, Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford WD19 4DZ, United Kingdom; Gama, S., Department of Anaesthetics, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Private Bag X03, Mayville 4038, South Africa; McAuley, D.F., Centre for Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, The Queen's University of Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BN, United KingdomIntroduction: Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Using an assessment tool has been shown to improve the ability of clinicians in the ICU to detect delirium. The confusion assessment method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) is a validated delirium-screening tool for critically ill intubated patients. The aim of this project was to establish the feasibility of routine delirium screening using the CAM-ICU and to identify the incidence of delirium in a UK critical care unit. Methods: Routine CAM-ICU monitoring was implemented in a mixed critical care unit in January 2007 following a two-month educational and promotional campaign. Guidelines for the management of delirium were introduced. During a two-month prospective audit in September and October 2007, the daily CAM-ICU was recorded by the bedside nurse for consecutive level 2 and level 3 patients admitted to the mixed medical/ surgical critical care ward in a district general hospital. This was repeated in January 2008. Patient outcome was recorded. The records of an additional cohort of ventilated patients were reviewed retrospectively to determine compliance with routine CAM-ICU assessments. Results: Seventy-one patients were included in the observational cohort, with 60 patients in the retrospective cohort. In the prospective group it was not possible to assess for delirium with the CAM-ICU in nine patients due to persistent coma or inability to understand simple instructions. Excluding elective post-operative patients, the incidence of delirium was 45% in patients who could be assessed; in the 27 ventilated patients who could be assessed it was 63%. From the retrospective data compliance with the CAM-ICU assessment was 92%. The incidence of delirium in this retrospective group of ventilated patients who could be assessed was 65%. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that delirium screening is feasible in a UK ICU population. The high incidence of delirium and the impact on outcomes in this UK cohort of patients is in line with previous reports. © 2009 Page et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Noneadult; aged; article; artificial ventilation; clinical assessment tool; cohort analysis; confusion assessment method for the ICU; controlled study; critically ill patient; delirium; feasibility study; female; high risk patient; human; incidence; intensive care; major clinical study; male; observational study; outcome assessment; patient monitoring; priority journal; retrospective study; United Kingdom; comparative study; critical illness; delirium; intensive care unit; mass screening; methodology; middle aged; prospective study; psychological aspect; Aged; Cohort Studies; Critical Illness; Delirium; Female; Great Britain; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Male; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Retrospective StudiesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-29844456882Determination of trace levels of dinitrophenolic compounds in environmental water samples using hollow fiber supported liquid membrane extraction and high performance liquid chromatographyBerhanu T., Liu J.-F., Romero R., Megersa N., Jönsson J.Å.2006Journal of Chromatography A1103110.1016/j.chroma.2005.10.082Department of Analytical Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden; Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaBerhanu, T., Department of Analytical Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden, Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Liu, J.-F., Department of Analytical Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden; Romero, R., Department of Analytical Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden; Megersa, N., Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Jönsson, J.Å., Department of Analytical Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100 Lund, SwedenA hollow fiber supported liquid membrane extraction method for the liquid chromatographic determination of dinitrophenolic compounds at ppt levels has been developed. Different variables affecting the extraction process, such as extraction time, shaking speed, acceptor pH, acceptor buffer concentration, salt content and humic acids have been studied. Enrichment factors up to 7000 times were obtained. Validation of the method included calibration experiments and studies of the linearity of the responses in different matrices. Good linearity was obtained in the environmental matrices evaluated. Detection limits range from 6.0 to 8.0 ng/L, and the relative standard deviations do not exceed 7% in terms of repeatability. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Dinitrophenols; Environmental waters; Hollow fiber; HPLC; Phenolic herbicides; Supported liquid membraneExtraction; High performance liquid chromatography; Liquid membranes; pH effects; Trace analysis; Dinitrophenols; Environmental waters; Hollow fibers; Phenolic herbicides; Supported liquid membranes; Nitrogen compounds; 2,4 dinitrophenol; article; calibration; extraction; high performance liquid chromatography; hollow fiber; liquid membrane; priority journal; validation process; Chemical Fractionation; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Dinitrophenols; Herbicides; Humic Substances; Reproducibility of Results; Water Pollutants, ChemicalNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84856300509Determination of the effect of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth performance and hematological parameters of rabbitsEzema C., Eze D.C.2012Comparative Clinical Pathology21110.1007/s00580-010-1066-6Department of Animal Health and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nsukka, NigeriaEzema, C., Department of Animal Health and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria; Eze, D.C., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nsukka, NigeriaInsufficient supply of animal protein is a major problem in developing countries including Nigeria. Rabbits are adjudged to be a convenient source of palatable and nutritious meat, high in protein, and contain low fat and cholesterol. A doe can produce more than 15 times her own weight in offspring in a year. However, its productivity may be limited by inadequate nutrition. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on growth performance and some hematological parameters of rabbit. The appropriate level of the probiotic inclusion for excellent health status and optimum productivity was also determined. A total of 40 male rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (A-D) of ten rabbits each. Each group was subdivided into two replicates of five rabbits each. They were fed pelleted grower mash ad libitum. The feed for groups A to C were supplemented with bioactive yeast (probiotic) at inclusion levels of 0.08, 0.12, and 0.16 g yeast/kg diet, respectively. Group D had no yeast (control). Daily feed intake was determined. The rabbits were weighed weekly. The packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell total, and differential counts were determined at the 8th week, 16th week, and 22nd week following standard procedures. The three results which did not have any significant difference were pooled together. Group A which had 0.08 g yeast/kg of diet had a significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) PCV than groups B (which had 0.12 g yeast/kg of diet) and C (which had 0.16 g yeast/kg of diet) as well as D (the control). Total WBC count for groups B and C (14.35 ± 0.100 × 10 3/μl and 14.65 ± 0.786 × 10 3/μl, respectively) were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than groups A and D (6.33 ± 0.335 × 10 3/μl and 10.40 ± 0.296 × 10 3/μl, respectively). Also the absolute neutrophils and lymphocytes counts were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in groups B and C than in groups A and D. Group B had significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) weight gain (1.025 ± 0.006 kg/rabbit) followed by group A (0.950 ± 0.092 kg/rabbit). The control (group D) had the least weight gain of 0.623 ± 0.0.099 kg/rabbit. These results showed that like most probiotics, bioactive yeast at an appropriate level of inclusion had a significant beneficial effect on health status and growth rate of rabbit. Probiotic supplementation level of 0.12 g yeast/kg of diet was recommended for optimum rabbit production. © 2010 Springer-Verlag London Limited.Feed; Growth rate; Health status; Probiotic; RabbitNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84858750618Infecund evaluation of cycling female Sprague-Dawley rats: An aftermath treatment with Momordica charantia seed extractAmah C.I., Yama O.E., Noronha C.C.2012Middle East Fertility Society Journal17110.1016/j.mefs.2011.08.003Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Idi-Araba, Lagos, NigeriaAmah, C.I., Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Yama, O.E., Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Noronha, C.C., Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Idi-Araba, Lagos, NigeriaIntroduction: Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) grows in tropical areas including parts of the Amazon, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. It has an array of biologically active plant chemicals including triterpenes, proteins and steroids. Aim: The aim is to evaluate the effect of methanolic seed extract of M. charantia (MC) on ova count, implantation and the fetus of Sprague-Dawley rats. Methodology: Thirty adult cyclic female Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats divided into three groups (A, B and C) of 10 rats/group were used for the study. The female rats in Groups B and C were made pregnant by cohabiting with male S-D rats. In all the groups, MC extract was administered in the morning (9.00 a.m.) at a dose of 25 mg/100 g b.w./oral. In Group A, rats (in proestrous phase) were treated with a single dose and sacrificed the following day (estrous phase). Rats in Group B were fed once daily from day 1 to 10 of gestation and sacrificed on the 12th day. Rats in Group C were fed once daily from day 6 to 19 of gestation and sacrificed on the 20th day of gestation. The following were assessed: ova count, anti-implantation, early abortifacient properties and possible teratogenicity. Result: The extract completely suppressed the release of ova and exhibited highly significant anti-implantation activity. Significant (p < 0.05) changes were seen in the mean body weight, mean crown rump length and mean tail length of the fetuses. Conclusion: In conclusion, MC (25 mg/100 g b.w.) exhibited anti-ovulatory and anti-implantation (early abortifacient) properties. These are certainly desirable anti-fertility actions. It also resulted in prenatal growth deficiencies. © 2011 Middle East Fertility Society. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Abortifacient; Momordica charantia; Ova count; Sprague-Dawleyabortive agent; Momordica charantia extract; animal cell; animal experiment; article; body height; body weight; cell count; controlled study; dose response; drug effect; estrus; female; female infertility; fetus; fetus growth; gestation period; morning dosage; multiple cycle treatment; nonhuman; oocyte; plant seed; pregnancy outcome; proestrus; rat; Sprague Dawley rat; teratogenicityNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77649197354Biological relevance of ion energy in performance of human endothelial cells on ion-implanted flexible polyurethane surfacesÖzkucur N., Richter E., Wetzel C., Funk R.H.W., Monsees T.K.2010Journal of Biomedical Materials Research - Part A93110.1002/jbm.a.32541Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany; Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Department of Ion Beam Physics and Material Research, Dresden, Germany; Department of Ion Beam and Plasma Technique, Fraunhofer Institute, Dresden, Germany; Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South AfricaÖzkucur, N., Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany; Richter, E., Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Department of Ion Beam Physics and Material Research, Dresden, Germany; Wetzel, C., Department of Ion Beam and Plasma Technique, Fraunhofer Institute, Dresden, Germany; Funk, R.H.W., Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany; Monsees, T.K., Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South AfricaTo improve the biocompatibility of polyurethane (PUR), we modified the surface by irradiation with different ions (Carbon; C, Oxygen; O, Nitrogen; N, or Argon; Ar) at 0.3-50 keV energy and doses of 1,00E+13 - 1,00E+15 ions/cm 2. The effects of ion implantation using different ion energies and densities were observed on adhesion, proliferation, and viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The long-term in vitro stability of ion-implanted PUR was also investigated. Ion irradiation moderately affected the surface roughness (Ra), but strongly enhanced the work of adhesion (Wa). Cell adhesion was markedly improved on O-, N-, and Ar-, but not on C-implanted PUR surfaces. Medium ion energies and lower ion doses produced the best HUVEC attachment and proliferation, indicating the importance of choosing the proper range of energy applied during ion irradiation. In addition, apoptosis rates were significantly reduced when compared with unmodified PUR (uPUR). N implantation significantly protected the surface, although C implantation led to stronger surface erosions than on uPUR. In total, ion implantation on flexible PUR surfaces strongly improved the material surface characteristics and biocompatibility. Electron beam ion implantation within an appropriate energy window is thus a key to improving flexible PUR surfaces for clinical use to support endothelial cell performance. Thus, it can contribute to designing small-diameter grafts, which are in great demand, towards vascular tissue engineering applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Adhesion; Biocompatibility; HUVECs; Ion implantation; PolyurethaneApoptosis rates; Clinical use; Energy windows; Flexible Polyurethanes; Human endothelial cells; Human umbilical vein endothelial cells; HUVECs; In-vitro; Ion dose; Ion energies; Ion irradiation; Material surface; N implantation; Small-diameter; Surface erosion; Vascular tissue engineering; Work of adhesion; Adhesion; Argon; Biocompatibility; Blood vessel prostheses; Cell adhesion; Cell death; Electron beams; Ion bombardment; Ion implantation; Oxygen; Self assembly; Surface properties; Surface roughness; Tissue engineering; Endothelial cells; argon; carbon; ion; nitrogen; oxygen; polyurethan; apoptosis; article; biocompatibility; cell adhesion; cell count; cell density; cell proliferation; cell structure; cell viability; concentration response; controlled study; electron beam; endothelium cell; energy; human; human cell; implantation; irradiation; surface property; umbilical vein; Apoptosis; Cell Adhesion; Cell Count; Cell Proliferation; Cell Shape; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Culture Media; Endothelial Cells; Humans; Implants, Experimental; Ions; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Pliability; Polyurethanes; Surface Properties; ThermodynamicsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84922985341Radiologic Evaluation of the Orbital Index among the Igbo Ethnic Group of NigeriaEzeuko V.C., Om'Iniabohs F.A.E.2015European Journal of Anatomy191NoneDepartment of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, NigeriaEzeuko, V.C., Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Om'Iniabohs, F.A.E., Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, NigeriaThe two orbits in the human face serve as sockets for the eyeball and other visual apparatus. It is pyramidal in shape with the apex directed posteriorly and the base which forms the orbital margin located anteriorly. The purpose of this study was to radiologically evaluate the orbital index of the Igbo ethnic group of Nigeria. Three hundred and fifty frontal plain radiological films of the skull were obtained from the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. The films comprised of 217 males and 133 females aged between zero and seventy nine years (0-79 years). The maximal orbital height was measured from the frontal film as the maximum vertical distance between the superior and inferior orbital rims while the maximal orbital width was determined as the maximum horizontal distance between the medial and lateral orbital rims. The orbital indices were estimated from the data gathered using the formula: Orbital index=[maximal orbital height/maximal orbital width]*100. The analyses were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. The results are reported as mean ± standard deviation. The orbital indices of both sides as well as both sexes were compared using the Student t-test. The differences were considered statistically significant when probability was less than 0.05 (P<0.05). The results showed that the mean orbital index was 73.09±13.47. This study also revealed that the orbital index was significantly higher (P<0.05) in males than in females. There were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) between the right and left orbital indices in both sexes. It is recommended that further populationbased studies be carried out in different geographical locations.Igbo ethnic group; Orbital height; Orbital index; Orbital width; Radiologyadolescent; adult; aged; Article; child; ethnic group; female; human; Igbo (people); infant; inferior orbital rim; major clinical study; male; maximal orbital width; maximum horizontal distance; maximum vertical distance; middle aged; musculoskeletal system parameters; newborn; Nigeria; orbit; orbital height; orbital index; preschool child; school child; sex difference; skull radiography; superior orbital rim; very elderlyNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84878769150Radiologic evaluation of clavicular morphology in southern Nigerians [Evaluación radiólogica de la morfología clavicular en Nigerianos del Sur]Udoaka A.I., Nwokediuko A.U.2013International Journal of Morphology31110.4067/S0717-95022013000100014Department of Anatomy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, NigeriaUdoaka, A.I., Department of Anatomy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Nwokediuko, A.U., Department of Anatomy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, NigeriaThis study was carried out to derive empirical values and indices for which clavicles on a radiograph can be correctly sexed. 1000 radiographic left clavicles of adults of both sexes (500 males and 500 females) ranging from ages 25 - 60 yrs collated from the Radiology departments of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and The General Hospital Calabar, all in Southern Nigeria, were used in this study. The values obtained in this study showed that, the males had Sternal head length of 2.52±0.33 cm, Acromial head length of 1.66±0.25 cm, a mid shaft diameter of 2.01 cm and body length of 15.28±0.66 cm. The female Sternal head length was 2.18±0.37 cm, Acromial head length was 1.65±0.22 cm, mid shaft diameter was 1.48 cm and the mean body length was 14.56±0.51 cm. The sternal head of the males was significantly longer than the females (P<0.001) but the body and acromial head lengths were not. The length / mid shaft diameter ratio and the product of the length and mid shaft diameter were also derived. The use of the demarking point analysis to identify sex showed very low percentages in all the parameters studied.Clavicle; Demarking point; RadiographsNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33644587400Evaluation of Allen's test in both arms and arteries of left and right-handed peopleOettlé A.C., van Niekerk A., Boon J.M., Meiring J.H.2006Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy28110.1007/s00276-005-0039-yDepartment of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South AfricaOettlé, A.C., Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; van Niekerk, A., Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Boon, J.M., Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Meiring, J.H., Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South AfricaThe Allen's test as described in 1929 by Edgar V. Allen has been modified, adapted and complemented by other newer modalities but remains a first line standard test to evaluate the arterial supply of the hand. In this study an attempt has been made to add more information regarding the arterial supply of the hand, in left- and right-handed individuals, left and right hands and the ulnar and radial arteries, when doing the Allen's test. A modified Allen's test using an oxygen saturation monitor was used. The sample group consisted of 80 (30 left-handed and 50 right-handed) students. No significant differences between the Allen's test of the left and right hands in the left and right-handed individuals were found. There was a marginal but not significant difference between the two arteries. The ulnar artery took slightly longer to reach baseline values as compared to the radial artery. The results suggest that a positive Allen's test can be found in both left and right-handed people, with regard to the left and right hands and both radial and ulnar arteries may be implicated. This information should be kept in mind when selecting either the radial or ulnar artery for grafting purposes (e.g. coronary angiosurgery) and forearm artery cannulation. © Springer-Verlag 2006.Collateral circulation; Oximetry; Patient selection; Radial artery; Ulnar arteryadult; arm; arterial circulation; artery catheterization; artery graft; article; controlled study; female; function test; human; human experiment; left handedness; male; monitor; normal human; oximetry; oxygen saturation; priority journal; radial artery; right handedness; ulnar artery; Adult; Arm; Arteries; Female; Functional Laterality; Humans; Male; Oximetry; Radial Artery; Ulnar ArteryNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84927549192Robertson’s century: The reception and impact of an epoch-making grammar of the Greek New TestamentSwart G.2014HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies70110.4102/hts.v70i1.2747Department of Ancient Languages, University of Pretoria, South AfricaSwart, G., Department of Ancient Languages, University of Pretoria, South AfricaThe author endeavours, firstly, to present a vivid account of the reception that A.T. Robertson’s A grammar of the Greek New Testament in the light of historical research found in scholarly circles when first published (in 1914) and during the ensuing years; secondly, to probe the question whether, during the course of the past century, the renown of both the man and the book has outlasted the scientific value and the actual utilisation of ‘Robertson’ in New Testament commentaries and scholarly publications; and thirdly, to address a few grammatical points stated by Robertson that seem to have gone unchallenged despite major shifts affecting the study of language generally, and New Testament Greek specifically, since the publication of his Grammar. © 2014. The Authors.NoneNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-33846701035Performance and harvest measures of Somali and Arsi-Bale goats managed under three feeding systems in EthiopiaLegesse G., Abebe G., Goetsch A.L.2006Journal of Applied Animal Research301NoneDepartment of Animal and Range Sciences, Awassa College of Agriculture, Debub University, P. O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia; E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, P. O. Box 730, Langston, OK 73050, United StatesLegesse, G., Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Awassa College of Agriculture, Debub University, P. O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia; Abebe, G., Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Awassa College of Agriculture, Debub University, P. O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia; Goetsch, A.L., E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, P. O. Box 730, Langston, OK 73050, United StatesForty-eight intact male goats, approximately 9 months of age, were used in an 84-day experiment to determine effects and interactions of genotype [27 Arsi-Bale and 21 Somali, with mean initial body weight (BW) of 14.1 and 15.9 kg, respectively (SE=0.39)] and feeding system (intensive, semi-intensive and extensive) on growth performance and harvest measures. Goats on the intensive (I) treatment were confined in individual pens and fed Rhodesgrass hay supplemented with 300 g/day (air-dry) of a concentrate mixture; semiintensive (S) goats grazed grass pasture for 7 h / day and were supplemented with 300 g / day of concentrate; and goats on the extensive (E) treatment grazed grass pasture for 8 h daily. There were no significant interactions between genotype and feeding system. Average daily gain (ADG) ranked (P<0.05) S > I > E (54, 32, and 5 g) and was greater (P<0.06) for Somali than for Arsi-Bale goats (34 vs 27 g). Hot carcass dressing percentage among feeding systems was lowest (P≤0.05) for E (42.6, 43.3 and 38.8% for I, S and E, respectively). Carcasses of Somali goats were lower (P<0.05) in separable lean tissue (55.3 vs 58.9%) and higher in fat (P<0.05; 14.0 vs 11.0%) compared with Arsi-Bale carcasses. Carcass separable lean concentration ranked (P<0.05) S (62.2%) > I (57.5%) > E (51.6%), fat among feeding systems was greatest (P<0.05) for I (15.3, 11.2 and 10.9% for I, S and E, respectively) and bone was greatest (P<0.05) for E (27.3, 26.6 and 37.5% for I, S and E, respectively). In conclusion, ADG of male Somali and Arsi-Bale goats was similarly affected by the different feeding systems, with Somali goats yielding greater final BW than Arsi-Bale as a function of both greater initial BW and ADG during the experiment. Feeding system can impact not only growth performance but also carcass characteristics that may influence consumer appeal. © GSP, India.Body composition; Feeding system; Goats; PerformanceCapra hircus; Chloris gayanaNone
Scopus2-s2.0-77955030442Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall products: The effects on gut morphology and performance of broiler chickensBrümmer M., van Rensburg C.J., Moran C.A.2010South African Journal of Animal Sciences401NoneDepartment of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; North American Biosciences Centre, Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY, United StatesBrümmer, M., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; van Rensburg, C.J., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Moran, C.A., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, North American Biosciences Centre, Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY, United StatesThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of Bio-Mos® (Alltech Inc.), with or without the addition of a soluble mannan (MRF) (Alltech Inc.) on gastrointestinal health and performance of broiler chickens. A trial was conducted using seven different dietary treatments. It consisted of a negative control, 2 levels of Bio-Mos® (2 g/kg and 4 g/kg), 2 levels of MRF (0.1 g/kg and 0.2 g/kg) and 2 treatments combining the cell wall preparations (2 g/kg Bio-Mos® + 0.1 g/kg MRF and 4 g/kg Bio-Mos® + 0.2 g/kg MRF). Day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to the seven treatments and the trial extended over a 15 day period, upon which two chicks from each replicate were sacrificed and ileum samples taken. Results showed that the cell wall preparations had a numerically positive, but statistically non significant effect on feed conversion ratios. Histology results revealed significantly greater goblet cell densities and sizes for chicks receiving cell wall preparations than those of the control treatment chicks, while villi width and height measurements indicated no differences between treatments. From the results of this study it appears as if yeast cell wall preparations can contribute to the gastrointestinal health and performance of broiler chickens by affecting mucus secreting goblet cells in a favourable manner. © South African Society for Animal Science.Goblet cells; Growth rate; Villi width and height; YeastGallus gallus; Saccharomyces cerevisiaeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84925453374The impact of firm size and liquidity on the cost of external finance in africaHearn B., Piesse J.2015South African Journal of Economics83110.1111/saje.12062Department of Business, Management and Economics, University of Sussex, Jubilee Building, Brighton, United Kingdom; Bournemouth University, University of Stellenbosch, South AfricaHearn, B., Department of Business, Management and Economics, University of Sussex, Jubilee Building, Brighton, United Kingdom; Piesse, J., Department of Business, Management and Economics, University of Sussex, Jubilee Building, Brighton, United Kingdom, Bournemouth University, University of Stellenbosch, South AfricaEstablished illiquidity measures are constructed for emerging markets in Africa and used to determine which best explains trading costs. Costs of equity are derived from an augmented Capital Asset Pricing Model for a sample of emerging financial markets generally ignored in the literature. These include: South Africa and Namibia, three countries in North Africa and four in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), plus London and Paris as examples of integrated markets. Minimum variance portfolios are constructed and asset weights derived, with the sample divided into countries dependent on their legal regime. Portfolio weights are shown to be directly related to well-regulated markets with high standards of corporate governance and disclosure, and firms seeking cost-effective finance from SSA stock markets are at a distinct disadvantage compared with those in Northern Africa, South Africa and, in particular, London and Paris. © 2014 Economic Society of South Africa.Africa; emerging financial markets; G11; G12; G15; Liquidity; O55; portfolio diversificationequity; financial market; financial system; firm size; governance approach; industrial investment; stock market; England; France; Ile de France; London [England]; Namibia; North Africa; Paris; South Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; United Kingdom; Ville de ParisNone
Scopus2-s2.0-56049123222Diet quality, intake and growth performance of South African Mutton Merino sheep on Triticum x Secale and Lolium multiflorum pastures at different grazing pressuresVan Niekerk W.A., Hassen A., Coertze R.J.2008Tropical Grasslands421NoneDepartment of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South AfricaVan Niekerk, W.A., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Hassen, A., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Coertze, R.J., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South AfricaThis study was undertaken to determine the influence of 3 grazing pressures [20 (HGP), 33 (MGP) and 50(LGP) g DM/kg LW/d] using South African Mutton Merino wether lambs, on qualitative and quantitative intake of Triticum x Secale cv. Pan266 (triticale) and Lolium multiflorum cv. Midmar (ryegrass) pastures as well as animal performance. Oesophageal samples at the start and end of the grazing period were analysed to determine diet quality in terms of nitrogen (N), ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM) concentrations. Intake and average daily live-weight gain were determined for each group. In both pastures, the ADF concentration was higher, while IVDOM concentration was lower at the end compared with the start of the grazing period. For triticale, HGP resulted in lower dietary N, and higher ash and NDF concentrations than MGP or LGP. The DOMI and ADG of lambs at HGP were lower than those on LGP. For ryegrass, dietary N was lower at HGP than LGP, while the NDF concentration was higher (P<0.05) at HGP or MGP than at LGP. However, ADG at HGP was lower than at LGP or MGP for each species. Intake of both pastures declined during the study. The overall diet quality on ryegrass pasture seems better than on triticale, as reflected in higher (P<0.05) N and lower NDF concentrations. Performance of lambs on ryegrass pasture was higher than on triticale pasture, through.NoneAnimalia; Lolium; Lolium multiflorum; Ovis aries; Triticosecale; Triticum aestivumNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84897371726Comparative evaluation of haemagglutination potential of haemolymph from two species of giant African land snails (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina)Abiona J.A., Akinduti P.A., Oyekunle M.A., Osinowo O.A., Onagbesan A.O.M.2014Fish and Shellfish Immunology38110.1016/j.fsi.2014.02.014Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NigeriaAbiona, J.A., Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Akinduti, P.A., Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Oyekunle, M.A., Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Osinowo, O.A., Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Onagbesan, A.O.M., Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NigeriaA comparative study was conducted to evaluate haemagglutination potential in the haemolymph of two species of giant African land snails (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina). Three liveweight groups of snails (<100g, 101-150g and >150g) were used with 4 replicates per liveweight per species for haemagglutination assay (HA). The effect of aestivation on haemagglutination potential was also evaluated. Erythrocytes (2%) from cattle, sheep, goat and chicken were used for HA assay. Results showed that agglutinin-like substances that agglutinate erythrocytes of sheep, goat, cattle and chicken were present in the haemolymph of the two species of giant African land snails. Effect of species was found to be significant (P<0.001) on haemagglutination titre. Haemolymph of A. marginata, had higher haemagglutination titre than that of A. achatina across the three liveweight groups used in this study. Snail liveweight had no significant effect (P>0.05) on agglutinin content of the haemolymph in both species. Agglutination level depended on the source of erythrocyte used. Sheep erythrocyte recorded the highest haemagglutination titre, followed by goat, cattle, and chicken in that order. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that Giant African land snails (GALS) haemolymph contain agglutinins as previously reported for Helix species. This evidence may be the basis for its survivability in the wild and thus establish the use of GALS for African herbal medicinal applications. © 2014.Giant African land snails; Haemagglutination; Haemagglutinin; Haemolymph; Titreagglutinin; animal; chemistry; drug effects; erythrocyte; hemagglutination; hemolymph; physiology; snail; Agglutinins; Animals; Erythrocytes; Hemagglutination; Hemolymph; SnailsNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84875991092Effect of cassayeast produced from varying combinations of cassava (Manihot esculenta) and brewers' dried yeast (Saccharomyces cerevicea) on broiler performance [Efecto del cassayeast producido a partir de varias combinaciones de yuca (Manihot esculenta)Anlebo A.O.2011Revista Cientifica UDO Agricola111NoneDepartment of Animal Science, Anambra State University Igbariam, PMB 6059 Awka, NigeriaAnlebo, A.O., Department of Animal Science, Anambra State University Igbariam, PMB 6059 Awka, NigeriaA feeding trial using 480 day-old Anak broiler chicks was conducted in which cassava meal (CM) fortified with brewers' dried yeast (BDY) completely replaced maize in four out of five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. The objective was to determine the influence of cassayeast produced from varying combinations of cassava (Manihot esculenta) and brewers's dried yeast (Saccharomyces cerevicea) on broiler performance. Dried CM blended with BDY formed cassayeast in the ratios of 30/11.1; 35/12.94; 40/14.79 and 45/16.64 in dietary treatments B, C, D and E, respectively. Diet A (control) contained maize without the test ingredient. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in feed intake, body weight gain, efficiency of feed utilization (Feed: gain and gain: feed ratios) and weights of breast and liver. Gizzard weights were similar (P>0.05). The study demonstrated that the use of cassayeast could improve feed availability in the broiler industry. It also showed that with proper protein balancing, cassayeast can completely replace maize in broiler diets.Brewers' dried yeast; Broiler performance; Cassava meal; CassayeastAves; Manihot esculenta; Saccharomyces; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84859481695Effect of breed and breeding system on reproductive performance of rabbits in a humid tropical environmentOke U.K., Iheanocho V.C.2011Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems141NoneDepartment of Animal Breeding and Physiology, College of Animal Science and Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Abia State, NigeriaOke, U.K., Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, College of Animal Science and Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Abia State, Nigeria; Iheanocho, V.C., Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, College of Animal Science and Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Abia State, NigeriaData were collected from 36 does and 116 kits recorded in a 2 X 2 factorial experiment in CRD over a period of 12 weeks from artificial insemination and natural mating of 18 Newzealand white and 18 chinchilla does respectively to investigate the effect of breed and breeding system on the reproductive performance of rabbits. Analysis of data showed that breed had no significant effect (p>0.05) on most of reproductive traits measured. The statistical similarity (p>0.05) between both strains of rabbits may be attributed to indiscriminate breeding of rabbits and lack of pure breed. Percent conception was significantly (p<0.05) highest when natural mating was practiced, however, all other reproductive traits were non-significant (p>0.05). Breeding system had a significant effect on average kit weight when artificial insemination was practiced, while other post-partum litter traits were not significant (p>0.05). Chinchilla and Newzealand white may be selected for breeding and improvement in the humid tropical environment. However, natural mating which produced significant (p<0.05) higher percent conception rate 79.9% relative to 56.4% produced by artificial insemination should be practiced. Artificial insemination may not be encouraged on both breeds of rabbits except when interest is on average kit weight at weaning.Breed; Breeding system; Rabbits and humid tropics; Reproductive performanceOryctolagus cuniculusNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84930482270Growth performance and cost benefit of weaner rabbits fed diet supplemented with probiotic in the tropicsEzema C., Eze D.C.2015Pakistan Journal of Nutrition14110.3923/pjn.2015.47.49Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NigeriaEzema, C., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Eze, D.C., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NigeriaThis study investigated the effect of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth rate and evaluated the economic benefit of this supplementation in growing rabbits. Twenty male crossed-bred weaner rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of five rabbits each. Each rabbit served as a replicate. They were fed pelleted grower mash and groups A to C had probiotic supplementation at varied levels of 0.08, 0.12 and 0.16 g/kg of diet, respectively. Group D had no yeast (control). Feed and water were given ad libitum. Daily feed intake was determined and the rabbits were weighed weekly. The study lasted thirteen weeks. Results showed that all the probiotic supplemented groups had higher but not statistically significant (p>0.05) feed intake and significantly (p<0.05) higher weight gain than the control. Cost of experimental diet per kilogram of live weight gain was cheapest (N69.68) in group B (0.12 g yeast/kg diet) than other groups. Group B (0.12 g probiotic/kg of diet) was thus recommended for maximum weight gain and optimum economic benefit in rabbit production. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2015.Economic benefit; Feed; Growth rate; Probiotic; Rabbitprobiotic agent; Article; body growth; body weight; controlled study; cost benefit analysis; diet supplementation; economic aspect; food intake; male; nonhuman; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; weight gain; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Saccharomyces cerevisiaeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84930484345Probiotic effect of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on hen-day egg performance, serum and egg cholesterol levels in laying chickenEzema C., Eze D.C.2015Pakistan Journal of Nutrition14110.3923/pjn.2015.44.46Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NigeriaEzema, C., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Eze, D.C., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NigeriaThis study evaluated the effect of varied levels of probiotc (Saccharomyces cereviae) on total serum and egg cholesterol levels in laying birds. The impact of this probiotic on hen-day egg performance was also studied. A total of 100 layers were randomly divided into 4 groups (A, B, C and D) of 25 layers each. The diets for groups A, B and C were supplemented with probiotic at varied levels of 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 g/kg of feed, respectively. Group D diet had no probiotic (Control). The layers were given 120 g of feed per bird per day in two divided doses (morning and afternoon). Eggs were collected three times daily (morning, afternoon and evening). All the eggs collected from each group were weighed and recorded daily. Five birds were randomly selected from each group and 5.0 ml of blood was collected from each bird. The blood samples were allowed to clot in a sample bottle and serum harvested was used to determine the total serum cholesterol content with the aid of a commercial kit. Five eggs were also randomly collected from each group and used to determine the total egg cholesterol content following standard procedure. The result showed that the probiotic fed groups had a significant (p<0.05) reduction in serum cholesterol levels than the control (group “D”). The least mean serum cholesterol level was group “A” (108.33±9.28 mg/dl) followed by group “C” (112.67±7.88 mg/dl) and group “B” (115.00±14.34 mg/dl). Group “D” (control) had a significantly higher mean serum cholesterol level of 166.67±8.82 mg/dl. Group “C” had a significantly higher (p<0.05) hen-day egg performance of 85.00±10.00%, followed by group “B” with 70.00±9.35% hen-day egg performance. Group “A” had a hen-day egg performance of 68.00±8.93% while group “D” (the control) had the least hen-day egg performance of 65.00±5.00%. Probiotic inclusion of 1.0 g/kg of feed was therefore recommended for effective reduction in serum and egg cholesterol levels and optimum hen-day egg performance. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2015.Cholesterol; Eggs; Feed; Layers; Probioticcholesterol; probiotic agent; Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein; Article; blood level; controlled study; diet supplementation; egg laying; egg production; female; hen; nonhuman; Aves; Saccharomyces; Saccharomyces cerevisiaeNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84877353707First evaluation of unfermented and fermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) in preventing lipid oxidation in meat productsCullere M., Hoffman L.C., Dalle Zotte A.2013Meat Science95110.1016/j.meatsci.2013.04.018Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, 7602, South AfricaCullere, M., Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; Hoffman, L.C., Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Dalle Zotte, A., Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), ItalyThis study consisted of two trials aiming to evaluate, for the first time, the antioxidant potential of rooibos in meat products. With this purpose, the first trial evaluated three unfermented (green) rooibos forms (dried leaves, water extract, freeze-dried extract) added at 2% inclusion level to ostrich meat patties on an 8-day shelf-life trial. A Control group without green rooibos inclusion was also considered. The second trial evaluated the addition of different concentrations (0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1%) of a fermented rooibos extract to nitrite-free ostrich salami. The 2% green rooibos inclusion considerably lowered the TBARS content of ostrich patties, in this way extending their shelf-life. The fermented form (0.5% and 1%) was also effective in delaying lipid oxidation in ostrich salami until 15 days of ripening. The antioxidant potential of both green and fermented forms of rooibos in meat products was confirmed, even if its effect on lipid oxidation requires further study and long-term effects are not yet fully understood. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.Lipid oxidation; Ostrich meat; Rooibos; Salami; TBARSLipid oxidation; Ostrich meats; Rooibos; Salami; TBARS; Oxidation; Meats; antioxidant; plant extract; thiobarbituric acid reactive substance; animal; article; Aspalathus; chemistry; color; drug effect; fermentation; lipid metabolism; meat; ostrich; oxidation reduction reaction; pH; plant leaf; analysis; Aspalathus; drug effects; lipid metabolism; meat; oxidation reduction reaction; Animals; Antioxidants; Aspalathus; Color; Fermentation; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lipid Metabolism; Meat Products; Oxidation-Reduction; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Struthioniformes; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Animals; Antioxidants; Aspalathus; Color; Fermentation; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lipid Metabolism; Meat Products; Oxidation-Reduction; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Struthioniformes; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive SubstancesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84859206874Effects of roxazyme G® and maxigrain® on performance, egg quality, cost-benefit and haematological parameters of laying hens fed wheat offal, corn bran and brewery dry grain dietsAdemola S.G., Egbewande O.O., Lawal T.E., Isah A.T., Kuranga S.M.2012International Journal of Poultry Science111NoneDepartment of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science and Fisheries Mg, Bowen UniverAdemola, S.G., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Egbewande, O.O., Department of Animal Science, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria; Lawal, T.E., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries Mg, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria; Isah, A.T., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Kuranga, S.M., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, NigeriaThe study examined effects of supplementing Roxazyme G® and Maxigrain® to wheat offal-, corn bran-and brewery dry grain-based diets on the performance, haematological parameters and economy of production in laying hens. Both enzymes were added to these 3 diets at 100 mg/kg, while control group was neither supplemented with Roxazyme G® nor Maxigrain®. The results showed that hens fed Roxazyme G® corn bran diets had the best feed conversion and maximum profit. Maxigrain® also significantly improved hen day production and egg weight of hens fed Brewery Dry Grain (BDG) than those fed Roxazyme G® BDG diet. Laying hens fed BDG diets had the lowest profits. Both enzymes failed to improve the performance and profits of hens fed Wheat Offal (WO) diet. Improvements in Red Blood Cells (RBC) for hens fed both enzyme supplemented diets were observed. Interactive effects of enzyme type and fibre source significantly (p<0.01) influence RBCs, PCV and white blood cells. The study revealed that Roxazyme G® and Maxigrain® should be added to respectively CB-and BDG-diets for improved laying performance. However, these enzymes failed to improve the laying performance of hens fed WO diet. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012.Brewery dry grain; Corn bran; Performance; Profit; Wheat offalTriticum aestivum; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84890856110Effect of combination of whole millet feeding and mannan oligossaccharides supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemistry and relative organ weights of growing guinea fowl (Numidia meleagris)Oso A.O., Williams G.A., Jegede A.V., Sobayo R.A., Idowu O.M.O., Fafiolu A.O., Sogunle O.M., Akinola O.S., Adeleye O.O., Olorunsola I.A.R., Ogunade I.M., Osho S.O., Obadire F.O., Bamgbose A.M.2014Livestock Science159110.1016/j.livsci.2013.10.020Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, FederalOso, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Williams, G.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Jegede, A.V., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Sobayo, R.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Idowu, O.M.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Fafiolu, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Sogunle, O.M., Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Akinola, O.S., Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adeleye, O.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Olorunsola, I.A.R., Faculty of Science, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Ondo, Nigeria; Ogunade, I.M., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Osho, S.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Obadire, F.O., Faculty of Agricultural Science, Federal University of Jigawa, Dutse, Nigeria; Bamgbose, A.M., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, NigeriaA 84-day study was conducted to determine the effect of combination of whole millet feeding and mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemistry and relative organ weights of growing guinea fowl. 192 One-day-old, male guinea fowls were randomly allocated to four treatment groups of 48 guinea fowl split over six replicates of eight birds. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2×2 factorial arrangements of two diet forms (whole millet diets (WMD) and completely ground diets (CGD)) supplemented with and without 1. g/kg MOS. WMD contained similar feed ingredients as CGD except that certain quantity of millet grains (150. g/kg for 1-29 days and 450. g/kg for 29-84 days birds) were progressively removed and fed whole for WMD-fed group. Birds fed WMD had reduced (P<0.05) feed intake and improved (P<0.05) feed to gain ratio when compared to group fed CGD. Supplementation of MOS in diets for growing guinea fowl (29-84 days) notwithstanding the feed form resulted in increased (P<0.05) total serum protein, reduced (P<0.01) serum uric acid and cholesterol concentration. Birds fed WMD had higher (P<0.05) gizzard and thymus weights while dietary supplementation of MOS showed reduced (P<0.05) liver weights and increased (P<0.05) spleen weight. It was concluded that whole millet feeding when combined with MOS supplementation in growing guinea fowls showed improved growth performance, gizzard development, serum chemistry and positive influence on organ weights. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.Growth performance; Mannan oligosaccharides; Relative organ weight; Serum biochemistry; Whole millet dietAves; Galliformes; Numida meleagrisNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84884418095Growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, caecal fermentation, ileal morphology and caecal microflora of growing rabbits fed diets containing probiotics and prebioticsOso A.O., Idowu O.M.O., Haastrup A.S., Ajibade A.J., Olowonefa K.O., Aluko A.O., Ogunade I.M., Osho S.O., Bamgbose A.M.2013Livestock Science157110.1016/j.livsci.2013.06.017Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240 Abeokuta, NigeriaOso, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240 Abeokuta, Nigeria; Idowu, O.M.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240 Abeokuta, Nigeria; Haastrup, A.S., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240 Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ajibade, A.J., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240 Abeokuta, Nigeria; Olowonefa, K.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240 Abeokuta, Nigeria; Aluko, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240 Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ogunade, I.M., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240 Abeokuta, Nigeria; Osho, S.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240 Abeokuta, Nigeria; Bamgbose, A.M., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240 Abeokuta, NigeriaNinety eight male, mixed breed weaner rabbits were used in a 70 day feeding trial to study the performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, caecal fermentation, ileal morphology and caecal microflora of growing rabbits fed diets containing Prediococcus acidilactis (1×1010cfu/g; 0.5g/kg), Bacillus cereus (1×109cfu/g; 0.5g/kg), mannan oligosaccharides (MOS; 1g/kg), arabinoxylans oligosaccharides (AX; 1g/kg), oxytetracycline (1g/kg), or synbiotics (TGI; 1g/kg). A basal diet containing no feed additive was formulated. There were 14 rabbits per treatment. Rabbits fed diets containing MOS had the highest (P&lt;0.05) final live weight and weight gain. Dietary inclusion of prebiotics (MOS, AX) resulted in higher (P&lt;0.05) weight gains and improved feed to gain ratios. Rabbits fed diets containing MOS showed the highest (P&lt;0.05) while those fed diets containing probiotics (Prediococcus acidilactis, Bacillus cereus) had the least (P&lt;0.05) caecal total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration. Rabbits fed diets containing prebiotics (MOS, AX) had longer ileal villi than groups fed with other treatments (P&lt;0.05). Inclusion of various additives showed reduced caecal coliform counts. The lowest (P&lt;0.05) lactobacillus count was obtained in the caecal content of rabbits fed diets containing MOS. Poor growth response was obtained with rabbits fed diets containing Prediococcus acidilactis or Bacillus cereus while inclusion of prebiotics in growing rabbits resulted in improved growth and gut morphology. Rabbits fed diet containing MOS showed the highest overall final live weight, weight gain, total VFA concentration and reduced caecal lactobacillus count. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.Arabinoxylan oligosaccharides; Mannan oligosaccharides; Prebiotics; Probiotics; Weaner rabbitsBacillus cereus; Lactobacillus; Oryctolagus cuniculusNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84921938676Effects of supplementing cassava peels with cassava leaves and cowpea haulms on the performance, intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African Dwarf goatsAbatan O., Oni A.O., Adebayo K., Iposu S., Sowande O.S., Onwuka C.F.I.2014Tropical Animal Health and Production47110.1007/s11250-014-0695-1Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production and Health,Abatan, O., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Oni, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adebayo, K., Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Iposu, S., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Sowande, O.S., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Onwuka, C.F.I., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NigeriaA 16-week experiment was conducted to determine the utilization of ratios of cassava leaf meal, cassava peel and cowpea haulms by West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Thirty WAD bucks aged 8 ± 1.3 months with body weights of 6–6.5 ± 0.12 kg were divided into five groups of six animals and each group randomly assigned to one of the treatments in a completely randomized design. The five dietary treatments were formulated to contain cassava peels, leaves and cowpea haulms at different proportions of 700:100:175 (T1), 500:200:275 (T2), 300:300:375 (T3) and 100:400:475 (T4) g/kg dry matter (DM), respectively. A standard diet formulated to meet the nutrient requirement of the animals with no cassava and cowpea haulms was used as the control diet (T5). DM intake ranged from 316.16 to 458.73 g/day and significantly increased (linear (L), quadratic (Q), cubic (C): P < 0.05) as the inclusion of cassava peels reduced and cassava leaves and cowpea haulms increased in the diets. The crude protein (CP) intake significantly increased (L, Q, C: P < 0.05) as the inclusion of cassava peels reduced and cassava leaves and cowpea haulms increased in the diets. Growth rate values significantly (L: P < 0.05; Q: P < 0.01) ranged from 21.55 g/day in T1 to 43.09 g/day in T4. The feed conversion ratio was significantly (L, Q: P <0.01) lowest in T4 (11.35) and was highest in animals in T5 (14.33). Dry matter digestibility significantly (L, Q, C: P < 0.05) ranged from 78.94 to 89.52 %. The digestibility increased as the inclusion of cassava leaves and cowpea haulms increased and reduced cassava peels in the diets. The highest N intake of 14.75 g/day obtained in T4 was significantly (L: P < 0.01; Q, C: P < 0.05) different from the values of 9.26, 10.56, 11.31 and 12.02 in T1, T2, T3 and T5, respectively. Nitrogen balance values significantly (L, Q, C: P < 0.05) ranged from 2.75 g/day in T1 to 9.15 g/day in T4. It is recommended that cassava peels, leaves and cowpea haulms in the proportion of 100:400:475 g/kg DM improved the growth and digestibility of WAD goats and can therefore be used to sustain animal performance during the dry season in a total mixed ration. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.Cassava leaves; Cassava peels; Cowpea haulms; Nitrogen; Performance; WAD goatsnitrogen; Africa; analysis; animal; animal food; body weight; chemistry; controlled study; diet; diet supplementation; digestion; drug effects; goat; growth, development and aging; Manihot; metabolism; plant leaf; randomized controlled trial; veterinary; Africa, Western; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Digestion; Goats; Manihot; Nitrogen; Plant LeavesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-45349092809Tropical vegetable (Amaranthus cruentus) leaf meal as alternative protein supplement in broiler starter diets: Bionutritional evaluationFasuyi A.O., Dairo F.A.S., Adeniji A.O.2008Journal of Central European Agriculture91NoneDepartment of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NigeriaFasuyi, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Dairo, F.A.S., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Adeniji, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NigeriaAmaranthus cruentus is a tropical leaf vegetable grown in most tropical regions of the world for its vegetable protein. The fresh matured leaves of the plant were harvested and sun dried until a moisture content of between 12-13% was obtained. The sun dried leaves (Amaranthus cruentus leaf meal, ACLM) were milled and analysed for their proximate composition. Crude protein was 23.0%±0.55; crude fat, 5.4%±0.01; crude fibre, 8.8%±0.02; ash, 19.3%±0.01 and gross energy, 3.3±0.01kcal/g all on dry matter basis. Methionine and to a lesser extent, lysine, arginine, leucine and aspartate were high. The ACLM was incorporated into five formulated broiler starter diets at varying inclusion levels. The control diet 1 had no ACLM inclusion. All the six diets including control diet 1 were formulated isocaloric and isonitrogenous and fed to the experimental chicks (n = 540). Birds kept on diet 2 (5% ACLM inclusion level) had the best average weight gain (WG) of 372.9±29.94g/chick. The feed efficiency (FE) value and the protein efficiency ratio (PER) for birds on diet 2 were similar (P > 0.05) to values obtained for the reference diet. The nitrogen retention (NR) and apparent nitrogen digestibility (AND) values obtained for diet 2 were highest at 1.48±0.24gN/chick/day and 63.12%±10.28, respectively. Except for dressed weight and the back of chicken all the organs weights taken were similar (P > 0.05). Haematological examinations were similar (P > 0.05). Results generally indicated that ACLM could be a useful dietary protein source for broiler starter chicks at 5% inclusion level.Amaranthus cruentus leaf meal; Antinutrients; Broiler chicken; Nitrogen utilizationAmaranthus; Amaranthus cruentus; AvesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-45749122316Evaluation of fermented palm kernel meal and fermented copra meal proteins as substitute for soybean meal protein in laying hens dietsDairo F.A.S., Fasuyi A.O.2008Journal of Central European Agriculture91NoneDepartment of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NigeriaDairo, F.A.S., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Fasuyi, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NigeriaTwo hundred and ten (210) laying hens of Black Harco breed at 37 weeks in lay were fed experimental layer diets, in which fermented palm kernel meal (PKM) and copra meal (CM) were used independently to substitute for soybean meal (SBM) on protein content basis at 0%, 25%, 50% and 75%, to give seven treatments in a completely randomized design feeding trial that lasted 12 weeks. Performance characteristics and some haematological indices were evaluated in this study. Fermentation for seven days increased the crude protein of PKM (from 20.04% to 23.42%) and that of CM (from 19.63% to 23.11%). The crude fibre of the fermented PKM and CM decreased (from 15.47% to 12.44 % and 16.00% to 11.63% respectively). The feed intake (FI) was significantly highest (P<0.05) for laying hens fed 75% PKM substitution for SBM (126.06g) but lowest for those on 25% CM (115.02g). Birds fed 75% PKM had the highest (P<0.05) body weight gain (1.73g) while those on 25% CM recorded the lowest (1.50g). Hen-day production was significantly highest (P<0.05) in the control group (72.42%) but similar with the values of 69.37%, 70.35% and 69.53% recorded by laying hens fed diets containing 50% PKM, 25% CM and 75% CM respectively. Hens fed 50% CM had the highest egg shape index (0.68) while those on 75% PKM recorded the lowest value of 0.65. The control diet had the highest feed cost per kilogramme (kg) (N57.99) while 75% CM had the lowest (N46.51). Feed cost per number of egg produced was highest (P<0.05) in the control (N1.78) and similar with the values obtained for laying hens fed CM at 25%, 50% and 75% which are N1.80, N1.79 and N1.74 respectively. The compared values of PKM and CM at corresponding levels of substitution using t-test indicated significant increase (P<0.05) in FI for PKM at all levels of substitution for SBM (121.74g at 25%, 126.56g at 50% and 126.06g at 75%) over the values of 115.02g, 121.18g and 124.96g for the respective dietary substitution levels of CM at 25%, 50% and 75%. Body weight gain was higher (P<0.05) for hens on 25% PKM (1.60g) and 75% PKM (1.73g) inclusion over those on CM (1.50g and 1.58g respectively). Hen day production was consistently higher (P<0.05) in laying hens fed CM at 25%, 50% and 75% replacement for SBM than those on PKM with corresponding values of 70.35%, 69.53% and 69.09%. The highest (P<0.05) serum total protein (6.60g/dl) and serum albumin (4.60g/dl) were obtained from hens fed 75% PKM and 50% PKM respectively while the control had the lowest (4.85g/dl and 4.60g/dl). Serum globulin of 1.65g/dl was highest (P<0.05) for birds on 50% PKM and lowest (1.05g/dl) for those on 50% CM. Urea was significantly (P<0.05) highest for laying hens fed 75% PKM (36.80 mg/dl) and lowest for those on 25% CM (21.50 mg/dl). However, egg weight, egg yolk colouration and the feed efficiency (feed/kg egg) were not affected (P>0.05) by the substitution of PKM and CM for SBM. The study showed that SBM protein could be substituted optimally at 50% by either PKM or CM protein.Copra meal; Egg production; Layers; Palm kernel meal; Soybean meal; SubstitutionAves; Glycine maxNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84922553428Effect of feed restriction and ascorbic acid supplementation on growth performance, rectal temperature and respiratory rate of broiler chickenOlukomaiya O.O., Adeyemi O.A., Sogunle O.M., Abioja M.O., Ogunsola I.A.2015Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences251NoneDepartment of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, AbeOlukomaiya, O.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adeyemi, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Sogunle, O.M., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Abioja, M.O., Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ogunsola, I.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NigeriaA total of 252 two-week old Marshall broiler chickens were used in a 4 x 3 factorial experiment to determine the effect of feed restriction and ascorbic acid supplementation on growth performance, rectal temperature and respiratory rate of broiler chickens. The birds were weighed and randomly allotted to 12 treatments with 3 replicates of 7 birds each, subjected to 4 feed restriction levels: full feeding (AD), skip a day feeding (SAD), skip two days feeding (S2D) and skip three days feeding every week (S3D) for 24 hours from 15th to 35th day of age and 3 levels of ascorbic acid supplementation (0, 150, 300 mg/kg feed). Feed was provided ad libitum from days 36 to 56. Ascorbic acid supplementation had no effect (p>0.05) on the performance parameters measured during feed restriction. Birds on S3D fed diets containing 300 mg/kg ascorbic acid had the highest (p<0.05) weight gain during realimentation. Ascorbic acid lowered the rectal temperature in birds on S2D and S3D at the end of feed restriction. At the end of realimentation, birds on S3D fed diets containing 150 mg/kg ascorbic acid had the lowest (p<0.05) respiratory rate. Ascorbic acid supplementation at 150 mg/kg feed enhanced weight gain, rectal temperature and respiratory rate of broiler chickens on skip three days feeding every week. © 2015, Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum. All rights reserved.Ascorbic acid; Broiler performance; Feed restriction; Rectal temperature; Respiratory rateNoneNone
Scopus2-s2.0-84924240896Performance, haematological parameters and faecal egg count of semi-intensively managed West African dwarf sheep to varying levels of cassava leaves and peels supplementationFasae O.A., Amos A.O., Owodunni A., Yusuf A.O.2015Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science381NoneDepartment of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, NigeriaFasae, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Amos, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Owodunni, A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Yusuf, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, NigeriaThirty West African dwarf (WAD) sheep aged 18-24 months with average weight of 17.96±0.89kg, managed under semi-intensive system, were used in a 56-day experiment to investigate the effects of varying levels of cassava leaves (CL) and cassava peels (CPL) supplementation on the performance, haematological indices and faecal egg count of sheep. Animals were subjected to 6 dietary treatments of 100% CL, 100% CPL, 75% CL/25% CPL, 25% CL/75% CPL, 50% CL/50% CPL, and natural pasture (0% CL/0% CPL) in a complete randomized design. Results showed that weight gain (g/day) varied (P<0.05) across treatments from 26.25 to 44.64 with sheep supplemented with 75CL/25CPL having the highest (P < 0.05) growth rate and the least values observed in sheep on control treatment. The dry matter and crude protein digestibilities were least (P<0.05) in sheep supplemented with 100%CPL relative to other treatments. The white blood cells and total protein of sheep varied (P<0.05) across treatments, while supplementary diets of CL reduced faecal egg count in sheep. It was therefore concluded that the performance of sheep managed under the semi-intensive system, grazing natural pasture could further be enhanced through the supplementation of cassava leaves and peels with dietary levels of 75% CL/25% CPL recommended for sheep's optimum performance. © Universiti Putra Malaysia Press.Cassava leaves; Cassava peels; Faecal egg count; Haematology; Performance; SheepAnimalia; Manihot esculenta; Ovis ariesNone
Scopus2-s2.0-64849087786Effect of replacing maize with a mixture of rumen content and blood meal on the performances of growing rabbits: initial study with mash feedTogun V.A., Farinu G.O., Ojebiyi O.O., Awotunde A.I.2009World Rabbit Science171NoneDepartment of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, NigeriaTogun, V.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Farinu, G.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Ojebiyi, O.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Awotunde, A.I., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, NigeriaA total of 24 cross-bred male weaner rabbits, between 6-8 weeks of age, were fed diets which included a mixture (50:50) of rumen content (RC) and blood meal (BM), containing a crude protein content of 37.6% and crude fibre content of 9.0%, at 0 (control), 10 and 20% levels. The mixture replaced maize and maize bran in the control diet. The 3 experimental diets were restricted to 100 g daily in mash form for a period of 8 weeks to the individually housed rabbits. The inclusion of RC+BM mixture in diet 1 at 10% (RB1O) significantly (P<0.05) worsed final live weight, daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed: gain ratio, while its inclusion at 20% (RB2O) only reduced daily feed intake. Weight gain in controls, RB 10 and RB 20 was 483, 273 and 422 g, respectively. Kidney, spleen and lungs, but not the liver, were observed to be significantly (P<0.05) affected by the dietary treatment. Carcass yield followed a similar response pattern as final live weight, since it was a product of the final live weight. However, left thigh muscle components were not affected by the dietary treatments. This preliminary study indicated that more research is necessary to reduce the negative effect on feed intake when RC-BM mixture (50:50 ratio) is included in growing rabbit diets, which was probably due to the presentation form applied. © WRSA, UPV, 2003.Blood meal; Growing rabbits; Performance; rumen contentOryctolagus cuniculus; Zea maysNone
Scopus2-s2.0-41549090575Evaluation of growth traits and short-term laying performance of three different strains of chicken in the derived savannah zone of NigeriaOjedapo L.O., Akinokun O., Adedeji T.A., Olayeni T.B., Ameen S.A., Ige A.O., Amao S.R.2008International Journal of Poultry Science71NoneDepartment of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, NigeriaOjedapo, L.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Akinokun, O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adedeji, T.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Olayeni, T.B., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ameen, S.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ige, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Amao, S.R., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, NigeriaGrowth evaluation and short-term egg laying performance of 360 commercial layers of three different strains, Brown shaver (BRS), Nera black (NB) and Black shaver (BLS) were studied at day old, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks. Parameters measured were bodyweight, body length, breast girth and keel length. Body weight and other body dimensions were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by strain of chickens. Nera black layers consistently had the highest body parameters at all ages. Generally, body parameters increased with increasing age of the birds. The correlation coefficients amongst the body parameters revealed positively high and significant (P<0.05) relationship. Traits considered for egg laying performance were egg number and egg weight. Strains significantly (P<0.05) affected mean egg number and egg weight at weeks 4, 7 and 8; and 12, 13 and 15 respectively. BRS laid more eggs per bird than other genotypes, followed by NB and BLS, the least. Egg weight was highest in BRS, NB and BLS in that order. Estimates of correlation coefficient showed that the traits being considered are mostly positive but with low correlation of egg number to egg weight for BRS and BLS. Phenotypic correlations of egg